Mindcraft by Darryl Vidal

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Darryl Vidal will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

On the eve of the Global MindCraft Universe Challenge, Justin Turner, a teenage master of the titular virtual reality game, and his friends (known online as the Digital Mavericks) discover a sinister underbelly within the MindCraft Universe that may use artificial intelligence and virtual manipulation to end the world as we know it.

Read an Excerpt

The foray into EduNex’s Curriculum base unfolded like a treasure trove of knowledge, offering a profound depth of data and information across every conceivable discipline and subject. In the core of his academic pilgrimage lay a technological marvel that wove the fabric of education and technology into an academic spider’s web—EduNex. The school's Learning Management System stood as the bedrock of educational efficacy. A ubiquitous platform that boosts every student’s aptitude in every aspect of their learning experience.

EduNex wasn't just an LMS; it was an educational ecosystem that had become the standard across all schools in the state. Its influence extended far beyond the confines of a traditional learning management system. When Justin navigated its intuitive VR interface, he often found himself immersed in a world where every nuance of the learning process was invisibly aided. It wasn’t a cheating platform—more of a virtual world book encyclopedia—without the book.

The scope of EduNex was staggering. It served as the central repository for student information¬—a digital canvas where class syllabi, schedules, grades, and academic reports coexisted. But it went further, seamlessly integrating the intricacies of remote and hybrid learning. Voice and video conferencing brought the classroom to life, transcending physical boundaries and fostering an environment where learning knew no limits and no borders.

Everything on EduNex is collaborative. Whether with peer students, teachers, subject-matter-experts, researchers, or anyone else with an Internet connection—every module within the EduNex suite offered the ability to collaborate.

About the Author:

Darryl Vidal is an accomplished entrepreneur, author and education technology consultant with over 30 years of experience working with the largest school districts in Southern California. He is a futurist and fan of Artificial Intelligence, and an avid reader of the sciences, philosophy, and techno-thrillers.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Management and a Master’s Degree (MA Ed) in Education (Instructional Technology) from California State University, San Bernardino. He has also published eight critically acclaimed books on Educational Technology, Ed Tech Strategic Planning and Digital Transformation, and has developed the formal strategic planning and project management methodology known as MapIT.

Darryl has been a student and teacher of the art of Kenpo Karate for over 50 years. He has been teaching Karate in Murrieta for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for the past 30+ years. He also founded and heads the Murrieta Stick Fighting Club (Filipino Martial Arts). This has led to him earning the highest honor given in martial arts when he was promoted to Grandmaster - Ju Dan, 10th Degree Black Belt in 2012.

He is widely known for his appearance in 1984’s The Karate Kid, playing himself in the tournament semi-finals, as well as acting as a stunt-double for Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi). He is also credited with inventing the iconic Crane Kick.

MindCraft: The Educational Singularity is Darryl’s second novel in over twenty years and his first science fiction endeavor.

Main Book Page: https://whimsillusion.com/bookshelf/buy-mindcraft-the-educational-singularity
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/MindCraft-Educational-Singularity-Darryl-Vidal-ebook/dp/B0DHHLHLTC
Hard Cover: https://whimsillusion.com/mindcraft-the-educational-singularity-hard-cover/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidal.k.karate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockbreakerboy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Curveballs by Gail Taylor

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Taylor will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Here you are on the brink of a journey all about self-discovery and chasing dreams. With personal stories and tools that shaped the author's path, she focuses on embracing authenticity. You'll explore how living with purpose and passion is achievable. This personal-growth book combines cutting-edge technology and music interaction, reflecting the author's belief that music can transform and positively impact individuals and communities.

Read an Excerpt

If we could look through the ideas swimming around in virtually any person’s head, we would likely find a few limiting beliefs. We can all relate to harbouring these self-defeating thoughts; however, you could build awareness around where limiting beliefs show up for you, and remove them from your mind like gardeners remove weeds from their cherished crops.

Before we talk more about defeating the beliefs that hold you back in life, we will define “limiting beliefs.” First, the adjective “limiting” is not one you would want to use frequently if you are striving to become your best self. We can focus on perceiving our possibilities and abilities as having few limits. The second word, “beliefs,” is also important to consider. We are not talking about facts when we discuss limiting beliefs. They are not necessarily logic or fact-based thoughts, such as two plus two equals four. Beliefs, limited or not, are simply ideas you have based on your past experiences. Unfortunately, they can manifest as a thought or state of mind that you think is the absolute truth and that is what can stop you from doing certain things. They can also be formed by well-meaning people trying to protect you from hurt or embarrassment.

Limiting beliefs are something you might have adopted at an early age, accepting them as facts. You didn’t do well on a math test so decided you couldn’t work with numbers . . . ever. Nerves got the best of you during a class presentation, so you avoided public speaking for the next three decades. A Grade 3 music teacher told you you couldn’t sing, so you never sang again. This is NOT cool, but I actually met a young woman in vocal classes that experienced this, and she had a beautiful voice.

Obviously, beliefs can wield enormous power over your life. The people who have mastered the power of belief are the ones who have learned that self-fulfilling prophecies often manifest in their lives. This explains the optimistic nature of the predictions they make. I fit squarely into the optimist box, and I am constantly and affectionately informed by my husband, Harold, that I wear rose-coloured glasses. Heck, I sleep in them!

I came across this saying early in my journey: “If you think you can, you’re right, and if you think you can’t, you’re right.” How can both possibilities be true? Both possibilities consider the incredible influence your beliefs have over the outcomes. Limiting beliefs can have the power to shut down your dreams before you even start to chase them. The upside is that, once you learn to recognize these adverse beliefs, you can challenge them, which results in their losing their ability to interfere with your growth.

I have found over the years that people have limiting beliefs of various types. They tend to contain phrases like, “I cannot,” “I will never,” “There is no point in trying,” and “I tried that before and it didn’t work, so no use trying again.” They often grow stronger when they are allowed to take up permanent residence in your head. Repeated enough, they become part of you. I have one I’ll share. “I grew up in a family that had no desire for material goods, so I must be damaged for wanting a sports car or a luxury coat.” You can become so attached to these limiting beliefs that you feel threatened when something or someone challenges them.

Imagine your optimistic friend is encouraging you to go back to school (for my friends, the optimist would be me). “You would be great at operations management,” the friend says. “Think of everything you could do with that degree.”

About the Author: Gail Taylor, a Canadian songwriter, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author, is celebrated for inspiring others to take charge of their lives. With forty years of studying personal growth and peak performance, she proves that designing your own life is possible, regardless of your beginnings. Her expertise has made her a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Curveballs-Unlocking-Potential-Personal-Inspirational/dp/1779622015/ref=sr_1_1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our Global Crisis by Brian D. McLean

>

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Modern society has reached a critical juncture in its existence. Like past civilizations ours has reached a point where its future is far from certain, with its decline, or even collapse, being distinct possibilities.

The Incas, the Mayans, the Romans, the Rapanui, and many others, had seemingly successful societies, yet collapsed when faced with challenges that threatened their continued existence.

Are we to suffer the same fate? What could possibly cause our downfall?

Climate change and environmental issues? Perhaps. It is now almost a certainty that these events are destined to inflict catastrophic damage to our global society. Our coastal cities and island nations, as well as our global economy and agricultural output, will be irreparably damaged. Many of Earth's species, as well as the lives of many millions of people, will be displaced or lost forever.

Such a fate may still be averted, but that opportunity has largely passed. Even if we are able to correct the climatic and environmental issues threatening our society, we must still recognize and address the ultimate source of our problems. For if we fail, a far worse fate potentially awaits us.

Our Global Crisis is an eye opening look at the common weakness shared by societies and civilizations both past and present. But analysis of the problem alone will not solve the global crisis we now face. Thus, the final chapter is dedicated to the simple, yet critical solutions, necessary for our very survival.

Read an Excerpt

Humanity faces an uncertain future. For although we are the product of a great multitude of evolutionary “improvements,” we are nevertheless imperfect. Through the millennia, our shortcomings have contributed to the setbacks and failures of many peoples, cultures, even past civilizations, and they continue to do so. Even today, the future stability and continuance of our global socioeconomic society is not guaranteed. Climate change, environmental degradation, ongoing political and religious tension and violence, and other damaging and contentious issues not only have the potential to destabilize our global society, but if left uncorrected, may precipitate its eventual collapse. The most troubling aspect of this growing possibility is that each of us would ultimately be responsible for its occurrence.

Despite the advanced level of development attained by our species relative to others on Earth, inherent weaknesses in our nature still persist, and it is those weaknesses that each of us must overcome if we are to survive and evolve beyond our current limitations. If we can come to accept who we are and appreciate our weaknesses as well as our strengths, then we may be able to rise above our imperfections. In doing so, the possibility exists that our species may once again find its rightful place within nature and restore balance to the biosphere.

The purpose of Our Global Crisis is to guide us in this direction, to help us better understand who we are as a species, and to allow each of us to come to terms with our inner wants and desires, our strengths, and our weaknesses.

About the Author: Brian McLean, ART, is a former Medical Laboratory Technologist and Information Systems Specialist. Drawn by his passion for the outdoors, he shifted from a successful career to spend nearly two decades working for a family run orchard business. A passionate conservationist and environmentalist, Brian is also a keen observer of human nature and humanity's interaction with the biosphere. Based on those observations, he has been meticulously compiling and crafting Our Global Crisis over the last 22 years. Currently, he is working to restore riparian and temperate forest ecosystems affected by clearcut forestry practices, and when he needs to decompress, he spends time under the stars delving into his other passion, astrophotography.

Website: https://briandmclean.com
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/0993607225
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/walkingsoftlyinnature
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/walkingsoftlyinnature
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/briandmclean

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Superficial by Diane Billas

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

I first started off writing adult fiction, but as I was querying my now shelved book, I was reading a ton of YA books, and it got me thinking, what if I tried my hand at writing my own YA book? I personally love reading YA because I never read them in high school, so I think I am making up for lost time. When I was growing up, I couldn’t see myself on the page of any books I read; now there are so many great YA books that I can’t help but want to read them.

I always say that I write the books I wished I could have read in high school, which means I write books with queer characters. I feel like if I had more queer books available to me growing up, I might have understood myself a little bit more and not felt so alone. I hope my books help others feel seen.

Pretend your protagonist is at school and opens his/her locker – what will we see inside?

You’ll see Marvel posters and postcards of places that she wants to travel. She’s from a tiny town in Ohio and wants to see the world. You’ll also see a flyer for UCLA, where she’s going to college to become an archivist.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

I was an avid reader but read adult books, mainly murder mysteries. I loved trying to figure out how the books all wrapped up and was really proud of myself when I figured out who was the killer.

What’s your favorite sweet treat?

I love almost all sweet treats but if I have to pick one, I’ll say ice cream. Whenever I received a particularly hard rejection when I was querying, I’d treat myself to some ice cream and when I finished revisions on SUPERFICIAL, I went to this fancy ice cream place and got myself their cookie monster ice cream with lots of extra Oreos added in.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I had many dream jobs besides being an author, but the one that stuck around the longest was I wanted to be a librarian. I loved books so much that it was enticing to work around them every single day. Even though I didn’t become a librarian, I still love libraries, so much so I became a member of my local library’s board.


What would you write in a letter to your teen self?

It’s okay to not know who you are yet. It will take some time to figure it out and to give yourself the time and space to do so. I’d also explain to my teenage self what bisexual/pansexual means because I never even heard of the term bisexual until college. I feel like if I knew the term sooner, I might have recognized that’s how I identify. Same thing goes with demisexual. I only recently learned of the term and a light bulb moment went off for me. It made sense why many of my dates never worked out.

What superpower would you love to have? Why?

This is something I’ve thought about a lot, especially since I love superheroes so much. I would have to go with flying. I hate driving so it would be great to be able to just fly wherever I go, although I would have to get over my fear of heights first…

What book is on your nightstand currently?

I’m reading the book Love Immortal by Kit Vincent. It has gay vampires, and it’s set at a college in Vermont. It’s the perfect fall read!

Ideal summer vacation.

Going to the beach or lake would be my ideal summer vacation. Somewhere I can swim and lie in the sun and read tons of books! I also get inspired by the water, so I’d be sure to bring a notebook to jot down any ideas and to write some lines if I feel like it. I try to not do too much writing on vacation, since it is vacation, but it’s hard not to when an idea sneaks into my brain.

You’re stranded on a desert island—which character from your book do you want with you? Why?

Jake Johnson, also known as The Amazing Boy. He has many superpowers, including super strength, is fire resistant, and can see through buildings, so they could come in handy, especially the super strength! He could help get materials that we need to build some sort of life raft to escape our island.

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea's friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Read an Excerpt

I’ve been trained for situations like this when I’m stuck with a civilian during a mission. I’m supposed to keep playing The Amazing Boy, clear her memory, and continue along like nothing’s happened, but this time everything is different. The Agent is nowhere to be found to give me a mission report and he’s usually the one who takes care of the memories. I need all the help I can get right now, but I don’t know how much this girl can actually support me. She’s already tripped over a clearly marked extension cord.

That’s when we hear it. The kind of boom where your ears continue to ring minutes after it sounds. Even the floor keeps vibrating.

“This must’ve been the diversion. Come on, people might need saving,” I say, grabbing Lea’s hand. And now I really need to go be The Amazing Boy.

She’s in some sort of trance but once I grab her hand, she wakes up from wherever her brain was living.

“What’s happening, Jake? Are we in a movie right now?” If she thinks that, I’m not going to say otherwise, because she’s not wrong, she just doesn’t realize that it’s different from how other movies are made.

“This is going to sound crazy, but we need to go to wherever that boom occurred and see if there is anything we can do. I can’t explain everything to you but please trust me. I know things seem out of sorts right now and I’m being a completely different person, but I ask you this, if your life was in danger, would you trust The Amazing Boy?” I ask, looking Lea square in the face.

Her baby blue eyes stare right back at me, full of terror.

“Like if The Amazing Boy was real? Absolutely.”

“Okay, just keep holding onto that thought and follow me.”

About the Author:

Diane Billas currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son. When she’s not writing she can be found reading multiple books at once, performing the French horn or piano, or dreaming of the next country she’s going to visit.

Does Love Always Win? is her debut novel, which released June 2023 from Creative James Media. This book was drawn from Diane’s personal experiences as a queer individual who has struggled throughout life being comfortable identifying and expressing herself. Diane wrote the book she wished was available to her when she was in high school.

Website: https://dianebillas.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dianebillaswrites
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dianebillas
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dianebillas
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/dianebillas

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Superficial-Diane-Billas-ebook/dp/B0D92WFJ8Q/ref=sr_1_1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

If I could keep a mythical creature as a pet, I’d choose a qilin. The qilin is a majestic, gentle creature from Chinese mythology, often depicted with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, and the scales of a fish, and is known for its wisdom and protective nature. Having a qilin as a pet would be like having a guardian that brings peace and good fortune wherever it goes. It is also said that a qilin can look into a person’s heart to see how pure their spirit is, so my pet could double as my own personal walking lie detector!

How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

How I write is that I focus on adding humor and making sure every character, no matter how minor, has a distinct and memorable arc. I love creating characters with their own quirks and personal journeys, which makes them feel real and relatable. It's important to me that readers can connect with each character, laugh at their antics, and root for them along the way. I try to balance humor with heart, making sure my stories are both entertaining and meaningful.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?

The best writing advice I ever received was to "write the story only you can tell." This piece of wisdom has always resonated deeply with me. It’s a gentle reminder not to write to trends, but rather to draw from my own experiences, perspectives, and imagination, crafting stories that are uniquely mine. It encourages authenticity and helps me stay true to my voice, ensuring that my stories are rich and genuine.

When it comes to the worst advice, it's hard to pinpoint any. I know this might sound like a cop-out, but I truly can't think of a "bad" piece of writing advice I've received. Every bit of advice I've come across reflects a writer's personal journey and what worked for them. Writing is such a diverse and individualistic craft that advice fitting one person might not fit another. But that doesn’t mean it is bad advice; it just means it’s different. There's always something to be learned from any piece of advice, even if it’s understanding what doesn’t work for you. This perspective has taught me to value all insights, using them to refine my own writing journey.

Are the experiences in this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Many of the experiences in The Legendary Mo Seto are drawn from my own real or imagined experiences. Like Mo, I started training in martial arts as a child and participated in competitions. The emotions, challenges, and triumphs she faces are reflective of my own journey in the martial arts world. Additionally, Mo's cultural background and family dynamics are inspired by my own experiences growing up in a Chinese household. I feel that these personal touches help bring authenticity and depth to my story.

Mo Seto, martial arts movie star! Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Too bad there's a height restriction to audition. But 12-year-old Modesty (Mo) Seto has never let her height get in the way before, not when she became a black belt, or when she fought the meanest boy in her class, and she’s not going to let it stop her this time! Now if only she can figure out a way to grow five inches and fool everyone at the auditions…and find time to search for her missing father (who just might be harboring a dangerous secret of his own). Join Mo on an adventure (and audition) of a lifetime and find out if powerful things really do come in small packages!

Publishers Weekly calls THE LEGENDARY MO SETO “Adrenaline pumping”, Kirkus Reviews says it “Packs a punch”, and Booklist calls it “Remarkably relatable.” Leap in and join the fun!

Read an Excerpt

I tap the arm of a boy next to me. He’s around my height, though he looks like he’s probably a good couple of years younger. “What’s everyone looking at?”

The boy cocks his head toward the crowd and frowns. “There’s a poster about auditions for a Cody Kwok movie, but—”

Cody Kwok? Cody Kwok! Aaaaaaaah! Every thought inside my brain disappears, except for the words “CODY KWOK” in capital letters, surrounded by flashing lights.

I need to see that poster.

I crane my neck, but it’s no use. What would Cody Kwok do? Cody wouldn’t let buildings or bridges or trains or nuclear explosions stand in the way of what he wanted—let alone a few people.

“Nacho, meet me out front. I’ll be right back.” Slipping through cracks, under armpits and between legs, I duck, crawl, and push my way through until I’m standing in front of Cody’s magnificent face. I’d recognize it anywhere. His black eyes are narrowed, and his lips are curled, as if daring his opponent to strike. His fists are held in a classic fighting stance.

“Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.”

Below the picture are the words:

CASTING CALL FOR THE PROTEGES
PRESENTED BY FLYING FIST STUDIOS
Inviting all young martial artists to participate in our open auditions to star alongside CODY KWOK in his next movie.
Sign up for an audition spot on Sunday, July 7
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Auditions begin Saturday July 13.

Sign-ups are—I double-check my phone—in a week.

About the Author:

A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

Book Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Mo-Seto-1/dp/1665937327
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-legendary-mo-seto-a-y-chan/1144226905
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-legendary-mo-seto-ay-chan/20699961

Twitter/X: https://x.com/AYChanWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aychanwrites>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aychanwrites>
Website: http://www.aychanwrites.com
Simon & Schuster Author Page: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Legendary-Mo-Seto/A-Y-Chan/The-Legendary-Mo-Seto/9781665937320

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Rise Up Trilogy by Henrik Wilenius

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award the winner's choice of an audiobook set via Spotify or a digital book set of THE RISE UP TRILOGY. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

I never thought I was going to be an author, although my two older brothers, my sister, my father, my grandfather and my great uncle were writers. In my early twenties, I founded an art servicing company, selling contemporary art, and after an initial success, I ventured out to real estate development and market researched. But something was not right. By living the high life, I was neglecting my spiritual needs. I decided to radically downsize and went back to university to study philosophy, because I was obsessed with the question of why it is so hard for us to expand our understanding. And when I found the culprit, I became a writer. It was supposed to be an essay on Rhetoric by Aristotle, but only after half an hour of writing, I knew it was going to be a full-length manuscript. End of Restlessness, a philosophical study into my own coming-of-age, was published in 2001in Finland. Soon I realized that if I really want to relay my understanding, I needed to write fiction, young adult fiction, because that’s the genre where the post-modernism doesn’t reign, and grand narrative is accepted. In other words, I can tell stories where my characters evolve as spiritual beings. And I’ve been on that road ever since.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

When I was a kid, I loved books about faraway countries. At the age of twelve I stumbled upon Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. It takes place about two thousand five hundred years ago during the time of Siddhartha Gautama, aka Buddha, the namesake of the protagonist. There are a lot of similarities between this fictional character and Buddha, at least enough to get me excited about Buddhism. This book really changed my life. I became aware of the spiritual world and the need to explore it further, and to do that, I needed to work on my self-discipline, which I began by quitting candy and chocolate for year. I have continued this exercise in one form or the other all throughout my life. It also very much affected how I look at the world. I realized that it’s not important how different I am from the other people, but what I have in common with them. This new-born fascination made me delve into different cultures and religions since my early teens and all the understanding I gained over the years through people I met was what turned me into a writer in my thirties.

What book is on your nightstand currently?

I loved to read several books at the same time. In the Kindle on my nightstand, you find these following five books opened right now:

The Golden Road by William Dalrymple about how Ancient India transformed the world. It discusses the ways in which India's ideas and influences spread throughout and shaped Eurasia
Leto v Pionerskom Galstuke by Silvanova Katerina and Malisova Elena. It’s a Russian language coming of age series that takes place in a youth camp in Ukraine during the soviet times.
Yo soy una senora by Jaime Bayly. It’s a Spanish language collection of short stories by Peruvian Jaime Bayly.
Secret City: The Hidden history of Gay Washington by James Kirchick.
Him by Sarina Bowen. A new adult series about two gay ice hockey players.

What reality show would you love to be on? Why?

I love the gay Japanese Netflix reality show Boyfriend, and I would love to be on the panel (if I spoke Japanese) commenting what’s happening in the house. It’s the only reality series I ever watched. What draws me to this particular program is how natural and genuine the male contestants are and vulnerable they appear which makes them so interesting to me.

Favorite TV show from your childhood?

We didn’t have TV when I was growing up. My parents didn’t allow it. All my family was very big in reading, and the only time we could have TV (a rented one) was during the ice hockey world championship games.

Who was your teenaged crush? Why?

My teenage crush was my best friend. We just clicked so well and had so much fun together. I never dared to take it further and show my true feelings because I was afraid to lose him. He was very touchy feely and would sometimes French kiss me in front of our friends just to shock them. We would sometimes sleep in the same bed and cuddle or walk outside hand in hand. He didn’t care if people thought he was gay (which I assume he was not), and he used that excuse to get out of the national military service. Maybe he was also rehearsing different roles as he became a successful actor in Finland and Sweden. Our relationship was the real-life model for the one between Hashim and Alex.

Favorite class in high school. Why?

I’ve always been a great history buff. It fed my curiosity towards different cultures and gave me a solid base to reach out to people as I was able to show my respect to their culture through knowing their history. But then again, I was interested in everything in school, and I was good in all the subjects. Only thing that didn’t excite me was naming plants or animals (birds), and I’m still bad at it.

The Rise up trilogy is a coming-of-age story about Hashim, Alex and Maryam, three best friends on the threshold of adulthood. Before they can find their place in this world, they must come to terms with their past and learn to confide in each other as they are confronted by intolerance, ignorance, and corporate greed that threaten to rob them of their future. Inspirational, harrowing, intense and deeply moving, this trilogy presents a ray of hope amidst terrible hardship, misfortune and loss.

Book One: Catch You if You Fall

High school best friends Hashim, Alex, and Maryam must confront real-life issues that loom for Gen-Z today, including the climate crisis, corrupt politics, and racial and gender equity.

When Hashim turns eighteen, he receives a grant from his Mosque that will send him to an Ivy League in New York. His devout Muslim family couldn’t be more proud. And to support their young son on his journey, they arrange a wife for him. There’s only one problem: Hashim is gay.

Hashim’s best friend Alex is struggling with a difficult home life, a non-present father, and financial issues that prove particularly painful when all his friends are planning to go off to college and leave him behind.

Standing confidently alongside these two boys is Maryam, a headstrong Muslim girl who bucks her traditional roots by becoming a vegan activist.

It doesn’t take long until certain evil forces start to draw these three even closer, as their futures and the wellbeing of their community and the world is threatened. They are called to act.

Book Two: Merry Farm

In the second installment of the Rise Up Trilogy, best friends Hashi, Alex, and Maryam stumble upon a huge government coverup. When more people get sicker and sicker, and nothing about the outbreak makes news, it becomes clear the corruption goes up high.

As the three attempt to expose and stop a tragedy that could kill thousands, they end up framed as the bioterrorists responsible for this exact crime, and a team of hitmen is dispatched to hunt them down. As they grapple with their own growing pains, Hashi, Alex, and Maryam hurry to outrun the disaster, prove that they are innocent, and do what they feel is right.

Book Three: Collusion

Now a well-known activist, Maryam, along with her two best friends Hashim and Alex, is chosen by the President of the United States to draw up a proposal to help fight climate change, mere weeks before superstorm Roxanne makes landfall in the Northeast.

After the President’s Future Rescue Advisory Board hears their climate proposal to set heavy taxes on meat, dairy and carbon emissions, and someone leaks it to the press, chaos spreads across party lines. A few months since they stopped a deadly virus in its tracks, the three uncover a conspiracy on the highest level of the legislative branch.

While the deadly hurricane wreaks havoc along the eastern seaboard, destroying the U.S. Naval Command in Norfolk, Virginia, and hitting New York City with devastating force, Maryam, Hashim, and Alex grapple with forces beyond their control in the government.

How will their stories unravel? What do their futures hold as they mature into adults in a world that may not accept them? Find out in this last book in the Rise Up Trilogy.

Read an Excerpt from COLLUSION:

“Yes, let’s talk about protecting the American way,” Maryam responded to the reporter. “Let’s talk about the Norfolk Naval Station in his home state of Virginia. We were there only a few days ago. All it takes is some rain and high tide, and a large part of the base goes underwater. And many of the piers were out of operation for that reason. Like Norfolk, many other U.S. navy bases have been built on lowlands by the water, and most of them are literally sinking into the sea as we speak.”

Hashim bit down a smile from the sidelines. Maryam was going head on. She had seen how well it worked with the President when Alex did it.

“But Senator Stevenson and his colleagues refuse to talk about the biggest national security risk of our time, because it’s caused by climate change. Senator Stevenson with his fellow climate change deniers in the Senate are blocking all the attempts to fund any initiatives to address the issue. So I truly wonder what or who is the real threat to the American way?”

About the Author:

Henrik Wilenius is the author of the Rise Up Trilogy, a young adult coming-of-age story about Hashim, Alex and Maryam confronting real-life issues like climate change, corrupt politics, animal cruelty and racial and gender equity.

The Rise Up Trilogy is now available also as an audiobook and a weekly serialized audiobook podcast on all the major platforms.

Previously, Henrik as published two books (an autobiographical coming of age book and a YA novel) by a major publisher (WSOY) in Finland before switching to English and self-publishing. The Rise Up Trilogy was inspired by his fifteen-year stint as a volunteer in a Red Cross Youth Shelter and by his vegan activism.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVJ1TNFG
Buzz Sprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2264640
Website: http://www.henrikwilenius.com
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/henrikwileniusauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/@henrikwileniusauthor

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

Read an Excerpt

The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.

They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.

…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.

…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.

About the Author:

Talia Aikens-Nuñez writes chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction for children. Her daughter inspired her to write her OMG Series of books about an accidental little witch. She and her husband live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter and son.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War-ebook/dp/B0BNT3ZRZQ/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beautiful One by Mary Cope

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the ther stops on the tour.

How do you develop your characters and ensure they feel authentic and relatable to readers?

I start by creating a character profile, I jot down basic details like their name, age, appearance, and background. Next, I define their goals and motivations, digging deep to understand what drives them. I give them strengths and weaknesses to make them more relatable and complex. I then develop a detailed backstory for my character, exploring how their past experiences have shaped who they are. I consider their relationships with others, including family, friends, and romantic partners.

In my writing, I show my character's personality through their dialogue and actions, allowing readers to understand them better. As the story progresses, I allow my character to evolve, changing and growing based on their experiences.

I also draw inspiration from real-life people and events to create more authentic and relatable characters.

What’s the favorite part of the writing process for a writer?

My favorite part of the writing process is when inspiration strikes and I get that initial spark of an idea. I love developing that idea, fleshing it out, and watching it grow into a full-fledged story or concept.

I really enjoy creating characters and bringing them to life on the page. It's exciting to explore their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, and to see how they interact with each other and the world around them.

The first draft is where I feel most free as a writer. I love being able to let my ideas flow without worrying too much about perfection, knowing that I can always go back and revise later.

As a published author, one of the most rewarding aspects of writing is connecting with readers who are touched or inspired by my work. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that my words have resonated with others.

How important do you think social media and online platforms are for modern authors?

I believe social media is extremely important for modern authors. Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram can help you reach an audience far beyond what you might have imagined. However, navigating social media can be challenging, especially when it comes to gaining followers and addressing issues like bots and hackers.

For example, my Facebook author page was recently hacked, resulting in being locked out of my account and losing all of my 900 hard-earned followers. It was so frustrating, I literally wanted to cry. Despite the setback, I will continue to reach out, rebuild my fanbase and try and reach new followers.

Can you share any details about your current work in progress?

I'm currently working on the sequel, "Beautiful Mess," which delves into the aftermath of the love triangle from "Beautiful One," centering on the character Elizabeth didn't choose. This character sets out on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and rediscovering love. While I don't want to give away too much, readers can anticipate a heartfelt narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, healing and the search for inner peace.

Transformation, empowerment, love and music come together in the book, Beautiful One.

Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy.

Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome, Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.

Read an Excerpt

The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat.

I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.

Then my heart stopped.

I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.

I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.

About the Author:

Mary Cope is a passionate romance writer known for her ability to craft characters that feel undeniably real. Drawing inspiration from both her personal experience and vivid imagination, Mary’s words resonate with readers. A romantic at heart, Mary believes true intimacy is what love is all about.

Website: https://www.marycopeauthor.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marycope_author?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryCope_Author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557161136038

Beautiful One was just announced as the YA first place winner in the NEST awards.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-One-Mary-Cope/dp/1505601800

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LASR 17th Anniversary

Like books? No matter the genre, we have a great place for you to find your next favorite read!

Long and Short Reviews is celebrating their 17th (wow!) anniversary, but you get the gifts. They're featuring more than 50 books in all genres from romance to science fiction, young adult to poetry... no matter your reading preferences, you can find something to enjoy!

What could possibly be better than that? 

How about a chance to win one of two $100 Amazon GCs, of course! Think of how many books you could buy... 

Once you're arrived at the Long and Short Reviews site, simply read through the book posts each day and answer a simple question (or follow authors on their social media accounts) and you're entered to win. New chances to enter every day! So, go visit and enter and don't forget to tell a friend or two. Good luck!

Contest runs from August 19-23, 2024.

One Little Witch by Crystal Beach

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A brilliant Little Witch counts the pumpkins in her pumpkin patch and discovers some surprising surprises. Join author and illustrator Crystal Beach (One Polar Bear and Two Polar Bears) as she captivates you with her latest adventure story and a brand-new series—One Little Witch. You and your child will be delighted by this hilarious tale as together you learn counting and sight words, and experiment with sound.

A charming holiday tale for autumn, or any time of the year, One Little Witch is filled with pumpkins and childlike enthusiasm for learning. This little book is sure to enchant, and will make a spooky addition to your child's library.

If you can be anything, be inclusive.

About the Author:

Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children's future.

Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children's literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.

She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.

For more information visit Website: http://www.crystalbeachauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalbeachauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40712712.Crystal_Beach
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crystal.beach.aut
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_m_beach

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Playtime Clothes by Kim MacLean

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kim MacLean will award a randomly drawn winner a $15 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The young boy's room is an undeniable mess. Did he actually clean his room, as he is telling his mom? Or do his clothes come to life and play?! They are, after all, playtime clothes. Is he learning a lesson to tell the truth and be accountable, as we all do in life? Or is it a world of make believe? It is for you to enjoy while you decide.

About the Author: Kim MacLean was inspired to be creative while she and her little girls made their own fun inside their home on long, cold winter days. Her girls sat for hours painting and gluing crafts into works of art on paper. Oh, the rows and rows of finished masterpieces drying on the floor while Kim sat and wrote! And there were the hundreds of books that they read and enjoyed together that further inspired creativity and an adult love of children's books!

Tia Bates is an artist, illustrator, and storyteller from London, Ontario. She is inspired by the beautiful illustrations she grew up looking at in children's books just like Playtime Clothes, the first children's book she has illustrated! Currently pursuing a master's degree in fine art, Tia's personal artwork is all about the stories we tell.

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/0228883547
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playtime-clothes-kim-maclean/1143163085
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Playtime-Clothes-Kim-Maclean/9780228883548

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sophia Freeman Series by T.X. Troan

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. T.X. Troan will award a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Pretend your protagonist is at school and opens his/her locker – what will we see inside?
Inside Sophia Freeman’s locker there are sketch books, paint supplies, reference books and a keychain of her mother who passed away two years ago.

What books were your favorite as a youth?
As a kid, I loved the Goosebump series and choose your own adventure books.

What would you write in a letter to your teen self?
The life you want won’t come easy, but it will be worth it. Enjoy the journey.

Favorite pizza toppings.
My favorite pizza toppings are sausage, beef, mushroom and onion.

Favorite class in high school.
My favorite class in high school was Art. I love to draw and paint!

What begins as a special trip for eleven-year-old SOPHIA FREEMAN and her billionaire father, leaves her trapped on a mysterious island with a tree boy and other fantastical creatures.

The moment Sophia thinks her situation can’t get any crazier, she is shocked to learn the island is under a deadly eternal curse. All living things are rapidly decaying and soon nothing and no one—including herself—will be left alive.

From competing in a three-round yearly held competition to reviving a long-lost magical spell, Sophia and her new companions must gather every ounce of courage, wit and skill as they are stepping closer to breaking the 150-year-old curse. But will they make it in time while surrounded by enemies and traitors aiming to stop them at any cost?

Read an Excerpt from Book Two

“So, Wondnair, what happened back there?” Tim asked, picking at his food. “Why did the arbiters put our victory on hold?”

Sophia hung her head in silent shame.

“Sophia’s body was taken over by, uh … someone,” said Wondnair.

“You mean … T-Tombermon? Why would he help us win?” Tim shook his head. “No, it can’t be true—”

“Look, no monster of that size would simply drop and let you two pass,” Wondnair continued. “Sophia was like its master back there.”

Holding her bowl tightly, Sophia watched her teardrop fall into her earthy soup.

“So, she broke the rules?” Tim couldn’t eat any more. “It’s over—we’re disqualified.”

Wondnair said, “We don’t know that ye—”

“I am so sorry, Tim,” cried Sophia. “We lost because of m-me.” She wiped her eyes. “You shouldn’t have come with me to fight that fountain guardian. Then this n-never would have h-happened.”

“Sophia.” He slid closer to her on the bench.

“I’m n-not the Ch-Chosen One!” She slammed her fist on the table.

Tim gently placed her head against his shoulder and wrapped his arms around her. “Sophia, listen to me. The fight isn’t over.”

About the Author:

Thuan Doan is an award-winning author of the Sophia Freeman series. He conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet.

Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents' names.

“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”

T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs!

Author Website: http://www.txtroan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TXTroan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txtroan/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18815756.T_X_Troan

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5M559C1
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/t.x.%20troan
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sophia-Freeman-Sophia-Freeman-and-the-Mysterious-Fountain-Book-1-Series-1-Paperback-9781999481308/820434750
BookShop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/sophia-freeman-and-the-mysterious-fountain-book-1-t-x-troan/9222735

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crossing Day by William A. Glass

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. William A. Glass will award a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

I normally write historical fiction and that’s what Crossing Day is with a twist – it’s alternative history and it’s geared toward younger readers. Alternative history starts with a true historical event, in this case The Civil War, and then fictionalizes the outcome to create a speculative world. In the case of Crossing Day, the historic alteration is that the Confederacy won its independence in The Civil War. So, the characters all live in a world where slaves of African descent still do most of the work. My objective in writing the book was to warn against what could happen if racism, homophobia, and authoritarianism become government policy. Thus, Crossing Day is a controversial, thought-provoking novel. I made younger readers the intended audience because they tend to be more open-minded than adults who have in most cases already made up their minds about the questions the book poses.

Pretend your protagonist is at school and opens his/her locker – what will we see inside?

Ryan Walters is the protagonist of Crossing Day. As the story opens, he’s a senior in high school, so your question about his locker is spot on. I imagine that once he works the combination lock and opens the door Ryan’s going to find school books, binders, spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, a ruler, scotch tape, and other study materials. Hanging from the hook might be the letter jacket he got for playing varsity soccer. There would also be a bag with his cleats and shin guards for soccer practice later.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

I grew up during the 1950s and the books my parents recommended were a classic reading list which I am eternally thankful for. I read Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask, Ivanhoe, and other great books. My favorite was The Count of Monte Cristo. For some reason I identified with the travails of the main character and so reveled when he made a spectacular comeback!

What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I grew up in a wildly dysfunctional military family headed by an alcoholic army colonel. My brothers and sisters were completely out of control, and I was the worst of the bunch. My wasted youth provided plenty of fodder for my first two novels, As Good As Can Be and Off Broadway: A Marriage Drama. I was in-and-out of trouble until my late twenties just trying my best to keep it down to a steady roar. This is a long way around making my point that I had no ambition growing up other than to survive my family and stay out of jail.

What would you write in a letter to your teen self?

If I could write a letter to my teenage self it would say “Hey Bill, you are not retarded as everyone thinks you are. It’s just that you have some learning disabilities including ADHD, dyslexia, and Aspergers. You’re actually quite intelligent. The problem is that it’s 1952 and your teachers, parents, brothers and sisters don’t know anything about learning disabilities, there is no special ed, so they have just written you off. Hang in there. Your life will get better as you find a constructive outlet for your talents.”

What book is on your nightstand currently?

I am currently rereading The Coming Fury by Bruce Catton. It’s the history of the lead-up to The Civil War. I first read this around sixty years ago and have read much more scholarly treatments of the subject since. The reason I’ve taken it off my library shelf again is to prepare for any discussions, prompted by the publication of Crossing Day, that I might fall into with folks who don’t accept the idea that the preservation and expansion of chattel slavery was the motivation of the southern states that seceded to form the Confederacy. Hard to believe, but there are still people, especially where I live, who argue otherwise!

Thank-you for featuring my novel Crossing Day on Books in the Hall today!

It's been one hundred and sixty years since the Confederacy won its independence at the Battle of Altamaha Crossing. Slaves of African descent still perform most of the work in the South. This seems normal to Ryan Walters and his friends who attend high school in Huntsville, Alabama. Like teens everywhere, they enjoy sharing videos, playing sports, and hanging out with friends. Jaybird's drive-in is their favorite gathering place. There, they befriend Mish, a slave girl who works as a car hop. When the drive-in’s owner sells Mish to a dirty old man, Ryan and his friends awaken to the injustice around them. Despite the danger, they decide to help Mish escape. Will they succeed?

Read an Excerpt

Melanie wanders into the dining room and finds her parents already seated at the table with their personal slaves standing behind them. Her mother, Dorothy, takes a sip of orange juice and replaces the glass on the lace tablecloth. Her servant, Natty, immediately gets a pitcher from the sideboard and refills the glass. Meanwhile, James is smiling at Melanie. “Morning, Miss,” he says. The white-haired Black man pulls out her chair. Once she’s seated, he spreads a cloth napkin over her lap.

“What was all the ruckus at Jaybird’s last night?” Dan Montgomery asks. He’s the mayor of Huntsville and knows everything.

“A German boy started it,” Melanie says defensively.

“Yes, and his father already called me to complain. He’s a big wheel at The Space Flight Complex.”

“Sorry!”

Montgomery points to the syrup. His slave, Parker, reaches for it and then pours. “Enough,” Montgomery snaps. He turns back to Melanie. “You and all the others will have a week of detention.”

Melanie gasps. “What about cheerleading practice?”

“You should have thought of that before you went to the drive-in. That’s where all the delinquents hang out and you with them.”

“I won’t go anymore. Please.” Melanie bats her baby blues at her father. His expression melts. “Go to detention after school today, and maybe we’ll see about tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Montgomery cuts off a bite of pancake and pops it into his mouth. That reminds Melanie to eat as well. It’s almost time for the bus.

About the Author:

Bill is a retired business executive who now lives in a small southern town with his wife, Bettina. She’s a retired high school German teacher. Bill coaches soccer at a small college. Often, Bettina, who has a commercial driver’s license, pilots the soccer team bus to away games.

Bettina and Bill have three sons, Alex, Robert, and Gordon who have all graduated from college and moved away to pursue careers. Instead of having an empty nest, Bettina and Bill now host three rescue dogs. They enjoy finding promising hiking trails to explore with their dogs.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/william.glass.50767
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamasaglass
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WilliamAGlass3
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-glass-1281609/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20170818.William_A_Glass
LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/profile/Glaswa4611

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Day-William-Glass-ebook/dp/B0CW8HBGV4/

a Rafflecopter giveaway