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Cold Coffee Press Endorsement For The Speed Of Dark by Clayton Bye

Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Clayton Bye
Clayton Bye is a writer, copywriter, editor and publisher. He has authored 10 books, as many ghostwrites, hundreds of reviews and is the publisher of three award winning anthologies of short stories by other talented authors.

*************************Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Kenora, Ontario, Canada? The fact that I can live in the most beautiful spot in our great country and go to work every day online is totally awesome.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? A fellow entrepreneur encouraged me to take the speeches I was making at various seminars and turn them into a book. That got me started and I haven't looked back.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? 1993

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? No it didn't and I haven't as yet.

How many published books do you have? 10 of my own and 9 for other people.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? Usually before.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I am not a genre writer. In fact, to date, I have refused to write in the same genre twice. Here are the genres I've published in: Self-help/Motivational, Business/Success, Psychology/Emotions, Personal Achievement/Workbook, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Poetry, Horror, Autobiography/Philosophy, Business Administration, Short Story Anthology/General plus I've published (other authors): Anthology/General, Anthology/Horror, Anthology/Detective Stories and Memoir/Anorexia.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I wanted to put together a Horror Anthology that was different from anything else on the market. Every author, including myself, was challenged to write something completely different, to take it to the edge. I think you'll like what we ended up with.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Getting to write the way I think writing should be.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Publishing in a different genre every time I put out a book.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Don't be afraid to be different.

Who is your favorite author and why? Can't say that I have one. Damon Knight because he was my mentor. Robert McCammon because his horror isn't just horror. Stephen King because he's such a great storyteller. John D. MacDonald because of Travis McGee. Louis L'Amour because he taught me I could write anywhere at any time under virtually any circumstance. See what I mean?

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I was a self-publisher before anyone had ever heard of POD. Now I'm a traditional publisher. Isn't life funny?

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Awards:
Writers on the Wrong Side of the Road, edited by Clayton Clifford Bye places 4th in the P&E Readers Poll for 2012.The Speed of Dark, presented by Chase Enterprises Publishing places 4th in the P&E Readers Poll for 2013 The Speed of Dark, edited by Clayton Clifford Bye wins the Bronze Medal for 2013 in the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards.The Speed of Dark, also won an honorable mention in the 84th Annual Writers’ Digest Writing Competition.

************************Clayton Bye’s Published Books
Bare Knuckle MBA: Everything You Need to Know About Running A Profitable Business
Getting Clear
How To Get What You Want From Life: Practical Techniques For Building The Future You've Always Wanted
Technomage
The Contrary Canadian: A Collection
The Hundred: Actions That Make Dreams Come True
The It Can't Be Done, No Way, You've Got To Be Kidding, Crazy Or Unbelievably Stupid To Try It, Handbook For Success...
The Sorcerer's Key
What I Found In The Dark
Behind the Red Door

Anthologies Published Through Clayton Bye’s Chase Enterprises Publishing
The Speed Of Dark
Writers On The Wrong Side Of The Road
Det. Lupee: The Impossible Cases

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Featured Book
The Speed Of Dark by Clayton Clifford Bye and PDR Lindsay
27 strangely different and disturbing horror short stories
by talented authors from around the world.
            

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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Speed Of Dark
by Clayton Clifford Bye and PDR Lindsay
Nineteen authors contributed twenty seven short stories in this Horror Anthology, title The Speed of Dark. Author Clayton Bye is editor and contributor of Retroviruses and The Speed of Dark within this collection. In the Introduction Clayton says it best when speaking about the Horror genre. He says, “A story that disturbs is like a deep sliver. It works its way slowly through your flesh, sometimes festering, sometimes not. But it's there, it's with you long after the story is done.”

The short story The Speed of Dark by Clayton Bye reminds me of Twilight Zone’s epic psychological horrors. The premise begins with two questions, “How does one outrun darkness? and "What's the speed of dark?" I invite you to read this short story and think about ask yourself, what secret dreams and silent screams inhabit your inner peace?

Enjoy each stories as told by different voices, varied life experiences and individual writing style. Read the introductions from authors Casey Wolf, Clayton Bye, Cynthia B. Ainsworthe, Eduard Garçon, E.J. Ruek, Gerald Rice, James Secor, John B. Rosenman, Kenneth Weene, Leigh M. Lane, Lyn McConchi, Marion Webb-De Sisto, Mary Firmin, Megan Johns, Micki Peluso, Minna van der Pfaltz, Tim Fleming, Tonya Moore, Tony Richards before their short story begins.

This book was edited by CC Bye and PDR Lindsay with Cover Art by Zentao. I am most familiar with author Clayton Bye’s published works that include The Speed Of Dark, Bare Knuckle MBA: Everything You Need to Know About Running A Profitable Business. Det. Lupee: The Impossible Cases, Getting Clear, How To Get What You Want From Life: Practical Techniques For Building The Future You've Always Wanted, Technomage, The Contrary Canadian: A Collection, The Hundred: Actions That Make Dreams Come True, The It Can't Be Done, No Way, You've Got To Be Kidding, Crazy Or Unbelievably Stupid To Try It, Handbook For Success, The Sorcerer's Key: From Earth To Eden I, What I Found In The Dark and Writers On The Wrong Side Of The Road. All these books and books written by authors in this anthology can be purchased through Amazon.

Cold Coffee Press Endorses The Speed of Dark by Clayton Bye as a well written horror anthology by nineteen authors. The short stories will satisfy horror seekers far beyond camp-fire stories told on Halloween. We were given this book in a Kindle/PDF format for review. The review was completed on October 31, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Amazon Kindle Purchase Link
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Featured Book #2:
The Sorcerer's Key: From Earth To Eden I by Clayton Clifford Bye
Bye offers an intriguing take on the classic hero's journey, meshing biblical myth with Dungeons and Dragons-style sorcery to create a story that is as provocative as it is exciting. - Lisa Lane, author

Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Featured Book #3:
Technomage by Clayton Clifford Bye and Keur L. Dawn
Technomage is author Clayton Bye's second installment of the dark fantasy FROM EARTH TO EDEN. THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF JACK LIGHTFOOT Pursued by a cyborg sorcerer and the devil himself, Jack Lightfoot is forced to give up all that is human in an effort to find a way to stop the destruction of both Earth and Eden - Long Blurb: An epic tale of war brimming with an assortment of unique individuals--Satan as a human, a teenage corporate genius who has solved the problem of long-distance space travel, a man who lives inside the internet, a native healer who is also of the cloth, even a resurrected serial killer, Technomage also delves into the nature of both God and man. Note: The Sorcerer's Key: EARTH TO EDEN I is still in print and widely available; or contact the author at ccbye@shaw.ca

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Featured Book #4:
What I Found In The Dark by Clayton Clifford Bye
The mystery of the veil, of the dark curtain between this life and the next, between past and future or between mind and matter haunts all of us at one time or another. Yet... there is beauty in what we can't see and must imagine. Read What I Found in the Dark.

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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************************Professional Websites
http://www.claytonbye.com
http://shop.claytonbye.com
http://http://clayton-bye.branded.me/
Professional Blogs
http://www.thewriteroomblog.com
https://plus.google.com/+ClaytonBye/posts
http://thecontrarycanadian.wordpress.com/

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Lost In His Eyes by Ginger Simpson

 
Featured Book #1:
Lost In His Eyes by Ginger Simpson
Harlee Wagner didn’t expect to fall in the well when drawing water, and she certainly never expected to be rescued only to find her entire family gone. Logan Carruthers, her handsome hero, insists she rest up before she starts searching and then leads her on a trail consisting of hints and guesses. Will she find her family, or will she discover love? There’s something about his gorgeous blue eyes and broad shoulders that makes her heart flutter.

Previously released as The Well

"A lot is packed into this short book, the story moves along well and the plot kept me interested. I found it enjoyable and recommend this for a lazy day read to anyone to anyone that enjoys a clean mystery romance." - Birdlady

"I must say that Gingers Simpson's writing is superb. Harlee's character is funny and her relationship with Logan's mother comes alive for me. I have read many of Ginger Simpson's works and I can't believe how much she has improved her writing. I am willing to bet that if she got a decent agent she could be the next Danielle Steel." - Carol Langstroth

"This is a fast paced mystery romance that will keep you intrigued from beginning until almost the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would highly recommend it." – Miskagirl

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Lost In His Eyes by Ginger Simpson
Homesteading in the Oklahoma Panhandle in 1894 is getting harder every day, “Hot winds drove a herd of tumbleweeds across endless acres of sod, broken and dried by the late July sun. The devastating drought in Oklahoma continued, leaving everything parched or dying.”

A small cast of well-developed characters bring the story to life as Miss Harlee Wagner accidentally falls into the family well while gathering a bucket of water. Days later and near death, was this stunning man a figment of her imagination, or was he, her long awaited hero?

Fast-pace action, adventure, mystery and romance keeps the reader turning the pages seeking answers to this most unusual mystery.

I quote a passage from the book to show Ginger Simpson’s writing style and the questions Harlee has on her mind. “Harlee took in the scenery again, but her mind wandered. Homesteads much like the one Pa had staked claim to, sat back from the trail, gardens withered, heat waves spiraling upward, and an occasional dust devil swirling in the distance. How did those twisting demons develop when the ground had turned stone-like from the absence of moisture? Could humidity cause enough dampness? Although the area hadn’t had rain for some time, some days were filled with ‘heat you could wear’, as Logan said. Today was one of those days. Harlee’s top clung to her like a second skin; perspiration beaded her forehead and dampened her hair. How she wished she had her old straw hat, but that had disappeared along with her family.”

Cold Coffee Press endorses Lost In His Eyes by Ginger Simpson as a warm, realistic, 1800 period romance published by Books We Love. Thirty plus books have given Ginger Simpson the notoriety that she has earned as a romance author.

I invite you to read (just to name a few); Lost In His Eyes, Ages of Love, Arizona Sky, Betrayed, Dancing Fawn, Destiny's Bride, Discovery, Ellie's Legacy, First Degree Innocence, Hattie's Heroes, Sarah's Heart and Passion, Shortcomings, Time Tantrums and Yellow Moon.

We were given this book in a Kindle/PDF format. This review was completed on October 25, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Amazon Customer Reviews
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Featured Book #2:
Arizona Sky by Ginger Simpson
The wagon carrying Odessa Clay and her father overturns, killing him. Alone and scared in the middle of the desert, she faces finding her way to Phoenix and her Aunt Susan. Food and water run out, and Odessa is near death when Zach Johnson finds her. Squinting up into his tanned and handsome face, Dessie believes she’s died and gone to heaven.

Would-be-outlaw, Zach Johnson finds an unconscious woman alone in the middle of nowhere. Where did she come from? First glance: she appears young, but the curves beneath the dusty gingham say otherwise. He didn’t plan to become someone’s hero, but how can he leave her stranded? He’s on his way to join a gang of bank robbers and he has no time to spare.

Will the promise of Odessa’s sweet lips lure Zach from the secret mission that has his gut twisted into a knot? His father’s ranch isn’t the only thing at stake—now it’s his heart.

Previously published as Odessa.

Review
I think Ginger Simpson lived in the Wild West in another life. She captures the era so well you can smell and taste it in this story of a young woman lost in the arid desert…
The characters are as realistic as the setting she describes. Both the hero and heroine are loveable, faulted, and feisty. The prose is free and easy, allowing the reader to fall into the story without struggle.
Amazon Customer Reviews
Kindle Purchase Link
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Featured Book # 3:
Betrayed by Ginger Simpson
The advertisement claimed: “Find your true love; we’ll match you with the person of your dreams.”
Their irritating spam clogged her computer inbox. "Free tonight? Let’s chat." Cassie Fremont thought of hitting the ‘trash’ button, but the promises were alluring.

Divorced and so lonely, Cassie signs up for the on-line dating service. What she doesn’t know is the cost of the ticket for her ride on the romantic roller coaster from hell. You aren’t the first woman he’s lied to. When Cassie’s siblings present her with evidence, insisting this proves her new beau is a con-man, her world is shattered.

Her happiness wanes. How can she possibly believe that this wonderful man who gave up a thriving business in Texas and moved to California to be with her isn’t all he professes to be? The love she sees shining in Evan’s eyes can’t be false. Surely, her siblings are mistaken. Still, the warnings of her sister’s haunt Cassie’s thoughts: There have been others who have lost everything because of him. Faced with an ultimatum, Cassie must choose between her family and Evan.

Previously published as Embezzled Love

"Based on the true story of the author's sister, this novel builds tension as it goes. It grips the reader and throws them into a whirlwind of emotion from anger to joy and everything in between. It is a powerful book of vulnerability and strength, family loyalty versus true love. A must read for every woman." ~ Mirella Patzer, Historical Author

"I found this to be an engaging story and the characters very believable. In this high tech age we need a reminder that not everybody is good and decent and we need to have our guard up in the faceless world of the internet." ~ Carol Langstroth, Mind Fog Reviews

Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Featured Book # 4:
Dancing Fawn by Ginger Simpson
Grace Cummings’ family is killed and she’s taken captive by a war party of young Lakota’s hungry to fight the white men encroaching on their sacred black hill; land granted them in a treaty with the government. The brave responsible for leading the war party and Grace’s captor is shunned by the tribe for drawing attention to their band and leaves the village, giving Grace to Little Elk, the nephew of the chief.

With the help and guidance of another white woman in camp, Green Eyes, wife of the chief, Grace learns important facts about the tribe and accepts her given Lakota name, Dancing Fawn… and the love of Little Elk.

While the warriors are away joining with other tribes to fight the war brought upon them by the young warriors, white soldier attack the camp, killing only women, children, and old men. Dancing Fawn is discovered, identified as a white captive and forced to return with the soldiers to Fort Sully. Tied hands and constant guarding display she’s not going voluntarily. Back in civilization and under the watchful eye of the Colonel’s wife, Fawn must decide where her heart truly lies.

Reviews
Very good book that touches on a part of history that was left out of the history books at school. -
A nice change of pace to drop back into an American Historical where the Indian is the good guy. I enjoyed the book and found the historical facts were in line with what I've read in other books, both factual history and historical fiction. Well researched and sensitively written.

Kindle Purchase Link
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Featured Book # 5:
Sarah's Heart and Passion by Ginger Simpson
Sarah Collins set her sights for California and a new beginning, but never imagines a war party's attack on the wagon train she joins. A sole survivor, Sarah must find her way back to civilization, and a man of half-blood happens along at just the right time and becomes her hero...or is the whole scenario only a dream driven by all the romance novels she reads as an editor?

Sarah wakes, her cheeks damp with tears. Like a dust devil in a dying windstorm, all traces of her handsome rescuer vanish with a farewell kiss and the annoying blast of an alarm clock...until he appears at her door as a new neighbor. Will Sarah find a way to win the love she tried so hard to capture in her dream without being declared insane, or will the sexy woman living an apartment away beat Sarah at her own game?

Previously published as Sarah's Heart and Sarah's Passion, this edition combines both stories

Amazon Customer Reviews
Kindle Purchase Link
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Ginger Simpson
Ginger Simpson has been writing since 2000 and has produced many fine reads. She's a pantser who writes when her characters speak, and plotting is as foreign to her as speaking another language. She retired from the University of California, Davis after 24 years, and moved to Tennessee to be caretaker to her autistic grandson. Time flies. That was in 2003/2004 and now Spencer is 13. She's gone from listening to Thomas the Train in the background to being able to enjoy whatever type of music she likes.

She's currently working on another "Sarah" story, but swears this one is her swan song. At 70, she wants to spend whatever time God grants her doing fun things with her husband, and not feeling the stress of being an author. Gone are the days of easily obtainable reviews and low overhead. Competition for everything has grown due to self-publishing, and those who think they are authors but need to go through the editing process for years to learn they truly aren't. What used to be so easy has become more of a chore.

*************************Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from TN, USA? I'm proud to be an author just based on accomplishments. I never knew I could achieve. Here in TN, people kind of give you a blank stare when you announce your profession. I don't imagine too many people my age find time to read because it seems most grandparents are too busy raising their grandchildren...at least that is the case in the area where I live. I've always been a people person, but in all the years, I've lived here, this has been the most difficult place to make new friends. I still haven't figured out why most folks expect free copies. Don't they realize how many hours an author toils over each story?

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I've always been an avid reader. I love authors who sweep me away to another time and place and put me in their character's shoes. When I was between Cassie Edward's captivating stories, and had read everything western by Amanda Baker, I decided to try my own hand at writing, and voila...that was the beginning of an exciting new decade for me.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? In 2000, I wrote my debut novel, Prairie Peace, now re-released as Destiny's Bride. I knew I wasn't going to look for an agent (didn't need the added stress), so I researched small publishing and found Wings E Press. I submitted the story, not expecting acceptance, but lo and behold, I got a wonderful letter saying I TOLD a beautiful story, but now needed to learn to SHOW it to the reader. That's what I mean about self-pubbed, people who believe they can step into the author's arena without learning the ropes. I learned tons from my first editor, and I have continued learning with each submission. Unless you go through the appropriate channels, you're clueless to the rules of writing that apply to authors.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I grew up in a house of western lovers. There was always a John Wayne film on TV and when the radio played, it was Johnny Cash singing. We spent many nights watching The Grand Ol' Opry, and anything western on TV. Loving the genre set in the old west era seems only logical, and I love it.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? Strange as it seems...my stories come with titles and characters already named when the hero or hero pops into my head. It's only been on the re-releases of my books that I have to come up with new titles, and that's really hard.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I've written cross genres just to prove to myself that I can, but I always migrate back to Western Historical Romance. I write sweet romance with a tad of sexuality because I'm that kind of person. I prefer to leave the grinds, thrusts and groans to the reader's imagination. I wrote only one Erotica, and that was the most difficult book ever. You either have to possess a really active imagination or be pro-active in the bedroom...neither apply to me.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I'm always inspired when a new character shows up with an idea for a story. I'm driven by the need to find out how the journey ends.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? The appreciation shown by my peers and a few nominations for best reads. I've never won an actual award because I haven't taken the time to enter any writing contests, but there have been a few times when people have nominated me, and that's a wonderful feeling. I was so shocked when Love Romances announced one of my books as a 2009 best Western Read.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Finding publishers who believe in me and have faith in my ability to succeed. I've been very lucky to have each publisher see the value in my stories and by far the most rewarding experience for any author after getting a nod of acceptance is holding that new book in your hand for the first time.

Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? Until recently, I can claim only positive feedback, but the recent immergence of "trolls" on Amazon who have a need to crucify the work of authors has affected me as well. I received three one-star reviews on one book that made it very evident the reviewers hadn't even read the book. Who does that...and why? I have no idea how you can avoid such unwanted and unwarranted unkindness.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Be yourself, and don't ever let anyone steal your voice.

Who is your favorite author and why? Laura Ingalls Wilder has an always will be my favorite. I've read every "Little House" story a hundred times, and she was the true inspiration for my writing. I'm always flattered if someone compares me to her.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I've been doing this for so many years, I doubt there's anything most don't know about me. My life has been an open book.

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Available Published Books by Ginger Simpson
A Novel Murder by Ginger Simpson
Ages of Love by Ginger Simpson
Arizona Sky by Ginger Simpson
Beaches by Ginger Simpson
Betrayed by Ginger Simpson
Books We Love Special Edition by Ginger Simpson
Culture Shock by Ginger Simpson
Dancing Fawn by Ginger Simpson
Destiny's Bride by Ginger Simpson
Discovery by Ginger Simpson
Ellie's Legacy by Ginger Simpson
First Degree Innocence by Ginger Simpson
Hattie's Heroes (Books We Love western romance) by Ginger Simpson
Lost In His Eyes by Ginger Simpson
Sarah's Heart and Passion by Ginger Simpson
Shortcomings by Ginger Simpson
Time Invested by Ginger Simpson
Time Tantrums by Ginger Simpson
Yellow Moon by Ginger Simpson ************************  Amazon Author’s Page Professional Website
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis

 
Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis
Much like his beloved – and somewhat decrepit – cars, Liam Samolis (NOT his real name; that was changed in order to protect his wife and children from ridicule on the off chance some of their friends will read his work) is hurtling towards 50 with the brakes failing.

The painful loss of his father leads Liam to look back at his life as he contemplates the legacy he is leaving his own children; resulting in a hilarious, often self-deprecating, and ALWAYS brutally, side-splittingly, honest glimpse at the path that has led him to become the man that he is.

With stories about growing up as a painfully shy child in England, going to an all-boys’ school, and what can only be described as the most uproariously hysterical bar scene EVER written, Liam also recounts his days as a police officer, the births of his children, and saying goodbye to his father.

What began as a legacy to his children will send readers into peals of raucous laughter, likely leading them to tears and other unexpected bodily functions.

If you read one book this year, Signs of (a) Life should be it – nowhere else will you be so moved by a man simply living.

Book Genre: Memoir, Humour

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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis
OK, women, here it is!

Finally, a gut honest personal journal written by a man that hits the pages of Signs of (a) Life with both serious and laugh-out-loud stories.

To begin with, Liam speaks of issues that we can all relate to as we stand in front of a mirror and are surprised to see the older, graying image of someone we barely recognize staring back.

Liam states this right off the bat, “Warning: this book contains within it accounts of real conversations which may therefore occasionally include naughty words and rude phrases. I’ve even made up some words of my own. That’s the real world for you.”

Within the 502 pages and 61 topics this author presents his half century of life experiences in a relaxed, well thought out format that lets the readers empathize with him. His stories involve experiences not just a man, but as a boy. Very few men will bare their souls to share experiences of awkwardness while moving from childhood into manhood. Liam share some of his experiences while attending a single-sex school for boys. He shares his discovery of girls, cars and various medical issues.

Some of the most interesting stories involve his experiences as a police officer in England. The most touching are his stories about the birth of his children. Liam dedicates this book to his children.

I invite you to come laugh and cry with Liam Samolis as we wait to see what happens in his next fifty years of living.

I leave you with this quote from Liam. “Like the vast majority of men; I feel. I enjoy (which, by the way, seems to be an ‘allowed’ emotion), I grieve, I feel sad, I feel hurt. I screw up. At times I am emotionally vulnerable. And there is nothing – to my mind - remotely un-masculine about any of that; feeling is part of living - an integral part. In fact for me, feeling is THE essential part of living. Feeling can never be wrong in principle (because it simply happens without conscious intention) - and neither can displaying or being honest about our emotions. Being overtaken by emotions in a situation where action is necessary could, of course, be problematic, but feeling and showing our feelings is essential in the long term for our personal health. I wonder how much happier many men could be if their emotions were not effectively under lock and key? Hey - that almost rhymes.”

Cold Coffee Press endorses Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis as the honest account of a man living his life with all the human emotions that men typically try to avoid speaking about. We were given this book to review in a Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 18, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

************************ Book Excerpt Link
Amazon UK Customer Reviews
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Friesen Press Purchase Link
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http://www.liamsamolis.com/itzablog
http://www.ageofspreadingmiddle.com
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Twitter: @liamsamolis
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Liam Samolis

Message from Author:

Who am I? That's supposed to be a rhetorical question, not a cry for help, by the way...

I'll unbend a little and tell you that I'm a middle-aged man living in Canada, and as I intimated, I'm actively engaged in getting a writing career off the ground. Yes, it's taken me this long to finally start doing something that I feel very comfortable doing, and I'm also keen about preserving some of my privacy, too.

In essence, I'm an ordinary man with an ambition to write. I very much hope that you will join me as I embark on what I hope will be a glorious adventure.

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Quote from Author Liam Samolis’ book: Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis

“Liam Samolis grew up in England where he went into the police service at an early age, after barely surviving the tedium of an all-boys’ school.

Moving with his young family to British Columbia, Canada, in 2002 and staying there ever since (surprisingly never getting deported).

Liam is edging the half century mark; determined that impending prostate exams and incipient acrophobia won’t slow him down.

Liam excels in trying to be the best father and husband he can be, as well as a poor fisherman.

A big Teddy Bear at heart, the author has been chased by cows, buxom women, and his own pending mortality, and writes with these and many other life experiences moving his pen.”

*************************Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Canada? I am not proud to be a writer from anywhere in particular - my location has little to do with my writing at present. As an immigrant to Canada, I feel only tenuous bonds to any one place, although at present the small English town where I spent the majority of my childhood is persistently at the forefront of my reminiscences.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have nurtured the desire to be a writer since I was eleven years old, when I first experienced the thrill of entertaining other people with a story that I had written. The dream had lain dormant for many years. The death of my father three years ago prompted me to finally begin fulfilling a promise that I made to myself many years ago. His passing - and how little I knew about him outside of his parental role - inspired me to write my first book for my children, so that they - and their children - may know more of me.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? My first book was begun as a private project - a kind of extended letter to my family. As the book developed, it began to dawn on me that it may have some worth and meaning to people outside of the family. My decision was finally made after an initial review by an editor, the effusive nature of which convinced me to proceed.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I believe that the accumulated and very varied experiences of my entire lifetime has played and continues to play the biggest role in my writing, far more than location or other environmental factors.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? As soon as I know what I am going to write about, I devise a title, it helps me focus.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My genre is currently memoir (I have plans to diverge) with a strong humorous thread. I write as myself, and try as much as possible to be myself, rather than creating a fictitious persona. My writing has been described as 'brutally, side-splittingly honest' and that's the way I like to live, and the kind of person I like to be. I enjoy writing about the little things which populate most of our real lives, and which take up much of our thinking time. The small stuff IS the big stuff.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? As I stated above, the inspiration to start writing and the inspiration to write this book were one and the same thing. I want my children and grandchildren to know more about the man than the word 'father'.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Without question, the first review of my manuscript by a professional editor. The review was so incredibly enthusiastic, I burst into tears.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Receiving the printed books in the mail. Nothing beats holding the physical evidence of being a published author.

Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? So far, so good!

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Don't try to proof-read your own work.

Who is your favorite author and why? Bill Bryson: he's funny, intelligent, insightful, funny, a wonderful story teller, talks about the real world, and did I mention that he's funny?

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Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis
Much like his beloved – and somewhat decrepit – cars, Liam Samolis (NOT his real name; that was changed in order to protect his wife and children from ridicule on the off chance some of their friends will read his work) is hurtling towards 50 with the brakes failing.

The painful loss of his father leads Liam to look back at his life as he contemplates the legacy he is leaving his own children; resulting in a hilarious, often self-deprecating, and ALWAYS brutally, side-splittingly, honest glimpse at the path that has led him to become the man that he is.

With stories about growing up as a painfully shy child in England, going to an all-boys’ school, and what can only be described as the most uproariously hysterical bar scene EVER written, Liam also recounts his days as a police officer, the births of his children, and saying goodbye to his father.

What began as a legacy to his children will send readers into peals of raucous laughter, likely leading them to tears and other unexpected bodily functions.

If you read one book this year, Signs of (a) Life should be it – nowhere else will you be so moved by a man simply living.

Book Genre: Memoir, Humour

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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis
OK, women, here it is!

Finally, a gut honest personal journal written by a man that hits the pages of Signs of (a) Life with both serious and laugh-out-loud stories.

To begin with, Liam speaks of issues that we can all relate to as we stand in front of a mirror and are surprised to see the older, graying image of someone we barely recognize staring back.

Liam states this right off the bat, “Warning: this book contains within it accounts of real conversations which may therefore occasionally include naughty words and rude phrases. I’ve even made up some words of my own. That’s the real world for you.”

Within the 502 pages and 61 topics this author presents his half century of life experiences in a relaxed, well thought out format that lets the readers empathize with him. His stories involve experiences not just a man, but as a boy. Very few men will bare their souls to share experiences of awkwardness while moving from childhood into manhood. Liam share some of his experiences while attending a single-sex school for boys. He shares his discovery of girls, cars and various medical issues.

Some of the most interesting stories involve his experiences as a police officer in England. The most touching are his stories about the birth of his children. Liam dedicates this book to his children.

I invite you to come laugh and cry with Liam Samolis as we wait to see what happens in his next fifty years of living.

I leave you with this quote from Liam. “Like the vast majority of men; I feel. I enjoy (which, by the way, seems to be an ‘allowed’ emotion), I grieve, I feel sad, I feel hurt. I screw up. At times I am emotionally vulnerable. And there is nothing – to my mind - remotely un-masculine about any of that; feeling is part of living - an integral part. In fact for me, feeling is THE essential part of living. Feeling can never be wrong in principle (because it simply happens without conscious intention) - and neither can displaying or being honest about our emotions. Being overtaken by emotions in a situation where action is necessary could, of course, be problematic, but feeling and showing our feelings is essential in the long term for our personal health. I wonder how much happier many men could be if their emotions were not effectively under lock and key? Hey - that almost rhymes.”

Cold Coffee Press endorses Signs of (a) Life by Liam Samolis as the honest account of a man living his life with all the human emotions that men typically try to avoid speaking about. We were given this book to review in a Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 18, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

************************ Book Excerpt Link
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review For The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters

The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters
The Pacific Northwest is Under Attack. Ancient Alien Intrigue: Can Mitch Wilde save humanity?
A very impressive debut. Original and impressively well written novel! - Portsmouth Book ReviewAn original and impressively well written novel, "The Outlaw River Wilde" is a deftly crafted and highly entertaining story by an author who will leave his readers looking eagerly toward his next effort. - Midwest Book Review
Mitch Wilde never believed in aliens, that is, until he was left with no other way to explain the strange events happening around his small Pacific Northwest home. With scattered appearances of ghostly Native American riders, a series of odd break-ins by unknown intruders, and hints that more could be coming, Mitch, along with his cantankerous old neighbor who is quickly becoming a new friend vows to unravel the mysteries and preserve the comfortable life he has worked so hard to build.
When an unexplained attack leaves his long-time best friend acting quite unlike himself, Mitch knows he has to act fast or risk losing everything. The only question is: Does he have what it takes to conquer the mysterious, potentially powerful force once and for all?
Ancient Alien Intrigue long-time Pacific Northwest resident Mike Walters found his first love in dogs, and then quickly followed up with photography, bicycling, globetrotting, and library software development. He would finally find his true calling at the tender age of 45 while settling in to watch a program on the History channel. It was then that the concept for his debut novel, The Outlaw River Wilde was born. "What if we're not alone in the universe?" he asks of readers who dare to venture into his Science Fiction Thriller world. "And what if our forgotten past was the link to our probable future?"
Mike intertwines his love of Native American culture and a passion for the Pacific Northwest setting that he called home as a child in his original tale of intrigue and adventure guaranteed to keep readers guessing until the very last page. Of course, he continues to honor his first love of dogs by donating 10% of all proceeds to the Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles where he also volunteers as a photographer.
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review For The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters
Outlaw River, a small town in the Pacific Northwest’s Outlaw River Valley. This community is no different from most small American towns that depend a fair amount of tourist trade. Outlaw River is a community of 1800, comprised of farmers, ranchers, loggers and hunters. Like most rural communities, everyone knows and looks out for their neighbors, attends annual events and go to bed at night without locking their doors.
While biking the river trail, Mitch Wilde loses control and falls when something swishes by him with an intensity that breaks his concentration. Rattled, Mitch looks around and spots a man on a horse across the river. An uneasiness causes him to look up high in a tree where he spots a shimmering arrow with a sparrow sitting on it. As he watches the bird flies away and the arrow seems to dissolve leaving only a trace of glowing liquid.
Mitch successfully put the simmering arrow, tree phenomenon along with the man on a horse out of his mind until his neighbor Jack is struck in the shoulder by an arrow while in his yard. Mitch goes to render aide and observes that it isn’t a normal arrow. The shaft and feathers almost seem alive. When touched, the shaft goes from cold to hot. When Mitch decides he can safely pull the arrow out of Jack, the arrows mysteriously disappears into Jacks body.
If it were just he and Jack it would be one thing, but other members of the Outlaw Rivers community report sightings of famous Indians like Sitting Bull in full battle dress. To add to the local stress, ongoing news reports indicate that Native American Indians in the Pacific Northwest are simply disappearing without warning.
This phenomenon extends to sightings of strange creatures around Crater Lake and objects which seen to collide with the mountain range. Legends compare tales of local Indians guiding settlers away from Crater Lake. Is it meteor strikes? An alien invasion? Kachina Indian Spirits? Perhaps it is shape shifters or even the apocalypse?
The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters in an introduction and cliff hanger to his sci-fi, mystery series. Still Wilde In Outlaw River (Book Two) is scheduled to arrive in 2016. In some series, authors design each book to stand along with separate stories using many of the same characters. This author has chosen a continuing saga approach where the reader needs to read this book before the next.
Cold Coffee Press endorses The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters as a paranormal mystery that presents a series of unexplained phenomenon. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 13, 2015. For more information please contact Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com
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 ************************
Amazon Customers Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link
*************************Coming Soon
Still Wilde In Outlaw River *************************
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Mike Walters

 
Mike Walters and his debut novel, The Outlaw River Wilde, sprung from an idea while watching Ancient Aliens on the History channel. He intertwines his love of Native American culture and a passion for the Pacific Northwest, primarily his birth state of Oregon. Mike sat down one day and started writing. The characters and story were revealed each and every day he wrote.
“Every session was as if I were reading something new myself for the first time. It was a blast seeing what would happen next. This is why I enjoyed writing this novel so much. ”
Mike is a Director of Marketing & Product at Auto-Graphics, Inc. based in Ontario, CA. That’s California, not Canada. A-G makes software for Libraries, primarily public. So on your visit to the library, when you sit down to search for a book this is the software that A-G makes.
“I am very fortunate to work in an industry that has a meaningful impact on society. It makes going to work each and every day enjoyable. I mean who doesn’t think we need, and who doesn’t love, libraries?”
Mike learned photography as a freshman in high school and later took the passion and used it as a photographer in the United States Air Force. He loves to ride bicycles in SoCal year around, volunteers in Los Angeles at the Westside German Shepherd Rescue taking photos of the beautiful dogs, and has a passion for Micro-brews, particularly Porters and Stouts. You will frequently find him sampling, with his son Alexander, at Claremont Craft Ales, a personal favorite — or one of the many fine breweries in and around Claremont, CA. Mike is currently at work on the follow up to The Outlaw River Wilde, which will be titled – Still Wilde in the Outlaw River. The book should be out later this year or early 2016.
************************Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Southern Oregon? I currently live in Southern California, but was born and raised in the southern part of Oregon. I love the outdoors, and there are few better places in the country than the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River where I grew up. Oregon isn't well known to part of the country and I am proud to say I am from there. It is a great place to grow up with a multitude of things to do, especially if you love the outdoors. I hope to get back to the Pacific Northwest someday to live.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have known a few writers and I was always envious of their ability to tell stories and share them with other people. I loved making stuff up as a kid and always got great grades on my creative abilities. As I became more aware of what options were available to Indie authors thanks to the internet I started thinking, why not me? As far as inspiration, it would have to be my son, Alexander who is an actor. He can go out on stage and bare his sole and I figured if he is willing to take those risks than I can too.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? The first of second year I was watching Ancient Aliens on the History Channel I started getting this idea in my head that would take place near where I grew up and have a science fiction twist with it.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I don't know how most authors are, but for me absolutely. There are a bunch of traits that I saw develop in a number of characters in my novel. Not one single character resembles me overall but some of their traits do. At least in the first novel it just seemed natural for me to put some of my own thoughts, ideas, perceptions, and mannerisms into the characters. It certainly helped me keep a realistic believability to the characters and my story.
Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? Actually before I started writing. Looking back this seems kind of strange to me but yes, before.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I love Science Fiction and Mystery. The X-Files was a show I loved. Their ability to take extraordinary events and make them seem plausible influenced me. Obviously there are heavy science fiction elements in the show but the writers did a great job of introducing a lot of mystery as well and made the show much more than just chasing aliens. It is what I loved about the show and what I want to try and capture in The Outlaw River Wilde and the follow up Still Wilde in Outlaw River.
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? The X-Files and Ancient Aliens.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Creating something that I really enjoyed reading myself. I felt if I could create something that I liked that others would as well. I got a real sense of accomplishment in seeing the novel published.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Seeing reviews come in where people say how much they enjoy it. Also talking with people who have read The Outlaw River Wilde and want to know about different events in the novel. This lets me know they are engaged and care.
Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? Yes, the marketing aspect of a self-pub novel is brutal. It is a bit odd for me since I am a professional marketer by day. I thought writing would be the most difficult part of the whole process but marketing is the most negative aspect so far. Hopefully this will change in the coming months and years. I don't think there is anyway at all to avoid it, unless you have a tremendous amount of money and can do a national marketing campaign yourself. I suppose the other option is to go the traditional publisher route but there you run the risk of your creation being in slush piles forever and never seeing the light of day.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Hire an editor and if you are going to self-pub have one copy of your book printed and then read through it from beginning to end before you actually publish it.Don't rely on family and friends to be objective on your novel. Pay a professional.
Who is your favorite author and why? Only one? No fair I have so many. If I am forced to choose one I will go with Michael Crichton. I love his ability to put normal people into extraordinary circumstances that are plausible. He always flirts with the edge of reason but does such a wonderful job of creating believability. He wrote great science fiction that was heavy with mystery and intrigue. He is easy to read and always makes me care about his characters.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I created my own website, hopefully when you see it you will say "well done" and not, "he should have paid someone". I love marketing and all the avenues available to artists these days because of social media.
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The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters
The Pacific Northwest is Under Attack. Ancient Alien Intrigue: Can Mitch Wilde save humanity?
A very impressive debut. Original and impressively well written novel! - Portsmouth Book ReviewAn original and impressively well written novel, "The Outlaw River Wilde" is a deftly crafted and highly entertaining story by an author who will leave his readers looking eagerly toward his next effort. - Midwest Book Review
Mitch Wilde never believed in aliens, that is, until he was left with no other way to explain the strange events happening around his small Pacific Northwest home. With scattered appearances of ghostly Native American riders, a series of odd break-ins by unknown intruders, and hints that more could be coming, Mitch, along with his cantankerous old neighbor who is quickly becoming a new friend vows to unravel the mysteries and preserve the comfortable life he has worked so hard to build.
When an unexplained attack leaves his long-time best friend acting quite unlike himself, Mitch knows he has to act fast or risk losing everything. The only question is: Does he have what it takes to conquer the mysterious, potentially powerful force once and for all?
Ancient Alien Intrigue long-time Pacific Northwest resident Mike Walters found his first love in dogs, and then quickly followed up with photography, bicycling, globetrotting, and library software development. He would finally find his true calling at the tender age of 45 while settling in to watch a program on the History channel. It was then that the concept for his debut novel, The Outlaw River Wilde was born. "What if we're not alone in the universe?" he asks of readers who dare to venture into his Science Fiction Thriller world. "And what if our forgotten past was the link to our probable future?"
Mike intertwines his love of Native American culture and a passion for the Pacific Northwest setting that he called home as a child in his original tale of intrigue and adventure guaranteed to keep readers guessing until the very last page. Of course, he continues to honor his first love of dogs by donating 10% of all proceeds to the Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles where he also volunteers as a photographer.
************************* 
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters
Outlaw River, a small town in the Pacific Northwest’s Outlaw River Valley. This community is no different from most small American towns that depend a fair amount of tourist trade. Outlaw River is a community of 1800, comprised of farmers, ranchers, loggers and hunters. Like most rural communities, everyone knows and looks out for their neighbors, attends annual events and go to bed at night without locking their doors.
While biking the river trail, Mitch Wilde loses control and falls when something swishes by him with an intensity that breaks his concentration. Rattled, Mitch looks around and spots a man on a horse across the river. An uneasiness causes him to look up high in a tree where he spots a shimmering arrow with a sparrow sitting on it. As he watches the bird flies away and the arrow seems to dissolve leaving only a trace of glowing liquid.
Mitch successfully put the simmering arrow, tree phenomenon along with the man on a horse out of his mind until his neighbor Jack is struck in the shoulder by an arrow while in his yard. Mitch goes to render aide and observes that it isn’t a normal arrow. The shaft and feathers almost seem alive. When touched, the shaft goes from cold to hot. When Mitch decides he can safely pull the arrow out of Jack, the arrows mysteriously disappears into Jacks body.
If it were just he and Jack it would be one thing, but other members of the Outlaw Rivers community report sightings of famous Indians like Sitting Bull in full battle dress. To add to the local stress, ongoing news reports indicate that Native American Indians in the Pacific Northwest are simply disappearing without warning.
This phenomenon extends to sightings of strange creatures around Crater Lake and objects which seen to collide with the mountain range. Legends compare tales of local Indians guiding settlers away from Crater Lake. Is it meteor strikes? An alien invasion? Kachina Indian Spirits? Perhaps it is shape shifters or even the apocalypse?
The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters in an introduction and cliff hanger to his sci-fi, mystery series. Still Wilde In Outlaw River (Book Two) is scheduled to arrive in 2016. In some series, authors design each book to stand along with separate stories using many of the same characters. This author has chosen a continuing saga approach where the reader needs to read this book before the next.
Cold Coffee Press endorses The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters as a paranormal mystery that presents a series of unexplained phenomenon. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 13, 2015. For more information please contact Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com
************************  
 ************************
Amazon Customers Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link
*************************Coming Soon
Still Wilde In Outlaw River *************************
Amazon Author’s Page
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Once Upon a Duke (The Duke Series) by Sandra Masters

Once Upon A Duke: The Duke Series Book One by Sandra Masters
Serena, an artist and widow, has no desire for another husband. When she meets Geoffrey Austen, attraction sizzles to a scorch. Stolen days and nights ignite forbidden passion. Geoffrey asks Serena to be his mistress, but she wants commitment, love, and marriage, not an affair with a notorious rake. Geoffrey realizes Serena might be the one woman who can care for his tortured soul, and maybe release his demons. The magic they shared is shattered when he learns she has been forced into an engagement with another. He vows to save her even at the cost of his own life. Will Geoffrey’s gallantry prove he truly loves Serena? If he survives, will Serena surrender all to him?

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Chapter One
If Lady Serena could be granted one wish, it would be to ride off into the morning mist and never come back. These sunrise rides were an escape for her now that she was free of her fiend of a husband. Hoof beats disturbed her peace. A vision of syncopated grace, man and steed, which moved as one caught her attention.  She blinked to see if he was real. He was almost God like.
"Good day, my lady," the vision spoke, drew the horse to a halt, got off his stallion and tethered it to a tree away from the mare. "It is a beautiful day and to come across a woman such as you makes it only better."
"Yes, it is a welcomed morning, sir. But you flatter and my head is not turned easily." Serena raised her hand to shield the sun and eyed the well-dressed handsome stranger. Alarmed, she contemplated a reach for her riding crop, but then checked the impulse. After all, this was her brother's land and well-guarded. She dismissed the momentary threat of fear.
Serena assumed the vision was one of noble birth if he ventured on her brother's land, since Henry was an unbearable snob and would never allow an outsider to encroach. "Allow me to introduce myself, Lord Geoffrey Austen at your service." He swept off his hat and bowed with a flair of pretentiousness.  "I am Henry Worthington's hunting guest for the week."
"I am Lady Serena Worthington, the sister of your host. I would rise and curtsy to you, but I am far too comfortable. You may however, consider that I have proffered the appropriate respect if you would indulge me." Her smile charmed.
Geoffrey laughed at her effrontery. "I would be happy to humor you in any manner you prefer." His voice stayed low and husky. Without permission, he moved closer and sat next to her on a log fashioned into a seat. He had seen her before, but their paths never crossed the many times he visited her brother's estate. He thought Henry wanted to keep his sister away from him because of his reputation as a rake. The few times he had seen her, he wanted to be introduced but thought the better of it to admire her from afar. What wonderful god caused him to come upon her this auspicious morning? Whichever one it was, Geoffrey would drink a toast to it.
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Once Upon a Duke
(The Duke Series) by Sandra Masters

Bring regency romance into your life with Once Upon a Duke. Each book in the Duke Series stands alone for your reading pleasure.
Warm, realistic characters in book one bring the reader back to London 1817. Lady Serena Worthington Durand is a strong independent woman ahead of her time, but she faces demons from the past. I quote:  “If Lady Serena could be granted one wish, she would ride off into the morning mist and vanish. That, of course wasn’t possible, but here in her favorite lakeside retreat, she could relax in safety.”
Legendary Duke of Sutton, Geoffrey Austen has a chance encounter with Lady Serena and I quote: “Allow me to introduce myself, Lord Geoffrey Austen, at your service.”  He swept off his hat and bowed. “I am Henry Worthington’s hunting guest for the week.”
More than a romance story, it is an adventure that will make your heart pound, your emotions run wild and your spirit soar.
The combination of remarkable storytelling, easy going to face paced reading, true to time period dialog and settings along with extensive research by Author Sandra Masters engages the reader in the life and times of Lady Serena Worthington Durand.
I invite you to light a fire, pour a glass of red wine (Sandra Masters would join you in the wine, but hers would be a white fruity glass) and relax with romance as it should be. Author Sandra Masters states it best:“Every woman should have a divinely decadent Duke in her life.”
Cold Coffee Press endorses Once Upon a Duke by Sandra Masters as a true Regency Romance that will leave you wanting more. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 7, 2015. For more information please contact Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Amazon Customer Reviews   Amazon Print Purchase Link   Kindle Purchase Link

************************* Soon To Be Released:My Divinely Decadent Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 2Thorn, Sired By A Duke: Duke London and Barbados Regency Series Book 3The Duke’s Magnificent Bastard: Duke London Regency Series Book 4One Night With A Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 5Masquerade For A Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 6Almost A Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 7Josephine, My Fair Lady: Duke London Regency Series Book 8  
*************************Other Purchase Links   Wild Rose Publishing
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Cold Coffee Press Author Spotlight Interview With Author Sandra Masters

From a humble beginning in Newark, New Jersey, a short stay at a convent in Morristown, NJ at the age of fourteen, retiring from a fantastic career for a play broadcasting company in Carlsbad, California, to the rural foothills of the Sierras of Yosemite National Park, Sandra traded in the Board Rooms for the Ballrooms of the Regency period and never looked back.
She wrote her first book at the age of fifteen and since then she has always traveled with pen and notebook and writing experiences. It has been the journey of ten thousand miles with a few steps left to go. It was a pleasure to leave the corporate world behind decades later.
Sandra also has contemporaries in the pipeline. That said, she loves to write. Romance is at best a gift and her passion is the Regency period. Admittedly, she would prefer to be the sister of a duke or an earl...perhaps even a princess? Or the other endless possibilities of a widow. Hmmm.
Not being able to time travel, she now writes about what she loves and it has been worth every headache and heartache. She has been blessed with a great content editor, Cindy Davis, and a lot of helpful The Wild Rose Press staff. For a new author, it was nothing she expected, but everything she dreamed.
Sandra is prolific writer and continues to hone her craft. She devotes some of her time to writing novels of contemporary romance geared to the older heroines and believes that romance is not necessarily the province of the young. Not The Last Dance and Someone I Used To Love are two such novels.
However, her first love will always be for Regency Romance. There are five books in process in her DUKE series. ONCE UPON A DUKE, New Release from The Wild Rose Press available now.
When Sandra is not in front of her computer writing her passionate novels, she studies to hone her craft. When she does take a break, she finds herself in the kitchen cooking way too much food that she is happy to share with friends and family. One of her specialties is Rusticana Italiano Meatballs and Red Gravy from scratch. Yes, made the way her mother taught her--they are baked first.
P.S. Sandra love bears of all sizes and shapes. However, she prefers to view the real life ones from afar.
In Her Varied Career:
Functioned as Contributing Editor to Apparel World Magazine dedicated to the International Association of Clothing DesignersContracted advertising with the Women’s Wear Daily for articles on the fashion tradeLectured and produced seminars yearly at the Textile Industry’s highly rated Bobbin Show in South CarolinaEmployed as Vice President of Administration, Risk Management and Human Personnel for a NASDAQ listed broadcasting company.Established a consultant business as a life coach to career minded business professionals.
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Interview: 

What makes you proud to be a writer from Coarsegold, California? Living in Coarsegold, California in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Mountains, we are in the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Coarsegold is considered a village with a population of about 7,000 people, where people know each other. I live in a home owners association managed by a General Manager and a Board of Directors. I was a former President of the Board and a few other associations so I have a network of many friends and acquaintances. It’s exciting to have people proud of me. When I was President of Ladies of the Lakes, a non-profit organization, the gals got used to my reading a chapter or two from one of my novels, year after year, after year. So in many ways, they took this journey with me. My Book Signing at the YLOA Clubhouse this past July 2015 was a magical moment. Our five star Chef Dave Pol of The Blue Heron Restaurant prepared an amazing appetizer tray for my guests. Local newspapers and online news people carried my story. In addition a local TV station, Channel 26, featured my new release when the moderator, Bonnie Hearn Hill told the story of my feature couple, Lady Serena Worthington and His Grace, Geoffrey, Duke of Sutton. Oh, what a thrill it was. Best of all, I became an example of what perseverance can do not only for my family, but my associates and my friends. I NEVER GAVE UP.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? My English teacher in East Side High School, Newark, New Jersey. His name was Dr. Julius Bernstein. My current husband, Ronald, as I mentioned has supported me all the way. He used to read mystery thrillers, but when I asked him to proof my chapters, I hinted he could help me more, if he read the genre. So he started with Nora Roberts, and now reads mostly Regency novels at the rate of one every four days. We agreed that OUR goal was to see me published and we made it happen, along with a lot of other wonderful people.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? In 2011, I decided it was time to hone my craft and do whatever it took to get published. My parents were first generation immigrants and they thought college was a waste of time for a woman. Marriage and babies was what they envisioned for me, so I did not attend college. But I worked hard at a career, raised my children, and went to school nights and got various degrees. Each was a step along this fabulous journey.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Yes and No. There is a future story that ruminates in my mind about immigrants from Italy, my grandparent’s home town, and things I’ve gleaned along the way. As I mentioned above, the short stay at the convent was a memorable experience in my young life. I thought I was dedicated and eventually decided, I was meant for another career.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? The manuscript was written and it had many titles along the way, but one night I woke up, and I had a vision of a title on the ceiling of the bedroom. Once Upon a Duke was born. All my subsequent books have had a similar metamorphous. I’m sure I drive my editor crazy, but when something hits you in the gut, you know you have to react.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My introduction to romance was no accident. As a little girl, we liked to stage imaginary plays and scenes, and I loved swashbuckling heroes and heroines. That naturally led to reading such books. I tried other genres, but I always returned to Romance. Regency Romance intrigued me because it was such a large landscape to write about. While I also write Contemporary Romance, and have a number of books ready to polish, my first love is and always will be Regency England, France, Italy, Spain, in the 1800’s. That era is so rich in intrigue, betrayal, conflict, redemption, and of course, ultimate love.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I’m a visual person and I tend to look at a portrait or a picture, and I’m drawn into it as if I were that person. I write about strong, independent, high spirited woman who buck the trend. During the Regency period, women were no better than chattel—a horse, a cow, a sheep. These women do not want to walk behind their men, they want to be alongside as helpmates. Sometimes my alpha heroes don’t realize it, but reformation does take time, and the romance helps it along the way.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I believe I’ve demonstrated to my children and grandchildren, if you never give up your dream, you can achieve it. My younger son, Sam, said to me at one time, before I got published, “Mom, I can’t remember when you ever stopped writing.” And here I am, decades later, having this fantastic experience. I laugh sometimes about my rules, which I may have borrowed along the way. Rule Number 1: Never Give up. Rule Number Two: Remember Rule Number One.

Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? A bad marriage at the time and a difficult divorce. The emotion tears you apart and you have to pick yourself up and start anew. I tend to be an optimist, and have been brought to my knees. And then I think: This is a good place to pray from.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? The turnaround my current husband Ron took when it recognized it was no longer a hobby for me, but a PASSION to keep on going, not to let anything deter me. I have many writer friends who say that their husbands couldn’t care less. It took a good many years and now he is as ardent as I am. In many ways it has enriched our marriage of over twenty years and is a journey we both share and love. I know he’s proud of me, as I am of him. The acknowledgment from friends who knew how long it took me to get to this place warms my heart. Not to mention, the positive book reviews. Your first book is like “your first baby.” So precious.

Have you had a negative experience in your publishing journey? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? I had written a trilogy contemporary three books and it involved the casinos of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Many, many years ago. I sent the manuscript to a possible agent and she was so negative about a lot of things. Decades ago but I remembered when she criticized the fact that I didn’t even know what I spoke of. She said my writing about the hero bringing the heroine a blueberry bagel was ridiculous. There weren’t such things. Turns out, bagels are available in many flavors and variations and I’d purchased them. Plus I was married to a Jewish husband. To reject an entire novel on the basis of that premise hurt. I stopped writing for a while, but then climbed back on board. A few years later. I still have those books and one day they will see the light of day.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Work hard to hone your craft. It is a career. If you wanted to be an engineer, you’d go to engineering school. Likewise with writing, never stop learning and become an example to others. Never give up.

Who is your favorite author and why? There are so many, but if I had to choose it would be between Judith McNaught and Mary Balogh. From Judith, her style and her phrases draw you into the story with the first paragraph. You become the heroine. From Mary, the sense of history, the brilliant characterization and the wonderful plots. I admire Julia Quinn, Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Jane Porter, Sarah Richmond,Debra Salonen and so many others.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I am always amazed at the generosity of spirit of most romance writers. I expected that there might be some who would not offer any help for fear of competition, but I was SO pleasantly surprised. I was blown away with the encouragement of my own editor and my publishing company. They want me to succeed and do what they can, but it is up to me to write good novels and to also promote them.

Please add questions and the answers to any questions that you believe your readers would like to know. 

Q: Who am I? I am and always have been an incurable romantic and I have paid heavily for it. Life’s lesson I’ve learned. “I don’t need anybody’s permission to be ME.” Another life lesson: “I can’t control what people do or say about me. I CAN control how I react to what they say or do.”

************************Soon To Be Released:
My Divinely Decadent Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 2 Thorn, Sired By A Duke: Duke London and Barbados Regency Series Book 3The Duke’s Magnificent Bastard: Duke London Regency Series Book 4One Night With A Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 5Masquerade For A Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 6Almost A Duke: Duke London Regency Series Book 7Josephine, My Fair Lady: Duke London Regency Series Book 8
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Once Upon A Duke: The Duke Series Book One by Sandra Masters
Serena, an artist and widow, has no desire for another husband. When she meets Geoffrey Austen, attraction sizzles to a scorch. Stolen days and nights ignite forbidden passion. Geoffrey asks Serena to be his mistress, but she wants commitment, love, and marriage, not an affair with a notorious rake. Geoffrey realizes Serena might be the one woman who can care for his tortured soul, and maybe release his demons. The magic they shared is shattered when he learns she has been forced into an engagement with another. He vows to save her even at the cost of his own life. Will Geoffrey’s gallantry prove he truly loves Serena? If he survives, will Serena surrender all to him?

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Chapter One
If Lady Serena could be granted one wish, it would be to ride off into the morning mist and never come back. These sunrise rides were an escape for her now that she was free of her fiend of a husband. Hoof beats disturbed her peace. A vision of syncopated grace, man and steed, which moved as one caught her attention.  She blinked to see if he was real. He was almost God like.
"Good day, my lady," the vision spoke, drew the horse to a halt, got off his stallion and tethered it to a tree away from the mare. "It is a beautiful day and to come across a woman such as you makes it only better."
"Yes, it is a welcomed morning, sir. But you flatter and my head is not turned easily." Serena raised her hand to shield the sun and eyed the well-dressed handsome stranger. Alarmed, she contemplated a reach for her riding crop, but then checked the impulse. After all, this was her brother's land and well-guarded. She dismissed the momentary threat of fear.
Serena assumed the vision was one of noble birth if he ventured on her brother's land, since Henry was an unbearable snob and would never allow an outsider to encroach. "Allow me to introduce myself, Lord Geoffrey Austen at your service." He swept off his hat and bowed with a flair of pretentiousness.  "I am Henry Worthington's hunting guest for the week."
"I am Lady Serena Worthington, the sister of your host. I would rise and curtsy to you, but I am far too comfortable. You may however, consider that I have proffered the appropriate respect if you would indulge me." Her smile charmed.
Geoffrey laughed at her effrontery. "I would be happy to humor you in any manner you prefer." His voice stayed low and husky. Without permission, he moved closer and sat next to her on a log fashioned into a seat. He had seen her before, but their paths never crossed the many times he visited her brother's estate. He thought Henry wanted to keep his sister away from him because of his reputation as a rake. The few times he had seen her, he wanted to be introduced but thought the better of it to admire her from afar. What wonderful god caused him to come upon her this auspicious morning? Whichever one it was, Geoffrey would drink a toast to it.
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Once Upon a Duke
(The Duke Series) by Sandra Masters

Bring regency romance into your life with Once Upon a Duke. Each book in the Duke Series stands alone for your reading pleasure.
Warm, realistic characters in book one bring the reader back to London 1817. Lady Serena Worthington Durand is a strong independent woman ahead of her time, but she faces demons from the past. I quote:  “If Lady Serena could be granted one wish, she would ride off into the morning mist and vanish. That, of course wasn’t possible, but here in her favorite lakeside retreat, she could relax in safety.”
Legendary Duke of Sutton, Geoffrey Austen has a chance encounter with Lady Serena and I quote: “Allow me to introduce myself, Lord Geoffrey Austen, at your service.”  He swept off his hat and bowed. “I am Henry Worthington’s hunting guest for the week.”
More than a romance story, it is an adventure that will make your heart pound, your emotions run wild and your spirit soar.
The combination of remarkable storytelling, easy going to face paced reading, true to time period dialog and settings along with extensive research by Author Sandra Masters engages the reader in the life and times of Lady Serena Worthington Durand.
I invite you to light a fire, pour a glass of red wine (Sandra Masters would join you in the wine, but hers would be a white fruity glass) and relax with romance as it should be. Author Sandra Masters states it best:“Every woman should have a divinely decadent Duke in her life.”
Cold Coffee Press endorses Once Upon a Duke by Sandra Masters as a true Regency Romance that will leave you wanting more. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 7, 2015. For more information please contact Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Futuristic Thriller Novelist Russell F. Moran

*************************Time Magnet Series (4 Books)
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The Gray Ship: Book One In The Time Magnet Series by Russell F. Moran
Description – From Kirkus Reviews
In this stellar time-travel novel, a modern-American nuclear-powered cruiser sails through a time portal and goes back 152 years to the days just before the beginning of the Civil War.
The USS California, under the command of Capt. Ashley Patterson, an African-American woman, is headed toward Charleston, S.C., to participate in a ceremony commemorating the first battle of the Civil War: the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. But before her ship reaches its destination, the massive cruiser—and its 630 crew members—travel through some sort of temporal wormhole and end up near the Charleston Harbor in 1861, just hours before the Confederate assault is about to begin.
After eventually wrapping her head around the fact that her entire crew has traveled back in time, Patterson realizes that she has some difficult decisions to make: Does she let history repeat itself and focus on trying to find a way back home, or does she use the military superiority of the California—“outfitted with enough fire power to unleash Biblical hell on an enemy”—to help end the war quickly and thus save the approximately 620,000 soldiers who would otherwise die in the next four years?
Powered by a cast of well-developed characters—Lincoln and Lee are among the prominently featured historical figures—consistently brisk pacing and a pulse-pounding (albeit slightly predictable) conclusion, the humanist themes of this novel are momentous and just as timely today as they were back in the 1860s.
This provocative, intensely powerful novel is a must-read for sci-fi fans and Civil War aficionados, though mainstream fiction readers will find it heart-rending and inspiring as well. A rare read that’s not only wildly entertaining, but also profoundly moving. From Kirkus Reviews
A Kirkus Best Indie Book of 2013
Genre – Science fiction/time travel/alternative history

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For The Gray Ship by Russell F. Moran
On the morning of April 10, 2013 the nuclear guided missile cruiser USS California left Norfork, Virginia heading toward Charleston, South Carolina. Once there the ship would anchor at Fort Sumter for a ceremony commemorating where the first battle of the Civil War took place on April 12, 1861. After the ceremony Captain Ashley Patterson would deploy her ship to the Persian Gulf, but as it turns out, time can be unpredictable.
Author Russell F. Moran like so many authors before him wrestles with science fiction and time travel to the extent of what would happen if we could go back into history and change just one event. He thanks his friends Bill Holland, Nick Wartella and his wife for their fresh perspective, input and editorial analyses. He also gives appreciation for invaluable technical input from his friend Lloyd (Hoss) Miller, Rear Admiral, Retired, United States Navy. Admiral Miller was the first commanding officer of the USS California, the ship that plays the pivotal role in the story. Admiral Miller makes a cameo appearance in the book as the strong leader, likeable person and gentleman that he is in real life.
The author is quick to point out that this is a work of fiction and with all fiction imagination plays a pivoting role. At the very start the reader is introduced by name to 55 major characters who bring the story of ‘The Gray Ship’ from the blue-green swells of the Atlantic Ocean through a port-hole (worm hole) that will not only change history, but tens of thousands of lives. His characters are realistic as with Captain Ashley Patterson while in her astute position wrestles with her own inner demons.
Who right now or in our future might want to go back in time to abolish war or the worse acts of humankind? When faced with the dilemma of being forced back through time into a dark period of American history, Captain Ashley Patterson and her crew had to risk mutiny or at the very least commit treason. If and when they could make it back to their own time, how would they be judged by friends, family, the military and the world? Who would believe their story?
One of my favorite quotes from the book reads, “Dr. Weinberg,” said Admiral Miller, “Do you believe these stories?” “It isn’t my job to believe stories or not to believe them, Admiral,” said Weinberg. “It’s my job to assess whether the witness believes his own story. But I will say this. I don’t know much about this time travel stuff, but ever since I worked on that book with Jack Thurber, I’ve noticed that I’ve developed an obsessive compulsive disorder. I never step on a crack…it may be a wormhole.”
Reading ‘The Gray Ship’ has left me wanting to read this authors other three books; A Time Of Fear, The Skies Of Time, and The Thanksgiving Gang.
Cold Coffee Press endorses ‘The Gray Ship’ by Russell F. Moran as a science fiction, time travel story that will cause the thoughtful reader to ask what he or she might change if the opportunity presented itself? We were given a PDF version of this book for review which was completed on February 21, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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************************   The Thanksgiving Gang: Book Two In The Time
Magnet Series by Russell F. Moran
Jack Thurber has traveled through time – again. This was his fourth journey through time, earning him a nickname The Time Magnet. But this time he's traveled into the future.
He discovers that he and his wife Ashley were killed in a terrorist nuclear attack on Ashley's ship on Thanksgiving Day, 2015, in what became known as the Thanksgiving Attacks.
Jack's got to find a way back to the past, the past when he and Ashley were still alive. To do that he forms a group of people to help him. They call themselves The Thanksgiving Gang.
Dare he change history?
Dare he not?
Rip-roaring, gut-wrenching suspense wrapped in a story of friendship and courage.
Book Genre – Science fiction/time travel
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*************************   A Time Of Fear: Book Three In The Time
Magnet Series by Russell F. Moran
In a month, five American cities will be devastated by suitcase nuclear bombs.
The time travelers take on their old name, The Thanksgiving Gang.
They know what will happen, because they travelled to the future.They know what the result will be. They’ve seen the devastation.They know the details. Five American Cities targeted by nuclear suitcase bombs.BUT they don't know where the bombs are – and they don't know how to find them.The clock is ticking and millions will soon lose their lives – unless they find the bombs.
“A riveting, pulse-pounding nail-biter in the spirit of The Gray Ship and The Thanksgiving Gang. A Time of Fear will grip you and not let go, even after you finish the book.”
Book Genre – Science fiction/time travel

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The Skies Of Time: Book Four In The Time
Magnet Series by Russell F. Moran
The Skies of Time is a book about time travel, love, and commitment.
Newly promoted Admiral Ashley Patterson is on a public relations flight with her husband, author and Naval Reserve Lieutenant. The idea was dreamed up by the Pentagon to celebrate Ashley’s promotion as the youngest Navy admiral in American History. As happened before, they encounter a wormhole or time portal. Ashley calls Jack her “time magnet,” because he seems to have a talent for finding wormholes.
They’ve time travelled before, but this time it’s different – they encountered a time portal, or wormhole – in the sky.
They have a duty – to warn the authorities of the coming war.
They also have a duty to themselves. They want to return to their home, their home in 2016. But Franklin Roosevelt has different plans for them.
Their plane, an F-18, had a cockpit data recorder, a Black Box, which would give them the coordinates to find the wormhole and return home.
But, to their horror, they realize that 1940 technology cannot read the data on the Black Box. They’re stranded – 76 years in the past.
Will they have to restart their lives from 1940 and never return home?
Or will they find a way to read the secrets of the box?
All they know is that they have an unfailing love for each other.
A nail biter of a tale in the spirit of the other books in The Time Magnet Series, The Gray Ship, The Thanksgiving Gang, and A Time of Fear.
Book Genre – Science fiction/time travel/ alternative history

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The Time Magnet Series (4 Book Box Set) Kindle Edition by Russell F. Moran Amazon Customer Reviews
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************************Patterns Series (2 Books So Far)
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The Shadows of Terror: Book One of The
Patterns Series by Russell F. Moran
The Shadows of Terror – A novel that explodes off the front page of your newspaper. Terrorism now has a new face, a face that’s obscured in the shadows. The radical forces of destruction have learned to make themselves invisible to the West, and preventing a terrorist attack has become almost impossible.
A new war has begun, World War III. Rick Bellamy, an FBI agent who specializes in counterterrorism, is engaged in his own war, a war with no end. Bellamy’s wife, Ellen, a prominent architect, discovers that she’s in the middle of the greatest terror plot to date. To defeat the enemy, Bellamy first has to uncover the clues, to shine a light on the shadows. He has to find patterns – before it’s too late.

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The Scent of Revenge: Book Two of The
Patterns Series by Russell F. Moran
The Scent of Revenge Book Two of The Patterns Series.
The world is at war – World War III. FBI Agent Rick Bellamy and his wife, Ellen, find themselves in the middle of a sinister terror plot. Someone is attacking young prominent women, inflicting a horrible disease. Nobody knows its origin, nobody knows how to stop it, nobody knows how to cure it.
Rick Bellamy and a team of scientists want to go on offense. But how?
Will the lives of the women be changed forever?
When will the attacks stop?

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Scent of
Revenge by Russell F. Moran
Although Science Fiction, The Scent of Revenge might be at America’s doorstep!
The main character Rick Bellamy is a FBI agent, head of counter-terrorism unit. The love of his life is 38 year old Ellen Bellamy, Architect by day, lover and writer by night. Ellen’s beauty is more than skin deep as she radiates warmth and cares deeply about everyone who crosses her path.
With an impressive cast of characters that include William Reynolds who is President of the United States with his First Lady Amanda Reynolds standing by his side, he has just addresses the American People announcing that that World War III has begun.
A serious disease with symptoms of severe dementia, mimicking Alzheimer’s disease is attacking America’s Women. With research still seeking a cure for Alzheimer’s, the race is on and the questions commence. Why these particular women, why and how, and is the male population at risk?
Will President Reynolds be forced to suspend the right of habeas corpus? Do you know what this even means?
Heart pounding, can’t put down thriller that will force you to look at terrorism in different light. Life in America will never be the same.
Author Russell F. Moran is an exceptional story teller. As with all science fiction we hope it is not possible at least not within our lifetime. Moran’s futuristic thrillers (each book part of a series, but stands alone) must be examined by each reader intelligently as they will lurk in the shadows of your mind well after the book is closed.
The Scent of Revenge “is dedicated to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and especially to their families who suffer along with them.”
Cold Coffee Press endorses The Scent of Revenge (book two in The Patterns Series) by Russell F. Moran The Shadows of Terror is book one. Also available The Gray Ship, The Thanksgiving Gang, A Time of Fear, and The Skies of Time (all four books in the Time Magnet Series). Another great read is Sideswiped which book one in Matt Blake Legal Thrillers with The Reformers coming soon. We reviewed this book from a Kindle/PDF format. The reviewed was completed on October 3, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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**************************Matt Blake Legal Thrillers (One Book So Far)
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Sideswiped: A Matt Blake Novel by Russell F. Moran
Matt Blake is a Chicago trial lawyer and highly decorated Marine combat veteran. After losing his beloved fiancée in a tragic car accident, he finds that he has more battles to fight: alcohol and drugs. He gradually realizes that his life is spiraling downward, and that he needs help with the battle. He seeks the help of Dr. Benjamin Weinberg. a psychiatrist who’s also a family friend and consultant to his law firm.
Matt, with Dr. Weinberg’s help, tames the monsters that sought to devour him. After rehab, he turns his attention to one of the most serious personal injury cases his firm has handled. It involved a sideswipe car accident in which his client’s husband, a famous political journalist, was killed. The case looked almost routine from a liability point of view. Numerous eyewitnesses gave sworn statements that they saw the defendant motorist talking on his cellphone just before his car slammed into the plaintiff’s husband. The eyewitness evidence pointed toward negligence. At first it looked like an open-and-shut personal injury case.
But evidence began to mount quickly that the ‘accident” may have been intentional—that it may have been murder. But Matt and his team struggle with a big question: Why would James Spellman have been murdered?
Matt finally meets the firm’s client, Diana Spellman, James Spellman’s widow. She’s a strikingly beautiful university professor and well-known writer. Matt, having licked his alcohol and drug problem, as well as the loss of his fiancée, finds himself swept off his feet by the lovely Diana Spellman. He shares his past difficulties with her, and she shares hers with him. Besides having lost lovers in similar type car accidents, Diana and Matt discover that their lives have a lot in common.
But Diana has a problem—she’s a murder target. As James Spellman’s informal editor, she knew every story that her husband was working on before his death, stories that contained secrets—secrets that threaten the highest levels of government, secrets that someone or some group does not want out in the open, secrets for which they’re willing to murder in order to keep quiet.
Matt’s attraction to Diana is mirrored by her attraction to him. They fall in love. But their love is soon complicated by attempted assassination attempts on both Diana and Matt.
What began as a routine personal injury case suddenly evolved into a vast terrorist conspiracy—and Diana was at the center of it all.
Sideswiped is a crime drama, a legal thriller, a tale of terrorism, and finally a compelling love story of two people who dedicated their lives to each other. It’s a story of enduring love, kept alive in the face of crippling fear. The book will grab you by the gut, as well as by the heart.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Sideswiped:
A Matt Blake Novel by Russell F. Moran
Sideswiped will send a chill up your spine the next time you drive on the freeway!
Russell F. Moran’s well developed characters and distinct voice brings reality to the situation from sentence one and draws the reader into the story line with immediate empathy.
Main Character Matt Blake (x-Marine) is an Attorney, Blake & Randolph. Matt’s life changed (quote) “I’d never thought of the Chicago River as a romantic spot, especially during the day. It’s a beautiful waterway that meanders through some of the greatest architectural treasures in the country. It’s just not romantic. Until my lunch with Maggie Pierce.”
Get to know the professional and personal side of Matt Blake (quote) “It was Jimmy Escobedo, an old friend from college. Jimmy was nuts, in a good way. He was the funniest person I ever knew, and just seeing him made me laugh. He walked over to me, more like ran, and gave me a bear hug as I downed my next Scotch, almost spilling it. Jimmy was a character, the kind of guy who was a typical class clown. He was also bright as hell, and had his choice of job offers after Northwestern. He looked good, except he was a lot skinnier than I remembered.”
With flawless writing skills the author creates the stage that brings the reader into the life of Matt Blake and into the ins and outs of personal injury litigation. Do you think that all personal injury lawyers are ambulance chasers?
I invite you to come see for yourself how personal injury law plays out in the courtroom. Follow multiple cases and the drama that will take your mind to places where it has never gone. Sideswiped is a face paced, realistic, suspenseful thriller and romantically touching. Your mind will envision every aspect like you are watching it unfold in a dark movie theater and your impressions of somethings will change forever.
Cold Coffee Press endorses Sideswiped: A Matt Blake Novel by Russell F. Moran. The author dedicates this book to the State and Government law enforcement community who dedicate their lives to keep us safe.
Sideswiped is book one in Matt Blake Legal Thrillers (The Reformers-book two is coming soon). Also available The Gray Ship, The Thanksgiving Gang, A Time of Fear, and The Skies of Time (all four books in the Time Magnet series). The Shadows of Terror, The Scent of Revenge (books one and two in the Patterns Series).
We reviewed this book from a Kindle/PDF format. The reviewed was completed on October 2, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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************************The Reformers (book two) Is Coming Soon.************************
Author Russell F. Moran’s Website and Related LinksWebsite: http://www.morancom.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=66247753&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russmoranauthor Twitter @rfmoran Cold Coffee Café Author Russell F. Moran
Cold Coffee Press Author Russell F. Moran

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for On The Hook: Smith and Westen Mysteries Volume 1 by Cindy Davis

 
On The Hook
Smith and Westen Mysteries Volume 1
by Cindy Davis
A Picasso painting, worth a hundred million dollars, disappears en route from Chicago to New Hampshire. Literally-en route. The painting goes missing while the truck is moving. The painting is there, then it's not. It's gone, but it can't be. Kendra Jean Valentine, underwriting agent for the policy, is on the hook. She scrapes together enough to hire two women to work the case.

Westen Hughes owns a failing pet shop. With creditors phoning daily, she jumps at the chance to earn a bundle of easy money, even though the offer comes from her old nemesis KJ Valentine, who stole everything in high school: head cheerleader, homecoming queen and the star quarterback. KJ pairs her with Westen's total opposite: Phoebe Smith, a snake-loving, underwear-hating, tuba player with more baggage than Logan Airport.

Ten percent of a hundred million is...well, it's a lot so Smith and Westen join forces on a rollercoaster ride to find one of the world's most valuable paintings.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for On The Hook:
Smith and Westen Mysteries Volume 1 by Cindy Davis
Transporting hundred million dollar valuables by vehicle presents many challenges as Kendra Jean Valentine, agent for NH Property and Casualty Insurance well knows. Her job requires that she covers all bases. This job was no different from the others. She chose the trucking company, interviewed the two truck drivers and handpicked four security guards to drive in two separate vehicles, one in front and one behind the truck to assist her in driving from Chicago to Buffalo and then non-stop from Buffalo to Concord, New Hampshire.

Arriving at their destination Kendra is relieved to arrive and more than happy to turn Picasso’s The Old Guitarist painting over to the curator, Henderson McGee. The painting was secured and padlocked in a six foot cube wooden crate. Only Kendra and the curator in Chicago had the keys. When the crate in opened the painting is not inside and Kendra is on the hook. Her exact thought “How was it possible for so many things to go wrong for one person at the same time? She must’ve done something really awful in a past life.”

With strong characters and good dialog the reader is submerged into a fast paced mystery that is led by two untrained, inexperienced and incompatible women named Smith and Weston. Out of their league these two sleuths find themselves in many situations. I quote one from page # 103 in my copy.
“Smith and Westen started up the walk side-by-side. Westen twisted  the  antique glass doorknob and they went in, footsteps thudding on the bare hardwood floor, stained by at least fifty years of shoes and boots. The place smelled like a combination of pine cleaner which obviously hadn’t been used in the hallway and vanilla scented candle. They climbed the steep stairs. Westen tried not to touch the railing. She hadn’t brought any hand sanitizer.”

Well written mystery by Author Cindy Davis that will keep you guessing until the end.

Cold Coffee Press Endorses On The Hook (Volume 1) in the Smith and Westen Mysteries. After you read On The Hook, Just Smashing (Volume 2) and Two Million Reasons (Volume 3) are waiting for you to solve. I reviewed this book from a Kindle/PDF format and the review was completed on September 29, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcofeepress.com

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 Four Other Selections
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Just Smashing
Smith and Westen Mysteries Volume 2
by Cindy Davis
Snake-lover Phoebe Smith and Susie-homemaker Westen Hughes, the Northeast’s most mismatched investigative team, is at it again. During the preliminary unveiling of a local college’s Egyptian exhibit, a vase worth $1.75 million disappears in front of seven people. Well, six people and the thief, because sure as shortcake has strawberries, the vase is there one minute; the next, it's gone.

Usually clues clog a case but this time secrets are causing more trouble than fifty Dennis the Menaces. Smith disappears for hours on end. Is she tired of Westen 24/7? Or is there a man in her life? Westen can't ask; she has a secret of her own: she's taking shooting lessons. Sergeant "Charlie" Bartowski’s secret: without that vase, her promotion will be squashed—again.

Somehow, nemesis Kendra Jean Valentine convinces them to take the case. KJ's secret: find the vase, collect the 10%. Nothing new there.

Will anyone find the vase? Will any secrets cause irreparable trouble?

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Two Million Reasons
Smith and Westen Mysteries Volume 3
by Cindy Davis
A mad king. An escaped slave. One warrior to save the realm... When Asherah, stripped of both her memory and her dignity, learns that King Sahlgren is responsible for her torment it nearly breaks her. Instead, she leads her fellow slaves to freedom. More prisons are scattered across Parthalan, and Asherah vows to burn them all.

Caol'nir, a warrior descended from the gods, is sworn to serve and defend the king. Then a priestess is murdered, and Caol'nir learns that Sahlgren is to blame. Determined to stop the king, sacred oath or no, Caol'nir joins Asherah's rebellion. What Caol'nir doesn't know is that Sahlgren has promised the demon lord a woman of rare and singular beauty, a woman whose abilities are rumored to rival the sun god’s themselves…a woman Caol’nir knows all too well.

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A Page From The Past
by Cindy Davis
The first warning is swift and to the point, but bookstore owners Glenn and Lindsay Reade don’t ‘get it’ until their lives are threatened a second time. All they’ve done is read a young girl’s diary and attempt to locate the owner. Just because the journal describes the girl’s rape and subsequent murder of the rapist is no reason for anyone to want them dead, is it?

The book is obviously more than forty years old. Who in the tiny Berkshire town of Paris, Massachusetts could still care?

But someone does. And that someone is willing to kidnap and murder to protect their long buried secret.

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A Little Murder
Angie Deacon Mysteries Volume One
by Cindy Davis
A day of fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee sounds like just the medicine for Angie’s overworked husband’s birthday. In spite of inherent seasickness, she happily goes on the tour with him. How is she to know that by the end of the day they’ll both be suspects in the boat owner’s death?

As police and the forensics team storm the boat, Angie comforts the distraught widow, who quickly becomes the chief suspect. Which makes sense; besides Valerie, why would any of the five strangers want the insensitive Nolan Little dead?

Fearful Val begs Angie to help clear her name. Angie says no, it’s too dangerous. But Val’s determined, and Angie goes along to keep her from getting killed—despite the fact that she just caught Will cheating; despite the fact that her brother-in-law has just run off with every penny of their money; despite the fact that black duffle bags are appearing and disappearing more often than Houdini.

She should, but doesn’t ask herself, “Could any of these events be related?”

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Author Cindy Davis' Published Books
Women's Fiction: Cold As Ice  

Mystery Novels:
A Page From The Past
Lethal Dose Of Love
Murder Beyond Reason
Take The Money and Run 

Smith and Westen Mysteries:
On the Hook (Volume 1)
Just Smashing (Volume 2)
Two Million Reasons (Volume 3)  

Angie Deacon Mysteries: A Little Murder (Volume 1)
Checkmate: Murder (Volume 2)
Hair Of The Dog (Volume 3)
Drama Queen (Volume 4)
Rest In Pieces (Volume 5)
Nonfiction:
Cheap Thrills
More Cheap Thrills 
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