Tag: new book discovery

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

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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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Self-Publishing News

Buckle Up: 5 Reasons to Dive into Rod Lewin’s The Missing Mallard Mystery

Adventure lovers, aviation enthusiasts, and fans of fast-paced fiction—get ready to take off with Rod Lewin’s thrilling new novel, The Missing Mallard Mystery. As part of his Virtual Book Tour, we’re inviting readers to climb aboard the Wayward Wind, the vintage World War Two flying boat piloted by series hero Mitch Blaine and his brilliant (and often begrudging) sidekick, Beyer. Together, they soar into the skies over Australia’s Outback to solve the disappearance of a Grumman Mallard loaded with millions in pearls.

This blog post isn’t just a spotlight—it’s a full-throttle, multi-sensory celebration of The Missing Mallard Mystery. From playlists to characters, lists to club picks, here’s your exclusive guided tour into the world of Rod Lewin’s aviation-fueled fiction.

Top 5 Reasons to Read The Missing Mallard Mystery

  1. It’s like Clive Cussler meets Indiana Jones… with wings.
    If you love high-stakes treasure hunts, daring escapes, and globe-trotting thrills—this one’s for you.
  2. The setting is refreshingly unique.
    Western Australia’s pearl-diving coastlines and crocodile-filled Outback aren’t your typical thriller backdrops. They’re vivid, dangerous, and fascinating.
  3. You don’t have to be an aviation geek to enjoy it.
    Lewin weaves technical authenticity into the narrative with ease, offering just enough detail for plane buffs without ever slowing the pace.
  4. The duo at the heart of the story is unforgettable.
    Mitch Blaine is a rugged, world-weary pilot with quick instincts, while Beyer is an erudite, reluctant co-adventurer with a dry wit that makes every scene sparkle.
  5. It’s based on real-life experience.
    Lewin is a veteran aviator, and it shows. The realism in flight scenes and atmospheric tension comes from decades in the sky.

The Missing Mallard Mystery: Soundtrack for an Aerial Adventure

What might be playing in the background as Mitch and Beyer skim across the Timor Sea or outwit pirates in the bush? Here’s a fitting playlist:

  • “Into the Wild” – LP
  • “Run Through the Jungle” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • “Sons of the Sea” – Bear McCreary (instrumental)
  • “The Passenger” – Iggy Pop
  • “Outback” – Midnight Oil
  • “Skyfall” – Adele (for a touch of espionage and cinematic flair)
  • “High Hopes” – Pink Floyd
  • “Far Side of the World” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Brothers in Arms” – Dire Straits
  • “No Time for Caution” – Hans Zimmer (from Interstellar)

This soundtrack matches the novel’s blend of edge, elegance, and emotional lift.

Meet Mitch Blaine: A Character Introduction

Mitch Blaine is the kind of protagonist who feels instantly iconic. A seasoned pilot with a steel exterior and occasional glints of heart, he’s not in it for the fame—he’s in it because someone has to fly the mission. Whether it’s navigating through typhoons or evading pirates, he thrives in peril and chaos.

Q: What drives you to get involved with something as dangerous as this pearl heist mystery?
“I’m not a hero. I just know how to fly into trouble and—on good days—out of it. But when an old mate calls for help, I don’t say no.”

Q: What’s your biggest weakness?
“Aside from trusting Beyer to pack the right coffee? Probably my inability to leave a mystery alone.”

Rod Lewin’s Book Club Picks

Wondering what kinds of books Rod Lewin might recommend between flights? These titles align with the energy, intelligence, and heart of The Missing Mallard Mystery:

  1. The Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett – A masterclass in suspense.
  2. Sahara by Clive Cussler – A globe-trotting treasure hunt with vintage vehicles.
  3. Flight of the Intruder by Stephen Coonts – For aviation lovers who crave action.
  4. The River of Doubt by Candice Millard – True-life exploration meets peril and discovery.
  5. The Martian by Andy Weir – For readers who enjoy brilliant problem-solvers in extreme situations.
  6. The Lost City of Z by David Grann – If you liked the jungle elements of Mallard, this is a must.

Bookish Fun Facts

  • The Grumman Mallard flying boat featured in the book is a real aircraft, used historically in pearl diving operations in Australia.
  • Mitch’s aircraft, the Wayward Wind, is a PBY Catalina, one of the most famous seaplanes of WWII.
  • Rod Lewin has flown all over the world, including the Virgin Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Greek Islands—and those landscapes inspire the scenery in his novels.
  • The Missing Mallard Mystery is the fourth book in the Mitch Blaine series, but it also works as a stand-alone adventure.
  • The author’s autobiography, Steel Spine, Iron Will, is based on his real-life recovery from a plane crash.

Ready to Join the Adventure?

If you love smart, atmospheric fiction full of grit, danger, and heart—The Missing Mallard Mystery is ready for takeoff. Whether you’re a book club host, an armchair traveler, or someone who just loves a good, old-fashioned mystery with a fresh twist, this novel delivers.

Explore more, including author info and tour updates, at:  www.outskirtspress.com/rodlewinpby

#MissingMallardMystery #RodLewinBooks #VirtualBookTour2025 #AdventureReads #AviationFiction

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Self-Publishing News

Book Showcase: Discover the Quiet Power of Finntown Girl by Gloria Smith


Gloria Smith’s Finntown Girl offers a poignant, character-driven glimpse into a little-known chapter of American history. Set in 1940s rural Georgia, this young adult novel explores the resilience of a Finnish-American girl named Helmi as she navigates cultural identity, silence, faith, and family hardship. With emotional depth and literary grace, Finntown Girl is a novel that stays with you—and it belongs on the shelf of every reader who appreciates coming-of-age stories grounded in both history and heart.

Here’s why Finntown Girl deserves a spot on your TBR list or your next book club discussion:

IF YOU LIKED THESE TOP 5 YA NOVELS, YOU’LL LIKE FINNTOWN GIRL

If you were moved by the heartfelt journeys in these emotionally resonant YA novels, you’ll likely connect with Helmi’s story in Finntown Girl. Gloria Smith’s debut brings together themes of identity, resilience, and quiet strength in the face of hardship:

  1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Like Scout, Helmi offers a young perspective on injustice and family complexity.
  2. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse – Both novels depict girls growing up in poverty-stricken, rural settings with lyrical sensitivity.
  3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Readers who loved Liesel’s introspection and survival through silence will find a kindred spirit in Helmi.
  4. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – Helmi, like Jacqueline, straddles two cultural identities with poise and reflection.
  5. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan – A young girl navigating loss, change, and cultural dislocation connects these two stories.

If these titles are on your favorites shelf, Finntown Girl will be a powerful next read.

THE FINNTOWN GIRL PLAYLIST: SONGS TO SET THE SCENE

Looking to immerse yourself in the emotional tone and time period of Finntown Girl? These songs reflect the bittersweet beauty of Helmi’s 1940s Southern world—where hardship, hope and quiet strength intertwine:

  • “Dream a Little Dream of Me” – Doris Day
  • “Blueberry Hill” – Fats Domino
  • “In the Mood” – Glenn Miller
  • “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” – The Andrews Sisters
  • “Ain’t Misbehavin'” – Fats Waller
  • “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Play these while reading for a fully atmospheric experience.

CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT: MEET HELMI

In Finntown Girl, we meet Helmi, a quiet, introspective Finnish-American girl growing up in the backwoods of Georgia during World War II. Her world is small but filled with challenges—family trauma, poverty, and cultural friction—yet Helmi’s internal strength is quietly transformative.

Like Francie Nolan in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or Cassie Logan in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Helmi doesn’t set out to be a hero. But her authenticity, empathy, and quiet resilience make her one. Her story resonates deeply with readers who value richly developed characters and emotionally honest storytelling.

BOOK CLUB PICKS: IF YOU ENJOYED THESE, TRY FINNTOWN GIRL

If your book club enjoyed these five titles, consider Finntown Girl for your next discussion:

  1. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
  2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  3. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai
  4. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  5. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Each of these novels—like Finntown Girl—offers a thoughtful look at a young girl’s journey to find her place in the world. Together, they provide rich terrain for discussion around courage, cultural identity, history, and hope.

5 THINGS THAT MAKE FINNTOWN GIRL A RICH CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Finntown Girl is more than a coming-of-age novel—it’s also a layered, culturally rich portrait of a rarely depicted immigrant community in the American South. Here are five elements that give the book its historical and emotional depth:

  1. The sauna as sanctuary. A central part of Finnish life, the sauna represents more than hygiene—it’s spiritual, familial, and symbolic of cleansing and renewal.
  2. Bilingual identity. Helmi’s navigation between Finnish and English reflects the larger struggle of immigrant families to preserve heritage while assimilating.
  3. Lutheran grounding. Deep-rooted religious values shape many of Helmi’s actions and thoughts, from her understanding of forgiveness to her sense of duty.
  4. Silence as strength. Helmi’s reserved nature reflects a cultural tradition where emotional restraint is not weakness, but wisdom.
  5. Collective resilience. The tight-knit Finnish community in the novel demonstrates how mutual aid and shared values help families survive adversity.

These authentic details give Finntown Girl a distinctive voice in the YA historical fiction landscape.

Whether you’re a lover of quiet stories with big emotional impact, a fan of historical fiction, or a book club looking for your next deep discussion, Finntown Girl by Gloria Smith offers something special: a literary journey into a hidden corner of America’s past told through the brave eyes of a girl named Helmi.

Learn more or order your copy at Outskirts Press https://outskirtspress.com/finntowngirl

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