"Proverbs Prayers" by John Mason

"Praying the Wisdom of Proverbs into Your Life Every Day" ~~ cover

Proverbs is a book of the Bible that is full of wisdom and common sense. In this new book, John Mason takes a chapter of Proverbs adds a prayer at the end, and provides a devotional for everyone. Why would you need a prayer at the end of the reading? Can't Proverbs speak for itself? Yes, but the prayer helps the reader focus on the verses they have just read and prepare for the day. Because Mr. Mason chose a book (Proverbs) filled with wise sayings, his book will encourage the reader focus on the smart choices and doing the right thing, something very necessary in today's society. 

It is hard to write about a devotional because they mean different things to each of us. But, I can recommend this one because I have found it useful, and will continue to do so. Reading the chapter of Proverbs is a great way to start the day, but when the prayer is added, the implications of the verses become more profound. Devotions bring us closer to God and any good tool we can have in our possession will only enhance that quiet time. I received my free review copy from Litfuse for participation in the blog tour. You should check it out!

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/dDWpN  

About the Book: 

Praying the Wisdom of Proverbs into Your Life Every Day

Experience God’s wisdom as never before and find encouragement, peace, answers, and a better life through this devotional prayer book.

Many people read a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs as a regular devotional practice. They consider it their favorite book in the Bible because its daily practical guidance offers tools to make the right choices and have the inner strength to stand against pressure, size up a situation and know how to respond, make fewer careless mistakes, and avoid unnecessary trouble.

In these pages, readers will find a chapter from Proverbs followed by a heartfelt prayer that includes all of the insights from that chapter. In a mere thirty-one days they can pray all of the wisdom of Proverbs for their lives.

Meet John: 

John Mason is an author with over 1.2 million books in print, including “An Enemy Called Average”, “You’re Born an Original- Don’t Die a Copy”, and “Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop”.

He is the founder and president of Insight International, an organization dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their destiny. John is in great demand as a speaker throughout the United States and abroad. Learn more about John on his website: http://www.freshword.com

Find out more about John at http://www.freshword.com.

Blog Tour Schedule

 http://litfusegroup.com/author/jmason

"Sneak" by Evan Angler

Logan lives in a terrifying world. At thirteen, Logan is expected to take the government mark. If you don't take the mark, you can't get a good job, buy food, or do anything "normal people" do. But, Logan has refused to be marked and is on the run. He has also recently found out that his sister is alive and living in the Capital City. That city is the domain of the charismatic leader who controls everything. Can Logan stay alive and rescue his sister?

Logan isn't the only person who will not take the government mark. The "Dust" is a group who support each other and work to save those they can. With their hide out discovered and destroyed, they are on the run like Logan. They promise to help Logan find and rescue his sister, and thus their journey begins. The Capital holds great peril for them all, but it also holds a future. Here is where they learn about Christianity and the End of Days. Here they begin to learn the truth about what is happening to their world, and here is where choices must be made. Will Logan and his friends find and rescue Lily? What will be their choice when confronted with Christianity? Will Logan keep the Bible and live by faith, or will he run again? 

This is the second book of the series by Evan Angler. I enjoyed reading more about Logan and the Dust, and meeting Lily. I look forward to the next book, and recommend it to all YA readers and those who like fiction related to end times. 

"The Girl in the Glass" by Susan Meissner

Florence, Italy - the place Meg is anxiously waiting to visit. This beautiful and historic city holds the promise of living a picture from her grandmother's home. When her grandmother dies, will that end Meg's dream?

Meg works for a travel publishing company and dreams of visiting places throughout the world, although Florence is her number one destination. Her parents are divorced, and though she really doesn't want to, Meg embarks on the journey with her father. But, landing in Florence doesn't bring them together. Instead, she can't even find him. However, she meets a wonderful writer named Sophia, who introduces her to Florence. The story is filled with twists and turns as Sophia not only enables Meg to really see Florence, but as she also weaves a story about the Medici family and it's history. Are there connections from Sophia to the Medici family? Is there any connection between these two women? Will Meg finally meet up with her father? Can this family find a way to escape the divorce bitterness? In this new book by Susan Meissner, the journey is not only a physical one to Italy, but also one of healing for a family, and of acceptance for Meg.

I enjoyed this book very much, and loved the cover. Like Meg, I want to travel to Italy, so this story gave me a little taste. The characters and story were interesting, and the twists and turns kept me reading. I recommend it to readers who enjoy books about travel, family dilemmas, and mystery.

"Children of Angels" by Kathryn Dahlstrom

Jeremy is being bullied, and his life is miserable much of the time. His dad is in prison and while his mother does her best to get by, things are hard. His new iPod is his prized possession. That is, until Sid and his group stomp on it. Jeremy just wants to get away. Sometimes he wishes he had the power to not only remove himself from a situation, but also to change it. This is the story of what happens when Jeremy finds out that there really is something different about him and that he does have the power to change some of the things in his life.

What if you could fly? What if you found that your strength was much greater than you ever thought possible? It happened by accident, but Jeremy found out that he had the ability to fly and more. Imagine the excitement, and terror, of jumping onto rooftops and off of them! Thankfully, he also had a guardian angel names Asiel to help him understand what it means to be a nephilim. You would think that would make your life wonderful, right? What if demons chased you, or you were asked to fight the demons? Jeremy must find his courage to stand and fight, or go back to his life as a bullies punching bag. Which will he choose? 

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more. The characters and story line drew me in. It is definitely written for young adults, but adults like me will find the story enjoyable as well. It was fun to read about a teenager being a defender. I recommend this book to all YA readers, no matter what your age. Bring your imagination! I received my free review copy from the Litfuse Publishing group for participation in their blog tour.

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/dDUau

About the Book: 

“Not my iPod!” Jeremy Lapoint’s day plunges to record lows when Sid Lundahl and his crew stomp the only nice thing he owns-and Jeremy gets in trouble for fighting. With Dad in prison and Mom struggling to scrape by, Jeremy’s life seems hopeless.

Until he has this urge to … fly.

One leap and Jeremy soars through the air. With this and his other new-found powers, life is suddenly amazing, wonderful. Until a real-live demon chases him through the school hallways, terrifying him and making him a freak to his schoolmates. He’s the only one who can see the monster. Jeremy wonders if the flying thing’s worth it.

But during the chase, Asiel, Jeremy’s guardian angel, wields his sword and battles off the demon. Later Asiel explains that Jeremy’s a Nephilim: half human and half angel. Jeremy’s shocked. His quest to uncover how he got like this sends him to the Higher Humanity Institute where he meets other Nephilim like him along with a slew of enemies-both human and … not.

In the midst of his strange and dangerous struggles, Jeremy also receives the peace and love he’s always longed for but never knew. When called to lead an angelic battle for the truth, will Jeremy cling to the One who can win the war or let his old doubts and fears overtake him?

Fun, danger, friendship, mystery, and faith-along with awesome angels and demons-fill the pages of this exciting book. A must-read for kids (and grownups) craving adventure with a life-changing message.

Meet Kathryn: 

When Kathryn Dahlstrom’s husband was transferred to Los Angeles, she traded Minnesota’s black-bear country for the inner-city and taught children at a Child Evangelism Fellowship Good News Club in Watts. She also began her writing career. In addition to writing six titles in the Good News Club children’s fiction series published by Child Evangelism Fellowship Press, the author is also a screenwriter and film producer.
Currently, she and her husband, Tim, live on wooded acreage north of Minneapolis/St. Paul where they care for her mother. They also have an adult daughter, Kristina.

Find out more about Kathryn at http://www.kathryndahlstrom.com.

Blog Tour Schedule

Landing Page Link:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/KDahlstrom

"The Last To Die" by Tess Gerritsen

What does it mean to be the last to die? Could it be the reason Evensong was created, or is this just the place to protect the children? Come join the journey of Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles as they work to uncover the secrets of murder and intrigue.

Two children involved in horrific "accidents" are whisked away to a secret place by an unknown woman. Another boy resides in the place they were taken, and Maura has come to visit him. Her connection with Julian is strong and she sees that Julian is thriving, but when Maura uncovers the group behind Evensong, she becomes very concerned. Then she learns that another child, Teddy Clock, is in danger, and she finds that Evensong may be his only option. Jane brings Teddy to the school, where she finds the protection he needs, but will it be enough? There seems to be so much more between these walls than meets the eyes. For one thing, it seems that murder is a common theme in the lives of the faculty and students here. Why? Are there any connections between them? Can Jane and Maura solve this puzzle before the murderer strikes again? Tess Gerritsen has again filled her book with crime, compassion, and intrigue.

I am such a fan of the books and TV series of Rizzoli and Isles! The stories are well written, the characters well defined. I recommend this to all fans of the TV series as well as readers of crime novels. The story will grab you, suck you in, and race you to the conclusion. I was thrilled to receive a free copy from Random House Publishers. They didn't ask for anything and I am thrilled to write this honest review.

Contest by Christian Fiction Reviews!

This is a wonderful opportunity! Here is the information on the give-away and the link to the actual site is at the bottom. Good luck everyone!  =)

IT'S THE $300 KINDLE SHOPPING SPREE!

made possible by the generosity of these authors

    

THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $300 GIFT CARD FOR AMAZON

http://www.christianfictionbookreviews.org/2012/09/300-kindle-shopping-spree_5.html

"Live to Give" Webcast and Give-away!

CONQUER YOUR FEARS AND “LIVE TO GIVE” WEBCAST

Thomas Nelson Author and Hoops of Hope founder, Austin Gutwein, to host September 6 online event to focusing on themes his latest release, Live to Give.

On September 6 at 8 PM EDT, Austin Gutwein will be hosting a live Facebook web event to encourage participants to conquer their fears and use their talents to help others. The webcast will center on the themes Gutwein writes about in his latest release “Live to Give: Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles” (Thomas Nelson/August, 2012). At the conclusion of the webcast, the winners of a month-long social media fueled “Get and Give” contest will be announced, including the winner of a Kindle Fire and $250 donated to the winner’s charity of choice.

Join Austin on the evening of Thursday, September 6th as he shares about his own experiences and encourages others to conquers their fears and “live to give”. Austin will also be taking audience questions and interacting with participants. PLUS – there will be several “Live to Give” giveaways – books, gift certificates and much more! RSVP today and tell your friends. 

Based on the John 6 story of Jesus feeding the 5000, in “Live to Give” Gutwein challenges his readers that regardless of age and talent, God can use them to make a difference. Even though God could take care of everything Himself and doesn’t really need our help, He desperately WANTS us to help Him care for others. Gutwein walks young people through discovering and embracing their unique God-given strengths and abilities, then figuring out how to use those talents to help others. Sometimes doing that takes a leap of faith on our part, and often becoming fearless in the process.

More about Austin: At eighteen years old, Gutwein speaks with wisdom and has the experience to reinforce his message. When Austin was just nine years old, he watched a video that showed children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Gutwein realized these kids weren’t any different from him—except they were suffering. Feeling called to help, he took his love of basketball and decided to shoot free throws to raise money for orphans in Zambia. On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Through sponsorship from parents and friends, Gutwein raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia.

Over the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia.

Enter to win a Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to your favorite charity. Click for the banner for details and entry or visit http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive.

Learn more about Austin and Hoops of Hope at www.AustinGutwein.com andwww.HoopsOfHope.org.

"Abducted" by Janice Cantore

Carly Edwards is a cop who has finally been allowed back patrolling the street. The excitement of doing her job would be enough to make her anxious, but, she has so much more to deal with. Her new found Christian faith has enabled her to try mending things with Nick, her ex-husband. But, there are many obstacles in the way. Will the relationship get back on its feet, or will Nick continually push her away? As she works on these two things, her partner's baby boy is kidnapped from the hospital where his wife has been admitted. The horror of a missing child hits them all, and they work to find the baby alive and safe.  As Carly works the case, she finds leads pointing to her roommate as a person of interest. Does Andrea know what happened? Where is the baby? Why did the kidnapping happen? In this page turning police drama, Janice Cantore takes us on a ride through personal and professional turmoil, all the while using police procedures and investigations to tell the story. 

What a ride! Carly not only is a good cop trying to solve cases, but with her personal life in turmoil, she is also a woman looking at her future. As Ms. Cantore uses all the great enticers like police chases, intrigue, a love story, and multiple agencies working cases to draw the reader in. Once you enter the world, you won't want to leave. I recommend it to any reader who loves a good detective story that is written with expertise and care. I received my free review copy from Tyndale House for an honest review.

"The Widow of Saunders Creek" by Tracey Bateman

Corrie and Jerrod were two young people full of life and love until the day Jerrod jumped on someone loaded down with explosives. The life they had planned was not to be and Corrie was alone. But, she needed to feel connected to Jerrod. She couldn't go on without him, so she moved back to his home town, to the home that they would have shared together. Could this move help Corrie move on with her life or would it bring more pain?

Jerrod's death dealt a blow to Corrie that she couldn't snap out of. She turned from the God she loved believing that He had left her. Now, back in the town Jerrod loved, Corrie notices odd things happening - doors slamming, the swing feeling pushed, feeling she wasn't alone in the house. Eli, Jerrod's cousin, is helping renovate the house while trying to help Corrie see that God still loves her. But, Corrie also discovers that some members of the family practice witchcraft. Will Corrie delve into that world? What is causing the strange happenings in the house? Will Jerrod be able to help Corrie discover her happiness again? In this well-written novel, you will find the answers to these questions and many more.

I really enjoyed this novel. Tracey Bateman has turned out another hit, and this one seems to come from events around us today. The characters and situations are realistic, and the story draws you in completely.  I recommend it to readers who love a mysterious love story, and think that book groups will enjoy discussing it. I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program for an honest review.