Goddess Fish Promotions Presents: The Spirit Of Harriet Tubman by Spring Washam; #BlurbBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Live, #Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.  

Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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The Spirit of Harriet Tubman:

Awakening from the Underground

by Spring Washam

GENRE: Non-Fiction: African American History

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BLURB:

The Spirit of Harriet Tubman, who was called the Moses of her people, is rising again, and we can call forth her spirit to embody incredible strength and unwavering courage. Combining direct transmissions of Harriet's message with insightful explorations of her life and legacy, this extraordinary book gives us support and inspiration to deepen our roots of resilience and become powerful conductors of love and truth in our own lives.

We can learn how to remain fearless in the face of hatred and confusion. And through Harriet Tubman's guidance, we will learn how to meet the challenges of this moment with a compassionate heart.

Spring's previous works have been praised by Publishers Weekly as "bring[ing] considerable gifts for conveying her vision of personal change and offer[ing] vivid, inspiring testimony to the power of Buddhism." And now, she inspires a new generation of activists to carry her message and her work forward.

Buy Links:

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Harriet-Tubman-Awakening-Underground-ebook/dp/B09YQZ79C5/

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EXCERPT:

Today, as I begin this chapter, it’s International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022. My assistant, who is in Mexico City, called to tell me. She’s off to join a huge women’s march there. “How perfect!” I say. As I head back to the cabin where I’m on a writing retreat, getting ready to start a session with Harriet, I wonder what Harriet will share today. I think we’re going to talk about women. I know she is passionate about the rights and dignity of women. Suddenly, I feel Harriet’s spirit really close to me. I prepare myself to surrender and go on another journey with her, but instead, we just sit together quietly. I feel her come closer and closer until her spirit merges right into me and she enters into my heart. Our breathing becomes synchronized in the most beautiful way. I’m not shaking, dizzy, or overwhelmed by her powerful energy. We are, at last, in harmony, in sync and attuned, and it’s magical. After a few minutes, I begin thinking about women and I sense Harriet is as well. As we sit quietly with our hearts merged, I begin feeling and experiencing a deep and tender part of Harriet, soft, loving, and almost aching with vulnerability. She begins to speak, “Oh, Child, the women . . .” almost in a whisper and then stops, over and over, as we breathe in and out together. I feel it too, a deep concern for the feminine spirit. Half the world are women, and way too many are oppressed, beaten down, and denied their God-given right to be free. As we continue breathing together, Harriet begins chanting. It’s a prayer: “Heavenly Father, forgive them. Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

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Author Bio:

Spring Washam is a well-known meditation and dharma teacher based in Oakland, California. She is a founding member and core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center located in downtown Oakland. She is the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys, an organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom. She was trained by Jack Kornfield and has studied numerous meditation practices and Buddhist philosophy since 1997. She is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. In addition to being a teacher, she is also a healer, facilitator, spiritual activist, and writer. Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based healing practices into diverse communities. She has studied indigenous healing practices and shamanic practices for over a decade. She has practiced and studied under some of the most preeminent meditation masters in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism. She currently travels and teaches workshops, classes, and retreats worldwide.

For more information on Spring Washam, or to follow her social media for event updates, inspiring quotes, and images:

Author Links:

Website: http://www.springwasham.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spring.washam

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/teacher.springwasham/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvoIv70jZKKXT2-ctKGhr7A

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpringWasham

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springwasham/

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GIVEAWAY:

Spring Washam will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Loving The Book Presents: Great Summer Reads; #CountdownBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Giveaway

Russ Wallace is long-time student of history and religion. He employs a vivid imagination to fill in the life of Zenobia, a real historical figure and one of the most fascinating women who ever lived. 

He is working on future books in the Zenobia Book Series. Zenobia - Birth of a Legend won a 2012 IPPY award in Historical Fiction.

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Sequel to the award-winning Zenobia - Birth of a Legend.

The continuing saga of the deadly young warrior who will one day challenge Rome for the supremacy of her world. As the dynamic girl continues her education in Egypt, for a time she is diverted from her warrior path. Complicating Zenobia's life is a budding romance with her brilliant and charismatic instructor. The challenge - he is the scholar, she the warrior. Can they blend their worlds to become the most exciting couple in Alexandria?

Learning of a slave trade in kidnapped young women, Zenobia determines to free the oppressed. Warrior skills will not be enough. Her new challenge - to become a pirate, then a temptress in her fight for justice.

The Author is putting both books in this Series on special offer on Amazon 25 - 26th of July 2018! 

·       Click the Amazon Link below to view the steeply discounted price!

~ Universal Amazon Link ~~ Goodreads ~ Website ~

Snippet:

     Almost as an afterthought Zenobia asked, “How many men do you know that you can really trust?”

     “How many men can I really trust?” Jasmine repeated Zenobia’s question. After careful thinking, she replied, “None! Whatever you are thinking of doing, if it requires trustworthy men, forget it!”

     The look of controlled, determined intensity on the girl told her that was not likely to happen. This girl is dangerous, extremely dangerous!

     Zenobia waited a minute before questioning, “Aren’t you going to ask me?”

     “No! You don’t know me and I don’t know you. Possession of certain types of knowledge brings danger. I don’t need that!”

     Zenobia contemplated her next step. She needed a man with particular skills, and she did not know how to go about finding him. She made a decision. “I do know you. You are like the leopardess in the forest that I spared. You are alert, skilled, and intelligent, trying to survive in a perilous wilderness of a sort, the alleys of this city. Therefore, I both respect you and value your opinion. I need your help!”

     “Helping you could be dangerous,” Jasmine answered quietly. “Convince me it will be worth the risk.” She liked the girl before her and decided she was willing to be recruited for the right price.

     “First, I already promised your ‘business partner’ 100 gold darics. Second, I guarantee you that, provided I survive, I will personally see to it that you are reunited with him. Third, if you wish to settle in Syria, I will be glad to employ the talents of both of you there. You will find that very profitable.”

     Jasmine was amazed. “I have heard a legend that you were born to rule. I can see that. I can believe that. What exactly do you want?”

     Zenobia thought back to the words of Saladir nine months earlier, A legend has power. He had proved to be a valuable and wise ally.

“Hasshel has a ship carrying kidnapped young girls who are to be sold as slaves.” She paused to read Jasmine’s expression and was gratified to see the older woman’s eyes flash with anger. She continued simply, “I want to take it!”

     “Of course you do,” Jasmine responded. “I saw that in your eyes.” She took a deep breath and said, “I will help.”

     “How do I do it?” It was clear to her that she had another ally, at least for this mission.

     “When does it sail? And which ship is it?”

     “In three days. Your partner told me I was to be one of the captives. We know the vessel.”

     Jasmine considered the options. “You could capture it here in the harbor, but I think that would be too high a risk for several reasons. First, the place is crawling with Roman sailors. Second, there are too many chances that someone would see or hear your attack and report it.

It would be far safer to take the ship in the open sea. What kind of vessel is it, and how large?”

     Zenobia was not pleased about sharing the information, but she did not see another choice.       “It is a coaster, about forty cubits long.”

     “That is helpful. Coasters usually anchor for the night, so you might be able to do a sneak attack. You would want to make your assault early in the morning when the watch tends to be less alert. In any case, you will need a ship, a fast one, to overtake it. Thus, you are going to have to hire the ship, and you need a captain/owner who’s willing to engage in an act of piracy.”

     “I don’t consider capturing a slave ship to be piracy.”

     Jasmine smiled. “Call it what you wish, maiden, but the authorities would consider it piracy, and they execute pirates for it. I recommend you do not get caught.”

     “Good advice. Do you know a pirate with a fast ship?”

     “Yes.”

     “I don’t suppose this pirate is a woman?”

     “No,” she said with a smirk.

     “Will he deal with me?”

     “What color is your gold?”

     “Deep yellow.”

     “Then yes, he will deal with you.”

     “When can I meet him?”

     “I can try to set something up for tonight.”

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By:

Loving The Book Presents: Great Summer Reads; #CountdownBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Giveaway

Russ Wallace is a long-time student of history and religion. He employs a vivid imagination to fill in the life of Zenobia, a real historical figure and one of the most fascinating women who ever lived. 

He is working on future books in the Zenobia Book Series. Zenobia - Birth of a Legend won a 2012 IPPY award in Historical Fiction.

~ Facebook ~ Website ~
~ Amazon ~ Twitter ~
~ Google+ ~ Goodreads ~ 

In the 3rd century, a girl of uncommon abilities was born in the desert wilderness of Syria. Rescued from death by her courageous mother, Zenobia masqueraded as a boy to stay alive. She grew up to become one of the toughest, deadliest women who ever lived.

The first book in the series traces Zenobia’s life from age nine to fifteen, setting the stage for her amazing rise to power. It includes the beginnings of her legend and her budding romances.

No one who reads her captivating story will ever forget Zenobia!

The Author is putting both books in this Series on special offer on Amazon 25 - 26th of July 2018! 

·       Click the Amazon Link below to view the steeply discounted price!

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
~ Goodreads ~ Website ~

Snippet:

Suddenly it came – a roar reverberating the ground. Jumping up she yelled, “Bethy, come!” She did not want her mare to bolt in panic through the fence and straight into the fangs and claws of a lion. Bethy trotted over nervously and Zenobia said, “Good girl. Bethy, hold!” Several of the horses began to whinny and run around the corral, but Bethy held her place by her mistress.

Zenobia moved into the corral while straining to see into the darkness. Then she saw them – spread out before her three sets of large yellow eyes glowing in the darkness. It was the most threatening sight she had ever seen. She had learned that at night a human could only see the eyes of the big cats when they were focused on the observer and there was a little light coming from behind the watcher. Their eyes must be reflecting the faint moonlight.

Now she could barely make out the shadowy shapes of the three huge cats. She caught a glimpse of movement behind their eyes, and she hoped it was her imagination and not more lions. She instinctively glanced to her left and right. Another set of luminous eyes appeared briefly to her far right. She made an almost involuntary snarl. Not too bad, she thought. The eyes stopped moving. Where is Julian? He and other guards must have heard the roar.

As she watched intently, the pair to her left disappeared and reappeared. It’s flanking us. The eyes to the far right were gone now, but the two pairs of golden orbs straight ahead began to slowly draw closer. She now noticed that one set of eyes was larger, evidently the male. Then the eyes stopped dead ahead. She guessed that the lions were energizing for a charge.

Her decision was calculated and determined in an instant. She drew her bow and shot behind the flanking eyes to her left. She was relieved to hear a yowl of pain and a snarl, as she had hoped. As she quickly placed her next arrow, the smaller pair of eyes ahead suddenly veered away into the night, perhaps scared off by the painful yowl of the wounded lioness.

She was startled to see the eyes belonging to the male grow still larger, bobbing up and down. It’s charging! She knew she had only seconds to live. Bethy saw the lion charge and finally bolted. Zenobia aimed below the eyes and shot fast. She grabbed another arrow, rushing to get off a second shot. Then she heard a crash and she was slammed in the chest, fell backwards to the ground, hit her head hard, and lost consciousness.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

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Pump Up Your Book Presents: When Johnny doesn't Come Marching Home; #VirtualBookTour, #OutNow, #Review

We are happy to bring you Marian Small's WHEN JOHNNIE DOESN'T COME MARCHING HOME blog tour!  Please leave a comment to let Marian know you stopped by!

Title: When Johnny Doesn’t Come Marching Home

Author: Marian Small

Publisher: Friesen Press

Pages: 341

Genre: Memoir

Rating:  5 Stars

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for review from Pump Up Your Book and the author.  I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising".

First-time author Marian Small’s WHEN JOHNNY DOESN’T COME MARCHING HOME does for World War I what Tom Brokaw’s THE GREATEST GENERATION did for World War II.

Written as a memoir of her father, WHEN JOHNNY DOESN’T COME MARCHING HOME expands to pay tribute to the generation that fought in the trenches and on the battlefields of what has been called the “forgotten war.”

Employing an inherited cache of her father’s letters home, his diary of the war, and voluminous family and historic photographs, Small, at age 89, has scrupulously created a narrative rich in vivid, sometimes heartbreaking detail of First Sgt. John Small’s experiences on the front lines and as a returning wounded veteran.

As a young man touched with the “spirit of adventure,” John R. Small enlisted in the Ohio National Guard in 1916, when he was 20 years old. He was first sent to Gen. John J. Pershing’s command on the Texas/Mexican border in pursuit of the legendary revolutionary and bandit Pancho Villa. When America entered World War I, in 1917, Small was mustered into the Army and promoted to sergeant. His unit was sent to France in 1918. Among his personal possessions was a diary given to him by his wife, Mary. He made almost daily entries during his time witnessing and enduring the horrors of the war.

John Small was severely wounded by a high explosive during the Meuse-Argonne campaign. His legs were badly mangled. After six months in hospitals in France, he was sent home. “At the tender age of 23 years, Johnny didn’t come marching home,” says Marian Small.

Although John Small’s incredible story took place nearly 100 years ago, it is still relevant today as American troops continue to be deployed around the world in harm’s way. WHEN JOHNNY DOESNT COME MARCHING HOME is certain to appeal to military history buffs, veterans, their families and friends, and readers who enjoy a compelling tale.

Marian Small believes that her book is unique “in that every word is true as told by Johnny in his diary or in his letters as narrated by me. I do not believe it can be compared to any other World War I
war story that I have read or that has been written.”

Readers are sure to agree with her.

For More Information:

• When Johnny Doesn’t Come Marching Home is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

My Thoughts:

When I got the invitation for the blog tour for this book, I could not pass it up.  The book seemed to speak to me.  My grandfather fought during World War I.  I loved that this book would give me an idea of some of the things that he may have gone through – he never talked about that time to us (or at least I don’t remember he did).  You may wonder what that has to do with romance.

Romance is all about love.  And what better way to show your love to a parent but to honor him but by letting others hear his story.  This story may resonate with you the way it did with me.  The Preface and Introduction is so interesting that I ask that you not skip and go right to chapter one.  I found myself saying “wow” a few times during the Intro.  It’s a great incentive to talk with some of your relatives, before it’s too late, you might learn something about them and something you may never read in a history book.

Like the fact that you had relatives come over on the Mayflower.  If I had not read this book, I would never have guessed that the author’s and my relatives might have known each other.  It shows how small our world actually is.  And if our relatives met on the Mayflower, it makes me wonder if her father and my grandfather ever crossed paths.

In school, I didn’t enjoy history much.  But reading a book like this makes learning that subject a lot more interesting.  The pictures, letters, and his diary just add an extra depth to this fantastic book.  It’s a book that would be perfect for history buffs but I think even those that aren’t buffs will get a lot out of John Small’s legacy.  I have to give a big “thank you” to the author for bringing my grandfather, who passed away in the 70’s, back into my life and my heart.  And this is the first book that I’ve recommended my dad, who served in the Navy during the Korean War, read.

Book Excerpt:

LETTERS to MARY

August 1:  Worked hard all day taking over and assigning more men to my Platoon sector. Aeroplanes
continually flying over our dugout. A few shells went over early in the evening.  Wrote letter to my wife this night while lying on the floor of my dugout with only a candle to light the darkness.

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August 1st, 1918 —

Somewhere in France

My Dear Wife: It has been several days since you last heard from me, and now, while waiting for ‘mess’, I will endeavor to keep you acquainted with the experiences I am allowed to tell you about. I say ‘experiences’, Honey, for since I last wrote to you, they have been many. War has vividly impressed them in my memory and I will never forget them. I will be able to tell you all when I come back to you, free from all the privations which we soldiers have to encounter. We will live and love all over again.

I have been on the go since I last wrote to you. We left our station and marched through shell-torn
towns, up and down hills, and reached a place where we stopped to camp at three in the morning. Everyone was almost dead from the long march in the dark. To tell you the truth, ‘War is Hell', emphasis on the ‘Hell’.

We lay in the Camp undercover, not allowed to march in the daytime on account of enemy aeroplanes.  We left this Camp in the evening at 8:30 and, with the heavy load we each had to carry, hiked again in the night with aeroplanes flying overhead and bombs bursting everywhere. Six hours later we reached our destination.

When we set out on these marches, we never know where we are going. We are now in the trenches, I
know not where.

From here, my experiences and love for adventure grew and I will relate only parts of it since we are severely censored now.

The first thing that I took notice of was the crack and roar of the heavy shells passing overhead.  Honest, I never felt so lonesome as then for our little cottage in Camp Sheridan.

About the Author:

Marian Small was born in Cleveland, Ohio; she has been writing for most of her life. She began
her 25 year business career as a secretary, a cashier and manager of a Detroit mortgage company, and as an Operations Manager of a Florida stock-brokerage firm. She moved to Beverly Hills, Calif. with her the 10-year-old son from her first marriage and became the Administrative Assistant to a Vice-President of the Regional Office of the same brokerage firm, which entailed frequent stints within the Wall Street office.  She married again in 1973, at age 46. She and her husband shared a 34-year long marriage before they divorced. After surviving breast cancer and minor strokes, Marian resumed writing at age 86 and has been writing ever since.

For More Information:

• Visit Marian Small’s website.
• Connect with Marian on Facebook.
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