It’s been a wild ride! I couldn’t be more thrilled with how this Book Tour ended. That’s why I want to make sure you’ve had a chance to check out the last three book tour stops: Two reviews and a podcast.

Review of This Sea Within by author/poet Dawn Pisturino

Last Wednesday Dawn wrote this lovely review of my novel:

“Just when I thought this book couldn’t get any more exciting, the last chapter ended, and I was left begging for more. Thankfully, Deborah announced that a second book is coming. This literary drama sets an unlikely romance deep in the jungles of a fictional Central American country amid the throes of a political revolution. Lena, a young journalist who traveled to San Balanque to discover her roots, must choose between following her ideals and the man she loves and returning to her own country. Agonizing over her fears and doubts, she needs to know whether she can commit herself to a just cause, even if it means sacrificing her own life.

“The author thoroughly researched her subject and successfully delivered a believable story that preserves all the “flavor” of a political revolution. Her characters are relatable. The pacing is smooth, with no lags. I highly recommend this book and rated it five stars.”

She added: “I have such faith in Deborah’s writing that I hope she gets picked up by one of the Big Five publishers. Her works richly deserve it.”

Wow! You can imagine how that pumped me up! A humble and elated thank you, Dawn.

Heart of the Matter Podcast

Can you tell I had fun spending time with Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talking about my book? I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it.

Here’s what they wrote about it: “Vicki and I love being able to talk with returning guests because it leads to deeper conversations – about the work, why we do it, and the goodness that comes from sharing. This is definitely the case with one of our favorite novelists, the amazing Deborah Brasket.

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, my co-host, Vicki Atkinson, and I talk with novelist Deborah about her new book, This Sea Within, a sweeping historical novel that blends political intrigue, love, coming-of-age, and spiritual longing. Deborah shares how her world travels, deep research, and personal reflections shaped a story rich with danger, beauty, and purpose.

Together, we explore the connection between the sensual and the spiritual, the power of story to illuminate history, and what it means to be called by something greater than yourself. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, courage, and the deeper currents that move our lives, this episode is for you.”

Review of This Sea Within by Author/Teacher Pete Springer

Pete’s review on Saturday wrapped up the blog tour. I was thrilled when he agreed to read and review my book. I was not disappointed!

“It’s the early 1970s, and Lena Langdon, a recent college graduate with a journalism degree, takes a gap year before starting graduate school to surf and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Since her parents’ divorce, she’s lived with her pacifist father and shares many of his peaceful beliefs. She holds a lot of anger toward her mother, Delores, an artist living in Sal Balanque, a fictional place in Central America.

Lena travels to Sal Balanque, not to see her mother, but to learn more about her own Maya heritage. Once there, she meets with Daniel Weatherly, a reporter with the Associated Press. Though originally going with the intention of writing about travel and surfing, she quickly becomes embroiled in the political turmoil between the Federales under the current and corrupt regime of President Ortiz and the Aguileros, a rebel band of freedom fighters attempting to overthrow the government. When Lena meets Raoul, the Aguileros’ charismatic and handsome leader, she not only falls in love but must come to terms with her current belief system. Is violence okay in some circumstances, such as when establishing a democratic government? Raoul falls equally hard for Lena, though he gives her time to process what being together as lovers will entail.

The tension especially ramps up when we learn that Delores is married to President Ortiz’s vice-president. This places the mother and daughter on opposing political sides. What lengths is Lena willing to go to help the Aguileros while also trying to hide the secret that her mother represents the Federales?

I loved this coming-of-age story and couldn’t help but put myself in Lena’s shoes. Memorable stories often come with high stakes, and Deborah Brasket’s novel achieves that and then some. Not all the central questions are answered by the end of the story, but I’ve since learned that the author is continuing this gripping story in a sequel. Without question, I can’t wait to read it.”

Thanks for taking this wild ride with me!

A huge hug and thank you to all the participants that made this book tour possible: Teri, Beth, Vicki, Marie, Dawn, Wynne, and Pete. I also want to thank all of you who followed the tour and took the time to hit that heart and share your thoughts. Stay tuned for the giveaways I offered to those who did.

If you missed any stops, it’s not to late to visit. Here’s the line-up and links.

Public Library, Local Book Store, or Online Retailer? Take Your Pick

I hope these last reviews and podcast have inspired you to read This Sea Within. If so, ask your public library to lend you a copy, go to your local book store to order you one, or purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, or Bookshop.

And don’t forget to post a review when you are done!

Authors need reviews like cars need fuel to get them revved up and roaring down the highway.