Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Virtual Book Tour: Word Up! by Raven Howell

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Raven Howell will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Words are the windows through which children view the world. Familiar, uncommon, short and sweet, long and quirky; words make all the difference.

In Word Up, discover how a word packs a punch and possesses the power to heal, hurt, help, and humble. Watch children learn how to choose words wisely, and to recognize that sometimes, the simplicity of kindness itself is expressed in gentle silence.


Read an Excerpt

Words are mighty!
Words are strong!
We write them,
Speak them,
Sing our song.

I hope you learn new words today,
And think about the ones you say.

Guest Post

Finding Fulfillment

Writing Children’s Fiction


By Raven Howell



Book authors write for various reasons. Having been active in the children’s lit community for several decades, I’ve befriended many authors, and have had the opportunity as a journalist to interview a variety of talented, innovative writers. 


Some authors find writing for children a conducive way to impart life lessons to the youngest, some express and share their humor through story writing, while others remain devoted and passionate to their muse and find teaching through picture books their top priority. 


My own reason for writing children’s fiction has evolved over the years. I’ve always written. Before I knew how to hold a pencil and write, I was reciting little poems and stories to my grandmother, who would try to keep up with my imagination, jotting down my words as fast as she could. So, when I switched gears early in my career from songwriting to children’s writing, it was a natural metamorphosis, and I didn’t question it. It was fun to stretch further into my imaginative world, and I found success. But more importantly, I discovered how incredibly rewarding it was to make a difference in a child’s life, if even on a small scale.


These days, after having published over thirty children’s books, regardless of the theme I’m tackling, I write to let kids know they are ok just the way they are, that things may be crazy around them, but their hearts are good, and their paths are sure. It’s gratifying to inspire a child, offer whimsical, enchanting landscapes, instill a lifelong love of reading, or simply instigate a smile.


When I look at the top selling books from 20 years ago, they were adult books with themes of escapism and romantic fantasy. Top sellers from 10 years ago, again, were adult fiction, mostly suspense and thrillers. Romance writers have it good – this genre has been a dominant worldwide reading trend for a long time. Despite these facts, the nature of the children’s market remains fairly stable, considered “essential” reading.


In the business of children’s books, to garner extra income besides royalty payments from publishers, it’s often up to the author to get a little creative: planning children’s events, booking author visits at schools, and working outside of the box using social media can all be helpful.


But the pros far outweigh the cons with children’s writing. Think of the kids’ books that have endured decades and are passed on for generations. We can all name a few classics, shared over and over again until the cover is worn thin and the pages, frail. Someone has to write those stories that bring children joy, magic, wonder...and hope.


My picture book, WORD UP! summons, “Words are mighty, words are strong. We write them, speak them, sing our song!” Your own unique voice is essential in the world’s choir, and we all bring joy to the table, each in our distinctive way.



About the Author:


Raven Howell is the author of over 25 picture books for children. She’s a writer for several children’s magazines. Raven contributes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine, is the Arts & Crafts Director of Kids Corner, and Publishing & Creative Director with Red Clover Reader. She is a contributing author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal and I Am a Promise Books, and a story book writer for world-wide educational programs.

Website: https://www.ravenhowell.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raven.howell.75
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pickward
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ravenhowell.bsky.social
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Up-Raven-Howell/dp/B0F46RF32V/ref=sr_1_1

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Book Blitz: The Road Home and Other Stories by Gene Altman

 



Short fiction collection

Date Published: March 4, 2026 

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group 



The Road Home is a powerful and emotionally rich literary fiction short story collection that explores the universal search for identity, belonging, and meaning in life.


From a chance encounter that propels a young mother into the glamorous world of high fashion… to an elderly widower rediscovering hope through an unexpected bond… to a troubled young man battling inner demons—these stories highlight the resilience of the human spirit.


Set across diverse locations and cultures, these compelling stories examine:

●     Self-discovery, emotional healing and personal transformation

● Connection, friendship and Love.

● Written by retired psychiatrist Gene Altman, this collection offers readers authentic, insightful, and psychologically rich storytelling.


At the heart of the collection is the title story, The Road Home, a moving exploration of what “home” truly means—not a physical place with walls and a roof, but a deeply personal destination where one is fully accepted and finds belonging, comfort and safety.


Perfect for fans of literary fiction, psychological fiction, and character-driven stories, The Road Home invites readers to reflect on their own lives and discover the strength to overcome obstacles by discovering unexpected inner resources within themselves.


About the Author


Gene Altman is an award-worthy literary fiction author, retired psychiatrist, and former professional photographer whose work explores the depth of human emotion, identity, and personal transformation. A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Medical School, Altman brings a rare blend of psychological rigor and creative insight to his writing.

Before dedicating four decades to clinical psychiatry in Hawaii, Altman worked as a professional photographer in New York City. His candid photography and prose collection, Cityscapes: Intimate Strangers, earned praise for its evocative storytelling and emotional impact.

After retiring from psychiatry, Altman turned his focus to writing literary short fiction inspired by his lifelong passion for helping individuals better understand themselves. His stories explore themes of self-discovery, friendship and love—making his work resonate with readers seeking thoughtful, character-driven narratives.

With a unique perspective shaped by both psychology and art, Gene Altman crafts compelling stories that illuminate the complexities of the human experience.

Contact Links

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Monday, April 20, 2026

Cover Reveal: Possessive Enemy by Michelle Heard

 

    POSSESSIVE ENEMY BY MICHELLE HEARD Release date: May 4th 
  Cover Artist: Okay Creations 
  Photographer: Michelle Lancaster / @lanefotograf 
  Cover Model: Anthony Patamisi   
  Genre/Tropes: Enemies To Lovers / Capo vs Single Mom / MMC is held captive vs MFC has to keep him alive / When he escapes, he kidnaps her / Obsessive, Possessive MMC / He takes revenge for her SERIES: Next generation in the Kings of Mafia series - A complete standalone   
  CHECK OUT THIS SCORCHING HOT COVER! We are honored to share the cover reveal for POSSESSIVE ENEMY by Michelle Heard, releasing May 4th!   Make sure to preorder this all-new enemies to lovers, mafia romance TODAY!   
  PREORDER TODAY! Amazon: https://geni.us/lxgw        
  BLURB My father orders me to seduce a man most people are too afraid to even look at. Georgi Torrisi. Head of the Torrisi family and a Cosa Nostra Capo. A brutal and powerful man who rules his world with violence and absolute control. And I’m supposed to make him want me. Turns out my father thinks he can use Georgi to get to Atanas Petkov, our family’s sworn enemy. If Atanas continues to grow in power with Georgi’s help, it will mean the end of my father’s reign of terror, and I’m the bait meant to make one of the most dangerous men in New York lower his guard. Do I have a choice? No. Hours later, Georgi Torrisi is chained in my father’s basement while the man I helped betray is beaten and tortured. My already f-ed up life takes a turn for the worse, because I didn’t expect the guilt. I didn’t expect the way his eyes still burn when he looks at me. And I definitely didn’t expect myself to unlock the chains and set him free. The moment Georgi walks out of that basement, he turns into a violent monster that’s out for revenge. Once the hallways of my family home are painted red, he takes my daughter and me with him. There’s no running. No hiding. And now all I can do is pray I survive being at the mercy of the man I betrayed.         
  About Michelle Heard: Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take. 
  Connect w/Michelle: 

Release Blitz: Shut Up and Kiss Me by Giulia Lagomarsino

 

Title: Shut Up and Kiss Me
Series: The Last Best Place for Love
Author: Giulia Lagomarsino
Genre: Small Town Romance; Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 20, 2026
Cover Design: Artscandare
Cover Photographer: R plus M Photo/Reggie Deanching


My life was boring, so I decided to shake it up a bit.
With my life at the ranch changing by the minute, and not for the better, it seemed I would never find any excitement to fill my days.
They say to be careful what you wish for, and I learned that the hard way.

Walking in on a stranger trying on my teal coat, only to find out we slept together, was a shocker.
I didn’t remember a single second of how we met or what happened after.
Neither did he.
But apparently, everyone in town knew our business.
And the secret we were carrying around.
But before I got a chance to tell my new man any of this, things took a strange turn. 

Bullets flying, men attacking every hour of the day, and neither of us had any idea why.

And that was just the bad stuff.
There was an undeniable chemistry between us, and keeping our hands to ourselves turned out to be harder than I thought.
But the infuriating man was insistent on keeping me safe.

And the whole time, all I really wanted to say was Shut Up and Kiss Me.

 





⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goodreads Review - “It's got serious heat, lots of action, and that layer of ridiculousness that Giulia Lagomarsino is known for.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goodreads Review - “I was glued to my kindle from start to finish of this story. It was hilarious, full of action and drama.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goodreads Review - “Rob and Krista wake up married in Vegas and that's just the beginning of this clusterf**k. Once again you just have to strap in and enjoy the ride.”









Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - "Some of her best writing...Holy cow, this book! I was immediately immersed in Murky Falls! I could not put this book down. Im excited to read the rest of the series!"
Real Good Man ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review from C. Luna - "Real Good Man by Giulia Lagomarsino is the kind of small-town romance that sneaks past your defenses with humor, heart, and a slow-burn love you didn’t see coming—but end up rooting for with your whole chest."
How Forever Feels ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - "This author never fails to entertain. Her characters come to life. You live their emotions. Every. Book is it's own adventure. Next book please!"

I'm a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, "No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book." I didn't think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn't already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven't been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.




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