Release Blitz: The Patron Saint of Lost Girls by Maureen Aitken #releaseday #newbooks #giveaway #literary #fiction #shorstories #rabtbooktours

Literary Fiction / Short Story Collection

Date Published: 09-16-2025

Publisher: Wayne State University Press

In 1970s and '80s Detroit, the city wrestles with an unending economic downturn, increasing violence, and white exodus to the suburbs. Amid all of this is twentysomething Mary who is just trying to grapple with her identity in a world filled with uncertainty.

In this collection of linked stories, we follow Mary as she seeks to cope with and withstand hardship and confront her fears of exploitation, abuse, and death. Along the way, she delves into the complex yet nurturing relationships with her family and friends who teach her to love better, live fuller, and question power. The Patron Saint of Lost Girls presents an unflinching tale of life in the late twentieth-century postindustrial Midwest.

 

About the Author

Maureen Aitken’s short-story collection, The Patron Saint of Lost Girls, received a Kirkus star, the Nilsen Prize, and the Foreword Review INDIE Gold Prize for General Fiction. It will be reissued in September, 2025 by Wayne State University Press. Her stories have earned a Minnesota State Arts Board’s Artist Initiative Grant, a Loft Mentor Award, an award from Ireland’s Fish Short Story Prize, and two Pushcart Prize nominations. It was also nominated for a Minnesota Book Award. Her stories have been published in Prairie Schooner and New Letters, among others. This is her second story featured in The Missouri Review’s Blast section.

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Website

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Purchase Today

Tour Kick Off: Enjoying the Ride by Jennifer Vaughan Lague #nowontour #nonfiction #shortstories #rabtbooktours

Non-fiction Short Stories 

Date Published: July 20, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

Life isn’t always about big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are tucked into the folds of our everyday routines—quiet, funny, touching, and occasionally bittersweet. Enjoying the Ride and the Short Stories Along the Way is a heartwarming collection of true short stories drawn from the life of Jennifer Vaughan Lague, an entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother who believes that life is best lived with humor, love, and a touch of perspective.

From nostalgic reflections of childhood to the joys and chaos of raising a blended family, each story is delivered with authenticity, warmth, and a dose of wit. You’ll meet the characters that color her world—family, friends, neighbors—and perhaps even see glimpses of your own life in the process.

Perfect for busy readers or those who prefer bite-sized inspiration, this collection can be picked up and enjoyed one story at a time. Whether you're looking for laughter, a little life wisdom, or a moment of connection, these stories will remind you to slow down, reflect, and most of all—enjoy the ride.

Highlights include:

🌹 A mysterious rose in the yard that says more than words ever could

👩‍👧 A heartfelt tribute to motherhood and all its messy beauty

🔥 Cozy memories of childhood, tangled hair, and The Muppet Show

🎄 Hilarious moments of parenting during the holidays

👣 A candid reminder not to let fear hold you back from fully living

This book is a love letter to the simple moments that shape us—and a tribute to those we carry in our hearts forever.

 

About the Author

 

 ✍️ Author Bio

Jennifer Vaughan Lague is an entrepreneur and storyteller based in Southern New Hampshire. As the owner of New England Tie Dye, she combines creative expression with a strong sense of community, building a business that brings color and connection to people’s lives. A loving wife, with a blended family of five adult children and four grandchildren, Jennifer draws inspiration from the joyful, chaotic, and unforgettable moments that come with raising a blended family.

Though her journey as a writer began with a local newspaper column, her stories quickly won hearts for their relatability, humor, and emotional resonance. With Enjoying the Ride and the Short Stories Along the Way, she shares a collection of those columns—true stories that remind us that life’s ordinary moments are often the most extraordinary.

When she’s not writing or working, you’ll find her near the beach or at the dojo—her favorite places to find peace, inspiration, and perspective as both a martial artist and a lifelong learner.

Purchase Link

Amazon

September 9 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

September 10 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

September 11 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

September 12 - Always Reading - Guest Post

September 15 - My Bookmarked Reads - Spotlight

September 16 - Texas Book Nook - Review

September 17 - Liliyana Shadowlyn- Spotlight

September 18 - A Life Through Books - Interview

September 23 - The Indie Express - Review

September 24 - Book Corner News and Reviews - Spotlight

September 25 - Novel News Network - Review

September 29 - The Avid Reader - Interview

September 30 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

October 1 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

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October 9 - My Reading Addiction - Interview

October 10 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up

Teaser: The Patron Saint of Lost Girls by Marueen Aitken #comingsoon #excerpt #preorder #fiction #shortstories #rabtbooktours

 

Literary Fiction / Short Story Collection

Date Published: 09-16-2025

Publisher: Wayne State University Press

In 1970s and '80s Detroit, the city wrestles with an unending economic downturn, increasing violence, and white exodus to the suburbs. Amid all of this is twentysomething Mary who is just trying to grapple with her identity in a world filled with uncertainty.

In this collection of linked stories, we follow Mary as she seeks to cope with and withstand hardship and confront her fears of exploitation, abuse, and death. Along the way, she delves into the complex yet nurturing relationships with her family and friends who teach her to love better, live fuller, and question power. The Patron Saint of Lost Girls presents an unflinching tale of life in the late twentieth-century postindustrial Midwest.

Excerpt

“AUGUST, WHEN the cicadas burned and the lawnmowers sounded like industrial bees, we couldn’t stop. In the bedroom, on the couch, on the floor. Afterward we would lie there, reading the paper or letting the television taunt us like a car salesman. Paul would wiggle his toes against mine, and we’d look at one another for a long time. His face was like a catcher’s mitt, warm and beaten. He reminded me of one of those boys who had moved away when I was little, but Paul had returned a man.”

-“This is Art”

 

About the Author

Maureen Aitken’s short-story collection, The Patron Saint of Lost Girls, received a Kirkus star, the Nilsen Prize, and the Foreword Review INDIE Gold Prize for General Fiction. It will be reissued in September, 2025 by Wayne State University Press. Her stories have earned a Minnesota State Arts Board’s Artist Initiative Grant, a Loft Mentor Award, an award from Ireland’s Fish Short Story Prize, and two Pushcart Prize nominations. It was also nominated for a Minnesota Book Award. Her stories have been published in Prairie Schooner and New Letters, among others. This is her second story featured in The Missouri Review’s Blast section.

Contact Links

Website

Goodreads

Instagram

Preorder Today

Book Blitz: Enjoying the Ride and the Short Stories Along the Way by Jennifer Vaughan Lague #nonfiction #shortstories #rabtbooktours

Non-fiction Short Stories 

Date Published: July 20, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

Life isn’t always about big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are tucked into the folds of our everyday routines—quiet, funny, touching, and occasionally bittersweet. Enjoying the Ride and the Short Stories Along the Way is a heartwarming collection of true short stories drawn from the life of Jennifer Vaughan Lague, an entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother who believes that life is best lived with humor, love, and a touch of perspective.

From nostalgic reflections of childhood to the joys and chaos of raising a blended family, each story is delivered with authenticity, warmth, and a dose of wit. You’ll meet the characters that color her world—family, friends, neighbors—and perhaps even see glimpses of your own life in the process.

Perfect for busy readers or those who prefer bite-sized inspiration, this collection can be picked up and enjoyed one story at a time. Whether you're looking for laughter, a little life wisdom, or a moment of connection, these stories will remind you to slow down, reflect, and most of all—enjoy the ride.

Highlights include:

🌹 A mysterious rose in the yard that says more than words ever could

👩‍👧 A heartfelt tribute to motherhood and all its messy beauty

🔥 Cozy memories of childhood, tangled hair, and The Muppet Show

🎄 Hilarious moments of parenting during the holidays

👣 A candid reminder not to let fear hold you back from fully living

This book is a love letter to the simple moments that shape us—and a tribute to those we carry in our hearts forever.

 

About the Author

 

 ✍️ Author Bio

Jennifer Vaughan Lague is an entrepreneur and storyteller based in Southern New Hampshire. As the owner of New England Tie Dye, she combines creative expression with a strong sense of community, building a business that brings color and connection to people’s lives. A loving wife, with a blended family of five adult children and four grandchildren, Jennifer draws inspiration from the joyful, chaotic, and unforgettable moments that come with raising a blended family.

Though her journey as a writer began with a local newspaper column, her stories quickly won hearts for their relatability, humor, and emotional resonance. With Enjoying the Ride and the Short Stories Along the Way, she shares a collection of those columns—true stories that remind us that life’s ordinary moments are often the most extraordinary.

When she’s not writing or working, you’ll find her near the beach or at the dojo—her favorite places to find peace, inspiration, and perspective as both a martial artist and a lifelong learner.

Purchase Link

Amazon

Tour Kick Off: Writers of the Future Vol. 40 #blogtour #nowontour #scifi #fantasy #giveaway #horror #shortstories #collection #rabtbooktours @WotFContest

 

Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Short Stories

Date Published:  May 7, 2024

 

 

Spine-tingling

Breathtaking

Mind-blowing

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities.

Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you see the world in ways you never imagined.

Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year as selected by Writers of the Future Contest judges accompanied by three more from L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each is accompanied by a full-color illustration.

Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips  from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith

“When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual world.—“The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast” by Sky McKinnon, art by Carina Zhang

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits. Étienne knew it was his fault.—“Son, Spirit, Snake” by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N.

Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan Guidry is also running out of air—and the nearest help is light years away.—“Nonzero” by Tom Vandermolen, art by Jennifer Mellen

Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of history—but this one had some unexpected side effects.—“The Last Drop” by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague de Camp, art by Chris Arias

Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what’s left of his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring unexpected hope.—“The Imagalisk” by Galen Westlake, art by Arthur Haywood

When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her wits and the magic of the bayou—no matter the cost to her own soul.—“Life and Death and Love in the Bayou” by Stephannie Tallent, art by Ashley Cassaday

Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing.…—“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson, art by Steve Bentley

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient and hostile to all life.—“Shaman Dreams” by S.M. Stirling, art by Dan dos Santos

A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but it’s not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the present.—“The Wall Isn’t a Circle” by Rosalyn Robilliard, art by Guelly Rivera

In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt’s wendigo hunt, a Native American boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the ultimate prey—America’s Great Chief.—“Da-ko-ta” by Amir Agoora, art by Connor Chamberlain

When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of her own miserable existence to find her client’s daughter—and maybe a way out.—“Squiddy” by John Eric Schleicher, art by Tyler Vail

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent infection rate that affects personality changes … permanently.—“Halo” by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas Durham

Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it’s Rickard’s fault. Now in his twilight years, he’d give an arm and a leg for redemption. Literally.—“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber” by James Davies, art by May Zheng

What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for love?—“Summer of Thirty Years” by Lisa Silverthorne, art by Gigi Hooper

Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love stories, but that’s unlikely.—“Butter Side Down” by Kal M, art by Selena Meraki

 

 

L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S. M. Stirling, Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, Dean Amir Agoora, James Davies, Kal M, Sky McKinnon, Jack Nash, Rosalyn Robilliard, Lance Robinson, John Eric Schleicher, Lisa Silverthorne, Stephannie Tallent, Tom Vandermolen, and Galen Westlake.

Illustrators: Dan dos Santos, Ashley Cassaday, Gigi Hooper, Jennifer Mellen, Pedro Nascimento, Steve Bentley, Connor Chamberlain, Selena Meraki, Guelly Rivera, Tyler Vail, Carina Zhang, May Zheng, Lucas Durham, and Chris Arias.

 

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Writing Podcast

Writers Forum

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B&N

B-A-M

May 9 - Nana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

May 10 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

May 11 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

May 12 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

May 13 - The Indie Express - Review

May 14 - The Avid Reader - Excerpt

May 15 - Matters That Count - Spotlight

May 16 - On a Reading Bender - Review

May 17 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

May 20 - Our Town Book Reviews - Excerpt

May 21 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

May 22 - Texas Book Nook - Review

May 22 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up

 

 

 

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Teaser Tuesday: The Body by Holly Anne Mitchell #promo #teaser #excerpt #giveaway #poetry #women #rabtbooktours

Poems and Stories

Poetry, Women

Date Published: Jan 31, 2024

Publisher: Bookbaby

 

How do you stitch yourself back together after trauma, loss, grief, heartbreak? By inviting what is broken to become what is breathtaking. THE BODY is a collection of poems and short stories written in lyrical prose during the hardest moments of the author's life. This collection explores themes of love, loss, grief, seduction, creativity, consciousness, female empowerment, post- traumatic expansion, and the collective human experience. Because when words are not enough, art is the container that holds what the body cannot. And as the heart breaks open, the soul can be set free. 

Be A Surrealist

Be a surrealist.

A beautiful life defies logic and conditioning.

It laughs in the face of convention and dares us to open ourselves to the terror of the possible–

…to lean into sorrow of joy’s inevitable departure.

Whichever dream cannot leave your mind, court her.

Lure her to your bed

and cook her breakfast in the morning.

For the moments you spend together in lock step will feel unreal and uncharted,

And the times you are apart will be beige with dry mouth.

Know this: everything that is not for you feels normal,

And everything that is yours

will terrify, seduce, and astound you with life surreal.

About the Author

Artist. Two-time TEDx talker. Singer-Songwriter. Entrepreneur. Novelist-Playwright. Ghostwriter. Mental Health Advocate. A no-holds barred journey of transformation and recovery from PTSD, Holly's story is a raw and honest testament to the power of creative resilience. Forged from the heartache of personal trauma, she's spun her pain into a wealth of creative prowess, shattering societal norms, and challenging the idea of 'spiritual bypassing.'

Holly's lyrical prose combines self-hypnosis with carefully crafted wordsmithing to ignite the senses and the soul through their musical cadence. Holly wrote, produced, and starred in her debut musical BLOOD SUPPLY: A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE LOVE STORY premiering in Los Angeles January 2023 to stellar reviews. She releases music under the artist name HOLLY HOLLOWS and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Contact Links

Website

Instagram: @hollyanne_mitchell

Youtube: @hollyannemitchell

Tiktok @hollyanne.mitchell

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

 

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Tour Kick Off: Tales of a Spiritual Sun by Paul Kiritsis #blogtour #nowontour #historicalfiction #shortstories #rabtbooktours

Historical Fiction / Short Stories

Date Published: March 20, 2023

 

From the Sphinx communicating through a Ouija board to Narcissus's traditional, terrible fate morphing into his first glimmer of hope, Tales of a Spiritual Sun re-writes the Greek myths as never before. The tales of the familiar are tackled, such as the stories of Medusa, King Midas, and Pandora. Yet, Tales of a Spiritual Sun also includes those that are, perhaps, less well known such as Orpheus, Proteus, and Psyche.

All the stories are viewed from new angles or written with modern twists. They take on new lives, with fresh locations and messages at their heart. These include a scientific experiment ready to change the world on the night it is set to end and a personal detective who must decide if a man, claiming his wife is a nymph, is delusional or about to commit an awful crime.

 

Tales of a Spiritual Sun allows readers to discover ancient myths in a bold and original way, in both contemporary and traditional settings.

 

About the Author

Paul Kiritsis, PsyD, MScMed, is a medical psychologist, poet, and artist. His seven published books cover contentious topics in psychiatry and clinical psychology, mind-matter interaction, literary studies, and poetry, and he is the recipient of twenty-two book/literary awards. He was elected for inclusion in the 2023 Doctors' edition of the Best of California Magazine for excellence in medicine. Paul's diverse academic interests straddle cognitive neuroscience, psychology/neuropsychology, and philosophy of mind on one end of the spectrum and esotericism, comparative religion, and history on the other. He enjoys cycling, weightlifting, playing the keyboards, and scuba diving in his spare time.

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

October 24 - Matters That Count - Excerpt

October 25 - Liliyana Shadowlyn - Spotlight

October 26 - Books Blog - Spotlight

October 27 - Texas Book Nook - Review

October 28 - Honey Can Do It - Excerpt

October 30 - My Reading Addiction - Interview

October 31 - Book Corner News and Reviews - Spotlight

November 1 - My Bookmarked Reads - Excerpt

November 2 - Writers N Authors - Spotlight

November 3 - Novel News Network - Review

November 6 - The Faerie Review - Spotlight

November 7 - The Avid Reader - Interview

November 8 - Sapphyria's Books - Spotlight

November 9 - Momma and Her Stories - Excerpt

November 10 - Crossroad Reviews - Spotlight

November 13 - The Indie Express - Review

November 14 - BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog - Spotlight

November 15 - Our Town Book Reviews - Excerpt

November 16 - Momma Says to Read or Not to Read - Spotlight

November 17 - On a Reading Bender - Review

November 20 - A Life Through Books - Interview

November 21 - Nana's Book Reviews-  Spotlight

November 22 - Book Junkiez - Excerpt

November 23 - Tea Time and Books - Spotlight

November 24 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up