Tag: book review

Self-Publishing News

Virtual Book Tour Blog Post – BUCK The Unrelenting by Jeremiah Haslam

Faith, courage, and the bond between humans and their loyal companions take center stage in Jeremiah Haslam’s inspirational novel BUCK The Unrelenting. A powerful tale that channels the spirit of classics like The Call of the Wild and White Fang, Haslam’s story reminds readers that even in the face of loss and hardship, faith can light the way forward. As part of his virtual book tour, we’re celebrating this moving debut with a few fun and thoughtful extras that bring the world of Buck and his family to life.

Top 5 Reasons Readers Love BUCK The Unrelenting

  • A story of faith and perseverance that uplifts and inspires through every chapter.
  • The unforgettable bond between Buck and his family, showing the redemptive power of love.
  • A deeply human portrayal of loss and courage set during the Great Depression.
  • A faithful message woven naturally into a powerful, adventure-driven story.
  • Its universal themes of hope and resilience, appealing to readers of all ages.

Soundtrack for BUCK The Unrelenting

Every great story deserves a great soundtrack. If BUCK The Unrelenting had one, it might sound like this:

  • “Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson – for its message of perseverance through faith.
  • “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – echoing the spirit of renewal after hardship.
  • “Brother” by NEEDTOBREATHE – a tribute to loyalty and family bonds.
  • “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED – capturing the courage to trust in divine strength.
  • “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin – symbolizing redemption and faith’s triumph.

Character Introduction: Meet Buck

Buck isn’t just a dog—he’s a symbol of steadfast courage and unbreakable faith. Born on a small mountain farm and raised by a God-fearing family, Buck’s journey mirrors our own struggles and triumphs. If Buck could speak, here’s what he might say:

  • What drives you, Buck?
      – “My family. Their love gives me purpose, and their faith gives me strength.”
  • What’s the hardest challenge you’ve faced?
      – “Losing my mother. But I learned that even through pain, there’s purpose.”
  • What lesson do you want readers to remember?
      – “Never stop fighting for what’s right. Stay strong. Stay faithful. Stay unrelenting.”

Jeremiah Haslam’s Book Club Picks

If you loved BUCK The Unrelenting and want to explore similar stories of faith, perseverance, and the beauty of God’s creation, Jeremiah recommends these inspiring reads:

  • White Fang by Jack London – A classic about nature, loyalty, and redemption.
  • The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings – A tender story of love and loss in the natural world.
  • Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – A coming-of-age story defined by courage and compassion.
  • The Shack by William P. Young – A spiritual journey of healing and faith.
  • Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo – A heartwarming reminder that love and friendship can heal all wounds.

Bookish Fun Facts about BUCK The Unrelenting

  • Jeremiah Haslam named Buck after a real dog he owned as a teenager—a tribute to the pet who taught him unconditional love.
  • The story’s small-town setting was inspired by Haslam’s own rural upbringing and love for community.
  • Many of Buck’s heroic acts were inspired by true stories of dogs who saved their owners’ lives.
  • Jeremiah wrote parts of the novel during quiet reflection and prayer, believing God guided the story’s tone and message.
  • Readers often say Buck reminds them of their own pets—their loyalty, strength, and faith in times of trial.

Filled with heart, hope, and divine purpose, BUCK The Unrelenting is more than a story—it’s an uplifting journey about faith’s power to overcome adversity. For anyone who has ever loved a dog, faced a hardship, or believed in second chances, Buck’s story will remind you that you, too, can stay unrelenting.

Available now through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major online retailers. Learn more at OutskirtsPress.com or wherever books are sold.

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Self-Publishing News

Top 5 Reasons to Read Harper’s Bizarre During Mike Thorne’s Book Tour

• A gripping small-town crime story reminiscent of authors like Karin Slaughter and Greg Iles.

• A cast of complex characters, each grappling with secrets, vengeance, or redemption.

• The blend of psychological insight and suspense keeps readers hooked from the first page.

• Themes of rumor, justice, and community upheaval create rich book club discussions.

• A uniquely Southern atmosphere that brings readers right into Harper’s streets and homes.

Playlist for Harper’s Bizarre

• Every Breath You Take – The Police (echoing the novel’s themes of surveillance and obsession).

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (a haunting 80s vibe fitting Brad’s hallucinations).

• In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins (perfectly mirroring tension before a showdown).

• Don’t Stop Believin – Journey (a reminder of resilience amidst chaos).

• With or Without You – U2 (channeling heartbreak and fractured relationships).

Meet the Characters

• Chief Grady Noland – A steady leader, but one whose health and sanity are tested by Harper’s bizarre crimes.

• Brad Childers – A troubled young man whose hallucinations spiral into deadly consequences.

• Jesse – A manipulative influence who pushes Brad into horrific choices.

• Bone Ludlow – A vengeful ex-husband driven to destructive extremes.

• Nancy and Danny Dewberry – Caught in the fallout of violence and revenge.

Author’s Book Club Picks

If you enjoyed the layered psychological suspense of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, you’ll be hooked by the complex characters and dark secrets in Harper’s Bizarre.

If you were drawn into the Southern setting and hidden crimes of Natchez Burning by Greg Iles, you’ll feel right at home in the college town of Harper.

If you loved the twisty domestic thrills of The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, you’ll find similar shocking turns and betrayals in Harper’s Bizarre.

If Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger resonated with you for its community drama and moral questions, you’ll appreciate how Harper’s Bizarre explores the ripple effects of rumor and tragedy.

If Murder in Memory by Mike Thorne intrigued you with its psychological depth, Harper’s Bizarre continues that legacy with even greater suspense and intensity.

Bookish Fun Facts

• The author, Mike Thorne, spent nearly four decades as a psychology professor—giving his characters rare depth.

• He has published over 1,000 articles in numismatic magazines, proving his range of interests beyond fiction.

• His short story Worms placed ninth in a Writer s Digest competition with over 2,000 entries.

• Thorne loves British TV mysteries, which influence the tone and pacing of his crime novels.

• The fictional town of Harper was inspired by the charm and gossip-filled dynamics of real Southern college towns.

Where to Find It

Harper’s Bizarre is available in paperback and hardback with worldwide distribution through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major booksellers. Readers can also learn more and purchase directly for a 10% discount at: https://outskirtspress.com/harpersbizarre

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Self-Publishing News

Author Spotlight: John D. Houck

We’re excited to feature John D. Houck, author of Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers, a powerful historical novel steeped in the drama, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of America’s fight for independence.

Meet the Author

John D. Houck is an author, college professor, and economist with a PhD in Education, an MSM in Business Management, and a BS in Economics and History. With a lifelong dedication to teaching and scholarship, Houck combines his love of history and storytelling to create engaging narratives that connect readers to America’s past. His academic background allows him to blend historical accuracy with compelling fiction, making his stories both educational and inspirational.

About the Book

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers is a historical fiction novel that follows the Casey family through the tumultuous years of the Revolutionary War. Through the fictional conscience narrator, Phil Peepers, readers witness how the Caseys endure sacrifice, hardship, and courage while fighting for liberty and preserving their family legacy. Interwoven with factual accounts of events such as the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the novel gives readers a vivid portrait of how ordinary families were affected by extraordinary times.

Inspiration Behind the Book

Houck was inspired to write this book out of a desire to honor the sacrifices of America’s founding families and to encourage readers to reflect on the values of liberty, faith, and perseverance. His passion for Revolutionary War history and his belief in the power of education come together in this novel, designed to inspire readers to learn more about America’s roots and the principles that shaped its republic.

Why Readers Love It

Readers are drawn to Houck’s ability to combine heartfelt family drama with historically rich detail. The novel’s mix of personal narratives, action-filled battles, and reflective commentary offers both entertainment and insight. Readers appreciate the way the book encourages them to think critically about freedom, government, and the sacrifices required to secure independence.

Who Should Read It

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers is ideal for fans of historical fiction, educators seeking supplemental reading for U.S. history lessons, book clubs interested in Revolutionary-era America, and anyone who enjoys novels that combine fact with dramatic storytelling. It also appeals to readers who value patriotism, faith, and family-centered narratives.

Looking Ahead

Houck hopes his work will inspire readers to continue exploring America’s founding era and to reflect on the challenges of preserving freedom in the modern age. He envisions writing more stories that spotlight untold perspectives from America’s history and further connect past lessons to present-day reflections.

Where to Find It

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers is available in paperback and hardback with worldwide distribution through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major booksellers. Readers can also learn more and purchase directly at: https://outskirtspress.com/RevolutionaryWarandtheAmericanTrailblazers

This content was enhanced through collaboration with AI-powered creativity applications.

Self-Publishing News

Virtual Book Tour Feature: Bill’s 5 Rules for Success by Bill Leinweber

When a young person steps into the working world for the first time, the transition can feel both exciting and overwhelming. That’s where Bill’s 5 Rules for Success: What Every Teenager Should Know Before Starting Their First Job comes in. Written by seasoned business leader Bill Leinweber, this accessible, humorous, and highly practical guide gives teens the foundational workplace habits that can carry them through their entire careers.

As part of his virtual book tour, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the book with lists, playlists, fun facts, and more—so you can get to know the man behind the rules and discover why this book is becoming a must-read for teens, parents, and educators alike.

Top 5 Lessons from Bill’s 5 Rules for Success

While the book dives into the details, here’s a quick peek at the core lessons every reader walks away with:

  1. Show Up – Being present is the first step to being effective.
  2. Be On Time – Reliability earns trust from day one.
  3. Be Productive – Balance efficiency with quality.
  4. Show That You Care – Pride in your work shows through.
  5. Ask, “How Can I Help?” – Teamwork is the secret to long-term success.

Think of these as a “starter kit” for any young worker—simple, powerful, and transferable to any industry or role.

The Soundtrack to Success

If Bill’s 5 Rules for Success had a playlist, it would blend motivation with a touch of fun—just like the book itself. Here’s a sampling of tracks we think match the spirit of each rule:

  • “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (Rule #1: Show Up)
  • “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (Rule #2: Be On Time—because persistence matters)
  • “Workin’ for a Livin’” – Huey Lewis & The News (Rule #3: Be Productive)
  • “You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor (Rule #4: Show That You Care)
  • “Lean On Me” – Bill Withers (Rule #5: Ask, “How Can I Help?”)

It’s the kind of soundtrack you’d want playing in your earbuds on the way to your first job interview.

Meet “The Rookie” – A Reader’s Stand-In Character

While the book isn’t fiction, readers will easily see themselves in “The Rookie”—the stand-in character that represents every teen entering the workplace for the first time. The Rookie is nervous, eager to learn, and unsure of what to expect, but with each chapter, they gain confidence, skill, and the ability to navigate real-world challenges.

By the final chapter, The Rookie has transformed into a dependable, confident team member—thanks to the five rules that any reader can adopt.

Bill Leinweber spent 40 years in business leadership roles, managing customer service departments and business integration projects. Business leaders have trusted Bill to build effective customer service teams and develop processes that enhance the customer, employee, and stakeholder experience. Bill lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. When he’s not writing, you may find him exploring unusual travel destinations. Or eating ice cream.

Bill Leinweber’s Book Club Picks

If you enjoy Bill’s 5 Rules for Success, you might also find inspiration, motivation, and practical wisdom in these complementary reads:

  1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” – Sean Covey
  2. “Grit” – Angela Duckworth
  3. “Do Hard Things” – Alex & Brett Harris
  4. “The Defining Decade” – Meg Jay
  5. “Make Your Bed” – Admiral William H. McRaven

These books, like Bill’s, encourage personal responsibility, resilience, and a proactive mindset—qualities that make all the difference in a young person’s future.

Bookish Fun Facts about Bill’s 5 Rules for Success

  • The idea for the book began 35 years ago with a single question from a new employee: “What do I need to do to be successful here?”
  • The original advice had only four rules; the fifth was added years later after Bill witnessed the power of teamwork.
  • Though aimed at teens, the book’s advice resonates with new employees of any age.
  • Bill’s straightforward style comes from his years as both a mentor and a manager—he wanted a tone that young readers could actually enjoy and remember.
  • Readers have said they’ve bought the book as a graduation gift to prepare high school and college grads for the next big step.

Why This Book Matters Now

In an age where digital skills often overshadow soft skills, Bill’s 5 Rules for Success is a refreshing reminder of the timeless habits that make employees—and people—stand out. Whether you’re a teen about to start your first job, a parent hoping to guide your child, or an educator looking for a classroom resource, this book offers advice that’s easy to apply, hard to forget, and genuinely life-changing.

Where to Buy: Bill’s 5 Rules for Success is available now in paperback and Kindle on Amazon and at Outskirts Press for a 10% discount at https://outskirtspress.com/bills5rulesforsuccess

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Book Reviews

Reposting Original Book Review: The Winds of Malibu: An Unexplainable Memoir by Jeff Lucas

The Winds of Malibu: An Unexplainable Memoir by Jeff Lucas

All he wanted was another 1920s Hollywood Utopia!

OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION

The Winds of Malibu is the true story of a boy whose father (a computer engineer with a grudge against Hollywood) has held on to a house in the movie colony of Malibu, California, after a bitter divorce. At the age of eleven, Lucas is fiercely bitten by the Acting Bug and does anything to act. A war between him and his controlling father regarding his Hollywood aspirations ensues amid crippling anxiety attacks. The story of an outrageous upbringing, where friends are preferable to parents, and Lucas relies on his diary to guide him. Lucas’s peers at school will become Hollywood’s top actors in the coming decade. The ultra-quirky, stormy, funny account of an extraordinary boy’s struggle to hang onto his dream.

REVIEW

It is perhaps unavoidably funny that I must now, as a reviewer, attempt to explain The Winds of Malibu: An Unexplainable Memoir to you. However, this is precisely the kind of humor author Jeff Lucas would find amusing himself. After all, what is a memoir but a sustained attempt to translate personal experience into a form that others understand? The book’s subtitle leaves its first hints of dark and sideways humor, the kind of humor that may take you into the trash heaps of Malibu and shadowy memories of childhood fears but also sees the virtue of getting bit in the buttocks by a neighbor’s dog.

I must admit I didn’t grow up in Malibu during the 1970s. Still, Lucas does a great job summoning the place for me, especially its ragtag bands of roving, undersupervised, and extremely hormonal children who found their best entertainment came from shoplifting the candy aisle at Trances Market and one-upmanship in sowing their earliest wild oats. This is not the Malibu of today, or at least not entirely, with horseback riding the unwashed hills still a typical family outing. Upon returning to this Malibu after several years away, Lucas must figure out exactly who he wants to be.

“What kind of juvenile delinquent are you?”

“A different kind, I suppose.”

Meanwhile, the conflict with his father is built up from the barest hints of foreshadowing (“My dad never had a true, trusted friend in his life. I hiked along and swigged water out of a shared thermos and thought about that.”) until the tension in their relationship reaches a fever pitch (“It was beautiful not to see my father’s face.”). All the while, Lucas lays out his days at school in Malibu, growing up and performing on the school stage alongside Emilio Estévez and others. (Ironically, I had just watched Estévez’s movie The Public shortly before picking up this book. Sometimes, the universe lines things up like that.) Lucas manages to sketch the many joys, impossibilities, and trials of youth by including selections from his diaries and other ephemera. The alternation between these sections and more traditional prose forces the reader to slow down and engage with each moment as it takes place on the page.

Although I grew up worlds away from Jeff Lucas, The Winds of Malibu: An Unexplainable Memoir did a fantastic job of acquainting me with the time and place. There’s an artfulness to the simplicity of his sentences and to the dialogue that reflects, in many ways, how young people see the world: deceptively simple on the surface but roiling with emotion and nuance underneath. But far and away, the book’s most compelling part was the

through-line of Lucas’s struggles with anxiety. His world was full of constant change despite his story of repeatedly returning to his father’s house in Malibu, and his mental health struggles make perfect sense in that context—although not the kind of sense that makes anxiety any easier to live through. His struggles feel very real and also very much a part of the larger architecture of this memoir, which chronicles not just a time and place and the boy who grew up within it, but also the sense of something lost that can never quite be found.

A quick reader’s advisory note: This book does deal with a good amount of “adult content,” which makes sense given the time and place (1970s Malibu and Hollywood), so be aware of that.

IN SUMMARY

A deeply personal and yet humorous account of one boy’s coming of age in Malibu, The Winds of Malibu: An Unexplainable Memoir is rich with juicy tidbits about Hollywood’s new elite. The story gathers further interest as it explores the conflict between father and son as the author battles to join his schoolmates’ names on the big screen.

WHERE TO BUY?

Learn more about The Winds of Malibu: An Unexplainable Memoir on the book’s Outskirts Press author page.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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ABOUT KENDRA M.: With nine years in library service, six years of working within the self-publishing world, as well as extensive experience in creative writing, freelance online content creation, and podcast editing, Kendra seeks to amplify the voices of those who need and deserve most to be heard.