Book Tour & Book Review: I Love You Always by LaBena Fleming #blogtour #bookreview #nonfiction #giveaway #rabtbooktours @LabenaF @RABTBookTours

 

One Family's Alzheimer's/Dementia Journey and the Lessons Learned Along the Way 

Non Fiction

Date Published: July 10, 2020 

“I Love You Always” introduces you to Lottie Mae Polk Berry, am self-proclaimed badass who battles Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia for years, hoping to make it to age 90. Her daughter, LaBena, gives a detailed account of Lottie’s life from her teenage years, through diagnosis and beyond. 

“I Love You Always” will have you on an emotional roller-coaster as Lottie’s wit and antics send you into hysterical laughter one moment and leave you silently sobbing the next. Calm, turbulence, and laughter are recurring themes throughout. 

Her children struggle to see that she receives the best medical care while hoping, in spite of her condition, that she makes it to her 90th birthday. LaBena shares valuable caregiver tips she’s learned, in the form of “lessons” throughout the book as well as messages of faith in the form of beloved biblical passages. Believers and non-believers alike can benefit from reading this story. 

Review

Have you ever read a book that you didn't know you NEEDED to read as much as you did? That was this book for me.

 I will admit I started this book because me or someone I love going through this terrifies me. 

LaBena has managed to give the reader hope and inspire them in many ways with how she and Lottie have navigated the diagnosis. Thank you for writing this and giving us insight into your life and the ups and downs of dealing with it. 

About the Author

LaBena Fleming was born in Detroit, Michigan, raised in Ravenna, Ohio, and presently resides in Richmond Heights, Ohio with her husband. LaBena received her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development from Notre Dame College of Ohio. She went on to earn master’s degrees in Education and Educational Administration from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. A former insurance industry professional, school teacher/administrator, and community education and outreach coordinator for an organ and tissue procurement organization, LaBena retired from her position as Provider Relations Manager/Community Outreach and Education Coordinator with Hospice of the Western Reserve in 2017. Retiring afforded LaBena the opportunity to serve as one of the caregivers for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

LaBena currently enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and granddaughter, public speaking, gardening, cooking, traveling, reading, and of course writing. Although she has always “dabbled” in writing; having written multiple poems and freelancing for a few greeting card companies, I Love You Always is her first book. 

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Book Tour & Book Review: The Butterfly Blueprint by Stephanie Miller #blogtour #bookreview #christian #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @butterflygrowth @Lucid_Books

 

How to Renew Your Mind and Grow Your Faith

Christian, Spiritual growth, Christian mentorship

Date Published: Sept 22, 2020

Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing

 

Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing over and over again without realizing it? Are you spiritually stuck, wanting a deeper relationship with God but not sure how to get there?

 

In The Butterfly Blueprint, Stephanie Miller uses each stage of a butterfly-egg, caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly-to show you five ways to grow your faith. By examining how your past shapes your perspective and understanding of the value of authenticity and accountability in relationships, you will learn how to identify and address your spiritual blind spots that are hindering your growth.

 

Stephanie opens up her own journey of transformation while providing practical steps you can implement to see real progress in your spiritual life.

 

●      Your purpose will become clearer.

●      Your relationships will grow deeper.

●      You will create a new perspective to share your story with others.

 

You were not created to remain a caterpillar your entire life. Let God change your perspective so He can transform you into the beautiful butterfly He made you to be.

Review

It's Christian Nonfiction and for me it was a mix of many different things. It's a spiritual look at life, it's helpful and full of many wonderful insights, and it's inspirational over all. 

Ultimately for me, I found this to be a different outlook on faith in general and that is what really gave me insight. 

I liked the clean and concise way Miller has put this together. It made for an easy and understandable read. I loved that she kept true to the Butterfly and it's transformation throughout! 

 

 

About the Author

 Stephanie Miller, M.A., is a certified personal growth coach, writer, and speaker. Currently living in Colorado, she is the wife of a busy Army dentist, and mom to a strong-willed toddler and sweet baby boy. Together they enjoy going on hiking adventures. Her ministry, Butterfly Beginnings, specializes in helping those who are spiritually stuck by catalyzing change through connection with the Holy Spirit. She seeks to encourage women and challenge them to grow closer to God and in community with each other. Her past published works include I Am Enough in Christ, a workbook and devotional. Connect with her at www.butterflybeginnings.net.

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Book Tour & Book Review: Orange Blossoms, Love Blossoms by Dalia Dupris #blogtour #bookreview #romance #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @dalia_dupris

 

Book 1 of California Hearts

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: October  19, 2020

Publisher: The Wild Rose

Strong-willed Elaine Hart is determined to save Hartland Orchards, her family’s’ California orange groves from being taken over by the bank. After the recent ending of a turbulent relationship, she vows to keep her professional and personal life separate, even though she’s attracted to David Cole, the one man who holds her family’s fate in the palm of his hands.

Serious-minded banker, David Cole, recovering from recent love and work fiascos has one goal and that’s ensuring that the delinquent Hartland Ranch account is brought up to date and not becoming personally involved with the unpredictable and beautiful Elaine Cole.

When a series of circumstances brings Elaine and David together, they must decide if they will continue to suppress their emotions or succumb to passion and take a chance on a forever love.

Review

I LOVED the flow of this novel. It felt very smooth. Characterization was HUGE. The characters were all very well developed and had their own motivations and faults. It made them seem more real to me as the reader.

 I was captivated by the story the drama wanting to know what would happened next. This book took my mind through highs and lows. This author has great description of the romance  I could feel everything that was happening. It was a fresh unique story. 

I would definitely recommend this book.

About the Author

 

I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing and grew up surrounded by a wide variety of books, from westerns to romance novels. I love stories—watching them, listening to them, reading them, and writing them. My contemporary novels include complex and diverse characters that grapple with family legacy, love, loss, and laughter as they face the challenges of life. When I’m not working on my next manuscript, you can find me bike riding along the beach with my husband or exploring the mysteries of the universe with my daughter.

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Book Tour & Book Review: Uphill and Into the Wind by David W. Reed #blogtour #bookreview #nonfiction #memoir #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @davidreedwriter @PublishingAcorn

 

Non Fiction / Memoir

Date to be Published: 10/15/20

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

It's 1973. Our nation is torn apart by the Vietnam War, and the massacre of unarmed students at Kent State. The Vice President has resigned for bribery and tax evasion. The President is being investigated for engaging in criminal activity.

At twenty-three, David Reed has become embittered by political strife and corruption. Disenchanted with his future, he wants out. Along with new friends, Rusty and Susie, David leaves everything he knows to cross the United States with little more than his bicycle and a camera.

The trio gets more than they bargain for, with menacing animals, extreme weather, and astonishing encounters.

Uphill and Into the Wind recounts an odyssey that spans 5420 miles on bicycles. It chronicles the sudden and surprising glories of nature, the raw beauty of the land, and the majesty of the mountains. But that is just the start. Through it all, the three are changed forever, in ways they did not expect, by their long journey into the unknown.

 

Review

What a ride! David Reed brings us a book that is full of life in the best way. It honestly surprised me in more ways than I could say. Memoirs typically bring knowledge, insight, and draw emotion, this one did all of that and then some! It is a memoir that is different than anything I have read. David Reed allows us in and succeeds in connecting his reader not only to him, but to his companions. Such a great story that will leave you inspired! 

 About the Author

David Reed has spent a lifetime studying the natural world, from his youth in the woods, his University training, his apprenticeship as a stonemason, and his travels on a bicycle, to his career as an award-winning landscape architect.

A career highlight includes re-designing four major gardens in San Diego’s jewel, Balboa Park.

A visual storyteller, David has guest lectured at the San Diego Museum of Art, Rutgers University, Kansas State University, The New School of Architecture, and other venues. His professional work has been published in Sunset Magazine, Garden Design Magazine, and Building Stone Magazine.

Uphill and Into the Wind is David’s debut memoir. But his work has been published in A Year in Ink, the San Diego Writers, Ink Anthology and awarded at the Southern California Writers Conference.

David believes that life is “out there,” in the forest, and on the land, not inside the box.

He currently resides in San Diego with his wife and family.

 

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Release Blitz & Giveaway: Eris Rising by Courtney Ramm #promo #releaseday #nonfiction #memoir #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @PublishingAcorn

 

Memoir

Date Published: September 1

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Warrior’s aren't born, they are forged from the harsh experiences that shape them as they strive to defend what is sacred and true. And geniuses aren’t born either—or are they? Courtney Ramm would know, as she’s one of 229 offspring born from the controversial “Genius Sperm Bank”, a genetic experiment that existed in the 1980s and ‘90s. With a predisposition for “genius”, Courtney found herself driven toward success. Following her passion for dance, by the age of eight she was studying at the renowned School of American Ballet and soon thereafter, performing on New York’s greatest stages. At twenty-five years old, she acted upon a strong inner calling to start her own dance company—in Hawaii.

Moving across the globe from the concrete jungle of Manhattan to the tropical jungle in Hawaii, Courtney brought along her endless to-do lists and a strong determination to succeed. But one thing was missing from the picture-perfect life she had imagined: a perfect husband.

-

When she first locked eyes with Marcus at a spiritual gathering, she sensed something was off in the uncanny intensity of his stare. But she dove into a relationship anyway, not grasping the graveness and outright danger of the decision.

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Eris Rising is a story of breaking deep karmic patterns, grappling with the calling of destiny, and changing long-held karma into mission. With the powerful feminine warrior spirit of Eris as inspiration, this memoir shows how it’s possible to move forward after life-altering “mistakes”, and recover the true “genius” within.

About the Author

Born and raised in the heart of New York City, Courtney Ramm has followed her passion for dance since childhood, which led to a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She’s directed dance schools, performed, and taught all over the world, from Singapore to Thailand to Manhattan.

With her Master’s degree in Dance Education, Courtney has led wellness retreats in Hawaii, focusing on empowerment and transformation. Courtney is the founder and artistic director of RammDance, a non-profit dedicated to keeping the legacy of modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan alive. She blends her love of dance with holistic healing, and is a certified Pilates instructor, Yoga teacher, Ayurvedic consultant, Theta healer, Master Detox Chef, and Reiki practitioner.

Alongside her focused training and career in dance, writing has always been one of Courtney’s passions. She knew she would write a book—although she never imagined her memoir would take such a twisted turn.

Courtney is a full-time single mama to two toddlers. Eris Rising is her first book.

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Book Tour & Book Review: Starfighter Rising by @DanSeegWrites #blogtour #bookreview #giveaway #scifi #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

 Science Fiction

Date Published: 9/17/2020

 

The enemy wanted him. The galaxy needed him.

Sixty years ago Nolvarics nearly conquered the solar system. They were defeated by starfighters.

Konran dreamed of becoming a starfighter, but he blew his one shot five years ago. Now his life is stuck in neutral as a glorified rock hauler.

He didn’t expect to find Nolvarics lurking within the solar system. They didn’t expect him to survive the confrontation.

Now all eyes are on Konran as he is plunged into a whirlwind of space battles, peril, and conspiracy. The Nolvarics will stop at nothing to catch him, dead or alive.

Can Konran rise up and claim his destiny, or will the galaxy fall?

 

Review

This is a sci-fi that starts fast and doesn't let up. Daniel Seegmiller draws in his reader from the very start and doesn't let them go until the very end. 

There were so many intricate aspects of this story and the galaxy he created. 

I loved reading about Konran, a superb lead character that had all of the makings of one that can carry a series such as this. You want to learn more! 

Dive into this one ASAP, you won't be disappointed. 

About the Author

Daniel Seegmiller grew up loving Star Wars, Mech Warriors, and all things sports. He started out as an English major before switching to his other love, science. He has an MS in mechanical engineering and has worked on everything from biomechanics, to machine learning, to defense technology.

Daniel loves dreaming up awesome adventures…like, literally, he wakes up in the middle of the night with the best ideas. Most of the stories he writes are for his kids. Starfighter Rising is his debut novel.

He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife and three squirrelly children. 

 

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Book Tour & Book Review: Wasting Time by Mike Murphey #blogtour #bookreview #giveaway #scifi #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

 

Book 2 in the Physics, Lust and Greed Series

Science Fiction

Date Published: October 1, 2020

When time travelers fail test after test to significantly alter the past, most financial backers abandon the Global Research Consortium leaving veteran traveler Marta Hamilton to administer a vastly scaled-down project. She must protect the past from a greedy future, fend off political meddling, and foil a murder plot originating in a parallel universe. She presides over a conspiracy to hide the truth of her best friend’s death while coping with a confusing and discomforting romantic entanglement involving fellow traveler Marshall Grissom.

Marta, who has by professional necessity always distanced herself from emotional commitment, lapsed by allowing herself the luxury of friendship with Sheila Schuler and a night of wild sex with Marshall. Now, Sheila is probably dead, and—according to a genius physicists’ theory—Marshall soon will be. As she assumes her role as administrator of the time travel program, Marta must choose between the risks of loving someone, or the lonely safety of emotional solitude.

 

(No cats were harmed in the telling of this story.) 

 

Review

This was a fabulous follow up to Taking Time. We met the characters, learned about the world and ins and outs in Taking Time and Mike Murphey picks Wasting Time up right where he left off while building on both the characters, their relationships, and the drama and suspense. It's a fabulous and action-packed story. 

The relationships are well crafted and really pull you in. The characters are so well written. They are my favorite part of this book. 

Mike Murphey has done it again, I LOVE his writing! Want more! 

About the Author

Mike Murphey is a native of New Mexico and spent almost thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement, he enjoyed a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star Major League outfielder. Their company produced the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners adult baseball Fantasy Camps. Wasting Time is his fourth novel. Mike loves fiction, cats, baseball and sailing. He splits his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona.

 

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