Tag: book tour

It gives readers powerful, scripture-based prayers they can speak over themselves in moments of uncertainty or stress. 

The warm, first-person style helps readers feel personally guided and encouraged, making prayer accessible for all. 

Each chapter focuses on a relatable need—strength, healing, clarity, boldness, release—allowing readers to find exactly what they need in any season. 

The book blends practicality and spiritual depth, offering prayers that feel both emotionally affirming and biblically grounded. 

Readers appreciate the author’s decades of intercessory experience, which adds authenticity, confidence and spiritual weight to every declaration. 

A Prayerful Playlist for the Journey 

“Way Maker” by Sinach – A song of breakthrough and reassurance, echoing the book’s themes of faith in uncertain times. 

“You Say” by Lauren Daigle – A reminder of identity, strength and worth, mirroring the affirmations throughout the prayers. 

“Refiner” by Maverick City Music – Reflects moments of spiritual transformation found in the book’s more introspective prayers. 

“Oceans” by Hillsong United – Perfect for readers connecting with prayers about trust, release and letting God lead. 

“Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence – A musical companion to Camille’s message of speaking life and truth over your own circumstances. 

Introducing the Heart Behind the Book 

Though not character-driven like fiction, the spirit of “Right Prayers for Now Times” carries its own guiding voice—an intercessor who has walked through storms, breakthroughs and seasons of spiritual growth. 

Readers often describe the author’s prayer voice as comforting yet bold, sounding like a mentor who walks alongside them during each declaration. 

If one were to imagine this guiding presence as a character, it might resemble a trusted spiritual companion—one who reminds readers of biblical truths, encourages resilience and speaks life with unwavering confidence. 

This “character” is shaped by Camille’s own real-life experiences: decades of prayer leadership, personal endurance and a deep desire to help others connect with God in practical, meaningful ways. 

Recommending “Right Prayers for Now Times” Based on These Book Club Picks 

“Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer – A powerful companion for readers exploring topics of thought renewal and spiritual clarity. 

“Fervent” by Priscilla Shirer – Ideal for people who connected with the bold, targeted prayer style found in Camille’s book. 

“Draw the Circle” by Mark Batterson – A devotional that deepens one’s prayer life through daily intentional practice. 

“The Power of a Praying Woman” by Stormie Omartian – A classic for readers seeking structured, faith-filled prayers. 

“It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa TerKeurst – A reflective and heartfelt book for those navigating emotional or spiritual struggles. 

Bookish Fun Facts About “Right Prayers for Now Times” 

Many of the prayers began as personal journal entries the author wrote during moments of deep reflection and spiritual conversation with God. 

The book’s first-person structure was intentionally chosen to help readers feel empowered—so that the moment they begin reading, they begin praying. 

Each prayer includes specific biblical references, as the author believes Scripture-backed prayer strengthens faith and confidence. 

Several early readers have shared that they keep the book by their bedside, using one prayer each morning to set the tone for their day. 

The author’s favorite chapter changed several times during writing—because each prayer reflected a different season she walked through. 

• A refreshingly science-based approach to dating that feels realistic and achievable. 

• Fast, eye-opening explanations of why we’re attracted to certain people—and why we keep picking the wrong ones. 

• Lively storytelling drawn from 43+ years of real clinical experience. 

• Clear descriptions of toxic personalities that help readers instantly identify red flags. 

• Empowering tools for finding reliable, emotionally healthy partners. 

• Smart behavioral insights delivered in simple, relatable language. 

• A humorous yet deeply compassionate tone, making even tough lessons enjoyable to read. 

• Perfect for readers of Attached, The Science of Happily Ever After, or Why We Love  

• Encourages readers to reflect, reassess, and rewrite their relationship patterns. 

• Offers truly practical dating guidance that goes far beyond typical dating-advice books. 

Playlist / Soundtrack for the Book 

• ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini’ – Rachmaninoff (the author’s inspiration and perfect for reflective reading). 

• ‘Strange Love’ – Halsey, for exploring the complexity of attraction. 

• ‘Truth Hurts’ – Lizzo, capturing the empowerment of breaking bad cycles. 

• ‘The Story’ – Brandi Carlile, for readers rediscovering personal truth. 

• ‘Human’ – Rag’n’Bone Man, reminding us of the vulnerability behind dating patterns. 

• ‘Vienna’ – Billy Joel, echoing the book’s message of slowing down and choosing wisely. 

Character Introduction: Meet the A, B, and C Types 

• The ‘A’ Partner: Reliable, consistent, emotionally healthy, a steady communicator — think Ted Lasso meets a grounded George Clooney. 

• The ‘B’ Partner: High-voltage, charming, impulsive, unpredictable — similar to the magnetic but chaotic characters in You  or  Euphoria. 

• The ‘C’ Partner: Sweet, overly accommodating, conflict-avoidant — like a softer, quieter version of Marshall Eriksen from How I Met Your Mother, but without the confidence. 

• These ‘characters’ are real behavioral archetypes Dr. Ruben uses to help readers instantly identify relationship patterns. 

Author’s Book Club Picks (if you love these too, try Rate Your Date) 

•  Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller – A bestselling exploration of attachment styles. 

•  The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John & Julie Gottman – Science-backed relationship mastery. 

•  Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb – For readers fascinated by therapy-driven personal insight. 

•  The Science of Happily Ever After by Dr. Ty Tashiro – A research-rich look at why partner selection matters. 

•  Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab – A perfect companion for breaking unhealthy dating cycles. 

Bookish Fun Facts About Rate Your Date  

• The book draws from over 8,000 real client experiences, making it deeply authentic. 

• Dr. Ruben studied under students of B.F. Skinner—giving the book a legendary behavioral-science lineage. 

• The examples of toxic dating patterns (‘B’s’ and ‘C’s’) come from decades of real-world observation. 

• The book’s message—choose people who feel “boring” at first—often surprises readers, but becomes a fan-favorite concept. 

• Many readers report finishing the book in one sitting because the stories feel so familiar and relatable. 

Top Lessons from A Past That Lies Before Me 

• The human spirit can rediscover faith even in confinement.
•  Life is not always fair, but we are limited in rectifying that unfairness. 
• Empathy for others is a powerful way to find healing and redemption.
• Transformation can come from the most unexpected people and places.
• Hope is not found in circumstance but in perspective.
• You can survive great loss.

 A Past That Lies Before Me invites readers to step into the shoes of Steve Clark, Ph.D., a man who had everything—a brilliant academic career, a nice home, a lovely fiancé, respect, and influence—until one mistake sent him into the depths of the U.S. criminal justice system. What he discovered there wasn’t just suffering and loss—it also was humanity, resilience, and even grace.

Playlist for Reflection and Redemption 

• “Amazing Grace” – Aretha Franklin
• “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley
• “Fix You” – Coldplay
• “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel
• “Rise Up” – Andra Day
• “The Sound of Silence” – Disturbed
• “Let It Be” – The Beatles
• “Man in the Mirror” – Michael Jackson
• “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
• “You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor

These songs mirror the emotional journey found within Clark’s memoir—songs of regret, renewal, and rediscovery that complement his story of transformation and grace.

 Character Introduction: Lonesome George 

One of the most memorable figures in A Past That Lies Before Me is Lonesome George, an unlikely spiritual guide within the walls of the county jail. At first, he’s seen as a loner—an outcast even among outcasts—but to Clark, he unexpectedly becomes a beacon of compassion. George’s simple request and unexpected empathy mark one of the most transformative moments in Clark’s story, reminding readers that redemption often comes from unexpected people.

 Steve Clark’s Book Club Picks 

• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
• The Sun Does Shine  by Anthony Ray Hinton
• The Glass Castle  by Jeannette Walls 
• Just Mercy  by Bryan Stevenson 
• When Breath Becomes Air  by Paul Kalanithi 

If you like any of these titles A Past That Lies Before Me is the book for you, expanding on the themes of redemption, resilience, and the human capacity for hope.

Bookish Fun Facts 

Steve Clark wrote much of the manuscript while processing the trauma of his experience, often late at night in front of a computer. 

The title A Past That Lies Before Me is inspired by Oscar Wilde’s letter De Profundis, written from prison—a literary echo that frames Clark’s own reflection on identity and consequence.

Despite its heavy subject matter, many readers find humor and lightness in Clark’s storytelling, a testament to his academic wit and humanity.

Several real-life inmates who inspired characters in the book later reconnected with Clark after publication, sharing their gratitude for being seen and understood.

Clark continues to meet weekly with a group of men who rallied around him through his darkest times—proof that the relationships forged in hardship can last a lifetime.

Closing Reflection 

With emotional honesty and intellectual depth, A Past That Lies Before Me transforms personal failure and great loss into something positive and great personal insight into his own life. It is both a confession and a call to compassion for readers—an invitation to see redemption as a shared human journey. For readers who admire the vulnerability of The Sun Does Shine and the introspection of When Breath Becomes Air, this memoir is not to be missed.

We’re thrilled to feature Gary Rivera and his heartwarming middle-grade novel The Reluctant Bully as part of this virtual book tour. A blend of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery, Rivera’s storytelling offers a timeless message about courage, empathy, and the choices that define who we become. If you loved classics like Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, you’ll find the same emotional depth and hope in The Reluctant Bully.

Top 5 Lessons Readers Can Take from The Reluctant Bully

Kindness can rewrite someone’s story; sometimes all it takes is one friend who listens.

Even bullies have backstories; understanding doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it can inspire change.

Family isn’t perfect, but forgiveness can turn hurt into healing.

Bravery often looks quiet; it’s the courage to stand up, speak up, or even apologize.

Hope is a decision you make, not something you wait for.

The Reluctant Bully Playlist – Songs That Capture the Story’s Heart

“Brave” – Sara Bareilles (a perfect anthem for Smoochie’s journey toward courage)

“Count on Me” – Bruno Mars (for the loyalty between friends when it matters most)

“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten (reflecting the moments of strength found in self-belief)

“We’re Going to Be Friends” – The White Stripes (a nostalgic nod to the innocence of school days)

“Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield (symbolizing new beginnings and the choice to grow beyond your past)

Character Introduction – Meet Smoochie

Smoochie is a bright, determined eleven-year-old who wants to make the world a better place; starting with her own school. After the events of The Lunch Money Treasure, she’s still learning what it means to be brave. In The Reluctant Bully, Smoochie’s big heart leads her to face tough truths about friendship, forgiveness, and what happens when someone you care about makes the wrong choice. Her voice is authentic and relatable; reminding readers that growing up is messy, but it’s also magical.

A quick Q&A with Smoochie:

Favorite subject: Math (she enjoys solving puzzles, and math requires thought.)

Biggest fear: Letting down her friends or family.

Favorite snack: chocolate chip cookies.

Dream job: Teacher or detective. Maybe both.

Personal motto: “The impossible is possible.”

Gary Rivera’s Book Club Picks

As a storyteller who values empathy and courage, Rivera recommends a few books that echo the same heart as The Reluctant Bully. These titles pair beautifully for classroom discussions or family reading nights.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio – For its compassion and lessons in kindness.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson – For its exploration of imagination and loss.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – For its quiet heroism and empathy.

Restart by Gordon Korman – For its take on redemption and second chances.

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea – For its emotional depth and classroom realism.

Bookish Fun Facts About Gary Rivera and The Reluctant Bully

Gary wrote the story idea nearly fifteen years ago, inspired by a dinner conversation with his children.

He originally planned The Lunch Money Treasure as a standalone, but readers’ enthusiasm led him to develop a full trilogy.

The talent show scene near the end of The Reluctant Bully was the hardest for Rivera to write, due to its emotional parallels to his own life.

Gary once wrote a rap song for his wife’s company picnic; and she won first place!

The author’s favorite feedback from readers? That his stories remind them of their own childhoods. Gary Rivera’s The Reluctant Bully is a heartfelt story that blends humor, warmth, and hope into every page. It’s available now through the author’s webpage for a discount, Amazon, and all other major retailers, distributors, and wholesalers. Join Smoochie on her journey to understand friendship, forgiveness and the power of doing the right thing; even when it’s hard.

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