Tour Wrap Up: six to carry the casket and one to say the mass by Bill Hulseman

 

reflections on life, identity, and moving forward

LGBTQ+

Date Published: July 8, 2025

Publisher: Peanut Butter Publishing

Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward offers the unique opportunity for its readers to start a new dialogue, take an active hand in creating culture and reshaping the world, and think about making meaning from formative experiences and relationships. From family dynamics and professional challenges that bolstered and battered him to the TV shows, films, books, and people who impacted his queer identity, Bill deconstructs the world that he inherited and begins to reconstruct the person he wants to become through short, poignant, thought-provoking, and frequently hilarious essays. The post-2020 world revealed to Bill that social transformation only comes with individual choices. If he wanted the world to change, he had to truthfully and compassionately understand how choices made long ago brought him to this moment and how the choices he makes now shape the future.

This book is not didactic or instructional; not self-help or psychology; not academic philosophy or cultural criticism. It is an exercise in honesty and a portrait of Bill, his family, and how we construct multiple identities—sexual, religious, philosophical, political, familial, relational—without reducing them to a monolithic whole, without being argumentative.

For anyone looking to make meaning out of their lives and the world around them, this book offers a model.

 

Did you miss any of the stops on this Tour?

July 7 - RABT Book Tours - Kick Off

July 8 - On a Reading Bender - Review

July 9 - Texas Book Nook - Review

July 10 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

July 11 - My Reading Addiction - Excerpt

July 12 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

July 13 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

July 14 - The Avid Reader - Excerpt

July 15 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

July 16 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

July 17 - Novel News Network - Review

July 18 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

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Tour Wrap Up: Elmer Kelton's The Familiar Stranger by John Bradshaw

 

A Hewey Calloway Adventure, Book 5

Western Adventure

Date Published: 12-03-2024

Publisher: Forge Books

Elmer Kelton’s Hewey Calloway, one of the best-loved cowboys in all of Western fiction, returns in this novel of his middling years, as he looks for work―but not too much work―in 1904 West Texas.Hewey Calloway had intended to pass straight through Durango, Colorado, en route to visit a friend several miles northeast of the city. He had left his home range about a year before, with a herd of young horses. It was supposed to be a relatively straightforward affair; deliver the horses, collect the payment, and return home with the money. Things got out of hand, however, and there he was in Durango a year later with plans to go north rather than south. Oh, well, he thought, he had always wanted to see new country.

It isn't long before his travels lead him to a cabin on a rainy night. There he meets a young man, sick as a dog, who weakly tries to send him off. And for good reason: the man has smallpox, and soon enough, Hewey catches the deadly disease. The man cares for him in turn, and it's just as he is feeling better that the man disappears. The next morning a Pinkerton detective turns up with posse, looking for a wanted bank robber.

As he travels north, Hewey seems to run in with both the young man who tended to him, as well as the detective. But something seems off about the Pinkerton detective, and Hewey keeps his mouth shut. When he reuinites with his friend Hanley, they do everything they can to get to the bottom of the mystery that threatens both theirs and this young man's life.

Currently a 4.8* Rating on Amazon

https://mybook.to/ElmerKelton

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Did you miss any of the stops on this Tour?

June 20 - RABT Book Tours - Kick Off

June 21 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

June 22 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

June 23 - Interesting Authors - Excerpt

June 24 - My Bookmarked Reads - Spotlight

June 25 - On a Reading Bender - Review

June 26 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

June 27 - A Life Through Books - Interview

June 30 - Saradipity's - Spotlight

July 1 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

July 2 - Texas Book Nook - Review

July 3 - Boys' Mom Reads - Review

July 4 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

July 7 - The Avid Reader - Interview

July 8 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

July 9 - Our Town Book Reviews - Review

July 10 - Nana's book Reviews - Spotlight

About the Author

John Bradshaw is a native of the small town of Abernathy, Texas. He is an award-winning journalist with well over a thousand published stories. Elmer Kelton’s The Familiar Stranger, co-authored with Steve Kelton, is his first book.

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed.

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines.

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s.

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares.

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions.

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle.

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday.

 

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Release Blitz: Whiz Kid by Joel Burcat & David S. Burcat

 

Historical Fiction

Date Published: 07-01-2025

Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc.

Whiz Kid is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in 1950 Philadelphia, where Jewish Navy veteran Ben Green faces impossible choices.

Pressured by his pregnant wife to finish his novel or take a secure job at a prestigious ad agency, Ben must also navigate the era’s class divisions and antisemitism. His best friend’s elite world clashes with his working-class South Philly roots and Jewish identity.

Temptation, ambition, and loyalty collide—especially when Ilene, a captivating classmate, threatens to unravel his carefully balanced life. As the Phillies’ Whiz Kids chase a pennant, Ben’s own reckoning builds to a climax, culminating in a surprising decision that redefines his future.

Co-written with David S. Burcat, Joel Burcat’s late father, Whiz Kid is a deeply American story of resilience, legacy, and the true cost of following one’s heart.

 

About the Author

Joel Burcat is a novelist and retired lawyer living in Harrisburg, Pa. His previous novels, Reap the Wind, Drink to Every Beast, Amid Rage, and Strange Fire have been award-winning thrillers. He is a Gold Medal Winner from Readers’ Favorite, a Finalist of the Next Gen Indie Book Awards, and a winner of the PennWriters Annual Writing Contest. Strange Fire was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Week.

David S. Burcat was a Navy corpsman in World War II, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (English Literature and Dentistry), and a proud son of Camden NJ and his adopted town of Philadelphia. He worked in advertising in the 1950s before returning to Penn to study dentistry. He wrote Match Point, the novella within the novel, in about 1950. He died in 1998. Whiz Kid- A Novel is his first published book. Dave was the father of co-author, Joel Burcat.

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Tour Wrap Up: To Sing Like a Mockingbird by Jan Notzon

 

Literary Fiction

Date Published: 01-13-2025

 

 

In a school/reformatory, a teacher fights his own loss of faith in the power of education and the twin assaults of drug cartels, their hired assassins among his students. and the blind idealism of his principal.

 

Currently a 5* Rating on Amazon

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Did you miss any of the stops on this Tour?

June 23 - RABT Book Tours - Kick Off

June 23 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

June 24 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

June 25 - Texas Book Nook - Review

June 25 - Girl With Pen - Excerpt

June 26 - The Avid Reader - Interview

June 27 - Always Reading - Excerpt

June 28 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

June 29 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

June 30 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

July 1 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

July 2 - On a Reading Bender - Review

July 3 - The Indie Express - Review

July 4 - My Reading Addiction - Interview

About the Author

Jan Notzon is a novelist and playwright in Charlotte, NC.

His first novel, The Dogs Barking, is a coming-of-age story set in a sleepy backwater Texas border town in the 1950s. And Ye Shall Be As Gods, recounts a brother’s fight to rescue his sister from the clutches of despair and his lost love from catatonia. The Id Paradox, is the story of three friends, assumed betrayal, rescue and healing from the horrors of spiritual annihilation.  Song for The Forsaken chronicles the tale of two sisters and the loss of faith that tests the bond between them. Suffer Not the Mole People, is the story of a family's travails as they make their way from Poland to the United States in 1866. ONLY THE DEAD tells the personal stories of three families, one Anglo and two Mexican as they participate in the establishment of the Mexican and Texas Republics. His seventh novel To Sing Like a Mockingbird is now available on Amazon.

 

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Tour Wrap Up: Adulting by Haley Cavanagh

 

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet

Young Adult Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Reference

Date Published: 03-12-2024

Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Embark on a journey to adulting mastery with Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet. Unlock the secrets to a well-rounded adult life with clear, concise, and invaluable advice on budgeting, cooking, time management, building meaningful relationships, and so much more! This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to taking charge of your life, offering you the tools and wisdom you need to sculpt the life of your dreams. This book offers practical advice and user-friendly tips that will empower you to make the most of every aspect of your life, ensuring that you become the self-reliant, confident, and accomplished person you were always meant to be. Join author Haley Cavanagh, military veteran, devoted wife and mother, and award-winning author, in waving goodbye to uncertainty and hesitation and embracing the fulfilling life you've envisioned. Don't just drift through adulthood-thrive in it. The future is yours to shape, and this book is your indispensable guide on the journey to living the adult life you truly desire.

Currently a 4.8* Rating on Amazon

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Did you miss any of the stops on this Tour?

June 23 - RABT Book Tours - Kick Off

June 23 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

June 24 - Novel News Network - Review

June 25 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

June 26 - On a Reading Bender - Review

June 27 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

June 28 - Girl With Pen - Excerpt

June 29 - Always Reading - Excerpt

June 30 - A Life Through Books - Interview

July 1 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

July 2 - The Indie Express - Review

July 3 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

July 4 - The Avid Reader - Interview

Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She is a multiple award-winning and best-selling author, and a two-time recipient of the League of Utah Writers' Silver Quill Award, in 2020 and 2024. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readers and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

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Tour Wrap Up: Madagascar Marauders by B.K. Boshell

 

Young Adult Fantasy Adventure

 

 

In the heart of Madagascar’s wild forests, danger lurks—and survival depends on courage, loyalty, and the strength of brotherhood.

When a ruthless gang of fossae ambushes a sifaka family home, two friends witness their families being taken hostage. Slick and Isaiah—spared from the tragedy—rally themselves and unexpected allies, vowing to embark on a daring rescue mission.

Their journey is treacherous, filled with shifting shadows, fierce enemies, and heartbreaking choices. But in the face of overwhelming odds, these young heroes discover that true strength lies in camaraderie, resilience, and daring to hope when all seems lost.

Madagascar Marauders: In Pursuit of Precious Plunder is a thrilling young adult fantasy adventure packed with action, suspense, humor, and heart. Dive into a world where danger and wonder collide, where adolescent bravery meets gritty survival, and where the wild and mysterious island of Madagascar springs vividly to life.

Perfect for fans of animal fantasy, high-stakes adventure, and unforgettable friendships.

 

 Adventure. Brotherhood. Survival. The fight for family begins now.

For readers ages 13+ who love:

• Action-packed animal adventures
•  Heartfelt themes of loyalty and courage
•  Gritty yet heartwarming coming-of-age journeys
•  A deep dive into Madagascar’s fascinating wildlife

Currently a 5* Rating on Amazon

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Did you miss any of the stops on this Tour?

June 2 - RABT Book Tours - Kick Off

June 3 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

June 4 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

June 5 - My Bookmarked Reads - Spotlight

June 9 - Book Corner News and Reviews - Spotlight

June 10 - Texas Book Nook - Review

June 11 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

June 12 - A Life Through Books - Interview

June 13 - Sapphyria's Books -Spotlight

June 17 - My Reading Addiction - Interview

June 18 - Sarandipity's - Excerpt

June 19 - Ella English - Spotlight

June 20 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

June 23 - The Avid Reader - Interview

June 24 - Novel News Network - Review

June 25 - Matters That Count - Spotlight

June 26 - The Indie Express - Review

June 28 - Always Reading - Excerpt

June 30 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

July 1 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

July 2 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

July 3 - On a Reading Bender - Review

About the Author

 I am B.K. Boshell, I research and sponge off my parents because $14 is still the minimum in Florida. I am currently a sophomore in high school, play varsity basketball, and enjoy spending time in nature. Writing is a passion of mine.

 My journey began at the age of nine with a summer experiment into writing that evolved into a passion, which I pursued increasingly as the years progressed. My writing process revolves around noise-cancelling headphones, owl hours, a lot of paper, and a ballpoint pen. I draw my inspiration from the myriad places of research I have found myself in over the years. Creating characters and giving them life is incredibly fulfilling as you channel personal experience, the experience of others, and stories of old into forming something that you hope is compelling.

 Truthfully, I want people to enjoy the book for what it is, but also learn of the arcane and intriguing world that is Madagascar. Whether it be the elephant birds that weighed up to one ton, or the merciless feline-esque fossae, I want people to be thrilled about the bizarre and intriguing facts the island has to offer.

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Tour Wrap Up: Ashes to Flame by Donna Simmons

 

Nonfiction

Date Published: March 3, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media

 

Childhood trauma leads to perseverance and personal growth in this empowering memoir.

Born into a world shrouded by multi-generational cycles of abuse and child marriages, Donna Simmons navigates a harrowing landscape of pain and betrayal, detailing the challenges that devastated her early years but ultimately did not define the person she became.

Through poignant storytelling, she shares both moments of despair and the small victories that fueled her resilience. Each chapter reveals the transformative process of healing and self-discovery, touching on the importance of embracing nature, finding solace in creativity, and connecting with a community. Ashes to Flame recounts a powerful, deeply personal, and transformative journey from the ashes of childhood trauma to the vibrant light of purpose.

Currently a 5* Rating on Amazon

Amazon

Did you miss any of the stops on this Tour?

June 2 - RABT Book Tours - Kick Off

June 3 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

June 4 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

June 5 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

June 6 - My Bookmarked Reads - Spotlight

June 9 - The Avid Reader - Interview

June 10 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

June 11 - Novel News Network - Review

June 17 - The Indie Express - Review

June 18 - Sapphyria's Books - Spotlight

June 19 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

June 20 - A Life Through Books - Interview

June 23 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

June 24 - Texas Book Nook - Review

June 26 - Always Reading - Excerpt

June 27 - My Reading Addiction - Interview

July 1 - On a Reading Bender - Review

July 2 - Matters That Count - Spotlight

July 3 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

About the Author

My name is Donna Simmons, and I’m a wife, mother, author, and avid advocate for breaking cycles of generational trauma and mental health recovery.  As a Governor appointed member of the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and member of the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative Advisory Board, I work with public servants and providers across the state to support a reduction in juvenile system involvement and strengthening protective factors for high risk youth.  My passion for this work comes from my direct experience as a child abuse survivor, involvement in a behavioral health facility when I was 14, and resulting grooming and exploitation by a 29 year old mental health professional who I was married off to as a child.

In my healing journey, I have recognized that true trauma recovery can only occur when we are willing to examine the generational cycles that keeps us bound in harmful patterns.  My mission is to help others transform their trauma into purpose so they can break these cycles and reach their full potential as individuals and parents.

 

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