Category: Uncategorized

Win a Free E-book

I’m delighted to announce that Just Keep Climbing has been awarded bronze in the Self Help Category by Reader Views. You can read about the award below, but to celebrate, I’m giving away an e-book version free!

The book reflects on my climb of Mount Kilimanjaro with our son in 2009, and the lessons I have applied to my life since. It also includes the inspirational stories of eight individuals facing their own challenges.

I’ll send a copy of the e-book to the person who provides the best true inspirational story in the comments below. It can be your story or that of someone you know. Not only could you win a copy of Just Keep Climbing, but you will inspire others.

According to their website, the Reader Views Literary Awards program recognizes “the most creative and exciting new books in the industry. Our awards program is recognized industry-wide as a top awards program for independent authors.”

“Simply written and well edited, this is a must-have read.” – ReaderViews

Find the book at your favorite retailer: https://mybook.to/justkeepclimbing

Don’t forget to add your inspirational story in the comments by March 31, 2024 for your chance to win a copy.

The Authors Show Interview

My interview on The Authors Show, in which we discuss my inspirational book Just Keep Climbing, is now live.

The interview is available on major podcast platforms like Spotify, Pandora, IHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and others.

Alternatively, you can just listen to it here.

Discussion on the inspirational Just Keep Climbing.

An Inspirational Person Indeed!

Elisa Magagna, one of the inspirational people featured in Just Keep Climbing. sent me a video recently after receiving a copy of the book. We have known each other through social media for a few years and I have followed her journey through Stage Four cancer. She has always amazed me with her positivity and resilience as she battles this horrible disease. I don’t think anyone could handle it better and Elisa was one of the first people I contacted when I decided to write the book. She doesn’t consider herself inspirational but check out her video and tell me what you think.

Available for Pre-order

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.

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.