In the age of digital, a book tour doesn’t always require a suitcase, a map, and long hours on the road. Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can embark on a literary journey from the comfort of our homes.
I recently embarked on an exciting virtual book tour – first of a kind for me. Over the course of several weeks, I’ll been engaging with readers by way of book bloggers, bookstagrammers, and influencers who will be sharing my novel with the world.
Join us as we take a tour through this innovative and inspiring adventure, showcasing the stops at some of the most influential online book destinations.
October 2 – 25: Library Thing
Kicking off the tour, I made my debut on Library Thing, engaging with the book-loving community and sparking discussions around Veil of Doubt. This is where the adventure began, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
“Based on a shocking true story, Veil of Doubt is part true-crime thriller, part medical and legal procedural. Perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace and filled with rich period detail gleaned from exhaustive research, Veil of Doubt delves into the darkness of the South during Reconstruction, exposing intrigue, deception, and death.” Carol Fitzgerald, The Book Reporter
October 10: Functionally Fictional
As the tour continued, Functionally Fictional played host to an insightful conversation. I shared my inspiration and the creative process behind ‘Veil of Doubt,’ giving readers a unique peek into Emily and Powell’s world.
October 11: Hasty Book List
Day three if the tour I was on Hasty Book List, providing readers with an intimate look at my latest literary creation. Via the Hasty Book review, readers had the chance to dive deep into the book, exploring the story and characters.
October 12: Book Adrenaline
Next stop, Book Adrenaline! With a name that promises excitement, this was another thrilling destination on the virtual tour. Here, readers were treated to suspenseful insights, setting the tone for ‘Veil of Doubt. There were also some Facebook giveaways that followed.
October 16: Open Book Posts
The virtual journey continued with Open Book Posts. I shared behind-the-scenes tidbits about my inspiration for writing the book, how I conducted research on the book, the challenges I faced when writing the book, and even revealed my favorite character and favorite scene. We really created an engaging atmosphere that allowed readers to connect with Veil of Doubt on a personal level.
“A gripping, moving and shocking historical mystery based on a true story. I found the book to be well written, well thought out and paced. I appreciated the amount of research that the author did prior to writing this book. I enjoy books based on real people and are inspired by real events. This one did not disappoint. I was instantly intrigued and wondered, like the characters in this book, how her entire family died in her home. How could this happen? I wanted to know more and enjoyed how everything played out. This book had a little bit of so many things that I enjoy in a book: mystery, forensics, legal/court procedurals, and the search for the truth! Well written, gripping, and thought provoking.”
October 16-22: Functionally Fictional
Returning to Functionally Fictional, I dove deeper into the novel, captivating readers and ensuring that they would not forget the world of ‘Veil of Doubt’ anytime soon.
October 17: Fictional Traits
Fictional Traits made for a perfect companion piece to the Functionally Fictional stop, adding another layer to the story and making ‘Veil of Doubt’ an unforgettable experience.
October 18: A Matter of Fancy
As the virtual tour continued, we were excited to partner with fellow author Ron Andrea and his book blog, A Matter of Fancy. On this stop, Ron and Sharon gave readers an alternative perspective and exciting insights into Veil of Doubt.
October 19: Leslie’s Reading Forecast
Leslie’s Reading Forecast provided an exciting glimpse into the future of ‘Veil of Doubt,’ predicting its impact on the literary world. I had a fantastic time discussing my novel and its potential with my host, Leslie DeLooze a former New York columnist and librarian.
“The story is vastly compelling and has so many mysteries involved and little details about daily life that I couldn’t put it down. There are lovely descriptions about the countryside in late summer, and there are also horrifying scenes of the necessary post-mortem on the darling little Maud Lloyd.” – Leslie DeLooze
October 20: Avonna Loves Genres
Sharon Virts explored the world of literary genres on Avonna Loves Genres, offering readers a chance to see how her novel fits into the broader tapestry of literature.
“Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts is an absolutely riveting historical fiction/crime mystery book based on true events surrounding the trial of a mother charged with the murder of her young daughter in 1872 Leesburg, Virginia. I could not put this book down from start to finish.
This is one of my favorite historical fiction stories this year. I was completely engrossed from beginning to the end. The book is based around the investigation and trial for several murders supposedly perpetrated by Emily Lloyd. While some suspense/mystery books featuring court proceedings can be boring or dry at times, I never felt that way with this story. The way evidence was collected, tested, and evaluated was interesting and period appropriate. I knew where the character twist was headed before the ending, but still found it fascinating as well as discussions of other mental traumas related to the Civil War. The author’s research into the true crime case and the Reconstruction era is evident.
I highly recommend this compelling historical fiction/crime mystery based on a true story. Make sure you have time set aside because you will not be able to stop turning the pages.” – Avonna Kershey
October 23: Jennly Reads
Jennly Reads offered a delightful spot on the tour. I got to share her story with even more readers both on her blog and via a reel on Instagram. Jenn’s review and our discussion focused on the narrative and overall character development of Veil of Doubt.
“Virts has taken a historical event and filled in blanks with much artistic license to weave a perfect tale of “what if”. Was Emily Lloyd crazy, calculating and shrewd, or was she just a helpless victim of happenstance? The world may never know, but Virts’ version of things is not only plausible but also makes for great reading.”
October 24: Beth’s Book-Nook Reviews
Beth’s Book-Nook Reviews provided a cozy space to “digitally” gather, talk about how we both sympathized with the characters in Veil of Doubt.
“What an intriguing and captivating read! I could not help but be amazed that this story is based in fact. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction! I could not put this book down as I struggled with “did she? Or didn’t she?” -Dr. Elizabeth Conners
October 25: Historical Fiction Excerpts
Across the pond we go for our next tour stop with UK book blogger Lindsay Townsend and her blog, Historical Fiction Excerpts. Lindsay’s blog was the perfect venue to discuss the historical backdrop and inspirations that shaped Veil of Doubt.
October 27: Women on Writing
The tour took a bit of a turn as on Women on Writing I was the author of the blog. I contributed a bespoke piece on how my book club, #ReadWithSharon, helped me write with more confidence for both of my novels.
October 30: Best Thrillers
The tour shifted gears as Sharon Virts joined Best Thrillers, finding a perfect platform to delve into the suspense and intrigue that defines Veil of Doubt. Readers discovered the heart-pounding moments that make the book a true page-turner.
“I love murder mysteries, courtroom dramas and psychological thrillers. Virts adds all these elements together in a very engrossing tale. While this book is based on a real event, she has made some changes in terms of creating some backstory, characters and a plot twist. However, her additions are pretty seamless and necessary to bring the story to life. Powell is definitely a hero in this story and if I ever needed a lawyer, I would want him to represent me. He’s brilliant and caring. Emily is a victim in so many ways and as Powell discovers all of the wrongs she has lived through, I felt more and more empathy for her and many women like her who were treated so poorly at that time.” – Christina Bailleul
October 31: Mystery & Suspense Magazine
What better way to celebrate Halloween than with a stop at Mystery & Suspense Magazine? This stop, with Barbara Saffer a top 1% reviewer on Goodreads, brought a touch of mystery and excitement to the tour, making it the perfect destination for lovers of thrilling tales.
So far, our virtual book tour through the month of October has been a remarkable journey, taking readers on an adventure through the pages of Veil of Doubt. My interactions with influential online influencers and platforms have added depth and insight to the novel, making it a must-read for all book lovers.
The tour will conclude in November, but the magic of Veil of Doubt lives on in the hearts and minds of readers who have joined this unique literary experience.
