Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Blitz: Everything That's Left Behind by Kelly Lydick with a giveaway




Everything That's Left Behind

by Kelly Lydick

Fiction/Science Fiction

Date Published: June 28, 2026

Publisher: Sapphire Stories

 


When Nichola Rodale stumbles upon information suggesting her father—a renowned scientist and brilliant puzzle maker—may not have died during The Great Drought, she embarks on a perilous journey across the desolate American Southwest to discover the truth.


 


About the Author

 

 Kelly Lydick’s writing has appeared in Natural Awakenings, Co Yoga + Life, True Blue Spirit, American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, and many others. She has been featured on NPR’s The Writers’ Block and the Word podcast, and on iHeart radio. She is the author of the experimental Mastering the Dream, a contributing author to the anthology Dreams That Change Our Lives, and the author of Dream Incubation for Greater Self-Awareness: A Handbook. Everything That’s Left Behind is her first novel.


Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram


Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/EverythingLeftBehind

Amazon

Barnes and Noble



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Saturday, May 9, 2026

Blitz: Ivy Leigh Ever After by Gael Lynch with an excerpt and a giveaway



Ivy Leigh Ever After

by Gael Lynch

Middle Grade Fiction

Date Published: Feb 24, 2026

Publisher: Small Circles Press


Ivy Leigh’s a feisty eleven, almost twelve-year-old who could never imagine using a fist to solve a problem. But that was before. Before Momma died. Before her BFFs, Lizzie and Ruthie, started pressuring her to change. Before they told her that Michael, the cutest boy in school, has a crush on her. And, before two jealous bullies—Rachel and Winona teamed up to badger her on the bus and at school. Rachel calls her ‘Poison Ivy.’ Winona shoves her into a crowd at school. Hurt and humiliated, Ivy Leigh, on impulse, fights back. It’s a mistake she instantly regrets.

Ruthie and Lashonna know these bullies. They know their backstories and where they’ve come from. But they’re not the only ones. A cast of quirky characters like Mr. Winters, the wannabe cowboy next door who speaks his advice in the language of old-world slogans. There’s Miss Aurelia, an old hippy, whose eyes don’t work so well anymore, but who has a special kind of wisdom she shares with Ivy Leigh. And there’s Momma’s best friend, Miss Neola, who takes Ivy under her wing, and helps her understand that bullies have struggles too.

In the end, Ivy stands up for herself, not with a fist, but with a heart, walking in the shoes of Rachel and Winona, Lizzie and Ruthie, and even Grandma and her sister, Viv, who all struggle with loss and loneliness and sometimes misunderstanding too. Ivy soon learns that through all of this, she has never been alone, that Momma is still living in her midst, under that strawberry moon they both loved so much.


Excerpt

Chapter One: The Package


“She’s coming for you, Peachy.”

He leaped off the bed and scrambled toward me. Together, we stood at the window, watching. I’d heard the roar of that muffler. The sound of the crash. It all spelled trouble. Up until now, Peachy was unknown to her. But I knew it would never stay that way. Dad was at work. She always knew the perfect time to strike.

“That was Mom’s gnome!” Nat’s shriek pierced the air, and I knew this was going to be bad. I took the stairs two at a time, in boxers and a tank top, with Peachy trailing behind. It was early on a Saturday, Viv was still in bed, and I hadn’t even brushed my teeth. But that never mattered to Grandma. This was a surprise attack; we were in her sights, and she had a total takeover in mind. I tucked Peachy away in his crate and latched him in tight before heading out to the front porch to see what was going on.

And there she was. Bulb shaped and full of bluster, Grandma stood with Nat at her side, staring down at the smashed garden gnome. He was pink-faced with a green hat and a little red jacket. Mom named him ‘Happy.’ He made her laugh just to look at him in the midst of her treatments and trips to and from the hospital. But now Happy was here all smashed up in the garden, and Mom had been gone for almost a whole awful year.

“That is the tackiest thing! People will question the sort of people who live in a house with a thing like that out front!”

Things went quiet for a moment, I don’t think Nat even knew what to say to that.

But I knew this wasn’t going to be about the garden gnome. She’d come about Peachy who we’d hidden from her for a whole two weeks. But I’d had a funny feeling about that lately, Grandma had eyes and ears everywhere.

A minute later, I heard the squeak of metal behind me. And then, to my shock and surprise, the screen door flew open. Within seconds, Peachy bolted out, lunged at Grandma and nearly knocked her off her feet. How on earth did he get out of there, I thought.

“This! she bellowed. “This is exactly why I’m here!” Her face was wrinkled, powdered and puffed, with a coat of bright red lipstick smeared across her lips. Cruella had nothing on her. A true animal hater, she shrieked again at the sight of him.

I came running down the sidewalk then and scooped Peachy up in my arms. “It’s okay, boy,” I said, rubbing his peach-colored fur and holding him close.

“It is not okay! That dog has accosted the neighbors and now he’s attacked me! Always on the loose, with no training and no hope of it at all. Why was I not told about him?”


About the Author

 

 Gael Lynch is a writer and storyteller, a teacher whose love of kids and furry creatures has followed her throughout her life. She now lives in coastal Carolina, a place of sunny beaches and warm breezes with her husband Tom and her rambunctious golden retriever, Wrigley. However, Newtown, Connecticut, with its pastoral beauty and kind-hearted people will always be a place she calls home.


Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter @gaellynch

Goodreads

Instagram: @lynchgael


Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

Ingram Spark






RABT Book Tours & PR

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Book Tour: Ivy Leigh Ever After by Gael Lynch with a giveaway and my review


Ivy Leigh Ever After

by Gael Lynch

Middle Grade Fiction

Date Published: Feb 24, 2026

Publisher: Small Circles Press


Ivy’s life is a swirl of turbulence and change. It’s been almost a year since her sweet momma has died. Bottled up feelings tear her apart inside. Grandma wants to take her little dog away. Her BFFs pressure her to change. The cutest boy in school has a crush on her.

“It’s the universe, Ivy Leigh, welcoming in a little change.” Mr. Winters, her neighbor, a wannabe cowboy, tells her one day. But change is so confusing. When a pair of bullies taunt her on the bus and tease her at school, Ivy makes a giant mistake.

With a mix of humor and poignant moments and a quirky cast of neighbors and friends, Ivy finds a way to understand herself and make up for that mistake she’s made. Best of all, Ivy remembers Momma: Feelings are like fireflies caught in a jar, Ivy Leigh. They belong in the open, where a warm breeze can carry them away!



 




My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. This quite a story. Ivy Leigh was having some bad days but found out there was a lot of good and love in her life. She needed to learn how to handle different types of situations, but with help, she succeeded. Topics encountered were bullying, loss of a parent, angry siblings, dating, accepting of help, and how lessons carry over to several of her troubles. The last few chapters had me needing tissues as my emotions got the better of me. Parents should read this before or after their children and possibly discuss the many topics.


About the Author

 

 Gael Lynch is a writer and storyteller, a teacher whose love of kids and furry creatures has followed her throughout her life. She now lives in coastal Carolina, a place of sunny beaches and warm breezes with her husband Tom and her rambunctious golden retriever, Wrigley. However, Newtown, Connecticut, with its pastoral beauty and kind-hearted people will always be a place she calls home.


Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter @gaellynch

Goodreads

Instagram: @lynchgael




RABT Book Tours & PR

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Release: Ivy Leigh Ever After by Gael Lynch with a giveaway



Ivy Leigh Ever After

by Gael Lynch

Middle Grade Fiction

Date Published: Feb 24, 2026

Publisher: Small Circles Press


Ivy’s life is a swirl of turbulence and change. It’s been almost a year since her sweet momma has died. Bottled up feelings tear her apart inside. Grandma wants to take her little dog away. Her BFFs pressure her to change. The cutest boy in school has a crush on her.

“It’s the universe, Ivy Leigh, welcoming in a little change.” Mr. Winters, her neighbor, a wannabe cowboy, tells her one day. But change is so confusing. When a pair of bullies taunt her on the bus and tease her at school, Ivy makes a giant mistake.

With a mix of humor and poignant moments and a quirky cast of neighbors and friends, Ivy finds a way to understand herself and make up for that mistake she’s made. Best of all, Ivy remembers Momma: Feelings are like fireflies caught in a jar, Ivy Leigh. They belong in the open, where a warm breeze can carry them away!


About the Author

 

 Gael Lynch is a writer and storyteller, a teacher whose love of kids and furry creatures has followed her throughout her life. She now lives in coastal Carolina, a place of sunny beaches and warm breezes with her husband Tom and her rambunctious golden retriever, Wrigley. However, Newtown, Connecticut, with its pastoral beauty and kind-hearted people will always be a place she calls home.


Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter @gaellynch

Goodreads

Instagram: @lynchgael






RABT Book Tours & PR

Monday, September 16, 2024

Teaser: For the Love of Winter Volume 2 with an excerpt from Snowbound Hearts by C.L. Hart

 

For the Love of Winter Volume 2

Holiday Romance (varying heat levels and sub-genres)

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

Publisher: First Coast Romance Writers

 

 

Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love. From historical winter celebrations to modern sizzling New Year's Eve encounters, this anthology spans sweet to spicy romance across different eras and realms. Whether you prefer gentle courtship or steamy embraces, this collection has something for every romance reader.

 

Mistletoe Magic, by Leah Miles: A holiday romance rekindles when Navy SEAL Michael Rodriguez runs into his old flame, Nora Geller, and invites her to his family gathering. Will they mend old wounds and find love again, or will misunderstandings leave their hearts out in the cold?

Happily Ever After, Take Two, by Sara Walker: Will Dino and Hilde's second chance love overcome family doubts and past mistakes for a lifetime of happiness?

Love Under the Cold Moon, by Vanessa Kilmer: A headstrong Celtic woman and a reluctant Roman heir clash and connect in an arranged marriage during the Alpine winter festivals of 193 AD.

Finding a Date for Christmas by Vickey Wollan: Joan’s going to a Christmas gala and hires Mack on Rent-A-Date. If he reveals his secret, will he get a second date? Can two lonely hearts find romance in time for Christmas?

Snowbound Hearts, by C.L. Hart: When a divorced couple ends up stuck in a snowbound lodge in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it could either be the worst Christmas ever or a second chance to make things right.

A Fluffy White Christmas - A Tail of Love, by Sally Murphy: Can a half-starved stray dog help a lonely woman open up her frozen heart to a new love this Christmas?

Maiya’s New Year’s Wish, by Marie Morton: Maiya Collins finds herself swept into an unexpected holiday romance in the sun-kissed paradise of St. Croix. Yet, a misunderstanding threatens to shatter her dreams. As the New Year's countdown approaches, she must confront her doubts. Can love prevail, or will her island romance become another broken resolution?

The Naughty List Nightmare, by Erika Kilmer Freidley: Love, traditions, and a mythical menace collide as Thea and Bash get involved in a festive fight to save Pittsburgh's children.

Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Edgar: Cinderella made her own gown and found her Prince Charming, but will they get their fairy tale ending?

 

Don’t miss your chance to purchase this collection while it is available.

Proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

 

 

Snowbound Hearts by C.L. Hart

When Marta Benscoter gets stuck in a snowbound lodge with her ex-husband and his energetic assistant, she prepares for the worst Christmas ever.

Marta is proud of Adam's recovery from alcohol addiction. He is back to being the man she fell in love with. Giving him another chance is tempting. However, memories of the events leading to their divorce fill her with doubt.

Can Marta and Adam move beyond their past, or is a tenuous friendship all they can hope for?

 

Excerpt

Enter Adam

 

Although Adam Benscoter's hair had grayed significantly, he still looked the part of the handsome college quarterback he had been when Marta first met him a lifetime ago. She felt a warmth rising within her, which quickly cooled when she looked at his sidepiece. The tall young Asian woman was about twenty years younger than Adam. Her long, wavy hair was dyed amaranth, and she was dressed in a light coral coat that was entirely inappropriate for the climate.

“Whoo, I’m so glad to be out of that storm!” the young woman proclaimed. “You were a boss on that road, Ad-Man!”

“At least this one looks like she’s been out of high school for more than two years,” Marta muttered under her breath. “I’m so glad we never had any children. Imagine having someone your own age as your stepmother.”

“Hi there, Ladies, I’m Clara Wola,” the young woman introduced herself, extending a friendly hand. “Since it appears we'll be spending lots of time together, we might as well get to know each other.”

“Hi Clara, I’m Ophrah Pololáník. Oh goodness, your hands are so cold! Miss Tia, could we have a hot chocolate over here for this young lady?”

“Dear Ophrah, always the mother hen,” Adam said kindly.

“Wait—you two know each other?” Clara asked.

“Yes, and he knows me too,” Marta said coldly. “Hello, Clara, I’m Marta Benscoter, your—what is he to you, Dear?”

“He’s my boss,” Clara said, a puzzled expression on her face. “But we’ve also become good friends since he hired me six years ago.”

“We’re going to make our partnership official when we get back to Diamond Bar,” Adam said with a grin. “Then she can finally stop calling me Boss.”

“Well, that’s generous of you,” Marta quipped. “I hate to rain on your parade, Ms. Wola, but even if you aren’t officially marrying Saint Adam, I hope you’ve spoken to an attorney about protecting your interests in the event of an eventual dissolution of your partnership.”

“It’s not a romantic partnership; it’s purely business,” Clara corrected. “I’ve been Adam’s assistant at Cloud Limited since getting my doctorate from Oceanside Tech. You must be the ex-wife he won’t talk about. It seems like you two need to iron some things out.”


About the Author

C. L. Hart is an editor who writes or a writer who edits. She primarily writes Lovecraftian fantasy and horror with the occasional sweet romance thrown in to upset the cosmic apple cart. This is her second year participating in the annual For the Love of Winter anthology from First Coast Romance Writers. She is a member of ACES Editing Society, The Denver Horror Collective, First Coast Romance Writers, The H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society, Passionate Ink (writing as Lil DeVille), Regency Romance Writers, and Rocky Mountain Romance Writers.

 

Author Links

 

Purchase Today


RABT Book Tours & PR

Friday, January 6, 2023

Excerpt Tour: Nine Bear Lodge by Keith A. Hamilton with an excerpt and a giveaway

NINE BEAR LODGE

by Keith A. Hamilton

GENRE:  Fiction

BLURB:

The beautiful Bella Coola Valley in British Columbia provides a dramatic backdrop in a story of two men who crossed paths years before, who meet again by chance. Taking his family on a bucket list vacation, a former smuggler confronts the former policeman who had arrested and tortured him many years before. The family enjoys the luxury setting and the variety of activities provided by the Nine Bear Lodge, while the two men come to grips with their shared past. Will one man take the ultimate revenge, or will they both find a path to redemption and reconciliation?



EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT 

“Rebecca, please leave us. I need to speak to this gentleman alone.” Hans waved his hand in the direction of the door. He didn’t take his eyes off Granpapa. Suddenly he felt he could not.

“Are you going to be all right, dear?” asked Rebecca. “I don’t understand. What’s happening?”

“I’ll be fine, my love, just please let me have some time with this man. He has come a long way.” Hans wasn’t sure if he meant a long distance or a long time. Maybe both were correct.

Granpapa looked at Rebecca and tried to reassure her with a smile. “Yes, Rebecca, I think it’s best if you’re not part of this conversation. Please accept my thanks on top of those of my family for this wonderful meal.”

As Rebecca walked out of the room, she looked at Hans for a final reassurance. He smiled at her and winked. She left the room but left the door open in case she was needed. She didn’t know what she might be needed for.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Since the early 1990s, Keith A. Hamilton has lived and worked in small remote Indigenous communities throughout Northern and Western Canada. He has made Bella Coola his home since 2016. He and his wife and their dog enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Central Coast region.


https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23022323.Keith_a_Hamilton

https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Bear-Lodge-Keith-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B0BL3VB5WF/ref=sr_1_1?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

The author will award a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4473/

Check out these other blogs on this tour:

Books I Plan to Read September 27 - October 3 and last week's results

  Shikamoo (Hello in Swahili) I hope everyone is doing fine. This weekend, we are being hit by a Nor'easter on and off. Some areas have ...