Ellwyn’s Blog

Words To Think Or To Sing Virtual Tour & Giveaway

GENRE:  Modern Poetry

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BLURB:

Have you ever wondered how your favorite songs really began?

Not with the words, not with the melody, but with a feeling.

Becoming a vision, becoming lines, becoming a complete piece of sonorous truth meant to be shared to unite people who resonate with it.

A mystical, fascinating process you can now be part of.

INTENSIA, a new heartfelt, poetic singer songwriter likely to belong with your favorite pop music companions, is turning the traditional release model upside down, inviting you to look into her soul and mind before anyone else.

Be among the first to witness this spark before her distinctive voice echoes through the world. This unique approach offers an unprecedented glimpse into evolving art, so you can feel and enjoy the essence of her songs before they are even complete.

Dive into this curated collection of lyric excerpts and emotional snapshots from pop songs in progress. Each piece stands on its own as a modern, poetic message, paired with brief reflections about the meaning or emotions behind the words.

It is more than something to read. It is a space to pause, reflect, and connect, with room for your thoughts and reflections too. Write what moves you, what you feel, what you dream. This book and its songs to be are meant to accompany you wherever you go.

For even more space to express yourself, the companion notebook PLACE TO THINK. OR TO WRITE. (ISBN 978-3-911445-02-3) is available as a dedicated space.

WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. out 26 June 2025 on Amazon. Paperback (ISBN 978-3-911445-00-9), eBook (ISBN 978-3-911445-01-6).

Join INTENSIA’s free Intense Inside Club at www.intensia.music and discover this special music developing experience as it unfolds, where connection begins as songs come to life.

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Excerpt:

S T A I R C A S E

I saw red while you held my hand

on that hill in a castle of sand

being nice, coming out of the blue

you were losing me, undeniably true

I was just another trophy for your shelf

overloaded by the further rusty twelve

Dissociating from this charming place

you are a mess inside, I know it’s the case

this romance had better leave no trace

but at sunset we sat here on the staircase

THE HIGHER THE STAIRCASE, THE CLEARER THE VIEW.

About The Author:

From Munich’s vibrant core, Intensia is sparking a poetic, tuneful movement with a unique glimpse into her evolving pop songs-to-be book, “WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING.”. It combines lyric snippets with heartfelt reflections, inviting readers to discover her art in progress in a new and unexpected way.

INTENSIA’s story began in childhood with a simple radio cassette recorder, a portal to a mesmerizing world where her voice became a powerful way to explore emotions and transform them into melodies.

Her lyrics delve into self-reflection, personal growth, relationships, and empowerment. Themes that reflect the vision of her boutique flagship label, Intensia Music International, which is also dedicated to inspiring others to explore their creative side.

With a high art, down-to-earth attitude, INTENSIA stands for emotional pop tunes that feel like after a meaningful conversation with a good friend. Step into her world at www.intensia.music and you will find a new sonorous companion for life. 

Artist Website: http://www.intensia.music

Publisher Website/Music Label: http://www.intensia.international

Author Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09HZ6HCH9/about 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24676392.INTENSIA 

Find reflections, impulses, and progress on the lyric excerpts from the book as they turn into cinematic, emotional pop songs to stream and experience:  https://substack.com/@intensiawords 

Book buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9RR5TK9 

Guest Post:

Topic: Things That Inspire You and Why

Dear Ellwyn’s Blog,

Thank you so much for having me and for this thoughtful question.

Inspiration can be found everywhere. There are no things too silly or too serious to spark something. I am a highly sensitive human music being, inspired by life and driven by emotions.

So it could literally be a tiny detail of a moment, a feeling, a scent, a vibe, a color. I believe that writing should happen because of genuine intention and not by fear or habit, so I do it only if my inner voice truly insists I should. It feels like a strong, clear, and undeniable impulse to express meaningful, relatable, sonorous concepts that flow gently.

Songs are like creative gifts meant to inspire, to start conversations, and to resonate on a deep level.

My work is rooted in a clear vision and purpose, which make the effort feel urgent and necessary to me.

It often begins with an impulse sparked by something that holds my attention longer than usual and leads to reflection.

From there, it could become a playful word acrobatic impulse that might then carry a melody, and if shaped further, can turn into a complete song concept.

Sometimes, it happens all pretty fast between the spark and the song draft.

And some other times, it is simply about gratefully acknowledging the idea, quickly recording or writing it down, and placing it straight, without judgment or pressure, into my imaginary creative drawer where I can return every now and then to see if my inner voice wants to spin something further.

Otherwise, no worries, just trust that my creativity is ready to make art whenever I like.

The world is already seeking constant attention. There is no need to use time or resources simply to reassure the self or to seek self-validation.

If anything, perhaps we could allow ourselves to pause a little more often instead of trying to force a state of constant productivity.

We do not need to prove that we could or should create more often to anyone, because creativity is never about pride or quantity, but about clarity, care, and resonance.

My award-winning poetic book WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. is also meant for that. It is intentionally spacious.

It offers glimpses paired with little reflections about their meanings and pages dedicated to the reader for their thoughts.

It contains only what is truly necessary to be memorable and relatable, teasing a whole world of songs yet to come. It leaves space for your own thoughts too. A place to breathe, reflect, and write down something of your own.

A gentle invitation to witness the development of creative lyric fragments to be completed at a deliberate, soulful pace. Words turning into songs preparing to take flight and spread their melodies.

You are invited to witness and join me on this special music unfolding journey I share on Substack. I look forward to seeing you there!

Giveaway:

Intensia will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner during the tour. https://kingsumo.com/g/1j25pq3/words-to-think-or-to-sing-nbtm

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/06/name-before-masses-words-to-think-or-to.html

A Camping Conundrum Book Tour & Giveaway

A camping trip to South Carolina’s Poinsett Park turns deadly when PI Liz Adams’ husband discovers a body in the lake. Amid camping calamities, Liz and her lie-detecting Lab, Duke, rush to identify the killer—leading to a shocking twist of karma.

A Camping Conundrum 

A Liz Adams Mystery #5 

by Stacy Wilder 

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

A heart-pounding cozy mystery filled with twists, turns, and canine charm. Perfect for fans of page-turning whodunits and outdoor adventures!

Private Investigator Liz Adams isn’t thrilled when her husband, Brad, suggests a camping getaway to South Carolina’s picturesque Poinsett Park. The mention of camping brings back a haunting memory of a childhood Girl Scout trip that went terribly wrong. But for Brad, the park is a refuge—a chance to relive happy moments from his past.

The long weekend escape takes a dark turn when Brad discovers a woman’s lifeless body in the park’s peaceful lake. The victim, the landlady of a strip center in the neighboring town of Sumter, was notorious for making enemies among her tenants. With no shortage of motives but no clear suspects, Liz and her truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, embark on a quest to identify the culprit.

As Liz races to uncover the truth and put the killer in jail, the couple experiences one camping disaster after another. Will justice be served? Or will an unexpected twist of karma change everything?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F6MCFQFT

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-camping-conundrum-a-liz-adams-mystery-by-stacy-wilder

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232201836-a-camping-conundrum

Book Trailer:

Don’t miss the rest of the series!

Find them on Amazon

About the Author 

Stacy Wilder is the author of the Liz Adams Mystery Series. In addition to cozy mysteries, Stacy writes children’s stories, short stories, and poetry.

Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.

Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, the adventure of travel, and the joy of reading.

She and her husband live in Houston, TX with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve. 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.storystacy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilderstacy

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/stacy-wilder

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stacy-Wilder/author/B09QJZY827

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22157494.Stacy_Wilder

Giveaway 

$20 Amazon or Paypal 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/aCampingConundrum

Direct link:

https://gleam.io/2M7z7/a-camping-conundrum

Interview With Author Amber Leigh Williams

By way of introduction, here’s bio:

Amber Leigh Williams writes pulse-pounding romantic suspense, historical fiction, and contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and being outdoors with her family and dogs.

She is fluent in sarcasm and is known to hoard books like the book dragon she is. An advocate for literacy, she is an ardent supporter of libraries and the constitutional right to read.

Hello, Amber, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

When did the writing bug ensnare you? 

In elementary school, I was a slow reader so I was placed in a retention class.

The teacher there noticed I was too busy quietly entertaining myself with my own stories to read the assigned ones so she challenged me to write them down. Through that exercise, I uncovered this pocket of stories in my mind that’s been with me ever since.

Which genres do you write? 

I write contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical fiction. 

What do you find most challenging writing for these genres? 

While writing Madame Rebelle, I was a little intimidated about writing against a historical backdrop.

But as soon as I approached writing it like my suspense novels with a ticking clock and the constant threat of danger lurking the background of every scene, the plot started to move on its own and I couldn’t stop writing until the end. 

Where do you find inspiration for your characters? 

Edmee is based on a number of firsthand accounts from women who experienced World War II in France and fought for their country and themselves in the French Resistance.

I’ve been inspired by the lives of voices throughout Europe at that time such as Anne Frank, Gerda Weissmann Klein, Josephine Baker, Agnes Humbert, Irene Nemirovsky, Vera Atkins, Pearl Witherington Cornioley, and so many others. 

What is a favorite quote from one of your own books? 

In the second half of the story, the MMC Christian is trying to give the heroine Edmee hope: “Rebellions are like the tracks of a train. The train can’t pass over the tracks until every spike is driven in and every joint is riveted. It only takes one train to pave the way for others. That’s how we change the nature of this war. That is how we take our country back.” 

I love this scene because in the first half of the book, Edmee is the one who inspires others to overcome the challenges around them, including Christian. At this point, he turns the tables and motivates her to go on. I find the reciprocal nature of their relationship so touching. 

What is your favorite book review from a reader? 

A reader left a note saying Edmee’s journey in Madame Rebelle felt like her own and that made her journey through the book feel personal. Edmee’s journey was personal for me, too. 

Can you share a random interesting fact about yourself?

I like chocolate and caramel and most days I drink my weight in hot tea like a proper diabolical lady. 

What spark started one of your stories? 

The concept for Madame Rebelle came about while reading Code Name Pauline by Pearl Witherington Cornioley, A Life in Secrets by Sarah Helm and A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead.

The more I read about the impact women made in the French Resistance, the more I wanted to write Edmee’s story. 

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you? 

If you’d like a sample of my work, you can read my novella About That Summer by joining my newsletter at https://amberleighwilliams.com/newsletter.

You’ll also gain access to my website archives where you can enjoy more free reads and recipes inspired by the books. 

What are your favorite books? 

Books that bring me joy are The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (bring on the plots twists!), the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas, Shylyn Ray’s Cupid’s Bottom series, and Ali Hazelwood’s STEMinist novels.

I also enjoy the work of Jennifer Robson, Adrienne Young, Kennedy Ryan, Sara Donati and Leigh Bardugo. 

If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite? 

Well, Jane Austen has to sit at the head of the table. She’d probably ask me why I can’t keep my characters from acting so inappropriately, but I’d love to have a conversation with her and the Bronte sisters.

I’d also love to speak with Mary Shelley and Maya Angelou. If Margaret Atwood, Nora Roberts, and Anne Lamont want to come to the table, too, I think that would be one heck of a dinner party. I’d be happy to pour the tea and spectate.  

When you’re not writing, where can we find you?

I love the outdoors. I have four rescue dogs who remind me frequently that outside time is a must.

My family enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, and biking together. Nature walks are a must as well as reading outdoors when the weather’s nice and gardening.  

A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie? 

I would be the harried woman in the background who has zero idea what she’s doing.

I admire Edmee’s courage so much because if I was dropped into any scene in the book, I don’t think I would have the slightest clue how to think on my feet like she does and survive.

Unless it was the lake scene with Christian. I’d definitely know what to do there. *wink*

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

 You can find me on the web at https://www.amberleighwilliams.com. I’m also on Instagram (https://instagram.com/amberleighwilliams) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amberleighwiliamsbooks)! 

Where can we find your books?

Madame Rebelle is on sale now on Amazon. My contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels are available wherever ebooks are sold! 

Thank you, Amber, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.

To learn more about Amber’s book Madame Rebelle and the Giveaway click here.

Madame Rebelle Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway

GENRE:  Historical Romance

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BLURB:

Rebel. Smuggler. Spy.

Champagne, France 1943

Meet Madame Rebelle. Edmee Guillon is a smuggler. She hides people from the German troops surrounding her ancestral home.

When a dying man in a German uniform seeks refuge at Maison Boutet, Edmee struggles to believe his claims that he is French.

Her life, the maison and the people she loves are already at stake. Can she take the chance that this mysterious spy is who he says he is? And which side of this war is he really on?

Christian Vovk has been betrayed by someone inside his resistance organization.

He knows asking the striking young war widow to hide him will put her in certain danger.

However, Christian can help Edmee save as many refugees as she can. Falling in love with her will hinder his duty to the operation that brought him to her doorstep in the first place. When love and duty become inevitably tangled, will Christian sacrifice one for the other?

Excerpt:

“Go home, Edmée. Do not come back to this part of the woods.”

As the soldier moved away, Edmée couldn’t believe it. They were letting her go?

Just like that?

Her feet tripped over one another as she moved into the trees. That was far easier than it should have been. They hadn’t asked to search her bags. They hadn’t asked what she was doing in the woods in the dark after curfew.

They’d only asked her name.

It made no sense.

She fled, her hands locked around the handles of the suitcases.

She didn’t risk taking her usual path back to Maison Boutet. She weaved and wandered for a while through brambles that caught her clothes and mud that sucked at the bottoms of her boots.

It felt like minutes…or maybe hours before she was back at her uncle’s vineyard.

The cases dangled weightily at the ends of her arms. Her knuckles had been white around them for so long, she could no longer feel them.

The maison was so dark, she failed to distinguish it from the landscape.

She looked at her muddy shoes, her trousers soaked past the ankles. The suitcases would have to be hidden, half of the contents destroyed…

She rushed into the heart of the rows. Her beacon was now the limestone mound with its rough-hewn back to the sky, the entrance to the hidden network of caves underneath the estate.

She wedged past the rocky entrance and stumbled down the steps toward the light.

At the bottom, the barrel of a pistol greeted her.

Her heart slammed into her ribs. Her knees threatened to fold.

She gaped at the man behind the gun.

Christian’s face was red and sweat-sheened. In the lantern’s low throbbing light, his features looked harsh. Moisture cloaked his bare chest like a second skin.

She’d searched him—his clothes, his personal effects… How did he get a gun?

Her lips trembled. She lifted her chin, regardless. The words were rough against her throat. “Are you going to shoot me?”

About The Author:

Amber Leigh Williams writes pulse-pounding romantic suspense, historical fiction, and contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and being outdoors with her family and dogs. She is fluent in sarcasm and is known to hoard books like the book dragon she is. An advocate for literacy, she is an ardent supporter of libraries and the constitutional right to read.

Website: https://amberleighwilliams.com 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amberleighwilliams

Facebook: https://facebook.com/amberleighwilliamsbooks

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0030VZW2C?ccs_id=972a6661-be68-4275-b311-8f8e0b259f83

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2713894.Amber_Leigh_Williams

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amber-leigh-williams 

Madame Rebelle – Purchase Links

Amazon Ebook: https://a.co/d/b7e849S

Amazon Paperback: https://a.co/d/cIS1iOp

Amber’s Website:  https://amberleighwilliams.com/madame-rebelle

Amber Leigh Williams will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. https://kingsumo.com/g/1kn2jy1/madame-rebelle

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/06/name-before-masses-madame-rebelle-by.html

The Adventures Of Chibi & Yoshi Release

Purchase Link

A delightful story about two kittens who are left at home, alone. Find out what happens in this charming story for kitten lovers, young and old.

About The Author

Kristi Shimada is an award-winning children’s book author. She wrote and illustrated her first unpublished book, The Little Shoe Shop, when she was eight.

As a child, she loved the story of Cinderella because she saw the inner beauty, kindness, and strength in Cinderella, and she loved books with happily-ever-after endings.

As a visionary artist and registered hypnotherapist, Kristi is passionate about how her stories empower the inner spirits of children and adults who read her books.

She feels that colorful illustrations are essential to the reader’s experience. She believes every book she writes has a sprinkle of magic that brings a story to life.

Kristi lives in Washington with her loving husband, Chris, and their kitties, Chibi and Yoshi. She has five children and ten grandchildren, whom she loves dearly.

She is the author of Mariko and the Magic Mirror, The Enchanted Starflower, The Samurai’s Gift, Princess Serafina and the Mystical Unicorn, Princess Serafina and the Jeweled Circle, Princess Serafina and the Wings of Heaven, Megumi & Kukana Friends Forever, Journey to Rainbow Valley, The Samurai’s Gift Among the Forest, The Sea Princess, Pistachio the Owl, The Samurai’s Gift A Ninja’s Promise, Dragons of Lilia, and Dragons of Lilia: A New King, The Samurai’s Gift Embracing Your Light, Spirit Sisters Forever, and Kiyomi and the Sacred Dreamlily, The Guardians of Maru, and The Adventures of Chibi & Yoshi.

The Art Of Human Connection Book Blast & Giveaway

GENRE: Self-Help

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BLURB:

In an age of extreme technology and growing separation, we’ve lost our way. We’ve traded authentic human connection for a world of aggressive tactics, self-serving behaviors, and fleeting transactions that leave us feeling isolated and unfulfilled.

The Art of Human Connection offers a powerful and ethical alternative, a return to our shared humanity.

This educational book is your essential guide to mastering the simple yet profound skills that form the bedrock of true success. Through a series of practical insights and transformative principles, you will learn how to:

– Cultivate Self-Awareness: Understand your own emotional landscape and its impact on every interaction.

– Build Authentic Relationships: Master the art of empathy and genuine communication to forge instant rapport and build lasting trust.

– Navigate with Confidence: Learn to move through professional and personal challenges with less friction and more grace.

“The truest version of a person is never who they perform to be, it is who they become when they forget to perform!”

This is a powerful call to action, inviting you to reflect on your own experiences and visualize a clear path to improvement. By embracing this approach, you will discover a liberating truth: your greatest success and most profound connections begin the moment you stop performing and simply start being.

Excerpt:

How often have you caught yourself rehearsing a conversation, worried about sounding “too pushy” or “not professional enough”? That internal hesitation, the voice that whispers, “I shouldn’t share that anecdote” or “I can’t ask that question”, is a massive barrier to real connection.

It’s called Waiting for Permission, and it keeps you locked into a rigid script, sacrificing genuine curiosity and spontaneity for safety.

But here’s the game-changer: you don’t need external approval to create a powerful, human connection. The permission slip is self-written. 

Here is your three-step guide to stop waiting for permission and start showing up as your most impactful self.

Write Your Own Permission Slip: Trust Your Gut 

The key to unlocking connection is recognizing that your authentic impulse is valuable. Stop seeking external validation and start acting on your intuition.

Practice Proactive Empathy: Show genuine interest right away with a sincere opener like, “I know you’re busy; thanks for making time,” to establish a welcoming tone. 

Share with Courage: If you feel an authentic impulse to ask a slightly more personal or relevant question, or share a relevant story, do it. That’s where real connection happens. 

Not long ago, I was coaching a client who was preparing for a high-stakes networking event. She had rehearsed her “elevator pitch” dozens of times, but when she practiced with me, it felt stiff and distant.

I asked her to set aside the script and instead share why she cared so deeply about her work. She hesitated, “That’s too personal, isn’t it?”, but then told a short story about how her project had helped a struggling family regain stability.

The moment she spoke from that place of authenticity, her entire presence shifted. Her voice carried warmth, her eyes lit up, and suddenly, she wasn’t performing, she was connecting.

At the event, she led with that story. Instead of polite nods, she received genuine engagement, follow-up questions, and even an unexpected partnership opportunity.

The difference wasn’t in her words; it was in her willingness to stop waiting for permission and trust her authentic impulse.

About The Author:

Adir Biniamini is a visionary coach and the author of The Art of Human Connection. His journey into coaching began after a long and successful entrepreneurial career where he learned firsthand that genuine connection is the cornerstone of success.

From working at a flea market as a teenager to launching multiple businesses, Adir quickly discovered the power of authentic communication. A pivotal piece of advice, “Be exactly who you are . . . real, friendly, inviting,” became his guiding light. Thirty years and successful businesses later, this commitment to genuine human connection remains the cornerstone of his success.

Adir’s unique philosophy, forged from a lifetime of business and personal challenges, is built on the belief that a deep connection to ourselves is the key to creating meaningful relationships with others. Through his work, he helps clients master the essential skills of emotional intelligence and rapport, empowering them to navigate challenges and create lasting success in every facet of their lives.

Home

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60102851.Adir_Biniamini

Giveaway

Adir Biniamini will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. https://kingsumo.com/g/1xqzonm/the-art-of-human-connection-tellwell

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/11/book-blast-art-of-human-connection-by.html

The Hotel Guru’s Journey Book Blast & Giveaway

GENRE: NonFiction

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BLURB:

For over half a century, Robert Rauch, referred to as “The Hotel Guru”, has witnessed and made history within the evolution of modern hospitality. From performing night audits on Sweda cash registers in the 1970s to utilizing AI-enabled revenue strategies today, he has seen it all. The Hotel Guru’s Journey combines his fascinating behind-the-scenes narratives with proven operating insights.

This unique operations guidebook shares both the “war” stories and the systems that matter. Rauch shares lessons learned the hard way in trust, crisis management, technology adoption, and leadership. And aside from the entertaining personal experiences, you’ll gain access to tried-and-true frameworks, in-the-trenches checklists, and practical guidance for all aspects of hotel operations.

Whether you’re breaking ground on your first property, expanding a hospitality portfolio, or seeking to avoid costly mistakes, Rauch’s five decades of experience provide your competitive advantage in building a successful and sustainable hotel.

For up-and-coming hoteliers, veteran general managers, and hospitality investors, The Hotel Guru’s Journey is your map to long-term success.

Excerpt:

Paste first excerpt her Wellness 

True wellness is about more than just physical health. It encompasses mental and emotional well-being too. Offering a range of amenities designed to help guests relax, recharge, and feel great is the goal.

From spa services to tranquil relaxation areas, providing the perfect environment to unwind and find balance will always score points. We’ve built spas into hotels, but they’re tough to make profitable.

As hotel operators, we knew we didn’t have the skills necessary to operate a successful spa, but the fix was simple: bring in a spa operator as a partner! We chose a spa operator who had a following in the areas of hair, nails, facials, massage, and more.

Professional spa operators are better than most hoteliers at operating a spa and will help make including a spa more profitable in the long run. But that’s not where our wellness desires ended. We continually get involved in each of the wellness modalities. 

Nutrition

Eating well is crucial for maintaining energy and vitality, especially when away from home. Menus should be carefully curated to offer a variety of nutritious options, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Prioritizing whole foods and balanced meals, supporting the body’s natural rhythms and promoting sustained well-being throughout a guest stay is a noble deed. Our chefs are in tune with this, and they shop locally so that everything is fresh.

At our newest hotel, opened in late 2024, our chef was even featured as the top chef in the region! And our menus always have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Nutrition can include fun activities as well. We’ve often partnered with wineries, chocolatiers, and beer brewmasters.

Nutrition isn’t the focus, but in moderation, wine, beer, and dark chocolate can provide a great combination of mindfulness, delight, and healthy imbibing!

Cooking classes with our chefs are also in high demand, and wine tastings paired with healthy choices are a close second.

About The Author:

With a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Western International University and a master’s degree in Tourism Administration from Arizona State University, Mr. Rauch has served as president and on the board of numerous tourism organizations.

Mr. Rauch is a recently retired faculty member at Arizona State University and taught Tourism Industry Entrepreneurship. He is widely quoted on television and radio and in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times.

He speaks at industry conferences regularly and has developed several leading brand hotels, three of which the firm still owns and manages, and has been a finalist for CEO of the year in San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.

Mr. Rauch currently utilizes his private company, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc., to provide management services for his owned hotels, consulting services for various Wall Street firms and selected litigation support clients, and asset management services designed to provide hotel owners with oversight and review of potential and currently operating hotels.

He also serves as Chairman and Chief Strategist of Brick Hospitality, a company formed by his management team to operate hotels in California. Mr. Rauch recently sold RAR Hospitality, a leading hospitality management firm with 20 hotels under management or development, retaining management of selected hotels where he serves as an owner in San Diego.

As a student, teacher, and mentor in the hospitality industry over a six-decade period, Mr. Rauch continues to be active at industry conferences, in key meetings, and when needed to support the hospitality sector.  

Website: https://hotelguru.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrauch/

Twitter: https://x.com/truehotelguru

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20244045.Robert_Rauch

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hotel-Gurus-Journey-Excellence-Industry/dp/B0FQBTH878/ref=sr_1_1

Giveaway:

Robert Rauch will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. https://kingsumo.com/g/1wgngrm/the-hotel-gurus-journey

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/11/book-blast-hotel-gurus-journey-by.html