Category Archives: Book Tours

Robert Steven Williams, Author of My Year As a Clown: On Tour # 2

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This post was most recently updated on November 19th, 2013

How does a man really feel after the break-up of a 20-year marriage?

Publisher: Against the Grain Press  (Dec. 26, 2012)
Category: Contemporary Fiction/Literary Fiction/Humor/Relationships
Tour Date: November 4-19, 2013
Available in: eBook,  325 pages

With MY YEAR AS A CLOWN, Robert Steven Williams introduces us to Chuck Morgan, a new kind of male hero—imperfect and uncertain—fumbling his way forward in the aftermath of the abrupt collapse of his 20-year marriage.

Initially, Chuck worries he’ll never have a relationship again, that he could stand in the lobby of a brothel with a hundred dollar bill plastered to his forehead and still not get laid. But as the emotionally raw, 365-day odyssey unfolds, Chuck gradually relearns to live on his own, navigating the minefield of issues faced by being suddenly single—new routines, awkward dates, and even more awkward sex.

With My Year As a Clown, Robert Steven Williams will attract fans of the new breed of novelists that includes Nick Hornby, Jonathan Tropper, Lolly Winston, and Tom Perrotta, delivering painfully honest glimpses into the modern male psyche while writing about both sexes with equal ease and grace in a way that’s hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.

Robert Steven Williams is the recipient of the Silver Medal for popular fiction in the 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards for My Year as a Clown.

Watch the Video:

Praise for Robert Steven Williams and My Year As a Clown:

“Realism, humor and insight are mostly the order of the day in My Year as a Clown: a fairly complex novel whose epilogue drives home the notion that, while Chuck’s life may have some things that go well, it does not have a Hollywood-type happy ending.“- Charles Baker, IndieReader

“Williams’ characters give us the real-deal: a gut wrenching and often humorous look, showing us the everyday horrors of what it’s like to start all over again as one approaches middle age.”–Suzan-Lori Parks, novelist, playwright and screenwriter. Winner, 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog“Merits aplenty it had.  Topping them was the humor sometimes gentle and subtle but that reached ROFL proportions at times.  There were a number of eccentric characters that stay with me months later as memories that get confused with memories of someone I once knew.  Not that I’m confusing the characters with someone I ever knew but when something triggers a vague memory of them, I’m at first searching my memories of real people from my past before it dawns on me they were characters in a novel.  Which is high marks for the author. The journal like format for the story gave it an easy flow and worked well to allow us to follow Chuck through the morass of the first months and the slog towards happy that followed.” Joy Renee, Joyful Story
“Chuck is an interesting character, but in the end he is just the guy next door. An average Joe of sorts. I really enjoyed reading the book in the guys view. There are a scarce amount of books following the man’s POV after a divorce or break-up (or just in general). I also loved how it seemed that Chuck was writing some sort of journal to keep his sanity throughout Claudia leaving him.
I really enjoyed the array of characters the author gave us. Chuck met some rather interesting people along the way.
I enjoyed the journey and it really made me think about myself and what I would do in a similar situation. Even though I’m a chicka and he is a male, I still found myself connecting to him.”–Carole Rae, Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings
 
“My Year As A Clown is an honest portrayal of both heartbreak and healing. When Chuck finds his wife’s betrayal I really felt his pain. Yet through the humor, humility and honesty, Williams was able to lead us into the depths of an emotional male. All of the doubts, insecurities, and even the fears have all been revealed. I enjoyed the true honesty of My Year As A Clown and highly recommend Williams novel to anyone that needs a pick me up or even words of encouragement.”– Brianna, A Book & a Lattee

About Robert Steven Williams:

Robert Steven Williams is an author, singer-songwriter, and musician. His debut novel, My Year as a Clown (Against the Grain Press), was released in January 2013.

As a writer, Williams was a finalist in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest and was awarded a Squaw Valley Writers Community Thayer Scholarship. He attended Bread Loaf, Sewanee and the Squaw Valley Writers’ Conferences, and worked closely with the esteemed fiction writer, Barry Hannah. His short fiction has appeared in Carve Magazine, The Orange Coast Review, and the anthology Tall Tales and Short Stories Volume II. Additionally, he was the executive producer of the critically acclaimed BOOM! Studios CBGB Comic series, nominated in 2011 for a Harvey Award for Best Anthology. Robert’s work has also appeared in Poets & Writers Magazine, Billboard, USA Today  and LetterPress, a newsletter for writers. He is also co-author of the best-selling business book, The World’s Largest Market.

As a musician, Williams studied songwriting with Rosanne Cash, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and other top country writers. In 2005, he released the critically acclaimed CD “I Am Not My Job,” featuring Rachel Z (Peter Gabriel, Wayne Shorter) and Sloan Wainwright.

Robert’s Website: http://www.robertstevenwilliams.com/
Robert on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robert-Steven-Williams/151139431616038
Robert on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSWwriter
Robert on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111002605881778815727/posts
Robert on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/robertstevenw/
Robert on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/rocknovel

Buy My Year As a Clown:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Nov 4 Interview & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto Nov 6 Review
Bookalicious Travel Addict Nov 6 Guest Post
From Isi Nov 7 Spotlight
Roses & Beps Nov 8 Excerpt
Every Free Chance Nov 13 Review, Guest Post & Giveaway
Giveaways & Glitter Nov 14 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Nov 18 Review & Giveaway
Paperback Writer Nov 19 Guest Post


 

Deborah Schwartz, Author of Woman On Top: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on November 27th, 2013

Publisher: Laudan Press (May 30, 2013)
Genres: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction
Tour Dates: November 2013
Available in: Print & ebook, 346 pages

A Woman’s Struggle To Find Herself After Losing Everything She Believed Was Important.

We hear a great deal in the media about women who become victims of wealthy and powerful men. Like a breath of fresh air, the heroine in Deborah Schwartz’s inspiring book, Woman on Top, does escape becoming yet another casualty… literally…all the way to the top of a mountain!

New York, NY, September 4, 2013 – One has to wonder has anything changed since Nora slammed the door over a hundred years ago in Ibsen’s iconic play A Doll’s House? Deborah Schwartz made sure that they did in her timely novel, Woman on Top (Laudan Press).  Like a breath of fresh air, the heroine in Deborah Schwartz’s inspiring book, Woman on Top shows the way things have changed…all the way to the top of a mountain!

Book Description:

Falling prey to Len, a very wealthy Wall Street banker who is hell-bent on acquiring her as his next deal, Kate struggles after the death of her husband to keep control amidst the detours of a tempestuous New York romance. As witness to a world of power and greed that life in New York offers to a vulnerable woman, can Kate ultimately rescue herself from the lure that is Len’s world?

Throughout this compelling story, which is inspired by actualevents from the author’s own life, Schwartz cleverly weaves self-empowering thoughts into her heroine’s exploits, making it less the ‘damsel in distress’ and more the infinitely successful ‘woman on top!’ In this amazing look at a woman’s journey to finding herself, readers will both laugh and cry as they relate to Kate and her decisions, emotions and experiences.

While following her quest for a reaffirmation of life and love, including a surprising adventure, Kate’s story touches on the unexpected pleasures and decisions we face throughout our lives. Readers who have dreamed of, or survived, a “Len” in their lives, will recognize themselves in Kate as she searchesto find what matters most in her new life. What does a 35 year-old woman who seems to have it all do when the rug is pulled out from under her? Kate’s struggle to find inner strength on her journey down a slippery slope with a Wall Street man leaves readers wondering and rooting for her to land as the ‘woman on top.’

Praise for Woman On Top:

“Every now and then you find a book that you have difficulty putting down. Last month, I had that experience with the novel Woman on Top, released May 30, 2013 by first time author Deborah Schwartz. Readers may snicker about the title assuming this is a poorly written shallow romance novel; however, quite the opposite is true. The title is a double entendre and refers to the empowerment of a woman.”– Kristin Meekhof, Huffington Post

“The reader will go through a range of emotions but will not want to put this book down since Woman on Top is inspirational, entertaining, and heartbreaking as Kate straddles two completely different worlds.”– Elise Cooper, Working Mother

“The writer Deborah Schwartz, in her novel “Woman on Top,” demonstrates her writing chops by the way she deftly shifts between two literary genres: romance and pathography. The language she uses and the tones she creates align with the chapters covering the stormy romance of the main character and the intense and ultimately tragic illness experience of the main character’s husband.  In this way, the author makes the reader feel deep sympathy for the main character as the story concerns her husband’s plight, yet feel great frustration with the main character as the story concerns her romance. The author makes us wonder how someone who is so clear and soulful can also be so vulnerable and superficial. She’s probably telling us that we’re just stuck with these seemingly contradictory attributes and characteristics. We’re all capable of manifesting a range of behaviors that work against our self interests and that are determined by circumstances beyond our control. Thus, while Woman on Top tells the excruciatingly sad story of an untimely death and the story of a tempestuous romance with its own pathology, the novel has more to tell about us humans.”– JRT, Amazon Reviewer

“You know those great books that from the first sentence (and the cool cover art) grab your attention, and make you want to read it? Well, this is one of those. Settle in, and get ready for a great ride. Schwartz alternately made me laugh and cry out loud over and over in this funny, sad, sexy, entertaining novel. A psychotherapist, I found myself cheering for Kate, as she brings us with her on her journey , refusing to abandon her true self while rebuilding her life after tragedy. Schwartz also deftly paints a picture of the ups and downs of monied NY dating that makes us non-east coast people shake our heads in wonder in this absorbing and fun summer treat.”– littlesrink, Amazon Reviewer 

“The most life-affirming book I’ve read all year! “Woman on Top” is a testament to all women who have overcome adversity (in life and in love) through strength of character and a sheer zest for living. After losing the love of her life, Kate finds herself in the arms of a powerful New York banker who prides himself on being able to give a woman everything she could want, and more. But can he? Schwartz’s book speaks to an essential ingredient for happiness–finding your inner strength. “Woman on Top” will make you laugh and cry and laugh and cry again. If you are in danger of losing faith in true love…or in yourself, read this book now!”– lilybrat, Amazon Reviewer

 About Deborah Schwartz:

Born and raised in New York, Deborah Schwartz graduated from Tufts University and then obtained her Masters in History at Columbia University where she wrote a thesis on “Feminism in Eighteenth Century England.” She received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law. Today, Deborah’s passion is writing and she incorporated her achievement of having reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011 into her debut novel. A New Yorker to the core, Deborah is most grateful to be the mother of her two grown children.  For more information, please visit: www.deborahschwartz.net.

Deborah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-Schwartz-Author/1376332242578553
Deborah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/schwartzd18
Deborah on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7166782.Deborah_Schwartz

Buy Woman On Top:

Amazon

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Nov 7 Spotlight, Guest Post & Giveaway
From L.A. to LA Nov 8 Review
Paperback Writer Nov 8 Guest Post
Chick Lit Central Nov 11 One Week Feature
Teena In Toronto Nov 13 Spotlight
Bookalicious Travel Addict Nov 13 Spotliight
Rainy Days & Mondays Nov 14 Review
Mom in Love with Fiction Nov 18 Review
Sweeps 4 Bloggers Nov 19 Review & Giveaway
Mina’s Bookshelf Nov 21 Interview
Celtic Lady Nov 22 Review
Most Happy Reader Nov 21 Review
Most Happy Reader Nov 22 Interview & Giveaway
Saving for Six Nov 25 Review
Every Free Chance Nov 25 Guest Post  & Giveaway
Mina’s Bookshelf Nov 25 Review
Romance & Inspiration Nov 26 Review
Joy Story Nov 27 Review               

Leah Spiegel & Megan Summers, Authors of Mission One of Auggie the Alien: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on November 28th, 2013

Publisher: CreateSpace (June 4, 2013)
Category/Genre: Light Sci-fi Humorous Middle Grade
ISBN: 978-1490377100
Tour Date: November, 2013
Available in: Print & ebook, 145 Pages

This is the humorous story of a 4th grader, seen through the eyes of a human hybrid alien child, sent to Earth to study our culture – to see if they could coexist with the humans.

Auggie has to try and understand 4th graders slang, body language, and the unwritten protocols of the classroom; all in an attempt to blend in. He upsets his teacher, Mrs. Malumrector, who constantly thinks Auggie’s trying to get smart with her when getting stupid with her would be counterproductive. Not only does Mrs. Malumrector not get Auggie’s literal logic, nor do any of the other students in his class. That is except for Left Hand Chuck who thinks Auggie’s hysterical and helps him by teaching him how to use human slang.

But if Auggie truly wants to complete his mission of blending in with the other children he needs to cheer for both teams, except if they’re losing. He needs to learn not to wear the ‘P and the J’ with the feet conveniently attached to school because they’re for sleeping in only. That ironically enough, Grandpa isn’t going to faint from low blood pressure even though his eyes often tend to roll upwards whenever Auggie is speaking. ‘Pop-a-Squat’ isn’t a good name for a dog, even though he’s great at it. And under no circumstance is he to bring his pet to school even if his teacher has her own pet there, Emily, another student in his class who is neither a gerbil nor a fish.

Praise for Mission One of Auggie the Alien:

“Mission One is a cute and incredibly charming story of Auggie, a nine year old half-alien, sent to earth to observe human behavior up close.  There are quite a lot of funny moments as Auggie attempts to accomplish his mission and get a hang of English slang.  I also really liked the message of this story, that it is ok to be different, and part of having others accept you is accepting yourself.  This is a really fun read for all ages, and I cannot wait to share this with my son in the future.”– Kat, The Katt’s Meow

“Cute and funny read!  I really enjoyed the story of Auggie the Alien and his experience here on Earth. His precociousness had me laughing quite a bit. It was cute to see how a young alien interacts with humans both his own age as well as adults. The author did a wonderful job painting the picture of Auggie’s interactions and making them so believable, endearing and funny.  His banter with his teacher as well as his grandfather made up for most of the funniest scenes and I truly found myself laughing out loud repeatedly.  If you are looking for a great book to give to a kid who loves to read, this is perfect!”– J. Kell, Crazy Book Fanatic

“Coming from a seventeen year old, I really liked this book. It was cute, funny, and just all around creative. The character of Auggie was adorable in himself. An alien from another planet left to pretty much fend for himself in the fourth grade on the foreign planet of Earth. He uses the word ‘human’ often, and seems very gullible for someone so smart. Now that I think about it, Auggie kind of reminds me of Amelia Bedelia, in the sense that they both take everything literally. I think many of the kids I know in grades fourth – sixth, and possibly even older would enjoy this book. It made me laugh, a lot.  I really liked this book and to be honest, even as a 17 year old, I’m excited to read more about Auggie the Alien.”– Nicole, Amazon Reviewer

“We love Auggie!  I read this as a read aloud to my third grade class, and we all loved it! This story is full of endearing characters, quirky humor, and laughable moments. My students were totally engaged in this story; they begged me to keep reading so that they could find out what happened next! Auggie is a book character that became a well known name in my classroom this year, and I can’t wait to share him with my future students!”– Laura H., Amazon Reviewer

“Everyone should read this book no matter the age. It was adorably cute and really funny.  All moms should read this to their kids. I am a huge fan! Auggie is just the best main character and the friends he makes along the way are great too. I can’t wait for Mission Two!”– Erica Alyson, Amazon Reviewer

About Leah Spiegel & Megan Summers:

Although we moved down to North Carolina several years ago, we’re originally from the Pittsburgh area. (That’s why a lot of our characters either live in the Burgh or reference our hometown football team, The Pittsburgh Steelers.) And yes, we even have the Southern accents to show for it now. Although Megan’s is considerable thicker, Leah still can’t understand the locals.

We are known as ‘the sisters’ among our neighborhood; when actually we’re probably really known as ‘the sisters with the Yorkies’. Our pups, Skippy Jon Jones and Captain Jack Sparrow, were given long names to compensate for their small size but not their large personalities.

If Leah’s not glued to her electronic devices, AKA her Kindle Fire and various laptops, you can find her training ‘the attack dogs’, running on the treadmill while conceiving the next great book idea with the Dave Matthews Band, Muse, Florence and the Machine, Lorde, The Lumineers, and Pink (just to name a few) blaring out of her earphones.

If Megan’s not glued to her electronic devices AKA her iPad and Nook Color, you can find her teaching fourth graders, swimming marathon style at the pool, or cuddling with ‘the attack dogs’ as she watches Duck Dynasty, Gold Rush, Scandal, Person of Interest, Morning Joe, etc.

Leah graduated from Edinboro University with a BA in Art Education. Megan received her teaching degree from Edinboro University and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Technology from Grand Canyon University.

Leah & Megan’s Website: www.leahspiegel.com

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leah-Spiegel-and-Megan-Summers/349519668482945
Leah Twitter: https://twitter.com/leahspiegel
Megan Google+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/109013974290224094105?cfem=1 

Buy  Mission One of Auggie the Alien:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Oct 31 Review & Giveaway
I’m a Voracious Reader Nov 4 Review
Ja citam,a ti? Nov 5 Review
Saving for 6 Nov 6 Review & Giveaway
Must Read Faster Nov 6 Review
Rhodes Reviews Nov 7 Review
Rhodes Reviews Nov 7 Giveaway
Sweet Southern Home Nov 8 Review
The Bookworm Nov 8 Guest Post
Daddy Blogger Nov 10 Interview -Live on Google Hangout 7pm PST
Crazy Four Books Nov 11 Review
Crazy Four Books Nov 12 Interview
Melissa’s Midnight Musing Nov 13 Review
The News in Books Nov 14 Review
The News in Books Nov 15 Guest Post
Reading for Sanity Nov 20 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Nov 21 Review & Giveaway
Rose & Beps Blog Nov 22 Guest Post
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia Nov 25 Review
From L.A. to LA Nov 26 Review & Giveaway
Ja citam,a ti? Nov 26 Interview
Daddy Blogger Nov 27 Review

Seth Eisner, Author of Journey to Galumphagos: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on November 28th, 2013

Publisher: WindSide Alley Books (August 4, 2013)
Category/Genre: Middle Grade, Action/Adventure
ISBN: 978-1491082324
Tour Date: November, 2013
Available in: Print & ebook, 84 Pages

Life can be tough for a loner like Emily. She’s had enough of being the perfect target for bullies. She persuades her brother and sister to run away with her to Galumphagos Island, a paradise on earth. But they find out that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the street, or even the other side of the ocean. They need all their courage and cleverness — and a little luck, too — to get out of the mess they landed in. Seth Eisner blends fantastic creatures, exotic travel, non-stop action, and humor in his story about three young children who learn that real courage isn’t just about adventures. It’s usually about ordinary things, like asking that other lonely girl if you can share her lunch table.  Journey to Galumphagos is sure to entertain both adults and children.

Praise for Journey to Galumphagos:

“In this entertaining, fantastical adventure for middle-grade readers, three siblings discover that running away from problems might create more of them. A well-paced, delightful children’s book with a moral that’s clear without being heavy-handed.“-Kirkus Review

“This enchanting book tells the story of 3 siblings who escape their routine life of parental control and classmates bullying to an anticipated fun-filled, exciting life of play on an island inhabited by lovable, furry creatures. When they learn that “the grass is always greener…” is not true, the children demonstrate creativity, co-operation, and perseverance in order to return home, much wiser for their experience. With new confidence, they can successfully make good decisions in dealing with adults and intimidating classmates. The illustrations are clever and help further conversation with children. As an educator, I recommend this as a book for curious independent readers and for adults to share with children. I’d love to read of further journeys by this author!”– Phyllis, Amazon Reviewer

“As I read Journey to Galumphagos, all I could think of was how great it would be as a Pixar movie, a-la “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”-style. The kids precociously abandon their parents for a better place, a wonderful land where kids can do whatever they want and spend their days with wonderful giant teddy-bear like creatures. Only when the kids arrive on Galumphagos, things are immediately a little kooky. Birds that bite, turtles that fight, and Galumphers who won’t leave you alone day or night (did I just make a rhyme?!) — this book made me happy and I look forward to sharing it with kids. Enjoy!“- Ellen C. Maze, Author

“Seth Eisner has created a paradise for kids who are picked on or bullied or just not accepted in the sometimes brutal world of school, and has also pointed out some of the confusion with the language that our common idioms (“pain in the neck”) present to elementary school-aged children. In this case, the expression is “pain in the neck” (as opposed to “pain on the neck”). I remember my own daughter, when that age, responding to my comment, “How do you like them apples?” with “What apples, Mom?” and smiled when I read Seth’s words.
Also smile-worthy are the excellent illustrations that Ellen C. Maze has provided for this fantastical journey of three children (Emily and her brother and sister) who learn firsthand that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. (Another expression that children might well take issue with: “What grass? What fence?”)
Elementary-school-aged children and their parents should enjoy reading about Emily’s journey to Galumphagos and back. And all of us should appreciate the underlying plea for acceptance of each school-aged child on his or her own merits, since it is common knowledge that bullying and ostracism of those who are “different” in the schools of today has become a real problem. (And, after 33 years in classrooms and 150 teacher years in the immediate family, it’s a problem I know well.)”– Connie Corcoran Wilson, Author

“Awesome book.  The title is pretty funny.  I liked the twist of the book.  It is a really good book for any third grader and over.  I don’t just love it because my great uncle wrote it.  I really think it is a great book.  And I think you should really read this book!  And I hope there will be a sequel.”– Ian, a Third-Grader 

About Seth Eisner:

Seth Eisner was an unemployed English professor who wrote a 400-page dissertation on Jane Austen before he gave up trying to be poor and went to law school.  He spent most of his career as inside counsel at Kraft Foods.  He retired as Vice President and Associate General Counsel.

Seth has been married to Rosalind for 44 years during which she has shown almost infinite patience.  They have three adult children, three children-in-law, and six grandchildren, none yet old enough to read Journey to Galumphagos, but they will be by the time the sequel comes out next year. 

Seth Eisner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seth.eisner.98?fref=ts

Buy Journey to Galumphagos:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Nov 11 Review & Giveaway
Reading for Sanity Nov 13 Review
Deal Sharing Aunt Nov 14 Review
Rose & Beps Blog Nov 15 Guest Post
Books, Books & More Books Nov 18 Review
The News in Books Nov 20 Review
The News in Books Nov 20 Interview and Giveaway
Saving for 6 Nov 21 Review
Joystory Nov 21 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Nov 22 Review & Giveaway
Daddy Blogger Nov 24  Live Interview on Hangout
Daddy Blogger Nov 25 Review (postponed)
Paperback Writer Nov 25 Guest Post
Rhodes Reviews Nov 26 Review
Rhodes Reviews Nov 26 Giveaway
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia Nov 27 Review(postponed)