Bobbie Pyron, Author of Lucky Strike: On Tour

This post was most recently updated on May 15th, 2015

https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/?p=4173Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (February 24, 2015)
ISBN: 978-0545592178
Category:  Children’s Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, Bullies
Tour Date: April 1-May29, 2015
Available in: Print & ebook, 272 Pages

By the award winning author of ‘The Dogs of Winter’, Bobbie Pyron.

A rich, southern voice tells the unforgettable story of two vulnerable outsiders, the lightning strike that turns their world upside down and the true meaning of lucky.

Nate Harlow has never had a lucky day in his life. He’s never won a prize, he’s never been picked first, he’s never even won a coin toss. His best friend, Genesis Beam (aka Gen), believes in science and logic, and she doesn’t think for one second that there’s such a thing as luck, good or bad. But only an extremely unlucky person could be struck by lightning on his birthday… and that person is Nate Harlow. By some miracle, though, Nate survives, and the strike seems to have changed his luck.

Suddenly, Nate’s grandpa is the busiest fisherman in their small, beachside town. And Nate finds himself the center of attention, the most popular kid at school, the one who hits a game-winning home run! This lucky streak can’t last forever, though, and as a hurricane draws close to the shores of Paradise Beach, Nate and Gen may need more than just good luck to save their friendship and their town: They need a miracle.

Praise for Lucky Strike by Bobbie Pyron:

“This well-told story of growth, friendship, and small-town life hits all the right notes. The quirkiness of the characters and the town never goes too far, and there is an overall cozy feeling to the book. Genesis’s dad is the preacher at The Church of the One True Redeemer and Everlasting Light, but she is a scientist through and through, which adds complexity to the text, including musings on destiny, fate, probability, and weather. Fans of Susan Patron’s Higher Power of Lucky (S. & S., 2006), Sheila Turnage’s Three Times Lucky (Dial, 2012), and Ingrid Law’s Savvy (2008; both, Dial) will find something new for their to-read shelves.”- School Library Journal starred review

“Even lightly sketched characters leap off the pages, adding rich depth to an already satisfying tale. In the slightly fantastical Gulf Coast world that Bobbie Pyron (The Dogs of Winter, 2012) has imagined, people can change in unexpected ways. With just a spark of magic, bullies can become true friends, those without humor can learn to giggle, and perennial victims can emerge victorious. Amusing, endearing and sometimes even electrifying.”- Kirkus starred review

“Bobbie Pyron offers a gentler take on survival and friendship than in her gritty novel The Dogs of Winter. A dramatic and sweetly poignant story, enlivened by a dash of magical realism.”- Publisher Weekly

Praise for The Dogs of Winter:

Junior Library Guild Selection

Kirkus Best Books of the Year!

Packs plenty of punch.” The New York Times

“This story is amazing. I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is captivating and the story is heartbreaking. The characters are wonderful, both the good and the bad. The writing is descriptive and filled with emotion. An absolute MUST read.”-Bev Sharp, The Wormhole

“An amazing story that was emotional and realistic? The book is written in first person, and I think this is a perfect story for young adults and older adults alike. The tenacity of the dogs and the boy will enthrall you.
There were no boring portions of the story, and I believe that the author captured the emotions of the characters perfectly. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.”-Ruth  A. Hill, My Devotional Thoughts

” I loved this book. I loved the writing. I loved the characters. The book is adventurous, engaging, happy, sad, and an overall emotional roller coaster all rolled into one.”-BookAngel, As I Turn the Pages

“Bobbie Pyron has a gift for creating characters that live in my heart.  She did it with A Dog’s Way Homeand she’s done it with this one, The Dogs of Winter.  I wanted to dive into the story, take Mishka in my arms and just love him.  Bobbie Pyron has created an emotionally powerful story about survival, love, and healing.  This is not a story I will ever forget.  It is a truly thought-provoking and unforgettable read.”-Heidi, GEO Librarian

About Bobbie Pyron:Bobbie Pyron Outside

Bobbie Pyron was born in Hollywood, Florida and spent her growing up years up in the panhandle, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and dreaming of being a mermaid.  She has degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, and a Masters degree in Library Science, and has worked as a librarian for over twenty-five years.

Her first book, a novel for teens titled The Ring (WestSide Books), was published in October of 2009. Her second book, A Dog’s Way Home (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books), was published to starred reviews in March of 2011. The Dog Writers Association of America recently awarded Bobbie the Maxwell Medal of Excellence and the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award.  It was also named a Banks Street Best Books of the Year.

Bobbie Pyron’s book, The Dogs of Winter (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic), came out October of 2012. The Dogs of Winter is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Kirkus Best 100 Children’s Books of the Year. Bobbie lives in Park City, Utah with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.

Bobbie Pyron’s Website.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BobbiePyron
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bobbie.pyron?fref=ts

Buy ‘Lucky Strike’:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Indie Bound

Follow the Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 2 Spotlight & Giveaway

Rockin’ Book Reviews Apr 7 Interview & Giveaway

Hott Books Apr 8 Review

Always Reiding Apr 9 Review & Excerpt

Geo Librarian Apr 10 Review

Curling Up With A Good Book Apr 13 Interview & Excerpt

fuonlyknew Apr 14 Review & Giveaway

Once Upon A Story Apr 15 Review & Excerpt

Beneath the Jacket Reviews Apr 16 Review

Indie Review Behind the Scenes Apr 17 Live I 6 pm cst

Cassandra M’s Place Apr 20 Review & Giveaway

In Bed With Books Apr 22 Review & Excerpt

In Bed With Books Apr 22 Interview

Allison’s Book Bag April 24 Interview

Allison’s Book Bag April 24 Review

Mary’s Cup of Tea Apr 27 Review & Giveaway

Deal Sharing Aunt Apr 28 Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Bound for Escape Apr 30 Review

What U Talking Bout Willis? May 1 Review

Lisa’s Writopia May 4 Review

Books, Books, and More Books May 5 Review & Excerpt

Beth’s Book-Nook Blog May 8 Review

Sweet Southern Home May 11 Review

The Crypto-Caper Review May 12 Review

One Frugal Girl May 15 Review

 

 

John J. Smith, Author of Delayed Flight: On Tour

This post was most recently updated on January 22nd, 2012

Publisher: DarkRedPress
Category: Romance, Mystery
Date: January 1, 2011
Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Nook: 300 Pages
After 20 years, two former childhood sweethearts meet and discover that the love they had for each other never died. (Woman) painfully realized that it had been her own father that had come between them forcing her to live a nightmare of separation rather than her schoolgirl dream of “ever after” with her sweetheart. 

“Great story! I’m usually more into James Patterson/Clive Cussler type of novels, but Delayed Flight offers a great love story with plenty of suspense. The author succeeds in conjuring all sorts of different emotions from the readers as the main characters are easily identifiable. Delayed Flight is written in light and often humorous manner, yet delivering powerful images of how love and envy can change one’s life. Highly recommended.”– James Poon, Amazon Reviewer

“This is one of my favorite books. A nice, light-hearted story and well-written. Looking forward to this author’s next book!!”– Antoinett Giacalone, Amazon Reviewer

“Great story! Kept you spellbound and interested throughout. Equal parts suspense and romance. Also kept the reader guessing and did not give away the store too soon.”Keith R. Dold, Amazon Reviewer

About John J. Smith:

John writes under two names John J. Smith and pen name Jonathan Black. Why does he do this?  He has been told when a reader sees his work they have an expectation, hence the two names. He has won several awards under each name.

He has been called a prolific Fiction writer. he enjoys writing romance and mainstream as John and paranormal and paranormal romance as Jonathan.

Several of his novels have been converted or rewritten into screenplays; for which he has also have won several awards.

John J. Smith resides in Plano, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

John’s website.

Tour Stops:
Luxury Reading Dec. 1 Review & Giveaway, Dec. 21 Guest Post

Butterfly-o-meter Books Dec.5 Review, Dec 2-6 Giveaway Hop

Joy Story Dec. 6 Review &Giveaway
Chris Redding  Dec. 6 GP (ExcerpTuesday)
Moonlight LGleam’s Bookshelf Dec.6 Review, Dec.7 Giveaway & Guest Post
Dragons Den Dec. 7 Review                                
Page Flipperz Dec. 8 Review, Dec. 9 Interview and Giveaway
The Phantom Paragrapher Dec. 12 Review, Dec. 13 Giveaway & Guest Post
Carabosse’s Library Dec. 13 Review
Book Him DannoDec.15 Review, Dec. 16 Interview & Giveaway
Reviews by MollyDec. 16 Review & Giveaway
From the TBR Pile Dec. 20 Review & Giveaway                         
I’d Rather Be At the Beach Dec. 21 Review & Giveaway

Jonathan M. Cook, Author of Youth and Other Fictions: On Tour

This post was most recently updated on August 13th, 2013

Publication Date: October, 2011

Category: Literary Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
Formats: Kindle and Nook

Jonathan Cook’s debut novel, Youth and Other Fictions looks at the horrors of a school shooting and its psychological effects on those involved. Told from two perspectives–one a student’s and one a teacher’s–the story reveals the inner concerns leading up to the moment when the world falls apart and the anxieties of coping with the broken pieces afterwards. 

“A thriller of horrific proportions.  The debut novel by Jonathan M. Cook is a thriller that will keep you guessing at every turn. In the first portion of the book it seems a monotonous style will be established, yet the climax in the tale will leave you second guessing. A wonderful and terrifying look into the souls of troubled teens from the point of view of an actual teacher sheds new light on our youth. A must read for teens and older!”– Ikdido, Amazon Reviewer

About Jonathan M. Cook:

Jonathan M. Cook is a high school English teacher.  He earned his MA in Literature from Eastern Illinois University.  He currently lives in Robinson, IL, where he is working on his second novel and grading term papers.

Jonathan’s Website

Tour Stops:

Butterfly-o-meter Books Dec.1 Review, Dec. 2 Guest Post & Giveaway
Frugal Experiments Dec. 2 Review &Giveaway
Mother of Insanity Dec. 5 Review, Dec. 6 Interview & Giveaway
Carabosse’s Library Dec. 7 Review & Giveaway
A CasualReader’s Blog Dec. 8 Review, Dec. 9 Guest Post & Giveaway
From the TBR Pile Dec. 9 Review & Giveaway
Book Zone Dec. 12  Review & Interview
Reviews by Molly Dec. 13 Review & Interview
Telly SaysDec. 13 Review & G
Joy Story Dec. 14 Review & Giveaway
The Phantom Paragrapher  Dec. 15 Review, Dec. 16 Guest Post &Giveaway
Hopelessly Devoted Bibiophile Dec. 19 Review, Dec. 20 Guest Post

Connie Corcoran Wilson, Author of Laughing Through Life: On Tour

This post was most recently updated on January 22nd, 2012

Publisher: Quad City Press
Category: Essays, Humor
Date: July 13, 2011
Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Nook: 180 Pages

Laughing through Life” is a collection of humorous essays and anecdotes, (including the author’s coverage of the 2004 and 2008 presidential campaigns), that critics have compared to “Erma-Bombeck-Meets-David-Sedaris.

 “This Book of humorous essays was extra funny to me.  Her ruthless commentary in politics amused me.  her childhood experiences, dinner party foibles, cell phone aggravation, and medical malfunctions should be universal in reader recognition. This was an easy-to-read book perfect to have at your bedside table to dip into just before going to sleep. What could be better than a good chuckle at that time of day?” -Hedy N.R. Hustedde, Amazon Reviewer and Librarian

“Connie Corcoran Wilson connects dead-bang with readers’ funny bones with her hilarious takes on the absurdities of life. Like Erma Bombeck and Jean Kerr before her, Ms. Wilson excavates the funny from life’s reversals, frustrations and revelations. With a strong progressive slant, the author takes on politics, teenagers, grandparenting, friendship and the foibles of being a human being on planet Earth in the 21st century. If you’re looking for a laugh, you find plenty in LAUGHING THROUGH LIFE.”– J. Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer

“Humor and foibles abound in this work by Connie C. Wilson.  Her first several essays cover some common stresses, things we know, like exercise classes, and how so many of us can’t stand the things. I could relate, so I gave it to my wife and now she’s reading it”.- Joe Kawano Amazon Reviewer

“I harkened back to my first reading of Erma Bombek’s If Life is a Bowl of Cherries…as I hooted and laughed out loud. Though Connie has the gift of penning in such a humorous way, those universal stories of our lives that are historical, and hysterical, as well as they are current…..the working, career-oriented, politically active woman balancing those roles with wife and mother priorities as well. She has a natural wit and creative observations.  I recommend that you pick up the book and laugh through it as you relate to many of the anecdotes of life seen through Connie’s eyes.”-Linda Fritz, Amazon Reviewer
About Connie Corcoran Wilson: 
Connie (Corcoran) Wilson (MS + 30) graduated from the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University, with additional study at Northern Illinois, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Chicago. She taught writing at six Iowa/Illinois colleges and has written for five newspapers and seven blogs, including Associated Content (now owned by Yahoo) which named her its 2008 Content Producer of the Year . She is an active, voting member of HWA (Horror Writers Association).

Her stories and interviews with writers like David Morrell, Joe Hill, Kurt Vonnegut, Frederik Pohl and Anne Perry have appeared online and in numerous journals.  Her work has won prizes from “Whim’s Place Flash Fiction,” “Writer’s Digest” (Screenplay) and she will have 12 books out by the end of the year.  Connie reviewed film and books for the Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa) for 12 years and wrote humor columns and conducted interviews for the (Moline, Illinois) Daily Dispatch and now blogs for 7 blogs, including television reviews and political reporting for Yahoo.

Connie lives in East Moline, Illinois with husband Craig and cat Lucy, and in Chicago, Illinois, where her son, Scott and daughter-in-law Jessica and their two-year-old twins Elise and Ava reside. Her daughter, Stacey, recently graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, as a Music Business graduate.
Connie’sWebsite 
Tour Stops:

Page Flipperz Nov. 28th Review, Nov. 29th Interview &Giveaway
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Nov. 30 Review & Giveaway
She Treads Softly Dec. 1 Review and Dec. 2 Guest Post
Carabosses’s Library Dec. 5 Review & Giveaway
Joy Story Dec.8 Review & Giveaway
Read More Books  Dec 9Review
A Life Sustained Dec. 10 Review & Giveaway
Stacy’s Books Dec. 12 Review, Dec 13 Interview & Giveaway
Book Nook Club Dec. 12 Review
Book Zone Dec. 14 Review & Giveaway
Emeraldfire’s Bookmark Dec.15 & Dec. 16 Guest Post