A Life Through Books

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Book Blitz: Homeless to Hopkins, a memoir by Christopher L. Smith, M.D. #promo #nonfiction #memoir #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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Memoir

Date Published: January 2023

 

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"I wish I could just die," I said to myself as my teeth chattered and my body shook with cold. Knowing I would probably still wake in the morning with my hair frozen to the door, I curled up in a ball, trying to find some warmth in the car that was my bedroom. Sadness consumed me like an infection; it had become the norm for me to wake up every day feeling broken.

Most nights like this, all I could hope for was to die in my sleep to be rid of the pain. Despite the terrible nights, I still woke up, dressed, and went to my only refuge, my high school.

This was my life, often alone, cold, sad, and hungry. My youth was different than most, but this was my reality.

However, despite the hardship that was my life and being homeless, something led me on, something saw me through. I survived, I found hope, and eventually, a life even better than I had imagined. Even though I so often faced darkness, I discovered light, laughter, and happiness.

I journeyed from that broken, homeless teenager sleeping in the car to eventually being a Medical Doctor at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins. But most important of all, I found me, I found joy.

This is my story.

Homeless to Hopkins.


About the Author

Dr. Christopher Smith is a Board- Certified practicing physician who completed his residency and fellowship at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Smith currently lives in Florida and is a partner with Quantum Imaging and Therapeutics. He dedicates time and resources to raising awareness of homeless children and families; finding solutions to help them overcome. Chris enjoys making new memories with his family, walking barefoot on the beach, traveling, and photography.

Christopher Smith is also a formerly homeless person. Chris’ second career as an author was inspired by his desire to give hope to those who desperately need it, as he needed it in his youth. Chris grew up in extreme poverty throughout his childhood, but he defied the odds and reached tremendous heights in adulthood. He plans on donating a portion of all book sales to charity.

 

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Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Virtual Podcast Tour: My Secret Obsession with Cherish Lively #podcast #paranormal #thriller #giveaway #promo #rabtbooktours @CherishLively @RABTBookTours
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This is the official launching of Cherish Lively’s My Secret Obsession Podcast. If you enjoy listening to novels, stop by the podcast and listen to Lexi Wells: Gift of Sight, a psychological thriller that will make your pulse race as Lexi goes on the hunt for a serial killer.

 

Join the Podcast

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Lexi Wells: Gift of Sight


Paranormal / Supernatural Thriller / Psychological Thriller

Date Published: June 26, 2023


Lexi never considered her gift of sight anything but a curse until she is lured to a murder scene by a young, dead girl. Detective Evan Steele doesn't like working with others, especially ones who ruin his crime scene. Going against his gut and logic, he teams up with a medium who challenges everything he ever believed. Together they must stop the serial killer that is terrorizing New Sainte.

 

Where to purchase the book





About the Author

Cherish Lively invites you to indulge in your secret obsession as she reads thrillers and spicy romance that will get your heart pounding with chills and thrills.

 

Contact Links for My Secret Obsession

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Virtual Book Tour: Guidance to Death by Daniel V. Meier, Jr. #blogtour #interview #giveaway #mystery #thriller #rabtbooktours @AuthorMeier @RABTBookTours
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Frank Adams Series, Book One

 

Murder/Mystery Thriller

Date Published: 05-16-2023

Publisher: BQB Publishing


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It was cold and rainy, with low visibility. A perfect morning for sabotage. The company jet carrying a Senior VP mysteriously crashes shortly after taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says it was an accident. The victim’s wife says it was murder. Frank Adams, an independent aviation accident investigator has been hired to find out. Mounting evidence and an additional murder convince Adams that there was indeed foul play.

As what seemed to be disparate events become increasingly linked, Frank reveals a crime of international dimensions. Accustomed to working independently, Frank is forced to call on the help of an old girlfriend as well as a retired DC cop. But unraveling the truth could cost him his life as well as the lives of his friends.

 



INTERVIEW

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

 

I find that getting started with a plan for the entire book is a challenge. I’d like to say that I write an outline and follow it throughout the book.  But I often don’t. I begin with an idea—stimulated by something in the human condition—and it develops from there. The outline exists, but usually, only in my head. And the characters develop on their own and reintroduce themselves repeatedly throughout the book.



 

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

 

Astrud Gilberto, Charlie Bird, Juliana Raye, Diana Krall

 

 

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

 

Absolutely. I will give an early reader a copy of the second or third draft, expecting to write a major rewrite.

 

 

What book are you reading now?

The Spare by Prince Harry

Blood and Roses by Helen Castor

The Greatest Evil is War by Chris Hedges

 

 

How did you start your writing career?

 

I have always enjoyed writing and throughout my school years was encouraged to do so. My major at the University of North Carolina Wilmington was History which honed my writing style to be descriptive, but to the point. Some have called it journalistic. I started submitting my work in the college literary magazine and later I worked briefly as a journalist for The Washington Business Journal. In 1980, Leisure Books published a mystery/ thriller that I wrote under the ‘nom de plume’ Vince Daniels.

After I retired, many years later I wanted to get back to writing, so in a sense, THE DUNG BEETLES OF LIBERIA, A Novel Based on True Events is my first book (in a long while). In this case I wanted to tell the amazing stories of a pilot friend of mine that spent 7 years in Liberia, West Africa during the 1960’s. It was a wild time and Liberia was very prosperous. It was a pivotal time in Liberia’s history. So I interviewed my friend for over 30 hours and wove his tales into an historical novel. I felt it was a story that had to be told.

Since then, I have released 4 more books:

·         NO BIRDS SING HERE (March 2021) a Literary Satire,

·          BLOODROOT (August 2021) a Historical Fiction that tells the story of the lost Jamestown Settlement in the early 1600’s,

·          BLOOD BEFORE DAWN (December 2021) the sequel to THE DUNG BEETLES OF LIBERIA. addressing the coup d’état by Sergeant Doe. A very bloody affair.

·         And just this May, GUIDANCE TO DEATH (Book one of the Frank Adams Investigator Series)   

 

 

Tell us about your next release.

  

I’ve decided to return to the Murder Mystery genre, so I am writing Book 2 in the Frank Adams Investigator Series.   I have spent my whole life in aviation, one way or the other, and I enjoy writing about something I am thoroughly familiar with.


About the Author

A retired Aviation Safety Inspector for the FAA, Daniel V. Meier, Jr. has always had a passion for writing. During his college years, he studied History at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW) and American Literature at The University of Maryland Graduate School.  In 1980 he published an Action/Thriller, Mendosa’s Treasure with Leisure Books under the pen name of Vince Daniels.

He worked briefly for the Washington Business Journal as a journalist and has been a contributing writer/editor for several aviation magazines. Guidance to Death is a return to a favorite genre of his, Action/Thriller/with the added intrigue of Murder/Mystery.

Other books by Dan are Blood Before Dawn, the sequel to the award-winning novel, The Dung Beetles of Liberia. Bloodroot, also an Historical novel is about the Jamestown settlement in the early 1600’s and No Birds Sing Here, is a work of Satirical Literary Fiction.

Dan and his wife live in Owings, Maryland, about twenty miles south of Annapolis and when he's not writing, they spend their summers sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

 

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Book Blitz: Ricky's Dream Trip to The Ancient Worlds of Egypt, Greece, and Rome by William Stevenson #promo #childrensbook #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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Childrens Books

Date Published: November 1, 2022

Publisher: Micro Publishing Media Inc


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This is a combination of three award-winning Ricky's Dream Trip books now in one volume with added information for classroom use and at-home activities. Ricky travels to the Ancient world through his dreams with his pop pop by his side. In Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs and pyramids he meets the boy prince, Tutankhamen, in a search for a beloved missing pet. Immerse yourself in the culture of Ancient Egypt with this terrific adventure. Next Ricky and Pop Pop meet Aristotle as they visit the land of the Ancient Olympics, see the temple of Athena, and help Alexander the Great! In the third time-bending dream trip adventure to Ancient Rome the fate of Julius Caesar, one of Rome's greatest leaders, hangs in the balance. It is up to Ricky to confront his own fears and change the course of history.


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Monday, July 3, 2023

New Release Blast: Loving the Small-Town Hero by Carla Swafford #promo #newrelease #romance #romanticsuspense #rabtbooktours @carlaswafford @RABTBookTours
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Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Date Published: June 27, 2023


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A crazy old song echoes in her head. Why? Well, she shot the sheriff, but her brother didn’t shoot the deputy. Or something like that. So let’s find out what really happened…

After Molly Hicks escaped her hometown of Sand City, Alabama, her plans of never returning are ignored when her parents demand she help control her troublemaking younger brother. No sooner than she arrives, he’s thrown in jail accused of killing a deputy. Then she shoots the sheriff. Just a graze, but she lands in a cell alongside her sibling.

Sheriff J.T. Rogan refuses to admit he has a soft spot for any Hicks, especially Molly. The same girl whose father kicked him out of town as a teenager. So when he releases her without filing charges, it’s no surprise she stalks him around town, insisting he find the real killer.

When another body turns up, while her brother is locked up, J.T. is beginning to believe Molly. As they track down clues and come up with suspects, he remembers why he always wanted to be her hero.


About the Author

Carla Swafford loves romance novels, action/adventure movies, and men, and her books reflect that. And on top of all that, she’s crazy about hockey, and thankfully, no one has made her turn in her Southern Belle card.

So, it's no surprise she writes spicy romantic suspense filled with mercenaries, motorcycle one-percenters, and southern criminals. And in the last few years, she's included sexy hockey players in books without suspense, except for the kind that asks, how will they ever find their happily ever after?

Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in southeast USA.

Be sure to sign up for her newsletter to receive info on giveaways, book cover reveals, etc.

 

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Book Blitz: Yay... It's My First Day of School by Mr B's Books #childrensbook #promo #rabbtbooktours @MrBsBooks @RABTBookTours
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Children's Book

Date Published: April 27, 2023

Publisher: MindStir Media


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Another wonderful rhyming story from Mr. B. about the excitement of the first day of school ... Yay. The fourteen rhymes and fun illustrations will bring so much fun and thoughtfulness to that magical first day and all the experiences of a child meeting new friends, teachers, finding their classes and even where they will sit.

 

Like his first two books Happy Makes Me Happy and Twins With Love x 2, your hearts will smile.


About the Author

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Sunday, July 2, 2023

Release Blitz: Asbury High and the Writing on the Wall by Kelly Brady Channick #promo #releaseday #giveaway #youngadult #yamystery #kellybradychannick #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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 Asbury High Series, Book 7

 

Young Adult Cozy Mystery

Date to be Published: 07-02-2023

Publisher: Purple Milk Publishing


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Entering their Senior year, the gang believes they left the rough seas behind on their summer cruise. Yet while they were away, seemingly random graffiti spread throughout Asbury. After a talented, young woman goes missing, Maddie, Cornelious, Carly and Pilot wonder if there could be a connection—since the graffiti suddenly stops. Things take a turn for the worse when her body is found a few weeks later, viciously murdered.

Most believe the murderer to be an outsider, until cryptic journal entries and close friends of the young woman point to someone in town. Things only get messier when the local bully (and Pitbulls gang leader) approaches the four sleuths, announcing one of his Pitbulls has gone missing as well. Could his missing Pitbull simply be the murderer on the run?

The deeper they investigate, the foggier everything seems. When Jeremiah Gibbz is arrested for murder, Cornelious is torn between trusting his father or accepting the mounting evidence.

In addition to Jeremiah’s legal troubles, he begins planning a presidential campaign and brings a hopeful future running mate to town…with his family. Among the new family, is beautiful and sly high school Senior, Chelsea Jaminucco—who (with Jeremiah’s blessing) is intent on making Cornelious her own.

Through everything, the gang celebrates their senior year with friends and each other. As scholarships and college loom closer than ever, the foursome find it difficult to focus on the case.

When typical high school problems and slippery interferences crowd the gang’s life, can they find the truth behind Asbury’s gruesome murder? Can they stick together, or will this case be the one that pulls them apart for good?

 

About the Author

For as long as she could remember, Kelly Brady Channick loved making up stories, and leaving her listeners/readers on the edge of their seats.

Perhaps that’s why she always managed to talk herself out of trouble...

After graduating from Ocean City High School in NJ, Kelly accepted a basketball scholarship to Holy Family University, in Philadelphia. As a lifelong athlete, Kelly understands the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity, something she hopes translates into her books.

Before writing page-turners, she taught first, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade — like a dessert menu, she simply had to test them all out. But her favorite job is the one she’s now doing full time: writing. Kelly loves to craft whodunit mysteries, leading readers through various twists and turns filled with red-herrings, hidden clues, and more peculiar characters than a reality show.

Kelly lives in South Jersey with her handsome husband, handful of energetic kids, two cookie-stealing dogs, and an awfully smart cat.

 

Contact Links 

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Purchase Link

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