I’m so happy to have fellow Story Empire writer and friend, John W. Howell here today to share his latest release. I loved Eternal Road and was eager to read The Last Drive. It was a fantastic second book! Here is my review: LINK
I am so pleased to be with you today, Denise. I want to thank you for helping spread the word about The Last Drive. Your philosophy about paying attention to your inner child is one that curiously enough came in handy while I was writing this book. All too often we pull up short wondering if our readers will accept what we have written. In the case of The Last Drive there are scenes of man’s inhumanity to man that made me pause. I finally looked at the situation much like a child would approach such a subject. I asked myself three questions.1. Is the history a real event? 2. Should the event be remembered? 3.Will writing about the event serve a purpose. The answer to all three was yes and so the book was born.
Here is the blurb and then we can get to a short excerpt from the book.
The Blurb
In the sequel to Eternal Road – The final stop, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.
The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey take the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic in 1912, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.
This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.
An Excerpt.
James walks toward his chair. On the way, he picks up his book and, over his shoulder, says, “Was I drugged? Is there something in this tea?”
Sam laughs and follows him to the chair. “No.”
“Speaking of tea, would you like some?”
Sam shakes her head. “No, thank you. I came to ask a favor. Not for a social visit.”
“Any favor you want would be my pleasure to deliver.” James stops talking and looks, shamefaced, at the book in his hand. “Sorry, that cheesy line is in this thing. What do you need from me?”
Sam’s forehead furrows. “We have a soul, and a guide, somewhere on the Eternal Road, and they’ve gone missing.”
James’s eyes widen. “The way we did?’
“Perhaps. The Archangel asked for us to try and find the pair.”
James rubs his chin. “Who are they?”
“Eddie Rickenbacker and Ryan Sanders.”
“The Eddie Rickenbacker?”
“Yes, the same.”
“Who’s Ryan Sanders?”
“He was a captain in the US Air Force. He saved a bunch of civilians in Afghanistan by staying with his crippled airplane till it hit the ground and exploded.”
“So, he’s a hero.”
“I think so.”
“Good enough. Where do I sign?”
A Link to the Trailer
You Tube https://youtu.be/HEUninXiibI
Buy Links
The Last Drive is available in paper and Kindle editions on Amazon. Here are the universal links. The Kindle edition is on sale for 99¢ through mid-February.
Kindle https://mybook.to/FYmkKr
Paper https://mybook.to/BCsWV
Author Bio
John is an award-winning author who after an extensive business career began writing full time in 2012. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. He has written Six other books that are on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
Author links
Blog Fiction Favorites, http://johnwhowell.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/john.howell.98229241
Twitter –https://www.twitter.com/HowellWave
Goodreads –https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751796.John_W_Howell
Amazon Author’s page –https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/john-w-howell
Eternal Road Buy links
Kindle Universal link mybook.to/EternalRoad
Paper universal link mybook.to/Eternalroadpaper
I like the questions you asked yourself, John, when deciding to write this book. I also agree with Denise’s philosophy about paying attention to your inner child, a philosophy I adhere to as well. So glad you continued James and Sam’s story.
Thank you, Darlene. The subject matter of this book is not easy and I wanted to avoid a gratuitous handling of it. The inner child solution was the best. 😁
Thanks, Darlene 🙂 I can feel that inner child kindred spirit! I’m glad it encouraged John to write this sequel.
I always tell my students, “look at the world with a child’s eyes”. It’s surprising what will seem innovative and fresh when we do that. I sense the same in John’s work here. I enjoyed reading this. Thanks both.
Great advice for your students, Judith. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, John
A perfect message for your students, Judith 🙂 Yes, that inner child can bring out that wonder and newness to our work, like John’s story, and life.
Indeed, Denise. It so resonates throughout John’s words.
I like the questions you posed to yourself, John. The book does touch on some darker subjects, but you stayed true to history.
Also, I hope I never lose the whimsy of childhood.
Thanks for hosting John today, Denise.
Thank you, Mae. You are so right. We all need to hold on to those childhood views.
They were great questions, Mae 🙂 Yes, very dark periods of history and accurate but with that hope. Yes, I’m with you that I never lose that childhood whimsy.
I like that personal quiz. James didn’t waste any time diving in. Must have something to do with Sam.
You may be on to something, Craig. Thanks for the smile.
It was a good one, Craig. They do seem to have a connection 😉
Denise’s philosophy is one we should all follow. I love that it resulted in the birth of your latest book, John. Thanks for hosting today, Denise! xo
Thank you, Jill. I think it took a village to get this one off the ground.😁
Thank you, Jill. I think it took a village to get this one off the ground.
Thank you, Jill :). When I heard it years ago, I couldn’t let it go. I’m glad the voice is still strong.
I love your three questions, John. And I’m so glad you wrote the book. Best wishes with it.
Denise, thanks for hosting.
Thank you for your good wishes, Staci. 😁
I like those questions too, Staci and very hapoy they led to this great story 🙂
Thank you for doing such a wonderful post for our mutual friend.
Thank you for the terrific comment, GP.
Thrilled to have John here today to talk about his wonderful new story, GP 🙂
Thank you for hosting me today, Denise. I just love your review and am so grateful that you not only enjoyed the book, but took the time to tell others about it too. You are the best.
Thrilled to spread the word on your latest, John! It is a great read and happy to be able to share that 🙂
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Another enticing excerpt, John! Looking forward to reading this one, for sure! Thanks for sharing, Denise. Super post! 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you, Marcia. So glad you came to visit and comment. 😁
You have a great read ahead, Marcia 🙂 Happy to share this!
Huge congratulations on this wonderful review, John. I love your three questions and Denise’s advice about looking through the eyes of a child … both for frank honesty and a sense of wonderment. Wishing you every success with your new book. Denise, thanks for sharing. Hugs 💕🙂
Thank you for the good wishes, Harmony. I think looking through a child’s lens is the happiest way to view the world. 😁
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John found a wonderful balance of frank historical facts mixed with bit of innocent faith, that I really enjoyed. Happy to share in John’s latest success.
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I’m glad James agreed. Now they can go find Rickenbacker and Sanders. It’s going to be quite the adventure! Congratulations on this recent release, John!
Thank you, Priscilla. An adventure indeed.
I’m glad James agreed too, Priscilla. It was quite the adventure.
It’s good that you’re helping the promotion of such a great book, Denise, and your review of the book is well done. I think it’s wonderful, John, that so many friends are spreading the word about The Last Drive. 🙂
I’m glad I am a part of the promotion of such a fine story 🙂 Thank you, its one worth sharing!
It sure is!
Great intro into the questions we ask ourselves as authors. I commend John for including sad events from history in his novel. Pretending these things didn’t happen is equivalent to burying one’s head in the sand.
Well done, Denise, in supporting a fine author like John.
Thank you for your support, Pete. Your review is outstanding and I appreciate your help with the into. 😁
Yes, a great lesson on how to flush out a story, Pete 🙂 He did tackle hard parts of our history and did it in a way that was honest and provided a bit of comfort. Always thrilled to offer support to our wonder talented community.
Another great review from a wonderful author John! The reviews are spectacular and fun to be exposed to Denise’s great work as well. 💗
Yes reviews are fun and like the pay off for hard work. Thank you for following the tour, Cindy. Each stop is hosted by a fabulous author. Love your comment.
It’s a joy and you’re most welcome John! 💗
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It was a great read, Cindy. I happy to be able to share that 🙂 Thank you!
I’ve read snippets and it really is.. 💞
Congratulations on this book and such a great tour, John.
Thank you so much, Jacqui. I appreciate your support and kind words.
It’s a great read and tour, Jacqui 🙂 Fun to follow along.
I finished reading The Last Drive yesterday evening. Really enjoyed it. John, you have a winner on your hands. A huge thanks to Denise for hosting today.
I’m so glad you like it, Joan. I did have some nervousness about some the scenes, but am glad you found it satisfying.
I agree, Joan. It is another winner! Thrilled to share in John’s success.
Thank you, Denise. 😊
John found a wonderful balance of frank historical facts mixed with bit of innocent faith, that I really enjoyed. Happy to share in John’s latest success.
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I am hearing such good things about this book! Congratulations John. I hope you are enjoying the spotlight. Thanks for sharing Denise.
It is a fantastic follow up to his first story, Balroop! I’m so happy I can help spread the word.
Thank you, Balroop. The light does warm the spirit for sure.
This was another great scene from John’s new book. James had every reason to hesitate, but Sam can be convincing. 🙂 Congratulations to you, John! Thank you, Denise, for hosting!
I agree, Jan 🙂 Samis very convincing! Thrilled to share in John’s good news
Thank you for the visit and comment, Jan. I appreciate your support.
I like that James is a man of action and ready to immediately jump in. Thanks for hosting, Denise!
He is like that for sure. Thanks, Teri
James does just that, Teri 🙂 Happy to be hosting!
Congratulations to John on Denise’s great review! I will be writing mine shortly.
Thank you so much for taking the time to not only read the book but to write a review as well. Thank you also for your support on the tour. 😁
You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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It was a good read, wasn’t it Liz? 🙂
Yes, it was. I loved the ending.
Me too!
Sounds like another winner, John.
Thanks for featuring, Denise. xoxo
Thank you, Sandra. I appreciate your visit and comment. 😊
It is definitely another winner for sure, Sandra! Happy to be featuring it xo
Thank you for the kind words, Sandra.
If we don’t remember past atrocities, we can’t learn from them. Books like yours are important, John. I’m glad you followed through on them.
I completely agree with that, Jacquie. And will repeat them.
So true, Jacquie.
Thank you, Jacquie. 😊
Another fantastic tour stop! Congratulations, John. And a big thank you to Denise for showcasing you and The Last Drive. 🎉🎊🎉
I waa thrilled to showcase The Last Drive, Gwen 🙂
Thank you, Gwen. Sorry I missed this when you were originally here. 😊
Enjoy the weekend. Write on….
scoxoxo
Thank you! I hope you had a great one xo
A great addition to your tour, John! I love and agree with Denise’s philosophy about paying attention to our inner child, and your three questions were perfect. I’m in the middle of reading another book, but will start yours once I’m done. And I’m excited to read more about Sam and James. Congrats, and thanks for hosting, Denise!
Nothing like embracing that inner child’s wisdom, Lauren! You have some good reading ahead. Happy to host 🙂
Thank you, Lauren. So nice to see you here.
Hi Denise and John. I enjoyed visiting with you two. Congratulations, John on a great tour and especially on this new book. Hugs all around.
Always enjoy visiting with you too, Teagan 🙂 Hugs right back!
Thank you, Teagan. Hugs right back
It’s good to see John here. I’m reading the book now, and I am enjoying it. Thanks for helping to spread the word, Denise.
Thrilled to be spreading the word on John’s latest! Happy reading 🙂
Thank you, Dan. I’m glad you are enjoying it.
Wonderful news, John! Congratulations on another amazing achievement! 🙂
Thanks for hosting and sharing, Denise, as always.
Thank you so much for the good wishes, Natalie.
It is a great achievement and read, Natalie 🙂 Happy to spread the word!