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Consequences of Falling (A Riverfield Novel) by Glenn Sartori

 
Consequences of Falling (A Riverfield Novel) by Glenn Sartori
Tragedy, murder, and conspiracy push three Riverfield residents down unfamiliar paths…

…..a psychologist who takes on an unethical mission; the wife of a detective who inserts herself in a murder investigation; and a former cabaret hostess who risks everything in order to discover her lover’s killer.

Mayhem abounds as Union Miller unwittingly becomes the link between the three—whose actions result in unexpected consequences that change the fiber of Riverfield forever.

Riverfield Novel Book Two is finally here and titled Consequences of Falling.

Book Review
Bradley and Elizabeth survived a whirlwind romance, elopement and great sex, for two people who are as different as day and night and then their daughter Jessica was born.

Tragedy unfolds and life changes direction for Elizabeth. I Quote:

“As the clouds rolled across the sky obscuring the last bit of the evening light, Elizabeth kept watching the lake from her apartment’s deck. She thought of herself as a woman always watching something in motion, which was shifting and changing. She wasn’t in motion or was she? It made her light-headed to think of this. She yearned for her mind to be clear like the water, to be clear of that day in court. And the occasional woodpecker’s remote tapping and the air rending silence that followed it were only sounds registered in her head. They were meaningless, but that day in court was not. It seemed her thoughts were determined to wander along that shadowy path, where court arguments laid like exposed roots across the forest floor. It was the day that her life totally fell apart, the day she lost her daughter. It had happened last month.”

How could things go so wrong? It is October 1989 and Elizabeth Trent finds herself running from her past and the only answer might be revenge. A new counseling job in Riverfield, Missouri at the CYA clinic might be a good start. Would returning to the place of her childhood be the answer or would there be old ghosts?

Falling into the routines that a small town has to offer, Elizabeth immerses herself into her clients and secretly hopes she will bump into an old heart throb Union Miller. The mundane has a way of becoming short lived when secrets threaten to break free.

Murder and mayhem begins on Monday May 7, 1990. Can Elizabeth live with the consequences of her actions? Join the investigation as “The morning fog was as thick and wet as breath on a mirror, dimming the heat lightning in the air. Yellow bolts the color of a cat’s eye forked out above the police station. Inside an oppressive mood had settled over the building. Everyone was feeling frustrated. They needed some sort of concrete lead in order to move.”

Romance, tragedy, abduction, murder and conspiracy engage this well-developed cast of characters that include detective John Turner, Mike Ryan, Anne Turner, Kimberly Young, Peter Benton, Randy Bennett, Connelly Dunnerman, and Seiko Dunnerman. The events that unfold will change Riverfield’s small town forever, for now fear grips the community.

I love this fast paced novel with lots of suspense and mystery. Author Glenn Sartori uses real life stories as inspiration for this novel. He includes an excerpt from his next Riverfield Novel titled ‘Reflections Of Triplets’.

I endorse and invite you to read Consequences of Falling (Riverfield Novel Book Two) by Glenn Sartori. I reviewed this book from a Kindle format. This review was completed on November 14, 2016. This series can be enjoyed in any sequence. I suggest you also read book one in the series titled Union Of Friends. Author Glenn Sartori has also published South City Mosaic: Life On Alaska which I have also enjoyed as book one in his South City Mosaic Series and his stand-alone book titled Epiphany.

Amazon Reviews
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Union Of Friends (Riverfield Series Book One) by Glenn Sartori
The announcement of Union Miller’s death arrived with the Saturday mail. That notice pushed Travis Gibbs to return to Riverfield only to discover that his best friend, Union Miller, had been dead for two years.

It was an open and shut murder case—Union had stalked a woman, had killed her, and then had been killed by her husband. However, women had always pursued Union. Why stalk one? Why kill one?

The search for answers propels Travis on a deceit-filled journey that ends in a conclusion he can’t believe, until violence steps into his life.

Amazon Customer Reviews
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Main Street Books – St. Charles, Missouri
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South City Mosaic:
Life On Alaska (South City Mosaic Series Book One)
by Glenn Sartori
Sit back in your favorite chair and revisit my early years with me. I have been a lifelong resident of St. Louis and grew up in the South City on a street called Alaska. My grade school adventures will make you smile…and possibly help you recall your own cherished childhood memories.

Book Review
Whether you are young or old, South City Mosaic: Life On Alaska will capture your heart and mind as endearing, heartfelt boyhood memories from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade are experienced in and around Glenn’s house and loving family home on 5226 Alaska Ave.

Twenty-two life packed chapters that truly begin on April 10, 1940 when Glenn was born. Read the well placed words of Glenn’s vivid childhood memories that will take you back in time to the sights, sounds, smells and yes, tastes of a simpler, kinder and gentler life. There are so many examples that I want to share with you, so choosing this one is difficult, but reflective of the mood and character of the stories. I quote: “In the 1940s and 50s, before electronic games and computers, collecting and trading baseball cards was a boyhood passion everywhere, and my grade school was no exception.

The chance of getting a Mays, Mantle or Musial was thrilling, and to get the final card that completed your set of any baseball team, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, was a victory. Cards with pictures and stats of baseball players were the only type available, no hockey or football players. I bought mine at my neighborhood grocery store—a nickel for five cards packaged with a sheet of bubblegum.
If I think about it, I can still smell the bubblegum aroma that wafted from the open package. Chomping down on the malleable pink sheet of gum filled my mouth with sugary juices. As vivid as the memory of chewing the gum is, I have no recall of blowing bubbles. Maybe I never acquired that skill set.

On many days after school, my friends and I would trade baseball cards, usually on someone’s front porch. It was always fun and a good way to complete a team. Shouts like “I’ll trade you a Duke Snider for an Alvin Dark. Or I’ll trade you a Yogi Berra for a Gil Hodges” were flying around the group. Sometimes we’d trade two for one, and occasionally three for one if someone really needed a particular player. We’d even coordinate trades between three or four kids. I loved those times. (I had a fine collection but not now. After I’d been gone from home for few years, I discovered that my dad had donated, among other things, the baseball cards to the St. Joseph’s Orphan Home for boys. Maybe they enjoyed them, traded them as I had.)”

Look at the 21 photos from those days and let your taste buds recall one or more of the included recipes that will draw you back in time. If you are young, you will learn valuable information about life for one young boy in the 40’s and 50s. If you are older, the memories written in this book will no doubt trigger some pleasant memories of your childhood.

Compare your childhood with Glenn’s, his first cigarette, first kiss and so many more firsts, which you will not want to miss. Like me you will be forced to wait for Glenn’s promised book two and three in his South City Mosaic Series.

Theodocia McLean endorses South City Mosaic: Life On Alaska by Glenn Sartori as a childhood memoir worth reading. Read all Author Glenn Sartori’s books found at Amazon. I purchased and reviewed this book from a Kindle format. This review was completed on March 3, 2016.

Amazon Customer Reviews
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Main Street Books – St. Charles, Missouri
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Epiphany by Glenn Sartori
In medieval Russia, a battlefield historian is commissioned to transport treasures from invasion-torn south to a haven in the north. Centuries later, four events occur simultaneously.

Grace Sawyer, on her summer sabbatical at the Rosanov Art Institute in Yaroslavl, stumbles upon a black stone from a medieval Russian treasure. Richard Simon, an art historian in New York, is solicited by a friend in the CIA to journey to Yaroslavl on a cryptic quest.

In Kiev, the brother of the president of the Ukraine is assassinated, and a group of men plan to violently end the Epiphany—the historic meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch of Russia.

Within a week, these events will mesh in a violent climax that echoes in the halls of the Rosanov Art Institute.
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Main Street Books – St. Charles, Missouri
************************  Glenn Sartori is a lifelong resident of St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from St. Louis University with BS and MS in Electrical Engineering. In 1997 he married Rosanne and enjoy condo living in St. Louis County. They have two sons Michael and Jeffrey, both grown, live in different cities and have a family of their own.

Glenn worked in electronic design and engineering management at McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing, and traveled to many countries, his favorite was Japan. He retired in 2002, which is the same year Rosanne retired from teaching in the St. Charles School District.

In late 2002, Glenn started his second career as an author of text books. Along with his college friend, they have co-authored four engineering text books for Pearson Education Publishing Company. Glenn successfully transitioned to writing mystery novels and most recently published the first book of his memoir trilogy.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from St. Louis, Missouri? We have an outstanding and supportive writer’s guild here, and living in a Midwestern town keeps you grounded. I love my hometown and am proud of its rich history.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I’ve always enjoyed writing, but my first engineering text book got me stimulated and really hooked on exploring the possibility of being a published author.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? For my series of mystery novels, I created a fictional town—Riverfield—patterned it after St. Charles, Missouri, the sleepy river town where I worked and socialized for many years. My stable family life and my humorous adventures in grade school played a major role in writing book 1 of my memoir trilogy. My parents encouraged me to do my best, and my education spurred me on.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? In 2002 when asked to co-author an engineering textbook.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Seeing my ideas and characters grow as I read over the initial draft and the rewrites.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Receiving emails and thank you notes from readers who have loved my books and caused them to have ideas of their own. Oh, and seeing my name in print.

How many published books do you have? I have four engineering technology textbooks, two mystery/thriller novels, and book 1 of my memoir trilogy.

Titles of Books:
Epiphany
Union of Friends
South City Mosaic: Life on Alaska
Consequences of Falling (A Riverfield Novel) by Glenn Sartori

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I come up with a draft title after I’ve outlined the plot and characters in the novel.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I am writing in two genres: mystery/thriller novels because I love to read that type of book, and now that I’ve published my first book in my memoir trilogy I realize that I have interesting and humorous life stories to tell.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? Conversations with my school friends—grade school, high school, and college—made me realize I have stories to tell. I realized that I didn’t need to be famous or come from a dysfunctional family or endure a tragic event to write interesting and humorous narratives. Positive feedback told me that I have a talent to tell stories with humor and connect with the audience.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Nothing is achieved without perseverance … so keep on writing and rewriting.

Who is your favorite author and why? Stephen King’s book - On Writing. Besides shining as a unique perspective on the writer’s craft, it’s an interesting and humorous story of his life.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview?South City Mosaic: Life On Alaska is book one in my South City Mosaic Series.

Amazon Author’s Page
Professional Website
LinkedIn: Glenn Sartori
Facebook Pages
https://www.facebook.com/glenn.sartori.5
https://www.facebook.com/Epiphany-by-Glenn-Sartori-713039215384443/
https://www.facebook.com/semanslanding/ Twitter
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Little Worlds of Magic by Mary T Kincaid

Little Worlds of Magic by Mary T Kincaid
The story about making new friends in a new town.

Mason Garcia struggles to find new interests and make friends away from his surfing and his beloved ocean. In a town with no surfing he finds a spooky park just down the block from his new house. Is it haunted?

Can everyone see the Punwees?

He sees them through his bedroom window. They open a door in a walnut on the tree and stand on the branch of a tree. Spend time in the world of little people. Imagine that there are little people all around your house, yard, and school. Mason is sent to counseling because no one else sees the little people, and his parents think he is having trouble adjusting to the move. Is it always better to talk to someone about what is going on in your life?

Can Mason find someone to play video games with beside the little people who are very competitive?
Everyone serious about something knows what it is like when they meet people who are not as serious as they are.

Practice your reading with this adventure. A good story to read in chapters. This fantasy will expand your vocabulary and introduce you to Mason's world.

About The Author I'm an Oklahoma girl who spent thirty years living in the deep South. I'm an observer. Everything can be the basis of a good story. Story ideas are everywhere. No need to give you my dates like I've passed from this life. I'm here. It's now.

Let's read. I write stories for children. The golden age of adventure when they can still use their imagination is between the ages of six and twelve. I love creating worlds for them to explore. Reading is so important. It is the gateway to their future.

I live with two cranky cats in northeast Oklahoma. I’m a widow.

Book Review
Little Worlds Of Magic helps children understand the struggles of moving and leaving their friends behind.

Main character Mason lives in a loving military family where travel is part of life. His parents are wise to encourage him to make new friends in hopes that his imaginary friends will no longer be needed.

As a grandparent who moved around a lot as a child, this book not only brought back memories but will make a great Christmas gift for my 7 year grand-daughter who reading well above her age.

Author Mary T. Kincaid has a wonderful imagination and her love for children shines through.
This is the second book that I have read by Mary T Kincaid. I give this book five stars. I believe that a child as young as seven (who can read) and perhaps as old as twelve will enjoy this easy to read book. One hundred and fourth six easy to read pages with beautiful black and white illustrations by Doriano Strologo.

Theodocia McLean endorses Little Worlds of Magic by Mary T Kincaid. I purchase and reviewed this book from a print book. This review was completed on November 11, 2016.

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Mortimer: Chapter Book For Early Readers by Mary T. Kincaid
The story of a mole who hears singing the day he is born drifting into his den.
His family doesn't make any noises like singing, so where is it coming from?
Will he have the nerve to defy traditions and venture into no mole territory?
Can he have membership in two worlds?
Join him and see.
Book Review
As a Grandmother I can highly recommend Mortimer for ages 4 and up.

Mortimer is a mole who is curious about the world him from birth. Even though he tends to break all the rules, his world becomes far more than a hole in the ground. He tests his parent’s patience and his boundaries to learn and try new things. In doing so he makes friends and overcomes fear.

There are 39 pages with eleven short chapters. The chapters are titled, The Beginning, Ignorance, Curiosity, Big Paws, Mission, New Plan, To The surface, Despair, The Invention, Sharing and Dancing. There are eleven cute hand drawn illustrations.

Interesting story with good dialog to keep any young child, boy or girl interested.

A great bedtime read.

Theodocia McLean endorses Mortimer: Chapter Book For Early Readers by Mary Kincaid. A new children’s book titled ‘Little Words Of Magic’ is promised to be released this year. I purchased and reviewed this book from a Kindle format. The review was completed on May 13, 2016.

Amazon Reviews
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Ghostly Echoes: Spooky Tales From Around The World
(Anthology) by Mary T. Kincaid
These spooky stories will chill your heart and raise the hairs on your arms.

With 23 short stories and poems, you can choose your fright for the night from this variety of scary tales written by authors from around the world.

From ghosts and zombie cats to witches and goblins, you’ll find something to frighten you within these pages.

From children to adults, these short, creepy stories will entertain anyone brave enough to open the cover and start reading.

Genre: Short Story Collections, Anthology

Amazon Reviews
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Seasons Of Life: A WordWeaver Anthology by Mary T. Kincaid
Join us in letting the imagination run free in these stories of lifetime moments ranging from both fleeting and profound, humorous and heart wrenching to healing and shattering.

The Seasons of Life shares varied tales of a time in the summer where the sun both blesses and blisters, of a time in the spring where rains help us grow, but sometimes washes away.

Where fall is beautiful and poignant but also dying as it prepares for the inevitable winter of equal amounts of cozy fires and bitter cold.

Bartlesville, OK has many talented authors and we are honored to share their work with you in a WordWeavers fundraiser.

Genre: Short Story Collections, Anthology

Amazon Reviews
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Teapot Tales: Pirates, Mermaids and Monsters Of The Sea
(Anthology) by Mary T. Kincaid
In the spirit of “Teapot Tales: A Collection of Unique Fairy Tales” is this wonderful second volume of short stories to enjoy!

With stories to enchant readers of all ages, this collection of pirate and mermaid stories will open your eyes to the magic that can be found under the sea.

Let yourself be pulled into the magical worlds found within these stories. From pirates and sea monsters to kind-hearted mermaids and flesh-eating sirens, let these charming ocean tales sweep you away into the realm of fantasy.

With twenty-six stories, including four poems, written by seventeen different authors from around the world, “Teapot Tales: Pirates, Mermaids and Monsters of the Sea” is a wonderful collection of short stories, each story just long enough to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Genre: Short Story Collections, Anthology

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Cold Coffee Press Author Spotlight Interview With Author Mary T. Kincaid
Bio: I'm an Oklahoma girl who spent thirty years living in the deep South. I'm an observer. 

Everything can be the basis of a good story. Story ideas are everywhere. No need to give you my dates like I've passed from this life. I'm here. It's now. Let's read.

I write stories for children. The golden age of adventure when they can still use their imagination is between the ages of six and twelve. I love creating worlds for them to explore. 

Reading is so important. It is the gateway to their future.

I live with my husband and two cranky cats in northeast Oklahoma.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Oklahoma? An Oklahoma writer sits on the plains and observes things like Will Rogers, the native son, and mentor to all the state’s writers.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I’ve always had a talent for writing. I’m in a place where I can use it to tell my stories.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Yes, my environment played a big part in my writing. I spent my childhood reading and spending time with imaginary characters. I still spend time with these characters but now I’m able to share them.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Only a couple of years ago, I realized that children were waiting for my stories, and the other things I have to share. Having grandchildren really made me aware of it.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I love to make maps of my story worlds. I draw the relationships of things to the characters, and enjoy laying out the locations of action.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Seeing the ideas become a finished product. That involves critique groups, editors, and the formatting to get it uploaded to a finished product.

How many published books do you have? I have short works in three anthologies. I have Mortimer: A Chapter Book as a stand-alone work. I am working on two more that I’ll be releasing soon.

Published Books:
Little Worlds of Magic
Mortimer: A Chapter Book
Ghostly Echos: Spooky Tales From Around the World
Season’s of Life
Teapot Tales: Pirates, Mermaids, and Monsters of the Sea

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I struggle with titles. They don’t come to me the way characters do. I have to spend time thinking of a metaphor that will hint at the story and it is just not easy. Editors and reviewers often help me.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write chapter books, middle grade stories for very young readers. I want them to have the same opportunity to develop the desire to explore characters and stories that I had as a girl.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Mortimer: A Chapter Book

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? I wondered about a character doing something completely outside his family expectations, like a mole learning about baseball.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Don’t give up.

Who is your favorite author and why? Herman Melville is my favorite. The opening passage to Moby Dick is a piece of American poetry that is not appreciated enough.

Amazon Author’s Page
Professional Website
Professional Blog
Goodreads
Facebook: marytkincaidauthor
Twitter: @marykincaid2001
Google+: Mary Kinciad
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The Duke's Magnificent Bastard (The Duke Series Book 4) by Sandra Masters

 
The Duke Series by Sandra MastersA True Regency Romance That Will Leave You Wanting More
 
The Duke's Magnificent Bastard (The Duke Series Book 4) by Sandra Masters
After three years in England, Thorn Wick, the duke’s bastard son, perfectly flawed, still fights for acceptance in his father’s world as a renowned Argamak Turk horse trainer. Just when he starts to believe in fairy tales, another obstacle looms to thwart his plans: on a dangerous mission to Barbados, Thorn is stunned when secrets are revealed about his mother. Will he exact revenge for the foul deed?
Alicia Montgomery, ward of the duke, is in love with Thorn. Strong willed and adventurous, she determines she can convince him to admit his feelings. But the reality of loving Thorn too much almost destroys her.
Can Alicia quell Thorn's demons and prove love can pave the way to their happiness?

Book Review
The fourth book the Duke Series is set in Porticio of Beckamhouse, London, England, 1820. The book opens with a romantic interlude between Thorn Wick and Alicia Montgomery.
Travel back into a period of time when men and women behaved elegantly and letters were more than mere words, they were the expression of one’s heart and soul. Let me draw you into the story with this quote:
“Chester announced that the visitor the Marquess of Montgate, had arrived, and he’d shown the gentleman into the room. She smiled a warm greeting to him.
“Dear, dear Alicia, I’ll be the envy of every man at the ball tonight. You look ravishing in that goddess-like gown. How will I keep all the men away from you?” He bent low and kissed her extended hand.
“I will assist by exhibiting the manner of a shrew if necessary. Now, Percival, give me a proper hug. I promise not to bore you about horses, but I will keep you engaged in conversation about my schoolmistress duties. I confess I’m worn out. I wonder how our tenants are able to cope with so many children without servants.”
Percival smiled. “We aristocrats do have some advantages.”
“That may be, but I look forward to our time tonight. Thorn gave you a letter for me?”
“Yes, he did when last we met.” He grinned. “He also gave me instructions that I was to protect you from any man who would try to woo you to a balcony or some such thing. Especially I’m to keep Claven, that scoundrel, a good distance from you. Please don’t encourage the rascal. I’m too young to die in a duel.”  He walked toward her. “Thorn’s much in love with you, my dear.”
“And I am with him.”
“Alas, it’s my sad fate to relinquish you. Here is his letter.” He withdrew it from his breast pocket. “Now if you will direct me to the duke and duchess, I’ll extend my greetings while you read the contents.”
“Percival, you’re a good friend of his. I thank you. I’ll be with you shortly. Just follow the conversations, and they’ll lead you to the grand drawing room. Gordon is with them. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
He turned to leave.
“Percival,” she called out. “Thank you for this wondrous gift. I shan’t forget you.”
“It’s my pleasure, Alicia.  Thorn is my dearest friend. I know how much he loves you, and I’m happy to help him attain his goals.” He winked, and left.
She ran into the library where she could read his letter in private. She carefully opened it and her heart lifted at its prose.
You must read the book to find out what this letter said and how Alicia responds.
Theodocia McLean endorses The Duke’s Magnificent Bastard by Sandra Masters. One Night with a Duke, is promised for release in 2017. I purchased this book and reviewed it form a Kindle format. This review was completed on November 6, 2016.

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Thorn, Son Of A Duke (Duke Series Book Three) by Sandra Masters
Mini novella prequel to Book Four
At the age of seventeen, Thorn Wick made a promise to his dying mother that sends him sailing from Barbados to England to meet the man who sired him, the aristocratic Duke of Althorn, who never knew of his son’s existence.
Alicia Montgomery, ward of the Duke, develops a deep affection for the Anglo Indian who protects her from advances by other men. She wants him to acknowledge his feelings for her, but he insists on ignoring the chemistry between them.
Despite the intrigue, revelations, and revenge, will their passion and love for each other conquer all?

Book Review
The third book (mini novella prequel to book four) in the Duke Series is here and Author Sandra Masters delivers another true regency romance with Thorn, Son Of A Duke.
The book opens with Thorn Wick aboard his Majesty’s Ship en route to England, 1817. “Thorn Wick leaned over the railing of the ship. A queasy sensation roiled in his stomach as he watched the swelling of the seas. He closed his eyes and hoped he’d wake up and find himself in his sunlit room in Barbados on firm ground listening to island chants.”
Enjoy regal characters and superb story telling that will keep you invested in the plot. Let me share with you a passage from the book as tension builds at ‘London Wharfside’.
“Thorn stood by the railing and scanned an old road that gave access to wharves and docks on the north bank of the River Thames. The panorama before him amazed. Busy docks men and porters hustled large cases and bales from the ships to the waiting warehousemen. Men shouted while clerks with inventory lists directed longshoremen to the appropriate buildings.
“Sir Tomas, what is that large building to the right of us? Never have I seen such a large structure.”
“That’s the East India House owned and operated by the company. I would venture to say the wealth that passes within its portals is unsurpassed in the world. They are a powerful force with which to reckon. Fortunately, your forefathers had the good sense not to invest in India and chose Barbados.”
Thorn’s eyes widened at the activity; excitement overtook him. He didn’t know where to look first.
“Do you see that black coach with the Lion crest waiting?”
“Yes. Is that my father’s?” he asked with a bit of trepidation.
As they spoke, a tall aristocratic gentleman departed the coach, his beaver top hat and greatcoat an admission of his wealth. The coach driver was armed and one footman was on the back board. The other footman walked behind the man. A gold dome-topped cane glistened in the sunlight.
“Is that my father, Sir Tomas?”
“Yes, it is. He’s come to greet you personally.” Tomas grasped Thorn’s shoulder in convivial support. “Just be yourself, Thorn. Everything will be fine.”
The gangplank was lowered, and the passengers prepared to depart. Thorn and Tomas waited for the others to precede them.
“Courage, little lion,” Tomas joked.
“I will need more than that,” Thorn replied, unable to keep his eyes off the aristocratic gentleman who waited patiently on the dock.
I now understand what my mother saw in him.
Thorn took a deep breath. “I’m ready, Sir Tomas. Let us greet the great lion.” He smiled with an inquisitive stare at the man who gave him life and wondered what future awaited him.
I invite you to follow this father and son reunion and see what lays in store for this son of a duke. Read the entire Duke Series by Sandra Masters at Amazon. Each book stands alone for your regency romance enjoyment.
Theodocia McLean endorses Thorn, Son Of A Duke (The Duke Series Book 3) by Sandra Masters. I purchased and reviewed this book from a Kindle format. This review was completed on March 10, 2016.

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My Divinely Decadent Duke (The Duke Series Book Two) by Sandra Masters
Orphaned and abandoned by family, Lady Cassandra Montgomery yearns for love. Beautiful and innocent, she attracts the attention of a renowned rake, the Duke of Althorn. When her security is threatened, she offers him a proposal for an arranged marriage in exchange for his guarantee of safety for her and her ward. After her first taste of desire in his arms, she finds the sexual attraction irresistible. Finding herself in a family way, she leaves his home, unsure of his love.
The Duke is at first enraged by the brazen behavior, yet he sees Cassandra as a captivating caregiver for his mother and impossible to resist. He agrees. The arrangement becomes inconvenient because love and sex enter the equation.
Will she believe her husband truly loves her and return to his waiting arms?
Will the Duke admit his love and use his rakish skills to woo Cassandra back to his bed?

Book Review
Follow-up regency romance Once Upon A Duke with My Divinely Decadent Duke (Duke Series Book Two).
Back in London in 1822 arranged marriages of even royalty doesn’t mean the woman (seen as a possession) is secure in life or love, in fact the beautiful Lady Cassandra Montgomery yearns for love.
At the ballroom “Cassandra turned to her brother. “Brent Montgomery, Earl of Stratton. May I introduce you to his Grace, Duke of Althorn.”
Later “The Duke stared at the sun-dappled ocean from his balcony residence as the evening hour approached. The ever-present restlessness was his companion. He took deep breaths, prepared to harness his energy and put it to work for him. His beloved dog Clayo lay at his side. He knelt to pet her head. She was one of his prized possessions; there could never be a doubt of the indisputable fact. The animal gave him a lick on his hand. His gentle creature with the name of a temptress Egyptian Queen was dedicated in her affection for him.”
“The Duke decided to walk the beach again. This time he took Clayo, and his attire was indeed informal. He’d left his jacket at the villa, but was still dressed in his waistcoat appropriate to his rank. Crop in his right hand, he strode quickly. Although he would be loathed to admit it, he wanted to see if his Enchantress of the Sea would be out and about. He invited her the night before to walk along the beach, but she didn’t present herself. In his heart, he didn’t think she would tonight, but nonetheless, it didn’t hurt to ask. Clayo plodded alongside him and wagged her tail. He kept at their “stick into the ocean” game, and she promptly retrieved. They played most of the time until either he became bored or Clayo tired.
His heart leaped when he saw Cassandra. This time the outfit was a dark azure skirt with the same white balloon sleeve blouse, a light blue jacket, and a fetching azure hat with her blonde hair tucked under it. The children were with her. Alicia, wearing a white ruffled dress with many petticoats, ran barefoot and giggled. A huge white bow accented her blonde braid so the wind wouldn’t whip hair in her face. Blue eyes that matched the sky, soft creamy white skin, and a delicate frame gave the girl an impish look. It then occurred to him how much Alicia resembled Cassandra. Could it be a coincidence? Or was there more to it? Was there a secret somewhere?
More than a romance story, it is an adventure told with remarkable storytelling, easy going to face paced reading, true to time period dialog and settings along with extensive research by Author Sandra Masters engages the reader in the search for true love between Lady Cassandra Montgomery and Duke Gordon Althorn.
Relax into a deep, hot bubble bath with a glass of red wine (or drink of your choice) and relax with romance as it should be. Author Sandra Masters states it best: “Every woman should have a divinely decadent Duke in her life.”
Theodocia McLean endorses My Divinely Decadent Duke by Sandra Masters as book two in this Regency Romance. I purchased and reviewed this book from a Kindle format. This review was completed on February 6, 2016.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I believe I’ve demonstrated to my children and grandchildren, if you never give up your dream, you can achieve it. My younger son, Sam, said to me at one time, before I got published, “Mom, I can’t remember when you ever stopped writing.” And here I am, decades later, having this fantastic experience. I laugh sometimes about my rules, which I may have borrowed along the way.
Rule Number 1: Never Give up.Rule Number Two: Remember Rule Number One.Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? A bad marriage at the time and a difficult divorce. The emotion tears you apart and you have to pick yourself up and start anew. I tend to be an optimist, and have been brought to my knees. And then I think: This is a good place to pray from.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Who am I?
I am and always have been an incurable romantic and I have paid heavily for it.Life’s lesson I’ve learned. “I don’t need anybody’s permission to be ME.”Another life lesson: “I can’t control what people do or say about me. I CAN control how I react to what they say or do.”************************ Amazon Author’s Page
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Neiko's Five Land Adventure (The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 1) by A. K. Taylor

 
Neiko's Five Land Adventure
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 1) by A. K. Taylor
Overview:

What if the fate of two worlds were in the hands of one person: you?

The childhood secret of a troubled teen warrior is used against her by her enemies. It turns out what Neiko imagined is real, and she becomes trapped in the same world she imagined by an otherworldly evil that is worse than the devil. Getting home is the least of her problems.

The Indians and the Cracked skulls are locked in the turmoil of a war that has raged for centuries, and it is presently in a stalemate. Her enemies, Raven and Bloodhawk, have come up with a scheme to take her down, but in doing so they inadvertently open the door to another universe and to an otherworldly evil. Neiko later finds out that a land she thought she had only imagined is actually real and the dark being is not a figment of her childhood imagination-he is terrifyingly real and she faces him for the first time. To make matters worse, it is now in her world and he has evil plans especially for her.

After several standoffs with the malevolent Ramses the Dark Pharaoh in Hawote, she is trapped in Qari by his strange and powerful magic. Trapped in another universe in a place that is not exactly the way she imagined it, and she must somehow find a way to teleport home. That is easier said than done; the odds are overwhelmingly against her and her scorpion-cobra companion as they must travel to find the answer and help but at the same time avoid Ramses' allies, traps, and tricks. Can she come back home and turn the tables on her enemies?

If you love the hidden worlds and magic of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, travel to other worlds like Warriors of Virtue and The Never-ending Story, and a strong female protagonist with a bow (only that she's Native American and a nerd at heart who doesn't want to completely grow up!) like the Hunger Games, you will love Neiko's Five Land Adventure!

Awards:
Winner of the 2012 Indie Reader Approved AwardNominated as "A Great Book for Kids" by fantasy and science fiction reviewer CC Cole
Praise for Neiko's Five Land Adventure:
"Plenty of action and inspired imagination." By Wulfstan Top 100 Reviewer
"From the first word, Taylor delivers a fresh, vibrant tale of two different worlds." By Steven Knight Book review and author of "Born of Blood"
"An imaginative journey that is that is much of an adventure for the reader as it is for Neiko." By CC Cole Book Reviewer and author of the Gastar Series
"A great middle school or read to me book with tons of adventure and characters." By Paper Mustang Book Reviewer
"A fantastical twist to the childhood game of Cowboys and Indians and a wonderful coming of age story." By Indie Reader Reviewer
"Neiko's five land adventure is a gripping young adult fantasy tale. You get an exceptional feel for the protagonist, Neiko, as you travel through the rich worlds between reality and imaginary (well not really imaginary as Neiko soon finds out!) alongside her and her cohorts (I particularly liked Quickstrike)" by Michael Dadich, Award Winning Author of the Silver Sphere

Book Review For Neiko's Five Land Adventure
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 1)
I can’t begin to imagine A. K. Taylor as a young girl writing fascinating fantasy tales like Neiko’s Five Land Adventure (Neiko Adventure Saga Book One). Granted as an adult the author has revised this teen writing project and added the wisdom and balance of being a grown, educated and married woman.

Take a moment and think back to your childhood bedroom. Recall your favorite toys, the ones you played with the most and the ones that caused you some discomfort in the dark. Now imagine your bedroom transformed into a fantasy land were you were called upon to battle for the good and defeat evil between reality and imaginary. What if you found out those imaginary worlds and the people/creatures in it were real and you became trapped there? Some things you imagined were incorrect. What would you do?

Neiko’s has one foot in reality and the other where she is Captain Neiko Kidd, commanding officer of the Desert Storm Falcons a hidden world that coexists with the known one. These woodland warriors battle with the Crackedskulls and it has to be done before supper.

I always like to share a quote from each book that I review, not to spoil, but to engage. Now imagine yourself back as a teen trying to communicate with your mom and see if it would go something like this:

“Well, here goes nothing,” said Neiko as she walked down the hall. She was trying to measure up what to say to her mother about what happened. She sat down at the table and waited for her mom to hand her dinner. They prayed, and after they finished, Neiko began eating.
“I wonder where your daddy is,” her mom said, trying to break the silence.
“I don’t know, probably got held up at LP again,” Neiko replied with a mouth full of cabbage.
“Is there something on your mind? You’re awfully quiet.”
“Yeah, um—did you hear anything strange—like in my room... like metal hitting the wall or something?”
“No, why?”
“I was just wondering because a couple of strange things happened a few minutes ago.”
“Like what?”
“Well—like...um—I was playing with Ramses, and when he hit the wall he clanged, and then I tried to bring him in the toy box; I missed, and he hit the side and said ‘Ow’.”
“Who is Ramses?”
“One of my toys—the guy with the shiny armor.”
“Amanda,” she groaned in an aggravated manner, then said gently, “Oh—yeah— well... that’s nice, dear.”
“Mom, I ain’t makin’ this up. It really happened.”
“That’s really using your imagination. Did this happen during a battle?”
“No! This wasn’t pretend—this was real. Like in real life,” Neiko stammered.
“Oh, well, that’s a really nice joke—”
“I’m not joking—and I haven’t even laughed about it. If I was joking, then I would be laughing my head off.”
“Has he ever done this before?” “No.”
“Did he come with any special real-life sounds or anything?”
“No, he was just a plain toy. I’ve had him for a long time, and I’ve played with him a million times, and it’s never happened before—never mind, let’s talk about something else.”

The question begs to be answered, would your Mom believe you? What if your real or imaginary friends reveled in the fact that your Mom just didn’t understand.

I encourage teens and young adults to read ‘Neiko's Five Land Adventure’ and learn from a peer that you must have courage and the strength to face the odds and fight for what you believe. Teens will enjoy this book and perhaps it will encourage them to write about their toys and action figures that seem to at times, take on a life of their own.

This book was winner of the ‘2012 Indie Reader Approved Award’ and this book was nominated as "A Great Book for Kids" by fantasy and science fiction reviewer CC Cole

Author A. K. Taylor created the Map of Hawote/Georgia and the Map of Qari and has been writing and drawing since the age of sixteen. She worked with another artist to create the 23 black and white photos that help bring the story to life IN THE Sixty-five chapters. There are also letters and an amazing log titled “Neiko’s Log” at the end of this book which details, people, places and events. This log will help young readers as this series continues.

For parents: The author grew up in the backwoods of Georgia where she learned hunting and fishing, beekeeping, gardening, archery, shooting, hiking, and has various collections. She has her degree from University of Georgia with a biology degree. I think she is a good role model for teens and young adults.

Theodocia McLean endorses Neiko's Five Land Adventure (The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 1) by A. K. Taylor and encourage teens and young adults to read Neiko's Five Land Adventure (Book One), Escape from Ancient Egypt (Book Two), The Newbie Author's Survival Guide and her latest book title Bloody Klondike Gold. I purchased and reviewed this book from a Kindle format. This review was completed on October 20, 2016.

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Bloody Klondike Gold: A Randi Braveheart
Mystery Short Story by A. K. Taylor
A summer trip to the Klondike can be deadly...

Randi and her friend go to the Mineral Creek mining claim in the Klondike to visit her father during the mining season. Sabotage, theft, and a death threat turn wilderness summer fun and normal mining operations into a fight for survival...

Bloody Klondike Gold is an introductory short story to the new Randi Braveheart Mystery Series by award winning Teen/YA author A.K. Taylor! Stay tuned for the first installment To Catch a Catfish coming in 2017.

Lovers of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries will enjoy this new series with a gutsy, tomboy heroine from the bayous of Lousiana!

Book Review For Bloody Klondike Gold:
A Randi Braveheart Mystery Short Story
Short stories are to an avid reader like chocolate to sweet tooth. Bloody Klondike Gold by A. K. Taylor is a short Story introduction to the Randi Braveheart action suspense mystery thriller series.

Two teenage friends, Randi and Brittany drive the long 2, 700 mile trek from San Francisco to southeast Alaska. Randi’s father, William Wallace Braveheart was already on location as his reputation for finding gold at any location made him a valuable asset.

Mining communities are tight knit as the environment, equipment and the mining processes inherit dangers make mining for Gold a driving force with the claim crews but also a draw for the darker side of human nature.

The summer starts out as an adventurous vacation with Randi dreaming of fishing in cool streams to a mining community’s worst nightmare.

If you enjoyed Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries then I invite you to read ‘Bloody Klondike Gold’ to prepare for ‘To Catch A Catfish’ scheduled for release in 2017. If this short story is any indication of what is to come with ‘To Catch A Catfish’ then prepare yourself for an action packed, suspense mystery thriller.

Theodocia McLean endorses Bloody Klondike Gold: A Randi Braveheart Mystery Short Story as the introduction to A. K. Taylor’s new action suspense mystery thriller series coming soon. I purchased and reviewed this book from a Kindle format. This review was completed on September 23, 2016.

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Escape From Ancient Egypt
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2) by A. K. Taylor
Overview:

When being stuck in the past has a whole new meaning...

What if your worst enemy sent you on a one-way ticket to the past? Worse, later he shows up and tries to play match-maker with a dominant historical figure while all of history and the future on the line? Survival is just one problem, but then add your friends into the mix...

Following an intense battle between the Indians and the Crackedskulls, Neiko and her comrades enjoy victory while her enemies suffer a crushing defeat. Victory is short lived for Neiko when Francesco pays her a visit at her home and sends her away in order to collect on his threat of revenge.
She is banished into the ancient world of ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses II the Great on a one way ticket.

Lost and trapped in this ancient world, it doesn't take very long for trouble to find her. Taken by a rich man, she is reunited with three her friends that had been missing, and an eleven-year-old mystery is finally solved, but one of Neiko's friends is still unaccounted for. After escaping from the rich man and journeying to Thebes, Neiko and her comrades have actually jumped from the pan and into the fire.

Things go horribly awry when Pharaoh finds out about Neiko and becomes infatuated with her.

Francesco comes to Egypt on orders to bring her back, but he has other plans. Can Neiko and her friends thwart Francesco, return to the 21st century, and escape from the past and one of the greatest kings that ever lived?

If you love the action, adventure, and time travel intrigue of Back to the Future and Time Machine (except without the time machine) and modern Native Americans in ancient Egypt, but the story of the Ten Commandments and the Prince of Egypt in reverse with a battle of wills and the motives of passion from Pharaoh, you'll love Escape from Ancient Egypt!

Awards:
Finalist: Wisebear Digital Book AwardsWinner of the Bronze Medal Award and Best in YA Historical Fantasy in the 2013 Wisebear Book Awards!Winner of the UP Authors Approved Award for the 2013 Fiction Challenge!Praise for Escape from Ancient Egypt:
"Neiko has the potential for becoming a literary role model for young girls. The Escape From Ancient Egypt storyline is good conceptually with lots of action and we did find ourselves anxiously wanting to know how the author resolved Neiko's dilemna. Taylor also does a nice job of drawing the reader into the fictional world of ancient Egypt literally with her fantastic artwork interspersed throughout the novel." By Wisebear Books
"An exciting and action packed book from start to finish. This is the story of a young girl who travels between different times and places, and leads a life in each. Neiko finds herself in some scary and challenging situations in each place, and the book has a good amount of suspense as the reader awaits her next move. The writing is fantastical and highly imaginative, without being too far-fetched that the reader will lose interest." By Biblio Phanatic 5 Stars
"There is never a dull moment, and the book is punctuated with wonderful illustrations which break up the chapters. It reminds me of those books you read as a kid where you had to choose the ending and second guess what was coming.”  By N Bookwitch 5 Stars

Book Review For Escape From Ancient Egypt
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2)
Escape From Ancient Egypt by A. K. Taylor is book two in the Neiko Adventure series. Although penned as a series, each book stands alone with action adventure all its own.  ‘Escape From Ancient Egypt’ is for those young adult readers who enjoy time travel to ancient Egypt with a Native American Indian twist.

The book starts out with a wonderful map drawing of Egypt Ca 1300 BC drawn by author. The seven photo illustrations were produced by a separate artist. Her book cover design is by Mallory Rock.

In chapter one, Neiko (main character) emerges from a portal and makes a log entry concerning Hawote, a “hidden land that coexisted with the United States, Canada, and Mexico”.

Forty-three chapters reveal realistic characters, imaginative fantasy with action suspense drama, easy to follow dialog that will keep the reader engaged anticipating the next carefully placed photo that brings visual enhancement to the story.

In order to give you the reader a feel for the author’s writing style, I quote a passage from chapter three and share a description of the illustration photo in this chapter.

“Neiko’s vision turned from the green light to the world spinning around her in dizzying speed. Neiko wasn’t moving, but she felt like she was in freefall—like someone had cut the cable from an elevator, and she was plummeting with it. Descending in what—space and time? The evergreen and colorful deciduous vegetation of the Hawote woodlands changed to a desert with a river with some greenery and palms nearby. The cool autumn air of Hawote in October transformed into stifling, searing, dry heat. Pyramids, sphinxes, and strange statues spun around her after her house, porch, and front yard disappeared within the vortex. It was nighttime in Hawote, but the sun rose and set as time flew by— from west to east—backwards. Beneath her bare feet the wood from her front porch turned to nothing then into hot, soft sand.

Neiko’s world stopped spinning, and the sun was high in the sky. Neiko watched the sun to be sure it didn’t move again. Wherever she ended up, she guessed the time must be about high noon there judging by the sun’s position in the sky after a few moments of observation. The heat was intense, and she discovered she must be somewhere far from home. “Where?” was the ultimate question.”

There is a photo of an Indian within this script. “The man chattered in a language she didn’t understand—God knows what he was saying to her. He thrust at her a fine scarab necklace. Neiko looked at him puzzled with her right eyebrow raised. The language didn’t sound like Arabic since she watched a lot of action movies. Neiko put up her hands and shook her head and signed “map” and “phone” and spoke the words in every language that she knew of but got nowhere.”

As you can see Neiko is far from home. You must become a detective yourself and read this book to find out how and why Neiko travels through time? What mystery involves Neiko and some of her friends? How does a Native American girl fit into ancient Egypt culture and what is a girl to do when the Pharaoh takes a romantic interest?

What will it take to get Neiko out of the past and back home?
‘Escape From Ancient Egypt’ was the finalist in the ‘Wisebear Digital Book Awards’, winner of the ‘Bronze Medal Award’,  ‘Best in YA Historical Fantasy in the 2013 Wisebear Book Awards’ and Winner of the ‘UP Authors Approved Award for the 2013 Fiction Challenge’.

I invite you to read the first book in this series titled ‘Neiko's Five Land Adventure’ and ‘Escape From Ancient Egypt’ as both books stand alone with their own adventure.

Theodocia McLean endorses Escape From Ancient Egypt (The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2) by A. K. Taylor. I purchased and reviewed this book from Kindle format. This review was completed on September 8, 2016.

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The Newbie Author's Survival Guide:
How to Thrive in the Book Marketing Wilderness by A. K. Taylor
Overview:

After crash landing into self-publishing with nothing but the clothes she had on, author AK Taylor fought for survival with trying to market her books on a small budget. After two years of trial and error, reworking, refining, and reaching out, she has created the first survival guide for book marketing compiled of great tools and resources that can be used by any author during the rough times.

Comparing the book marketing wilderness with the real wilderness is how Taylor viewed the publishing world around her. Growing up in the woods and learning survival skills has given her this unique viewpoint for a different kind of world. When she started her search for information, a book marketing survival guide didn't exist--until now.

New Author? Confused about social media and where to begin? Need a field guide or manual? Here it is! Pick up a copy today!

Genre: Nonfiction

Praise for The Newbie Author's Survival Guide:
“Wish I had picked up this survival guide MUCH SOONER! Easy to read, well organized. I find myself referring to it often, and I have no doubt it will help build the endurance a new writer needs in order to survive and flourish. Happy to highly recommend this one!”  By Audrey Kane, first time author
“I found this book incredibly useful. I have been searching for a book to help me get my head around Google Adwords. In terms of the amount of support it gives others, it would be worthy of five stars.”  By J. James Goodreads Reviewer and Indie Author

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author A. K. Taylor
A. K. Taylor is an award winning YA fantasy/science fiction adventure writer who has been writing novels since age 16. Taylor also draws her characters and maps of the worlds she created sense then. Before this she began loving writing at age 8 and a natural world builder.

She grew up in the backwoods of Georgia where she learned about nature. She enjoys hunting and fishing, beekeeping, gardening, archery, shooting, hiking, and has various collections.

She also has interest in music, Native American history and heritage, Egyptian history, and the natural sciences. A.K. Taylor has been writing and drawing since the age of 16. A.K. Taylor has graduated from the University of Georgia with a biology degree, and she shares an interest in herpetology with her husband.

Now she is a compulsive blogger and a genre hopper, but her first love will always be fantasy!

In 2013 she founded Soaring Eagle Publicity. Visit www.soaringeaglepublicity.com to see what it's all about.
Connect with her on her author site and blog at www.backwoodsauthor.com

Occupations: MG/YA fantasy/sci-fi author (now award winning), beekeeper, amateur herpetologist, scientist, artist, marksman, blogger, outdoor sportsman, and animal lover. Musician and instrumentalist who played the French horn since middle school.

Interesting facts: I love the animals that most people hate. I LOVE snakes. Snakes need love too, but I don’t cuddle with the venomous ones, BTW, so you won’t see my life story on “Fatal Attractions”.

Most people hate bees (not the same thing as wasps and hornets), but they aren’t as easy to hold and pet since they are too easy to squash and they sting.  I love them enough so that they will make honey.

Chocoholic and action addict. Big Vin Diesel fan. I have a lot of favorite movies: Star Wars, Dirty Harry, Legend…I’ll stop there. Did I mention I was an action addict? I don’t like being bored.

I began my writing career young at sweet 16 that began with my debut novel Neiko’s Five Land Adventure. Instead of a car, I wanted my own computer, but didn’t happen till I bought my own about five years later. I started out on my parents’ ancient slow computer. I received my first rejection slip when I was 21, but it was a blessing in disguise. I chose the indie way instead!

Graduate of UGA with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Total science nerd. I love all science besides biology; chemistry is my fave. I hate political science, but that’s not science–I don’t even think it’s a pseudoscience.
Owner and CEO of Soaring Eagle Publications LLCBlog Coordinator for YAPCOwner and Publicist at Soaring Eagle PublicityCEO and Publisher at Soaring Eagle BooksFor savvy tips, tools, and resources for new and aspiring (sometimes established) authors, check out my other blog Newbie Authors GuideBlog Coordinator at Booklover’s HeavenPT Book Reviewer and avid reader when I have time to read between it all. Not a fan of Romance but I love action!Why is it called this? There is more than one AK Taylor out there, but as far as she knows she's the only one from the backwoods, and the backwoods makes up her life!

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from White Plains, GA? White Plains, GA is out in the middle of nowhere. I am proud to be an author from the backwoods. Since there are a couple other AK Taylors out there, I appropriately named my site "backwoodsauthor". I have lived most of my life in the rural and backwoods of Georgia. I am not originally from the town of White Plains and lived in other rural areas in the state. However, living in a remote area proposes some interesting challenges in book marketing like having to travel at least 30+ minutes to the nearest Barnes and Noble to do a book signing if I'm lucky. The world is really big compared to the one red light town I live close to but not in.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have enjoyed creative writing and using my imagination as far back as I can remember--well, I enjoyed creative writing when I learned how to write, lol. I have always had a vivid imagination. I also love reading, video games, role playing, movies, and even nature caused the spark. Becoming professional sort of happened.
As an experiment I decided to see if I could graduate from short stories and poems to novels at 16. I was successful, but then an entire series was born. My talent only grew from there.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? My environment, both good and bad, had a lot to do with why I started to write novels at such a young age (16) and influenced my creativity. Let's start out with the good. Living far out in the woods provided me places to create adventures and new worlds, and I loved writing short stories for school when I could write what I wanted to. Being an only child with very few friends close to my age forced me to have other ways to occupy my time. I also grew up watching, playing, reading, and loving fantasy, science fiction, action and adventure, and mysteries. A lot of these things influence and find their way into the writing. Later in life, I have inspiration from dreams. Yes, you did read that right.

OK, the bad. I was bullied a lot just about the entire time I went to school, and it followed me into the workplace. I would write to escape and lose myself. I learned to hate reality due having to deal with that and because it was painful. The worst years of the bullying took place during the time I lived in the suburbs, so I couldn't hide in the woods anymore. I was then at the age that playing was no longer allowed although I stuck it out as long as I could. This finds its way into the first installment of my teen/YA fantasy series where it finds controversy with the more grown-up readers. The strength of my female leads has been remarked upon by readers and when working with editors. The strength they have for their amazing adventures was the strength I had to have to survive the day for many years. Bullying finds its way into stories as well, but it's taken more to the extreme than what might be found in high school.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? When I started writing I never intended to publish. I wrote my first full length novel when I was 16 as an experiment (I am also a scientist at heart). I taught myself how to do it. I never went to a writing class or a writer's group. Even if there were, would they allow teens in there? I had no teachers or any mentors available to me. I don't even know if they had them where I lived. Due to the chronic bullying, I felt that no one would ever want to read my stories and would think they were stupid, and they would laugh me to scorn. I never told anyone at school I wrote stories even my teachers; it was my top secret project. The only reason why my parents knew was because I would keep them up all hours of the night hammering away at the keys since the computer was in their room at that time. They had to yank me off from the story so they could play solitaire or get me to come to dinner. They did tell on me to other family members who later peeked. Then it leaked at church. The secret came out even when I didn't want it to.

There was this time the computer messed up and had to be taken to the shop. The repairmen somehow came across those stories on the hard drive and started reading them. People I didn't even know said I needed to get this published. Later I was invited with some people at my church to go to a writer's conference in the mountains. I had been writing and drawing maps and characters for 5 years so then I was 21. I am advised to take something else I had written and leave those fantasy books at home. So I took some of my character sketches and maps. I had menial or nonexistent expectations from the other writers there or the instructors. I was the youngest person at that conference. People there said I need to get it published--the complete opposite of what I expected. They wished I had brought some samples of those books. Bummer.

At 21 I try to pitch to traditional publishers. Nothing ever happens, and it is a huge disappointment after the high I had, but then who was I kidding? They would laugh at something written by a kid anyway. Then it's time to go off to college. I am not going to have time for this in college, so I put my publishing dreams aside. After I graduate, I find out about self-publishing. After dealing with a shady publisher, it deals a blow. I have no idea what to do next after I am able to republish the first book again. I have to figure it out on my own with no one to ask or teach me anything. OMG, what have I done? What have I just gotten myself into? Well, everything I had to learn the hard way became both a book and a blog which have been moderately successful.

After toil, frustration, tears, learning, ups and downs, and wondering if I have lost my ever-loving mind while fending off depression and PTSD, I have now become my own imprint and started a business. More series have come and the Neiko Saga continues to grow. I have many that need edits and publishing and more to write. I have epic dreams with a fishing line budget, but I am ever closer to one day achieving some of my more gigantic dreams someday.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? For me it has been about the exploration and discovery along the way. The discovery of new people, new worlds, and brave new adventures. The writing process holds for me what life does without bullies. My imagination went to new heights after laying down the action figures and picking up the pen (or the keyboard). I don't know if I will try Dragon since it may not like my Southern drawl. I know the speaking app on the phone or automated answering computers don't.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? After a few awards and mostly good reviews and support from readers on my books and my blogs, it is nice to know that it was worth it to take a risk and do it. I was able to find out that I truly did have a talent to share with the world even though I was reluctant and terrified. There have been the occasional few who didn't, but that's okay. No one is laughing and telling me to go hide somewhere.

How many published books do you have? I have 4.

Please list the titles of all your books:
Neiko's Five Land Adventure
Escape from Ancient Egypt
The Newbie Author's Survival Guide
Bloody Klondike Gold

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I usually try to come up with a working title before writing the manuscript, but there could be tweaks made to it afterward and after I stew on it awhile to make sure I am happy with it. I rarely do not come up with anything at the beginning, and "then after the manuscript" is plan B.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? Well, as for genre, I am a genre crosser and a genre blender (like fantasy action adventure), but the common threads I follow are action adventure and tween/teen/young adult (this is an age group and not a genre, BTW), but fantasy and sci-fi are my first loves because I love to build worlds. I write for younger audiences because I don't enjoy writing for grownups. Too many rules and limits besides what makes a fun, great story. I do also dabble into mystery, paranormal, supernatural, and horror but the age group and the action and adventure still apply.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Escape from Ancient Egypt

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? Since I was 17 at the time let me think... I probably had just learned about Ramesses II in school in history class and saw a couple movies about him, so then a question of "what if" came along. I looked at some other kings, but they just didn't have quite enough muscle to try to pin down Neiko, the right personality or I didn't have enough information about them. This was the day of expensive dialup internet, so I didn't have access to information that I have now. And, I always was a sucker for time travel.

And I just want to dive into the story now. I wrote this one shortly after my experiment novel Neiko's Five Land Adventure (it was called something else then, but I am not going to share that embarrassing title). Amazingly, the story is the same as it was when I wrote the books just as it was when I was a teen, but with the polish of a professional edit of course. Not many first ever books make it to press, and I didn't plan it that way, but it happened nonetheless. They are doing well for books written by a kid (the readers and awards say so, not just me).

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? You must believe in yourself and your talent and take calculated risks because no one else will. Always remember that you are your own worst critic. Getting that inner critic in check is tough at times, but it must be done.

Who is your favorite author and why? It's a close tie between Brian Jacques and Terry Brooks, but I do read others. Mostly it's the worlds and characters I have come to enjoy more than anything, and I like the adventure that goes along with it.

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Axe of Iron Novels by J. A. Hunsinger

  Cold Coffee Press Endorses Axe of Iron Novels by J. A. Hunsinger
************************   Assimilation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger
Assimilation will wet the appetite of the fans that have developed a fascination with the plight of the Greenland Viking settlers in the first two novels of the series, The Settlers and Confrontation.

The twists and turns of this continuing tale will engage the reader from the outset as the tall, fair-skinned invaders, knowing it is their key to survival, gradually assimilate with the savage natives of the pre-historical land that will become the Hudson Bay and Great Lakes regions of Canada and the US.

In a scenario ordained by the gods, this assimilation process has a thin chance of success through the forced involvement of two of the Viking settlers with tribes of natives that are habitual enemies of one another. Against overwhelming odds that can have but one successful outcome for the settlers, daily life becomes a balancing act where one word, one gesture, one innocent mistake, can spell disaster in this hostile setting.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Assimilation:
An Axe of Iron Novel by J.A. Hunsinger
Assimilation is the final novel in the Axe of Iron series by J. A. Hunsinger. The author asks that you read or reread the ‘Historical Perspective’ that is located in ‘The Settlers’ which is the first volume in this series. The author’s research into the historical time frame and authentic pre-historical Indian names is irrefutable. The ‘Historical Perspective’ goes into the whole concept of the Norse sagas.

Even though each book stands alone, as a reader who has enjoyed the entire series, I encourage you to purchase all three books.

As the author states in his book’s description, the first two books in this series (The Settlers and Confrontation) “dealt with the plight of the Greenland Viking settlers”.

Assimilation begins with a map showing where the settlements are and opens with two Naskapi warriors hidden from view, surveying the river valley below. The saga continues with descriptive writing that puts you the reader on the ground experiencing the mysteries of the Viking period. Smell the earth and lush dense forests, travel the routes carved out of the land by natives and take up residence in the villages and experience the hardships of this pre-historical land that we now call the Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes of Canada and the US.

Eavesdrop on Nipishish and Ingerd as they lay in each other’s arms, engaged in whispered conversation like couples do.

Join warriors in their canoes as they glide in the chill of pre-dawn morning heading toward the Haudenosaunee Village.

Stand at the rail of a Viking ship called Steed of the Sea and feel the motion of the sea as the ship heads towards a distant beach.

After the storm, the Norse society dries out and attends to the damage that Njord and Thor (the gods of weather) have forced upon them. Catch a glimpse of the smoke that curls into the calm skies over the cook fires where fish, meat and stew aroma awaits the barley bread and other leftovers that will nourish the community and reward the daily chores.

Reconnect with the characters that you have come to know like Halfdan, his dog Fang, Tostig, and experience the council meetings where men discuss their destiny, when in reality it is the gods like the “mighty Thor” who have the final say.

Strong women who cook and weave on looms by the light of seal oil lamps, teach their girls to spin fibers of wool into skeins of thread, care for the children and their men with tenderness in a world where both beauty and harshness intertwine. Communities where communication and yes even gossip are the norm, and where the outsider might find rest if assimilation is acquired.

Drumbeats of war are as common as the moon rising over the snow, so too are the tracks of snowshoes where the trappers are as important as the warriors for a civilization that exists within a fine balance between preservation and extinction. Here is a quote: “Nipishish, Kejo, and Lothar returned to their village as quickly as possible after the parley with Nesatin. Word spread faster than normal through the Nitassinan that the Anishinabeg had rejected Sachem’s peace offering regarding the people of Haldansfjord.”

I invite you to read Assimilation and discover for yourself where the legend of the Death Wind came from and what it meant for the earliest American colonies. Enjoy the detailed glossary at the end of this book which will help you understand the authentic names and terms used in this book series.

Let me take this moment to thank Author J. A. Hunsinger for his time, research and engaging storytelling that has made An Axe of Iron series possible. I sincerely hope that he will continue to write as some storytellers have one story to tell, others have infinite stories that need to be told and preserved for generations to come. The Axe of Iron novels are one of those series that time will not forget.

Cold Coffee Press/Café endorses Assimilation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger. Assimilation is book three in the fictional historical accounting of exploration and settlement of Vinland (North America). Reviewed from a Kindle format on October 1, 2016.

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**************************   Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J.A. Hunsinger
Second Book In An Axe of Iron Series

In Confrontation, two calamitous events occur that pave the way for the hostile beginnings of an assimilation process between the Greenland Norse settlers and the natives of Vinland. The first mixing of cultures occurs when a woman of the Northmen, Thora, and Deskaheh the Haudenosaunee, marry. This union, accepted enthusiastically by the Northmen, opens a window into the native mind.

For all the people of this land the way is rocky and fraught with danger at every turn, but the acceptance and friendship that develops between the Northmen and the Naskapi, another native tribe, over an affair of honor, the eventual acceptance of a young boy of the Northmen by his Haudenosaunee captors, and a scenario that seems ordained by the will of the gods, makes it all begin to fall into place, as it must for the Northmen to survive.

Will this developing relationship allow the Northmen to remain in the homeland of the Naskapi, or are they doomed to failure?

The settlers must deal with that question on a daily basis. Standing in their way are uncounted numbers of indigenous peoples, the pre-historical ancestors of the contemporary Cree (Naskapi), Ojibwa (Anishinabeg), and Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Indians. From the outset, the warriors of these various tribes violently resisted the incursion of the tall, pale-skinned invaders. The overwhelming numbers of the native peoples in Vinland hold the fate of the Northmen in their hands. The success or failure of the settlement at Halfdansfjord hangs in the balance.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J.A. Hunsinger
This character driven, action packed historical fiction saga continues from ‘The Settlers: An Axe Of Iron Novel’ where 163 Greenlanders and 152 Icelanders (including men, women and children) set sail with horses, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, equipment ( tents and parts to horse drawn carts) and supplies to explore areas of what they call Vinland (North America).

Confrontation - An Axe Of Iron Novel cover with the Viking battle axe reflecting warriors gives us the first clue regarding the brutal facts of survival and desperate measures taken by men to protect their women, children and settlement with blood sweat and tears. Author J. A. Hunsinger has provided an in-depth ‘Glossary of Norse Terms’ and ‘Native Terms’ to help readers understand the people and culture.

Settling into a new land will prove challenging when the indigenous tribes who have a distaste for any fair skinned men due to those who cheated them in trade, abused them and killed their tribesmen in the past. Apart from expected interaction with the variety of native cultures, life in the new settlement is forced into daily and seasonal routines out of necessity.

Halfdan Ingolfsson and Gudbjartur Einarsson (his second in command) walk the settlement commons overseeing the duties pertaining to survival like the grueling process of filling the Kiln (furnace) with dry birch wood, burning the wood until only charcoal is left and then storing this precious commodity under the shed roof to be used for heat and cooking during the harsh winter months.

Children in the settlement (especially the boys) had to earn their place in their family and settlement by moving from boyhood into manhood by demonstrating skills taught and mirrored to them by their fathers, brothers, cousins and other men around them. Skills like hunting which was the core of survival. Unfortunately dangers exist when dealing with wild animals like a Bull Moose protecting his territory, cow and calf. Death can be mercifully quick and brutal. The burial ceremony, reverence for even the youngest hunter/warrior, tradition and spirituality (Gods Will) play a role for the dead and those who remain.

Seasons marked by the moon predict work, trade, play, marriage and birth. I quote Bjorn “as a pleasant smile curved his lips". "Yes, it is time I thought of a mate. Another long winter comes and company in my bed would be welcome. Perhaps this is the one (as he recalls the tall blonde woman)".

Confrontation is inevitable, warriors’ attack, prisoners taken, injuries sustained, spoils of battles and questions about their ability to live in peace brings us to the anticipation of the third book in An Axe Of Iron Series titled “Assimilation”.

J. A. Hunsinger’s series ‘An Axe Of Iron’ has been exhaustively researched and parallel the actually events as close as a historical fiction can. I recommend this series to both men and women and suggest that the series be placed on a high school/college reading list.

This reviewer is looking forward to ‘Assimilation – An Axe Of Iron Novel’ which is the third book in the series.

Cold Coffee Press Endorses Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J.A. Hunsinger’s book two in the fictional historical accounting of exploration and settlement of Vinland (North America). Reviewed by Cold Coffee Press on October 20, 2014.

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************************   The Settlers: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger
First Book In The Axe Of Iron Series

The Settlers: Axe of Iron is a tale of survival, strife, love, and the quest for a new home in the face of hostile opposition. Conditions of manifest destiny propel a large contingent of Norse Greenlanders from relative security into an odyssey of exploration and settlement out over the unknown waters of the North Atlantic, to a North America of one thousand years ago, to a land they called Vinland. The chieftain, Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second-in-command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, spend a winter gathering 315 men, women, and children from the two Norse settlements on the southwestern coast of Greenland.

Early in the spring of A.D. 1008, the company sets sail aboard six large cargo ships. Five days into the voyage, in the strait between Helluland and Markland, present day Hudson Strait, a gale holds the flotilla in its grip for four long and arduous days. Halfdan decides to seek shelter in a protected bay, so they can rest, repair the storm damage, and replenish food stores lost in the storm.

During the following weeks, the settlers reap a harvest of fish and game that is the best in living memory. When hunters discover a sheltered fjord, Halfdan orders a move. Tornit hunters from far to the north venture south to hunt, and the Northmen strike up a friendship with them. The Tornit tell the newcomers much about the local area and describe coastal waters far to the south.

It is this thought-provoking insight into the geography of this new land and the dawning realization that the storm god, Njord, seems to have led his people to this place, that cause Halfdan to revise his thinking and propose a new plan to Gudbjartur and the council of ship’s captains: sail south before choosing where to build their settlement.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For The Settlers:
An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger
The Viking ship called ‘Steed of the Sea’ sailing in the cold dark waters in the foreground of tall glaciers under a foreboding sky on the cover is just the beginning.

Whether you sat under the history lessons of Columbus discovering America or are more adventurous in your approach to history and have a yearning to know who was here when Columbus arrived and where did they come from, ‘The Settlers’ is a tale that should be on a mandatory reading list in all schools in order to provoke thought and discussion on native North America in the latter half of the tenth century. Scholars can’t agree but this tale offers a new perspective about America’s indigenous people, how they viewed explorers, handled settlers and coexisted on a bountiful body of land with all its beauty and treacherous environment.

It is important to read the ‘Author’s Note’, ‘Historical Perspective’ and the ‘Glossary Of Norse Terms’ provided by the author to educate the reader. In the Author’s Note you will meet Gudbjartur Einarsson who is an Icelander, a Northman or Norseman who is second in command under Halfdan Ingolfsson. Chapter one unfolds six wooden ships carrying 163 Greenlanders and 152 Icelanders (including men, women and children) set sail with horses, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, equipment ( tents and parts to horse drawn carts) and supplies to explore areas of what they call Vinland (North America).

Exhaustive research, realistic characters garbed in functional layers residing in a true to life story line that allows the reader to experience the sea voyage and land exploration with exquisite writing that creates a sense of being present in the story even when this first book in ‘An Axe Of Iron Novel’ series has been closed on a night stand.

Here’s a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

“He whistled tunelessly to himself, the notes blown away on the wind. His eyes darted over the sea ahead and aloft at the trim of the sail and rigging. The heart of the ship pulsed through the soles of his feet, vibrated up through the steering oar and the palms of his hands, an inaudible hum that told him all was well in his world.”

“Wind driven rain stung exposed skin like bees protecting their hive.”

“Several kettles of whale blubber boiled over individual fires on the beach to render the valuable oil. The thick, rich oil, skimmed of the connective tissue – the crunchy fried meat and curled pieces of skin were a delicacy-had many uses. It was a valuable food source, preservative, and lamp fuel.”

After the journey across treacherous seas land was a welcome sight with all of its wild game like “Grunting herds of Reindeer” not to mention the predators like wolves and bears. Women and children scour rocky cliffs for seabird eggs to add to their food supply giving the kids some stress relieving egg throwing activity.

Unforeseen and inevitable injuries, herbal treatments, Viking burial ceremony amidst deep held Christian beliefs.

Attraction and a “bed of soft, furry skins nestled in the scrub brush, well protected from the north wind’. Passion, “eyes smoldered with lust” hands explore, tongues probe, “locked bodies swayed in the throes of passion”.

Hunting and cooking for survival, sewing for protective covering, animal pelts and jewelry making for trade commodity. The best and the worst of human nature revealed in a hostile new world.

Now heading into the reading of ‘Confrontation: An Axe Of Iron Novel’ book two of the series gives clarity as to the sequence of history, characters and events that readers should follow in order to understand and digest the fiction history which is laid out in great detail, humanity and historical correlation regarding much debated events.

Cold Coffee Press Endorses The Settlers - An Axe of Iron Novel book one in the fictional historical accounting of exploration and settlement of Vinland (North America). Reviewed by Cold Coffee Press on October 18, 2014.

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**************************   Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author J. A. Hunsinger
J. A. Hunsinger is an Author, Publisher, Amateur Archaeologist and Historian. His Axe of Iron Series Details The Settlement Of A Large Group Of Norsemen On The North American Continent Beginning In 1008 AD.

J. A. Hunsinger’s Books Include Axe Of Iron: The Settlers, Confrontation and Assimilation.

J. A. Hunsinger lives in Colorado, USA, with his wife Phyllis. He writes and promotes full-time. His three book trilogy Axe of Iron Series can be purchased at Vinland Publishing. His books are also available from Amazon.

Although he has long been a writer, much of his adult life has been associated with commercial aviation, both in and out of the cockpit. As an Engineering Technical Writer for Honeywell Commercial Flight Systems Group, Phoenix, AZ, he authored two comprehensive pilots' manuals on aircraft computer guidance systems and several supplemental aircraft radar manuals. His manuals have been published and distributed worldwide to airline operators by Honeywell Engineering, Phoenix, AZ. His first published work for the general public, Flight Into Danger, appeared in Flying Magazine, (August 2002). Many of his articles have been featured in other periodicals and websites or are featured on his blog.

After his flying career ended on his 60th birthday, he found himself with time to continue his writing; this first novel was actually begun more than twenty years ago. He attended many writing classes and seminars, but couldn't sustain a head of steam as a writer. All of that changed abruptly in 2004, when he remarried. Phyllis provided the necessary push and as a result he treated writing as work, which it most certainly is.

Writing is a learned craft. In order to learn to write, you must write. Eventually the classes must be set aside; set a daily work schedule and stick to it. That is not to say you should stop taking classes altogether; learning is a lifetime experience. Sooner or later though, you must take the plunge and go at it on your own.

Have a story to tell, one that you like. Then sit down and get busy. Have your work professionally edited: rewrite, edit, rewrite, until you've gotten it as good as it can be.

That's all there is to being a writer.

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Tell us what makes you proud to be a writer from Grand Junction, Colorado? Writing is the culmination of a lifetime of learning and working at my chosen profession. My first composition for hire was as an air transport engineering technical writer. Now, for the first time I am able to work at my own pace in response to my criteria for the task at hand. I always wanted to write, but my primary mission was to make a living for my family, so I had no time for pie-in-the sky dreams. Now that my career has ended and my life is settled I can write without the worry of making a living. If my books continue to find a market, one day I might perhaps make a success of this. In the meantime I am telling my stories, people are buying and reading my books, and that is what this is all about for me. It never was about the money; rather it is about telling the story.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have been a writer all my life, but I merely dabbled at writing. But I did have a story to tell that gradually possessed me, so I had to tell it. My wife, Phyllis provided the support and advocacy that I needed to actually write a novel.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I began to write the story 20-years ago, but the time and desire to write and finish the work did not manifest itself until I retired from flying and remarried. My soul mate entered my life in Feb. 2004. From that point on she gave me the shove that I needed to organize the details of what had been rattling around in my head over most of my adult life.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why? Yes, definitely! I came from a military family of readers and I was raised before TV ruined the family unit in American society. My Dad wrote many short stories and articles, so his grasp of the English language and his amazing vocabulary impressed me from the beginning. My entire education was in Parochial schools and Parochial College, so I received the best stimulus available to become whatever I wanted.

Do you come up with your title (s) before or after you write the manuscript (s)? I have all the titles of my Axe of Iron Series noted, as each covers a certain segment of the series and that title reflects a major scene of that particular book.

Tell us why you write the genre (s) that you write? I am an avid reader of both history texts and historical fiction novels. Written history has many holes, gaps if you will, that give an author an endless supply of fodder. It is natural for me to tell stories about subjects in which I have an interest. The Greenland Vikings and the medieval Viking culture in general have always been my focus. My Swedish/German heritage is another reason for my interest in the medieval Germanic tribes.

The Axe of Iron Series are character-driven, historical fiction books. My characters tell the story and the reader sees the events through their eyes. I have had a lifelong interest in the medieval Norse people. That interest became focused on the five hundred year history of the two known Norse Greenland settlements. The mystery surrounding their abandonment and the disappearance of every single person living therein has captured my imagination. My books offer a plausible story of what my reading and research has indicated may have happened to them.

Tell us your most rewarding experience while in the writing process? That would have to be when the rough draft is finished and I read the entire manuscript and realize that I have written a good story.

Tell us your most negative experience while in the writing process? The road to publication has been a nightmare because of the time and money wasted while I learned the business. I wish I could say that there is lots of help out there for the newbie’s, but actually, the reverse is true. You are prey swimming in the shark’s pool— take heed. Believe nobody, and get everything in writing, research, research, and research. Even then, you will have picked the worst time in the world’s economy to enter the business.

Dealing with agents is a most disheartening undertaking for a writer. Agents act like the writer exists because of agents, when in fact it is the other way around. I wasted a year trying to find an agent from among those professing to have an interest in my area of my genre only to find that there are not any in existence. I have no need for an agent. Having said all of that, though, clearing the air so to speak, I do have a few suggestions if you are interested.

Do your homework on the submission guidelines for any query. All literary agents will have their own guidelines; adhere to them absolutely. Do not ever send a manuscript unless it is requested. Hire professional editors to edit everything that another person will read, especially the final draft of your manuscript. Spell check, spell check, and spell check.

An English teacher is not an editor and you cannot edit your own work, so hire someone. Your professionalism will determine whether you ever make the grade. A shabby cover letter on your submission packet will guarantee its demise. Agents and publishers are busy people and they have no time to waste on people who do not follow their submission guidelines. 

Tell us your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? When you hold your finished book in hand. You will have been through a gut wrenching, mind-numbing roller coaster ride. You will have wanted to get off more than a few times, but you stuck it out and your finished book has made it worthwhile.

Tell us your most negative experience in your publishing journey? Having to learn the trade, write my book, take care of copyright, ISBN, barcodes, etc. and find a reputable house to print, manage, warehouse, and distribute my books was a negative from the outset. It made the process all uphill and much of the pleasure was lost as a result. I did find such a house in BookMasters, Inc., Ashland, OH, but it was a long search. Bookmasters can and will do everything they tell you.

However, be aware that there are MANY unscrupulous people and companies out there waiting to take your money while promising the moon. Now that I know something about the business I have found this second book of my Axe of Iron series to be a satisfying experience. I would have preferred to hire a literary agent and publish my work through a large house. That did not happen due in part to the continued decay of publishing in this country. In this economy, which will continue to worsen at all levels, few large houses will survive, leaving the small independent publisher as one of the few avenues to publication for an author. Those publishers that survive, large and small, will be extremely selective in the books that they publish, leaving many authors to wither away.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Our mission as authors is to get published. Let’s assume that your manuscript is a first draft. Before you can send out query letters telling the world of the birth of the great American novel, your work needs editing. I do not mean having a friend, an English teacher, your boss, or any other layman read your manuscript, no, I mean that you must engage the services of a professional editor. Thus begins the process of polishing your manuscript until it is the best it can be. This process can involve numerous corrections and rewrites. Done correctly it is a lot of work. I do all editing electronically within MS Word. The time and expense involved varies with the quality of the work. One hundred thousand words will cost in the neighborhood of $2000.00, or more, by the time you get it right.

Believe it or not, writing your book is only the beginning. With a final draft of your manuscript in hand, it is time to query. Famous people query with a proposal before writing the manuscript. I will assume that you are not yet famous. As an author, you cannot deal directly with one of the large publishing houses, so your next challenge is to interest a literary agent in your work. If you find a literary agent, your relationship will be contractual. Do nothing with anyone without a contract. Fully understand your part of the contract before signing, or hire an attorney versed in literary contracts to help you understand. There are numerous listings of literary agents on the Internet. Research each agent for their submission guidelines, select those receptive to your genre, be certain that they are accepting submissions, submit only what they require, and never send an unsolicited manuscript. They will not read it. Your literary agent will handle your contractual relationship with a publisher; they are your agent acting in your behalf.

If you are fortunate enough to become a published author through the literary agent/publisher/reader sequence of progression, congratulations, you have hit the big time. Your publisher will handle all the details of composition/format, cover design, printing/binding, fulfillment/marketing, and warehouse/distribution, leaving you free to crank out books. You will have little or no input regarding any of the production aspects of your book, nor will you retain any rights other than copyright. The publisher will own the ISBN and all future negotiations for anything concerning that work will be through, or with the permission of, the publisher.

Who is your favorite author? Why I am my favorite author, of course! But, I continue to read with pleasure: Cecil Scott Forester, Wilbur Smith, Ayn Rand, W.E.B Griffin, Ken Follett, and too many others to list in this space.

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J. A. Hunsinger’s Websites:
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/reviews/
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/order/
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/articles/
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/blog/
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/contact/ Vinland Publishing Purchase Link
Amazon Author’s Page Cold Coffee Press
Cold Coffee Café

Cold Coffee Press Endorses 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 Press Book Review For Our Justice
(John Cannon Trilogy Book Three) by John W. Howell
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.
Cold Coffee Press Endorses Our Justice (John Cannon Trilogy Book Three) by John W. Howell. 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's main interests are reading and writing. He turned to writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive career in business. John writes thriller fiction novels and has a number of short stories published in various on-line magazines.

One of his short stories has been recognized by Writers Digest in the Popular Fiction Writing contest. His novel, My GRL published by Martin Sisters Publishing and is the first of many exciting adventures of the book's central character John J. Cannon.

The second, His Revenge published by Keewaydin Lane Books is now available in Paperback and Kindle formats. The third book in the John Cannon trilogy Our Justice launched in September 2016 and is also published by Keewaydin Lane Books. John lives on Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of south 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.
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 reward 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 three published books
Please list the titles of all your books: My GRLHis RevengeOur Justice

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 lines 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.
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Cold Coffee Press

Cold Coffee Press Endorses Bloody Klondike Gold: A Randi Braveheart Mystery by A. K. Taylor

A summer trip to the Klondike can be deadly...
Randi and her friend go to the Mineral Creek mining claim in the Klondike to visit her father during the mining season. Sabotage, theft, and a death threat turn wilderness summer fun and normal mining operations into a fight for survival...
Bloody Klondike Gold is an introductory short story to the new Randi Braveheart Mystery Series by award winning Teen/YA author A.K. Taylor! Stay tuned for the first installment To Catch a Catfish coming in 2017.
Lovers of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries will enjoy this new series with a gutsy, tomboy heroine from the bayous of Lousiana!

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Bloody Klondike Gold:
A Randi Braveheart Mystery Short Story by A.K. Taylor
Short stories are to an avid reader like chocolate to sweet tooth. Bloody Klondike Gold by A. K. Taylor is a short Story introduction to the Randi Braveheart action suspense mystery thriller series.

Two teenage friends, Randi and Brittany drive the long 2, 700 mile trek from San Francisco to southeast Alaska. Randi’s father, William Wallace Braveheart was already on location as his reputation for finding gold at any location made him a valuable asset.
Mining communities are tight knit as the environment, equipment and the mining processes inherit dangers make mining for Gold a driving force with the claim crews but also a draw for the darker side of human nature.
The summer starts out as an adventurous vacation with Randi dreaming of fishing in cool streams to a mining community’s worst nightmare.If you enjoyed Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries then I invite you to read ‘Bloody Klondike 
Gold’ to prepare for ‘To Catch A Catfish’ scheduled for release in 2017. If this short story is any indication of what is to come with ‘To Catch A Catfish’ then prepare yourself for an action packed, suspense mystery thriller.
Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses Bloody Klondike Gold: A Randi Braveheart Mystery Short Story as the introduction to A. K. Taylor’s new action suspense mystery thriller series coming soon. The review was completed on September 23, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com and Cold Coffee Café http://www.coldcoffeecafe.com 

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Escape From Ancient Egypt
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2) by A. K. Taylor
Overview:

When being stuck in the past has a whole new meaning...

What if your worst enemy sent you on a one-way ticket to the past? Worse, later he shows up and tries to play match-maker with a dominant historical figure while all of history and the future on the line? Survival is just one problem, but then add your friends into the mix...
Following an intense battle between the Indians and the Crackedskulls, Neiko and her comrades enjoy victory while her enemies suffer a crushing defeat. Victory is short lived for Neiko when Francesco pays her a visit at her home and sends her away in order to collect on his threat of revenge. She is banished into the ancient world of ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses II the Great on a one way ticket.
Lost and trapped in this ancient world, it doesn't take very long for trouble to find her. Taken by a rich man, she is reunited with three her friends that had been missing, and an eleven-year-old mystery is finally solved, but one of Neiko's friends is still unaccounted for. After escaping from the rich man and journeying to Thebes, Neiko and her comrades have actually jumped from the pan and into the fire.
Things go horribly awry when Pharaoh finds out about Neiko and becomes infatuated with her. Francesco comes to Egypt on orders to bring her back, but he has other plans. Can Neiko and her friends thwart Francesco, return to the 21st century, and escape from the past and one of the greatest kings that ever lived?
If you love the action, adventure, and time travel intrigue of Back to the Future and Time Machine (except without the time machine) and modern Native Americans in ancient Egypt, but the story of the Ten Commandments and the Prince of Egypt in reverse with a battle of wills and the motives of passion from Pharaoh, you'll love Escape from Ancient Egypt!
Awards:
Finalist: Wisebear Digital Book AwardsWinner of the Bronze Medal Award and Best in YA Historical Fantasy in the 2013 Wisebear Book Awards!Winner of the UP Authors Approved Award for the 2013 Fiction Challenge!
Praise for Escape from Ancient Egypt:

"Neiko has the potential for becoming a literary role model for young girls. The Escape From Ancient Egypt storyline is good conceptually with lots of action and we did find ourselves anxiously wanting to know how the author resolved Neiko's dilemna. Taylor also does a nice job of drawing the reader into the fictional world of ancient Egypt literally with her fantastic artwork interspersed throughout the novel." By Wisebear Books

"An exciting and action packed book from start to finish. This is the story of a young girl who travels between different times and places, and leads a life in each. Neiko finds herself in some scary and challenging situations in each place, and the book has a good amount of suspense as the reader awaits her next move. The writing is fantastical and highly imaginative, without being too far-fetched that the reader will lose interest." By Biblio Phanatic 5 Stars
"There is never a dull moment, and the book is punctuated with wonderful illustrations which break up the chapters. It reminds me of those books you read as a kid where you had to choose the ending and second guess what was coming.”  By N Bookwitch 5 Stars
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Escape From Ancient Egypt
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2) by A. K. Taylor

Escape From Ancient Egypt by A. K. Taylor is book two in the Neiko Adventure series. Although penned as a series, each book stands alone with action adventure all its own.  ‘Escape From Ancient Egypt’ is for those young adult readers who enjoy time travel to ancient Egypt with a Native American Indian twist.
The book starts out with a wonderful map drawing of Egypt Ca 1300 BC drawn by author. The seven photo illustrations were produced by a separate artist. Her book cover design is by Mallory Rock.
In chapter one, Neiko (main character) emerges from a portal and makes a log entry concerning Hawote, a “hidden land that coexisted with the United States, Canada, and Mexico”.
Forty-three chapters reveal realistic characters, imaginative fantasy with action suspense drama, easy to follow dialog that will keep the reader engaged anticipating the next carefully placed photo that brings visual enhancement to the story. 
In order to give you the reader a feel for the author’s writing style, I quote a passage from chapter three and share a description of the illustration photo in this chapter. 
“Neiko’s vision turned from the green light to the world spinning around her in dizzying speed. Neiko wasn’t moving, but she felt like she was in freefall—like someone had cut the cable from an elevator, and she was plummeting with it. Descending in what—space and time? The evergreen and colorful deciduous vegetation of the Hawote woodlands changed to a desert with a river with some greenery and palms nearby. The cool autumn air of Hawote in October transformed into stifling, searing, dry heat. Pyramids, sphinxes, and strange statues spun around her after her house, porch, and front yard disappeared within the vortex. It was nighttime in Hawote, but the sun rose and set as time flew by— from west to east—backwards. Beneath her bare feet the wood from her front porch turned to nothing then into hot, soft sand.
Neiko’s world stopped spinning, and the sun was high in the sky. Neiko watched the sun to be sure it didn’t move again. Wherever she ended up, she guessed the time must be about high noon there judging by the sun’s position in the sky after a few moments of observation. The heat was intense, and she discovered she must be somewhere far from home. “Where?” was the ultimate question.”
There is a photo of an Indian within this script. “The man chattered in a language she didn’t understand—God knows what he was saying to her. He thrust at her a fine scarab necklace. Neiko looked at him puzzled with her right eyebrow raised. The language didn’t sound like Arabic since she watched a lot of action movies. Neiko put up her hands and shook her head and signed “map” and “phone” and spoke the words in every language that she knew of but got nowhere.”
As you can see Neiko is far from home. You must become a detective yourself and read this book to find out how and why Neiko travels through time? What mystery involves Neiko and some of her friends? How does a Native American girl fit into ancient Egypt culture and what is a girl to do when the Pharaoh takes a romantic interest? What will it take to get Neiko out of the past and back home?
‘Escape From Ancient Egypt’ was the finalist in the ‘Wisebear Digital Book Awards’, winner of the ‘Bronze Medal Award’,  ‘Best in YA Historical Fantasy in the 2013 Wisebear Book Awards’ and Winner of the ‘UP Authors Approved Award for the 2013 Fiction Challenge’.
I invite you to read the first book in this series titled ‘Neiko's Five Land Adventure’ and ‘Escape From Ancient Egypt’ as both books stand alone with their own adventure.
Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses Escape From Ancient Egypt (The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2) by A. K. Taylor. I reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on September 8, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.comand Cold Coffee Cafe http://coldcoffeecafe.com/
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Neiko's Five Land Adventure
(The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 1) by A.K. Taylor
Overview:

What if the fate of two worlds were in the hands of one person: you?
The childhood secret of a troubled teen warrior is used against her by her enemies. It turns out what Neiko imagined is real, and she becomes trapped in the same world she imagined by an otherworldly evil that is worse than the devil. Getting home is the least of her problems.
The Indians and the Cracked skulls are locked in the turmoil of a war that has raged for centuries, and it is presently in a stalemate. Her enemies, Raven and Bloodhawk, have come up with a scheme to take her down, but in doing so they inadvertently open the door to another universe and to an otherworldly evil. Neiko later finds out that a land she thought she had only imagined is actually real and the dark being is not a figment of her childhood imagination-he is terrifyingly real and she faces him for the first time. To make matters worse, it is now in her world and he has evil plans especially for her.
After several standoffs with the malevolent Ramses the Dark Pharaoh in Hawote, she is trapped in Qari by his strange and powerful magic. Trapped in another universe in a place that is not exactly the way she imagined it, and she must somehow find a way to teleport home. That is easier said than done; the odds are overwhelmingly against her and her scorpion-cobra companion as they must travel to find the answer and help but at the same time avoid Ramses' allies, traps, and tricks. Can she come back home and turn the tables on her enemies?
If you love the hidden worlds and magic of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, travel to other worlds like Warriors of Virtue and The Never-ending Story, and a strong female protagonist with a bow (only that she's Native American and a nerd at heart who doesn't want to completely grow up!) like the Hunger Games, you will love Neiko's Five Land Adventure!
Genre: Fiction
Awards:
Winner of the 2012 Indie Reader Approved AwardNominated as "A Great Book for Kids" by fantasy and science fiction reviewer CC Cole
Praise for Neiko's Five Land Adventure:
"Plenty of action and inspired imagination." By Wulfstan Top 100 Reviewer "From the first word,
"Plenty of action and inspired imagination." By Wulfstan Top 100 Reviewer

"From the first word, Taylor delivers a fresh, vibrant tale of two different worlds." By Steven Knight Book review and author of "Born of Blood"
"An imaginative journey that is that is much of an adventure for the reader as it is for Neiko." By CC Cole Book Reviewer and author of the Gastar Series
"A great middle school or read to me book with tons of adventure and characters." By Paper Mustang Book Reviewer
"A fantastical twist to the childhood game of Cowboys and Indians and a wonderful coming of age story." By Indie Reader Reviewer
"Neiko's five land adventure is a gripping young adult fantasy tale. You get an exceptional feel for the protagonist, Neiko, as you travel through the rich worlds between reality and imaginary (well not really imaginary as Neiko soon finds out!) alongside her and her cohorts (I particularly liked Quickstrike)" by Michael Dadich, Award Winning Author of the Silver Sphere
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The Newbie Author's Survival Guide:
How to Thrive In The Book Marketing Wilderness by A.K. Taylor  

Overview:
After crash landing into self-publishing with nothing but the clothes she had on, author AK Taylor fought for survival with trying to market her books on a small budget. After two years of trial and error, reworking, refining, and reaching out, she has created the first survival guide for book marketing compiled of great tools and resources that can be used by any author during the rough times.

Comparing the book marketing wilderness with the real wilderness is how Taylor viewed the publishing world around her. Growing up in the woods and learning survival skills has given her this unique viewpoint for a different kind of world. When she started her search for information, a book marketing survival guide didn't exist--until now.
New Author? Confused about social media and where to begin? Need a field guide or manual? Here it is! Pick up a copy today!
Genre: Nonfiction

Praise for The Newbie Author's Survival Guide:
“Wish I had picked up this survival guide MUCH SOONER! Easy to read, well organized. I find myself referring to it often, and I have no doubt it will help build the endurance a new writer needs in order to survive and flourish. Happy to highly recommend this one!”  By Audrey Kane, first time author

“I found this book incredibly useful. I have been searching for a book to help me get my head around Google Adwords. In terms of the amount of support it gives others, it would be worthy of five stars.”  By J. James Goodreads Reviewer and Indie Author
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author A. K. Taylor
A. K. Taylor is an award winning YA fantasy/science fiction adventure writer who has been writing novels since age 16. Taylor also draws her characters and maps of the worlds she created sense then. Before this she began loving writing at age 8 and a natural world builder.

She grew up in the backwoods of Georgia where she learned about nature. She enjoys hunting and fishing, beekeeping, gardening, archery, shooting, hiking, and has various collections.
She also has interest in music, Native American history and heritage, Egyptian history, and the natural sciences. A.K. Taylor has been writing and drawing since the age of 16. A.K. Taylor has graduated from the University of Georgia with a biology degree, and she shares an interest in herpetology with her husband.
Now she is a compulsive blogger and a genre hopper, but her first love will always be fantasy!In 2013 she founded Soaring Eagle Publicity. Visit www.soaringeaglepublicity.com to see what it's all about. 
Connect with her on her author site and blog at www.soaringeaglepublicity.com
Occupations: MG/YA fantasy/sci-fi author (now award winning), beekeeper, amateur herpetologist, scientist, artist, marksman, blogger, outdoor sportsman, and animal lover. Musician and instrumentalist who played the French horn since middle school.
Interesting facts: I love the animals that most people hate. I LOVE snakes. Snakes need love too, but I don’t cuddle with the venomous ones, BTW, so you won’t see my life story on “Fatal Attractions”. Most people hate bees (not the same thing as wasps and hornets), but they aren’t as easy to hold and pet since they are too easy to squash and they sting.  I love them enough so that they will make honey.
Chocoholic and action addict. Big Vin Diesel fan. I have a lot of favorite movies: Star Wars, Dirty Harry, Legend…I’ll stop there. Did I mention I was an action addict? I don’t like being bored.
I began my writing career young at sweet 16 that began with my debut novel Neiko’s Five Land Adventure. Instead of a car, I wanted my own computer, but didn’t happen till I bought my own about five years later. I started out on my parents’ ancient slow computer. I received my first rejection slip when I was 21, but it was a blessing in disguise. I chose the indie way instead!Graduate of UGA with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Total science nerd. I love all science besides biology; chemistry is my fave. I hate political science, but that’s not science–I don’t even think it’s a pseudoscience.Owner and CEO of Soaring Eagle Publications LLCBlog Coordinator for YAPCOwner and Publicist at Soaring Eagle PublicityCEO and Publisher at Soaring Eagle BooksFor savvy tips, tools, and resources for new and aspiring (sometimes established) authors, check out my other blog Newbie Authors GuideBlog Coordinator at Booklover’s HeavenPT Book Reviewer and avid reader when I have time to read between it all. Not a fan of Romance but I love action!Why is it called this? There is more than one AK Taylor out there, but as far as she knows she's the only one from the backwoods, and the backwoods makes up her life! 

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from White Plains, GA? White Plains, GA is out in the middle of nowhere. I am proud to be an author from the backwoods. Since there are a couple other AK Taylors out there, I appropriately named my site "backwoodsauthor". I have lived most of my life in the rural and backwoods of Georgia. I am not originally from the town of White Plains and lived in other rural areas in the state. However, living in a remote area proposes some interesting challenges in book marketing like having to travel at least 30+ minutes to the nearest Barnes and Noble to do a book signing if I'm lucky. The world is really big compared to the one red light town I live close to but not in.  

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have enjoyed creative writing and using my imagination as far back as I can remember--well, I enjoyed creative writing when I learned how to write, lol. I have always had a vivid imagination. I also love reading, video games, role playing, movies, and even nature caused the spark. Becoming professional sort of happened. 

As an experiment I decided to see if I could graduate from short stories and poems to novels at 16. I was successful, but then an entire series was born. My talent only grew from there. 

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? My environment, both good and bad, had a lot to do with why I started to write novels at such a young age (16) and influenced my creativity. Let's start out with the good. Living far out in the woods provided me places to create adventures and new worlds, and I loved writing short stories for school when I could write what I wanted to. Being an only child with very few friends close to my age forced me to have other ways to occupy my time. I also grew up watching, playing, reading, and loving fantasy, science fiction, action and adventure, and mysteries. A lot of these things influence and find their way into the writing. Later in life, I have inspiration from dreams. Yes, you did read that right. 

OK, the bad. I was bullied a lot just about the entire time I went to school, and it followed me into the workplace. I would write to escape and lose myself. I learned to hate reality due having to deal with that and because it was painful. The worst years of the bullying took place during the time I lived in the suburbs, so I couldn't hide in the woods anymore. I was then at the age that playing was no longer allowed although I stuck it out as long as I could. This finds its way into the first installment of my teen/YA fantasy series where it finds controversy with the more grown-up readers. The strength of my female leads has been remarked upon by readers and when working with editors. The strength they have for their amazing adventures was the strength I had to have to survive the day for many years. Bullying finds its way into stories as well, but it's taken more to the extreme than what might be found in high school. 

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? When I started writing I never intended to publish. I wrote my first full length novel when I was 16 as an experiment (I am also a scientist at heart). I taught myself how to do it. I never went to a writing class or a writer's group. Even if there were, would they allow teens in there? I had no teachers or any mentors available to me. I don't even know if they had them where I lived. Due to the chronic bullying, I felt that no one would ever want to read my stories and would think they were stupid, and they would laugh me to scorn. I never told anyone at school I wrote stories even my teachers; it was my top secret project. The only reason why my parents knew was because I would keep them up all hours of the night hammering away at the keys since the computer was in their room at that time. They had to yank me off from the story so they could play solitaire or get me to come to dinner. They did tell on me to other family members who later peeked. Then it leaked at church. The secret came out even when I didn't want it to. 

There was this time the computer messed up and had to be taken to the shop. The repairmen somehow came across those stories on the hard drive and started reading them. People I didn't even know said I needed to get this published. Later I was invited with some people at my church to go to a writer's conference in the mountains. I had been writing and drawing maps and characters for 5 years so then I was 21. I am advised to take something else I had written and leave those fantasy books at home. So I took some of my character sketches and maps. I had menial or nonexistent expectations from the other writers there or the instructors. I was the youngest person at that conference. People there said I need to get it published--the complete opposite of what I expected. They wished I had brought some samples of those books. Bummer. 

At 21 I try to pitch to traditional publishers. Nothing ever happens, and it is a huge disappointment after the high I had, but then who was I kidding? They would laugh at something written by a kid anyway. Then it's time to go off to college. I am not going to have time for this in college, so I put my publishing dreams aside. After I graduate, I find out about self-publishing. After dealing with a shady publisher, it deals a blow. I have no idea what to do next after I am able to republish the first book again. I have to figure it out on my own with no one to ask or teach me anything. OMG, what have I done? What have I just gotten myself into? Well, everything I had to learn the hard way became both a book and a blog which have been moderately successful. 

After toil, frustration, tears, learning, ups and downs, and wondering if I have lost my ever-loving mind while fending off depression and PTSD, I have now become my own imprint and started a business. More series have come and the Neiko Saga continues to grow. I have many that need edits and publishing and more to write. I have epic dreams with a fishing line budget, but I am ever closer to one day achieving some of my more gigantic dreams someday. 

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? For me it has been about the exploration and discovery along the way. The discovery of new people, new worlds, and brave new adventures. The writing process holds for me what life does without bullies. My imagination went to new heights after laying down the action figures and picking up the pen (or the keyboard). I don't know if I will try Dragon since it may not like my Southern drawl. I know the speaking app on the phone or automated answering computers don't. 

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? After a few awards and mostly good reviews and support from readers on my books and my blogs, it is nice to know that it was worth it to take a risk and do it. I was able to find out that I truly did have a talent to share with the world even though I was reluctant and terrified. There have been the occasional few who didn't, but that's okay. No one is laughing and telling me to go hide somewhere.  

How many published books do you have? I have 4. 

Please list the titles of all your books:
Neiko's Five Land Adventure
Escape from Ancient Egypt
The Newbie Author's Survival Guide
Bloody Klondike Gold 

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I usually try to come up with a working title before writing the manuscript, but there could be tweaks made to it afterward and after I stew on it awhile to make sure I am happy with it. I rarely do not come up with anything at the beginning, and "then after the manuscript" is plan B. 

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? Well, as for genre, I am a genre crosser and a genre blender (like fantasy action adventure), but the common threads I follow are action adventure and tween/teen/young adult (this is an age group and not a genre, BTW), but fantasy and sci-fi are my first loves because I love to build worlds. I write for younger audiences because I don't enjoy writing for grownups. Too many rules and limits besides what makes a fun, great story. I do also dabble into mystery, paranormal, supernatural, and horror but the age group and the action and adventure still apply.  

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Escape from Ancient Egypt  

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? Since I was 17 at the time let me think... I probably had just learned about Ramesses II in school in history class and saw a couple movies about him, so then a question of "what if" came along. I looked at some other kings, but they just didn't have quite enough muscle to try to pin down Neiko, the right personality or I didn't have enough information about them. This was the day of expensive dialup internet, so I didn't have access to information that I have now. And, I always was a sucker for time travel.

And I just want to dive into the story now. I wrote this one shortly after my experiment novel Neiko's Five Land Adventure (it was called something else then, but I am not going to share that embarrassing title). Amazingly, the story is the same as it was when I wrote the books just as it was when I was a teen, but with the polish of a professional edit of course. Not many first ever books make it to press, and I didn't plan it that way, but it happened nonetheless. They are doing well for books written by a kid (the readers and awards say so, not just me). 

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors?  You must believe in yourself and your talent and take calculated risks because no one else will. Always remember that you are your own worst critic. Getting that inner critic in check is tough at times, but it must be done. 

Who is your favorite author and why? It's a close tie between Brian Jacques and Terry Brooks, but I do read others. Mostly it's the worlds and characters I have come to enjoy more than anything, and I like the adventure that goes along with it.  
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Cold Coffee Press Endorses The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga by Taffey Tawanna Champion

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 Press Book Review For The Mystery Alliance:
Evian’s Saga by Taffey Tawanna Champion
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.”

Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses 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. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

Genre: Action Adventure/Futuristic Fantasy

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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? Currently, I only have one E-Book published in “The Mystery Alliance: Evian’s Saga” series. I am in the process of preparing its Prequel E-Book for publishing.

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