"Fortress of the Mist" by Sigmund Brouwer

The Kingdom of Magnus is once again under attack in this second book of Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Immortals"series. How will Thomas fight in both his world and the supernatural? Where will he find strength? Who will stand with him?

The Druids want Magnus and Thomas stands in their way. They will use anything to displace and defeat Thomas. As Thomas prepares to defend his kingdom, too many things are out of place. There seem to be spies everywhere, even though no one has come in. Some of the dead seem to be alive again and these things have the people asking many questions. How can Thomas fight the Druids when he doesn't know what they are capable of? Romance begins to form on two fronts, but will Thomas be able to trust either woman competing for his attention? Will Magnus stand firm or fall at the hands of its enemies? The answers to these questions and so much more are found within the pages of this book. Thomas and the Kingdom of Magnus await your arrival.

I love Sigmund Brouwer's writing style and stories. He draws me in with an imagination that puts me in Magnus. While this is a book written for young adults, I encourage adults to indulge as well. It is a good idea to relax into our imaginations once in a while. I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

"Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye" by Len Bailey

Sherlock Holmes investigating mysteries from the Bible? Yes. In his new book, Len Bailey enables his readers to look through the eyes of Mr. Holmes while learning to study their Bible in a deeper way.

Sherlock Holmes is one of the best literary detectives in history. With his assistant Dr. Watson, mysteries were solved, problems put to rest. Now Sherlock Holmes turns his attention to the Bible and invents a device to help him - the Needle's Eye - explore deeper mysteries. Watson takes some convincing, but eventually comes around. Characters to meet and mysteries to solve include: Athithophel, Zechariah, Lazarus, and Christ; temptation, murder, and suicide. Pick up your Bible and solve these murders and mysteries with the help of Sherlock Holmes.

I really enjoyed this book. There are two ways to read it - as a novel and as a Bible study. I read it first as a novel while adding some of the Investigative Questions to my reading. I can't wait to go back and use it as a Bible study, completing the Investigative Questions at the back of the book first.. I recommend it to individuals as well as groups because there is not only information but fun here. It is definitely an encouragement to study the Bible deeper, to look more closely at the little things. I received my free review copy from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

"Afloat" by Erin Healy

Eagle's Talon is an impressive new housing development on the water. While all of the buildings aren't finished, Building 12 is and actually has occupants. Suddenly, death and destruction become part of Eagle's Talon. What caused the crane's collapse? Is anyone safe? 

Vance Nolan is an architect who loves what he does most of the time. The developer of Eagle's Talon, Tony Dean, wants things his way no matter the cost, which causes problems periodically. When the crane disaster happens, he wants to affix blame without an investigation, while Vance wants the truth and to save lives. Not everyone escapes before the torrential rain and flooding cut off the project from the land. Danielle Clement is a single mother "hired" to sell units. When the crane hits their balcony and they fall into the water, her son Simeon notices some strange lights. What are they? Zeke, a blind man with a message, and his dog Ziggy, join the group and try help in any way possible. As darkness falls and the power fails, will people listen to Vance and his message that all who stay will be safe, or will they follow Tony and his command of leaving? Will anyone find out what really caused the disaster?

Erin Healy never disappoints me! Her characters and stories are always well written and developed, and draw me in quickly. This book also can make the reader think about topics like: selling out, compromise, faith, blindness, and truth. I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers who enjoy suspenseful novels. I received my free review copy from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About Afloat: Who will you trust when dark waters rise? Eagle's Talon is an architectural marvel-shining residential units afloat in a protected cove of the gorgeous Rondeau River. The project is nearly complete, partially occupied, and ready to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way. Then torrential rains and a flood leave a ragged collection of builders, investors, and residents stranded in one floating building, cut off from the rest of the world. They're bitterly divided over what to do next. Architect Vance Nolan insists they should sit tight and wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single mom Danielle Clement, desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, struggles to hold their motley band together. Power failure, a pall of unnatural daytime darkness, explosions in the distance, then a murder ratchet tensions to a boiling point. But Danielle's young son, Simeon, has spotted something strange underwater-beautiful, shifting lights in the dark water below. In this watery world where everyone's secrets will eventually come to light, salvation may mean more than just getting out alive. Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/liNmq Meet Erin: Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of "Burn" and "Kiss" (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels "Never Let You Go", "The Baker's Wife", "House of Mercy", and "Afloat". She and her family live in Colorado. Erin can be contacted through her website ErinHealy.com or through Facebook at erinhealybooks. Find out more about Erin at http://www.erinhealy.com.

Book Trailer
Afloat Link for the book trailer: http://ow.ly/liPsn

Blog Tour Schedule
Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/ehealy

"The Cat that God Sent" by Jim Kraus

Jake Wilkerson is a pastor who has just been called to a church in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This small town has much in store for Jake, especially Petey, a cat who always seems to be around. What can Jake learn from a cat? How can Petey help the town?

Jake suffered the loss of many things in his life when he questioned his faith. Now, he has a new church in a small town where he hopes to realize a renewal of spirit and faith. He is met by a cat with a wounded paw. The vet takes care of the paw and Jake has a friend for life. Petey wants to be everywhere Jake is, including church, which intrigues the congregants and brings more of them to church. Is Petey just what is necessary to bring life back to the church and to Jake? Come meet Petey, the Cat that God sent.

This is a wonderful story that shows the way that pets help us overcome difficulties. They don't judge and just want to be with us. But they can talk to us as well, and sometimes it seems that they are telling us to get our act together. If you enjoy stories about cats, or know someone who is discouraged and could use a lift, this book is for you. I am happily part of the Litfuse blog tour!

Book Info

About The Cat That God Sent:  Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat-on a mission from God Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, a cat of unknown origins and breed-but of great perception. As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey's continued interference brings chaos to the community of curiously off and eccentric people-residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret. An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this-and the cat to boot-is more than he can handle. What is Petey's real "mission"? Perhaps something larger than Jake---or even Petey---can possibly know. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kuEWy Meet Jim: Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spent the last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey. www.jimkraus.com  Blog Tour Schedule                                            Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/jkraus

"The Dog Who Talked to God" by Jim Kraus

Mary Frasier has lost her family. Her loneliness causes her to pull away from the very people who could offer comfort and support. Then, a puppy enters her life. How will it change her?

Mary's family was taken from her in a tragic accident. Now she buries herself in her work at home, trying not to delve into the painful memories. But, she is drawn to the idea getting a dog and selects a puppy. Or, did he select her? Rufus seems very intelligent, patient, and quick to learn. But, can he talk to God? Mary needs someone to talk to who won't react or judge, someone to be a sounding board. Rufus fits the bill. Opening this book will give you the opportunity to understand Mary's story and why Rufus seems to know the answers to her questions and dilemmas. Will Mary continue to blame God for the loss of her family or will healing come?

I loved this book. Rufus is a wonderfully smart dog, who is a great listener. This book will make a wonderful gift for animal lovers, and for those who have suffered loss. God can use anything or anyone to provide what we need. We just need to be open and willing to listen. I am happily part of the Litfuse blog tour!

Book Info

 More about The Dog That Talked to God:

Be sure to check out Jim'sThe Dog That Talked to God which was nominated as an ECPA book of the Year (2013).

Publishers Weekly said, "Judge this book by its cover... and be charmed." 

"The Dog That Talked to God is a moving and powerful read, inspirational long after the last page has been turned." 

- New York Journal of Books

"Jim Kraus has written a funny, heartfelt novel in the tradition of Garth Stein and John Grogan. For a long time dogs have been man's best friend. It only made sense one would finally come along to save our souls." 

- Rob Stennett author, Homemade Haunting and The 

Almost True Story Of Ryan Fisher

"I loved this story. Quirky and unusual, this unique tale wove a spell around me and drew me in. It wasn't what I expected at all, and when I turned the last page, it left me wanting more." 

- Ane Mulligan, senior editor Novel Rocket

"Anyone who has loved a pet knows the sense of connection, of deep familiarity and acceptance, and even of a possible spiritual awareness. In The Dog That Talked to God, Jim Kraus offers a hard-to-put down story of Rufus, a miniature schnauzer who make a giant difference... Kraus has created an enjoyable and often hilarious read. Highly recommended." 

- Congregational Libraries Today

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus...and God...knows.

Meet Jim: Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spent the last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey. www.jimkraus.com

Blog Tour Schedule
Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/jkraus

"MY FINAL WORDS TO MY MOTHER" BY LISA TAKEUCHI CULLEN

MY FINAL WORDS TO MY MOTHER BY LISA TAKEUCHI CULLEN

The day had come.

My mother lay pressed against her pillow, her skin like baking paper, her limbs disposable chopsticks. She had not moved or spoken for days.

In those last days we rarely left her side, my three siblings and I. Between us we had eleven children, the youngest my newborn, whom we had baptized a week ago right here by my mother’s bedside. The children tumbled and danced around the hospice floor, admonished by us to keep quiet, keep quiet! They had already said their good-byes to Nana. Now it was our turn.

The hospice nurses had told us of the final signs. She will cease to wake, even briefly. Her fingers and toes will turn blue. Her breathing will grow shallow and ragged.

Then we heard it. My mother took a breath. That’s all it was—a sip of air. We knew it was time. We rushed around her, my siblings and I, and all together began to sob.

And this is what I said to my mother before she died: “I’ll be all right, Mommy. Don’t worry. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be all right.”

Not “I love you.” Not “I’ll miss you.” Not “thank you for everything.” Why? I asked myself that night as I cradled my colicky newborn, both of us wailing. Why did I choose that moment to inform my mother of my own well-being? Why did I feel this was the very thing she needed to know as she drew her last breath?

It took me years as a parent to understand: As mothers, that is exactly what we want to know. We want to know our children are safe. We need to know they’ll be all right as they journey into the world without us by their sides.

I don’t know if my mother heard me. But if she did, I hope my final words eased her journey just a hair. That she believed and trusted in my well-being, and then let go.

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Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is the author of Pastors’ Wives, a new novel from Penguin/Plume, and The Ordained, a 2013 CBS drama pilot. Previously, she was a staff writer for Time magazine. Readers can friend her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @lisacullen, or visit her website at www.lisacullen.com.

"THE PURSUIT OF IMPERFECTION" BY BETH VOGT

THE PURSUIT OF IMPERFECTION BY BETH VOGT

In my early mommy-ing years, I was all about perfection. I wasn’t going to be just a good mom—oh, no. I grabbed the virtual performance bar and shoved it way out of my reach.

It didn’t take long for that bar to come crashing down on my head. Perfection was toppled by the harsh reality that, at times, I was an angry mom. I hit my knees and begged God for forgiveness, for patience, for the ability to love my children one day at a time . . . sometimes one hour at a time.

I embraced 1 Peter 4:8: Love covers a multitude of mistakes, even altering it a bit so that it met my need. My version of 1 Peter 4:8 became: Love covers a multitude of mommy-mistakes. There was no way I could pretend that I was perfect, but I could do everything possible so that my children knew that I loved them, despite my imperfections.

Fast forward through toddlers and teenagers to being the mother of a twenty-something son, two late-teen daughters, and one (surprise!) elementary-school-age daughter.

During lunch one day with Katie Beth and Amy, my two oldest daughters, Katie Beth looked at me and asked, “Do you want to know what the best thing was about you as a mom?”

Did I? How could I say no to an unexpected “her children will rise up and call her blessed” moment? I assured Katie Beth I absolutely wanted to know the best thing about me as a mom. She looked at me and said, “The best thing about you as a mom was that you weren’t perfect.”

Oh. I admit I expected something . . . more. I joked with my daughter, telling her I wished she’d told me this sooner, as I wasted too much time trying to be perfect. We all laughed and the conversation moved on.

A few weeks later as a prepared a talk on motherhood and perfection for a moms group, I asked Katie Beth, “Can you tell me again why not being perfect was the best thing about me as a mom?”

She emailed me a letter that read: So many kids grow up thinking their parents are up on this pedestal. They think their parents can do no wrong, but then when they fail at something or make a mistake . . . it can tend to devastate those kids. Also, it taught me that being a Christian does not equal perfection. So many people think because they are a Christian they have to be perfect, and I learned from you that, while you are a very loving mother, you are not perfect. It helps me know you don’t expect me to be perfect. 

Our children don’t want perfect moms—but they do want to know we love them. And maybe by admitting we’re not perfect, our kids will avoid the perfectionist trap too.

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Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best is often behind the doors marked “Never.” After being a nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth has proudly authored two novels, Wish You Were Hereand the newly release