Memoir Feature: The Light Behind the Shadow by Dinorah Briceno DeSola, MSW #memoir #nonfiction #personaldevelopment #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

Memoir and Personal Development.

Date Published: December 20, 2024

Publisher: ‎ Manhattan Book Group

 

 

In this beautifully crafted book that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and resilience, the author takes us on a poignant journey through the memories and experiences that have defined their life. From childhood challenges to moments of profound connection and self-discovery, the narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Through heartfelt reflections and poignant storytelling, readers are invited to explore their emotional intelligence and embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside the author. This compelling and insightful book promises to uplift, inspire, and resonate with readers seeking connection, understanding, and empowerment in their own lives. Join the author on this transformative journey and discover the beauty and resilience that lies within the human spirit.

 

About the Author

Dinorah Briceno's academic journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to education and social welfare. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Welfare/Social Work at Yeshiva University, she is engaged in pioneering research that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Latin communities today. In addition to her academic pursuits, she currently works as a psychotherapist and site coordinator in the SBS program at a community-based mental health agency, where she continues to apply her expertise and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Before starting her doctoral studies, Dinorah obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in 2021, deepening her understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and social justice. In conjunction with her Master’s degree, she also earned a certificate in trauma, further enhancing her expertise in this critical area.

Her dedication to language education is evident in her pursuit of two additional master’s degrees: one in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Universidad Europea del Atlántico and another in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI PR). These degrees underscore her belief in the transformative power of language as a means of empowerment and cross-cultural understanding.

With over 16 years of experience in education, Dinorah’s journey began with a Bachelor of Education degree from UCAB - Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in 2009, establishing a solid foundation for her career. She has continuously sought to expand her expertise through specialized training, including a Diploma in Autism Education from the Center for Disabilities Studies (CEPIA) at Universidad Monteavila. Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in Teaching Formation for Early Education from Universidad Metropolitana (VE), further showcasing her dedication to early childhood education.

Dinorah has gained valuable experience working with children and adults, including those with special needs, individuals struggling with addiction, and those facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Her hands-on experience in these areas reflects her commitment to supporting individuals with diverse challenges and enhancing their quality of life.

Dinorah Briceno’s diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to education and social welfare exemplify the transformative potential of knowledge and compassion. Her journey inspires others and highlights the profound impact that education and advocacy can have on fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.

 

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Thriller Feature: Secretary of Faith by K. C. Boyd #politicalthriller #thriller #dystopian #bookreview #rabtbooktours @KCBoyd3 @RABTBookTours

 

Political thriller, Dystopian theocracy, Corporate Oligarchy

Date Published: October 31, 2024

Publisher: ‎Rebel Island Press

 

 

Lies, fear, and the Holy Bible are the country’s undoing in K.C. Boyd’s second, dystopian tale, a story that all too closely resembles an America in which Project 2025 rules. Vividly depicting the present-day racism, greed, and religious hypocrisy, Secretary of Faith serves as a cautionary warning to Project 2025.

After an orchestrated victory, the newly elected President redefines the country by changing its name to the United Christian States of America. Next, he reduces the traditional number of seats in his cabinet to four, and adds a fifth, the Department of Faith, appointing his lifetime mentor, Christian Hillcox, as its first ever Secretary.

The rule of law is no more. Sanctioned by the administration, violent mobs take to the streets. Media is state-run; neighbors inform on neighbors; loved ones vanish, never to return. When a natural disaster strikes the West Coast, an already well-organized Resistance emerges and Secretary Hillcox finds himself in a battle to maintain both the administration’s narrative and his own position through evermore frightening means.

In a showdown between Good and Evil, the question is—will citizens rise to the occasion and save the Republic?

 

 

Review

This book was a total surprise to me, in terms of how well it created both a compelling mystery and affinity for its characters, or at least some of them.

I love the way the author is able to combine so many genres and plot points effortlessly.

I loved this book for the story, the writing, the characterization and the pace.

  About the Author

After twenty years of visiting megachurches in Ohio and across the country, attending various 'Values Voters'' conferences, and watching untold hours of televangelists preach the 'Word', K.C. Boyd decided to use her flare for fiction to share the dangerous truths she saw. As human beings have always responded to story, Boyd felt the need to communicate the grave danger we face-particularly from religious extremists who now stand arm in arm with genuine fascists-through story.

 

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Nonfiction Feature: Stupid Carrot, MD by Dr. Kenneth J. Cruse, MD #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

Parenting Children to Independence

Nonfiction

 

 

Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also feel like an overwhelming journey filled with doubts, challenges, and endless questions. In Stupid Carrot, M.D., pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Cruse draws on over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the ups and downs of raising children—and his own experiences as a father—to create a practical and relatable guide for parents at every stage.

From sleepless newborn nights to the unpredictable teenage years, Dr. Cruse addresses key milestones in child development with warmth, humor, and expert insights. This book dives into today’s most pressing pediatric challenges, including:

 

Electronic communication and social media

• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Building resilience and independence

 

Packed with lighthearted anecdotes, real-life stories, and actionable advice, Stupid Carrot, MD. reassures parents that they are not alone in the chaos of raising children. Whether you’re navigating your first diaper change or your teenager’s social life, this book is a trusted companion, helping you empower your kids to become confident, independent adults.

About the Author

 Kenneth J. Cruse, MD, FAAP

 Dr. Cruse has been a practicing pediatrician in Thibodaux, LA, since 1995. He graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, in 1991. He completed his internship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, in 1994. After practicing as an emergency room pediatrician at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA, he opened his private practice in Thibodaux. He has witnessed tremendous changes in medical care for children during his tenure in practice.

 During this time, he and his wife, Maria, who is also a physician, reared their three children while working in their respective fields. They have always stressed the importance of instilling solid foundations for their children to allow them to be independent adults. He feels he learned so much from his own children, and this made him a better father and a better pediatrician. Stupid Carrot, M.D. is a culmination of both his personal and professional experiences which he openly shares with readers to assist them on their parenting journey.

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True Crime: Mama Dallas and Augie by Jody Fasanella and Sandi Jerome #crime #truestory #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

Crime, True Story, Mob, Immigration, Biopic, Italian American, Fiction

 

 

Mama Dallas and Augie is an epic novel that brings to life the Italian American experience, centering on New York’s first “Godmother,” Concetta. Her journey begins in Italy and leads to New York’s notorious Five Points, where she fiercely protects vulnerable young prostitutes. After tragedy strikes and she believes her son, Augie, is dead, Concetta dedicates her life to her family and the struggling poor in the Italian sector slums of New York.

But Augie survives, posing as an American spy and diving into a dangerous underworld that spans from New York to France and Turkey, eventually becoming embroiled in the infamous pre-WWII "French Connection" drug trade. His charm and cunning keep him one step ahead of both mobsters and law enforcement as he navigates in the shadows that intersect with powerful OSS agents and German operatives, leading to his capture and imprisonment in Dachau only to return to America to bring justice to his family name.

 

Based on a true story, Mama Dallas and Augie spans decades of love, betrayal, espionage, and war—an unforgettable saga of loyalty, resilience, and family bonds.

About the Authors

Jody Fasanella grew up in the theater world in New York. As a veteran stage performer, she has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including The Moving Picture Co. 1914, Good Grief, Tight, Vartan LLP, Steel, The Others, Profiler, and L.A. Law.

On stage, she played the lead, Tessie, in John Morgan Evans' comedy Daughters. According to the Los Angeles Times, “…the cast gives heartfelt performances during the passages of tender reflections.”

Jody has since turned her talents to writing and producing and is dedicated to sharing the true story of her great-grandmother, “Mama Dallas,” and her uncle, “Augie,” as standalone features or mini-series with Little Studio Films.

 

Sandi Jerome, a UCLA Advanced Screenwriting graduate, is an accomplished screenwriter and novelist. Her animated sci-fi script is in production, and she recently sold her tech company to pursue writing full-time. With over 20 scripts recognized as finalists in Nicholls, Page, Final Draft, and Austin Film, her work shines across genres.

Her young adult novels, Kira and Henry (a 2024 Kindle Book Review Semifinalist) and Wilma Wallaby: Genius Girl Detective, are in development. Sandi also wrote the feature adaptation of Hijacked, based on the true story of Flight 705.

A Cherokee Nation member and 2023 Native American Media Alliance Fellowship winner, Sandi is married to an Italian and enjoys her love for pizza.

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Nonfiction Feature: Doing Good & Doing Wellby Michael L. Kaufman #nonfiction #leadership #rabtbooktours @MikeKaufman_ @RABTBookTours

 

Nonfiction / Leadership

Date Published: 12/24/23

 

 

INSPIRING HELPING PROFESSIONALS TO BECOME LEADERS IN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS

 

This book is the product of a 30-year career (and counting!) focused on doing good in the world, spent on trying to improve the quality of life of self and others, and dedicated to fulfilling the needs of those most in need.

In it, Michael shares his personal experiences with organizational leadership and his insights on what makes a good leader in the helping professions, incorporating anecdotes, case studies, and current cultural profiles to illustrate his points and arguments.

Though not a memoir, each chapter of this narrated guidebook reflects the author’s viewpoints on the essential and extolled roles helpers hold in the workplace and why their particular contributions and talents have never been needed more and should be valued like never before.

People who do good in the world can also do well—more than that, they deserve to do well on the basis of their altruism and commitment. If you’re looking to advance your helping professional career while simultaneously advancing the human condition for the people you serve and for society at large, you’ll find much in these pages that speaks to you … and hopefully inspires you to make even more of a difference than you already are.

About the Author

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Romance Feature: Collateral Redemption by John and Laurie Toomey #action #romance #romanticsuspense #bookreview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

Action Romance

Date Published: November 14, 2024

 

 

"What doesn’t kill you can shatter you—but it’s in those broken pieces where true strength is found."

 

Amelia’s life is forever changed after a brutal home invasion leaves her as collateral damage in a crime she doesn’t understand. Her world unravels, but when her Wall Street husband hires two private security contractors—Gabriel and Daniel—to investigate the crime and protect her, the pieces begin to shift.

As the duo digs deeper, they uncover a web of lies and betrayal that puts Amelia in greater danger than anyone could have imagined. With each revelation, she learns to fight back, to heal, and to trust again. But trust is fragile, and not everyone is who they seem.

Set against a backdrop of suspense and action, Collateral Redemption explores the depths of human resilience, the bonds of loyalty and friendship, and the transformative power of love. Featuring mature themes, vivid action, and unforgettable characters, this gripping story transcends the boundaries of good and evil to show what it means to survive—and to rebuild.

Perfect for fans of action-packed romance and bodyguard thrillers with emotional depth, this book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of redemption.

Warning: This novel contains explicit violence, mature themes, and adult content. Intended for adult readers.

 

Review

What I loved most about this book is how it balances edge-of-your-seat thriller elements with building relationships keeping you guessing about who can truly be trusted.

Amelia is such a compelling character—intelligent, resourceful, and deeply human. Her journey through love, betrayal, and self-discovery is beautifully layered, making her someone you root for even as the stakes skyrocket.

John & Laurie Toomey seem to have a knack for weaving intense emotional connections into a web of high-stakes action which I thoroughly enjoyed!

  About the Authors

John and Laurie Toomey are a husband-and-wife writing duo who bring their extensive professional and personal experiences to their storytelling.

Laurie is a Physician Assistant specializing in geriatric medicine, behavioral health, and medical rehabilitation. Her career spans pulmonary medicine, hospital medicine, and elderly psychiatric care, giving her a deep understanding of resilience and the human spirit.

John is a physician with a specialty in Internal Medicine and a diverse background in emergency response, tactical training, and security operations. In addition to his roles as a medical director, teaching attending, and statewide consultant, John has collaborated in the personal protection field, combining his medical expertise with tactical skills in high-stakes scenarios.

Together, John and Laurie channel their real-world insights into creating compelling fiction that explores themes of survival, resilience, trust, and redemption. Their debut novel, Collateral Redemption, is a gripping action-romance that reflects their shared belief in the power of the human spirit to heal and rebuild in the face of adversity.

When they’re not writing, John and Laurie enjoy spending time with their family, traveling, and sharing stories over a good cup of coffee.

 

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Nonfiction Feature: Life Lessons From Mom: For the Man You'll Become by Amy Tan #inspiratioanl #selfhelp #parenting #nonfiction #giveaway #newbooks @RABTBookTours

 For The Man You'll Become

 

Inspirational Self-Help / Parenting

Date Published: 01-31-2025

Publisher: Books to Hook Publishing, LLC.

 

 

A Mother’s Enduring Wisdom for Her Son.

Inspiration, Guidance, and Lessons for a Meaningful Life.

 

This heartfelt collection offers powerful truths, invaluable insights, and practical lessons through anecdotes, personal reflections, and uplifting stories. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and direction in life.

 

Discover how to:

- Grow Personally and Spiritually: Build self-awareness, make ethical choices, and draw strength from faith.

- Strengthen Relationships: Foster lasting connections rooted in trust, respect, and heartfelt communication.

- Overcome Challenges with Resilience: Turn adversity into opportunities for growth.

- Navigate Life’s Transitions with Confidence: Thrive in every stage, from career changes and leadership roles to family and entrepreneurship.

- Live a Meaningful Life: Pursue passions, prioritize well-being, and create a lasting legacy.

-Achieve Balance: Embrace the 4-Quadrants of Personal Growth—spiritual, social, intellectual, and financial.

 

Whether you’re a son seeking guidance or a parent sharing wisdom, this book is a powerful companion for navigating life’s uncertainties and achieving greatness.

The perfect gift for sons, partners, friends, or anyone searching for inspiration and guidance to live a meaningful life.

While no book has all the answers, this one provides a wellspring of hope, support, and actionable inspiration.

From mother to son, these are life lessons every man needs.

A loving reminder: You are never alone, and you are capable of extraordinary things.

 

About the Author

Amy Tan is an accomplished business executive and award-winning author with over twenty years of experience in corporate leadership and market expansion across Southeast Asia. She holds a Business Administration degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Postgraduate Certificate from the University of Nottingham.

Beyond her corporate role, Amy is a passionate storyteller, weaving her diverse experiences into narratives that explore personal growth, resilience, and transformation. Her recent book, Revisiting the Depths - Overcoming Fear and Finding Peace, which won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, recounts her emotional and spiritual journey as she overcomes a long-held fear of the ocean through diving.

Amy’s latest book, Life Lessons from Mom: For the Man You’ll Become, is a thoughtfully crafted guide that offers practical wisdom on navigating life’s challenges, cultivating meaningful relationships, and building a legacy of love. She is also the author of Doing Business in ASEAN and China: An Ultimate Guide to Doing Business, which showcases her expertise in regional economic integration.

Having lived in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Amy brings a rich, cross-cultural perspective to her writing, inspiring readers to overcome challenges and make positive changes. Her work highlights the powerful impact of storytelling on personal and professional development.

 

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