Science Fiction Feature: The Orchestrators by Donald Hricik #preapocalyptic #sciencefiction #scifi #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

Pre-Apocalyptic Science Fiction

Date Published: January 15, 2025

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

 

The year is 2360. A select group of a half million humans, the only survivors of global warming and the "Race Wars", are living a Spartan lifestyle and exhibiting loss of memory and emotions resulting from mind-altering drugs created by world leaders known as the Orchestrators. The drugs markedly slowed metabolism and aging, making them ideal for prolonging the lives of humans requiring long periods of travel in space. Henry Shannon is being groomed as the next Orchestrator who will lead a mission to Jupiter, hoping to find an inhabitable moon that can accommodate the humans remaining on Earth. After discovering that the moons of Jupiter are uninhabitable, Henry reluctantly agrees to return to Earth, ultimately bolstered by news that global warming somehow has given way to global cooling. During the return trip home, his wife is killed when an asteroid collides with their spaceship. Depressed and increasingly concerned about survival of the human race, Henry presses on and successfully lands his group back on Earth, which bears little resemblance to the planet they remembered. The returning passengers encounter strange new animal species and are stunned to find that Earth has been repopulated by a group of humans previously known as Tunnel People because of their subterranean lifestyle. Their Supreme Leader, Lillian Goodman, a long-time opponent of the Orchestrators, somehow alters the Tunnel People who now have advanced technologies, an above-ground life of opulence, and apparent immortality. As Henry unravels the nefarious means employed by the Supreme Leader to create this Utopian state, he discovers why these new humans remain desperately dependent on his passengers for maintaining their immortal status, and must decide whether to cooperate or resist and face his own mortality.

About the Author

Donald Hricik is a physician who was born in Ohio, currently living in the Cleveland area. He is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and the former Chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He has authored or edited over two hundred medical manuscripts or medical text books. He has published six novels: Racing to Pittsburgh (2010), Nothing to Confess (2013), and Escape from Cleveland (2016), Our Great Escape; Part 1: Dumbers and Part 2: Return to the Tunnel People (2017, 2018), Toxic Affairs on Hidden Lane (2021), a memoir about his wife - Lynne's Last Christmas: A Battle with Dementia (2021). All of his books have medical themes. Aside from writing, Dr. Hricik is a painter (mostly acrylics and oil) and enjoys cycling, gardening, and occasional attempts at deep sea fishing

 

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Memoir Feature: Vaccines & Bayonets by Bee Bloeser #giveaway #audiobook #bookreview #memoir #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

 

Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War

Historical Memoir

Publisher:  Audiobook Empire

Narrator: Claudia Dunn

Run Time: Estimated 9.5 hours to 10 hours

 

Step into the heart of a turbulent era with Vaccines & Bayonets, a gripping historical memoir that chronicles one woman’s extraordinary journey through Africa. In this vivid recounting, Bee Bloeser unveils the raw reality of her family’s part in the mission to eradicate smallpox, revealing the triumphs and trials faced along the way.

As a young wife, Bee Bloeser followed her husband, Carl, to Africa, driven by ideals and a sense of duty. In Nigeria the ravages of civil war and the plight of starving Biafran children captured global attention. Amidst the chaos, she witnessed the horrors of smallpox and leprosy, yet found moments of beauty in the vibrant local culture.

Their journey continued in Equatorial Guinea, a nation newly independent but plagued by the terror of a brutal dictatorship. In this land where secrecy shrouded the people, Bee Bloeser confronted a world far removed from her idealistic expectations. Forbidden from forming connections with locals and surrounded by a landscape of oppression and suspicion, she documented her experiences in hidden notes, capturing the essence of a desperate struggle.

Through her eyes, listeners experience the intense battle against a relentless virus and against tyranny. This memoir is not just a story of medical triumph but also a poignant reflection on humanity’s capacity for courage—the indomitable spirit of those who risk everything for a better future.

Review

This was a 5* star listen from start to finish. 

There is something about reading about things you have heard about but maybe didn't put enough thought into. Pulling back the curtain and getting a real view from someone who lived it, makes it that much better. 

A daunting time and real life account of those who were on the front lines trying everything they could to help when the odds were stacked against them. 

This is inspiring, it really makes you think about what you've done to help humanity and how much more self less some people are. 

I appreciate the author brining her story and this subject to light. She does so in a way that is enlightening and inspirational. 

About the Author

Bee Bloeser has lived and worked in Africa, the Middle East and Native American nations with her husband’s global public health work and her career in speech-language pathology. An award-winning author, she is a sought-after public speaker on topics related to her historical memoir. She lives and writes in California.

 

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Nonfiction Feature: Single Mom Millionaire by Debbie Kempen #teaser #comingsoon #excerpt #giveaway #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

Nonfiction

Date Published: 2/14/25

 

Single Mom Millionaire is a powerful and inspiring guide for women looking to take control of their financial future through real estate investing. Written by Debbie, a single mom of three with over 20 years of experience in real estate, this book combines personal stories of resilience and success with practical, actionable advice. 

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to scale, Single Mom Millionaire will equip you with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to achieve financial freedom. 

Packed with relatable examples and motivational insights, this book is perfect for women ready to turn their dreams into reality, no matter their age, background, or current circumstances. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t do it,” this book will show you exactly why—and how—you can. 

 

Teaser

Creating passive income gives you the freedom of choice.

The choice to do what you want to do, and how you want to do it.

 

 

About the Author

Debbie’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and determination. Growing up in both Germany and Alaska, she experienced a diverse childhood that shaped her into a well-rounded person with a global perspective. Her love for hiking and travel reflects her adventurous spirit and appreciation for life’s beauty. 

With over 20 years of real estate investing experience, she has developed a deep understanding of building financial stability and wealth through smart investment strategies. However, her journey was not without challenges. After enduring a 10-year abusive marriage that brought significant financial setbacks, Debbie rebuilt her life with courage and tenacity, emerging stronger than ever. 

Her experiences have fueled her passion for helping other women find financial freedom and independence. Through her personal story and real estate expertise, Debbie inspires women to take control of their financial futures, proving that it’s never too late to start over and thrive. 

 

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Historical Mystery Feature: Ivory Bones by Sara Winokur #historical #mystery #giveaway #bookreview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

The Lewis Chessmen Murders

Historical Mystery

Date Published: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Briarstone Press (sarawinokur.com)

 

Ancient chess pieces. A centuries-old diary. And a modern killer closing in.

 

When Icelandic forensic geneticist Brynja Pálsdóttir, haunted by her family’s dark legacy, is drawn into the search for the missing Lewis Chessmen, she becomes a pawn in an assassin’s deadly game.

A centuries-old diary, written by a woman abducted during the brutal Barbary pirate raid on Iceland in 1627, lands on her desk. Brynja soon realizes the woman’s story may hold the key to finding the priceless medieval artifacts.

As Brynja digs deeper, she becomes the target, surrounded by deception and unsure of whom she can trust: the NYPD colleague hiding her own motives, the sculptor whose family lays claim to the chessmen, the lover she has spurned, even her own assistant.

As the past and present collide, betrayal, loss, and survival transcend time and place.

Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders is a gripping blend of Nordic noir, historical intrigue, and murder mystery, where ancient secrets and modern dangers force Brynja to face a dark, inner truth before the assassin makes their final move.

 

Review

Ivory Bones is extremely well written. The plot is tight and fast paced.

Excellent characters development, interesting crimes & criminals and a cast of characters one becomes attached to quickly.

Quick with and lots of action! Exciting twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged.

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Romance Feature: The Treasure of Loon Lake by Rachelle Paige Campbell #wholesomeromance #romance #releaseday #newbooks @RABTBookTours @HarborLaneBooks

 

Wholesome Romance

Publication Date: 02/11/2025

Publisher: Harbor Lane Books, LLC

 

 In a few hours, MOLLY MAGUIRE’s life implodes. After her apartment burns down, a lawyer shows up at her office informing her that a distant relative left her a home in Loon Lake, Wisconsin. Then she’s fired. With nothing holding her back, and nowhere else to go, she heads to the small town.

Young retiree, GRANT REEM sold his tech start-up and was contacted by the owner of his family’s favorite vacation spot with an interesting next act: buy a tour boat company in Loon Lake. With nothing stopping him, and always putting his trust in the universe, Grant buys the business and moves across the country. When he bumps into the one who got away, his college girlfriend Molly, he’s thrilled, but she’s not the same go-getter who dumped him.

Molly’s new home floods the first night, and she escapes to the Inn with a few dry belongings. She bumps into Grant and learns of the local legend about her family’s curse. When she uncovers a treasure map, she decides to take a chance with Grant’s encouragement. As they search for the treasure, however, they met unexpected opposition, learn about local superstitions, and have to decide if fate—or some other force—wants them to win or lose.

About the Author

Rachelle Paige Campbell writes bestselling contemporary romances filled with heart and hope. She believes love and laughter can change lives. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).

 

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Nonfiction Feature: Fictional Combat by Angela Knight #nonfiction #excerpt #comingsoon #rabtbooktours @AngelaKnight @ChangelingPress @RABTBookTours

 

 

Non-Fiction

Date Published: February 14, 2025

Publisher: Changeling Press

 

From fist fights to dragon duels: NYT bestselling author Angela Knight explores how to write fictional combat.

 

As a novelist, teacher and editor, I’ve seen bad fight scenes ruin too many good stories. My objective in this book is to demonstrate how to write fights that keep readers on the edge of their seats -- and publishers begging for more.

I’ll discuss how to use YouTube to research combat techniques and construct thrilling fights blow by blow. You’ll also learn how to use those fights to reveal character and build reader sympathy.

I’ll demonstrate the warning signs of an anticlimax and what to do about it. I’ll show you how to build tension and excitement with every battle until you reach a climax that has the reader craving your next book.

 

Note: This is an updated and heavily revised version of my book, How to Write Fight Scenes.

EXCERPT

Knowing how to write an exciting fight scene is crucial in genres ranging from romance to horror. As a teacher and editor, I’ve seen bad fights ruin too many good stories.

My objective in this book is to share techniques that keep readers on the edge of their seats -- and publishers begging for more. You’ll learn how to use YouTube to research combat techniques and construct thrilling sequences blow by blow. I’ll also demonstrate how to use those scenes to reveal character and build reader sympathy. You’ll learn what anticlimaxes are and how to avoid them. I’ll also share the tricks of building reader tension with every fight until you reach an exhilarating climax that will make you an autobuy.

Storytelling and the Brain

What do good books, college graduations, professional football, weddings, and chocolate have in common? As Lisa Cron points out in her terrific book, Wired for Story (Cron 2012), it’s dopamine -- the brain chemical that rewards us for accomplishing something difficult.

Remember the rush when you graduated high school or college? That was dopamine. Your incandescent happiness at your wedding or the birth of your child? Dopamine. Even chocolate and cocaine trigger dopamine, the first a little of it, the latter a lot.

Dopamine floods can even be triggered by someone else’s success. Remember your joy when your favorite team won the Super Bowl? You were just sitting on your couch, but you still felt as if you’d personally scored that winning touchdown.

The harder you work for something, the greater the dopamine rush your brain produces when you succeed.

A good writer is a merciless god. Yet it’s cruelty with a purpose, because it forces the protagonist to discover their strengths and overcome their fears. In sharing that struggle, the reader may experience more than just a happy buzz -- they may find the courage to face their own challenges. There have been times in my life that felt unbearably dark and grim, yet a novel helped me find the hope and guts to keep going. “Hey, if a vampire who hates his own penis can overcome his self-loathing, maybe I’ve got a shot at it too.”

I genuinely believe giving other people courage is the best reason to be a writer. But to do so, you must be willing to put your characters through the hell of a hard, desperate fight.

I guarantee some of your readers are facing their own brutal challenges. Let them find hope -- and a welcome distraction -- in your fictional world.

About the Author

New York Times best-selling author Angela Knight has written and published more than sixty novels, novellas, and ebooks, including the Mageverse and Merlin’s Legacy series. With a career spanning more than two decades, Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine has awarded her their Career Achievement award in Paranormal Romance, as well as two Reviewers’ Choice awards for Best Erotic Romance and Best Werewolf Romance.

Angela is currently a writer, editor, and cover artist for Changeling Press LLC. She also teaches online writing courses. Besides her fiction work, Angela’s writing career includes a decade as an award-winning South Carolina newspaper reporter. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, Michael, a thirty-year police veteran and detective with a local police department.

 

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Fantasy Feature: Craving of the Sands by Cearnach Grimm #folklore #fantasy #bookreview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

A Runebreakers Novel

 

Folklore / Fantasy

Date Published: September 24, 2024

Publisher: ‎NervousRocket

 

An Amazon #1 bestseller. A Barnes & Noble Bestseller. A Kobo Bestseller.

 

Wilhilm Grindtosser just wants to keep his rampaging magic under control, but when a gnomish gadget called the EyeStone broadcasts his latest magical disaster to the entire city, he becomes an accidental celebrity. Fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—especially when it comes with dark whispers, sudden combustions, and shadowy villains.

Now, Wilhilm and his misfit crew must uncover the EyeStone’s secrets before it destroys everything they care about. Can they save the day? Or will Wilhilm’s magic go haywire at the worst possible moment—again?

 

For fans of Terry Pratchett and absurd, laugh-out-loud adventures, this fantasy romp promises a wild ride through a city where magic and mayhem collide.

 

Review

This book kept me engaged from the moment I opened it. It is creative and inspires imagination. 

The story is well-written and interesting and the characters are enjoyable.

About the Author

Cearnach Grimm is an author of fantasy and science fiction. He worked as an international journalist for more than ten years, writing more than 1,500 articles on things like rabbit breeding and Egyptian tombs. But, above all, he believes in the health benefits of chocolate cake.

 

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