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Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26It is hard to imagine a more needed and desirable invitation than "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Gospel accounts are full of stories of Jesus noticing, meeting, and walking alongside people who were weary, worried, and wondering what to do about the challenges they faced. People a lot like you. Jesus intentionally drew close, spent unhurried time with them, and changed their lives forever.
In this unique devotional, award-winning novelist Heidi Chiavaroli invites you to draw closer to Jesus this Lent. Through imaginative retellings, Heidi brings to vivid life the stories of 40 people who encountered him in the pages of Scripture. As you journey alongside them, you will gain new appreciation for the beauty of repentance, the power of redemption, and the incredible intimacy we get to experience with the One who stepped into our sin and shortcomings to offer forgiveness, abundance, and rest for our weary souls.
In this unique devotional, award-winning novelist Heidi Chiavaroli invites you to draw closer to Jesus this Lent. Through imaginative retellings, Heidi brings to vivid life the stories of 40 people who encountered him in the pages of Scripture. As you journey alongside them, you will gain new appreciation for the beauty of repentance, the power of redemption, and the incredible intimacy we get to experience with the One who stepped into our sin and shortcomings to offer forgiveness, abundance, and rest for our weary souls.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 20, 2026
25 people are currently reading
2542 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Chiavaroli
22 books1,072 followersHeidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Draw Close to Jesus is a thoughtfully crafted Lenten devotional that invites readers to slow down and reflect on the people who encountered Christ on His journey to the cross. Through forty daily readings, Heidi Chiavaroli blends Scripture, prayer, and reflection with imaginative retellings designed to help readers place themselves within the Gospel narratives.
Each devotion includes a fictionalized story inspired by a biblical account, followed by reflection questions, a prayer, and suggested Scripture readings. The structure is gentle and reverent, clearly designed to support a meaningful Lenten rhythm. The prayers are heartfelt, the questions are spiritually attentive, and the Scripture selections encourage readers to return to God’s Word with intention rather than replacing it.
The author is transparent about her approach from the outset, explaining her use of imagination as a devotional tool rooted in historical Christian practices and literary tradition. Readers who resonate with imaginative engagement—stepping into the sandals of biblical figures and meditating on what might have happened—will likely find this devotional deeply moving and spiritually enriching.
For readers who, like me, prefer devotional material that stays closely within the bounds of explicit biblical text rather than fictionalized narrative, the storytelling style may feel less aligned with their personal devotional practice. That preference does not diminish the care, theological reverence, or prayerful intent evident throughout the book; it simply reflects the diversity of ways believers draw near to Jesus.
This is a beautifully assembled devotional, offered with sincerity and humility, and it will serve many readers well during Lent. Those who appreciate imaginative reflection paired with Scripture, prayer, and thoughtful questions will find Draw Close to Jesus a meaningful companion for the season.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Each devotion includes a fictionalized story inspired by a biblical account, followed by reflection questions, a prayer, and suggested Scripture readings. The structure is gentle and reverent, clearly designed to support a meaningful Lenten rhythm. The prayers are heartfelt, the questions are spiritually attentive, and the Scripture selections encourage readers to return to God’s Word with intention rather than replacing it.
The author is transparent about her approach from the outset, explaining her use of imagination as a devotional tool rooted in historical Christian practices and literary tradition. Readers who resonate with imaginative engagement—stepping into the sandals of biblical figures and meditating on what might have happened—will likely find this devotional deeply moving and spiritually enriching.
For readers who, like me, prefer devotional material that stays closely within the bounds of explicit biblical text rather than fictionalized narrative, the storytelling style may feel less aligned with their personal devotional practice. That preference does not diminish the care, theological reverence, or prayerful intent evident throughout the book; it simply reflects the diversity of ways believers draw near to Jesus.
This is a beautifully assembled devotional, offered with sincerity and humility, and it will serve many readers well during Lent. Those who appreciate imaginative reflection paired with Scripture, prayer, and thoughtful questions will find Draw Close to Jesus a meaningful companion for the season.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
December 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I loved seeing a more in-depth look at some side characters in the Bible and seeing things from their perspective. Of course, this is just a what if perspective since we don’t know for sure but I loved it. The author even includes some characters not specifically mentioned in the Bible like one of the mothers whose son was killed by Herod. This book offers 40 different stories and reflection questions, prayers, and suggested scripture reading. Overall, a great book, especially for the Lenten season. I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an exceptional Lenten devotional! Having received an advanced copy, I read this during Advent rather than Lent the first time, but it was a powerful reminder and a fantastic way to remember the Reason for the season. Each of the daily readings takes 10-15 minutes to read and each is a story (fictionalized, but fully based in Scripture) of a person who encountered Jesus in His time on Earth. Though I have been raised in the church and know the Bible well, each one of these 40 stories brought new insight to the story they referenced. I learned something completely new most days as well. I anticipate re-reading this one during Lent not only this upcoming year, but perhaps every year going forward. This was a great reminder of who Jesus is to me and who He was to those around Him in His time on Earth. In addition to the stories, each day's reading has some thought provoking questions, a prayer, and some additional Scriptures to reference. This is a devotional I can easily recommend to anyone who wants to draw closer to Jesus and see Him through fresh eyes. Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just finished an intriguing devotional. that takes the well-known, frequently sparse writing of the Bible and adds sensory details, emotions, and cultural textures that make the characters feel like real individuals rather than just names on a page.
When a writer effectively transports you to the shores of Galilee or the dusty streets of Jerusalem, your perspective on such stories changes.
When a skilled writer like Heidi puts "flesh and bones" to the Gospels, the narratives become lived experiences rather than historical reports, allowing for the characters' feelings—such as relief, worry, fear, or awe – feel incredibly personal.
If you are looking for a devotion for 2026 that will bring scriptures to life like only a skilled professional fiction writer can do, this is for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
When a writer effectively transports you to the shores of Galilee or the dusty streets of Jerusalem, your perspective on such stories changes.
When a skilled writer like Heidi puts "flesh and bones" to the Gospels, the narratives become lived experiences rather than historical reports, allowing for the characters' feelings—such as relief, worry, fear, or awe – feel incredibly personal.
If you are looking for a devotion for 2026 that will bring scriptures to life like only a skilled professional fiction writer can do, this is for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoy reading devotional books. I have read and enjoyed numerous books from Chiavaroli in the past, so I was very excited to check this book out. It did not disappoint.
This 40-day devotional is intended to be read during Lent, but the information gained from it can be beneficial at any time of the year. As is common with devotionals, each daily reading is relatively short. This devotional book is a bit different from some I have read in the past, as it is a fictionalized account of various people in the Bible and their encounters with Jesus while he was on Earth. As a result, it gives readers a new look at what may be familiar people/scenes. Chiavaroli's latest helps bring these stories to life. I felt I had a better understanding of the Bible after reading this, even though I've read the Bible many times.
This is similar to other devotional books in that each day has a reading, a prayer, reflection questions, and scripture references for further study. This is a book that would make a nice gift, and it could even be read as a small group devotional study.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/Netgalley . I was a part of the authors launch team. However, I was not required to leave a positive review.
This 40-day devotional is intended to be read during Lent, but the information gained from it can be beneficial at any time of the year. As is common with devotionals, each daily reading is relatively short. This devotional book is a bit different from some I have read in the past, as it is a fictionalized account of various people in the Bible and their encounters with Jesus while he was on Earth. As a result, it gives readers a new look at what may be familiar people/scenes. Chiavaroli's latest helps bring these stories to life. I felt I had a better understanding of the Bible after reading this, even though I've read the Bible many times.
This is similar to other devotional books in that each day has a reading, a prayer, reflection questions, and scripture references for further study. This is a book that would make a nice gift, and it could even be read as a small group devotional study.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/Netgalley . I was a part of the authors launch team. However, I was not required to leave a positive review.
December 13, 2025
Oh, how I wish I could give this book infinite stars! The author takes familiar events from the gospels and puts names, flesh, and bones to them. They come alive through exquisite writing and careful attention.
The true story of the leper telling Jesus, “Lord, if You will, make me clean” had me in tears. Just imagine being shunned by your community for a disease out of your control with no cure and no hope.
And then you suddenly feel the hand of Christ on you. Years of no human contact, and then the Son of God touches you with tenderness and compassion.
Or the father of the young boy possessed by a demon and is desperate for his son to be healed. But the disciples can’t do it. Then Jesus is there and tells him, “All things are possible for the one who believes.”
And the man gives the most beautiful confession found in Scripture: “I do believe! Help my unbelief!” Can you just imagine? Allow these 40 encounters with Jesus to reignite your faith. What a blessing this book has been to me!
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Very highly recommend!
The true story of the leper telling Jesus, “Lord, if You will, make me clean” had me in tears. Just imagine being shunned by your community for a disease out of your control with no cure and no hope.
And then you suddenly feel the hand of Christ on you. Years of no human contact, and then the Son of God touches you with tenderness and compassion.
Or the father of the young boy possessed by a demon and is desperate for his son to be healed. But the disciples can’t do it. Then Jesus is there and tells him, “All things are possible for the one who believes.”
And the man gives the most beautiful confession found in Scripture: “I do believe! Help my unbelief!” Can you just imagine? Allow these 40 encounters with Jesus to reignite your faith. What a blessing this book has been to me!
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Very highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OH WOW!!!! I just read a devotional that took me on a refreshing and encouraging journey with Jesus!!!!!! I know I will be reading this again and again. Author Heidi Chiavaroli has truly brought Jesus to her readers with stories based on Scripture..With questions, prayer and additional scriptures at the end of each segment.. I highly recommend this devotional for ANY TIME you want to feel and encounter Jesus Christ!!!!!! This is a masterpiece!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: I received an e copy ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own
Disclaimer: I received an e copy ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautifully written book that takes the reader into amazing stories in Scripture. Each encounter brought me into the scene and made every moment feel like I was there watching and absorbing the happenings. This is a wonderful book to give as a gift. Also, great to read more than once. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews