Detour on the Eternal Road – Stop Three with Darlene Foster

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell

Today’s next stop on the Detour on the Eternal Road is with Darlene Foster. As many of you know, Darlene is the Author of the Amanda Travels series. She is very knowledgeable about the places she writes about because she visits them to get the setting precisely right. I am so happy to have Darlene host a stop on the tour. Thank you, Darlene.

Here is the link to her post

More about Darlene.

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia. http://www.darlenefoster.ca

In her words

“A bit about me. I am a writer of children’s stories, a retired employment counsellor and ESL tutor, a wife, mother and grandmother. I love travelling, reading, shoes, cooking, sewing, music, chocolate, walking on the beach and making new friends. My grandson once called me “super-mega-woman-supreme”. I was brought up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, where I dreamt of travelling the world and meeting interesting people. I currently divide my time between the west coast of British Columbia, Canada and Orihuela Costa in Spain where my husband and I enjoy spending time with our adorable rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.

I enjoy sharing my books and writing experience with young readers and am available for guest visits to schools, libraries, coffee shops and special events, in person and digitally.

I can be contacted at darlene.foster@telus.net

I have ten published books in the Amanda Travels series, featuring a spunky young girl who loves to travel. My latest is Amanda in Scotland (Cover below)”

A list of all of Darlen’s Amanda books.

Amanda in Arabia – The Perfume Flask

Amanda in Spain-The Girl in the Painting

Amanda in England-the Missing Novel

Amanda in Alberta – The Writing on the Stone

Amanda on the Danube-The Sounds of Music,

Amanda in New Mexico – Ghosts in the Wind

Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action

Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady

Amanda in France: Fire in The Cathedral

Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones

Darlene’s Amazon page.

https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Foster/e/B003XGQPHA/

I have turned the comments off. Please visit me at Darlene’s

Guest Post – D.L. Finn #newbook – Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection

November 6, 2024November 2, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 132 Comments

I am pleased to have Denise Finn as a guest today. She is a terrific writer and a lovely person. We go way back, and I’m happy she is launching a holiday collection. My copy arrived last week and I can’t wait to get to it. So, without any further delay, here is Denise.

Thank you, John, for so generously sharing your blog with me today to share my latest release, Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection.

Please check out the note at the end of the blog post. 😊

Miracles and Ghosts started off to be a single story, but it soon branched out into a novelette and eight short stories. In one of these stories, A Man and His Cat, Usra is a bus driver who lost his beloved wife to Lupus. All he had left was the cat Shoes that she loved. He was planning on a quiet Christmas when he came home from work and found Shoes sick. Ursa doesn’t even bother to change out of his work uniform but immediately rushes the cat to a pet hospital. Money is no object; he can’t lose his connection to his wife, Gloria.

I based this story on the times we’ve had to rush a pet to an after-hours pet hospital, which is an hour’s drive for us. Sometimes we have had happy results, other times we haven’t. It wouldn’t matter if it was Christmas Eve or not if our pets need care that can’t wait.

Not every holiday goes according to plan, and sometimes we are taken to places we least expect, like a pet hospital. We haven’t had to go on a holiday to an ER veterinary hospital, but Ursa did.

Blurb:

Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection’s eight tales bring light in the darkest of circumstances. In the novelette, A Perfect Ghostly Christmas, Julie has survived the foster care system and finally comes home. She now owns her grandparents’ house and has received an offer that appears too good to be true. On top of that, the family she felt had abandoned her during her difficult times has reentered her life. But it’s the otherworldly experiences that lead her to something her grandparents left behind. This discovery changes everything and opens a door to danger. The seven short stories explore fractured families, a widower’s loneliness, a mall shooting, financial struggles, strained relationships, woodland kittens, and a woman haunted by a red truck. Whether it’s a ghost, an angel, or Santa, some unseen force is there to provide help when needed. A reminder in the busy holiday season or anytime we are never alone, and miracles are possible.

Excerpt:

A Man and his Cat

Ursa dropped off his last passenger at her bus stop. He was off for the next week and looking forward to going home and watching football with his cat, Shoes. It wasn’t everyone’s idea of a great Christmas, but after his wife, Gloria, passed, it was what he had. They weren’t blessed with kids to enjoy the day, but they always had each other until last year. She had been his light and joy in a dreary world.

He worked diligently to provide for the cat his wife had adored. He had no desire to have friends and pushed concerned neighbors, coworkers, and distant family away. A few persisted for a couple of months and then honored his wishes. Alone, he could remember Gloria and pretend she was next to him, watching TV as Shoes lounged on his lap.

He entered the apartment carrying the old gal’s special catnip treat. Shoes wasn’t waiting for him in her box like she always did.

“Shoes?” he called. Nothing. He searched all her favorite spots. “Where are you? Are you resting in the shoes again?” He smiled, remembering how Gloria had named the small kitten who hid in their shoes. They planned to name her something else, but Shoes stuck.

Finally he found the cat, her orange tail draped over his wife’s old sewing machine, which he couldn’t bear to part with.

“You’re missing her too, huh?” The cat lifted her head and sighed. “You okay?”

Shoes closed her eyes and went back to sleep. He felt the cat’s hot nose. Shoes’s breath came fast. “You aren’t okay! I can’t lose you too. I’m taking you to the vet. I don’t care how old you are or how much it costs.”

Ursa gathered the lethargic cat into his arms and tenderly placed her in the gray carrier. Without bothering to change out of his uniform, he tugged on the black wool coat Gloria had gotten him ten years ago, back when life was perfect, before lupus found its unwelcome way into their lives.

Grabbing his keys and the carrier, he stepped back into the freezing night.

“Merry Christmas!” his neighbor Bob called. “Going to visit family?”

“No. The vet,” Ursa said. He got into the red SUV without another word.

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

Fun Finn Facts

Animals are not only a strong presence in my life but in my character’s lives too. We have four cats and a gold fish right now.
Ghosts, do they exist? I think so, especially if they want to protect someone or get a message across, but there might be angry ones out there as well.

About the Author

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

Note: There’s a chance to win one of two $10 Amazon gift cards just by leaving a comment! I will randomly pick two winners from the comments during this blog tour. Good luck and thank you for stopping by.

The Last Drive Tour with Diana Peach

February 8, 2023February 7, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today I am on the last stop of The Last Drive tour. I’m so pleased to be with Diana Peach. You can go HERE to connect to her post.

Diana is one of those amazing authors who is able to write wonderful books and attract readers to them no matter the reader’s preferred genre. She does this because all her books are so well written that they draw the reader in until the end. Diana has written twenty books, and you can check them out on her Amazon Author’s Page.

Here is more in her words.

I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit.

Tolkien … literally changed my life.

I love to write. It’s a luxury I never expected I’d have time for – life got in the way. You know how that goes – kids, work, chores… sleep. I worked for 18 years in business where amassing coin was the all-consuming objective. It required huge amounts of time and mental energy. And for me personally, it was soul-slaying.

Then on September 11, 2001 two planes flew into the World Trade Center. I was working in Connecticut, about 2 hours from ground zero, and remember sitting in a conference room, watching the second tower fall. That tragedy initiated a process of redefinition for me, an evaluation of what was vital and important. Life felt short and precarious, and I started to wonder if it was time to do something that actually mattered.

In a moment of loving kindness, my husband suggested that I quit my job and go back to school (he still wonders what he could possibly have been thinking). I graduated with a Masters in Counseling and a mountain of debt. Oh well. I worked in Burlington, Vermont for peanuts – but, oh, they were chocolate covered! The human experience was sweet and rich. I had the pleasure of working with people who cared deeply about the challenges facing children and families, and I came to understand how the power of relationship, in all its myriad forms, can change the world. In Myths of the Mirror it is called the Belonging.

Then life got in the way again, and Randy and I made a move to the lush, wet, green wilderness of the Oregon rainforest. We live on a mountain a half-hour beyond the edge of civilization in a wonderful community where, once again, I encountered the Belonging. In another regrettable moment of loving kindness, he suggested that I write a book rather than work, and Myths of the Mirror poured onto the keyboard. Fast forward a decade and more than twenty books line my Amazon shelf. They have each been labors of love and I hope you enjoy them.

Thank you so much, Diana for helping spread the word about The Last Drive

I have closed comments so you can be brillant at Diana’s place

The Last Drive Tour with Marie Ann Bailey

January 13, 2023January 12, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

I am grateful to be with Marie Ann Bailey today. She is helping launch The Last Drive. Here is the link to her post. https://1writeway.wordpress.com/2023/01/13/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/

When I started blogging, Marie and I followed each other right away. That was in 2012. I guess you could say we have been buds since that time. Marie also created the concept and co-authored the Top Ten Things Not to Do on my blog for over a year in 2013 and 2014. Marie also is a very creative reviewer. I have been pleased to have two books reviewed by her. Here is a link to other reviews.https://1writeway.wordpress.com/book-reviews/

More about Marie in her words

I am a writer living in the southeastern United States with three cats, more yarn than I can knit up in a lifetime, and a dear husband who doubles as my best friend.

My writing career started in the fourth grade when I was asked to read aloud a story I wrote. Since then, I’ve taken creative writing classes whenever possible, joined writing groups and literary guilds, and participated in readings. Still, in spite of the support I received from mentors and fellow writers, lack of self-confidence made it easy for me to give up on writing. Once I got a “real” job (in an office with a biweekly paycheck and benefits), it was hard to argue with anyone that I should or could expect to do better by writing.

I’ve made a lot of detours in the past thirty years, trying to become a Professional whatever (social worker, data analyst), trying to believe in careers and working in offices and 401k’s. But now that I’m retired, I’ve woken up to the fact that those things–career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences–has little value for me. My writing has picked up, as have my publications.

In my ideal world, I’m always dressed for yoga, writing until I’m empty of words, knitting down my stash, reading up my leaning tower of to-be-read books, and cuddling with my husband and kitties.

Marie also has her work published. You can access it HERE.

Thank you so much for helping spread the word, Marie.

Comments have been closed so your thoughts can be pure at Marie’s place.

The Last Drive Tour with D. L. Finn

January 12, 2023January 11, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

It is always a pleasure to be with Denise, and I’m delighted to be on her post talking about my latest book, The Last Drive. HERE is a link to her post.

I have been following Denise’s blog and writing career since 2014

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

Denise writes fiction, Children’s stories, and poetry. Her books and stories delight and sometimes raise the hair. In all, though, they are well-written and always enjoyable. You can check them out at her Amazon site.

Thank you so much for hosting me, Denise.

I have turned off comments so that your words on Denise’s post will be original.

The last Drive Tour with Craig Boyack

January 10, 2023January 9, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

I’m very pleased to be with Craig Boyack today. He is helping spread the word about The Last Drive launch. Here is the link to his post. https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2023/01/10/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/

I first met Craig when we were members of a writer’s club years ago. My tubby Kindle finally handed me one of his stories, and I have been hooked ever since. Craig has an uncanny ability to develop characters you can’t help loving. Among some regular folks, there are root monsters and hats that talk. This is on top of the warriors and mermaids, of which there are plenty.

He also world builds like he has an in with the gods on Mount Olympus. He puts the reader on ships that go to unimaginable places and, on the other hand, puts us on a yak. All of his books are highly creative and enjoyable. You should check out Craig’s Amazon Page if you haven’t read one. There you will find his stories. You can pick any one of them since they are all entertaining.

Thank you, Craig, for helping me introduce The Last Drive

Comments are closed, so you can use precious words wisely at Craig’s place.

Cover Reveal and Volunteer Request – The Last Drive – a Sequel to Eternal Road – #newbook

November 9, 2022November 8, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 101 Comments

The Last Drive, a sequel to Eternal Road, is finally done and ready to go to print.

Here is the blurb.

In the sequel to Eternal Road, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.

The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey takes the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.

I want to avoid all the business and the rush of the holidays, so the release date will be in January. I plan to have a tour and if you want to help spread the word, send me an email at johnhowell(dot)wave(at)gmail.com. If you volunteer, I will provide a unique copy for each post and recognition of your site on mine. I hope to have only one tour stop a day. In your email, tell me any dates in January or early February that won’t work. I will be confirming your date within 24 hours of receiving your email.

Thanks in advance for your offer to help spread the word.

Lunar Boogie #NewBook by C.S. Boyack

May 12, 2021May 9, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Today I’m very pleased to welcome Lisa Burton, C.S. Boyack’s robot assistant to my blog. As Craig’s spokeperson, she is here to tell you all about his latest book. So without further delay here’s Lisa.

Thanks for having me back, John. I’ve been sequestered out at the writing cabin for a long time. Robot girls can’t get viruses, but I’m supposed to fit in when I go out. I don’t like masks and bleach wipes. Ordering things on Amazon just isn’t the same as a good shopping spree. I’m sooo grateful that you invited me over to chat.

I’m here, because Craig has a new book out. It’s called “Lunar Boogie,” and it’s number four in The Hat Series. This time, Lizzie and the hat are on the trail of a werewolf.

My poster for this visit involves this beautiful sapphire ring. It turns out to be the most valuable clue they have. Lizzie discovered it when she stepped in a pile of werewolf crap. This is one of Craig’s stories, so there are some strange things happening.

They know who this ring belonged to all along, but have access to someone the police don’t. The hat has known a lot of witches in his day, but the one who brought him here is still around. She helps with some of their cases, and they need her.

The ritual she performs is weird, and involves a mushroom called dead man’s fingers. This is a real mushroom, and when the fungus wears the ring, magic things happen. The clues are vague and cryptic, but give Lizzie enough help to keep forging ahead.

They still have their band, and bills to pay, so monster hunting has to work around life’s requirements a few times. There’s plenty of the band life, and lively music. This time there are even a few Christmas songs.

The police don’t have the vaguest clue that a werewolf is involved in the killings. They’re chasing a serial killer, because that’s what their experience allows for. Without Lizzie and the hat, this could be a long sad winter.

This is the first book in the series that doesn’t throw-down at Halloween. The winter setting allows the hat to take on some new configurations and Lizzie seems to prefer a mad bomber style for winter monster hunting. I’m proud of them, it looks cute.

I’m going to tell you a little secret. Whenever Craig finishes a story, he has me put all the story elements away in the basement. I’m a good assistant, but I’m keeping this ring. I also scored a bottle of vintage Emeraude perfume. This is the good stuff, so I’m keeping it, too. Maybe one of the other tour posts will get into how that played a role in the story.

Tell your fans they can download the poster if they like. They make fun backgrounds for iPad and phones. Send them off to check out the new book, too. Their purchases keep robot girls in shoes and handbags, if you know what I mean.

Thank you so much for telling us about Craig’s book and giving us some insight as to what we can expect. I know I always enjoy Craig’s writing. Have a safe tour around the blogosphere. I always enjoy your visits.

***

Blurb:

Lizzie and the hat are back in action, only this time they’re up against the most tragic monster of all, a werewolf.

This adventure is more like hunting an animal, and the werewolf is unlikely to come to any of their musical performances. This puts Lizzie out in the dark corners and wooded areas of the city. It may be more beneficial to get the monster to hunt Lizzie than to stalk him on his own turf. All she has to do is be quicker on the trigger than the wolf is on his feet.

At the same time, the police think they’re after a serial killer. Lizzie tries to keep them alive while also keeping them out of her way. As the body count rises, so do the pressures. It doesn’t help that people are blaming Lizzie and the hat for the killings. This involves an urban myth about them that the locals call Hellpox.

Pull on your boogie shoes and join the hunt. Designed as an afternoon read, this one is tons of supernatural fun.

Universal link to buy.

http://mybook.to/LunarBoogie

About Craig:

Visit Craig:

Blog My Novels Twitter Goodreads Facebook Pinterest BookBub

Today I’m with Jessica Bakers on Her Blog

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

Today I’m with Jessica Bakkers on the other side of the world. I’m there talking about Eternal Road – The final stop. There is a new excerpt there too. Come visit.

Here is the link https://jessicabakkers.com/2020/09/11/book-launch-eternal-road-the-final-stop-by-john-w-howell/

Here is a little about Jessica in her words. “I am a creative writer with over twenty years of writing experience. I write to express myself, I write to tell the tales bound up inside of me, and I write to live… or rather, I live to write.

I have ghost-written novels in the genres of fantasy / romance and paranormal / romance, however my genre of choice when it comes to writing for myself is dark fantasy where I can allow myself to fully explore the anti-hero characters that pepper my stories.

I dabble at poetry and have written professionally for clients internationally.

My major love affair is with the written word; specifically creative writing. I allow myself to indulge and rendezvous with this secret lover whenever time allows… and then we make beautiful poetry together!”

She has launched her first book, Guns of Perdition.

Today I’m With Craig Boyack at Entertaining Stories

September 2, 2020September 1, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

I am very pleased that Craig volunteered to have me on his site to talk about Eternal Road – The final stop during the tour.

Here is the link:

https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2020/09/02/welcome-john-howell-newbook/

I’m sure you all have heard of Craig since he is one of the most inventive writers on the scene today. His books are very entertaining and since he calls his work Speculative Fiction, he is unbound by traditional genres.

Here is a little about Craig in his words

Craig Boyack

“I’m on the verge of being an empty nester, and I like to write fiction. This blog is to share ideas with readers and writers. I have a decent body of work on Amazon, and I hope you’ll check some of them out. They are all speculative fiction, but seem to stay closest to science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy.

I have other interests that may sneak in from time to time. I like the great outdoors and all it has to offer. Morels and huckleberrys are particularly fun. I once caught and released a 7-foot white sturgeon from the Snake River.”

Right now, Craig is in the process of launching two books but has many more from which to choose.

H.M.S Lanternfish and Murder They Wrote with Seven Authors