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Life is littered with obstacles like a strategy game where the opponent tosses roadblocks in front of us every step of the way.

But life isn’t a game. Sometimes we give ourselves challenges. Other times we are handed challenges by the bad choices we make. Then there are challenges that are thrown in front of us that no one asked for. Through them all, the only way forward is to just keep climbing.

In Just Keep Climbing, award-winning author Barry Finlay weaves together an enjoyable and exciting tapestry from the stories of eight inspirational and ordinary people doing extraordinary things to face and overcome their challenges. The stories are honest, raw, and emotional, but most of all, uplifting, as each climbs their metaphorical mountain. Finlay knits his own life-changing challenge and lessons learned from climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro at age 60 with his son into the mix to create an inspirational read.

This is a must read no matter the size of the mountains you are facing. The stories will make you realize that every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.

Order your copy for delivery on September 9, 2023 at

https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/7e2ef5f8-339b-11ee-8eca-c7ab7a58a699

Writing Update – July 27, 2023

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, mostly because I’ve been working on my inspirational book, Just Keep Climbing: Inspirational Stories for Overcoming Challenges and Living Life. It’s nearing completion and I’m very proud of the outcome. Eight people generously shared their inspirational stories with me and I can’t thank them enough.

So, where is it? Well, here’s part of it.

Here’s what’s going to happen. The cover will be revealed in a few days on July 31. In the meantime, take a guess at what’s under the shaded area based on the title.

The e-book goes on presale August 1. Then, on September 9, Just Keep Climbing will be launched to the world. I can’t wait to share it with you.

This is a departure for sure from my mystery and thriller titles but since everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time, I thought Jake Scott could take a little break. He’ll be back in the spring.

In the meantime, watch for the presale of Just Keep Climbing, grab your copy (to be delivered September 9) and read some amazing stories.

Writing Update – May 17, 2023

I have been busy writing away during the last two months. Work is progressing on my inspirational book, Just Keep Climbing. Based on my motto, “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing,” the book features eight stories by amazing people who generously shared their journeys with me. Among them are a woman who changed her career from a salaried executive to writing full time, a woman who struggled with obesity until she became a champion body builder, two recovered drug addicts, a delightfully positive woman with stage four melanoma, and a family living in the middle of a conflict in Cameroon. Each is amazingly inspirational in their own way. They are going through the draft manuscript now. Publication is expected in the late summer or early fall.

In the meantime, Jake Scott has not been forgotten. Watch for a new Jake Scott mystery in the spring.

Jake Scott Mystery Receives Great New Review

From The Online Book Club

Review of The Guardians of Truth

Post by Hubre De Klerk » 22 Feb 2023, 03:40

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “The Guardians of Truth” by Barry Finlay.]

Book Cover

5 out of 5 stars

A secret organization, a missing person, a body, a police investigation, and a retired reporter—if these words don’t get you excited, I don’t know what will. This book is full of suspense, action, and a bit of romance. When Cassie tells her daughter that she must stop someone from hurting other people and then doesn’t return home, a missing person’s file is immediately opened for her. Jake is a retired reporter and a “family friend” of Cassie’s daughter through his relationship with her friend’s mom, Dani. Jake knows that the police are busy with their investigation, but he also knows that they are short-staffed. He decides to dust off his retired gloves and conduct his own investigation in order to assist. He had no idea how far he’d get himself involved or what danger awaited him.

This was such a fun book to read, and it was full of descriptions and easy-to-follow protocols. I enjoyed being part of the investigations and seeing how they unearthed new evidence. I couldn’t help but put myself in Haley’s teenage shoes and imagine the worry she had to go through when her mom didn’t come home. It was also easy to grasp Dani’s frustration when the clues to help them figure out what happened were so few and it felt like the case was at a standstill. Jake was my favorite character by far, with his empathy for others, his being a true friend, and his tenacity to help. He made me think of a bull terrier that just won’t let go after he has locked his jaw.

I enjoyed everything about this book. This book has been excellently edited, as I only found two minor errors throughout the whole book. There was nothing I disliked or would have changed. The book was fast-paced and didn’t have any slow-moving parts. I had my ideas about who the culprit was, but I was still surprised at the end of the book. I was entertained and hooked from the start of the book until the end.

I would rate The Guardians of Truth by Barry Finlay a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. There is absolutely no reason to give this book anything but a perfect score. This book also showed me how important the people in your life are and the importance of being there for each other. I know I have felt shallow when someone is going through a traumatic and emotional time, and the only words I had to offer were that it will get better and that I am here for you. This book showed me both sides, and that the person receiving those words may appreciate them a lot more than you can even imagine. Families and friends are important, and they are what keep you sane when things get tough.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy crime, action, and mystery books. This is a fun afternoon read that immerses you completely. You feel like you are part of the investigation, and you feel all of the emotions running rampant in this book. I really enjoyed it and would love to read more of this author’s books.

Looking For Input

About two years after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with our son, Chris, I came up with the motto that every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. To my surprise, since then this simple motto has gained a lot of traction and has been quoted over 600 times on social media. It has been used on mugs, t-shirts, and posters. Part of it has been tattooed on a wrist and it will be feature on the wall of the Mountaintop Café and Coffee Shop in Kokomo, Indiana.

Many have encouraged me to write a book around the motto, but I’ve resisted until now. However, with it’s popularity and the experiences I’ve had, I feel that now is the time. But I need help to do it.

I want to include inspirational stories from a range of people, including some who have successfully chased a dream or are in the process of doing so, and those who have overcome difficult circumstances by putting one foot in front of the other.

If you have an inspirational story or know someone who does, please contact me at info@barryfinlay.com. I can’t promised I will use every story, but I will use some.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Win a digital copy of Searching For Truth

Cover Reveal and Other Exciting Announcements

Finally, I can reveal the cover of my new Jake Scott mystery, The Guardians of Truth. And here it is.

“Perfectly executed, well written, thoroughly and utterly enjoyable; I really do hope Jake doesn’t stop scratching that journalistic itch, because I’d love to spend another few hundred pages in his company.” – Cath ‘N’ Kindle Book Reviews

The official release will take place at Chapters Indigo in Nepean, Ontario, Canada on November 13. I’ll be there signing The Guardians of Truth from 1-4.

“Readers who look for engrossing mysteries that are rich in a sense of place and divided purposes will relish the solid pairing of action, tension, and disparate characters which make this mystery especially intriguing and compelling.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Reviews

Preorders of the e-book for Kindle are available now from Amazon in your country.

New Book Update

The Guardians of Truth is moving along towards a November release date. Formatting is underway and the cover is being finalized. Speaking of the cover, it will be revealed to the world on October 15, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, here’s a hint at what the upcoming season may look like. Oh, and the cover is on the phone.

My thoughts on the Queen

Reflecting on the passing of the Queen a day after the news broke, it feels like we have lost a leader at a time when the world needs one the most. She just seemed to be a source of comfort, always able to say the right thing and with the rare ability to unite, rather than divide, people. It felt like she would always be there, but of course, she couldn’t be. I think many people thought she was just like their mom, or vice versa. I did. King Charles has some big shoes to fill.