Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for The Light Through the Pouring Rain by James Ruvalcaba. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a sweet guest post from the author. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!
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Title: The Light Through the Pouring RainAuthor: James Ruvalcaba
Publication Date: December 21st 2020
Print Length: 126 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
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An emotional page turner that gives a first hand look into the lives of a young couple madly in love and eager to start their lives together, only to have it all halted by a cancer diagnosis. With no clear road map on how to navigate their new normal, James and Anabel proceed into uncharted territory, hand-in-hand, with the love of their families and their faith in God to guide them.
**The eBook is on sale for $0.99!**
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BOOK TRAILER:
Watch the book trailer below or click here to watch it on YouTube.
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EXCERPT:
It was April, and a couple months had passed by. At this point, everybody knew. Our friends and family knew and had been brainstorming on our game plan. Her first chemo session was April 2. Unfortunately, her family was not equipped to handle taking care of her. They had no experience with cancer and the pain that was upcoming. Unfortunately, my family and I had experience. Not that we wished we had, but it was an asset for this upcoming challenge. Cancer runs in our family. We’d lost our fair share of members, and the best place Anabel could recover was at our home. I had to talk to my family about the situation, and they agreed. My mom was the best man for the job. I couldn’t be more thankful for her. Mom was ready for the task at hand in a moment’s notice, without hesitation; she was the only one I could truly turn to in these times.
Anabel had gotten situated in our home. She stayed in my room with my brother and me. Which was a challenge in itself, due to him enjoying his senior year of high school, coming in and out of the house, partying it up, and having his friends over. We managed to make the best of it. At times it could be unbearable and make Anabel and me crazy, but the care and love that my brother had for her made it easier for us. He would be a pain in the ass, but had a soft spot for Anabel and would regulate things when Anabel needed some time. This was a challenge for Anabel and me as well. This cancer had rushed a huge step in our relationship: we had finally moved in together. It wasn’t the circumstances that we had imagined or planned for, but we had to make it work.
We had spoken on what location we would like to live in and how Anabel didn’t care much for where and how much, but only if she could decorate for each holiday. That was her only stipulation. “James, I don’t care what you say, I’m gonna go all out every holiday, and you can’t say a damn thing to me.” It was adorable. It would put a smile to my face, because she made a point to say that as if it would be a deal breaker.
We had established our routine. She would wake up early, around eight a.m., have coffee with my grandma and her dog in the backyard, and reminisce about my grandma’s glory days as a caretaker. Then I would wake up around ten a.m. to “Good morning, Meez!” Anabel called me Meez because my little brother would call me Jamies, and if you say the second syllable of Jamies, it sounds like “Meez.” So she ran with it. We would eat breakfast together and follow that up with some episodes of The Office. Then I would go to the gym for a couple of hours then return to her to relax, watch TV or movies with her on her phone, then eat dinner. My Mom would make, and repeat. A very simple routine, but effective due to the fatigue she would be experiencing from chemotherapy.
It may seem like a very bland routine for a normal person, but it was what she wanted. April 2 was fast approaching. After a couple of weeks, it was finally here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hello, I'm James Ruvalcaba. I am the author of “The Light Through the Pouring Rain.”
I am a family man and hold them near and dear to me. I am a down-to-earth person that loves creating conversations. I believe the more we communicate the more we see the beauty of God's previous workings. In pursuit of my God-given mission, I began writing because of a promise I made to my Fiancee on her last day. I wanted to honor my fiancee's legacy and to be a testimony of God's goodness. I continue to tell stories and hope to achieve telling stories that uplift others, give some perspective on life, and to walk away with a sense of inspiration. If they can take lessons and perspectives given in my words to their own lives then I feel I accomplished what I set out to do.
I am a family man and hold them near and dear to me. I am a down-to-earth person that loves creating conversations. I believe the more we communicate the more we see the beauty of God's previous workings. In pursuit of my God-given mission, I began writing because of a promise I made to my Fiancee on her last day. I wanted to honor my fiancee's legacy and to be a testimony of God's goodness. I continue to tell stories and hope to achieve telling stories that uplift others, give some perspective on life, and to walk away with a sense of inspiration. If they can take lessons and perspectives given in my words to their own lives then I feel I accomplished what I set out to do.
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GUEST POST:
- If you had a chance to go back to a moment in time and do it over again, which moment would you choose and why?
I'm very thankful that I gave my 100% effort in my relationship with my fiancée Anabel throughout our 5 Year relationship but if I could relive and experience a moment all over again it would be our trip to Chicago. That trip was our last experience before her cancer diagnosis. We got to travel and take a flight together for the first time. I was able to show her that I would overcome my fears of flying and heights to be able to spend any given moment with her. I would express that sentiment to her daily but to show her was next level. When we arrived we got to experience a different lifestyle that Chicago has to offer compared to Los Angeles where we're both from. Chicago is a little bit slower than Los Angeles, but the culture is different and appreciation of its history is evident. We stuffed our faces with delicious food throughout our week stay and enjoyed that experience multiple times a day. I'm pretty sure I gained 20 pounds in my one-week stay. We got to walk around the town and see landmarks such as Lake Michigan, the sears tower, and all the Chicago home areas for all their sporting teams. They were amazing sites. I always imagined going around the world with my Fiancee Anabel, but to be able to be by her side to do so was the greatest experience I've ever had . I wish I had that moment forever.
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GIVEAWAY:
James Ruvalcaba will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to one randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!
(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions assumes all responsibility with this giveaway.)
Looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
It sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very good book
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteCover looks great! Excerpt sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a heartfelt story.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good story.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any advice for new writers?
ReplyDeleteLooks good, seen this somewhere else before.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting. I like books that make me feel. Love the cover!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletevery nice book cover and the book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is really good!
ReplyDeleteHow long was the writing process?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a great read. Looking forward to reading the book.
ReplyDeleteDo you back up your files daily?
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt is interesting. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI love the title for this book - eye catching and unique!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us.
What's crazy court case you've ever heard of?
ReplyDeleteDo you set an alarm so you don't write for too long at a stretch?
ReplyDeleteHow did you come up with the story?
ReplyDeleteAbout how many books do you write in a year?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever punched someone straight in the face?
ReplyDeleteWhat will you name your future children?
ReplyDeleteHas someone ever paid you a compliment about your book?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book that will touch many hearts.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
How often do you use public transportation?
ReplyDeleteDo you usually write in one genre or several?
ReplyDeleteWhat was the best gift you've ever given?
ReplyDeleteGreat cover!! Draws you in.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds super intriguing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis book would be a helpful addition to a library collection.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
The Light Through the Pouring Rain by author James Ruvalcaba has a cover with an unusual design.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I need to add this to my reading list.
ReplyDeletedo you believe in the paranormal?
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts on ebooks?
ReplyDeleteThis is a book that will tug at the heartstrings of the readers.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's your drink of choice?
ReplyDeleteDo you prefer ice cream or yogurt?
ReplyDeleteI would so enjoy reading this book and I like the cover too. How long did it take to write it?
ReplyDeleteWhere's your favourite place to be?
ReplyDeleteDo you write more or read more?
ReplyDeleteI think that the cover of your book has a well thought out design.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's your next book going to be about?
ReplyDeleteI think that the cover of your book has a poignant feel in its design.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Your cover design was an interesting choice for your book.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Does it frustrate you sometimes, being a writer?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading all of the excerpts.
ReplyDeleteIt helps me to find books I would enjoy.
Do you always take time to stop and eat when you're writing?
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like it will strike a chord in peoples hearts
ReplyDeleteBless you for writing this book- it will help many cancer victims familys and survivors
ReplyDeleteYou're going to get a lot of respect with this book!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you go on your last vacation?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite kind of cookie that you especially enjoy?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you enjoy documentaries?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your best good deed?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite city where you have lived or visited?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you watch any streamers?
ReplyDeleteDo you like broccoli?
ReplyDeleteWill you be traveling for the holidays?
ReplyDeleteI will get my tissues ready when I start this one
ReplyDeleteDo you have a kind of fruit that you especially enjoy eating as a snack?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Have you've been vaccinated?
ReplyDeleteDo you make art of any kind?
ReplyDeleteDo you still write when you're on vacation?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite sweet or savory treat from the bakery that you enjoy?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
How do you come up with ideas for your books?
ReplyDeleteDo you like your Thanksgiving turkey gravy with or without giblets?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Sounds like an incredible read.
ReplyDeleteHow long was the writing process?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite stuffing for the turkey?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite dip that you like to eat? I like bean dip with corn chips.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Sounds like a great book. I like the cover.
ReplyDeleteWhat song perfectly expresses your feelings?
ReplyDeleteFor Thanksgiving, do you prefer cornbread stuffing or or bread stuffing?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Will you be spending Thanksgiving with family & friends?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your bright idea for an invention?
ReplyDeletesounds like a fun one
ReplyDeleteHave a safe and happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteLove your message of love, light and hope. I look forward to reading
ReplyDeleteDo you keep writing on holidays...or no?
ReplyDeleteDo you decorate for Thanksgiving?
ReplyDeletelooks good. Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteFor Thanksgiving, do your prefer regular or whole berry cranberry sauce?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's your plans for Thanksgiving?
ReplyDeleteIs the book inspired by people you know?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your guest post and book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and am looking forward to reading your book
ReplyDeleteBook details sound like a heart felt tugging book
ReplyDeleteWhat's the most hopeful thing that ever happened to you?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an awesome book!
ReplyDelete