Saturday, October 31, 2020

Virtual Book Tour: Renée Bailey's 18 Things College Students Need To Know


Non Fiction, College Guides

Date Published:  September 1, 2020

Publisher: Mascot Books


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College—it’s the first time most young adults move away from home. Suddenly, there is freedom like they’ve never encountered before—no parents, no school bells, no rules. There is no rulebook for starting college, and, unfortunately for most students, it can be a difficult and even shocking transition.

Renée Bailey knows firsthand how difficult the transition from high school and college can be. Going into her first year, she, like many others, thought she was prepared for the challenges and the freedom that awaited her. Looking back, there are so many things she wishes she had known. Renée wants students to know that they are not alone. 18 Things College Students Should Know provides rising college freshman with the tools, support, and the confidence they need to navigate a successful first year academically, socially, and mentally.

Renée Bailey grew up as the only daughter of a single mother. Between the ages of about 5 and 10 years old, she watched as her mother went to a two year nursing college while working full time. She watched as her Mom studied, and listened while her mom played audiotapes of her classes. She listened so well that this young woman would actually quote the professors back to her mother. As she approached her own college experience, she realized how ill prepared she really was. Sure enough, in the second semester of undergraduate degree, life took a sharp turn for this young woman and what she didn’t know about university life started working against her. As a result of what Renée went through with her own college experience, she learned about the stress of college, firsthand. Learning more about these stressors and how to overcome them kept her from being one of approximately thirty percent of college freshmen who drop out and enabled her to finish two undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree in Performance Psychology. She has taught at the college level and now writes and speaks to high school and college students to help them stress less and succeed more in college.



About the Author

Renée Bailey grew up as the only daughter of a single mother. Between the ages of about 5 – 10 years old, she watched as her mother went to a two year nursing college while working full time. She watched as her Mom studied, and listened while her mom played audiotapes of her classes. She listened so well that this young woman would actually quote the professors back to her mother. As she approached her own college experience, she realized how ill prepared she really was. Sure enough, in the second semester of undergraduate degree, life took a sharp turn for this young woman and what she didn’t know about university life started working against her. As a result of what Renée went through with her own college experience, she learned about the stress of college, firsthand. Learning more about these stressors and how to overcome them kept her from being one of approximately thirty percent of college freshmen who drop out and enabled her to finish two undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree in Performance Psychology. She has taught at the college level and now writes and speaks to high school and college students to help them stress less and succeed more in college.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook: @rbaileyspeaks

Instagram: @renee.bailey.speaks

 

Purchase Link

Amazon


RABT Book Tours & PR

Virtual Book Tour: LaBena Fleming's I Love You Always



One Family's Alzheimer's/Dementia Journey and the Lessons Learned Along the Way 

Non Fiction

Date Published: July 10, 2020 


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“I Love You Always” introduces you to Lottie Mae Polk Berry, am self-proclaimed badass who battles Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia for years, hoping to make it to age 90. Her daughter, LaBena, gives a detailed account of Lottie’s life from her teenage years, through diagnosis and beyond. 


“I Love You Always” will have you on an emotional roller-coaster as Lottie’s wit and antics send you into hysterical laughter one moment and leave you silently sobbing the next. Calm, turbulence, and laughter are recurring themes throughout. 


Her children struggle to see that she receives the best medical care while hoping, in spite of her condition, that she makes it to her 90th birthday. LaBena shares valuable caregiver tips she’s learned, in the form of “lessons” throughout the book as well as messages of faith in the form of beloved biblical passages. Believers and non-believers alike can benefit from reading this story. 




About the Author


LaBena Fleming was born in Detroit, Michigan, raised in Ravenna, Ohio, and presently resides in Richmond Heights, Ohio with her husband. LaBena received her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development from Notre Dame College of Ohio. She went on to earn master’s degrees in Education and Educational Administration from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. A former insurance industry professional, school teacher/administrator, and community education and outreach coordinator for an organ and tissue procurement organization, LaBena retired from her position as Provider Relations Manager/Community Outreach and Education Coordinator with Hospice of the Western Reserve in 2017. Retiring afforded LaBena the opportunity to serve as one of the caregivers for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.


LaBena currently enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and granddaughter, public speaking, gardening, cooking, traveling, reading, and of course writing. Although she has always “dabbled” in writing; having written multiple poems and freelancing for a few greeting card companies, I Love You Always is her first book. 



Contact Links 


Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

LinkedIn



Purchase Links 


Amazon






RABT Book Tours & PR

Release Day Blitz: Black Oak : The Loveless Chronicles Chapter 1 by Titus Murphy

Black Oak 
The Loveless Chronicles 
Chapter 1 
Titus Murphy 

Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Publication Date: October 31, 2020
Publisher: Cosby Media Production 
ASIN: B08KRQDCGY

WELCOME TO BLACK OAK!

In the town of Black Oak, nothing is ever what it seems. Besides the wrangling local country-types, the city is marred by a history of indiscretions, murders, and no-named civilians perpetrating as heroes. But beneath the surface of this "run of the mill," Midwestern locale lurks a pervasive past that is about to come full circle: like a blazing blood moon.

Mark is an unassuming trucker who has fallen for a beautiful clerk working at a “Mom & Pop” store named Sharon, and nothing else in the world matters more than stealing her heart. But after making a run into the Bayou to deliver a package, destiny steps in and serves him a plate of "the unexpected," which sparks the flames of wickedness that will set his hometown ablaze. And as the secrets buried in this town begin to unearth, the truth will fan those burning flames until there is nothing left but ashes and chaos.

In the end, the only mystery left to solve will be if this is isolated to one town or involve the fate of the entire world...

FOREWORD REVIEW: "...full of interesting characters who hold attention...the secrets of their home are a binding force that brings the tale together."

CLARION RATING: 4/5 "In the fantasy novel Black Oak, citizens across two ears reckon with strange creatures among them."


Excerpt:

“A what?” Sharon laughed.

“You know, a PITA. Pain in the ass?”

Sharon couldn’t contain her laughter. The conversation seemed to be leading to a much more relaxed place for Mark, and that had to be a good sign. Sharon playfully pushed Mark and prodded him on. “Tell me the story your mom told you, silly,” she said. ”What was it about?”

“Okay. Now I know this might sound kind of crazy to you, but she would tell me about these wild beasts in the Black Oaks.” 

“Are you serious?” asked Sharon.

Mark nodded. “Very.”

“Well, to be honest, I’ve heard that story over a million times too.”

“Word?”

“Yeah. What, you thought you were the only one it was told to? This is Wichita, Mark. Everyone here has heard that story before. My dad used to tell my cousin and me that story every weekend and virtually every day she was sleeping over during the summer. He said that the forest was run by wild animals with long fangs and claws that could rip a man to shreds with one swing. Said they’d harvest your heart for food and drink your blood like wine.”

“Word? Like werewolves?” Mark asked.

“Yeah. Sorta. I remember how my mom would lean against the threshold of my room, listening with a serious look on her face as if the story my dad was telling us was the truth. And no matter how many times it was told to me, it would always sound the same. Wild beasts, murderous rampages and mysterious sightings in Kansas, especially in the Black Oak Forest. I brushed it off as a myth because it always sounded like some werewolf story to me. But some people say the stories are real because they’ve been told for over a hundred years in Wichita. Who knows, maybe it all could be the truth. But I never have nor do I now give it too much thought. I tend to put my faith in what I can see, and I’ve never seen anything like what my father and others describe in those stories.”

“Me either,” said Mark.

“Well, I tend to live by one rule when it comes to wives’ tales. If it doesn’t happen to me, it’s not real. So since neither of us has ever seen one before, they don’t exist. And that means it was just a story. Something to tell unruly kids, like you and me, to keep us in line.”


About the Author:

Titus Murphy was born and raised on the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana.  From a small child, there was an overarching desire for Titus to do one thing: win. His drive and determination drove him to succeed. Armed with a strong mind, a quick wit, and a sharp tongue, he set out to emblaze his mark on everyone he would encounter. Unknown to him were the overwhelming obstacles and seemingly insurmountable tragedy he would have to endure. From this devastation came a resolve fueled by an uncompromising commitment that resonates through every aspect of his life. Forced from the city he knew and loved, Titus relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. It was there his desire and commitment came together resolutely to birth a dream that had long been held in his heart. Oblivious to detraction, and beyond all doubt, Titus would become an author. From the streets of New Orleans that marked his life, to the ink-graced pages upon which he now pours his soul, Titus Murphy has come to show the world that he is truly…something more. 







Friday, October 30, 2020

Make Believe Tour and Giveaway


Make Believe
by Alan Wills
Genre: Horror Fiction

A headstrong eight-year-old connects with a malevolent spirit inhabiting her new music box. When people try to convince her she isn't real, she must prove to them it's more than an imaginary friend.

What readers are saying about Make Believe:

"A chilling story. I've always liked music boxes, but I'll never again view them as not harmful." 
-Susan Tirsway, Avid Reader

"Delightfully spooky. Reminiscent of ghost stories told around the campfire." 
-Monica Furlow, Avid Reader




Alan D. Wills is a filmmaker and author, who loves horror and fantasy. He is an avid movie watcher and reader of graphic novels and comic books. He encourages readers to visit steeledgefilms.wordpress.com to learn more about his films and other works.




Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


Dear Santa Tour and Giveaway

 


Dear Santa: A Christmas Wish
A Holiday Romance Anthology
Presented by Authors' Billboard


The Authors’ Billboard’s 2020 fabulous Christmas Box Collection, DEAR SANTA, is filled with 18 brand new stories about characters who have special wishes to ask the big guy during this season.

Most of us have had experiences when something we’ve desperately wanted is so close that Santa seems the perfect person to ask for the miracle.

When one believes, it’s amazing the conflicts that are overcome and the surprises that can follow.
You’ll be amazed by each of these fantastic holiday books full of Christmas cheer and thrilling romance we’ve written for your entertainment.

Mimi Barbour – Alone at Christmas: Being alone is Tara’s worst nightmare, especially during the holidays. Her wish comes true when she finds Mr. Right injured and stranded, but will they survive the dangerous storm?

Rebecca York – Christmas Miracle 1935: Can he trust her enough to help free her father from jail?

Patricia Rosemoor – Marrying Molly: Dear Santa, Please let me meet a McKenna man who will help me end Sheelin O’Keefe’s horrible curse on both our families. Molly Kavanaugh

Susanne Matthews – What Dottie Wants: All Ronnie wants is to give Dottie a great Christmas, but not being able to find the doll she wants may make that impossible.

Traci Hall – Christmas Kiss: Can a teenage crush become forever love?

Angela Stevens – Dear Sinterklaas: Dan had his heart stolen by a girl on summer vacation, now it’s Christmas time, and with a little bit of magic from Sinterklaas, he hopes to make his Christmas wish come true.

Melinda Colt – Saving Maddie: The only reason demons exist is because angels do, too.

Stacy Eaton – Finding Love with Dear Santa: All Faith wants is to get her life back on track.

Stephanie Queen – He Has Santa: A second chance hockey romance.

Josie Riviera – A Chocolate Box Christmas Wish: He’s been all over the world. She’s a home-town girl. Can a holiday wish bridge the gap?

Mona Risk – Dalia's Christmas Wish: Will the doctor make the right decision between an angry fiancée and a medical emergency?

Rachelle Ayala – Toy Soldier Christmas: Can a toy soldier make her wish come true?

Dani Haviland – A Plate of Christmas Cookies: Is it too much to ask for a second miracle?

Taylor Lee – Please Christmas: Be Done: When his 7 year old son ran away looking for Santa... and all his teenage daughter wants for Christmas is for it to be done....the district attorney concedes not only did he lose his wife to cancer, but he was in danger of losing his children.

Susan Jean Ricci – Cruising for Mr. Right: Can a widow discover second chance romance aboard a Christmas cruise and make the right choice between two adoring men?

Alyssa Bailey – Christmas Wishes and You: Beth’s Christmas Wish of a Second Chance at Love could happen if only she would be willing to risk her heart... again.

Nancy Radke – Zsuzsa’s Christmas Wish: She asks Santa for a strong man to help corral a mule that won’t stay home, and is given a rancher who plans to corral her.

Carmen DeSousa – Chicago Hope: Aspiring journalist Maura Hall dreams of changing the world, but she'll settle for Chicago.


**Only .99 cents!!**








Get a FREE compilation of the “FIRST CHAPTERS” from the Dear Santa anthology!

Book Bites 13 – Dear Santa


Also, swing by the Authors' Billboard for a monthly giveaway with 
a $40 Amazon gift card and more!



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Christmassy Bath & Body Gift Set


Building On Broken Dreams Tour and Giveaway

 

Building on Broken Dreams
Brothers in Law Book 3
by Lyndell Williams
Genre: Contemporary Romance

From award-winning writer and bestselling author Lyndell Williams, a steamy romance that tests the boundaries of faith and yearning.
If Maryam Avery stays in New York for one more day, she will die.
Trapped in an abusive relationship with the manipulative and cruel Raad, she can feel her life closing in around her. After he chases her from her home and family, Maryam flees to Philadelphia, searching desperately for a new beginning, something to help rebuild her spiritually and physically.
When she meets the mysterious Adam, things are thrown off-kilter. A successful businessperson with his own past that he is fleeing from, he is everything that Maryam wants. But can she trust another man?
Doubt gives way to desire. They find themselves in a whirlwind romance, and for once, it seems like everything will work out.
Until Raad turns up.

"Lyndell William’s romances open readers to diverse cultures, passion and deep emotions, making them root for love to prevail." Katara Johnson, Katara’s Cafe

Warning: This book contains strong language, sex scenes and elements of violence, racism, and sexual abuse.



“I understand.” He ate chocolate ice cream from the spoon and stuck it in the emptying pint. “I just think it must have been torture for Kevin to see his wife go through everything and not do much to stop it. He could’ve done more.” He passed the container across the table.

“What could he do?” She scraped at the sides.

“Try harder to keep her from going back.”

She laughed and put a mound in her mouth. “Stop time from sucking her away? Sometimes, you can’t keep the people you love from hurting. You just have to be there for them.” She licked the front and back of the spoon and put it in the tub. “What would you do?” She noticed him staring. “Adam?”

“Yeah?” His gaze met hers. He shifted in his seat and grabbed the ice cream, stabbing the spoon into its contents. “I’m not sure, but I would have to do something.”

“Something?”

“I would have to. If I love a woman, I’m doing everything in my power to keep her safe. That’s my job.”

She rested a cheek in her palm. “You can’t slay all the dragons, Adam.”

“I could try.”

 She curled her lips into a lazy smile and stared into his hazel eyes, hooded by thick brows. “I bet you would.”

He shifted his gaze down and slapped his lap. “I need to go. I can’t have you looking at me like that, or I’ll end up kissing you.”

 She straightened and stared at the table between them. “I’m sorry.”

He tapped the wood. “Hey.” A warm expression covered his face. “You’re fine. Keep smiling. It makes my day.” He stood over her. “Can I take you somewhere tomorrow, with a couple of friends?”

“I’d like that. Where?” She followed him into the living room.

He shrugged on his jacket. “That’s a surprise. Do you trust me?”

She gripped his helmet between her hands. He’s not Raad. Angela’s words echoed in her mind. Everything he’d done to this point showed that she could let her guard down at least a little. As long as he keeps behaving like he has some sense, I will give him a chance. “Yes, within reason.”

He puffed his chest and tucked his helmet under his arm. “I’ll take it, for now. As-salam alaykum, Shaykh.” Uncle Inshirah and Aunt Kamila joined them.

“Wa alaykum salam.” Inshirah grasped Adam’s forearm and hugged him. “So, what’s the next step?”

“Mary agreed to go out with me and some friends tomorrow. I’ll pick her up with them. I would like to text her.”

Aunt and uncle glanced at each other. “Kamilah and I trust you to behave appropriately, brother. Texting is fine.”

“Thank you. As-salam alaykum.” Everyone followed Adam to the porch. Kamilah and Inshirah stayed at the top of the stairs while she trailed him to his bike.

“I can’t believe you ride this monster.” She stared at the two-wheeled black behemoth with glints of chrome sparkling in the streetlight.

“It’s easy. I’ll take you for a ride one day.”

“No, you won’t.” She stepped back. “I’m not the motorcycle type.”

“Not yet.” The moon rays bounced off his fair skin, highlighting his Grecian nose and cheeks above his long-stubble beard. “Give me a chance to convince you.”

She folded her arms. “And if I still say no?”

“Then, it’s no.” He straddled the bike and started the engine. “I’ll text you later?”

“Yes.” She took another step back to resist the overwhelming urge to kiss his full peach lips. “Wait. where are you taking me?”

“Salams.” His gorgeous, smiling face disappeared behind the black helmet visor, and he roared into the night.




Lyndell Williams is an award-winning writer and bestselling author. She is a cultural critic with a background in literary criticism specializing in romance. She is an editor, writing coach, cultural contributor for Bridging the Gap. She has been published in peer-reviewed journals and writes for multiple online publications.




Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon gift card, 
ebook set of the first two books in the series – My Way To You and Bitter Fruit 
– 1 winner each 




Twisted Fate by Scarlett Black Release Blitz

💜  NEW RELEASE 💜

Twisted Fate: Prequel by Scarlett Black

Series: Battle Born MC

💜  Available on #KindleUnlimited

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LHK811Y/

Amazon Universal: https://smarturl.it/bmhljo

Add Twisted Fate to your #TBR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54955923-twisted-fate

💜  Blurb:

Alessia could only be described as an untamable wild child with a fiery passion for life. The attraction between her and Hawk sizzled from the moment they met. Feeling they could take on the world, the high school sweethearts married when they were barely more than twenty.

Six years later, reality threatens to snuff out the flames of romance.

Unspoken resentments. Lingering insecurities.

Hidden jealousy. All these elements combined in a storm cloud of emotion brewing beneath their picture-perfect facade.

But one moment of weakness leads to a secret that could rip their family apart.

When the truth comes out, can their relationship ever be repaired? Or will the love Hawk and Alessia once shared be forever burned by one tragic twist of fate?

** Grab Twisted Fate as part of the Battle Born MC Box Set as well **

💜 🖤  Battle Born MC Box Set is Live 🖤 💜

Available on #KindleUnlimited

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LVJ1K44/

Amazon Universal: https://smarturl.it/maaao9

Connect with Scarlett Black: https://linktr.ee/authorscarlettblack

Stillwell Blitz

 


A Haunting on Long Island Series, Book 1

Paranormal Suspense

Publisher: Chelshire


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Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a demon who is holding his wife's spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife's soul free.

 

 

 

 

Other Books in the A Haunting on Long Island Series:

 

The Flip

A Haunting on Long Island Series, Book 2

 

Julie and Brad Evans are house flippers. They buy low, clean out the old occupants junk, and try to make a profit. Enter Hemmings House on Bedlam Street in scenic Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. Too good a deal to pass up, but with an ominous secret. The old Victorian Mansion has dwellers that do not want to be dispossessed. As the house reveals it's past, will the couples marriage survive The Flip?

 Amazon

 

The After House

A Haunting on Long Island Series, Book 3

 

Remy Galway and her daughter Olivia are rebuilding their life after a failed marriage in a 300 year old cottage in historic Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. Little do they know, another occupant is lurking in the haven of their own home. Will the After House be their shelter or their tomb?

 Amazon

 

Pokergeist

A Haunting on Long Island Series, Book 4

 

Sometimes life, as well as death, is about second chances. Luckless Telly Martin doesn't have a clue. An awful gambler trying to scrape by as a professional poker player, he becomes the protégé of world famous poker champion Clutch Henderson. The only catch…Clutch is a ghost. Telly and Clutch must navigate the seedy gambling underbelly of Las Vegas learning to trust each other in order to win the elusive International Series of Poker, repair their shattered personal relationships and find redemption in this life and the hereafter.

Amazon

 

 

 


About the Author


Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres – Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror.

Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children. You can follow him @michaelpcash.

 

Contact Links

Website

Twitter

Facebook

YouTube

Promo Link

 

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

Audible

IndieBound


RABT Book Tours & PR

Kissing Kin by Karen Hulene Bartell NBTM Virtual Book Tour

KISSING KIN by Karen Hulene Bartell The following scene is one of my favorites in Kissing Kin because it embodies the paranormal romance’s c...