Blog Tour: Rathuun - King of the Prairie

 

Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction; US Historical Fiction; Action/Adventure

Date Published: March 20, 2026

 

With all the swagger of a classic western, a legendary buffalo claims his rightful place among the genre's most iconic heroes.

Meet Rathuun. Born in an idyllic canyon, tragedy strikes on his first day. A grizzly bear scatters the herd, devours his twin, and leaves him to shiver and die. But the buffalo calf with a white spot on his chin survives.

The plains are changing fast. Wagons roll west in endless streams. Telegraph wires stretch across the horizon. Locomotives scream down polished rails, slicing through the earth. Extinction

seems imminent when everyone wants to kill the biggest buffalo on the prairie. Native people shoot arrows and drive herds over cliffs. Hide hunters slaughter millions. An obsessed buffalo assassin is determined to wipe them all out and change the world forever. There's an army of barking rifles, and they're all pointed at Rathuun.

Will the hunters take Rathuun's head and leave his carcass to rot on the prairie?

This sweeping epic thunders across the American West, taking listeners to unforgettable western landmarks. If you like classic westerns, thrilling action, and high-stakes historical adventures, grab your copy by the horns.

Welcome to the prairie!

Excerpt

From Chapter 1, opening scene

Rathuun heard a fierce roar that rattled between his ears.

He had just finished nursing for the first time since he was born a thrum, hours earlier. His mother’s warm breath had tickled his flank just moments ago.

It was a peaceful morning on the prairie, but in a flash, everything had changed.

The thunderous roar boomed again. The entire brum was on the move.

In his haste to lead his followers away from danger, Drumm sounded the alarm and leapt forward. The old bull crashed into Rathuun, sending the thrum sprawling.

Rathuun’s legs wobbled as he tried to stand. It was a miracle that the collision hadn’t broken him. There was an instinctive pull to follow the brum, and it was centered beneath his chin, between his front legs.

 

He blinked rapidly, whipping his head from side to side, searching for his mother. Moments ago, she had been beside him. “Hathah!” he bleated, searching for the young cow who was his whole world.

But he knew she was gone. Gone with all the others. Why had she left him behind?

He shivered at the realization that he was all alone. His heart throbbed against his ribs. It was a struggle to make sense of what had happened.

Everything turned upside down and sideways. The panicked brum quickly vanished as the plains swallowed the pounding hooves and flashing tails, leaving nothing but a faint echo of their distant bellows.

It was eerily silent in the wake of the wild scatter of the buffalos’ frenzied exodus. Rathuun took a tentative step forward, not knowing what to do or which way to go.

Dust choked the air. His third, translucent eyelid swept sideways across his eye, clearing away the grit kicked up by the fleeing brum. He stood, dazed and completely alone.

Or so he thought. The silence quickly gave way to horrible sounds.

Rathuun turned his head. Twenty feet away, something moved. A dark, hulking monster hunched over something. Rathuun’s blood pounded with fear. There was a heavy thump in his chest. Then he saw the creature.

It was a rumbler.

 

 

About the Author

David Fitz-Gerald writes frontier and pioneer western fiction from the wilds of western Vermont—about as far west as you can get without slipping into New York.

Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.

He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.

Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from MY FRIEND FLICKA, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.

Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.

 

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PROMO: The Rough Life

 

 

Children's Book

Date Published: June 10, 2026

Publisher: MindStir Media

The Rough Life is the adventure of a brand new golf ball named Vic, who finds himself playing his very first round of golf. Things start off well, but Vic quickly learns how humbling the game of golf can be when he is lost in the rough. Vic journeys through the rough, finding a home and making friends with other lost golf balls. While it’s a comfortable life, Vic is not content just watching golf as it happens around him. Vic and his new friends devise a plan to get out of the rough and back in the game.

 

About the Author

 

 Danny Fanelli is a husband, father, elementary school teacher and coach from Westchester, New York. He began playing golf and fell in love with the game at 30 years young. One of his biggest fears in life is sinking a hole-in-one while playing solo (he’s come close). When he is not playing golf or practicing his form in the living room, Danny takes turns with his wife chasing his two, wild children.

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PROMO: A Boy Becoming

A Renewed Vision for a Kinder, Gentler World

Coming of Age Memoir

Date Published: May 14, 2026

Publisher: MindStir Media

What if the most important lessons in life came from the ordinary moments we often overlook?

A Boy Becoming: A Renewed Vision for a Kinder, Gentler World is an inspiring coming-of-age memoir that invites readers into the private journals, drawings, reflections, and life experiences of young author Eddy Yang. Compiled from diary entries written between the ages of ten and sixteen, this powerful memoir chronicles the journey of a young boy learning how to navigate family, faith, friendship, sports, responsibility, and personal growth.

Through honest reflections and meaningful life lessons, Eddy explores what it means to build character in a world that often values achievement over integrity. Along the way, he learns that becoming a better person is not about perfection—it is about practice.

As an ice hockey goalie, Eddy discovers courage, resilience, humility, discipline, and the ability to recover from failure. Through conversations with his parents, guidance from teachers and coaches, experiences with service, and moments of self-reflection, he learns that true strength comes from within and that growth happens one choice at a time.

Filled with wisdom beyond his years, A Boy Becoming explores timeless themes including:

✔ Character Development and Personal Growth

✔ Kindness, Compassion, and Empathy

✔ Family Values and Faith

✔ Self-Reflection and Emotional Growth

✔ Discipline, Responsibility, and Resilience

✔ Youth Leadership and Positive Decision-Making

✔ Sportsmanship and Life Lessons from Hockey

✔ Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Humility

✔ Identity, Purpose, and Self-Discovery

At the heart of this reflective memoir is a simple but powerful truth: character is built slowly through ordinary moments. Every mistake, every challenge, every act of kindness, every lesson learned, and every effort to improve becomes part of the process of becoming.

Perfect for teens, young adults, parents, educators, coaches, mentors, and anyone interested in personal development, A Boy Becoming offers encouragement, insight, and hope for readers navigating their own journey of growth.

Inside You'll Discover:

●      Honest diary reflections from childhood through adolescence

●      Life lessons from family, faith, sports, and service

●      Thought-provoking insights about character and self-improvement

●      Inspirational messages for young people facing challenges and uncertainty

●      Practical wisdom about becoming someone you respect

Memorable Quotes from the Book

"Kind is more important than smart. Logic has no moral. We must be nice no matter what."

"Forgiveness frees you more than it frees the other person."

"Possessions should not possess you."

"A distracted driver misses exits. A distracted life misses destiny."

"Remember: you are not your trophies. You are not your mistakes. You are the daily effort that nobody sees."

If you enjoy inspirational memoirs, coming-of-age stories, personal growth books, youth leadership, family-centered nonfiction, or books that encourage reflection and character development, A Boy Becoming will resonate long after the final page.

Because becoming a better person isn't a destination—it's a lifelong journey.

 
 

About the Author

 

 Eddy Yang is a student, writer, ice hockey goalie, and young author whose work focuses on self-reflection, personal growth, family values, faith, discipline, and character development.

His passion for writing began long before he imagined becoming an author. Throughout childhood, Eddy kept journals, diary entries, drawings, comics, and reflections that documented his experiences, thoughts, challenges, and questions about life.

Over time, these personal writings evolved into something larger—a record of growth from childhood into adolescence.

The Beginning of a Writer

Eddy never started writing with the intention of publishing a book.

He wrote to understand himself.

Sometimes he wrote after difficult experiences. Other times he wrote after learning valuable lessons from parents, teachers, coaches, teammates, or faith. Writing became a way to process emotions, reflect on mistakes, and preserve important moments.

As he revisited years of journals and drawings, he recognized a story unfolding: the story of becoming.

Hockey and Character

As an ice hockey goalie, Eddy has learned lessons that extend far beyond the rink.

Goaltending taught him courage, resilience, humility, patience, and discipline. It taught him how to handle pressure, recover from failure, and continue improving after setbacks.

These experiences became a powerful influence on his understanding of personal growth and are woven throughout his writing.

Why He Wrote A Boy Becoming

Eddy wrote A Boy Becoming because he believes growth happens through ordinary moments.

Character is not built overnight.

It develops through repeated choices, honest reflection, mistakes, perseverance, gratitude, forgiveness, and love.

His hope is that readers—especially young people—will recognize that they are not alone in their struggles and that becoming a better person is a lifelong journey worth embracing.

Mission

Through his writing, Eddy hopes to inspire readers to:

● Practice kindness

● Develop discipline

● Embrace humility

● Learn from mistakes

● Strengthen character

● Value family and faith

● Continue growing every day

"Kind is more important than smart. Logic has no moral. We must be nice no matter what."

 

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PROMO: The Needs of the Heart

 

Self-Help / Philosophy

Date Published: May 30, 2023

Living in this world is hard, no matter the point in history or the dominant culture which governs how society conducts itself.

Wars, famine, political corruption, economic depression, social injustice, civil unrest, all of which leads to the spiritual, personal unrest of the human soul.

And it makes us wonder... How do I, as a person, and we as human beings, work together individually yet collectively to make the world a better place for those who live here today and for those who will be born into this world tomorrow?

Aspiring author Phillip Anderson, author of The Needs of the Heart, provides deep insight into the human emotional spectrum as well as giving deep introspective insight into the emotions and principles he believes people of all races, religions, ethnicities, and demographic backgrounds need to not only make themselves better people, but the world a better place.

About the Author

Hello, my name is Phillip Anderson. I am a young Author from New York City. My love for writing started when I was 16 years old when I was writing in my journals rather than thinking about publishing a book as a professional Author. I graduated high school in 2014 and later in that year was accepted into Morehouse College where I would graduate with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. However, It wasn't until I was in grad school where my passion for writing truly took hold. After completing the first year of my 2 year master's program, I dropped out of the program to pursue my passion of writing. A year and a half later, I would go on to complete and publish my first book titled The needs of the Heart in 2020 with the intent to pursue writing as a full time endeavor.

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Blog Tour: Perilous Shores

 

Book 2 of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles

 

Historical Fiction/Nautical Fiction

Date Published: June 23, 2026

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Vengeance is as dangerous to a cause as to the enemy.

The murder of his wife at the hands of British soldiers prompts American privateer Captain Jonas Hawke’s vow to make Britain pay.

A grief-stricken Jonas strikes deep into the heart of the enemy, driven by his personal vendetta. When he raids a port city, one of his men crosses an unthinkable line, which forces Jonas to come to terms with the anguish that distorts his definition of justice.

Concerned his wrath will bring irreparable harm to the cause for America’s freedom, Jonas grapples with his role as a warrior and as a man. When he learns the Royal Navy is hunting his ship, he fears his deadly decisions may have cost him and his crew everything. It’s too late to turn back. Instead, he must continue on and face the inevitable perils of war.

Perilous Shores is a gripping, action-packed, and historically authentic tale of revenge, survival, and one man’s relentless pursuit of his country’s independence.

 

Excerpt

Chapter One

26 April 1777

Near Compo, Connecticut

The sun crested the trees, quickly burning off the tendrils of fog that hugged the bay. Boats filled with soldiers moved between anchored ships and the shore. The ships flew the Royal Navy standard. The soldiers wore red.

The watchers, a man and a boy, had been on the road from Newport, Rhode Island to Philadelphia for a week. The boy sank against a tree, dropping his seabag from his shoulders. He shivered from the cold, and something else.

“Thirteen of sail. Dozens of boats, hundreds of soldiers,” Jonas Hawke muttered. He turned to his son, William. Jaw clenched, he ground his teeth. “We must find the local militia. Inform them.”

A pale William looked up, his eyes wide. “But won’t someone else have already told them?”

Jonas cocked his head. “Perhaps, but we must make sure.” He turned to walk back the way they’d come. “If you are ever in doubt about what you should do, act. If you are uncertain about someone else already having acted, act anyway. ’Tis better the militia get two reports, or a dozen, than none be given on the chance that ‘someone’ else may have already done so.”

William thought for a moment and nodded. As he rose to follow, he struggled into the straps of his seabag.

Together, they hurried back along the path that paralleled the road. Jonas would look for a tavern or inn, where he might quietly inquire after local militia leaders.

Fifteen minutes earlier, while walking along the Connecticut coast road this late spring morning, Jonas had sighted the Royal Navy standard floating above the trees in an estuary near the Saugatuck River. Moving carefully into a stand of woods that stretched nearly to the shoreline at the eastern edge of the millpond to watch, the presence of the British revived rage Jonas had carefully sought to suppress.

Now, as the two rounded a tree, a voice called out from behind. “You two! Stop!”

Jonas and William froze in their tracks.

“Turn around, slowly.”

They turned.

Four British soldiers stood before them, one a sergeant. Three held muskets aimed at Jonas’s and William’s chests. Arms folded, the sergeant stood smiling slightly without humor. “And what do we ‘ave ‘ere, eh?”

The sight of their red uniform coats clenched Jonas’s fists. The sounds of the woods was replaced by a roaring in his ears.

Forcing himself to relax, he put his hand on William’s shoulder. “My son and I are traveling, sir. With your permission, we’ll be on our way.”

“Wha’ and tell the rebels we are ‘ere?” He gave a short laugh. “Not on your life. You’re coming wi’ me. The lieutenant’ll decide wha’ to do with you.” He turned to the man on his right. “You and Allen take these two back to the lieutenant. Tell ‘im they was acting like spies.” To Jonas and William, he barked, “Move.”

Jonas decided silence was his best option.

The sergeant waved his hand to indicate the direction. Two soldiers fell in behind, muskets no longer aimed, instead held ready for use as clubs. The sergeant and the third soldier disappeared noiselessly into the woods behind.

William continued shaking as the group walked. The sound of crickets in the grass did little to calm him.

After a few minutes, they arrived in a wide clearing, the grass trampled flat. A few dozen soldiers stood formed up, readying to march down the road that cut through on the western side of the open area.

The small group paraded up to an officer. “Sir, Sergeant Hawthorne begs to tell the lieutenan’ that he and us found these two sneakin’ aroun’ in the trees by way o’ the road. He says to say they was acting like spies, sir.”

The officer spared barely a glance at William, then looked Jonas up and down. “Well, what have ye to say?”

Jonas’s hand moved once more to William’s shoulder. “Sir, my son and I are simply traveling. We happened to be on the road when I saw your ships. I thought it best not to get in the way of your soldiers, so we were going back toward Fairfield until you’d passed.”

The man pursed his lips. “Well, well. But who are you now? To where are you bound? And from where?”

“My name is Hawke. From Norfolk, in Virginia. We were in Newport, Rhode Island, with my sister’s family. Now we are returning.”

“To Norfolk? Why not take a ship? Virginia is a long way by land. Especially with a child.”

“I am not a child!” William’s outburst caught both men by surprise.

“It’s alright, William.” Jonas tightly squeezed his son’s shoulder, and he subsided. I have enough anger for the both of us.

“Well, I am sorry, young man. I wouldn’t dream of offending such a strapping young lad.” The lieutenant laughed, eyes momentarily reflecting joy. Returning his attention to Jonas, the frown returned.

“I have two boys myself, in Devonport.” He sighed. “I haven’t seen them for nigh on a year.” Straightening, he caught himself. “But never mind, the question stands.”

“We do not take ship transport because none sail from Newport, on orders of General Clinton. The Royal Navy has closed the port to all but naval vessels.”

The man nodded slightly. His frown disappeared. “Then why not take a small packet from another of the ports along this coast? There are many.”

“Because the Royal Navy stops every colonial ship. Some captains resist. I will not risk my boy.”

Pursing his lips, the lieutenant said, “Very well. But with rebel militia hereabouts, it seems a risk to walk, too.”

He peered more closely at Jonas. “Unless you, sir, have rebel sympathies?”

“I have endeavored throughout my life to avoid politics, Lieutenant…” Jonas began. He fought to slow his breathing.

“Hargrave. Of the Fourth Regiment of Foot; the King’s Own. How is it possible in these times to avoid politics? Surely you believe more strongly in favor of one side or the other?”

Jonas closed his eyes and sighed. “Sir, I would that we could return to the days of peace, now passed. For the moment, I simply try to keep my family alive.” His voice caught. “I have failed in that duty in respect to my wife. Now I must keep my son alive.”

Hargrave frowned again. “I am sorry to hear of it.” Straightening his shoulders, he continued. “But I must add to your difficulty. I cannot let you go on your way.”

As Jonas began to protest, he held up his hand. “There is nothing to be said. You say you avoid politics and seem an honest man. However, you have not said you support your king. For the sake of your boy, I will not force you to either lie or be taken prisoner. But I also cannot have you going to the local rebels and alerting them to our presence. Therefore, I will temporarily detain you, until we have done what we have come to do.”

“It is likely they are already aware, sir. I cannot be the only person who saw your ships.”

“True enough. But we landed patrols last night to clear our path. You are the fruit of that work. Mayhap we have at least delayed the enemy.” He shook his head. “Meanwhile, I will hold you and the others. My men have secured a house nearby. There you will remain until we return.”

 

 

About the Author

Thomas M. Wing, a Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate, retired after thirty-two years as a Navy Surface Warfare officer. A dedicated sailor for half a century, he created the Continental Navy Foundation, served as its executive director, and commanded its brigantine, Megan D.

Tom’s first novel, Against All Enemies, earned gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and Literary Titan. In Harm’s Way, the first in the Sea Hawkes Chronicles series has also garnered several awards.

He resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and daughter and a cat and a dog. Whatever free time he has is still spent on the water.

For more about the author and to follow his blog about nautical and naval trivia, visit his website ThomasMWing.com.

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Blog Tour: Beyond the Broad Path

 

Embracing the Narrow Way of Certainty in Christ

 

Religion / Christian Living / Inspirational

Date Published: April 28, 2026

Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing

 

Is there a single path that can reach both the lukewarm believer and the skeptical non-believer? Beyond the Broad Path argues that there is. This book speaks to believers who have grown complacent, calling them back to their role as salt and light, while also inviting non-believers into an honest exploration that assumes no prior faith or biblical knowledge.

Grounded in today’s fractured cultural landscape, the book confronts the search for truth in a world of distraction, division, and digital isolation—not to condemn, but to reveal what these forces are replacing in the human heart. From there, it leads the reader to life’s ultimate crossroads and presents the only solution – Jesus Christ.

With fresh clarity, this book makes the case that Christ’s message is not outdated, but radically relevant—offering redemption, lasting joy, and peace that cuts through chaos. Drawing from Matthew 7:13–14, readers are challenged to recognize that time is finite and the choice of which road to walk is unavoidable.

If you are ready to trade anxiety for certainty and the noise of the world for the assurance of God’s truth, turn the page. The journey toward the narrow way begins now.

 
 

Excerpt

If we are constantly driven by the fear of man, the fear of poverty, or the fear of failure, it means we have functionally forgotten that we have been purchased by the Creator of the universe.

 

Having diagnosed the sickness of the world and confronted the necessity of choosing a side, we must now address the most fundamental question of human existence: Why are we here?

This is the question that precedes all geopolitical, cultural, or prophetic concerns. It is the question every human heart, whether it acknowledges God or not, attempts to answer through career, relationships, power, or pleasure. In a world spiraling into lawlessness, understanding our God-given purpose is the one anchor that prevents us from being swept away.

The Original Intent

The answer to “Why are we here?” is not found in the complexities of the last days, but in the simplicity of the beginning. We exist by design and for a relationship. The foundational purpose of man is clear in Scripture: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

We were created for fellowship, which was broken by sin. Every prophecy, every war, every rising and falling kingdom, is merely the backdrop to God’s grand narrative of restoring that broken relationship. “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea I have made him” (Isaiah 43:7). Our purpose, therefore, is rooted not in what we can achieve on earth, but in whose image we reflect and whose love we accept.

Let’s be clear on this: Satan is real, the spiritual battle is ongoing, the crucifixion of Christ was a bloody, humiliating and violent death . . . Jesus paid the price for our sins . . . we are bought at a price. Our hope comes through the resurrection when on the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead and He now sits at the right hand of our heavenly Father.[BW1] [JF2] [BW3] 

The Fog of the World: Forgetting the Price

If our purpose is so simple, why does it feel so impossibly difficult to maintain focus? Why do believers often live lives of chronic stress, anxiety, and spiritual weariness, sometimes indistinguishable from those who reject God entirely? The enemy does not always need a spectacular sin to destroy a believer. His most effective tactic is distraction.

We become so consumed in the everyday challenges of life that the eternal perspective is lost entirely. The persistent drumbeat of the world is deafening:

• The bills are due – The constant pressure of commerce and debt.
• The job demands more – The idol of performance and productivity.
• The schedule is full – The tyranny of the urgent over the important.
• The media screams – The endless noise of fear, anger, and grievance.

The heavy, low-hanging fog of worldly obligation and fear is designed to make us forget the profound and radical truth of our identity. It makes us forget that we are not slaves shackled to the grind but adopted children who have been ransomed from destruction. We allow the burdens of this fallen system to define our worth and consume our thoughts, thereby forgetting the ultimate price paid for our freedom.

We Were Bought at a Price

The most crucial moment in a believer’s life is when they stop seeing Christ’s sacrifice as merely a historical event and start seeing it as an immediate, personal valuation of their soul. God did not wait for us to be worthy; He did not wait for us to clean up our lives, secure the perfect job, or pay off our debts. He stepped into our messy reality, assessed our value, and paid the full amount: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV).

If we are constantly driven by the fear of man, the fear of poverty, or the fear of failure, it means we have functionally forgotten that we have been purchased by the Creator of the universe. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Because you were bought at a price, your time, your talents, and your life belong to a higher purpose—a purpose that transcends the demands of your job or the balance of your bank account. Remembering this price is the only way to break the debilitating cycle of worry and spiritual burnout.

 

---

 [BW1]This paragraph does not flow logically from the preceding text—seems misplaced and somewhat repetitive. Perhaps it could be deleted or the key points could be merged at the appropriate places earlier in this narrative.

 [JF2]This paragraph and this entry are moved from later in this chapter.  I agree with the original entry from Barbara that it doesn’t fit where I had originally placed it.  I have moved it here to see if it fits better, more as a precursor to the remainder of the chapter.

 [BW3]Thanks!

 

 About the Author

 

 John Stephen Frey proudly wears two hats: he is both a veteran aviation safety and training professional and the founder/Director of Life Beyond Horizons Ministry. With a career launched over forty years ago in aviation, he uniquely applies his expertise in safety analysis to his lifelong intensive study of God's Word. Through his online ministry, John has reached a worldwide audience, sharing prolific theological essays that offer a refined biblical perspective on contemporary issues. While his work is mostly based in Washington, D.C., John and his wife of over 45 years spend much of their time at their home in Oklahoma, close to their two daughters and granddaughter.

 

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PROMO: Summer of the Blue Jay

 

 

Literary Fiction Novella

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

What would you do with the last 24 hours of your life?

For nineteen-year-old Tina, the answer is simple: live.

After receiving devastating news, Tina refuses to spend her final hours confined to a hospital bed. With time slipping away and an impossible dream still burning inside her, she convinces Jake, a fellow patient, to run. Together, they escape the hospital, steal a car, and set out for New York City—determined to squeeze an entire lifetime into one unforgettable day.

As their frantic parents race to find them, Tina and Jake chase freedom through the heart of the city. From the peaceful lawns of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, every stop becomes a stolen moment, every laugh an act of defiance, and every heartbeat a reminder that time is the one thing no one can bargain for.

But as the sun begins to set, their breathtaking adventure turns into a race toward one final, symbolic destination—one that will test their courage, their bond, and the meaning of a life fully lived.

Emotional, urgent, and deeply human, Summer of the Blue Jay is a poignant contemporary novella about friendship, love, resilience, and the power of choosing joy when the clock is running out.

Perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age fiction, emotional literary stories, and thought-provoking books that ask life’s biggest questions, this unforgettable debut reminds us that tomorrow is never promised—and that one day can hold the meaning of a lifetime.

 

About the Author

Mike DeMaio is an author and seasoned technology professional whose career has spanned more than twenty-five years in corporate Information Technology, including leadership roles supporting global teams across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty food industries.

After decades of solving complex technical challenges, Mike turned to writing as a way to explore the human stories behind pressure, change, resilience, and time. What began as humorous reflections on life in IT soon evolved into a deeper creative calling, leading him from industry commentary and tech-focused articles into fiction.

His debut novella, Summer of the Blue Jay, asks one of life’s most powerful questions: what would you do if you only had twenty-four hours left? Inspired by Mike’s own reflections on career disruption, identity, and the urgency of living intentionally, the story blends emotional depth with a fast-paced journey about friendship, courage, and the priceless value of the present moment.

Mike continues to develop a diverse range of writing projects, including humorous technology-inspired work, fiction, and thriller concepts. Through his storytelling, he hopes to remind readers that time is never guaranteed—and that the moments we choose to truly live are the ones that matter most.

 

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