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May 4, 2018

The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira

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Published on May 04, 2018 12:04

Waif: A Sammy Shovel Novel Book Three by Ronald M. James

Waif: A Sammy Shovel Novel Book Three by Ronald M. James
San Francisco’s Private Investigator Sammy Shovel is determined to unravel the truth at whatever costs. Whether or not you have been following the Sammy Shovel mystery novels or this is your first one; dust off your sleuth skills and join in the hunt. Let’s recap as Author Ronald M. James keeps writing.

Book One: An Adventurous Night: introduces us to a “short, slightly overweight, balding” PI that (who?) “sinks his teeth into (each) case” and never loses his grip. (How about adding he's despised by the SFPD and will take on repo jobs for a buck or two.)

Book Two: Too Beautiful For Words shows us that Sammy Shovel (wants to change his rotten attitude and the reader is introduces to a world class European courtesan named Zondair. She becomes his on and off again secretary in the next book Waif).

Book Three: Waif is set in 1994. Zoë Hummerstein hires Detective Sammy Shovel to solve a twenty-two-year old murder that convicted her father (Herman Ziece) of murdering his wholesale liquor business competitor. With characters that keep any sleuth on his or her toes, twists and turns that kept me engaged, I invite you to step into Sammy’s office as Zoë retrieves a checkbook from her purse. Sammy notices the word ‘Coach’ burned on the leather checkbook as she hands him a check for his retainer. Mostly it is a waiting game when greed, hate, (police corruption) and seduction trumps sanity.

Questions mount as Sammy examines photos, documents and begin his detective work. Instincts tell him that things may or may not be as they seem. Sometimes you have to dig deeper and drudge up old memories that people have put to rest. I quote:

“Good morning. Is this Carolyn Cross?”
“Yes—but we’re not buying anything at this time.” Carolyn answered, hesitantly.
“Carolyn, I’m Samuel Shovel. I'm a private investigator. I received your name from Gary Betts—” Building on the lie, he started with Gary, he added, “I’m investigating SFPD corruption that occurred in the past.”
“I don’t understand, how past?”
“Over twenty years ago, when your sister died.” “Oh dear, that was so long ago.”
“Unquestionably to you, but to Gary, it seems like yesterday. Do you recall the events that took place around the time your sister fell to her death?”

Like in the golden age with Kojack, Columbo, Jim Rockford (the list goes on and on), PI Sammy Shovel has his own style of digging up archives, dredging up memories and using every tool in his investigative tool chest.

Stay tuned for Author Ronald M. James next mystery titled Flame Man: Sammy meets his match and is almost killed. “What a lovely spring day. Let’s find a corpse.” Other stand-alone books include Harrington Manor and The Two Jacks by Ronald M. James.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse and encourage you to read Waif (A Sammy Shovel Novel Book Three) by Ronald M. James. I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on January 27, 2018.

Amazon Print
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Published on May 04, 2018 12:03

The Mystery Alliance: Prequel to Evian's Saga (The Myste...

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Published on May 04, 2018 12:02

April 30, 2018

Open The Door

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Published on April 30, 2018 13:03

March 24, 2018

The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira

The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
Remember The Taqueria

When vigilantes gun down her uncle during an illegal border crossing, an idealistic young Mexican woman decides to make a dramatic political statement by leading a strike force to recapture the Alamo. Then international spies, Hollywood celebrities, the American President, the whole Mexican army, and a teenage kid with a tank become involved... and everything spins out of control

Cold Coffee Review: In this very funny and interesting read, a dreamy young Mexican woman name Claudia Madero joins a group who tries to cross the US/Mexican border illegally and is shot at by American vigilantes.

Her aging uncle is mortally wounded in the incident, and - after being returned to her hometown - she partners with a local priest and a successful merchant in an attempt to make a dramatic statement about the negative consequences of US border policies.
Why not recapture the Alamo, she decides, draw the attention of the press, and force an honest debate about the issue.

Of course, there are bungling players on all sides of this comedy, and Claudia and her “Army” end up liberating, not the real Alamo, but a Taqueria designed as a replica of the historic shrine. It doesn’t seem to matter though. The US President decides that he too wants to make a statement and so he sends the US Marines to confront her.

No matter what your political view, we feel that it is important that everyone be informed about both sides of this complex and difficult issue. This is not the time to ignore current events and become a bystander.

If you like Saturday Night Live, you will love this book. I could see some chapters as a skit with the actor Alic Baldwin cast as Donald Trump.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria as a powerful but humorous presentation of an important side of the immigration issue and perhaps a warning about apocalyptic consequences. I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on February 27, 2018.

Genre: Humor, Satire

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Alamo-Taqueria-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/dp/B079XVHKSK/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519325219&sr=1-2&keywords=THE+BATTLE+FOR+THE+ALAMO+TAQUERIA#customerReviews

Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998980617/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519325219&sr=1-1&keywords=THE+BATTLE+FOR+THE+ALAMO+TAQUERIA

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Alamo-Taqueria-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/dp/B079XVHKSK/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519325219&sr=1-2&keywords=THE+BATTLE+FOR+THE+ALAMO+TAQUERIA

************************ The Witch Within Her by Nick Iuppa
The Witch Within Her (sequel to Taken By Witches).

Sexy, Stunning, Relentless Horror

A possessed child is caught in a war between witches!

Spanning centuries of horror and witchcraft, the powerful sequel to Taken By Witches tells how Babcia Czarownica, the greatest of all witches, does battle with far more seductive members of her craft. She must confront a lustful priest, a predatory lover, a vengeful undead beauty, and the unspeakable evil hiding at the top of Rapunzel’s Tower... all to save her beloved grandson and his family from utter annihilation. And she must accomplish all this while sharing the body of an eight-year-old girl.

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Literature & Fiction, Horror

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Within-Her-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/dp/B06XZ6NFSM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=#customerReviews

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Within-Her-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/dp/B06XZ6NFSM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

************************ Esteban Meets Alicia by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
As two escaped convicts and the worst sandstorm in recorded memory descend on the little town of La Sentencia, Arizona, Esteban Dorantes encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman. She advises him that (like his great, great grandfather before him) he must set off on a quest in search of the fabled seven cities of gold... to save La Sentencia. She adds that she too has a quest... to find the man who murdered her.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Supernatural, Ghosts, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal & Urban

Amazon Print Purchase Link
https://www.amazon.com/Esteban-Meets-Alicia-Nick-Iuppa/dp/1520482523/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1495650602&sr=8-2

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Esteban-Meets-Alicia-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/dp/B01NBEWW77/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1495650602&sr=8-2

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Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
Magical Madness

A fireball launches itself from the Arizona desert leaving behind three camels, a magical jukebox, and a five-year-old girl who only speaks Italian.

Soon, the nearby town of La Sentencia is reeling from a series of disasters. The copper mine, which supports the town, shuts down leaving most of the population unemployed. Massive sandstorms batter the place. And then the Devlin Lucero shows up. He seduces a pretty substitute teacher and then uses her to spread greed, anger, and vengeance everywhere.

In the face of all these trials, Esteban Dorantes decides to retrace the steps of his great, great grandfather, who once led a quest to find the Seven Cities of Gold. Aided by the camels, the wisdom of the little girl, and the spirit of the magical jukebox, he hopes to locate a great treasure and bring it back to save La Sentencia.

Esteban is accompanied by Ceci Moreno, his old high school sweetheart, the only person in town who doesn't think he's a madman. But Ceci is still in love Gabriel Romo, another dreamer who somehow feels he can bargain with the devil to save the mine and the town.

Wacky, scary and spectacular, Esteban's Quest blends science fiction, Aztec lore, classic horror, and offbeat humor into an unforgettable tale of love, destiny, magic, and redemption.

Cold Coffee Review: Step aside Indiana Jones. There’s a new adventurer in town. Esteban Dorantes may be a little more reluctant, but he has an even greater sense of destiny than even Dr. Jones.

Dorantes is goaded by the desperate needs of his impoverished hometown and visions of his great, great grandfather... an African slave who once led Spanish Conquistadors on the first quest for the Seven Cities of Gold.

The story opens in the Arabian Desert where a wall of wind a mile high and a hundred miles wide, roars though an oasis carrying off a husband and wife team of archeologists but leaving behind their five-year-old daughter.

We move to La Sentencia, a small town in Arizona, which is devastated by its own windstorms and other disasters including the immanent closing of a copper mine... the only business in that part of the state.

What’s the link between these two desolate desert locations... the little Italian girl who suddenly shows up on the winds of a sandstorm to advise the residents in Arizona? And then there’s an ancient artifact that may have been left by space travelers. Does it hold the key to the building of great earthly civilizations... and the salvation of La Sentencia?

Esteban Dorantes must have some sense of all this as he decides, at the little girl’s bidding, to takes up his great grand-fathers quest for The Golden Cities and save his home town in the process.

The novel’s fifty-six chapters of action-packed adventure may surpass some of the greatest quests ever told, with its Aztec lore, science fiction spacecraft, magical jukebox, a destiny that spans generations, horror, humor, three camels, talking coyotes, a very sexy substitute high school teacher, the devil himself, and, of course, a love story.

I invite everyone to read Esteban's Quest and experience this compelling tale for themselves.
I, Theodocia Mclean, endorse Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira. And we encourage you to purchase other books by the team including: The Carlos Mann Trilogy (Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched) and Avenging Adelita (romance), in addition to the stand-alone novels by Nick Iuppa include Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games (fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project) and Taken by Witches (a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales). I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on July 26, 2016.

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01INXLN38/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk#customerReviews

Amazon Print Purchase Link
https://www.amazon.com/Estebans-Quest-Nick-Iuppa/dp/0986324167/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1469462873&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=951fa0074546c0f658a30744455f6495

Kindle
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************************ Taken By Witches by Nick Iuppa
When he was a child, Niko Madonie was terrified of his over-protective grandmother. Somehow, he knew she was a witch possessed of overwhelming supernatural powers and determined to save him from the real and imagined dangers of the modern world.

Now a successful writer in Hollywood, Niko is helping create an animated version of Hansel and Gretel while he struggles to protect his beautiful young wife from sexy, New Age witches who hope to sacrifice her to please the ancient crone.

This is an epic horror romance set against a background of legends, with complex villains, a magical young couple, and a storyline straight from the darkest pages of the Brothers Grimm.

Cold Coffee Review: If you have ever thought that reading Grimm’s Fairy Tales to your children or grandchildren might frighten them, then you’d better keep the lights on while reading Taken by Witches to yourself.

Author Nick Iuppa asks questions you might not ask aloud. “Do witches exist; where does their power come from, and to what ends will they use it?”

Masterfully written, this multifaceted story begins in the small Polish village of Zakopane high in the Carpathian Mountains. A warlock skillfully tells the story to a shopkeeper and his young daughter after he returns a collection of gruesome masks that the shopkeeper once sent to America so they wouldn’t fall into the hands of the Nazis. The masks are all images of the same woman, a witch named Babcia (pronounced Bob-cha) the Polish name for grandmother.

The warlock’s story begins with a young boy named Niko Madonie who realizes that his grandmother has supernatural powers that terrify him up until the day she dies. As an adult, Niko marries and becomes a successful writer in Hollywood. But even there he is haunted by memories of Babcia and he finds he must struggle to protect his wife from new age witches who decide to sacrifice the beautiful young woman to please the ancient crone.

Imagine Babcia’s evil smell: (the stench of blood sausage mixed with the spicy sweetness of gingerbread) and realize that ancient history doesn’t always stay in the past. Centuries after Niko’s grandmother lost her first baby to medieval witch hunters, she bears a new family to a new husband in a new land, America. But even in this future place and time, she remembers the vow she made when the infant was murdered: “Atrocities to her loved ones will never happen again,” no matter what the consequences.

Author Nick Iuppa has impressive credentials as the former Creative Director of Paramount Pictures’ Digital Entertainment, Head of Apple Computer’s Learning Technologies Group, and Writer for the Wonderful World of Disney.

I Theodocia Mclean, endorse Taken by Witches by Nick Iuppa as a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which first brought the essence of ancient witchcraft into America’s bedtime stories. Nick’s other novels include Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched, Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games, and Avenging Adelita. I purchased this book from Kindle. This reviewed was completed on November 12, 2015.

Customer Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0986324140?keywords=Taken%20By%20Witches&qid=1446740451&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Amazon Print Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0986324140/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0986324140&linkCode=as2&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=MGHKOZ5WQRO2324D

Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178X2V58/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0178X2V58&linkCode=as2&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=U63J2YS2HJOXKR74

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Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games by Nick Iuppa
"Nick Iuppa loops a brilliant mix of technology, romance, military lore, and vampires into a terrifying, sexy spree in the Swiss Alps. The details are 3D. If you're looking for a heart-pounder, this is it." S.B. Stinnet

The castle of 15th century duchess Elizabeth Laskaar looks down on the little Swiss village of Murdenwald and the secretive military complex nearby. There, the UN hopes to end world conflict with a vast military simulation that will dramatize the apocalypse that will follow the next major war. To head the project, they hire notorious Hollywood producer Donald Vito, master of explosive action adventures, who still mourns the murder of his teenage love in the 1950s.

Vito and the simulation team use new technology to build hundreds of virtual soldiers and terrorists you can touch, speak to, and reason with. But they also begin to feel the influence of Elizabeth Laskaar. She’s often called Bloody Bess – the first real vampire – because she maintained her youthful beauty by slaughtering her maidservants and bathing in their blood.

Recklessly inspired by their surroundings, the team creates a virtual vampire that soon takes on the characteristics of Elizabeth’s magnificent, long-dead husband. Soon, he and Bess stalk the compound, seducing everyone working on the project, until vampire blood surges beyond the humans to the virtual characters with unthinkable consequences. In the end, perhaps, only the power of Vito’s long-lost love can save humanity.

Cold Coffee Review: Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games is a magnificent fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project. The Doomsday Games, as the project is called, involves a team of international scientists, engineers, and military personnel who gather in the ancient town of Murdenwald, Switzerland, to do no less then put an end to war.

Nick Iuppa developed a cast of authentic and unique characters like Elizabeth Laskaar (Duchess of Hungry) known as “Bloody Bess” to her victims in 1580 in the small village of Nyirbator Hungary. She prowled the streets of Murdenwald seeking out young women to murder so that she could bathe in their blood. Her husband Ferenc, some say, is still the director of the town’s ancient library. A most beautiful man with midnight blue eyes, he waits for naïve young women to come to his tower and aid him in his evil work. Then there’s Donny Vito, the world’s greatest film producer, called upon by the U. S. President to breathe life into the Doomsday Games. Elli Capadonico is the girl Donny loved in his youth; she fell victim to Arnie Cudgel, an obsessive young man with both romantic and sadistic intentions. The cast also includes scientists, mathematicians, military personnel, writers, artists, technicians, Chu Yun Trang (the director of a rogue nation seeking to build nuclear weapons), and a myriad of simulated characters who populate the virtual Armageddon.

Nick’s highly descriptive writing takes the reader from the Middles Ages to a 1950s high school romance, to mysteries surrounding the ‘knowledge’ held in the ancient Murdenwald Library, to the International Simulation Center itself where the final challenge becomes solving “the God Problem.” Nick weaves these stories together so skillfully that the separate lines merge to become plot twists in an amazing and unexpected ending.

The author, Nick Iuppa, is the son of a prominent Rochester, New York doctor. Nick attended the University of Notre Dame and did his graduate work at Stanford. Nick’s first job was at MGM Studios in Hollywood where he worked on TV specials with Dr. Seuss and Chuck Jones (creator of the Road Runner). He also had the privilege of writing for the Wonderful World of Disney, working as an instructional designer for Eastman Kodak, leading Bank of America’s in-house TV production group, managing the Learning Technologies Group within Apple Computer, and finally returning to Paramount Pictures in Hollywood where he designed Internet entertainment and built Hollywood-style simulations for the military.

Nick’s extensive travels to Europe have inspired some of his characters and settings. His work history, technical knowledge, and experience have given him the tools and concepts for his novels.
I, Theodocia McLean, endorses Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games by Nick Iuppa for the creative genius of the Doomsday Game. This reviews was completed on October 2, 2014.

Customer Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Bloody-Bess-Doomsday-Games-Iuppa-ebook/product-reviews/B00KSNKBH6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Kindle
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************************ Avenging Adelita by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
A tender romance with a ticking time bomb at its heart.

There’s a bomb on this train. It will explode before you reach your final destination...because you murdered my wife.

University professor Tom McKeever has just lost his wife Adelita to cancer. But the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes she didn’t have to die.

The faculty and administration of the university where he teaches in Mexico played a major role in causing her death.

Now, Tom relives powerful memories of his life with Adelita as he and the rest of the faculty take a train ride into the mountains. He plans to gain revenge by blowing up the train, killing all those who have wronged him and everyone else on board… including himself.

Cold Coffee Review: Nick Iuppa, Author of ‘Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games, has teamed up with John P. Mendoza to bring us another fast-paced, action suspense thriller that will keep readers turning pages and biting their nails.

There’s a large cast of unique characters, many of whom are confined to business class cars on the Copper Canyon Railway as it speeds through the Grand Canyon of Mexico, unaware of the impending man-made disaster that’s about to shatter the serene environment.

Somewhere in the process of grieving for his lost wife, Adelita, his “warrior woman” love, Professor
Tom McKeever walks a thin line between reality and golden memories that keep pulling him back into his-her beauty, delicious aroma, and open arms. The gut wrenching knowledge that there was an experimental cancer treatment that might have saved Adelita’s life, had it not been for the decisions of one man, is more than Tom can bear. The need for revenge seethes like red-hot embers but conflicts with thoughts dredged up from a Catholic School upbringing: “Vengeance is mine, saith the lord!”

Time is running out, but somehow the collateral damage begins to seem more and more defensible, a justifiable murder suicide. Is it? Find out; come ride the rails into Copper Canyon when time is definitely not on your side.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse Avenging Adelita by Nick Iuppa & John P. Mendoza as these two authors give the reader what they have come to expect; great descriptive writing, with dialog and startling transitions from present to past and back again placing the reader in the mind of this widower. This review was completed on December 15, 2014.

Customer Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Avenging-Adelita-John-Mendoza-ebook/product-reviews/B00QHRC198/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt/188-1950596-3999329?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Kindle
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Alicia’s Ghost by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
Carlos Mann Trilogy

"It’s Wonderful, I Love It! I love the characters. And Alicia, OMG, she's so real I think I know her.” B. Escamilla, Palo Alto, CA

"Every time I thought I had it figured out, there was a new twist to the story. I couldn't put it down. Great read!" C. Gallagher, Chicago, IL

Love, Obsession, Murder, Death, Mannequins, Rattlesnakes. Drug Lords, Chinatown, Ghosts, and The World’s Most Haunted Heroine!

The astoundingly beautiful Alicia has ended her modeling career in Mexico City, married the love of her life, helped pay his way through college, settled into a comfortable life in Los Altos, California, and now she’s dead... Murdered.

Her husband, Professor Carlos Mann, has wrapped himself in an obsessive-compulsive disorder to hide from that fact. But when Amy Joy, one of Carlos’s students, is sold into slavery by a Chinese mob that traffics in Asian girls, Alicia returns with a vengeance.

Can Alicia save her man, foil the human traffickers, and destroy her murderer? Overwhelming supernatural forces stand against her. But, hell, that just makes her stronger!

Told in the voices of Carlos and Alicia Mann, Alicia’s Ghost is a funny, imaginative and thrilling ride through the human and spirit worlds of Mexico and the American Southwest.

Customer Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Alicias-Ghost-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/product-reviews/B00CU4RZMK/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Kindle
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Alicia’s Sin by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
Carlos Mann Trilogy

“One damn inventive thrill-ride of a story!” Suzanna B. Stinnett, author of Starship Interlude
Revenge, Murder, Adultery, Obsession, Ghosts, Gypsies, Tigers, Witches, Freud, Mystery, Drug Lords, Chinatown, Mexico, Vienna….and The Spanish Inquisition!

To avenge her parents’ death, sadistic sex trafficker Tiger Joy sends deadly assassins after Carlos and his beautiful ghost wife Alicia. The pair escapes to Cancun where they battle witches and drug lords to help their friend Señor Popcorn win the love of his life. But the Afterlife Judges aren’t happy with Alicia’s temper, and they send her off to anger management therapy with the ghost of Sigmund Freud.

In old Vienna, the spirit of a seductive crown prince tempts Alicia, and then she’s captured by gypsies who put her on display in the Ghost Chamber of their traveling carnival. Alicia commits an unforgivable sin, and it finally gives Tiger Joy the perfect chance for revenge.

Customer Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Alicias-Sin-Nick-Iuppa-ebook/product-reviews/B00GOKG4DW/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Kindle
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Alicia Bewitched by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
The Third Carlos Mann Adventure

Logic Professor Carlos Mann sets out to murder Tiger Joy in her prison cell.

Unfortunately, the gorgeous queen of human traffickers captures him and ships him off to the Yucatan, where the evil witch, La Bruja, uses all her powers to try to weaken and destroy him.
Meanwhile, Alicia calls on friends both living and dead to help save her husband, and in the process, she learns many terrible secrets that were born in the days of the great Mayan Empire … secrets that could save or even destroy Carlos and Alicia.

Customer Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0986324124?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0986324124&linkCode=xm2&tag=colcofpre-20

Amazon Print Purchase Link
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Nick Iuppa

Bio Quote: “I grew up in Rochester New York; my dad was a prominent doctor there. I attended the University of Notre Dame and grew up to marry the prettiest girl in Rochester... by far. (We’re still married.)

I always wanted to work in the movies. My graduate program at Stanford got me an internship at MGM and I worked on TV specials with Dr. Seuss and Chuck Jones (creator of the Road Runner). I became good friends with both of them. Later I wrote for the Wonderful World of Disney and dozens of scripts about Mickey Mouse and his friends for Walt Disney Interactive. I left Hollywood for a while and worked for Eastman Kodak as an Instructional Designer, Bank of America as manager of their TV studios, Hewlett Packard as manager of their creative group, and Apple computer as Manager Of Learning Technologies. When my boss at Apple went to Hollywood, she took me with her. We were back in Hollywood again... but still were able to live in the San Francisco area.

I commuted every week from SF to LA, and we used the accumulated miles to visit Europe. That’s why some of my books have realistic European settings. At Paramount Pictures I designed Internet entertainment and built Hollywood-style training simulations for US Army and the State Department. Through all of this I wrote novels, but I could never get them published even though my friend Dr. Seuss worked with his publishers on my behalf. I found a tech publisher and sold lots of books about the interactive technology, but that wasn’t really what I wanted to be doing. I also had success with a humorous book on management styles called Management By Guilt. Because of the popularity of these kinds of books I was able to get it published by a major publisher, Fawcett Books. It became of Fortune Magazine Book Club Selection.

When I left Paramount I did freelance simulation design for several companies including Leap Frog, The Alaska Fire Service, the Navy and the US Marines. I also continued writing novels. My first sci-fi novel was about a high tech simulation like the ones I worked on for the Army, but this simulation had futuristic technology and was invaded by vampires. I first called it Virtual Vampires but published it as Bloody Bess and the Doomsday Games.

I also wrote other horror novels inspired by Stephen King's deep, creepy characters. Now, I work with a writing partner, John Pesqueira. And even though I do most of the writing, his participation in story development makes things work better. John has a lot of great ideas, and we love developing characters and letting them tell us where the story is supposed to go.

These days, my favorite character is Claudia Madero the driving force in our satirical novel about a group of Mexicans retaking the Alamo. It’s called THE BATTLE FOR THE ALAMO TAQUERIA. Can't get enough of her.

I have expanded on many of the details of my biography and told stories of my adventures in Hollywood in the blog posts that I write at www.nickiuppawrites.com.”

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from San Francisco, Silicon Valley? San Francisco gives me a built-in atmosphere for my stories. Everyone loves the place. So it’s easy for me to write about exotic locations all within driving distance. It has also given me entre to Hollywood, Stanford University, the High Sierras, and the surrounding desert. It rounds out my experience growing up in Upstate New York and going to college in the Midwest.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? My father was a well-know doctor and a world war two hero. But I could tell that he really wanted to become a writer. He talked all his life about the books he wanted to write. But he died relatively young and never got a chance to do it.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? When I was in grade school I wrote a book that the nuns told me they wanted to get published but never did. When I developed a fast friendship with Dr. Seuss, I tried to get several of my children’s books published. But it wasn’t until I retired that I decided to write full time and make a concerted effort to get published. I had written and had published many technical books, but I really didn’t like doing non-fiction. Writing fiction is what I really enjoy.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing, and did you use it to your advantage? I still set parts of my books in Upstate New York. I feel that I know the area very well and can write to the time and place and create that period. Some of my books have biographical elements, especially TAKEN BY WITCHES and THE WITCH WITHIN HER.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? I came up with the title Management by Guilt, in the 70s and then wrote the book. It was my biggest success, picked up by Fawcett Books and released in paperback. I’d like to say I never do it with fiction, but in fact all 3 of the books in our Alicia Trilogy started as titles before we even knew what they were about.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? THE ALAMO TAQUERIA is political satire, which uses humor and parody to make a statement about a political situation. I’ve always loved writing humor and my writing partner, John, has a great sense of it. We always try to include humor in our novels, but The Alamo includes more: exaggerated characters and some extreme situations that are parodies of current events.
But Comedy is not my main focus; it’s Horror. I was afraid of the horror genre all my life, never went to horror movies, had nightmares all the time, which is why I may be good at writing these kinds of books. I’ve written several blog posts about this topic and they are up on my blog site. Originally, I wrote a biographical novel and showed it to famous screenwriter Bill Idelson. The only chapter he liked was the one in which I told how my grandmother always reminded me of a witch and how I was scared to death of her. In the novel I wrote under his direction I explore my relationship with my grandmother under the assumption that she was one of the most powerful witches who ever lived. The book is called TAKEN BY WITCHES.

How many published books do you have? I’ve published 9 novels, 6 technical books, and one humorous management-training book.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? My current writing partner, John Pesqueira, a TV Writer/Director, told me about a movie idea he had. He’s of Mexican descent and feels strongly about the difficult political situation at the border. In his movie concept, a group of Mexicans decide to retake the Alamo as a political statement. We wanted to make it a comedy since the two of us always have a lot of fun throwing ideas back and forth and building on them. Also we know that in many ways satire is one of the most powerful forms of political commentary. We developed the characters and the storyline and eventually wrote a movie treatment that we sent to several producers. When none of them picked it up, we rewrote the treatment as a novel.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I love rewriting. Getting the first draft of a chapter down is painful, but once it’s there I can polish endlessly, that may be why people tell me that my writing is so easy to read, because I polish it maybe twenty times before I think it’s ready for someone else to look at.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Running into people who have read our books and love them is really wonderful. Finding new reviews on Goodreads or Amazon is a real thrill too. I’m not crazy about public appearances or book tours, I did that extensively for Management by Guilt and I found it difficult.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? A good, original story is everything. And they can probably build one from their own experience or personal dreams or nightmares. But almost as importantly, get a good editor and proofreader. I read dozens of books from friends and would-be authors and some of the writing is so bad that it’s a real struggle to get through it. If would-be writers can get the grammar and the spelling right, then I can at least start to concentrate on their story.

Who is your favorite author and why? Stephen King, because of the depth of understanding he provides for his characters. Also his book On Writing is a manual on how to write that I follow religiously.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? There are mountains of background details in my blog. I try to write my posts as though they are short stories about my experiences in Hollywood and as a writer. Also, I almost died of a lung disease when I was 25. That was the subject of my first bio novel, which I later rewrite as a horror story, to greater success. However, I really don’t like to talk or write about that period of my life and promised at the start of my blog that I wouldn’t deal with it.

Please add questions and the answers to any questions that you believe your readers would like to know.
Do I ever fall in love with my female characters? Every damn time!How hard is it to kill off characters you love? It’s murder in every sense of the word.How erotic your novels? We decided to make The Alamo very straightforward and even though there are several love stories going and some very attractive couples we didn’t write any really explicit scenes. On the other hand the Alicia Books are very sexy. Bloody Bess has several explicit scenes, and some very romantic ones. Some of our as yet unpublished novels are much more erotic.Do you write romance novels? I read them for background, but there is generally too much action and adventure and horror for my novels to be considered true romance.Author Nick Iuppa’s Websites
http://www.nickiuppawrites.com/
https://www.nickiuppa.com
http://aliciasghost.com/Welcome.html
https://www.facebook.com/NickVIuppa
Amazon Author’s Page
http://www.amazon.com/Nick-Iuppa/e/B0032Z5IEI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6?qid=1440776251&sr=1-6
Author Nick Iuppa’s Blog
http://www.nickiuppawrites.com/nickiuppawrites/Nicks_Blogs/Nicks_Blogs.html
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http://www.coldcoffeepress.com/nick-iuppa

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Published on March 24, 2018 10:10

March 6, 2018

Circumstances Of Childhood by John W. Howell

Circumstances Of Childhood by John W. Howell
When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?

Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.

His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.

If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.

Cold Coffee Book Review: Lifelong friends, more like brothers, give us a glimpse into the circumstances of childhood.

Athletes’ especially pro football players have a professional drive that carries them through life. This is a story of two such men, their boyhood dreams and reality as life unfolds. When one become famous, and under scrutiny in the public, the negatives are just as pronounced as the successes, maybe more.

It is Greg’s childhood pal Keith, who narrates this story, because Greg is not in the position to tell us himself. The hardest part is not always the beginning. Sometimes circumstances are not always what they seem. The question is, how does one prove their innocence when the Justice Department concludes that there is fraud, money laundering and insider trading within the Wall Street firm that Greg built from scratch? It is the same firm in which he invested his life and his family’s dreams.

Let’s me back up and invite you to join read this excerpt:

The game went pretty much as expected. Greg proved spectacular and led the team to a two-touchdown victory over Alabama. The victory celebration and the press conference took the time to well past ten o’clock at night. Greg met up with Terry and his parents at the motel. They took a quiet booth in the restaurant. Not the best place, but at least relatively private. A few fans passed through and spotted Greg and asked for autographs. He graciously signed what the folks gave him, and they chatted a little and moved on.
Ned spoke up when they sat alone, “So, what did it feel like to win?”
“I’ll tell you, Dad, it was an interesting experience. From the first minute on the field, I knew we would win. It felt like a vision but so real.”
“You played an exceptionally controlled game. The announcers said you stayed so calm and collected.”
“Yes.” Marie nodded. “They even said you looked like a pro quarterback.”
“You guys are making me blush, but you can keep it up.”
They all laughed. Ned then asked if Greg planned to enter the NFL draft. Greg surprised them all by letting them know he hadn’t made up his mind. He turned and looked at Terry and said, “I have a few considerations, and I think that Terry and I need to talk out some things beforehand.”
The decisions Greg makes will play out in hopes and dreams, happy times, romance and struggles. His professional drive will see him through it all. His friend Keith however, has encountered something paranormal that shakes Greg to his core.

I enjoyed reading this book. After you read this book, I encourage you to read My GRL (John Cannon Trilogy Book One), His Revenge (John Cannon Trilogy Book Two), and Our Justice (John Cannon Trilogy Book Three) by John W. Howell.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse Circumstances of Childhood by John W. Howell. I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on March 5, 2018.

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Our Justice (John Cannon Trilogy Book Three) by John W. Howell
The terrorist leader and financier Matt Jacobs has figured out a plan to eliminate the President. He is relying on John Cannon's stature as a hero to help him carry it off. John finds himself walking the fine line of pretending to help Matt while trying to figure out a countermeasure to the plan.

The third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy brings together two strong wills for a showdown. The question to be answered is who will feel the satisfaction that the achievement of justice delivers? John, Matt or neither?

Cold Coffee Book Review: For all you John Cannon followers ‘Our Justice’ (trilogy book three in the series) is finally here.

To refresh your memory, ‘My GRL’ is book one in the series. Like a lot of business men who tolls in an office setting day in and day out John J. Cannon takes a leave of absence from his firm, buys a boat and names her “My GRL”. Life was looking up until he wakes up in the hospital and finds out that he was found unconscious beside the woman who sold him the boat. If you have read this book you know where the story goes, if not, you need to read book one to see how the purchase of this boat brings John into the dangerous world of terrorism, counter-terrorism and politics that will either bring out the best or the worst in him.

Book Two of this thriller trilogy is titled ‘His Revenge’ for a reason, but revenge my not be what John imagines. In fact, he unwittingly becomes an accomplice in a plan to attack the credibility of the US President and topple the worldwide oil industry. How will John get out of this without becoming a traitor to his country and endangering thousands of lives?

‘Our Justice’ is here, and now you must find out if justice is as sweet as revenge. Let me start with a quote from Chapter three to catch you up and whet your appetite.

The two agents explain something about being called off the case. Ned asks them what they’re doing here, and they tell him they’re sorry for the way things turned out. We all shake hands, and they go away.
Ned suggests we go to dinner, and we do. We have a little discussion about the agents, and I think Ned feels it is good riddance. Ned and I finish dinner, and he drops me off at my house again. He wonders if he should come inside to check the house before he leaves. I offer to buy him a beer if he’s so inclined. He smiles, “You know, a nice cold beer might be just the thing to top this day. Also, I'm going to have an officer come over here tonight.”
I don't say anything about the officer and just nod. We get out of the SUV and start up the driveway. I’m not sure if I see something at the corner of the house or not. “Ned, take a look at the corner of the house to the right.”
He whispers, “Yeah, someone’s there. Get down.”
As I move to the ground, flashes come from the dark corner. Ned grunts like someone just hit him in the stomach, and then falls to the ground and rolls over close to me. “Take my gun and start shooting.” He reaches out, and I can see his gun and also a lot of blood.
I take the gun from his sticky hand and fire toward the corner of the house. A dull moan tells me that I’ve likely hit something other than the building. I get up and hold Ned’s gun out in front of me, as I’ve seen the police do on TV. After a quick move to my left, I run toward the corner of the house, only closer to the bushes in the front. I don’t want to be a big target while I make my approach toward the gunman. When I reach the corner, I make out an arm with a gun in the hand. Though the arm is outstretched on the ground, it could be a trap, so I step on the wrist. When I do, the hand opens, and the gun makes no sound when it slips to the ground. With the muzzle of Ned’s gun at the person’s head, I say a line I’ve heard before, “One move and you are a dead man.”
Upon looking closer, I can say that my line was a little redundant. I haven’t seen too many dead men in my life, but this guy looks dead to me. Still wary, I pick up the guy’s gun and sprint back to Ned. When I get there, Ned is still on the ground. “Ned, can you hear me?”
“Call 911. I need to get to a hospital.” “Should I drive you?”
“No. No offense, but we both need to stay alive.”
I dial 911 and speak to the dispatcher. I tell them where we are and that the chief has been shot. The dispatcher sounds upset and lets me know that EMS and a car are on the way. “Please, stay on the line, Mr. Cannon. I need you to give me some idea of Chief Tranes’ condition.”
I assure the dispatcher that I don’t intend to hang up. I sit on the driveway and look Ned over. He seems to be bleeding a little less, which I take as a good sign. “Ned, the dispatcher wants to know about your condition.”
“Uh, tell her I’ve been better, but it’s not too serious.” He pauses. “And, John, try to make it believable. The dispatcher is my wife, Geneen.”
“Oh my God. I had no idea.”
“Tell her.”
“Mrs. Tranes? I just spoke to your husband, and he told me to tell you that he’s been better, but it’s not serious.”
“I heard him, Mr. Cannon. Please, don’t let Ned die. He is the love of my life, and although he’s one tough son of a bitch, this is just the kind of nightmare I’ve had for years. Please, promise me you won’t let him die.”

I invite everyone to read on to get the answers that both you and John Cannon need. This action, mystery, suspense thriller rivals that of Jack Bower (lead protagonist of the Fox television series 24) and will leave you waiting for John W. Howell’s next book titled ‘The Circumstances of Childhood’ scheduled to be released mid-year 2017.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse Our Justice (John Cannon Trilogy Book Three) by John W. Howell. I purchased this book from Kindle This review was completed on September 24, 2016.

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His Revenge (John Cannon Trilogy Book Two) by John W. Howell
America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of the US President and the stability of the worldwide oil market. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.

The second John J. Cannon Thriller moves from a barrier Island off the coast of Texas to Washington DC, then to Northern California, and finally to Ecuador. John is on the receiving end of an offer he cannot, refuse. His avowed enemy Matt Jacobs now wants John to help him shake the reputation of the US in the world political arena. If John refuses, Matt plans to murder innocent Americans including John's latest relationship. John's only way out is to pretend to go along with the plan and hope for a miracle.

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My GRL (John Cannon Trilogy Book One) by John W. Howell
John J. Cannon successful San Francisco lawyer takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL.

He is unaware that his newly-purchased boat had already been targeted by a terrorist group. John's first inkling of a problem is when he wakes up in the hospital where he learns he was found unconscious next to the dead body of the attractive young woman who sold him the boat in the first place.

John now stands between the terrorists and the success of their mission.

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Cold Coffee Press Interview Spotlight With Author John W. Howell

John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career.
His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book's central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. John's fourth book Circumstances of Childhood, launched in October of 2017 tells a thriller story of riches to rags, football, Wall Street, brotherly love, redemption, and inspiration with a touch of paranormal to keep you riveted. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Port Aransas Texas? The location is rich with story ideas and inspiration. We are located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico which brings up many possibilities for a writer of thriller fiction. The area is a fishing mecca and has traditions that go back to the early 1900’s so the imagination can prosper and grow in such an environment.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? Kurt Vonnegut was the first writer who inspired me to consider writing. His stories were always taken from the headlines and written with such humor that I wanted to try my hand as well. I am no Kurt Vonnegut but throughout his career, he continued to encourage and inspire me through his books and his advice to writers.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? As I mentioned, I live on a barrier island in South Texas near Corpus Christi. The Aircraft Carrier Lexington is moored close by and served as the inspiration for my first book My GRL. My sister and I were visiting the boat to get a feel for where our naval aviator father served during World War II. It was on the ship that the story of My GRL started to formulate. I took this story and turned it into three books which I think represents the fact that I took advantage of the environment. Circumstances of Childhood was inspired by real events in my life. Although none of the book details are exact duplications of what I experienced they were inspired by those events.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I started writing about ten years ago while I was still working. The result was a book, but not one that I feel will ever be published. When I quit working full time in 2012, I turned to writing full time. It was at this point I had the intention to be published.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Most rewarding for me is having a routine that allows me to write at least one thousand words a day. I established the daily goal as a way to discipline myself to write in enough quantity to be able to consistently write and finish the stories that continually present themselves to me.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? My most rewarding experience has been talking with readers who have enjoyed my books. It is very gratifying to have someone appreciate the work that went into the book and to bring a level of enjoyment to that person.

How many published books do you have? I have four published books

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? Before I start writing a book, I do two things. 1. I have the title selected. 2. I write the last three lines of the story. Both of these actions serve to solidify where I intend to go in the writing and how I’m going to get there. The titles play a significant role in the story outline.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My genre is Thriller. I prefer to write thrillers since they are the kinds of stories that are full of twists and turns. A thriller differs from a mystery in that the reader usually knows who did it and now is involved in the why and result. I also write in first person present tense, so the thriller genre is perfect in that the protagonist and reader are uncovering story nuances together.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? I would tell other authors to keep writing. If they can do it every day, that is great. If not, then stay the course and write as often as possible. There is only one way to produce a book, and that is to write. There is only one way to improve in the writing craft, and that is to write. One other piece of advice. Don’t worry about whether or not what you have written is good. You can always improve what has been written. You cannot improve that which has yet to be written.

Who is your favorite author and why? I mentioned Kurt Vonnegut. He is my favorite for his ability to used real events as a backdrop for his stories and humor in the telling of them.

Amazon Author’s Page
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Published on March 06, 2018 10:22

February 25, 2018

Covey Jencks by Shelton L. Williams

Covey Jencks by Shelton L. Williams
Covey Jencks grew up in Odessa, Texas. After college, he joined the Army, attended law school, clerked on the Fifth Circuit, and suffered a stint at a D. C. law firm. He quits a life of white privilege to return home to solve the mysterious 1979 murder of Freddie Johnson, a black employee at Covey’s family business. Her life matters to Covey. For cover Covey opens a small firm filled with big characters. Eventually another black woman reenters his life to become Covey’s crime-solving partner. Mexican gangs, Boston mobsters, and racist cops complicate but do not derail the successful investigation.

Cold Coffee Book Review: If you long for freedom from all the things that hold your down, I suggest you get to know a young Texan lawyer named Covey Jencks, because he cherishes freedom and wide-open ranges.

Author Shelton L. Williams weaves this well written, fast-paced fiction with believable characters to take you back in America’s southern history, with enough suspense to keep you turning the page.

It was March 1979, when Alfreda (Freddie) Mae Johnson (a southern black women) died. It was her death that would eventually take young Covey Jencks from his beloved oil country of West Texas to the seat of political power in Washington D.C.

To understand Covey, we must start with his college days where Led Zeppelin filled the dorm halls, margaritas and weed played with the senses, and girls made Covey’s first night at school “the first day of the rest of my life”. Covey’s love for the month of September, (beginning of the school year) that made the launch of Jencks Law Firm perfect.

Depending on your age, you will relate to this time (1970’s through 1990’s) drenched in racial tensions, Vietnam war, college football pride, mobsters, gangs, bad cops, young love and for Covey, a nagging need to know what brought Freddie to such a violent end.

This is a great read and I am hoping that this is a prequel to the Covey Jencks series, as there are never enough sleuths to satisfy mystery, thriller suspense enthusiasts like myself.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse Covey Jencks by Shelton L. Williams. This book is available in paperback and Kindle. I purchased this book in Kindle. This review was completed on February 24, 2017.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Private Investigators

Customer Reviews
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Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Covey-Jencks-Shelton-Williams-ebook/dp/B079F1SMZT/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518390811&sr=1-5

Amazon Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Covey-Jencks-Shelton-L-Williams/dp/1985482568/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1518390811&sr=1-5

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Summer of '66 by Shelton L. Williams
In the August 2006 Texas Monthly article on Charles Whitman (“96 Minutes,” by Pamela Colloff), Shelton Williams is a character in the recounting of the Whitman tragedy. Shelly was there when the shooting started, but it was not his first encounter with the young man who weaken so much havoc on that hot August day in Austin in 1966. While Shelly and Charlie did know each other, they were not friends and they were not adversaries at the University of Texas in the spring and summer of 1966.

They were just two guys with troubled families, personal insecurities, and challenged young marriages. Summer of ’66 is not about Charles Whitman and it is not about why the two young men took such different paths. It is memoir about life at UT, about a mystery man, and about a young man and woman who faced a changing and dangerous world in a courageous way. Charles Whitman is simply a character in this true story.

Shelton and Janell Williams survived August 1, 1966, and the summer of ’66. Shelly got a PhD in International Studies, taught at Austin College for thirty-six years and through the organization he founded and of which he is president, The Osgood Center for International Studies, continues to run the Washington Program for Austin College students and students from around the world. Janell graduated from Austin College and worked twenty-five distinguished years for the Social Security Administration. They now live in the Washington, DC area. Each thanks the other for forty-two years of eventful married life, and both look forward to the next “five year review” of their marriage. It comes up in 2009.

Review: by Amazon Customer. 5.0 out of 5 stars
June 15, 2017. Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
A remarkable book. Shelton Williams is a talented author and his personal involvement with the tragedy puts him at center stage to share his tale.

Review: SanIsaac B. Morgan. 4.0 out of 5 stars
December 7, 2006. Format: Paperback
This is a sweet follow up to Dr. Williams first book, Washed in the Blood. It tells the story of his last summer at the University of Texas before going to grad school and his life with his lovely wife, Janell. He was acquainted with Charles Whitman, the sniper in the UT tower who randomly shot at people in the streets of Austin, before being killed by two very brave Austin police officers. It asks the question, "Why do some people facing certain adverse situations become stronger, while others snap?" If you would like a taste of the feel of 1960's America during its loss of innocence, this is a great place to start.

Genre: Literature & Fiction, Drama & Plays, Regional & Cultural

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-66-Shelton-Williams-ebook/dp/B00540EXHM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1518377915&sr=8-&dpID=51MUqgEmDIL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=detail#customerReviews

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-66-Shelton-Williams-ebook/dp/B00540EXHM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1518377915&sr=8-&dpID=51MUqgEmDIL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

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Washed In The Blood by Shelton L. Williams
Washed in the Blood is just remarkable in so many ways, hypnotic, eerie, a spine-tingling murder mystery and also a haunting memoir of what it’s like to grow up in one of strangest and most fascinating places on the face of the earth.  I was hooked by the first page, and Shelton Williams’ writing is honest and beautiful.  One of those rare books that grabs and won’t let go, even after you have read it. 

Review: Williams’ gripping account of the death of his cousin is the stuff of great literature. Except it’s tragically real. By Gary Cartwright, senior editor, Texas Monthly

Review: A page-turning, crackling read about... the ‘Kiss and Kill’ murder of a 17-year-old. By Larry L. King, author, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Review: Hypnotic, eerie, a spine-tingling murder mystery and also a haunting memoir ... I was hooked by the first page. by Buzz Bissinger, author, Friday Night Lights

Genre: Biographies & Memoirs, Arts & Literature, True Crime

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Washed-Blood-Shelton-Williams-ebook/dp/B0053ZJXPA/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=#customerReviews

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Washed-Blood-Shelton-Williams-ebook/dp/B0053ZJXPA/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Shelton L. Williams
Shelton L. Williams is proud to be a Texan story-teller. He has a PhD in International Relations, but publishing is his end goal.

Author Shelton L. William has published five books and contributed to two others. He chooses write about crime and society, because he can present complications, brain teasers, and personal stories.

His book titles are Covey Jencks (mystery, thriller & suspense), Washed In The Blood (Biographies & Memoirs, Arts & Literature and True Crime) and Summer of '66 (Literature & Fiction, Drama & Plays and Regional & Cultural).

His favorite author is Walter Moseley because he tells great stories with interesting characters and they may a point about important issues in American society.

Shelton believes that everyone has a story, so write yours.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Bethesda MD? Texas originally, but now Bethesda MD. I am proud to be a Texas writer because many Texans are good story-tellers. I'd like to count myself among them.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? My teachers from high school on inspired me, but in fact I have always enjoyed writing.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? My environment was rough and tumble, anti-intellectual, and geographically remote. It gave me an exotic place to locate my stories.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I have PhD in International Relations and to publish is the end-all. I published my first book at 23.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Meeting people from all over the world who related to my stories.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Meeting former students who tell me that my books inspired, informed, or helped them.

How many published books do you have? I have published 5 books and contributed to two others. The last three, however, have been for the general public.

Please list the titles of all your books: Just my general releases: Washed in the Blood, Summer of 66, and Covey Jencks.

Please tell me the genre of each of your books. Two are non-fiction crimes novels and one is a murder mystery.

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I had the titles well before.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write about crime and society. I prefer to write this way because I can present complications, brain teasers, and personal stories.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Covey Jencks.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Everyone has a story, so write yours.

Who is your favorite author and why? Walter Moseley because he tells great stories with interesting characters and they may a point about important issues in American society.

Amazon Author’s Page
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shelton+L.+Williams+books&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ashelton+L.+Williams+books

Professional Website
http://www.osgoodcenter.org

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1225683.Washed_in_the_Blood

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/saistype/

Twitter: @saistype

Cold Coffee Café
https://coldcoffeecafe.com/profile/SheltonLWilliams

Cold Coffee Press
http://www.coldcoffeepress.com/shelton-l-williams/

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Published on February 25, 2018 09:17

February 18, 2018

The Mystery Alliance: Prequel to Evian's Saga (The Mystery Alliance: Evian's Saga) by Taffey Champion

The Mystery Alliance: Prequel to Evian's Saga
(The Mystery Alliance: Evian's Saga) by Taffey Champion
Before the captivating Evian Magi enters the picture and becomes a key member of The Mystery Alliance, Myth Vaga was a critical ally within their intriguing fold. He once lived amongst The Mystery Alliance in London, England. Yet, a serendipitous meeting and an ensuing romantic involvement with a bewitching beauty becomes the instrumental catalyst for his not surprising, but climactic betrayal.

Cold Coffee Book Review: I enjoyed reading The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga by Taffey Tawanna Champion first, so I found this prequel extremely interesting.

The Mystery Alliance is an elite rescue unit. The individuals in this unit are called Mystics. Their secret alliance rescues hostages that are held in extreme terrorists’ situation where other rescue attempts have failed or were impossible.

It all begins at a manor named “Dwellen” located in London, England. It is here where training in “Mystery Arts” begins and missions are born. Get to know the “Mystics” who make up this anti-terrorist group and follow up this short prequel with The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse The Mystery Alliance: Prequel to Evian’s Saga by Taffey Tawanna Champion. It will be interesting to see where the author goes with this series. I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on February 17, 2018.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Romance

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/review/RCW5CV0TSI0MO/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079VJC45F/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518801055&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mystery+alliance

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The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga by Taffey Tawanna Champion
An unsuspecting young man meets a mysterious beauty through a bizarre encounter in Paris, France. After speaking with her, he agrees to live among a secret society of persons called Mystics. Here, he learns about their secret alliance and their mastery of a spectacular self-defense technique: The Mystery Arts. Soon, Evian discovers that there is no turning back from the path he has chosen.

Excerpt: “We are members of an elite rescue unit…The Mystery Alliance. All of the members of this rescue unit are called Mystics. Mystics have haunting, surreal beauty: almost as though we were chosen to be Mystics from the womb. We also have unique abilities and skills which set us apart from others. Yet, only prominent, high-ranking government officials have knowledge of our existence. We are the persons these officials contact when no one else can rescue hostages in extreme terrorist situations. And this is our story...”

Cold Coffee Book Review: The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga is a short reading experience, originally written as a screen play and converted to an e-book.

Packed with a diverse cast of characters, easy to follow dialog and sixteen chapters with sub-headings which act like separate scenes or skits in a play with different places, times, events and characters.

The main character is Evian Magi who works as a Jack-of-all-trades for the Machiavellia’s Traveling Carnival. Paris, France is full of history, mystery and intriguing people from all over the globe. It is the beauty of a woman that lures Evian into a secret society called The Mystery Alliance where he finds his path is forever sealed.

I quote a passage from chapter seven to give you a glimpse into Evian’s story. “Delphi and Raven are in the gardens surrounding the chateau, picking flowers. Evian comes outside for a brief respite and notices the two of their bent forms. He is delighted to see that the ladies are engaged in such a pleasant past- time and decides to join their little gathering. When he approaches them, he says, “There you are, ladies.” Both women stand up and face their visitor. Delphi replies with, “Hello, Evian. Did you want something? “Actually, I just came outside to unwind for a while. But, now that I think of it, there are some things that I have been meaning to ask you.” “All right, then. Wait one moment, please.” “Sure.’ As Delphi returns to her task, Evian turns his attention to Raven. Smiling, he says, “Hello again, Raven.” Raven glances at him. “Hello, there. You seem very cheerful today. May I ask the reason?” Evian simply shrugs. “Of course…it’s just that I think I have found my purpose in this world.” Raven smiles at hearing this. “You’ve made your decision, then.” “I have. So far, I’ve not yet discovered a reason to leave.” “Have you already informed Machiavellia’s of your decision yet?” Evian nods. “Yes, Raven Hawk, I have. They weren’t happy to lose me, but I suspect they’ll get over it; in time.” “And how are you finding The Mystery Arts?” Evian’s face positively glows as he thinks about his progress with the innovative martial arts form. “Fantastic! I’m absolutely fascinated by it all.” “Oh no, tell me we don’t have another adrenaline junkie. Evian frowns. “What do you mean by another? Who are you talking about?” Raven suddenly clams up and becomes evasive in answering his query. “That’s a story for another time.”

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga as an introduction to the book series by Taffey Tawanna Champion. I reviewed this book from a Kindle format. The review was completed on September 13, 2016.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Romance

Amazon Customer Reviewshttps://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Alliance-Evians-Saga-ebook/dp/B01L0K28KS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1472253665&sr=8-1&keywords=Taffey+Tawanna+Champion&linkCode=ll1&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=81dc7ad3bbbf49de39b6dc993ae2a25c#customerReviews

Kindle Purchase Linkhttps://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Alliance-Evians-Saga-ebook/dp/B01L0K28KS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1472253665&sr=8-1&keywords=Taffey+Tawanna+Champion&linkCode=ll1&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=81dc7ad3bbbf49de39b6dc993ae2a25c

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Taffey Tawanna Champion

Author Taffey Tawanna Champion is a small-town girl born and raised in Greensboro, GA, educated at GTCHS in Greensboro, GA and further educated at Elon College which eventually became Elon University.

She excelled in writing as a young child; even earned merits and won awards for writing ability, including a “Passport to Excellence” plaque. Reading and writing also were Taffey’s first loves before drama and music, which of course, came after.

Before, during and after college, Taffey became a world traveler, even electing to live in London, England for one semester whilst studying at Elon University. She traveled several times to Paris, France at this time. Taffey also met and encountered celebrities in London, England which served to make her experiences even more special.

Added to her world traveler status, she lived in South Korea for a short interval. This experience, including her fascination with various Kung-Fu techniques and martial arts films aided in her ability to create The Mystery Arts in The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga. She also worked in Marina, CA as an Americorps VISTA for MCHOME (a division of Interim, Inc.) under the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers. During this time, she became acquainted with the various artists of Breakthrough H’ART (a program synonymous with MCHOME) and also with noted Austrian Artist/Painter, Hans Kindel. It was here, under the tutelage of Hans Kindel and Bill Donnelly that she discovered her talent for Abstract/Impressionist Art.

This is where the initial cover of her E-book originated, but there is a new Cover representing this E-Book currently. “The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga” was created initially as a copyrighted action/adventure screenplay, however, Taffey decided to adapt it into an E-book: the first in a series of E-books actually. “The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga” is available for sale at Amazon, Smashwords, and will be distributed via Smashwords to many other retailers, as well. This E-book is also made available for Libraries to obtain.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Greensboro, GA? I suppose that I’m proud to be a writer from Greensboro, GA because I am a southern belle from a small town, and I believe it is this fact that inspires others from rural areas of the USA, to be more determined to follow their dreams. I have even heard from some individuals saying something to this effect, since releasing my E- Book, “The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga”.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? No one specifically inspired me to become a writer. I have always excelled in English and writing since I was a child. And because I have such an overactive imagination, I have always felt that I should give it my “best shot”, so to speak. However, Mr. Keanu Reeves, the Actor, inspired my passion for Action Adventure writing because I always loved his Action films tremendously while I was growing up. Mr. Reeves also inspired the creation of my protagonist, Evian Magi.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I was a screenplay writer first, beginning in 1999, but my original copyrighted screenplay, “The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga” was not optioned because I created such high-concept material. So, later on, I decided to adapt it into an E-Book. I would say that I began writing with the intention to be published in either 2007 or 2008.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Yes, somewhat, because my family and I have always enjoyed watching Action and Martial Arts films, since I was very little.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? I always endeavor to come up with my title before I begin creating literary material, but sometimes the title is conceived after I have already started writing my literary works.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? The genre in which I write is fiction. Its subgenres which I’ve been focusing on are Action Adventure and Fantasy. I do love a great drama, but I am highly fascinated and intrigued by Action Adventure and Fantasy films. I have also been an avid film enthusiast regarding Mr. Keanu Reeves’ films while I was growing up. Therefore, I suppose those are the reasons I prefer fiction writing; and most likely why my E-Book, “The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga” is characterized as an Action Adventure/Futuristic Fantasy.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I do realize that this will sound so cliché, but I experienced vivid dreams about beautifully mystical beings with almost supernatural powers in 1999 first. After I began writing what I remembered about these dreams on paper, I became spellbound and quite determined to write a Feature film screenplay to do justice to such fascinating visions.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? My most rewarding experiences with my writing process, I must say, are having become Self-Published; also having quite a few wonderful offers to promote my material, and especially with having been blessed with meeting and working on a Blog Tag Tour project with the absolutely fantastic and noted Author, Schuyler J. Ebersol.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? I would have to say that it was when I became Self-Published via the use of the phenomenal Smashwords online E-Book website.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Well, I am but a humble small-town girl from Greensboro, GA, but the only advice I can give, is to make certain you do indeed have a passion and dedication toward becoming a Published Author.

Who is your favorite author and why? I have never really had a favorite Author, because I have been a lover of many books. However, presently, my favorite Author is none other than Schuyler J. Ebersol, because I certainly loved reading “The Hidden World”. The visual imagery in his book is positively astounding; not to mention, his expert writing ability.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? Yes, I created my own genre (i.e., Action Adventure/Futuristic Fantasy) in honor of my Muse, actor Keanu Reeves' pioneering work in action films; for my protagonist character, "Evian Magi", is the Mystic Fantasy Hero version of Keanu Reeves. Initially, I had created "The Mystery Alliance: Evian's Saga" as the first E-Book to launch my innovative series. I am now releasing "The Mystery Alliance: Prequel to Evian's Saga" as the second E-Book in this captivating series

Amazon Author’s Page
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=Taffey+Champion&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Taffey+Champion&sort=relevancerank

Wordpress
http://themysteryallianceevianssaga.wordpress.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TaffeytheChamp/

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21943764-the-mystery-alliance

Novel Writing Festival
https://novelwritingfestival.com/tag/taffey-tawanna-champion/

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http://coldcoffeecafe.com/profile/TaffeyTawannaChampion?xg_source=profiles_memberList

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Published on February 18, 2018 12:16

February 8, 2018

Silently In The Night by Clayton Graham

Silently In The Night by Clayton Graham
A collection of tantalizing tales with more twists than braided hair:

Mystery, murder and mayhem – plus a moment of romance.

Sympathize with a doomed husband and connect with an altruistic robot. Explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.

From the light-hearted to the darkest depths of the human psyche. They’re all there in this smorgasbord of short stories to keep you guessing at every turn. From the author of Milijun and Saving Paludis.

Buy ‘Silently in the Night’ and discover new worlds today!

Cold Coffee Book Review: For those of us who enjoyed The Twilight Zone, Silently in the Night by Clayton Graham is just as thrilling. This book is a collection of tales where ordinary men and women are confronted with the unexpected.

I love each story and will return to read them again. One story titled Watering Down, sticks out in my mind. It centers on the calicivirus, which can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Probably because I am a cat lover, or because I have memories of the Dustin Hoffman 1995 film titled Outbreak, Watering Down made such an interesting and unexpected tale.

I suspect, everyone who reads Silently in the Night will come away with one or more favorites. If you enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make your heart stands still when aliens, artificial intelligence, death, the unexplained or unexpected interact with your reality; Silently in the Night should be top of your reading list.

I am fortunate to have read Author Clayton Graham’s science fiction debut novel titled Milijun. When aliens kidnap Laura’s child, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back.

I am looking forward to his upcoming release of Saving Paludis where “Nobody thought Paludis would become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter, but in the darkest of times a glimmer of light can shine, resolute spirits can triumph over brutality and the strangest of strangers can become friends.”

I, Theodocia McLean, endorse and encourage you to read Silently in the Night by Clayton Graham. I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on February 7, 2018.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, First Contact, Alien Invasion

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Silently-Night-Clayton-Graham-ebook/dp/B078VL5VSH/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8#customerReviews

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Silently-Night-Clayton-Graham-ebook/dp/B078VL5VSH/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

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Milijun by Clayton Graham
It is Australia in 2179.

On a moonlit Nullarbor night, Laura Sinclair and son, Jason, witness aliens descend to Earth. The extraterrestrials endeavour to form a symbiotic relationship with humankind, and Jason is chosen as a genetic link in a bizarre trial involving the impregnation of human females with hybrid embryos and exploration of spiritual compatibility.

Laura crosses swords with Major General Sebastian Ord from the Australian Defence Force, Eucla and Uriel, the enigmatic head of Milijun, a reclusive research facility in the outback. Following a disastrous armed attempt to capture aliens at Cocklebiddy Cave and a fierce confrontation at Eucla, Jason is abducted by an alien swarm.

What follows tests the resolve of Laura to the core. Caught in a relentless web of frightening new technologies and alien mystery, spurred by the undying love of her son, she gains a strength of character she never thought possible.

All she has to do is save herself, Jason and several women and unborn children from the scheming plans of man and alien alike …

Some would call Laura a reluctant heroine, but she is a heroine, nonetheless.

How It Came to Be: Milijun actually started as a short story. The birth of the alien RNasia occurred in the short story, and when they decided to wing their way to Earth I knew it could not end there.

They seemed to want their universal journey to be worth something; they wanted their mission fulfilled. So, I decided to oblige them.

The book is about more than an alien incursion into the Australian outback. It asks questions about our place in the universe, or multiverses (as we are now led to believe may be a possibility).

The novel explores the relationship between a mother and son. How far can it be stretched before the links break? How far would a mother go to save her son? Would she be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, or undertake actions she would never have deemed possible prior to the alien incursion?

Above all, Milijun explores the question what would mankind do when faced with an intelligence it cannot understand? It's a good question, for it may happen someday. We are not currently prepared, of course, we are light years away from understanding how we should behave in such a circumstance.
Milijun challenges our mindsets through the eyes of a mother and son, and as such is perhaps more powerful and meaningful than if that challenge was through the eyes of the United Nations or the President of the United States.

In the end, Milijun probably asks more questions than it answers. But it does raise the questions. We cannot relax on Earth forever, ignorant of our cosmic surroundings, idling our time away, creating a mirage of prosperity, which appears to create an equally ferocious misery.

Writing Milijun was a labour of love. It was not easy, but neither was it hard. Science Fiction is a love of mine, has been since I was a teenager, escaping to new worlds in the back streets of Stockport, England, where I grew up as a child. Halcyon days, when education and school milk were free, and summers were real summers. We didn't have much, but we had enough.

Milijun my debut novel, and for me the realization of a dream.

Cold Coffee Book Review: Mankind has always had a fascination with extraterrestrials which dates from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings all the way to Milijun by Clayton Graham.

This well written novel explores our deepest darkest fears that as a planet we are not ready for an alien incursion, in fact we pretend our intellect can save us. However, in Australia 2179 AD main character Laura Sinclair is faced with the unimaginable when she and her son Jason witness aliens descending to earth.

It is earth’s exploration and mining on the lunar surface that begins the conflict that ultimately results in the alien incursion into the Australian outback. Laura and her son Jason are faced with alien-driven technology that severely tests a mother’s love and resolve to protect her offspring at whatever cost.

It is my intent to share a quote to show you the author’s writing style without spoiling the story. “It was almost 6:30 pm when Laura came across what would later be called the Rawlinna nest. The sun was dropping in the western sky as she staggered wearily to the top of a modest incline and surveyed the collection of old aluminum shacks spread out before her.

She dropped to the ground, partly to avoid detection but also from sheer fatigue. Her face was covered with sweat and there were several dirt marks down both cheeks where she had attempted to clear bothersome flies from her face. Closing her eyes briefly, she sat in silence, not wanting to act in haste but acutely aware that time was crucial. Earlier, she had made a brief stop to drink water from the choppa’s emergency rations but now felt the need for more. She quenched her thirst then nibbled at a foul-tasting energy bar as she thought through her next move.”

I invite you to the Australia outback where things are not as you might imagine.

Milijun is a striking name for this novel. I dare you to find its meaning. It is an Australian aboriginal word which also has a Serb-Croatian context.

I, Theodocia McLean, endorses Milijun a science fiction debut novel by Clayton Graham. I purchased this book from Kindle. The review was completed on April 9, 2016.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Amazon Print Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/milijun-Clayton-Graham/dp/0994495609/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459776305&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=134ac1ffb449a92cffd668fbe3ed8dd3

Kindle Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/milijun-Clayton-Graham-ebook/dp/B01A4XY0UI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459776305&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=colcofpre-20&linkId=8289b3263200388999e725e7651f67

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*********************** Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Clayton Graham
As a youngster growing up in the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK, Clayton Graham read a lot of Science Fiction. He loved the ‘old school’ masters such as HG Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham. As he left those formative years behind, he penned short stories when he could find a rare quiet moment amidst life’s usual distractions.
He settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982. A retired aerospace engineer who worked in structural design and research, Clayton has always had an interest in Science Fiction and where it places humankind within a universe we are only just starting to understand.

Clayton loves animals, including well behaved pets, and all the natural world, and is a member of Australian Geographic.

Combining future science with the paranormal is his passion. Milijun is his first novel. Second novel, Saving Paludis, will be published early 2018. They are light years from each other, but share the future adventures of mankind in an expansive universe as a common theme.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia? As an aerospace engineer I have worked in the UK, USA and Australia and been lucky enough to visit France, Germany, and Indonesia through the auspices of work. We finally settled in Melbourne, Australia [I was thirty-nine years old] and eventually retired on the Mornington Peninsula. The Peninsula is where my family is, and where we relax among the beaches and wineries. It is pleasant, not too crowded outside the holiday seasons, and well looked after by its residents.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have written since my early twenties, on and off, and always loved science fiction. The works of HG Wells, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham enthralled me. They were an escape from the backstreets of Stockport, UK, where I grew up.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I’m from a 'working class' family in the UK. Cobbled streets, fish and chips, bread and dripping, after World War 2. Reading was no doubt an escape into different worlds. Not sure if it was an advantage but I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Hard to say exactly, but probably around ten years ago when retirement was approaching.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? That's an easy one. Just self-publishing my first novel 'Milijun'. I am now in the process of repeating that experience with additional works.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey?
Considering how difficult it is for a self-publishing author to get reviews - just getting decent reviews and positive comments from readers. I hope it continues.

How many published books do you have? Two, with another ‘Saving Paludis’ coming soon.

Please list the titles of all your books: ‘Milijun’. ‘Silently in the Night’. Coming soon ‘Saving Paludis’.

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? Around half way through. I usually have three or four alternatives before I finally decide – I like to get feedback from readers, too.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My genre is primarily Science Fiction, though not the really hard Star Wars type. I love writing about different worlds and how people would live and interact within them. It's an escape, but it's also an infinite universe, so anything is possible.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? ‘Milijun’ started as a short story. That short story is published in Silently In The Night. From there several short stories ensued, some science fiction, some mystery, some paranormal and even a bit of romance. I find that the characters in the book control the story, where it goes, what happens, how it ends.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Write what you want, when you want. It doesn't matter if you never use it. Always keep it.

Who is your favorite author and why? Dean Koontz. A master at making the paranormal believable.

Amazon Author’s Page
http://www.amazon.com/Clayton-Graham/e/B01A6J728C/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Professional Website
http://claytongraham.com.au/

Professional Blog
http://claytongraham.com.au/feed/

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?al_user=52968236-clayton-graham&utm_medium=email&utm_source=grant_author

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/claytongrahamauthor/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/CGrahamSciFi

Google Plus Link
https://plus.google.com/114908545827361172327

Cold Coffee Café
http://coldcoffeecafe.com/profile/GrahamClayton?xg_source=profiles_memberList

Cold Coffee Press
http://www.coldcoffeepress.com/clayton-graham/

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Published on February 08, 2018 10:37

January 16, 2018

Into Winter: The Armed Invasion (The Four Seasons Book 3) by Larry Landgraf

Into Winter: The Armed Invasion (The Four Seasons Book 3) by Larry Landgraf
The ruthless dictator of Corpus Christi, Sandra Hawkins has blood in her eyes as she plans revenge against Peaceful Valley.

Sean Lin discovers her plan, but does the small community stand a chance against her heavily armed and well-trained army?

The valley's residents are wary hunters skilled at camouflage and stealth, but will toughness and smarts be enough to save their way of life from overwhelming force?

Cold Coffee Book Review: Let me quickly recap The Four Seasons series books One and Two before jumping into book three titled Into Winter: The Armed Invasion (The Four Seasons Book 3) by Larry Landgraf.

Book One (Into Autumn by Larry Landgraf) takes one of modern man’s worst fears and makes it a reality when the grid fails leaving people to survive by any and all means possible. Communities like Peaceful Valley spring up, but not without advantages and disadvantages to belong.

Book Two (Into Spring-The Next Generation by Larry Landgraf) finds two young adults from Peaceful Valley striking out on their own to find wives. Arriving in Corpus Christi, they find a society ruled by a ruthless dictator named Sandra Hawkins. Survival takes on a different form than Sean and Robbie had known in Peaceful Valley and escape might be out of their reach.

Book Three (Into Winter: The Armed Invasion by Larry Landgraf) brings us to a point in the story where Robbie and two female allies (Florence Ingalls and Beka Livingston) are trying to escape in a Cessna Skyhawk at the Airport. This is a dangerous proposition. Back in Peaceful Valley, the community is gearing up for a standoff against Sandra Hawkins's army which they learn may be heading their way. Their only defense might be offense with some old equipment as John states “I know a little about electronics”. Will they be able to save their small community from this tyrant and if they do, what lies ahead?

Author Larry Landgraf weaves a believable tale that takes his characters into survival mode that toys with the reader’s imagination and the ‘what ifs’. Like what if our grid was to fail? What if democracy was no more? Each character plays his and her part well and the story flows quickly from one page to the next. I encourage you to read each book in this epic series in order. Author Larry Landgraf wrote book two and three as stand-alone novels to help those who come late to the series. Now we wait for his promised conclusion titled Into Summer: Dawn Of A New Age.

I, Theodocia McLean endorse Into Winter: The Armed Invasion (The Four Seasons Book 3) by Larry Landgraf. I purchased this book from Kindle. This review was completed on January 16, 2018.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Winter-Armed-Invasion-Seasons-ebook/dp/B075VH8KTK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492415&sr=1-3#customerReviews

Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Winter-Armed-Invasion-Seasons/dp/1936442566/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492415&sr=1-3

Print
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Winter-Armed-Invasion-Seasons/dp/1936442574/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492415&sr=1-3

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Winter-Armed-Invasion-Seasons-ebook/dp/B075VH8KTK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492415&sr=1-3

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Into Spring: The Next Generation (Four Seasons Book 2) by Larry Landgraf
Twenty years after Into Autumn, Sean and Robbie leave Peaceful Valley for Corpus Christi, hoping to find women who will join their fiercely protective group back home.

What they find is a fight to survive the violent dictatorship of ruthless Sandra Hawkins.

Meanwhile, a new family joins the group in the Valley, except that what seems like a safe addition might bring the worst kinds of change.

Into Spring continues the Four Seasons saga about building a new life in Texas after the collapse of civilization.

Award: Into Spring 2017 finalist 'Book of the Year' (action/adventure) Independent Author's Network (IAN1)

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Spring-Next-Generation-Seasons-ebook/dp/B01MZDAAQ9/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493106&sr=1-2#customerReviews

Hardcopy
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Spring-Next-Generation-Seasons/dp/1936442434/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493106&sr=1-2

Print
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Spring-Next-Generation-Seasons/dp/1936442442/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493106&sr=1-2

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Spring-Next-Generation-Seasons-ebook/dp/B01MZDAAQ9/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493106&sr=1-2

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Into Autumn: A Story of Survival (Four Seasons Book 1) by Larry Landgraf
Lars is living alone in the Texas countryside when the economy collapses and his world becomes a dystopian nightmare.

Joined by outsider Eileen, he and his neighbors band together for survival in their “Peaceful Valley.”
They must learn to scratch out sustenance while fending off predatory invasions in an increasingly violent and lethal world.

Into Autumn is a sweeping adventure, a thought-provoking saga that could happen to us all.

IA Chapter 8 Reading: This is a very important video for anyone trying to decide whether or not to read book one of the Four Seasons Series. A professional actor, Kaleb Alexander, will read Chapter 8 from Into Autumn to you. Just sit back, watch, and listen.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Autumn-Story-Survival-Seasons-ebook/dp/B01MYBDX8O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493234&sr=1-1#customerReviews

Print
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Autumn-Novel-Larry-Landgraf/dp/1514410400/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493234&sr=1-1

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Autumn-Story-Survival-Seasons-ebook/dp/B01MYBDX8O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512493234&sr=1-1

************************

A Tempest In Texas (Print Replica) by Larry Landgraf
A chilling account of how Lars Lindgren and Eileen Branson must face new challenges when all of humanity is forced into desperate survival mode when the grid shuts down, and government and the economy crumble.

True-life characters in gravely realistic scenarios sure to make some people squeamish.

Awards:
A Tempest in Texas 2017 finalist 'screenplay' New York Screenwriting Festival (action/adventure)
A Tempest in Texas 2017 finalist 'screenplay' Influx Magazine Festival (action/adventure)
A Tempest in Texas 2017 semi-finalist 'screenplay' Los Angeles Screenwriting Festival (action/adventure)
A Tempest in Texas is currently in the hands of two producers.

Genre: Comedy, Humor & Entertainment, Movies, Screenplays, Arts & Photography, Performing Arts

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Texas-Larry-Landgraf-ebook/dp/B06Y1BBKY6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492766&sr=1-4#customerReviews

Print
https://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Texas-Larry-Landgraf/dp/1520837852/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492766&sr=1-4

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Texas-Larry-Landgraf-ebook/dp/B06Y1BBKY6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492766&sr=1-4

************************

How To Be A Smart SOB Like Me by Larry Landgraf
Work, money, food, relationships, life in general—these are the everyday struggles for billions crowded into our challenging world.

Larry Landgraf tells us his story and the many lessons he’s learned for finding extraordinary happiness.

How to Be a Smart SOB Like Me is a stark but heartfelt examination of a life well-lived.
You might like him, and you might not, but you can’t help but learn ways you, too, can achieve your best.

Genre: Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Biographies & Memoirs

Customer Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Smart-SOB-Like-ebook/dp/B06XVFS5HF/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492945&sr=1-5#customerReviews

Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Smart-SOB-Like/dp/1936442507/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492945&sr=1-5

Print
https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Smart-SOB-Like/dp/1936442515/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492945&sr=1-5

Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Smart-SOB-Like-ebook/dp/B06XVFS5HF/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1512492945&sr=1-5

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Cold Coffee Press Author Spotlight Interview With Larry Landgraf
Larry Landgraf was born and raised on the Guadalupe River Delta on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Update: They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That being said, I have created two video slide shows set to music. They are "Who Am I?" and "Life in My Swamp". They are the first two videos in the slideshow to the right. Know me first and you'll know why I write what I write. Thank you.

After four years of college, Larry spent 20+ years as a commercial fisherman. When that ended he became a general contractor for another 20+ years. He wrote his first book in 1986 in an attempt to save his commercial fishing career. The book and the career failed. After retiring from the contracting business due to a death defying accident, he wrote his second book in 2012 "How to be a Smart SOB Like Me".

Still he didn't consider himself an author. He awoke one morning in January 2015 with a story in his head. He sat down at the computer and began to write this story. Next thing he knew, he had written 300 pages. After an extensive re-write and editing, "Into Autumn - A Story of Survival" was published in September 2015. This is his third book, but debut novel. "Into Autumn" was re-published in January of 2017.

As he left some things hanging in "Into Autumn" he had to write a sequel. "Into Spring - The Next Generation" came out in January 2017. It made "finalist" in the Independent Author's Network (IAN1) 2017 Book of the Year contest. Larry then came up with the idea of a Four Seasons series. "Into Winter" hit the shelves in September of 2017. "Into Summer" is next and is planned for 2018, but before that, another screenplay is in the works as well as turning his "Tales From the Riverside" blog into a book. Larry finally considers himself an author, but you decide for yourself.

Larry still lives on the Guadalupe River Delta...in the swamp. He writes, tends his fruit orchard and his large garden. He enjoys fishing with Ellen, his significant other, traveling and living in the country where he resides.

Update: Hurricane Harvey hit Larry dead center. You won't believe what happened. His home is okay, but the story is unbelievable. Read it on his blog titled Tales from the Riverside. That Son-of-a-bitch Harvey Almost Got the Best of Me. http://intoautumn.com/?p=562

What makes you proud to be a writer from (Texas)? I'm proud to be a writer from Texas because we can write with a southern drawl and get away with it. When I say my main female character flees San Antonio, you know exactly where she is. When I say my protagonist, Lars, is a Davy Crockett type Texas country gentleman, you can visualize what he looks like, talks like, and the way he carries himself. You know he's going to take care of his lady. Finally, you know that I write stories as big as Texas. My epic sage of Peaceful Valley, the Four Seasons Series, spans four volumes, three of which are now complete. The finale, Into Summer, will sizzle off the presses in 2018.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I wrote two non-fiction books, the first in 1986 to try to save my commercial fishing career. The book and career ended in failure. My second, How to Be a Smart SOB Like Me was inspired by dumb people, most of which I seemed to find up and down the highway. I did not consider myself an author at this point. A death-defying injury and a contracting business I could no longer run, forced me to retire. But I couldn't do nothing, but I didn't know what I was going to do. In January 2015, I awoke with a story in my head and began writing. Before I knew it, I had written 300 pages. As I left a few things hanging, there had to be a sequel. Only when the sequel was published did I decide on the Series and finally considered myself an author.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Absolutely! I grew up wild in the country fending for myself much of the time. I have been self-employed all my life and built my own home with my own two hands. There isn't anything I can't do that I decide I want to do. "Can't" has never been a part of my vocabulary. I am strong of body and mind and I feel everyone else should be as well. I know we can't all be strong, but I like to help nudge people in that direction. Life is tough. It's supposed to be that way and people need to learn how to take care of themselves. One day you may not have a choice, and then what are you going to do? Wish then that you had listened to me today? Remember, "What you learn today will determine how well you live tomorrow." by Larry Landgraf.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I knew I'd publish my first book in 1986 and my second in 2012 and wrote those knowing I would publish them. It wasn't until the sequel, Into Spring, to my first novel, Into Autumn, that I wrote as a bona fide author. I then had a goal in mind, the Four Seasons Series, and wrote from that time forward knowing my path and that I was now and would continue to be an author.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Acceptance and praise of my work. It feels great when others enjoy what you have written. When someone has read Into Autumn and say they can't wait to read Into Spring, then that they want to read the entire series tells me that I am on the right path in my writing. I have always considered my work to be as unique as I am, and for others to like who I am and what I'm writing, is priceless.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Receiving awards for my work. I wrote the screenplay for the first book in my series, Into Autumn, and titled it A Tempest in Texas. It made finalist in the New York Screenwriting Festival and the Influx Magazine Screenwriting Festival. I never thought to enter Into Autumn into any contests, therefore it didn't win anything. A Tempest in Texas won in Into Autumn's stead. I did, however, enter Into Spring into the Independent Author's Network (IAN1) 'Book of the Year' contest. It made 'finalist' in the action/adventure genre.

How many published books do you have? I have six published books, but Dangerous Waters published in 1986 is out of print, so I have five to sell including the screenplay.
Please list the titles of all your books:
How to Be a Smart SOB Like Me
Into Autumn - A Story of Survival
Into Spring - The Next Generation
Into Winter - The Armed Invasion
A Tempest in Texas

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? 'Before, during, and after' for the SOB book. The title was changed many times and when the book was complete, I settled on the current title. 'Before' for the rest of the series. The main character is loosely patterned after me. Lars Lindgren and I are advancing into the autumn of our lives. That's where I came up with the title. Into Spring seemed appropriate for The Next Generation in book two. After Into Spring was finished and I had decided to write the series, Into Winter and Into Summer fell into place. That's why the seasons aren't sequential in the series. My best friend, after whom crazy Reggie is patterned after in Into Autumn, came up with the screenplay title. We tossed the name around for weeks while I was writing the script. He told me the title had to have the word 'tempest' in it. It was easy after that...A Tempest in Texas it was.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My Four Seasons Series books are listed as action/adventure. How to Be a Smart SOB Like Me is non-fiction, but it is about life, my life mostly. The fiction series is about a major catastrophe in life. The characters are all ordinary people with their good qualities and their faults, all thrust into desperate survival mode. But, as in real life, the books are so much more. There is love, camaraderie, hardship, struggle, tough decisions, a menage a trois or two, murder, mystery, suspense, humor, sarcasm, bullying, domestic violence, hopes and dreams, girly stuff, man stuff, and lesbianism. Pretty much what you might find in real life. I look around and write about what I know. I try to hit on all the major conflicts of modern man (and woman), and maybe even a few not so major struggles.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Into The Winter. The Series is best if read in order, though books two and three were written as stand-alone novels.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? As I said earlier, I awoke from a dream very early one morning in January 2015, with a story in my head. I have no idea where it came from, but the story sounded good in my mind, good enough to get me out of bed and on the computer. I wrote for hours, the words spilling out of my head onto the page. I felt possessed, though I don't believe in that sort of stuff. Before I knew it, I had written another book. I put my heart and soul into the story. I still love it whether or not anyone else does. But apparently though, quite a few people do like it.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Don't force the story or words. Write from your heart and soul. If you have the story in you, it will flow to the paper with ease.

Who is your favorite author and why? Mark Twain for Tom Sawyer. I was very sick with measles and mumps at the same time when I was young. My oldest sister bought this book for me. I loved the book and now that my sister is no longer with me, I think of her often and how sweet she was to me from that day forward. For poetry, I have to say Edgar Allen Poe. I love all his poetry, but Annabel Lee is my favorite.

************************Amazon Author’s Page
https://www.amazon.com/Larry-Landgraf/e/B00NS3YRLO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1512492363&sr=8-4

Professional Website (Primary)
http://www.intoautumn.com/

The Smart SOB (Save The World and Rant)
http://thesmartsob.com/the-smart-sob/blog/

Into The Spring (Work In Progress)
http://www.intospringsequel.com

Into The Winter (Work In Progress)
http://www.intowinter.com

YouTube Channel (23 videos)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHAl2COVDWFIpDB_B8AkoRp3iiaXaKCaC

Professional Blog
http://intoautumn.com/?p=562

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/intoautumn

Twitter
https://twitter.com/riverrmann

Google+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/105809662207011182230/about/p/pub

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/riverrmann2/into-autumn/

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/47756876-larry-landgraf

Cold Coffee Café
http://coldcoffeecafe.com/profile/LarryLandgraf

Cold Coffee Press
http://www.coldcoffeepress.com/larry-landgraf

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Published on January 16, 2018 12:50

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