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Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Hot Air by Geoff Nelder

 
Hot Air by Geoff Nelder
Erica is a nine-to-five office temp with flaming red hair, emerald eyes, and black lipstick. The highlights of her day usually include coffee meetings and intoxicated fumblings. An adventurer at heart, she hires a hot-air balloon ride for she and her boyfriend, complete with a champagne lunch.

While in the air, she witnesses an unsavory crime happening on the ground below. The perpetrators spot the balloon, and begin shooting at it, hitting the pilot and killing him. Somehow, Erica and Paul manage to land the balloon but their troubles are not over. They are tracked down and abducted by a gang engaged in human trafficking, and taken to an island in the Mediterranean. Erica soon adapts to gangland ways and uses her charms to escape. Along the way, her life shifts from bored office temp to a feisty Lara Croft now living on adrenaline and dangerous men. She is chased by a rogue named Dean, who is annoyed by Erica but falling for her at the same time.

Hot Air is a contemporary crime novel and a winner of both the Wuacademia Silver Award in 2007 and Prix d'Or (Gold) 2008 for best unpublished novel.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Hot Air by Geoff Nelder
Award Winning action, adventure, contemporary crime novel Hot Air by Geoff Nelder will keep you on the edge of your seat as a romantic hot-air balloon ride for Erica and Paul turns ugly as they glide over an active crime scene.

Shots ring out and their pilot is killed leaving Erica and Paul to not only land the balloon, but run for their lives as their romantic endeavor escalates into their abduction by a human traffic king. Erica learns quickly and uses her sexy adventurous spirit to study her captors’ behavior in order to escape and then she must turn to crime to survive.

Author Geoff Nelder finds himself looking down the barrel of a gun while in Mallorca Spain doing research for Hot Air. BBC.co.uk/radioscotland does an interview where Geoff explains:

“For the main purpose of my fact-finding trip I needed to get up close to a watchtower, a torre, of which there are dozens on the island built to look out for pirates and invaders.
Ironically, in my book, Hot Air, I have the Gorda, a local Mafia, using one to look out for the police authorities.
I had to scramble up a mountain to reach the torre. Hooray, I could see it. Oh no, there was a new fence to stop me reaching it. Traversing the top I discovered a gap in the fence. So hands on the tower was achieved along with lunch in its shade.
This was rewarded by the sight of a gun barrel up my nose. It belonged to a security guard demanding to know what I was doing there. He said the mountain was privately owned and he had to arrest anyone trespassing and taking photographs of the villa below.”

Confiscating Geoff’s camera and giving him a stern warning the judge let him go.

Thanks to Geoff’s tenacity he came away with the research needed to give Hot Air the authenticity that it needed.

His hands on research taught him that the locals are German, the English are Scottish, the sheep wear cowbells, the beach grows Christmas trees, the sage and wild lavender fill your nose with heavenly aromas as you climb the hills, the police arrest you if they catch you photographing them, the rich buy mountains (Actress Claudia Schiffer bought an entire mountain in Mallorca to protect her and her £2 million villa from prying eyes) but the riffraff still climb them and most important to the book, the watchtower is made of limestone.

Cold Coffee Press Endorses Hot Air by Geoff Nelder for its action, adventure, contemporary fiction crime that brought about the author’s escapades that allow his readers to experience the validity of his research while enjoying this fast paced novel. We acquired this book in a Kindle/PDF format for review. The review was completed on September 2, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Book Excerpt For Hot Air
Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Kindle Purchase Link

Author and Co-Author Geoff Nelder’s Published Books
ARIA: Left Luggage (ARIA Trilogy Book 1)
ARIA: Returning Left Luggage (ARIA Trilogy Book 2)
ARIA: Abandoned Luggage (ARIA Trilogy Book 3)
Dimensions
Escaping Reality
Extreme Planets: A Science Fiction Anthology Of Alien Worlds (Chaosium Fiction)
Exit, Pursued By A Bee
How To Win Short Story Competitions
Hot Air
Author Geoff Nelder’s Website

Other Links:
Authors Database
Wikia
Facebook for ARIA Trilogy
Goodreads
Author Geoff Nelder’s Blog
Author Geoff Nelder’s Twitter
Cold Coffee Café Author Geoff Nelder
Cold Coffee Press Author Geoff Nelder

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Full Circle by Gloria Antypowich

  Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Full Circle by Gloria Antypowich
Full Circle by Gloria Antypowich is book two of The Belanger Creek Ranch Series. I was delighted to discover that book two continues where book one (The Second Time Around) left off. Book two adds more well defined characters that not only tie both books together, but move ahead with real life situations that involve work, play, past, present, family, friendship, love, hate, romance and genuine passion for life and fulfilling relationships.
Once again Author Gloria Antypowich masterfully brings her own life experiences into her creative writing process to draw her readers into the story line tugging at their heart and mind revealing their own memories whether good or bad. I find that these first two books, especially Full Circle has a short dedication that played over and over in my mind while I lived vicariously through her characters.
In my reviews I always quote at least one passage to show the writer’s style and intent I am very careful not to spoil the story for you the reader. I quote from page 154 (in my copy) as Shauna Lee and Brad enjoy a leisurely horseback ride.
They took the horses out through the gate at the back of the horse pasture and followed the trail to the gently rolling fields. They rode in companionable silence, enjoying the crisp, fresh air and the serenity of being away from everything else.Shauna Lee sat astride her horse and threw her arms wide open, embracing the world. “I love this: total solitude, no sounds of traffic, no telephones, and no computers!” She turned to smile at him, happiness overflowing.“I know what you mean. I get that same feeling when I go hunting in the mountains. Dad and I ride way off the beaten track. You feel like no else has ever been there. The mountains are so majestic, the air so clean and the scenery so spectacular. It’s like being transported into a totally different world. For two weeks, we become different people. I always think we become the people we really are meant to be. Life is simple, with no outside pressures. It recharges my batteries. One day I’d like to take you with me.”Shauna Lee shook her head. “I couldn’t go hunting.”Brad looked out over the fields. “Shauna, man has been a hunter for centuries. Dad and I always use the meat we take. How can I explain it to you? For us, it’s almost a spiritual thing; being so close to nature, to the creator.”
Come experience life, love, sorrow, forgiveness and a genuine hero spirit. Experience romance where men are real men and even the most liberal women have to stop to appreciate this lost art of gentlemanly behavior. After coming Full Circle move into The Hand of Fate, book three of the Belanger Creek Ranch Series.
Cold Coffee Press Endorses Full Circle (Belanger Creek Ranch Book 2) by Gloria Antypowich as a Contemporary Adult Romance inspired by her husband (they are both retired) who is the love of her life. This book was reviewed from a Kindle/PDF version. The review was completed on August 22, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Sticking Point by Susan Whitfield

Volume 5 In The Logan Hunter Mysteries Logan Hunter and Gabriel Farris “Crack” McCracken are both messed up, complicated SBI agents who can kick butt, but can Logan conquer grief and work alongside the gorgeous brooding agent she intends to despise forever?

Cold Coffee Press Book Review
for Sticking Point
by Susan Whitfield

Sticking Point by North Carolina Native Mystery Writer Susan Whitfield is her fifth and final book in her Logan Hunter Mysteries. Each book in stands alone, but starting at the beginning of the series will bring more clarity. The author draws the reader into the mystery and into the lives of her well-developed characters. Reading Sticking Point will whet your appetite for more, however the author and I suggest that you read her entire series from start to finish.
North Carolina SBI Agent Logan Hunter is struggling to move forward after the death of her husband Chase and his child whom she was carrying. Work is the furthest thing on her mind when her supervisor Ken Poletti not only calls with a new assignment, but he teams her up with Agent Farris McCracken, “better known as Ass Crack”.

The investigation sends these two polar opposite agents to the small town of Beaufort, NC. It’s not just any case, it is the death of a high school teen named Bobby Purdew. Carteret County Coroner, Dr. Milton has ruled this a natural death and release his body for burial. Even though there is no evidence of foul play and the toxicology screen comes up clean, the agents not only wonder how this well-known school bully ends up dead.

It turns out that there are a lot of students, teachers, parents and members of the community who were uncomfortable and even afraid of Bobby. Then there is the whole issue of the punch dagger that Bobby wore around his neck and the Belladonna plant, sometimes called Nightshade.

I share with you a quote from the book to show the author’s writing style. 

“I looked around the interior rooms on the first floor, taking my time to absorb porcelain antique dolls, many hats with gorgeous pins in them, doilies on the arms of every chair and sofa, and plenty of lace. No wonder McCracken was uncomfortable here. The only lace he’d ever been around was women’s panties, probably plenty of them. Women and panties. I took several deep breaths to calm my demeanor while noticing a young girl with a backpack overflowing with books, standing in the doorframe behind the woman. I followed Geraldine Moffatt-Gage to the stairs.
“Chelsea, why aren’t you studying?”“I need some of Papa’s old medical journals for research, Gram.”“Very well. Get them and don’t tarry.”“Yes, ma’am.”The proprietor focused her attention back on me. “Do you know Charity Grace Davis? She once owned The Carriage House a few blocks over.”“Yes, she lives near me,” I answered.“She and I were once rivals for tourists.” I detected a hint of terseness in her voice.“She seems like a nice enough lady. I think she misses the bed-and-breakfast though.”“I would imagine so. She had to tend to an elderly aunt, I believe, but she sold so quickly. Had she been more patient, she’d still own it. However, she was quite unsuited to direct a bed-and-breakfast, if you want my honest opinion.”I didn’t. I had no intention of getting into Charity Grace’s business although she probably wouldn’t do the same for me.“Agent McCracken is at the far end of the hallway, Agent Hunter. And again, I’m sorry for my bluntness.”“Thank you.” I started up.“Enjoy your meal,” she uttered with a slight wave of her hand.I tapped on the door which was ajar, and eased it open enough to study the man at the bay window, his mind somewhere else, an empty glass tinkling in his hand. My breath clinched at his shirtless physique. The man was toned, tanned and….”
I invite you to join Agent Logan as she seeks answers in Bobby Purdew’s death and how to put her life back together. Will she find peace and perhaps love again?
Author Susan Whitfield is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Carolina Conspiracy, Coastal Carolina Mystery Writers, North Carolina Writers Network, and National Association of Baby Boomer Women.
Susan’s historical fiction Sprig of Broom is due to be released in the Fall.
Cold Coffee Press Endorses Sticking Point by NC Native Mystery Writer Susan Whitfield. The Logan Hunter Mystery series: Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, Sin Creek, and Sticking Point are all set in the beautiful state of North Carolina from the Ashville/Blue Ridge Mountains to the pristine beaches. She also authored Killer Recipes, a unique cookbook that includes recipes from mystery writers around the country. Slightly Cracked is her first women’s fiction, set in Wayne County where she lives with her husband.
This book was given to us to review in a PDF format. This review was completed on August 16, 2015. 
For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

************************
Genesis Beach (A Logan Hunter Mystery Book 1)
by Susan Whitfield
SBI Agent Logan Hunter tracks a murderer at Genesis Beach, North Carolina. When the lifeless body of Rick Teater is discovered, Logan is thrust into a high-profile crime scene. The inexperienced intern needs to prove herself and embarks on a quest for justice. The search for Teater's killer is complicated by a hurricane and Logan's battle with personal demons. Her investigation comes to a frustrating standstill until her intense search leads to a shocking discovery.

Amazon Customer Reviews
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Nook
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************************

Just North of Luck (Logan Hunter Book 2)
by Susan Whitfield
SBI Agent Logan Hunter ends up just north of Luck, on the trail of a sociopath. Can she stop the bloody killing spree? In the mountains of North Carolina a high school custodian is found suffocated in plastic. A music teacher is beaten to death a few weeks later. Agent Hunter is already in the area working on another case when she’s assigned to help Madison County detective Chase Railey track down the killer. Logan rents a room in the home of art teacher Taryn Kosterman, in the community of Trust. Over the next few months she deals with quirky characters and frustrating dead ends. As she spends time getting to know Chase she also has a chance to experience some unusual local festivals, and her first taste of love. Murders of school system personnel continue and get increasingly gruesome. Evidence is hard to come by but soon Logan has enough to search the main suspect’s home. After a wild chase a mudslide dumps Logan and the killer into the French Broad River—only one of them will walk away…
Amazon Customer Reviews
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Nook
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************************ Hell Swamp (Logan Hunter Book 3)
by Susan Whitfield

Agent Logan Hunter’s cast iron stomach and steeled nerves are put to the test in Hell Swamp, a place where snakes, skulls, and sinister secrets abound. Called back into action from her personal leave to track down a sadistic murderer, Logan travels to a location in the backwoods of North Carolina, not far from where she grew up. At Beatty’s Bridge, the familiar Greek revival mansion named, The Black River Plantation, now holds a crime scene beyond anyone’s worst nightmare: a gruesome mess with blood tracked everywhere and key evidence already obliterated. With the SBI seriously shorthanded, Agent Hunter has the daunting task of finding the killer on her own. She questions a strange assortment of suspects, including deer hunters, and soon discovers the seemingly harmless victim had numerous enemies. Which one committed the heinous crime?
Amazon Customer Reviews
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Nook
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************************ Sin Creek (Logan Hunter Book 4)
by Susan Whitfield

A Gruesome murder leads Agent Hunter into wicked waters... The Cape Fear River snakes through eastern North Carolina, past the stunning port city of Wilmington. But there's a sliver of water called "Sin Creek" by some, where wickedness and decadence take precedence over decency. Logan Hunter battles evil on her quest to find a co-ed's killer and keep her marriage to another agent from falling apart. Even though she succeeds in finding the killer, the investigation changes her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Amazon Customer Reviews
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Nook
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************************ Slightly Cracked
by Susan Whitfield

Sugar Babe Beanblossom and Daisy Marie Hazelhurst are lifelong friends, sharing happy and sad times, enjoying outrageous antics, and enduring hot flashes. When Daisy gets sick, Sugar Babe encourages and protects her friend, and DRIVING MISS DAISY takes on a whole new meaning.
Amazon Customer Reviews
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Barnes and Noble
************************ Killer Recipes
by Susan Whitfield
 Susan Whitfield joins with a variety of authors to offer Killer Recipes, a book of scrumptious recipes to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. From simple to elaborate, recipes range from Devilish Desserts, Insane Soups, Salads and Sauces, to Breads and Breakfasts to Die For, Criminal Bites, Dips and Beverages, Shameless Sides, Suck-ulent Main Dishes, and much more. Whip up Murderous Sour Cream Muffins, Meat Cleaver's Taco Dip, Evil Chocoholic's Pie, Illegally Easy Salad, Freaky Fried Apples, Perverted Pineapple Casserole, Guilty Greek Shrimp, Shotgun Chili, Murder by Potato, and more. A great gift for the cook who also loves mysteries. Recipes are delicious but not deadly.Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link
Barnes and Noble
Nook
************************Published Books by Susan Whitfield:
Genesis Beach (A Logan Hunter Mystery Book 1)
Just North of Luck (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 2)
Hell Swamp (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 3)
Sin Creek (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 4) Sticking Point (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 5)
Slightly Cracked
Killer Recipes

************************************
Award-winning multi-genre author Susan Whitfield is a native of North Carolina, where she sets all of her novels. She is the author of The Logan Hunter Mystery series: Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, Sin Creek, and Sticking Point. She also authored Killer Recipes, a unique cookbook that includes recipes from mystery writers around the country. Slightly Cracked is her first women’s fiction, set in Wayne County where she lives with her husband. Their two sons live nearby with their families. Susan’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Carolina Conspiracy, Coastal Carolina Mystery Writers, North Carolina Writers Network, and National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Her books are available in print and eBook formats. Susan is currently researching a medieval ancestor for an historical mystery. Learn more at www.susanwhitfieldonline.com
About The Cover Design: Jason Penland is an avid self-taught photographer, with a focus on nature and landscapes. The product of generations of mountain folks, Jason's love of his western North Carolina home is evident in his beautiful work. He expresses a love of his heritage through playing banjo, dobro and guitar, and passes that love on to his two young sons. He also specializes in portraits, wedding photography, bridals, and family-oriented settings.Susan’s an avid blogger and promotes authors at http://www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com. Her website: http://www.susanwhitfieldonline.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Booktown.ning.com and http://www.trianglesinc.com.
************************************Interview:  

Tell us what makes you proud to be a writer from Dudley, NC? I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, visiting it from stem to stern, loving both the mountains and the sea. I’m proud to be the only mystery writer in my county. I enjoy being involved with Carolina Conspiracy and the North Carolina Writers’ Network, and other organizations around the country.  

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I guess it just came naturally when I was a child. Once I was a freshman in college and my English professor told me what a good writer I was, I began to believe that someday I could write and publish.  

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Only after I retired from my high school principal ship.  

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why? It certainly contributed as far as setting my novels somewhere in the state. We have so many wonderful dialects, such beautiful scenery, and I have so many fond memories of going to the mountains once a year and to the beach much more often. We lived near a river, so that became a focus for a book as well.  

Do you come up with your title (s) before or after you write the manuscript (s)? So far I have decided on the setting before I begin. Two of my titles, ‘Just North of Luck’ and ‘Hell Swamp’, have settings straight off a state map! I already had a story in mind for ‘Hell Swamp’, and when I found that name, I knew I’d found my title. The publisher loved it.  

Tell us why you write the genre (s) that you write? I began as a mystery write, but now I’m considered multi-genre. I write mystery, women’s fiction, and also authored a cookbook. They say write what you loved to read and I love a good mystery and a good women’s fiction.  

Tell us your most rewarding experience while in the writing process? That surreal feeling as words flow down my arms through my fingers and onto the screen. When I’m in that state of mind, nothing else matters but getting it down. Also, holding each “baby” in my arms for the first time is quite rewarding.  

Tell us your most negative experience while in the writing process? Interruptions of any kind!  

Tell us your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? I queried L&L Dreamspell with Hell Swamp and fifteen days later they offered me a contract. They picked up ‘Just North of Luck’ and ‘Genesis Beach’ and went on to publish ‘Sin Creek’. Unfortunately the publisher died and the company closed before ‘Sticking Point’ was released.  

Tell us your most negative experience in your publishing journey? Rejections especially with the first book.  

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Persevere! And make certain that you hire a professional editor to get top quality work out there. Don’t settle for less than your best!  

Who Is Your Favorite Author? James Patterson rocks with the Cross Series. I also love Gerrittsen, Scottoline, Sandford, Connally, and North Carolina’s Hart.  

Published Books by Susan Whitfield:
Genesis Beach (A Logan Hunter Mystery Book 1)
Just North of Luck (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 2)
Hell Swamp (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 3)
Sin Creek (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 4)
Sticking Point (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 5)
Slightly Cracked
Killer Recipes

Susan Whitfield’s Website
Susan Whitfield’s Blog
Cold Coffee Press
Cold Coffee Café

Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Mystery Author Susan Whitfield

Award-winning multi-genre author Susan Whitfield is a native of North Carolina, where she sets all of her novels. She is the author of The Logan Hunter Mystery series: Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, Sin Creek, and Sticking Point. She also authored Killer Recipes, a unique cookbook that includes recipes from mystery writers around the country. Slightly Cracked is her first women’s fiction, set in Wayne County where she lives with her husband. Their two sons live nearby with their families. Susan’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Carolina Conspiracy, Coastal Carolina Mystery Writers, North Carolina Writers Network, and National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Her books are available in print and eBook formats. Susan is currently researching a medieval ancestor for an historical mystery. Learn more at www.susanwhitfieldonline.com
About The Cover Design: Jason Penland is an avid self-taught photographer, with a focus on nature and landscapes. The product of generations of mountain folks, Jason's love of his western North Carolina home is evident in his beautiful work. He expresses a love of his heritage through playing banjo, dobro and guitar, and passes that love on to his two young sons. He also specializes in portraits, wedding photography, bridals, and family-oriented settings.Susan’s an avid blogger and promotes authors at http://www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com. Her website: http://www.susanwhitfieldonline.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Booktown.ning.com and http://www.trianglesinc.com.
************************************Interview:  

Tell us what makes you proud to be a writer from Dudley, NC? I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, visiting it from stem to stern, loving both the mountains and the sea. I’m proud to be the only mystery writer in my county. I enjoy being involved with Carolina Conspiracy and the North Carolina Writers’ Network, and other organizations around the country.  

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I guess it just came naturally when I was a child. Once I was a freshman in college and my English professor told me what a good writer I was, I began to believe that someday I could write and publish.  

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Only after I retired from my high school principal ship.  

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why? It certainly contributed as far as setting my novels somewhere in the state. We have so many wonderful dialects, such beautiful scenery, and I have so many fond memories of going to the mountains once a year and to the beach much more often. We lived near a river, so that became a focus for a book as well.  

Do you come up with your title (s) before or after you write the manuscript (s)? So far I have decided on the setting before I begin. Two of my titles, ‘Just North of Luck’ and ‘Hell Swamp’, have settings straight off a state map! I already had a story in mind for ‘Hell Swamp’, and when I found that name, I knew I’d found my title. The publisher loved it.  

Tell us why you write the genre (s) that you write? I began as a mystery write, but now I’m considered multi-genre. I write mystery, women’s fiction, and also authored a cookbook. They say write what you loved to read and I love a good mystery and a good women’s fiction.  

Tell us your most rewarding experience while in the writing process? That surreal feeling as words flow down my arms through my fingers and onto the screen. When I’m in that state of mind, nothing else matters but getting it down. Also, holding each “baby” in my arms for the first time is quite rewarding.  

Tell us your most negative experience while in the writing process? Interruptions of any kind!  

Tell us your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? I queried L&L Dreamspell with Hell Swamp and fifteen days later they offered me a contract. They picked up ‘Just North of Luck’ and ‘Genesis Beach’ and went on to publish ‘Sin Creek’. Unfortunately the publisher died and the company closed before ‘Sticking Point’ was released.  

Tell us your most negative experience in your publishing journey? Rejections especially with the first book.  

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Persevere! And make certain that you hire a professional editor to get top quality work out there. Don’t settle for less than your best!  

Who Is Your Favorite Author? James Patterson rocks with the Cross Series. I also love Gerrittsen, Scottoline, Sandford, Connally, and North Carolina’s Hart.  

Published Books by Susan Whitfield:
Genesis Beach (A Logan Hunter Mystery Book 1)
Just North of Luck (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 2)
Hell Swamp (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 3)
Sin Creek (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 4)
Sticking Point (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 5)
Slightly Cracked
Killer Recipes
************************************ Sticking Point: A Logan Hunter Mystery
(The Logan Hunter Mysteries)
(Volume 5) by Susan Whitfield

Volume 5 In The Logan Hunter Mysteries Logan Hunter and Gabriel Farris “Crack” McCracken are both messed up, complicated SBI agents who can kick butt, but can Logan conquer grief and work alongside the gorgeous brooding agent she intends to despise forever?

Cold Coffee Press Book Review
for Sticking Point
by Susan Whitfield

Sticking Point by North Carolina Native Mystery Writer Susan Whitfield is her fifth and final book in her Logan Hunter Mysteries. Each book in stands alone, but starting at the beginning of the series will bring more clarity. The author draws the reader into the mystery and into the lives of her well-developed characters. Reading Sticking Point will whet your appetite for more, however the author and I suggest that you read her entire series from start to finish.
North Carolina SBI Agent Logan Hunter is struggling to move forward after the death of her husband Chase and his child whom she was carrying. Work is the furthest thing on her mind when her supervisor Ken Poletti not only calls with a new assignment, but he teams her up with Agent Farris McCracken, “better known as Ass Crack”.

The investigation sends these two polar opposite agents to the small town of Beaufort, NC. It’s not just any case, it is the death of a high school teen named Bobby Purdew. Carteret County Coroner, Dr. Milton has ruled this a natural death and release his body for burial. Even though there is no evidence of foul play and the toxicology screen comes up clean, the agents not only wonder how this well-known school bully ends up dead.

It turns out that there are a lot of students, teachers, parents and members of the community who were uncomfortable and even afraid of Bobby. Then there is the whole issue of the punch dagger that Bobby wore around his neck and the Belladonna plant, sometimes called Nightshade.

I share with you a quote from the book to show the author’s writing style. 

“I looked around the interior rooms on the first floor, taking my time to absorb porcelain antique dolls, many hats with gorgeous pins in them, doilies on the arms of every chair and sofa, and plenty of lace. No wonder McCracken was uncomfortable here. The only lace he’d ever been around was women’s panties, probably plenty of them. Women and panties. I took several deep breaths to calm my demeanor while noticing a young girl with a backpack overflowing with books, standing in the doorframe behind the woman. I followed Geraldine Moffatt-Gage to the stairs.
“Chelsea, why aren’t you studying?”“I need some of Papa’s old medical journals for research, Gram.”“Very well. Get them and don’t tarry.”“Yes, ma’am.”The proprietor focused her attention back on me. “Do you know Charity Grace Davis? She once owned The Carriage House a few blocks over.”“Yes, she lives near me,” I answered.“She and I were once rivals for tourists.” I detected a hint of terseness in her voice.“She seems like a nice enough lady. I think she misses the bed-and-breakfast though.”“I would imagine so. She had to tend to an elderly aunt, I believe, but she sold so quickly. Had she been more patient, she’d still own it. However, she was quite unsuited to direct a bed-and-breakfast, if you want my honest opinion.”I didn’t. I had no intention of getting into Charity Grace’s business although she probably wouldn’t do the same for me.“Agent McCracken is at the far end of the hallway, Agent Hunter. And again, I’m sorry for my bluntness.”“Thank you.” I started up.“Enjoy your meal,” she uttered with a slight wave of her hand.I tapped on the door which was ajar, and eased it open enough to study the man at the bay window, his mind somewhere else, an empty glass tinkling in his hand. My breath clinched at his shirtless physique. The man was toned, tanned and….”
I invite you to join Agent Logan as she seeks answers in Bobby Purdew’s death and how to put her life back together. Will she find peace and perhaps love again?
Author Susan Whitfield is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Carolina Conspiracy, Coastal Carolina Mystery Writers, North Carolina Writers Network, and National Association of Baby Boomer Women.
Susan’s historical fiction Sprig of Broom is due to be released in the Fall.
Cold Coffee Press Endorses Sticking Point by NC Native Mystery Writer Susan Whitfield. The Logan Hunter Mystery series: Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, Sin Creek, and Sticking Point are all set in the beautiful state of North Carolina from the Ashville/Blue Ridge Mountains to the pristine beaches. She also authored Killer Recipes, a unique cookbook that includes recipes from mystery writers around the country. Slightly Cracked is her first women’s fiction, set in Wayne County where she lives with her husband.
This book was given to us to review in a PDF format. This review was completed on August 16, 2015. 
For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

************************
Genesis Beach (A Logan Hunter Mystery Book 1)
by Susan Whitfield
SBI Agent Logan Hunter tracks a murderer at Genesis Beach, North Carolina. When the lifeless body of Rick Teater is discovered, Logan is thrust into a high-profile crime scene. The inexperienced intern needs to prove herself and embarks on a quest for justice. The search for Teater's killer is complicated by a hurricane and Logan's battle with personal demons. Her investigation comes to a frustrating standstill until her intense search leads to a shocking discovery.

Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link
Barnes and Noble
Nook
Smashwords Purchase Link
************************

Just North of Luck (Logan Hunter Book 2)
by Susan Whitfield
SBI Agent Logan Hunter ends up just north of Luck, on the trail of a sociopath. Can she stop the bloody killing spree? In the mountains of North Carolina a high school custodian is found suffocated in plastic. A music teacher is beaten to death a few weeks later. Agent Hunter is already in the area working on another case when she’s assigned to help Madison County detective Chase Railey track down the killer. Logan rents a room in the home of art teacher Taryn Kosterman, in the community of Trust. Over the next few months she deals with quirky characters and frustrating dead ends. As she spends time getting to know Chase she also has a chance to experience some unusual local festivals, and her first taste of love. Murders of school system personnel continue and get increasingly gruesome. Evidence is hard to come by but soon Logan has enough to search the main suspect’s home. After a wild chase a mudslide dumps Logan and the killer into the French Broad River—only one of them will walk away…
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************************ Hell Swamp (Logan Hunter Book 3)
by Susan Whitfield

Agent Logan Hunter’s cast iron stomach and steeled nerves are put to the test in Hell Swamp, a place where snakes, skulls, and sinister secrets abound. Called back into action from her personal leave to track down a sadistic murderer, Logan travels to a location in the backwoods of North Carolina, not far from where she grew up. At Beatty’s Bridge, the familiar Greek revival mansion named, The Black River Plantation, now holds a crime scene beyond anyone’s worst nightmare: a gruesome mess with blood tracked everywhere and key evidence already obliterated. With the SBI seriously shorthanded, Agent Hunter has the daunting task of finding the killer on her own. She questions a strange assortment of suspects, including deer hunters, and soon discovers the seemingly harmless victim had numerous enemies. Which one committed the heinous crime?
Amazon Customer Reviews
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************************ Sin Creek (Logan Hunter Book 4)
by Susan Whitfield

A Gruesome murder leads Agent Hunter into wicked waters... The Cape Fear River snakes through eastern North Carolina, past the stunning port city of Wilmington. But there's a sliver of water called "Sin Creek" by some, where wickedness and decadence take precedence over decency. Logan Hunter battles evil on her quest to find a co-ed's killer and keep her marriage to another agent from falling apart. Even though she succeeds in finding the killer, the investigation changes her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Amazon Customer Reviews
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Nook
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************************ Slightly Cracked
by Susan Whitfield

Sugar Babe Beanblossom and Daisy Marie Hazelhurst are lifelong friends, sharing happy and sad times, enjoying outrageous antics, and enduring hot flashes. When Daisy gets sick, Sugar Babe encourages and protects her friend, and DRIVING MISS DAISY takes on a whole new meaning.
Amazon Customer Reviews
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************************ Killer Recipes
by Susan Whitfield
 Susan Whitfield joins with a variety of authors to offer Killer Recipes, a book of scrumptious recipes to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. From simple to elaborate, recipes range from Devilish Desserts, Insane Soups, Salads and Sauces, to Breads and Breakfasts to Die For, Criminal Bites, Dips and Beverages, Shameless Sides, Suck-ulent Main Dishes, and much more. Whip up Murderous Sour Cream Muffins, Meat Cleaver's Taco Dip, Evil Chocoholic's Pie, Illegally Easy Salad, Freaky Fried Apples, Perverted Pineapple Casserole, Guilty Greek Shrimp, Shotgun Chili, Murder by Potato, and more. A great gift for the cook who also loves mysteries. Recipes are delicious but not deadly.Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link
Barnes and Noble
Nook
************************Published Books by Susan Whitfield:
Genesis Beach (A Logan Hunter Mystery Book 1)
Just North of Luck (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 2)
Hell Swamp (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 3)
Sin Creek (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 4) Sticking Point (Logan Hunter Mystery Book 5)
Slightly Cracked
Killer RecipesSusan Whitfield’s Website
Susan Whitfield’s Blog
Cold Coffee PressCold Coffee Café

Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author D. M. McGowan

 
Author D. M. McGowan writes historical fiction about the settling and opening of Canada’s West. “The Great Liquor War” – 1998 – Daison Publishing / “Partners” – 2008 – Strategic Book Publishing / “Homesteader: Finding Sharon” – 2009 – Strategic Book Publishing.
Dave was born in Collingwood, Ont. and have lived in Owen Sound, Caledon, Heathcote, (in BC) Ft. St. John, Vancouver, (back to Ont.) Jarvis, Oshawa, Windsor, (Alb.) Calgary, Ft. Saskatchewan, (BC) Kelowna and Dawson Creek. He has been a cowboy, forest firefighter, heavy equipment operator, farmhand, gardener, road musician and businessman. He lives with his wife, Karen, and children and grandchildren in Northern British Columbia, where he works as a commercial driver.
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Interview:  

What makes you proud to be a writer from Canada? I have received from readers and requests for another story. I also take pride in revealing some of the past of this great country. Some strong people with great vision built this country but we seldom hear of them. They are the pioneers who came to a flat land of great distances, to a world of high mountain peaks, to winter’s cold or summer’s heat that was far beyond their comprehension and yet built something wondrous out of that, a world that we who live in it often don’t properly appreciate. Those of us who look for it can gather information on politicians or major business leaders of the past but it’s difficult to find out about those who actually built Canada, the miners, loggers, cattlemen and farmers. People much like those who are continuing to make it work.  

What or who inspired you to become a writer? Driven by a love of history I had gathered stories that interested me. In an attempt to feed and house myself and my family I enjoyed a variety of experiences through the years and turned some of those into stories as well. While we were traveling Western Canada playing music my wife and partner, Karen suggested that I should write some of those stories down. I did as suggested and found that what I enjoyed most was historical fiction.  

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I began writing in 1990 but did not consider publishing until much later, perhaps 1995. My first was “The Great Liquor War” published in 1998.  

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Yes, to both questions. As mentioned above I’ve had a variety of experiences and have used knowledge gained there in some of my stories. For example a common practice in the mountains is to build a cache of goods and supplies for later use either at a permanent or long term camp site or for use on an oft travelled trail. These caches are usually ten feet or more off the ground to save these supplies from the ravages of wildlife (primarily bears, wolves and coyotes). They may be no more than a floor or platform but are sometimes a log cabin high in the trees. I’ve never read mention of such in historical fiction or westerns and have included them in two of my stories.  

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? I generally make up some kind of a title so I can save it and find it in my computer. However in many cases I’m aware this title will have to be changed when I’m finished. The stories usually take on a life of their own and become something I had not intended when I wrote the first paragraph. “The Great Liquor War” was “Liquor Laws” in the beginning. “Jake’s Justice” (unpublished) started off with that title and turned out to be close to my original idea.  

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? Historical fiction or a “Western” with a focus on Canada. I enjoy reading good stories from the west but have found very few sited in Canada. Two or perhaps three writers have done excellent work with fiction on the Canadian West and that work is as entertaining as any in the world. Except for those few, however much of it is very hard to read, misleading and inaccurate. There are billions of western novels out there but very few from “the North West Territories” or “the Colony of British Columbia.”  

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? The reviews I have received from many sites, the reviews from fans and the awards from Reader’s Favorite.  

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Help and suggestions from the marketing/promotion staff at Strategic Book Publishing.  

Have you had a negative experience in your publishing journey? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? Traditional publishing houses who continue to place their focus on literature when entertainment is what has always sold. Don’t waste time with those who want something other than a good story.  

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Write! If you have a problem which you wish to call “writers block” put that story aside and sit down and write. Start a new story, outline the person you want as a life partner or explain the one you have, write about your favorite pet or restaurant but write something. When you’re done or perhaps tomorrow go back and work on that story that’s giving you trouble.  

Who is your favorite author? Anyone who is entertaining. Louis LaMour, Michael Connelly, Lee Child  

Please add questions (and answers) that you think your readers would like answered.  

What’s “Homesteader” about? Yes, the story “Homesteader” takes place in the Canadian West of the late 19th century. However, that isn’t what it’s about Yes, the story relates how a horseman from west of Rockies and his riding partner each take land under the Homesteader Act. However, that isn’t what the novel is about. Sure there are Colt, Remington and Smith & Wesson revolvers mentioned, along with a few rifles including two Winchester models. But that has little to do with the story. There are a diverse group of characters. There is a bully who, like most bullies thinks he is smarter than most and judges people by their appearance. There are some North West Mounted Police officers, some doing their jobs and others who only want the “Force” to look after them. There are hardworking, money-less families, widows, prospectors, Blackfoot, Sioux and the business people of Calgary. Several action scenes are included. There are bucking horses and broken legs, a stage coach robbery and murder. Fence posts turn to slivers from the impact of a 45-70 bullet. Let us not forget the weather. A horrendous winter is part of the story; a winter that eventually was responsible for changing the way the country handles livestock. What the story is actually about is a young man finding the woman he loves. About learning that what he has been taught all his life is not necessarily true; that what may appear on the surface may not be what is underneath. About keeping a good partner and gaining another even closer one. And, of course, recovering.  

What is Partners about? “Partners” is primarily about communication; the inability of the young, physical and poorly educated to understand some one older, well educated, worldly and of a more mental inclination. Of course, there is a need for communication in the other direction as well. Lack of communication is not a unique problem. The difficulty exists today between the young and old, educated and ignorant, men and woman. I believe that this is a problem that has existed since the dawn of time. I also believe that we don’t do enough to overcome this lack of understanding. When we do make efforts to communicate we often make the problem worse. When we don’t make an effort to be understood this too may make the problem worse since a non-action may project a lack of concern. Is it necessary that we do anything? Perhaps time and stable emotions on the part of both parties will solve the problem. “Partners” explores this question and supplies a possible answer or result. The story begins in the Cyprus Hills of the North West Territories (we call it Saskatchewan these days) in 1866. Our two heroes (one young and one REALY old … well, half my age) try to stay alive as they travel west, through the Crows Nest Pass and end up in Barkerville. Yes their most serious problem from the Prairies does catch up to them, but …. Well, things could always be better. I try to have some actual history in my stories and novels. “Partners” and “Homesteader” are no exception. There are stories and small tidbits of information buried within the fiction, things that really happened or perhaps things that affect what we do today. Both these novels are also available for Kindle, iBook and Nook.

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Homesteader: Finding Sharon by D. M. McGowan
Staking a claim to a homestead in the rugged, untamed Canadian frontier of the 1880's was hard enough. But when someone tries to run roughshod over the "nesters," a man has to take a stand. There is more than bad weather for Hank James to contend with as he rides in search of the land of his dreams and the woman of his heart. Portis Martin, manager of a large cattle company, has no use for the small homesteaders that have begun to pepper the area...and he isn't afraid of using every dirty trick he knows to run them out. And Portis had been doing a pretty good job of it-until Hank James and his partner arrive on the stage. The dreams of early homesteaders were not always strong enough to see them through adversity, but with Hank James on their side, the people might just find a way of uniting for the common good and building a dream that can endure.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Western with a focus on Canada.

 
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Partners by D. M. McGowen
Thomas Brash is trying to escape but knows he never will. Pursuing him is the memory of the family he lost to cholera. Perhaps he believes that traveling alone in a wild, dangerous land will end all his memories; there is no doubt he wishes to be alone. Whatever his intentions the appearance of Frank Clement and the circumstances of that meeting upset those plans. Brash views Clement as an uneducated child who requires fatherly protection and guidance. Clement views Brash as a tenderfoot and cannot understand how anyone who knows so little could live so long. These two loners are joined by others and they all become partners. Having achieved relative sanctuary and surrounded by civilization their wilderness past comes back to haunt them.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Western with a focus on Canada.

 
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The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan
The year is 1885. Hank James has been in Canada several months panning gold from a stream near Roswell, British Columbia. When he hears a prizefight will be held in town, he attends along with everyone for miles around. With a little help from the fight referee, he wins big betting on the fight. Having realized that the life of a miner isn't nearly as romantic or rewarding as he expected, and with advice from the policeman who helped him win money on the fight, Hank goes to Farwell to haul freight with pack horses for contractors building the transcontinental railroad.
The railroad's security, a detachment of North West Mounted Police, have maintained across the West that no liquor be allowed one mile on either side of the rail bed. Provincial authorities disagree. Hank James believes in honoring and repaying his debts, but that doesn't mean he should be involved in a war between the BC Provincial Police and the North West Mounted.
He and his partners have trouble enough running their freight business, they don't need to be caught between competing policemen. They are already stuck between Canada's transcontinental railroad people and the contractors doing the actual construction. While the police are fighting one another, who is looking for criminals, particularly those stealing Hank's horses? Despite a variety of jobs, D.M. McGowan now works as a commercial driver and lives near Mile "0" of the world-famous Alaska Highway.
His stories bring Canadian history to life. "I believe in seeing morality and societal responsibility rewarded. Too much of today's fiction seems to lead into the dark instead of the light."
Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan
Great Liqour War by D. M. McGowan is a western pioneering era saga that combines great story telling, true-to-life cowboy experience with US and Canadian history combined with legends from the 1800’s.
The main character Hank James was born in Canada and migrated south into the US with his family after the Civil War. Hank’s father headed towards Oregon in search of a farmstead while protecting his family from raids by outlaws and Indians. They made it as far as Kansas to find that the land was too dry to farm so pushed on to Oregon to find the land was too wet. With Mother Nature as their biggest obstacle and many mouths to feed young Hank James set out on his own. He settled down with his own gold mine claim near Rossland, British Columbia in 1984.
Hank wasn’t afraid of hard work, but he wanted more out of life than to eke out a living on his claim. With tenacity Hank took advantage of the Transcanada Railroad, found some partners and started his own freight business. Life should be good, but where there is industry, technology, commerce and economy, there are criminals.
In all my reviews I quote a passage so readers can get a feel for the authors writing style. I quote from page 37.
“It didn’t take a detective to know that the horse thief had played a little joke on the Provincial Police. Constable Art Hubbard was over six feet tall and probably ten pounds lighter than the one eighty mentioned in the description. Not only was he a long way from round, he was also clean shaven.I gave Constable Hubbard my story, ending with the recovery of the bay gelding and the description I had from Miller. “An’ the fella called himself Art Hubbard,” I added.The Constable’s expression didn’t change. He worked his chew around into one cheek and sent a stream of tobacco juice into the waste basket. “Feller with a sense o’ humor,” he noted, and then added. “It’ll be one ‘o Bulldog Kelley’s outfit. They work out o’ some of the illegal saloons t’ be found back in the bush. We catch one or two of ‘em every now an’ then, but we can’t get Kelley, an’ he’s the head o’ the snake. I can think of one or two that might fit your description, but not a one that had a full beard. An’ this fella’s probably shaved by now.”I wrote out my story, signed it, and returned to work.”
Between the horse thieves, authority over liquor sales and a war between the BC Provincial Police and the North West Mounted Hank is he in over his head? Only time will tell if he makes the right choices and will he win the heart and loyalty of Sharon Dalton?
Saddle up your horse, holster your gun and join a rugged western cast of characters that will take you back to the reality and the legends of the Wild West.
Cold Coffee Press endorses Great Liqour War by D. M. McGowan for the nuggets of history told within a great story of human experience in the Wild West. This book was given to us in a PDF for review. This review was completed on August 11, 2015. For more information, please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com
Amazon Customer Reviews  
Amazon Print Purchase Link  
Barnes and Nobles Purchase Link  
Strategic Book Publishing Purchase Link  
Amazon Author’s Page  
Author D. M. McGowan’s Blog  
Cold Coffee Café Author D. M. McGowan

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan

The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan
The year is 1885. Hank James has been in Canada several months panning gold from a stream near Roswell, British Columbia. When he hears a prizefight will be held in town, he attends along with everyone for miles around. With a little help from the fight referee, he wins big betting on the fight. Having realized that the life of a miner isn't nearly as romantic or rewarding as he expected, and with advice from the policeman who helped him win money on the fight, Hank goes to Farwell to haul freight with pack horses for contractors building the transcontinental railroad.
The railroad's security, a detachment of North West Mounted Police, have maintained across the West that no liquor be allowed one mile on either side of the rail bed. Provincial authorities disagree. Hank James believes in honoring and repaying his debts, but that doesn't mean he should be involved in a war between the BC Provincial Police and the North West Mounted.
He and his partners have trouble enough running their freight business, they don't need to be caught between competing policemen. They are already stuck between Canada's transcontinental railroad people and the contractors doing the actual construction. While the police are fighting one another, who is looking for criminals, particularly those stealing Hank's horses? Despite a variety of jobs, D.M. McGowan now works as a commercial driver and lives near Mile "0" of the world-famous Alaska Highway.
His stories bring Canadian history to life. "I believe in seeing morality and societal responsibility rewarded. Too much of today's fiction seems to lead into the dark instead of the light."
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan
The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan is a western pioneering era saga that combines great story telling, true-to-life cowboy experience with US and Canadian history combined with legends from the 1800’s.
The main character Hank James was born in Canada and migrated south into the US with his family after the Civil War. Hank’s father headed towards Oregon in search of a farmstead while protecting his family from raids by outlaws and Indians. They made it as far as Kansas to find that the land was too dry to farm so pushed on to Oregon to find the land was too wet. With Mother Nature as their biggest obstacle and many mouths to feed young Hank James set out on his own. He settled down with his own gold mine claim near Rossland, British Columbia in 1984.
Hank wasn’t afraid of hard work, but he wanted more out of life than to eke out a living on his claim. With tenacity Hank took advantage of the Transcanada Railroad, found some partners and started his own freight business. Life should be good, but where there is industry, technology, commerce and economy, there are criminals.
In all my reviews I quote a passage so readers can get a feel for the authors writing style. I quote from page 37.
“It didn’t take a detective to know that the horse thief had played a little joke on the Provincial Police. Constable Art Hubbard was over six feet tall and probably ten pounds lighter than the one eighty mentioned in the description. Not only was he a long way from round, he was also clean shaven.I gave Constable Hubbard my story, ending with the recovery of the bay gelding and the description I had from Miller. “An’ the fella called himself Art Hubbard,” I added.The Constable’s expression didn’t change. He worked his chew around into one cheek and sent a stream of tobacco juice into the waste basket. “Feller with a sense o’ humor,” he noted, and then added. “It’ll be one ‘o Bulldog Kelley’s outfit. They work out o’ some of the illegal saloons t’ be found back in the bush. We catch one or two of ‘em every now an’ then, but we can’t get Kelley, an’ he’s the head o’ the snake. I can think of one or two that might fit your description, but not a one that had a full beard. An’ this fella’s probably shaved by now.”I wrote out my story, signed it, and returned to work.”
Between the horse thieves, authority over liquor sales and a war between the BC Provincial Police and the North West Mounted Hank is he in over his head? Only time will tell if he makes the right choices and will he win the heart and loyalty of Sharon Dalton?
Saddle up your horse, holster your gun and join a rugged western cast of characters that will take you back to the reality and the legends of the Wild West.
Cold Coffee Press Endorses The Great Liquor War by D. M. McGowan for the nuggets of history told within a great story of human experience in the Wild West. This book was given to us in a PDF for review. This review was completed on August 11, 2015. For more information, please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Barnes and Nobles Purchase Link
Strategic Book Publishing Purchase Link
Amazon Author’s Page
Author D. M. McGowan’s Blog
Cold Coffee Café Author D. M. McGowan

Cold Coffee Press Author D. M. McGowan

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Hypno-Scripts - Life Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation - by Mary Deal

Hypno-Scripts: Life Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis
and Meditation - by Mary Deal
The human mind is capable of miracles and people are finally opening to that fact. Or maybe they aren’t miracles at all. They only seem that way because for so long powers of the human mind have been denied.

Do you wish you had the power to become all that you can be?

Discover your potential through unleashing the power of your mind. All good intentioned programming works best when you reach a deeper state of mind. The secret is in accessing those states through easy life-changing techniques presented here, in thoroughly explained examples.
A thin window of consciousness differentiates two states of the mind – self-hypnosis and meditation – and this book will show their similarities, and define each condition and accessibility. If curious enough to at least peruse this book, then the ability to learn these techniques are already a part of your consciousness and soon to be recognized. Lucky you! Your subconscious is prompting you to investigate. It is saying that you are capable of deeper states of mind. Many have tried to focus to learn either self-hypnosis or meditation and failed.

Applied concentration and knowing what to expect once entranced may be what was missing. The instructions in this book are meant for those wishing to learn and use the techniques of self-hypnosis and/or meditation for self-improvement. Easy yet powerful scripts are provided to produce desired changes. You can change your life now!

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Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Hypno-Scripts - Life Changing Techniques
Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation - by Mary Deal
Retired Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Mary Deal helps the reader understand the power on one’s subconscious. Quote: “A thin window of consciousness differentiates two states of mind-self-hypnosis and meditation – and this book explains their similarities and defines each condition and accessibility. “If curious enough to at least pursue this book, then the ability to learn these techniques are already a part of your consciousness and soon to be recognized. Lucky You! Your subconscious is prompting you to investigate. It is saying that you are capable of deeper states of mind.”

Section One-Hypnosis speaks to the issues of unintentional Childhood Training-My Early Practices, using Inductions and Scripts and Terminology that the lay person needs to know. Quote: “Hypnosis: A technique to still the conscious mind activity of the analytical left brain. To protect us, the conscious mind, the left brain, censures all we receive, know, or transmit. Truth is cloaked in order that we may not be hurt by that which we do not understand or are not ready to comprehend or accept. Our conscious mind protects us from ourselves until we are ready to learn. It is the conscious mind we make quiet in order to access hypnosis.”

About half way through the book I learned something that I could put into immediate practice to lower my stress. I share with you an important quote from Dr. Andrew W. Weil, American medical doctor, teacher and best-selling author on holistic health says on an internet post: “People who are stressed or anxious are actually chronically under-breathing, because stressed people breathe shortly and shallowly, and often even unconsciously hold their breath. By extending your inhale to the count of four, you are forcing yourself to take in more oxygen, allowing the oxygen to affect your bloodstream by holding your breath for seven seconds, and then emitting carbon dioxide from your lungs by exhaling steadily for eight seconds. The technique will effectively slow your heart rate and increase oxygen into your bloodstream, and may even make you feel slightly lightheaded which contributes to the mild sedative-like effect. It will instantly relax your heart, mind, and overall central nervous system because you are controlling the breath versus continuing to breathe short shallow gasps of air”.

This book deals with many topics. I found the Through The Gate: Problem Solving, Allergy Control, Tinnitus Reassignment, Immediate Stress Reduction and The Attic Trunk-Finding Your Gifts most enlightening.

Quotes of Interest from Section Two-Meditation:

“Even the smallest shift in perspective can bring about the greatest healing.” by Dr. Joshua Kai, ND

“Mediation cannot be induced manually. It is the ability of the inner mind or soul when conditioned and trained correctly, and when conditions that prevent us from seeing our true nature are removed.”

It is my impression that whether you believe in Hypnosis or Meditation this book will show you ways to reduce stress and become more aware of your surroundings. Keep this Kindle reference book handy, learn from it and develop your own Hypno-Scripts.

I leave you with this thought from Mary, “Life may not be that joyous, but believing that it is moves you quickly to it becoming that way.”

Cold Coffee Press Endorses For Hypno-Scripts - Life Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation - by Mary Deal for her educated guidance with Hypno-Scripts and her concise writing ability that brings the subject into the readers grasp for self-help. We purchased this book through Kindle. The review was completed on August 1, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Kindle Purchase Link

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Author Mary Deal’s Current Published Books (in order of importance)
Hypno-Scripts: Life Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation
River Bones
The Howling Cliffs
Down to the Needle
The Ka
Legacy of the Tropics
Off Center in the Attic - Over the Top Stories
Write It Right: Tips for Authors - The Big Book
Write It Right: Tips for Authors, Vol. II
Write it Right: Tips for Authors, Vol. I Amazon Author’s Page
Amazon Customer Reviews: To Follow
Amazon Print: (Paperback to follow in July-August)
Amazon Kindle Purchase Link

Author’s Websites:
http://www.writeanygenre.com
http://www.marydealfineart.com
http://www.islandimagegallery.com

Other Related Links:
Goodreads
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Cold Coffee Café Author’s Page
Cold Coffee Press Author’s Page

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Second Time Around (Belanger Creek Ranch Book 1) by Gloria Antypowich

The Second Time Around by Gloria Antypowich
Book One: Belanger Creek Ranch Series
Sparks fly when Frank Lamonte and Colt Thompson meet. There is an explosion of anger, based on misinformation and suspicion: but there is also an undeniable attraction. Thirty-six fateful hours set the stage for a lifetime of consequences.
Veterinarian, Frank Lamonte, comes to Belanger Creek Ranch to work as a ranch hand after her boss recognizes her growing symptoms of depression and insists she take a leave of absence. She is reeling from a series of emotional blows, the final one being a broken engagement. He tells her to leave town for a while and give her ravaged emotions a chance to heal, without constantly facing reminders of the past. She's determined to get better quickly, and nothing will stand in her way.…that is, until she meets the owner of Belanger Creek Ranch. Her attraction to him could end her plans, even though she thinks otherwise.
After divorcing the cheating wife who destroyed his dreams, Colt Thompson has become a bitter and cynical man. Being vulnerable once broke his heart; allowing it to happen twice will never happen. He will make certain that he never falls in love again. When he finds Frank Lamonte at the ranch, he makes up his mind that she is a liar and a cheat. He will not let himself be attracted to her, even though the tension sizzles.
Will Frank and Colt open their hearts to true love? Or, will Colt do everything he can to protect his heart?
Will he wed Shauna Lee Holt, his “friends with benefits” woman; a woman he doesn’t love?
Will Frank take a risk and make him think again?
Will she settle back into the state of depression that resulted in her coming to Belanger Creek Ranch?
When Dr. Jason Winters DVM arbitrarily put her on leave of absence, he told her to deal with her emotional trauma. He promised that her job as a veterinarian at his clinic would be waiting, when she was mentally healthy.
Will she jeopardize all her opportunities?
Heartache lies ahead for these two intractable characters, and neither one of them will make wise choices along the way.
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Second Time Around
(Belanger Creek Ranch Book 1) by Gloria Antypowich
It is refreshing to read a romance that not only satisfies the readers desire to read this genre, but also teaches an important life lesson.
‘The Second Time Around’ is the first book in the Belanger Creek Ranch series. Well-developed characters like veterinarian Frank Lamonte (Female), Dr. Jason Winters (DVM) and Colt Thompson(Owner of the Belanger Creek Ranch in Saskatchewan, Canada) to name a few, bring real life issues into normal life settings where the reader can relax and relate in one or more ways.
When courage comes before comfort to assist a friend, co-worker and employee to seek the help needed for a depressional episode, the main character can not only find help, relief, time and the environment to promote healing, she can overcome the root cause of her depression and help a man that comes into her life to live and love again.
Realistic, warm, touching and romantic with writing that draws the reader into the story. Author Gloria Antypwich brings her own experiences, environment and fascination with human nature to the table in her creative process.
In my reviews I always quote at least one passage to show the writer’s style and intent I am very careful not to spoil the story for you the reader. I quote from page 62.

“The Thunder Breeding Hills, she mused as she fanned herself with her hat, appreciating the movement of air as it wafted across her face. Native people had called the Cypress Hills that, because they thought they were the home and breeding ground of the storms. She lifted her face to the sky. The night was going to be spectacular. It was a good thing she wasn’t afraid of thunder and lightning, or being by herself.
When she stepped out of the tub an hour later, a loud clap of thunder shattered the night. Within seconds, rain sluiced down in a torrent. Frank dried off, wrapped a fresh towel sarong-fashion around her body, and then stepped back into the bedroom. Shaking her hair loose around her shoulders, she went to stand at the window. She smiled as she watched the welcome drops bounce on the cement walk below. Their pounding rhythm on the roof was almost exciting, and she was stirred by the sound of it as she ran her fingers through her heavy, damp hair. She turned to pick up the electric hair dryer and a styling brush and worked her hair until it floated around her shoulders like a soft, fragrant cloak. Fiery lights glinted off it like sparks borrowed from the lightning that pierced the evening sky.”Cold Coffee Press Endorses ‘The Second Time Around’ (Belanger Creek Ranch Book 1) by Gloria Antypowich as a Contemporary Adult Romance inspired by her husband (they are both retired) who is the love of her life. This book was reviewed from a Kindle/PDF version. The review was completed on July 22, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com
Amazon Author’s PageAmazon Customer ReviewsAmazon Print Purchase LinkKindle Purchase Link
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Full Circle by Gloria Antypowich
Book Two: Belanger Creek Ranch Series

“Shauna Lee, I told you I’m a hunter. I have hunted cougars in the wild. That is where I like to keep them: in the wild; with me doing the stalking.” Her face went scarlet. “Are you calling me a cougar?” she asked, indignantly.

Twenty years ago, eighteen-year-old Shauna Lee Holt rose like a phoenix, out of the ashes of tragedy. Fierce determination focused her drive for independence. After graduation, she worked non-stop, scrimping and saving every penny. She purchased Swift Current Accounting and Bookkeeping Service. Now she is regarded as a successful accountant in the business community: but no one knows her personal, private hell.

Brad Johnson recently moved to Swift Current, where he set up Windspeer Energy; a company specializing in small wind energy turbines. Brad feels an undeniable attraction to Shauna Lee, but he refuses to play her “nothing serious, no strings attached” game.

As time passes, he falls head over heels in love with this tormented woman. Shocking fragments of her tragic past come to light, and he begins to realize that she may never be able to give him the emotional connection he desperately desires.

This is a stand-alone book in the series, but the lives of Colt and Frank Thompson are woven into Brad Johnson and Shauna Lee Holt’s story. The couple, who seem to have everything, discover that grief and pain are no respecters of person. When they face the unimaginable, will their relationship be shaken beyond repair?

This is a story of wrath, hatred, murder, betrayal, denial, and unconditional love.

Amazon Author’s Page
Amazon Print Purchase Link

************************
The Hand of Fate by Gloria Antypowich
Book Three: Belanger Creek Ranch Series

Tim glared at Christina. “I guess I get the floor.”

“Quit being an ass and get a grip on yourself. There is no need for anyone to sleep on the floor. I’m sure we are mature enough to make the best of this rotten situation. I’m not going freak out if your leg touches mine. It’s not as if either of us is interested in anything other than sleep and keeping warm.”

He stared at her. “Are you suggesting we share the bed?”

Thirty-eight-year-old Christina Holmes is the office manager at Swift Current Accounting and Bookkeeping Services. On the surface, she is a happy person that everyone likes, but in her heart, she carries pain. She has MRHK syndrome.

Her marriage had deteriorated because of the rare congenital condition, and it ended in humiliation for her. The experience is a secret that Christina has not shared with anyone since she came to Swift Current. She has avoided intimate relationships, feeling less than a woman, and ashamed of the hand that nature dealt her. She has allowed her condition to define her, making her certain that no one will love her as she is.

Forty-eight-year-old Tim Bates came to Swift Current four years ago, when Colt Thompson hired him to manage Cantaur Farm. Forsaken by his stepfamily, Tim was reeling from a contested family will, and an ugly divorce filed by his wife who had never truly loved him. He was bitter and angry, trusted no one and despised women.

When he first arrived, Christina thought of Tim as a cold fish, and Tim saw Christina as an officious bitch. However, during the past four years the two of them have developed a comfortable relationship: but it isn’t the kind that comes with intimacy, or fringe benefits.

When Tim Bates finds a picture on the old ranch hand’s desk at Belanger Creek Ranch, he is stunned. He reacts with suspicion that turns into feelings of betrayal and anger. The picture becomes the focus of a mystery that involves people at the ranch: people who have been friends for years. The answers could forever change the lives of those involved.

Tim discovers that what he has always believed about his birth is not true. Shaken, he turns to Christina for friendship and support.

Sometimes The Hand of Fate intervenes. Will it bring unexpected miracles into the lives of these two friends?
This is a story of family ties, unconditional love, loyalty, powerful friendships, sacrifice, mystery and the realization of dreams that seem impossible.

This can be read as a stand-alone book in the Belanger Creek Ranch Series. The lives of Colt and Frank Thompson (The Second Time Around, Book One) and Shauna Lee and Brad Johnson (Full Circle, Book Two) intertwine with those of Tim Bates and Christina Holmes in this work of fiction.

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Kindle Purchase Link

*************************  
A Second Chance by Gloria Antypowich
Book Four: Belanger Creek Ranch Series

“No!” Taylor’s cry was a wail. “I don’t want to move again........

“Taylor, I’m your mother. You’ll listen to me.”

Taylor’s look became set and stubborn. “I am not moving again and... I’m not leaving Grayson. You’re wrong about him. I know it!”

When Sarah Brite arrives at Belanger Creek Ranch, it's like a sanctuary from her troubles, even though she can never totally relax. She is always looking over her shoulder—alert and waiting to run. The ranch is a vast rural area, a place where it doesn’t seem likely that her son's violent father would find them.

The ranch ‘family’ is a close knit group consisting of co-workers and the owners, Colt and Frank Thompson. They all look out for each other. There's only one thing that makes Sarah uneasy… that's gentle, friendly Grayson McNaughton.

Her son, Taylor immediately bonds with Grayson. This disquiets Sarah. Grayson is a nice enough man, but Taylor makes it increasingly clear that he would love it if they became a family. Sarah decides to share her dark secret with Grayson so he will understand why he can never be Taylor’s father. He is filled with compassion and insists she share her fears with the Thompsons, who stand staunchly behind her.

Sarah relaxes, and begins to want to make Taylor’s wish a reality. However, Grayson McNaughton has a secret of his own; he had destroyed a man’s life, and he was charged but not convicted of aggravated assault, eight years before he came to the ranch.

Burdened with deep-seated guilt, he chooses to live in obscurity and hideaway in pain. He loves Sarah, and as they gradually grow closer, he knows he has to be honest with her, so even though it may jeopardize their relationship, he shares his painful past.

Sarah is devastated; furious that she has let him get close to her son. Even though she does not have all of the facts, she immediately labels Grayson as a violent person. She has had enough violence and fear in her life, and she doesn’t want to expose Taylor to it. She is ready to pack up and run again, but Taylor is older now and he isn’t having it. He loves Grayson and is through with running. He digs in his heels, ready to fight his mother.

Colt Thompson offers a solution to Sarah that will allow everyone to stay at the ranch. Taylor begrudgingly accepts the terms, but Sarah’s ultimatums come at a cost… she realizes she is losing her sons affection and respect. An unexpected tragedy intervenes. Is it too late for Sarah and Grayson to make Taylors world complete?

Will they have A Second Chance?

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Gloria Antypowich

Gloria Antypowich writes Contemporary Adult Fiction. In 2015 she published the Belanger Creek Ranch Series, a group of four books that can be read as standalone, but will enrich the readers experience if they are read in sequence. The series focuses on a group of people who have become as close as family because of the friendships they have created through their business relationships with the Belanger Creek Ranch.
Gloria grew up on a farm and most of her married life has been lived on a ranch. Human relationships fascinate her. Ideas for stories can be found everywhere; over-heard conversations in a public place, a couple fighting in a restaurant, a story in the news, even a chance remark in a conversation with a friend. She is enamored with the power of words and she loves to use them to paint images of characters that become so real, they feel like they could be your next door neighbor.
She does not believe that relationships are merrily "happy ever after." Relationships require commitment, give and take, compromise and consideration for each other: in other words they take work! Each individual has their own ideas, beliefs and needs. Environment, upbringing and life experiences affect their personality and character. Nothing is simple or automatically agreeable.
Gloria is an avid reader of several different genres and listens to a wide selection of music. A good game of cards, sharing a laugh with a friend over a glass of wine and spending time with her family are a few of her favorite things to do. She loves to write and says her husband was her inspiration for the heroes in this series of books. He was a cowboy, a rancher--and a lover. Gloria lives with her husband, in the central interior of British Columbia, Canada. They are retired now, but they still have "chemistry".
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Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Horsefly, British Columbia, Canada? I’m proud to be a writer no matter where I live! However, Horsefly is a very small community and there are not many writers who live here…in fact as far as I know, my husband and I are the only ones. I published two books in 2011 and early in 2012—and the support from the people in Horsefly was incredible. Then my husband decided to publish his hunting experiences and his memoir, so I put my writing aside until late 2013 to help him. To date he has published six books, but I did not edit or do anything more than facilitate the publishing of the last four books. In 2014 I rewrote my first book (Hearts at Risk) and tidied up the second one (You can Run) and republished them as Books One and Two of a new Series—The Belanger Creek Ranch Series. I added two more books to complete the Series. The books are on Amazon, but my local supports are waiting for me to put them into the local stores.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? I’ve always been enamored by the power of words, and I’ve been an avid reader since my early teens. My mother read Harlequin Romances, and so did I.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I didn’t start writing until I bought my first computer after we moved to Horsefly in the 1970’s. During that period in my life, I attended three RWA conventions and listened to Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel and Debbie Macomber speak—all authors who I admired and whose books I had been reading. Vanessa Grant and I shared a room at one of those conventions, and we became friends. She read the first drafts of “Hearts At Risk” and introduced me to an agent, who took the book to Harlequin. I got a very polite rejection—they had too many ranch stories at that time. My husband isn’t a romance reader and when the manuscript wasn’t snapped up immediately, he encouraged me to write something different.Instead, I became a traveling sales person for five years, and then life carried me along different paths. My children grew up and got married. I became a besotted grandmother, and then my husband and I retired and our life took on another dimension. I didn’t give another thought to publishing until a friend who we had met in retirement, published a book through Xlibris in 2010. Suddenly a spark was ignited and I brought out the old manuscript, polished it a bit and sent it to Xlibris. Both of our books pretty much bombed, and I discovered that marketing is a very complex and difficult part of being an author. I’ve learned a lot about my writing skills, as well as marketing a book during the past four years!
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 loving home. I was the oldest child, and my mother and I were best friends. Learning to read from her example was a wonderful thing. I married a farmer, who became a rancher so it was easy for me to write this series of books, and draw upon my life experiences. A climatic point in “A Second Chance, Book Four of The Belanger Creek Ranch Series” is a dramatized version of what actually happened to me in real life. I will tell you that the incident put a deep seated fear of cows and their new babies that stayed with me for many years.
Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? This makes me chuckle! I invariably change the title many times before I settle on the one that works for me. “The Hand of Fate, Book Three of The Belanger Ranch Series” was originally going to be “The Bastard and The Barren.” My husband saw the file on my computer and was dismayed…although I did not change the title because of that. At one point it was going to be called “The Gift” and then when I did the final edit, I decided that “The Hand of Fate” best suited the book.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write Contemporary fiction/Western Romance. I do not write text-book romance, but my books definitely have a strong romance theme. Before Jen Blood became so successful with Adian Enterprises, I had her do analyses of the Belanger Creek Ranch Series, and she suggested I go with Western Romance. I am fascinated by human relationships and I believe in the power of love, so it is natural for me to write about love, romance and relationships.
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? When I rewrote the book that is now “The Second Time Around, Book One of The Belanger Creek Ranch Series,” I decided to draw attention to the effects of mild depression and how it affects the life of the person who deals with it. I am not a stranger to the mild form of depression myself, and I have seen the illness in many people—some who have plumbed the very depths.It is not the focal issue of the book, but it is the impetus for the story line. One reviewer wrote “The Second Time Around is one in a series of western romance novels by Gloria Antypowich who demonstrates a good knowledge of human nature in this take of a woman who has suffered three devastating losses in a short period, something most of us have also experienced. … My main interest was in how she handled Frank’s depression and although, she does not belabor the issue, Frank’s attitudes and behaviors reflect the condition well…I was delighted with this review (even though it was not a 5 star) because it made me feel that I had accomplished what I set out to do. Depression is a mental illness, and many people are embarrassed that they suffer from it, but they would not hesitate to go to a doctor for heart trouble or cancer. Mental health issues are very prevalent in today’s society and we need to bring them to light.—Oh my—now I need to step down from my soap box!!
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? When I wrote Full Circle, Book Two of The Belanger Creek Series the writing process was amazing to me. It was almost a “spiritual” experience, in that it felt like the words just flowed from my subconscious. I wrote for hours on end, and when I got tired or reached a plateau, I’d either take a nap or go to bed for the night. When I went back to the computer, in no time the words began to flow again. One reader told me that as she read it, she felt like she was watching a movie.
Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? When I published my first two books, I should have been more cognizant of my own writing career, instead of putting everything aside to help my husband with his books. I lost all momentum when I did that, but I also learned a lot about writing and marketing in that period of time. My husband is a terrific one on one marketer, whereas going out into the public and promoting my book is a difficult thing for me to do.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? There is nothing that compares with the thrill of having a stranger come up to you and tell you that they absolutely loved your books! This has happened to me several times, and locally I have followers who are constantly asking WHEN the next one will be out. That is thrilling.
Have you had a negative experience in your publishing journey? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? I am not going to knock any of the assisted publishing companies, but even though they tell you that you have full rights and control of your books, my experience is that they own the live files. Because I live in Canada, I would like to have had books printed here for local use, but when I pressed for the “live” files, I was told that I would have to pay a substantial amount for them and my contract with the company would be terminated. I worked with two different companies when I first published, and that was true for both of them. When I published The Belanger Creek Ranch Series, I used CreateSpace and Amazon Kindle—and I have my files to do what I want with. If I decide to print in Canada, I can change out the ASIN and ISBN numbers and replace them with the ones I get at no cost in my home country. I’m not saying it’s perfect—I wouldn’t know since I’m really a newbee at all this—but I am much more comfortable. Making changes to a cover is simple, changing the inside of the book is simple this way. And I believe changing the price is simpler too.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Anything is possible! If you love to write, do it for that very reason and go for it!!
Who is your favorite author and why? I read so many genres—I can’t say I have a favorite author. One book that stays in my mind is Windfall by L.J. Martin—I loved that book. I am a big Claude Bouchard fan and I read every one of his Vigilante Series. I absolutely loved Melissa Foster’s books Megan’s Way and Come Back To Me. And then there is Widow, Virgin, Whore by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Then of course there is Kathleen Ball, Linda Lael Miller, Juliette Douglas, Stacy Eaton, Bev Pettersen, Giacomo Giammatteo, R.E. Donald, Bobby Hutchinson, Linda Gillard, Francis Guenette, Vanessa Grant, JD Robb/Nora Roberts, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult, Danielle Steel….I could go on and on!
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The Second Time Around by Gloria Antypowich
Book One: Belanger Creek Ranch Series
Sparks fly when Frank Lamonte and Colt Thompson meet. There is an explosion of anger, based on misinformation and suspicion: but there is also an undeniable attraction. Thirty-six fateful hours set the stage for a lifetime of consequences.
Veterinarian, Frank Lamonte, comes to Belanger Creek Ranch to work as a ranch hand after her boss recognizes her growing symptoms of depression and insists she take a leave of absence. She is reeling from a series of emotional blows, the final one being a broken engagement. He tells her to leave town for a while and give her ravaged emotions a chance to heal, without constantly facing reminders of the past. She's determined to get better quickly, and nothing will stand in her way.…that is, until she meets the owner of Belanger Creek Ranch. Her attraction to him could end her plans, even though she thinks otherwise.
After divorcing the cheating wife who destroyed his dreams, Colt Thompson has become a bitter and cynical man. Being vulnerable once broke his heart; allowing it to happen twice will never happen. He will make certain that he never falls in love again. When he finds Frank Lamonte at the ranch, he makes up his mind that she is a liar and a cheat. He will not let himself be attracted to her, even though the tension sizzles.
Will Frank and Colt open their hearts to true love? Or, will Colt do everything he can to protect his heart?
Will he wed Shauna Lee Holt, his “friends with benefits” woman; a woman he doesn’t love?
Will Frank take a risk and make him think again?
Will she settle back into the state of depression that resulted in her coming to Belanger Creek Ranch?
When Dr. Jason Winters DVM arbitrarily put her on leave of absence, he told her to deal with her emotional trauma. He promised that her job as a veterinarian at his clinic would be waiting, when she was mentally healthy.
Will she jeopardize all her opportunities?
Heartache lies ahead for these two intractable characters, and neither one of them will make wise choices along the way.
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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for The Second Time Around
(Belanger Creek Ranch Book 1) by Gloria Antypowich
It is refreshing to read a romance that not only satisfies the readers desire to read this genre, but also teaches an important life lesson.
‘The Second Time Around’ is the first book in the Belanger Creek Ranch series. Well-developed characters like veterinarian Frank Lamonte (Female), Dr. Jason Winters (DVM) and Colt Thompson(Owner of the Belanger Creek Ranch in Saskatchewan, Canada) to name a few, bring real life issues into normal life settings where the reader can relax and relate in one or more ways.
When courage comes before comfort to assist a friend, co-worker and employee to seek the help needed for a depressional episode, the main character can not only find help, relief, time and the environment to promote healing, she can overcome the root cause of her depression and help a man that comes into her life to live and love again.
Realistic, warm, touching and romantic with writing that draws the reader into the story. Author Gloria Antypwich brings her own experiences, environment and fascination with human nature to the table in her creative process.
In my reviews I always quote at least one passage to show the writer’s style and intent I am very careful not to spoil the story for you the reader. I quote from page 62.

“The Thunder Breeding Hills, she mused as she fanned herself with her hat, appreciating the movement of air as it wafted across her face. Native people had called the Cypress Hills that, because they thought they were the home and breeding ground of the storms. She lifted her face to the sky. The night was going to be spectacular. It was a good thing she wasn’t afraid of thunder and lightning, or being by herself.
When she stepped out of the tub an hour later, a loud clap of thunder shattered the night. Within seconds, rain sluiced down in a torrent. Frank dried off, wrapped a fresh towel sarong-fashion around her body, and then stepped back into the bedroom. Shaking her hair loose around her shoulders, she went to stand at the window. She smiled as she watched the welcome drops bounce on the cement walk below. Their pounding rhythm on the roof was almost exciting, and she was stirred by the sound of it as she ran her fingers through her heavy, damp hair. She turned to pick up the electric hair dryer and a styling brush and worked her hair until it floated around her shoulders like a soft, fragrant cloak. Fiery lights glinted off it like sparks borrowed from the lightning that pierced the evening sky.”Cold Coffee Press Endorses ‘The Second Time Around’ (Belanger Creek Ranch Book 1) by Gloria Antypowich as a Contemporary Adult Romance inspired by her husband (they are both retired) who is the love of her life. This book was reviewed from a Kindle/PDF version. The review was completed on July 22, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com
Amazon Author’s PageAmazon Customer ReviewsAmazon Print Purchase LinkKindle Purchase Link
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Full Circle by Gloria Antypowich
Book Two: Belanger Creek Ranch Series

“Shauna Lee, I told you I’m a hunter. I have hunted cougars in the wild. That is where I like to keep them: in the wild; with me doing the stalking.” Her face went scarlet. “Are you calling me a cougar?” she asked, indignantly.

Twenty years ago, eighteen-year-old Shauna Lee Holt rose like a phoenix, out of the ashes of tragedy. Fierce determination focused her drive for independence. After graduation, she worked non-stop, scrimping and saving every penny. She purchased Swift Current Accounting and Bookkeeping Service. Now she is regarded as a successful accountant in the business community: but no one knows her personal, private hell.

Brad Johnson recently moved to Swift Current, where he set up Windspeer Energy; a company specializing in small wind energy turbines. Brad feels an undeniable attraction to Shauna Lee, but he refuses to play her “nothing serious, no strings attached” game.

As time passes, he falls head over heels in love with this tormented woman. Shocking fragments of her tragic past come to light, and he begins to realize that she may never be able to give him the emotional connection he desperately desires.

This is a stand-alone book in the series, but the lives of Colt and Frank Thompson are woven into Brad Johnson and Shauna Lee Holt’s story. The couple, who seem to have everything, discover that grief and pain are no respecters of person. When they face the unimaginable, will their relationship be shaken beyond repair?

This is a story of wrath, hatred, murder, betrayal, denial, and unconditional love.

Amazon Author’s Page
Amazon Print Purchase Link

************************
The Hand of Fate by Gloria Antypowich
Book Three: Belanger Creek Ranch Series

Tim glared at Christina. “I guess I get the floor.”

“Quit being an ass and get a grip on yourself. There is no need for anyone to sleep on the floor. I’m sure we are mature enough to make the best of this rotten situation. I’m not going freak out if your leg touches mine. It’s not as if either of us is interested in anything other than sleep and keeping warm.”

He stared at her. “Are you suggesting we share the bed?”

Thirty-eight-year-old Christina Holmes is the office manager at Swift Current Accounting and Bookkeeping Services. On the surface, she is a happy person that everyone likes, but in her heart, she carries pain. She has MRHK syndrome.

Her marriage had deteriorated because of the rare congenital condition, and it ended in humiliation for her. The experience is a secret that Christina has not shared with anyone since she came to Swift Current. She has avoided intimate relationships, feeling less than a woman, and ashamed of the hand that nature dealt her. She has allowed her condition to define her, making her certain that no one will love her as she is.

Forty-eight-year-old Tim Bates came to Swift Current four years ago, when Colt Thompson hired him to manage Cantaur Farm. Forsaken by his stepfamily, Tim was reeling from a contested family will, and an ugly divorce filed by his wife who had never truly loved him. He was bitter and angry, trusted no one and despised women.

When he first arrived, Christina thought of Tim as a cold fish, and Tim saw Christina as an officious bitch. However, during the past four years the two of them have developed a comfortable relationship: but it isn’t the kind that comes with intimacy, or fringe benefits.

When Tim Bates finds a picture on the old ranch hand’s desk at Belanger Creek Ranch, he is stunned. He reacts with suspicion that turns into feelings of betrayal and anger. The picture becomes the focus of a mystery that involves people at the ranch: people who have been friends for years. The answers could forever change the lives of those involved.

Tim discovers that what he has always believed about his birth is not true. Shaken, he turns to Christina for friendship and support.

Sometimes The Hand of Fate intervenes. Will it bring unexpected miracles into the lives of these two friends?
This is a story of family ties, unconditional love, loyalty, powerful friendships, sacrifice, mystery and the realization of dreams that seem impossible.

This can be read as a stand-alone book in the Belanger Creek Ranch Series. The lives of Colt and Frank Thompson (The Second Time Around, Book One) and Shauna Lee and Brad Johnson (Full Circle, Book Two) intertwine with those of Tim Bates and Christina Holmes in this work of fiction.

Amazon Author’s Page
Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link

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A Second Chance by Gloria Antypowich
Book Four: Belanger Creek Ranch Series

“No!” Taylor’s cry was a wail. “I don’t want to move again........

“Taylor, I’m your mother. You’ll listen to me.”

Taylor’s look became set and stubborn. “I am not moving again and... I’m not leaving Grayson. You’re wrong about him. I know it!”

When Sarah Brite arrives at Belanger Creek Ranch, it's like a sanctuary from her troubles, even though she can never totally relax. She is always looking over her shoulder—alert and waiting to run. The ranch is a vast rural area, a place where it doesn’t seem likely that her son's violent father would find them.

The ranch ‘family’ is a close knit group consisting of co-workers and the owners, Colt and Frank Thompson. They all look out for each other. There's only one thing that makes Sarah uneasy… that's gentle, friendly Grayson McNaughton.

Her son, Taylor immediately bonds with Grayson. This disquiets Sarah. Grayson is a nice enough man, but Taylor makes it increasingly clear that he would love it if they became a family. Sarah decides to share her dark secret with Grayson so he will understand why he can never be Taylor’s father. He is filled with compassion and insists she share her fears with the Thompsons, who stand staunchly behind her.

Sarah relaxes, and begins to want to make Taylor’s wish a reality. However, Grayson McNaughton has a secret of his own; he had destroyed a man’s life, and he was charged but not convicted of aggravated assault, eight years before he came to the ranch.

Burdened with deep-seated guilt, he chooses to live in obscurity and hideaway in pain. He loves Sarah, and as they gradually grow closer, he knows he has to be honest with her, so even though it may jeopardize their relationship, he shares his painful past.

Sarah is devastated; furious that she has let him get close to her son. Even though she does not have all of the facts, she immediately labels Grayson as a violent person. She has had enough violence and fear in her life, and she doesn’t want to expose Taylor to it. She is ready to pack up and run again, but Taylor is older now and he isn’t having it. He loves Grayson and is through with running. He digs in his heels, ready to fight his mother.

Colt Thompson offers a solution to Sarah that will allow everyone to stay at the ranch. Taylor begrudgingly accepts the terms, but Sarah’s ultimatums come at a cost… she realizes she is losing her sons affection and respect. An unexpected tragedy intervenes. Is it too late for Sarah and Grayson to make Taylors world complete?

Will they have A Second Chance?

Amazon Author’s Page
Amazon Print Purchase Link


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Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Sophia’s Web: A Passionate Call to Heal Our Wounded Nature by Burl Benson Hall with Merry Stetson Hall

Sophia's Web: A Passionate Call To Heal Our Wounded Nature
by Burl Benson and Merry Stetson Hall
Sophia, the Spirit of Wisdom, has woven the multi-dimensional aspects of our lives—personal, relational, cultural, intellectual, scientific, philosophical, and spiritual—into a cosmic web. Burl Hall follows the thread within this web that connects his research in these fields to his personal mystical experience. In Sophia’s Web: A Passionate Call to Heal Our Wounded Nature, he takes the reader with him ever deeper into the heart of divine Wisdom. Sophia’s Web encourages readers to discover how they can co-create individual, planetary and universal health. It examines Burl Hall’s individual dreams, visions, passions, and missions, in the light of Wisdom (Sophia) shared by great thinkers in all disciplines.

Key topics in the book include:
Sophia, Goddess of WisdomThe Cosmic Web Uniting Philosophy, Religion, Science, Mythology, and Personal ExperienceOur Passionate Call to Heal Our Wounded NatureUnity within Diversity and Diversity within UnityThe Essential Power of the FeminineThe Destructiveness of Our Modern Corporate Emphasis on StandardizationFreeing Ourselves from the Dominant Patriarchal, Top-Down Social StructureOur Current Converging Crises Calling for Conscious Human EvolutionCo-Creating Individual, Planetary, and Universal HealthIntegrating Vision, Mission, and PassionHow Myths, Both Ancient and Modern, Relate to Our Lives and Our CultureAn Invitation to Become the Saving Grace You Were Born to Be**************************
Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Sophia’s Web: A Passionate Call to Heal Our Wounded Nature by Burl Benson Hall with Merry Stetson Hall
Have you ever felt drawn into a moving thread of energy that is beyond yourself and seemingly beyond this earthly plane?

Burl Benson Hall began his journey into this universal energy thread around the age of four. His mystic guide, named “Sophia” in Greek mythology and early Christian writings, teaches Burl to experience and understand the feminine and the masculine forces that make up the energy in our universe.

Mystic, philosopher and author Burl Benson Hall brings his experiences, vision, passion and mission to heal our individual inner wounded nature, the natural world around us (our planet) and all of humankind in his book, Sophia’s Web. He transforms a complicated philosophical theory into layman’s terms using his own experiences, poetry, scripture, parables and metaphors. For an example: “She reaches mightily from one end of the Earth to the other and while remaining in herself, she renews all things….and orders all things well. Solomon 7:27, 8:1”

In her foreword to Sophia’s Web Carolyn Baker, author of Collapsing Consciously says: “Sophia’s Web is the saga of Burl Hall’s journey from fleeting visions of Sophia in childhood to a mature, surrendered embrace of the Sacred Feminine which now underpins and informs his life, his work, and his connection with the earth community.”

In my reviews I always quote passages so the reader can get a sense of the author’s style and purpose. These are direct quotations from Sophia’s Web:

“Sophia is the archetypal image of the feminine principle and thus partner to the masculine god. She is present in all traditions, mythologies, and religions-in Hinduism she is Shakti, in Egyptian myth she is called Isis. Traditionally it is in the gnostic, mystical, and alchemical traditions that the feminine face of the divine is central and present.”

“This book purpose, then is to bring peace through the integration of seemingly opposing forces.”

“In order to achieve this peace, much emotional and spiritual work is required, but in Sophia’s Web, Burl and Merry Hall tantalize us with the rewards of doing that work and compel us to embrace the journey with Sophia, “for indeed our lives and our planet depend on it.”

Cold Coffee Press Endorses Sophia’s Web: A Passionate Call to Heal Our Wounded Nature by Burl Benson Hall as a personal, relational, intellectual, scientific and spiritual resource for those seeking inner healing and a desire to commune with nature and deity to heal our mother earth. This book was given to us to review in a Kindle e-book format. The review was completed on July 16, 2015. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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