Faith, courage, and the bond between humans and their loyal companions take center stage in Jeremiah Haslam’s inspirational novel BUCK The Unrelenting. A powerful tale that channels the spirit of classics like The Call of the Wild and White Fang, Haslam’s story reminds readers that even in the face of loss and hardship, faith can light the way forward. As part of his virtual book tour, we’re celebrating this moving debut with a few fun and thoughtful extras that bring the world of Buck and his family to life.

Top 5 Reasons Readers Love BUCK The Unrelenting

• A story of faith and perseverance that uplifts and inspires through every chapter.
• The unforgettable bond between Buck and his family, showing the redemptive power of love.
• A deeply human portrayal of loss and courage set during the Great Depression.
• A faithful message woven naturally into a powerful, adventure-driven story.
• Its universal themes of hope and resilience, appealing to readers of all ages.

Soundtrack for BUCK The Unrelenting

Every great story deserves a great soundtrack. If BUCK The Unrelenting had one, it might sound like this:

• “Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson – for its message of perseverance through faith.
• “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – echoing the spirit of renewal after hardship.
• “Brother” by NEEDTOBREATHE – a tribute to loyalty and family bonds.
• “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED – capturing the courage to trust in divine strength.
• “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin – symbolizing redemption and faith’s triumph.

Character Introduction: Meet Buck

Buck isn’t just a dog—he’s a symbol of steadfast courage and unbreakable faith. Born on a small mountain farm and raised by a God-fearing family, Buck’s journey mirrors our own struggles and triumphs. If Buck could speak, here’s what he might say:

• What drives you, Buck?
    – “My family. Their love gives me purpose, and their faith gives me strength.”
• What’s the hardest challenge you’ve faced?
    – “Losing my mother. But I learned that even through pain, there’s purpose.”
• What lesson do you want readers to remember?
    – “Never stop fighting for what’s right. Stay strong. Stay faithful. Stay unrelenting.”

Jeremiah Haslam’s Book Club Picks

If you loved BUCK The Unrelenting and want to explore similar stories of faith, perseverance, and the beauty of God’s creation, Jeremiah recommends these inspiring reads:

• White Fang by Jack London – A classic about nature, loyalty, and redemption.
• The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings – A tender story of love and loss in the natural world.
• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – A coming-of-age story defined by courage and compassion.
• The Shack by William P. Young – A spiritual journey of healing and faith.
• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo – A heartwarming reminder that love and friendship can heal all wounds.

Bookish Fun Facts about BUCK The Unrelenting

• Jeremiah Haslam named Buck after a real dog he owned as a teenager—a tribute to the pet who taught him unconditional love.
• The story’s small-town setting was inspired by Haslam’s own rural upbringing and love for community.
• Many of Buck’s heroic acts were inspired by true stories of dogs who saved their owners’ lives.
• Jeremiah wrote parts of the novel during quiet reflection and prayer, believing God guided the story’s tone and message.
• Readers often say Buck reminds them of their own pets—their loyalty, strength, and faith in times of trial.

Filled with heart, hope, and divine purpose, BUCK The Unrelenting is more than a story—it’s an uplifting journey about faith’s power to overcome adversity. For anyone who has ever loved a dog, faced a hardship, or believed in second chances, Buck’s story will remind you that you, too, can stay unrelenting.

Available now through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major online retailers. Learn more at OutskirtsPress.com or wherever books are sold.

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We’re thrilled to feature Gary Rivera and his heartwarming middle-grade novel The Reluctant Bully as part of this virtual book tour. A blend of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery, Rivera’s storytelling offers a timeless message about courage, empathy, and the choices that define who we become. If you loved classics like Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, you’ll find the same emotional depth and hope in The Reluctant Bully.

Top 5 Lessons Readers Can Take from The Reluctant Bully

Kindness can rewrite someone’s story; sometimes all it takes is one friend who listens.

Even bullies have backstories; understanding doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it can inspire change.

Family isn’t perfect, but forgiveness can turn hurt into healing.

Bravery often looks quiet; it’s the courage to stand up, speak up, or even apologize.

Hope is a decision you make, not something you wait for.

The Reluctant Bully Playlist – Songs That Capture the Story’s Heart

“Brave” – Sara Bareilles (a perfect anthem for Smoochie’s journey toward courage)

“Count on Me” – Bruno Mars (for the loyalty between friends when it matters most)

“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten (reflecting the moments of strength found in self-belief)

“We’re Going to Be Friends” – The White Stripes (a nostalgic nod to the innocence of school days)

“Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield (symbolizing new beginnings and the choice to grow beyond your past)

Character Introduction – Meet Smoochie

Smoochie is a bright, determined eleven-year-old who wants to make the world a better place; starting with her own school. After the events of The Lunch Money Treasure, she’s still learning what it means to be brave. In The Reluctant Bully, Smoochie’s big heart leads her to face tough truths about friendship, forgiveness, and what happens when someone you care about makes the wrong choice. Her voice is authentic and relatable; reminding readers that growing up is messy, but it’s also magical.

A quick Q&A with Smoochie:

Favorite subject: Math (she enjoys solving puzzles, and math requires thought.)

Biggest fear: Letting down her friends or family.

Favorite snack: chocolate chip cookies.

Dream job: Teacher or detective. Maybe both.

Personal motto: “The impossible is possible.”

Gary Rivera’s Book Club Picks

As a storyteller who values empathy and courage, Rivera recommends a few books that echo the same heart as The Reluctant Bully. These titles pair beautifully for classroom discussions or family reading nights.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio – For its compassion and lessons in kindness.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson – For its exploration of imagination and loss.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – For its quiet heroism and empathy.

Restart by Gordon Korman – For its take on redemption and second chances.

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea – For its emotional depth and classroom realism.

Bookish Fun Facts About Gary Rivera and The Reluctant Bully

Gary wrote the story idea nearly fifteen years ago, inspired by a dinner conversation with his children.

He originally planned The Lunch Money Treasure as a standalone, but readers’ enthusiasm led him to develop a full trilogy.

The talent show scene near the end of The Reluctant Bully was the hardest for Rivera to write, due to its emotional parallels to his own life.

Gary once wrote a rap song for his wife’s company picnic; and she won first place!

The author’s favorite feedback from readers? That his stories remind them of their own childhoods. Gary Rivera’s The Reluctant Bully is a heartfelt story that blends humor, warmth, and hope into every page. It’s available now through the author’s webpage for a discount, Amazon, and all other major retailers, distributors, and wholesalers. Join Smoochie on her journey to understand friendship, forgiveness and the power of doing the right thing; even when it’s hard.

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• A gripping small-town crime story reminiscent of authors like Karin Slaughter and Greg Iles.

• A cast of complex characters, each grappling with secrets, vengeance, or redemption.

• The blend of psychological insight and suspense keeps readers hooked from the first page.

• Themes of rumor, justice, and community upheaval create rich book club discussions.

• A uniquely Southern atmosphere that brings readers right into Harper’s streets and homes.

Playlist for Harper’s Bizarre

• Every Breath You Take – The Police (echoing the novel’s themes of surveillance and obsession).

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (a haunting 80s vibe fitting Brad’s hallucinations).

• In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins (perfectly mirroring tension before a showdown).

• Don’t Stop Believin – Journey (a reminder of resilience amidst chaos).

• With or Without You – U2 (channeling heartbreak and fractured relationships).

Meet the Characters

• Chief Grady Noland – A steady leader, but one whose health and sanity are tested by Harper’s bizarre crimes.

• Brad Childers – A troubled young man whose hallucinations spiral into deadly consequences.

• Jesse – A manipulative influence who pushes Brad into horrific choices.

• Bone Ludlow – A vengeful ex-husband driven to destructive extremes.

• Nancy and Danny Dewberry – Caught in the fallout of violence and revenge.

Author’s Book Club Picks

If you enjoyed the layered psychological suspense of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, you’ll be hooked by the complex characters and dark secrets in Harper’s Bizarre.

If you were drawn into the Southern setting and hidden crimes of Natchez Burning by Greg Iles, you’ll feel right at home in the college town of Harper.

If you loved the twisty domestic thrills of The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, you’ll find similar shocking turns and betrayals in Harper’s Bizarre.

If Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger resonated with you for its community drama and moral questions, you’ll appreciate how Harper’s Bizarre explores the ripple effects of rumor and tragedy.

If Murder in Memory by Mike Thorne intrigued you with its psychological depth, Harper’s Bizarre continues that legacy with even greater suspense and intensity.

Bookish Fun Facts

• The author, Mike Thorne, spent nearly four decades as a psychology professor—giving his characters rare depth.

• He has published over 1,000 articles in numismatic magazines, proving his range of interests beyond fiction.

• His short story Worms placed ninth in a Writer s Digest competition with over 2,000 entries.

• Thorne loves British TV mysteries, which influence the tone and pacing of his crime novels.

• The fictional town of Harper was inspired by the charm and gossip-filled dynamics of real Southern college towns.

Where to Find It

Harper’s Bizarre is available in paperback and hardback with worldwide distribution through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major booksellers. Readers can also learn more and purchase directly for a 10% discount at: https://outskirtspress.com/harpersbizarre

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