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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary by Raymond Cook

Cold Coffee Press Endorses
Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary by Raymond Cook
Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary! © 2016 by Raymond Cook is a 288 page (Light Erotic Content) story about Frank and Martha Hoosier who traveled from Nauvoo, Illinois on the Mormon trail to Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1901. But the following spring Frank dies in her arms in the middle of the street from two stray shots by a drunk man. Martha is devastated. The land agent takes the land back and now she's homeless.
Desperate, Martha robs a man in an alley and ends up killing him. She's charged with murder and taken by train to the federal courthouse in Green River for trial. A judge Martha sentences her to two years in the Territorial Penitentiary. There were thirty cells for women and none of them had running water or toilets. Their mattresses were thin and only had two blankets and a pillow. The women worked in the broom making room in the prison during the day, ate their meals together; otherwise they lived alone in their cells. Worst of all, none of the women convicts were allowed visitors or correspondence. This allowed the ruthless warden and his guards to rape them at will. Compliance was quickly gained through beatings, starvation, abuse and isolation.
After a month of rapes and beatings the warden offers Martha a chance to live in his house outside the penitentiary cooking, cleaning and providing sex to just him. Becoming his sex slave and not living in her cell was the lesser of two evils. Ten days later Martha leads a riot in which the warden and prison guards were killed.
The women convicts burn the records of who they were and the towns they lived in before being sentenced to prison. They flee and start their lives over under new names. Three days later someone arrives at the prison and finds the warden and all the guards dead. He alerts the U. S. marshal’s office.Note: This is my 25th western frontier eBook and I believe that with each book written I have become a better writer. This I feel is my most well written book.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary by Raymond Cook
Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary by Raymond Cook is a western tale dated in the early 1900’s. Author Raymond Cook writes with authority in this time period and has a heart for his story and characters. Although each book in his series stands alone and can be enjoyed in any sequence, this book is slightly different from the rest. (Light erotica requires a more mature audience.)
Realistic characters in a rugged western environment with seventeen gorgeous photos depicting that time period that fit right into the chapter where the authors placed it.
A well written, time period researched drama brings the characters, dialog and story to life on the page.
This book begins with a wonderful Education Of The Homestead Act Of 1862! Included in the pages of this book is a real letter of desperation and even seven passages of scripture.
Twenty Three Chapters with color photos follow the life of Mrs. Martha Hoosier as she follows her husband Frank from Nauvoo, Illinois and acquire a homestead in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Life is rugged for Frank and Martha with dangers from wildlife, weather, bandits, illness and accidents where life and death hang in the balance.
One morning as the couple crosses the street, a drunk shoots at a deputy and hits Frank by mistake taking his life, Martha becomes desolate as the land agent takes the homestead back. With no one to lean on, no money, no way to grow food and no supplies, Martha resorts to stealing or begging for food for survival.
After she holds up a man in an alley and kills him, a Federal Judge sentences her to two years in Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary. With crude accommodations Martha finds herself in a cell surrounded by nine other women in cells. She will have to make do with no running water or toilet, as she clings to the comfort of her thin mattress, two blankets and pillow.
The convicts were allowed to eat together but weren’t allowed visitors or correspondence. They endured unimaginable abuse from the warden and his guards. Like any caged animal, human beings revolt at some point. Martha summoned up the courage to lead a riot and becomes the leader of these women. They must escape, change their names, start over in a distant town, staying hidden and not break the law. The US Marshal will seek revenge for the death of the warden and all his guards.
I invite to read this book and learn about the wild, Wild West from Martha Hoosier’s tragic life situation. Find out what it’s like to homestead in the Wild West and what happens if a woman become homeless in the 1900’s. What will become of Martha and her friends after they break out of the penitentiary? Will Martha or any of the escapees get caught, and would they hang a women?
Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary by Raymond Cook. I reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on September 6, 2016.
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Cold Coffee Press Endorses I Miss My Pa The Most by Raymond Cook
'I Miss My Pa The Most!’ by Raymond Cook is a 388 page story about Christopher and Shannon Rose O’Shea who lived in Marble, Colorado in 1898. The couple have a daughter, Emma, aged eight. After a stove pipe fire erupts downstairs, everyone must escape out a small window to the roof and jump down. Christopher dies in the fire and Shannon suffers burns on the right side of her face, neck and arm.
Emma is devastated over the loss of her father. Shannon and her daughter are taken in by their neighbors, David and Pamela Liley. It takes months for Shannon to heal from her burns however, accepting the loss of the man she loved and the father of her daughter will take longer. When spring arrives, Shannon remembers that her husband has an older brother, Lance in Garnet, Montana. He agrees to take her and her daughter in.
With the help of the town’s parson, Thomas O’Malley, townsfolk’s raise the funds needed to help get Shannon and Emma to Montana. But the last leg of her journey won’t be easy, to say the least. Indians, grizzly bear, cougar, highwaymen and rancher who betrays her will whittle away at the last bit of hope Shannon has for them to reach Garnet alive. When they finally reach Garnet, she learns her husband’s brother, Lance is dead too.
Now they’re camped at the edge of town and believe there’s no hope left. She feels that no man will ever want to marry her and that she’ll have to raise her Emma alone. The town’s reverend introduces her to Kenneth Buchanan who’s agrees to take them both into his home. But the women of Garnet don’t like the fact they’re living together and fight her. So the reverend marries the couple, ‘out of convenience.’ Can Kenneth and Shannon stay married but be just friends or will he see beyond her scars and see the love she has to offer him? And what about Emma? Will she finally bond with Kenneth and call pa again?
Book Review: “One part of this book, took 5 Kleenex's, I was almost sobbing, it was so emotional. The story just kept going along with this family from one drama to the next. I kept thinking this is enough for these poor farmers. it showed how lawless a lot of the West was in the 1800's.” Reviewer: Sue A. Hanke, Amazon, Feb. 28th, 2016
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For I Miss My Pa The Most! by Raymond Cook
I Miss My Pa The Most by Raymond Cook is a western tale from the late 1890’s. The author writes with sincere passion and authority about the West.
Christopher O’Shea, his wife Shannon and eight year old daughter Emma manage to survive all the perils on a covered wagon trip from Nauvoo, Illinois west and set up ranching in the outskirts of Marble, Colorado. This tight knit little family has faced “cholera, smallpox, Indian attacks, drownings, injuries, dust storms, wildfires, tornadoes, rattlesnake bites and mountain avalanches”.
There are many beautiful descriptive written scenes that are set off by breathtaking photography. Here are three of my favorites, but you will have to read the book to see the photos.
"As they walked through knee high wet grass the sound of rushing water got louder and louder. When they walked as far as they could go, they stopped and stared at the large creek that made a slight bend to their left. The sky was still mostly blue with patches of white clouds drifting south. It was a wide, deep and winding creek, sure to be filled with Rainbow, Brown or German trout Christopher thought."
"Brush and young saplings lined the edge of the slow moving creek. Leonard followed a deer trail along the creek making his way down to the lake. When the lake came into sight, everyone was startled as a large bald eagle swooped right passed them and grabbed a fat trout just below the surface."
"As it flew off with its meal Emma excitedly pointed and said, “I wanna catch a trout that size pa!” Suddenly everyone laughed. Now and then the family saw trout jumping out of the water though none were big fish. Finally Leonard called out and said, “Well let’s make our way back up to the cabin folks."
The O’Shea family homestead on small piece of land containing old cabin and barn where they set out to make this country their home. Like all new settlers they have to live off the land and defend their property from both wild and human dangers. They are settling into their new life, enjoying the new friends, local community, a church and Emma even goes to school.
Little did they know that their worst nightmare would be a fire. Christopher gives his life to let his wife and daughter escape the fire engulfing their cabin. Grief stricken Shannon sets out with her daughter for Montana where Christopher’s brother will take them in. The journey is rugged and dangerous and it is up to this strong woman to protect her daughter.
Amidst the struggles comes so many heartwarming and beautiful moments between a father and his daughter, husband and wife and mother and daughter. There are new friends and a new beginnings. The characters, dialog and story are realistic to the time. There are nineteen breath taking photos throughout the story which show the beauty of the land and the abundance that is harvested from hard work.
This is book 19 out of 24 Western Family Saga’s that you can enjoy through Kindle. Revisit the Wild West in its beauty and tragedy as Americans forge their way to a new life.
Let me address a side issue. As a published author myself, I always read the reviews before I purchase a book. It is not unusual for readers who have never written a book to be over judgmental. I found the grammar and voice in this book to be consistent with the region of the country and time period. There are a couple of line spacing issues that in no way affect the story. If you like family stories of the Wild West, you will enjoy this book.
Raymond Cook’s bio clearly states that he is a “62 year old disabled veteran”. We thank him for his service to our country and encourage him to keep on writing heartwarming stories like this.
Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses ‘I Miss My Pa The Most’ by Raymond Cook. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on May 8, 2016.
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Raymond Cook
As for who Raymond Cook is, well, I’m a 62 year old disabled veteran. In 1972, at the age of 18, I enlisted in the marine Corp. My plan was to retire. But fate has a way of changing our destiny. In 1974 on my way back to my base, a drunk driver hit me head-on going 80 MPH and my life was forever changed. Those were my darkest days. Eventually in 1983 I enrolled in college and took a creative writing class as an elective. At that point I had no interest at all in becoming a writer or author. In truth, how many people have taken a writing course in high school or college and believed one day they would write a book?
Little did I realize what a ‘profound Impact’ that class and my instructor, Mr. Art Wicks would have on my future. Between 1983 and 2010 I wrote my poetry and short stories, but refused to believe that one day I could set down and pen thousands of words, put a title to what would one day be considered a book. In 2003, I wrote a 5 page western romance story I simply called, “A Western Romance Story!” It was only meant to be a short story. Each year though I would add a few pages to the story because I liked the story plot and characters. In 2011 while wanting to add 10 more pages to what was now a 50 page story, ‘something happened’ and it became my first novel called, “Was It Fate Or Destiny?”
This is my 5th year writing western frontier novels.
I recently learned that Arthur William David Wicks, my college professor who taught Creative Writing to me in 1983 recently died on Nov. 10, 2013. It is a great loss to the world because he truly touched the lives of his students, me in particular. Without his guidance, encouragement and inspiration, none of my eBooks or poetry would have been written.
An author’s goal is to not just ‘Entertain a reader’ but to try to touch the reader’s emotions too. After all, that’s the entire purpose of reading a book, to enjoy what you’ve read.
Random stuff about me:
I grew up in Shelton, Washington, a small logging town. My family lived on an Indian reservation for several years.I have a grown daughter, 31 and a grown son, 27.I presently live in California and love the blue sky.I’m a life member of the DAV having served in the Marines. (1972-74)I love deer hunting and fishing but don’t do either right now.My best friend’s grandchildren treat me as a long lost uncle. (Big Smiles)I like going to rodeos, county fairs, garage sales, swap meets and farmers markets.I like helping others if I can and have a strong ‘volunteer’ spirit within me.I love all types of music but couldn’t carry a tune if someone handed me a bucket.I like to garden and am health minded.I love horses, dogs and cats.Favorite Movies: True Grit, Silverado, The Magnificent Seven, Unforgiven and Pale Rider.Favorite Bucket List Thing I’d Like To Do: Go shark fishing off of Monterey Bay, California.As you scroll down my homepage you’ll see the four books that are my favorites. Since my first eBook in 2011, I’ve written 23 more western frontier eBooks totaling 6,200 pages. If someone had told me in 2011, I would write this many books, I wouldn’t have believed them. I hope one of my eBooks will become your favorite.
My advice to anyone who wants to write a book but thinks they can’t, stop saying, “I can’t” and take a ‘creative writing course’ like I did back in 1983. Then read your book slowly and fix the typos and grammar.************************Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from CA? Although I have been writing poetry and short stories since 1983, I never wrote a novel until I lived in Lodi, California. I would hate to think what would happen if I moved and couldn’t write again, lol!
What or who inspired you to become a writer? I took a 5 credit Creative Writing ‘Elective’ college class with no interest in writing anything, it was just an elective. But Art Wicks, the teacher was a mentor to thousands of students who took his class during his years as a professor. He left a profound impression on me for decades to come. I never believed an instructor or a class would have such a profound effect on my decades later. Arthur William David Wicks, my college professor recently died on Nov. 10, 2013. I know anyone who took one of his classes will not forget him.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I grew up watching western movies and tv series like Little house on the prairie and Bonanza. John Wayne will always be a person I admire.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Actually I never intended to be a published author. I had a 50 page western romance story I had been adding pages to for a number of years with no expectation of it ever becoming a book. In January, 2011 I exploded and wrote 200 pages more and it became ‘Was It fate Or Destiny?’ If I was to give a date I guess 2011 would be my answer. Since 2011 I have written 24 western frontier eBooks, with 5 more planned.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Seeing that I only got a ‘C’ in college English I have to say without a doubt that learning how important (GRAMMAR) is to my books has been the most rewarding experience. Spell check highlights typo’s but NOT misuse of words in sentences. It is almost impossible for an author to write a book and then correct his or her Grammar while they feel on cloud nine. It is a euphoria that clouds of mind since we know every word of our book.
I intend from now on to wait two weeks after finishing a book to go back and read it slowly as a stranger would read it. Then try to catch my mistakes. I 100% believe in using Beta Readers to help me better my books, but they need to be good Grammar minded readers. A Manuscript editing service is far beyond my budget to be able to afford. I have paid a high price Amazon comment wise to better my grammar. I still have books to re-edit before I write Book #25.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? The most rewarding experience for me has been to watch some of the children in Book #1 throughout my series “Grow up” get married and have children of their own.
How many published books do you have? 25 eBooks Please list the titles of all your books.
#1 Was It Fate Or Destiny?
#2 A Gunfighter’s Promise!
#3 Death Rides On Three Horses!
#4 A Marshal’s Destiny!
#5 Cheyenne’s Destiny!
#6 Death Followed The U. S. Deputy Marshal!
#7 Life Can Change In The Blink Of An Eye!
#8 On The Trail Of A Killer!
#9 Sometimes Fate Can Be Cruel!
#10 Tales From A Small Town Sheriff!
#11 Ambush On McClure Pass!
#12 Unstoppable!
#13 A Journey Along The Mormon Trail!
#14 Sometimes Trouble Comes In Two’s!
#15 Who Abducted The U. S. Deputy Marshals Granddaughter?
#16 When The Hunted Becomes The Hunter!
#17 Revenge is A Dish Best Served Cold!
#18 An Appointment With The Gallows!
#19 I Miss My Pa The Most!
#20 A Journey Along The Oregon Trail!
#21 It Was Fight Or Die!
#22 He Was The Only Thing Keeping Her Alive!
#23 A Brothel, A Beauty And A Murderer!
#24 The Hunt For The Mountain Man!
#25 Escape From A Territorial Penitentiary!

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I feel every writer has his own strategy he or she uses. For me, I browse through thousands of western frontier era photographs at various photography websites. The moment I see a particular photo I know the whole story from title, events to ending. In my mind a movie plays out and I just type. Of course I have to get permission to use the photo as my eBook cover or purchase the rights to use the photo or there will be no book. This is because the entire story is built around the photograph. The same is true for the title.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My genre is western and I grew up watching all the favorite western tv series as a child. I have always liked the era of homesteaders, wagon trains, good guys vs. the bad guys. Many of my main characters are women.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? It is an ABSOLUTE MUST to not only fix the typo’s spell check identifies but to also (READ) your book about two weeks after you have finished writing it. Let the “Excitement of your accomplishment wear off before you slowly read your book again. Don’t hurry. Take your time reading. A poorly edited book on Amazon will draw “Negative” comments and they will haunt you even after you have fixed the typos and grammar.
Case in point, in one of my books I wrote by mistake….
“When the couple opened the picnic basket they smelled the aroma of fried children.”
Because children was spelled correctly, had I not read my book I would not have realized the word I meant was chicken. I still laugh about that blooper though.
Who is your favorite author and why? I don’t have any one particular author I enjoy reading. The same holds true for my favorite western movie. I like many.
************************Here Are Just A Couple Books From The List Of Twenty-Five ************************

It Was Fight Or Die! (Book # 21) by Raymond Cook
‘It Was Fight Or Die!’ by Raymond Cook is a 224 page story about the conflict between settlers coming to the town of Marble, Colorado and the bands of Indians that inhabited the Colorado territory in the 1890’s. The Apache, Arapaho, Comanche, Crow, Kiowa, Paiute, Pueblo, Shoshone, Sioux and the Ute tribes relied on vast hunting and fishing grounds not only for food but also clothing. Many of the Indian tribes were relocated to reservations by the U. S. Calvary to clear the way for settlers.
But the U. S. Government often times failed to provide the necessary cattle to help feed the Indians according to the treaty, for giving up their hunting grounds. Worse, inscrutable Indian agents many times deliberately gave blankets to the Indians which contained smallpox or cholera on them. Often times the reservations the Indians had to call home lacked suitable water and the soil was poor for growing food. If the Indians tried to flee, they were either killed trying to escape or were hunted down and killed.
The Homestead Act of 1862 however allotted each married couple 160 acres of land to homestead on in the Colorado Territory. Some families traveled 1,500 miles by covered wagon to reach Colorado to stake their claim. For those who didn’t want to be a rancher, they could prospect for gold or silver. Cattle ranchers needed ranch hands and The Yule Quarry outside of Marble needed workers to work at the quarry too. By 1899 nearly 400 people lived in or around Marble. The town now had its own newspaper and a dentist too.
The railroad would soon reach Marble too and that would open the area up to even more settlers. But the families calling Marble their home needed food, lots of food. Numbers of Elk, buffalo, deer and antelope dwindled. For the Shoshone, Sioux and Paiute, with game getting scarce for their people they have no choice but to join forces and make a stand or die. This is their story.
Book Review: “Western history about the white man and Indians has never been a pleasant read. The white man was greedy and felt the Indians were below him in importance. They were herded up and put in reservations for the most part. Many died during this process, including anyone that fought against it. No one should have been surprised when they fought back.
Mr. Cook has done a nice job of gathering facts about Marble, Colorado and the Indian wars there. He points out how the land was given free to anyone willing to homestead for five years, or they could buy the property cheaply if they planned to resell and move on sooner. He also mentions the lack of food the Indians got in reservation (many of soldiers in charge of delivering the animals sold them elsewhere and kept the money) and how they got smallpox from the used blankets they were given to keep them warm.
He makes his characters come to life and you care about the white families as well as the Indians. Many of the families had hard lives before they settled in the valley. Misfortune had touched almost everyone in town. Yet, they had courage and were willing to fight for their family and land.
Mr. Cook does a very good job of explaining the Indian’s war strategy. The white man didn’t give them credit for being smart and that was a big mistake. While the white man thought superior weapons and force would win the fight, the Indians used stealth and planning to take them down. This resulted in more guns and horses for the Indians.
I noticed a couple of historical references being repeated more than once in this book. Once is enough to establish the sequence of events. There were also some grammatical mistakes and a misspelling. Nothing too big, but I would suggest the author ask someone with new eyes to read his manuscript before publishing. They might catch these things, and then your book would be perfect.
All in all, it’s an educational read done in a fictional form and it makes reading history much more pleasant. Mr. Cook has the facts down right and his discussion of their motivations is also right on. Life was hard in homesteading days. Life was even harder for the displaced Indians. We have much to learn from history and this author will help you find out about it.” Book Reviewer: LAS Reviewer, July 21, 2014 Amazon
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Death Rides On Three Horses! (Book # 3) by Raymond Cook
The “Homestead Act of 1862” was the match that lit millions of Americans dreams back east of wanting to own their own land out west. Each married couple was eligible to own 160 acres of land out west if they lived on the land, built a home and farmed it for five years. Marble, Colorado was one such tiny town that held the promise of work in the gold, silver or marble mines.
‘Death Rides On Three Horses!’ is a 217 page story about one such gunfighter by the name of Daniel Coulter or ‘Big Dan’ by his friends. After killing a gunfighter in Brodie, California in 1877 by the name of Gene Martin, ‘Big Dan’ left Brodie headed for Colorado. When Gene’s older brother Andy and two of his friends ride into Brodie three weeks later from a cattle drive and learn of Gene’s death, they set out to track down Dan Coulter if they have to search three states to do it.
Meanwhile, Dan found himself in Redstone, Colorado where he met a 28 year old gal named Annie Sinclair. He never raised his hand against her nor hurt her with his words. But he taught her how to use a gun. After they married, he settled down to raising cattle and horses for three years. The couple hoped Dan’s past wouldn’t follow him but they were wrong. In the spring of 1888 three men rode into Marble, Colorado looking for Daniel eager to settle an old score. What happened next would change Annie’s life forever.
After finding ‘Big Dan’ on his ranch outside Marble, Colorado they murder him and beat and rape his wife. As they viciously beat Annie they told her their names, leaving her for dead. The problem was…. ‘They let her live’ and now Annie is out to track each one of them down and kill them for murdering her husband and raping her.
Book Review: “We're back in Marble, Colorado in the late 1800's. Along with the Liley's & Bates families & all the other previously met residents of Marble you'll meet Dan Coulter & Annie Sinclair. Dan was previously a gunfighter & he meets Annie in Redstone, a town near Marble. They fall in love & Dan has promised to hang up his guns but Annie wants to move to a smaller more peaceful town so they buy a home close to the Liley's & settle down to a good life.
The last man Dan killed in a gunfight in Brodie, California has a brother named Andy Martin. Andy, along with his buddies Buckskin Mark & Adam Banks decide they are going to track Dan down & kill him. Along their way they continue their life of robbery, murder & rape until they end up in Redstone where they find that Dan is only a few miles away in Marble.
When they find Dan they murder him & rape Annie beating her almost to death. Thinking she is as good as dead they brag to her telling her each of their names. After Annie recovers she vows that she will not stop until she finds each & every one of them & makes them pay. Her journey of revenge & hate takes her to Wyoming, Utah, Montana & finally to California.
This part of the story was excellent & the reason I didn't hesitate to give this book 5 stars. But, there is a "but." The ending was very corny.
You'll know what I mean when you read the book. It did not take away from the very good story but I didn't care for that added part.
This is a cleanly written book with no smut & only some violence but nothing graphic. I highly recommend this to any lover of the old west.” Book Reviewer: Mary Jane Kail, July 10, 2015 Amazon
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A Journey Along The Mormon Trail! (Book # 13) by Raymond Cook
‘A Journey Along The Mormon Trail!’ by Raymond Cook is a 222 page story about a miner in Marble, Colorado named Jim Liley who worked in a marble quarry and lost his sight in his left eye due to an injury. He decides to get a 160 acre ranch but doesn’t want to live there alone so he places a mail-order bride notice in an Illinois newspaper. Kristy Greenfield saw his ad in The Nauvoo Gazette and after writing back and forth she decides to travel to Colorado to meet and marry Jim.
Does Kristy have what it takes to be a homesteader’s wife? Follow Kristy on her 1,200 mile trek along the Mormon Trail. The journey thousands of families made across the trail wasn’t without perils. Cholera, smallpox, broken wagon wheels, Indian attacks, drowning’s, lost children, injuries, savage dust storms, rattlesnake bites, getting lost, blizzards, starvation, lack of water and even robbery could crush the dreams of a pioneer family’s hopes for a new life.
As if all of those risks weren’t enough to discourage someone from trekking 1,200 miles across unknown dangers, unscrupulous merchants were known to sell covered wagons and provisions to families only to rob them several miles out of town. Then the men would bring the covered wagons back to the merchant who would re-sell them over and over. Take a trip back in time and see through Kristy’s eyes all that she endured hoping to find happiness at Jim Liley’s side as his wife.
Will she find the happiness she risked her life for or will she regret her marriage and break his heart by leaving on the stage? This is my 13th eBook in this series of pioneer families living in Marble Colorado in the 1890’s.
Book Review: “Jim Liley is a young man growing up in a Colorado quarrying town in the late 1800s. When he's blinded in one eye in a quarry accident, he's afraid no woman will ever want to marry him. Kristy Greenfield's hometown in Illinois is becoming depleted of marriageable men as they all head west seeking their fortunes; will she end up growing old alone? Then Jim places a wife-wanted ad in the newspaper, beginning a sweet long-distance courtship with Kristy which leads to her making the momentous decision to head out west to marry him.
A Mail-Order Bride for Jim Liley follows the difficulties of life in a rough Colorado town, the developing romance between Jim and Kristy, and Kristy's harrowing journey traveling with a wagon train along the Mormon Trail to meet Jim in Colorado and marry him. The story rambles, going into the colorful histories of the townsfolk of Marble, Colorado and other side trips, I caught a few anachronisms, and there are a few problems with the writing mechanics, in particular the paragraphing, though otherwise the prose is clear and well-written. But the story of Jim and Kristy's courtship is engaging (no pun intended!) and the tale of Kristy's trip west is full of excitement and danger, and a large amount of work and research clearly went into this heartfelt book. Recommended for fans of sweet western historical romance and books depicting the realities of life on the frontier in the 1870s.” Reviewer: Lunarmommyk, April 14, 2015, Amazon
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Was It Fate Or Destiny? (Book #1) by Raymond Cook
‘Was It Fate Or Destiny?’ by Raymond Cook is a 257 page story about Emily Brown, a 24 year old widow and her two children, Tommy age seven and Sarah six homesteading in the Crystal River Valley outside Marble, Colorado. Her husband Jess was a miner killed in a card room brawl at Kate's Place saloon in 1890. Look through her eyes at the challenges she faces trying to raise and protect her children alone outside of town.
With Jess buried behind her cabin Emily doesn’t feel she can ever allow herself to fall in love with any other man. Travel back in time and see her meet Sam Bates, a kind but shy ranch hand bunking at the Triple R ranch. See the struggle each of them endure trying to share their feelings for each other and her love she had for Jess before they allow their love to grow.
See through their eyes after they marry the strength it takes to survive the harsh Colorado Rocky mountain winters where one day it can be blue sky and the next, four feet of snow. Three years later Sam discovers a jar of gold coins hidden in an old apple tree he chops down and their new found wealth nearly gets Sam murdered by two men seeking work as ranch hands. Tommy ends up saving families life from the killer’s.
Feel the terror in Emily’s heart as her family is terrorized by a grizzly bear. When Sam buys his children their own pony, he also buys Emily a horse for her birthday. After Sarah breaks her leg falling as she tried to put a baby owl back a barn rafter; Sam uses Sarah’s love for her new pony to help get to walk again. When the time comes for Marble to build their first schoolhouse, Sam, Emily, Sarah and Tommy ride to town as a family.
Book Review: “This is a good fiction western romance novel set in Colorado, among the mist of silver and marble mines in a small town of Marble, Colorado. Jess and Emily with their children, Tommy and Sarah were homesteading their land according to the Homesteading Act passed in1862. Jess was killed during a card game leaving 24 year old Emily to raise the children. One day going home from town her wagon wheel broke.
Sam Bates stopped to help Emily. Almost at first sight, love sparkled. A few months later, Sam and Emily married and became a family. This is a story of how people settled in the west; and the hardships they endured. Families and neighbors helped and protected each other. They had to prepare for the cold hard winters gathering food for themselves and their animals.This was a clean, comfortable, fast paced read, just sit back, relax and enjoy reading about some of our history that made this great nation and see how our country grew out west with day to day living, by family after family. Thank you, Mr. Cook for a good book. A good clean romance about the hardships, accidents, and mishap. Also, a sweet love story.” Reviewer: Pat, April 16, 2016, Amazon
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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Escape From Ancient Egypt (The Neiko Adventure Saga Book 2) by A. K. Taylor

 
Cold Coffee Press Endorses 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!

Genre: Fiction

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 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.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 ColePraise 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

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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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Bloody Klondike Gold (Randi Braveheart Mystery Series)
Coming Soon (on Sept 19, 2016)
A summer trip to the Klondike can be deadly…

Randi Braveheart and her friend go to the Mineral Creek mining claim for summer vacation and to visit her father, Will, during the second half of the six month mining season. The time of happy reunions, summer fun, and gold mining come to a close after a night of sabotage, the theft of the first half of the season’s haul, and a death threat.

Will the motley crew of miners and teens survive until the end of the season?

Available On Sept 19 by Preorder
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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 3 but another will be available Sept 19, 2016.

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 (coming soon on Sept 19)

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 Annie Tillery Mystery Series by Linda Maria Frank

Cold Coffee Press Endorses The Annie Tillery Mystery Series
by Linda Maria Frank

The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank
Newest Release: Book Four (all books stand-alone)
The wreckage of a World War II plane is found in the mountains of Appalachia. It mysteriously crashed in 1943 on its way to a naval base. Inside the plane is a note, written by Annie Tillery's great-grandmother, Charlotte, who was in love with a fighter pilot. Young Charlotte tested the planes and flew them to naval bases; her fiance flew the planes in battle.
While investigating the crash site, NCIS finds the note in the plane, which they trace to Charlotte and then to her surviving family members, Annie and her mother Carol. The mystery begins. Why did the plane crash, and what does Charlotte's note mean? Annie and her mother decide to dig into Great Grandmother's past by way of the aged family attic.
There, they find love letters written by Charlotte and her Navy pilot fiance. There is a code to be broken in those letters and The Mystery of the Lost Avenger to be solved. As they explore, Annie suspects Charlotte's ghost is reaching out to tell her something, but what? She enlists the help of her boyfriend, newly licensed pilot Ty Egan, but Annie feels she may be the key to her great-grandmother's top-secret life."
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger by Linda Frank
Good news for all Annie Tillery Mystery Followers. The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger (book 4) is finally here. This book educates young minds using this fictional mystery that involves NCIS investigating the crash site of a World War II plane.
The discovery of a note inside the downed plane, written by Annie Tillery’s great-grandmother sparks mystery and intrigue. Annie, her mother Carol are intrigued by Charlotte’s note and decide to dig through the old family attic to see what they can find out about this mysterious family member. What they discover in the attic only adds to the mystery and soon Annie suspects that Charlotte’s ghost is reaching out to them from beyond the grave with an important message.
Annie’s decides to get her boyfriend Ty Egan who happens to be a pilot involved. Here is their conversation.
“Ty, you won’t believe what Mom has been telling me about a mystery concerning my great-grandmother. Mom, this is your story, and maybe Ty can see something we don’t. Can you fill him in on the details, so far? I’m just hearing this story for the first time, too.”
“Well, let me start with . . .” She shuffled the papers in her lap. “Here’s the letter we received from the Department of the Navy. And here’s a copy of a note we found in the plane. The note is written on some sort of a company form with and identification number on it. The number belonged to Charlotte, my grandmother.”
“I also have a letter from the Naval Crime Investigation Service about the condition of the plane where they found the note, and the pilot they found in the wreckage. There are skeletonized remains of a person whose identity they are trying to confirm. They know who flew the plane when it went missing, but they must confirm that it is that person. It is a woman.”
Mom added a new thought, “You know, it’s ironic. Charlotte did die in a plane crash many years later. She continued to fly recreationally after the war. When I went to Maryland to see if there was any record of her time at Grumman, I found these letters in the house where Charlotte spent her last years.”
Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence. This series of books should be listed in all school libraries and on summer reading lists.
Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger and all the books in the Annie Tillery Mysteries by Linda Maria Frank. I reviewed this book from a Kindle. The review was completed on August 20, 2016.
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

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The Madonna Ghost by Linda Maria Frank
Book Three (all books stand-alone)
Seventeen-year-old Annie Tillery and her Aunt Jill set off for Long Island's Fire Island for a vacation of surf, sun, and sailing. Annie is happy to leave behind the stress of her relationship with her parents. 
Aunt Jill, who is an NYPD detective, is mixing her vacation with a case she must keep secret from Annie, who is suspicious nevertheless. Annie finds romance and intrigue when she meets Ty Egan, the nephew of their host on the island. 
They find themselves in the middle of an eerie adventure when she and Ty investigate the tragic and perplexing story of a local ghost. Annie becomes increasingly uneasy and the investigation turns sinister when Aunt Jill goes missing, the ghost appears, and the troublesome neighbors in the cottage next door become hostile. 
When they find one of Aunt Jill's special earrings on the neighbor's porch, they begin to wonder what she was doing there. Will they find Aunt Jill before it's too late? In the breathless conclusion to their investigation, Annie and Ty narrowly escape death solving the mystery of The Madonna Ghost.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
The Madonna Ghost by Linda Maria Frank
Come on vacation with Annie Tillery and her Aunt Jill to Long Island’s Fire Island. Stand with Annie on the Ferry and recall what she sees; “Looking out across the Great South Bay, I could see Fire Island in the distance, a long stretch of dunes and scrub pines across the horizon. At the western end of the island, was the black and white striped tower of Fire Island lighthouse, blinking away. Sailboats maneuvered across the dark blue waters of the bay in ballerina fashion, their sails puffed out by the wind like dancers’ gauzy skirts.”
Walk along the boardwalk which “opens onto a broad cement lane where homey little cottages, each with a tiny garden” stretch as far as the eyes can see. Relax with Annie and Aunt Jill in the charm of “Windalee” one of the oldest houses on the island where secret a secret passage was used to smuggle liquor onto Long Island in the twenties. The Long Island coastland has always been the perfect environment for shipwrecks, lost treasure, pirates, bootleggers, drug runners, kidnapping and terrorists.
Learn the history of settlers coming to Long Island as far back as the early 1800s and how Fire Island got its name. Become aware that men, women and children enduring treacherous seas in wooden ships came to Fire Island and some were forced to wade cold ocean water to make it to Bay Shore. Join Annie and TY on their quest to see ‘The Madonna Ghost’ as past accounts and island legend recalls seeing her walking on the Bay Shores in the mist of the salt water air to protect the grave of her infant child who perished while she was trying to make it to shore.
Mystery and suspense develops when Annie discovers that her Aunt Jill, who is a NYPD detective is not really on vacation, but working an active case. Watch Annie’s sleuth abilities interrupt her own vacation when her beloved Aunt Jill is missing and some unscrupulous neighbors beside “Windalle” are on the top of her short list.
Enjoy a youthful budding romance and see for yourself that “Fire Island must indeed be a paradise where dreams come true.”
Annie Tillery Mysterys book two ‘The Madonna Ghost’ is an enjoyable read for students and young adults of all ages. Each book in the Annie Tiller Mystery Series is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence. Author Linda Maria Frank uses her own background in forensic science, great research, delightful writing skills, intensive character development and interesting dialog to keep her readers engaged in each one of her mysteries. The Annie Tillery Mystery series should be placed on our schools’ summer reading list.
Cold Coffee Press endorses ‘The Madonna Ghost’ and the Annie Tillery Mysteries by Linda Maria Frank. We received a PDF version of this book for review. Review completion date March 27, 2015.
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

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Girl With Pencil, Drawing by Linda Maria Frank
Book Two (all books stand-alone)
Seventeen-year-old amateur detective Annie Tillery is at it again. After she wins a series of art lessons at a prestigious art gallery, Annie shows up for her first lesson to find her instructor, Francesca Gabrielli, in a volatile argument with John DiCristiani, the art gallery's director. 
He is demanding that she illegally copy art masterpieces. Unwittingly, Annie is about to be drawn into the illicit, treacherous, and unpredictable world of art forgery. When DiCristiani is found murdered in cold blood, Francesca becomes the prime suspect. 
She calls upon Annie to help solve the crime along with her NYPD detective aunt, Jill Tillery. They must brave the dangers of an international art fraud ring in an attempt to clear Francesca's name. They discover that the key to solving the case revolves around a mysterious brownstone in Brooklyn whose inhabitants present tantalizing and elusive clues. 
As Annie and company attempt to stay one step ahead of DiCristiani's murderer, they escape one deadly trap after another. The stakes are high in the glamorous yet dangerous world of illegal art trafficking. Annie must solve the crime to save her life and that of her friends.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
Girl with Pencil, Drawing by Linda Maria Frank
Annie Tillery Mysterys book two Girl with Pencil, Drawing is a spectacular read for students and young adults of all ages. Each book in the Annie Tiller Mystery Series is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.
The story line in ‘Girl with Pencil, Drawing’ by Author Linda Maria Frank draws the young reader into an adventure where young Annie Tillery goes for her first art lesson at a prestigious Art Gallery. 
With youthful exuberance and an eagerness to advance her drawing skills Annie arrives early. When she enters the studio she overhears a heated argument between two people who turn out to be her Art Instructor Francesca Gabrielli and the Art Gallery Director John DiCristiani.
Annie’s empathy for others and her sleuth personally draws her into a murder mystery when John DiCristiani turns up dead and Francesca Gabrielli is the prime suspect, Annie enlists the help of her Aunt Jill who is a NYPD Detective to help clear her new found friend and art mentor’s name.
With strong characters, flowing dialog and layers of mystery, soon everyone is caught up in a real who-dun-it that involves a long lists of suspects and hidden clues. Twists and turns with all the dangers that come into play when an International Art Fraud has been perpetrated.
I invite you to go beyond this headline: “Manhattan Business-Man Found Slain in Chelsea. John DiCristiani, a wealthy business man, whose financial interests reached as far as Hong Kong and Istanbul, was found shot to death in his posh apartment overlooking the Hudson River. Mr. DiCristiani’s body was found by an employee from his Soho gallery. The police questioned the employee, Ms. Francesca Gabrielli, at headquarters, but subsequently released her. Police would only confide that the murder weapon was found at the scene and that all other leads were being investigated. Mr. DiCristiani is survived by a son, Mark, twenty-five, a law student at New York University.”
Learn the ins and out of the art world that include how scientists tests for authenticity in original paintings by world renown artist like Renoir and the lucrative forgeries that make this underworld as treacherous as any international mob association.
Follow the clues, wait for the DNA evidence and sift through the ashes left by an arsonist. Inspire a young reader to discover the innate detective skills of Annie Tillery who is fast becoming the next Nancy Drew. This series should be placed on our schools’ summer reading list.
Cold Coffee Press endorses ‘Girl with Pencil, Drawing’ and the Annie Tillery Mysteries by Linda Maria Frank. We received a PDF version of this book for review. Review completion date March 24, 2015.
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

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Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys by Linda Maria Frank
Book One (all books stand-alone)
Amateur sleuth Annie Tillery has been warned to stay away from Nevshehir, Turkey, where she is heading to meet her boyfriend, Ty Egan, and Cedric Zeeks, Ty’s best friend. Intent on helping the two excavate an archeological site where they hope to link human remains to the first African ancestors, Annie does her best to shakes her foreboding feelings as her plane lands in Istanbul and she prepares to embark on her next adventure.
But when a stranger claims he is there to pick her up and then disappears once he sees Ty, Annie is immediately thrown back into worry mode—especially after Ty tells her there is unexplained tension surrounding the dig and she receives a threatening note at the hotel. Still, as the three head to Nevshehir, Annie is buoyed by the excitement surrounding ancient Turkey and the possibility of uncovering secrets. The dig is plagued by accidents and theft, however, and the three friends, assisted by the head archeologist’s twins, must search the ancient city of Istanbul and the caves of fantastic Cappadocia to find who is sabotaging their work.
In this young adult thriller, detective Annie Tillery must once again walk on a dangerous path in an attempt to unravel a complicated mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy chimneys.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys by Linda Maria Frank
Annie Tillery Mysterys book three ‘Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys’can be summed up as Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI. A mystery unfolds amidst a mix of ancient history and modern innovation, in an ageless Eastern country where time moves at a camel’s pace.
Dedicated research by author Linda Maria Frank leaves no stone unturned while great description text transports the reader to the streets of Turkey with it mosques and minarets, towers and modern buildings. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Water droplets plunked into the pool from the vaulted ceiling. After the heat of the bazaar and the street chase, it was deliciously cool. Ornate columns with carved capitals supported the ceiling. The bases were decorated with animal and human figures. There were a few visitors, but the enormity of the space muffled their conversations.”
Strong characters with great dialog brings us to dusty archeological site in one of the oldest towns in human history called Catalhoyuk. Nothing can explain it better than this quote: “We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white claylike soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush.”
Cosponsors from Vermont University are looking for a DNA connection between residents of Catalhoyuk and our original nomadic ancestors in Africa. Annie Tillery and her team go to work excavating this archeological site with all its inherit dangers and a mystery brings out the detective in Annie.
From the spell of an Ouija board to a magical balloon ride in the sky nothing is lost as this time and space makes all their senses come alive with amazing black and white graphics that bring the main characters to life.
Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy Annie Tillery Mysteries. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.Cold Coffee Press endorses ‘Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys’ and the Annie Tillery Mysteries by Linda Maria Frank. We received a PDF version of this book for review. Review completion date February 5, 2015.
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

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Read forensics articles and lots of little blogs about "Secrets in T F C".
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview
With Author Linda Maria Frank
Message From Author: Hello, fellow mystery lovers. As a teacher of forensic science for almost 20 years, I decided to create mysteries around the science I found most interesting. I also wanted to create a smart, edgy, young female detective to solve my cases. The result was Annie Tillery. I like to call my books "Nancy Drew meets CSI". My books capture, not only my love of mystery and science, but those things I found most exciting in life; sailing, falling in love, and my fascination with New York City.

Currently, I am living on Long Island and working hard to promote my books. The third Annie Tillery mystery will revolve around another topic I find fascinating, and that is archeology. It takes place in Turkey. Stay tuned for more thrilling and dangerous adventures for Annie and that oh-so-sexy Ty. After many years in the teaching profession, Linda Maria Frank, the author of Annie Tillery Mysteries, has launched a new career. Inspired by a childhood passion for the Nancy Drew series and the popular television series, CSI, she successfully married an appealing heroine (Annie Tillery) with gripping story plots to create these new fiction books for mystery readers.

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THE MADONNA GHOST has earned the distinctive “Editor’s Choice” and “Rising Star” awards. As a result of this book, Frank is included in the Authors Show 2013 Edition of “50 Great Writers You Should be Reading”. GIRL WITH PENCIL DRAWING, the second book in the series, ramps up the adventure and suspense. Annie stays one step ahead of the bad guys by the skin of her teeth. The third Annie Tillery Mystery, SECRETS IN THE FAIRY CHIMNEYS, takes Annie to Turkey where caves, treasure pirates and saboteurs threaten to close down the archeological dig where she and her friends are working to unlock the secrets in the oldest town ever discovered.
Continuing her passion for her former career in education, she has put lesson plans for her books on her website, www.lindamaria.com, and other teacher websites. Her conviction is that you can make your child a life-long reader by introducing them to exciting fiction that will provoke them to ask questions about the world they live in, or would like to know about.
Before venturing into writing, Frank’s first love was teaching science, her assignments ranging from Middle School to graduate level courses at Hofstra and Adelphi Universities. She was the science chairperson for the last five years of her career at Seaford, L.I. Schools. She was awarded teacher of the year in Seaford High School in 1989. She won an award from the American Association of University Women for her ability to inspire young women to pursue careers in science.
At Hofstra University she taught courses in forensic Science and Biotechnology at Hostra College, as well as Science Methods courses in the School of Education. It was the Forensic Science courses that gave her the story lines for her heroine, Annie, who is based on a composite of former beloved students.
She recently retired from Adelphi University where she supervised science student teachers. To quote, “Writing, publishing, and marketing books is a full time job, and it’s time to change careers.”Today she collaborates with children’s author, Karen Bonnet, to do presentations about their books and their journeys in self-publishing. Linda and Karen give a portion of the proceeds from their books to the Interfaith Nutritional Network, and are planning a series of programs for the Boys and Girl Club.
She also collaborates with author, Lois W. Stern, on a project called Tales2Inspire, a writing contest, an anthology of inspiring stories, and a marketing platform where authors help authors.Presently Frank is involved in a project at LTV in East Hampton called “The Writer’s Dream”, an interview show where authors discuss the many different aspects of the profession. The show is aired on Cablevision 20.
Her ultimate goals are: to find an agent who will present my books to TV or film, to find venues to present my books and programs, and to organize book fairs as events for non-profit organizations to raise money.
Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from greater NYC? Being a writer in the greater NYC area is a challenge due to the competitive environment. There are many writers here in my little town of Massapequa Park. Long Island is proud to have many writers’ groups, organizations and Meet-ups. (My Meet-up is called FABLE of Massapequa Park). To have written, published and become active in marketing my Annie Tillery Mystery series is an accomplishment alone, and it is a second career. It’s been a great learning experience for me, as well as a teaching opportunity by way of sharing my experiences with others, both young students and other writers. I do a workshop on the ins and outs of self-publishing with another author. It’s called “So You Want to Write a Story”.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? The inspiration to write this series comes from my teaching days. I enjoyed exploring the world of science with my students. In particular, it was a pet project of mine to encourage my female students to peruse science careers, for which I won an award from the American Assn. of University Women. When I started writing and creating the character of Annie Tillery, I drew from the characteristics of my female students. Secondly, I love the field of forensic science which I taught for over twenty years. And who of American adult women didn’t love Nancy Drew?
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? The first two books were written when I took a writing course. I really didn’t know how to write a book, so I took a course in novel writing. My mentor said they were good, but it would take time to get them traditionally published. I put them aside. When self-publishing became a recognized entity, I decided to publish, picked a company, and in 2010 had my first published book.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? My parents were well educated, encouraged higher education, and fostered a love of reading. The schools I went to and the friends I had aimed for intellectually challenging careers. My first writing pieces were all about my life at home and the warm nurturing environment it provided.
Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? The first two books, The Madonna Ghost, and Girl with Pencil Drawing had titles from the start. Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys came to me at the very end of writing the book. I am writing book #4 and it has a working title for the purpose of filing, but I think this one will have to come after I have done significant work on the book.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? My genre is often listed as either YA mystery or Children’s Mystery. I am more comfortable with Mysteries for Girls of Any Age, because that is where I find my audience. The plots are intricate enough for adult readers, as is the CSI science. My heroine is 17 going on 19 as the books progress, and that’s what makes the series for young readers.
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I love archaeology. I read an article about an archaeological dig in Turkey. I thought, what a great setting for a mystery. I researched the area of Turkey which, by the way, has the weirdest landscape, and I went from there, even visiting Turkey.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? When my book club, Seaford Bookies, comprised of my teacher contemporaries, read my first book, The Madonna Ghost, and one of them said, “I love Annie”, I believed there was no greater reward. They continue to read and purchase my books. Who better to know a great teen girl than the teachers who spent their lives teaching, guiding and nurturing them?
Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? A fellow author said he knew an agent, and would I like him to give her one of my books. Of course I said yes. Her opening comment to me was, “I didn’t really read your book, but . . .” Her comments were the exact opposite of any reader comments I had received. Lesson: Never ask an agent for a favor. Their time is too precious to give you a comment based on actually reading your book. You must approach and agent in the proscribed professional way laid out on their websites. Breaches of this protocol are not well received.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Having the first copy of The Madonna Ghost sent to me in the mail, opening the package and holding it in my hand. I had just completed medical procedures for a bout with cancer, and this was very sweet indeed.
Have you had a negative experience in your publishing journey? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? I have had to argue some points with editors about plot elements and science which they are not too up on, but otherwise, it’s been a good experience. The self-publishing companies offer many marketing packages for very steep prices. I tried one of the promotions that came with my publishing package and it was not effective.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Search the internet for free help with your writing. Join a writing circle. If one doesn’t suit your needs, try another one. There are lots out there. When your manuscript is done, get the best professional editor you can afford.
Who is your favorite author and why? Don’t laugh. Charles Dickens. His stories are rich with, not only language, but plot twists. His characters are masterpieces of humanity. The social themes of his stories are cogent today. He has crafted wonderful, colorful stories.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I would like to see more books written where girls are smart, strong, courageous, and independent.I do a workshop on “Daydreaming”, because I think it is important to know the things you really love, and will lead you on a road to what you really want to be in life. Take your favorite daydream, and take baby steps to make it happen. Research it. Find out how to accomplish your dream. And soon, “wishing or rather, daydreaming, will make it so.”
Linda writes Great Teen Mystery Books - Where Nancy Drew Meets CSI Do you love a Mystery? How about a Ghost Story? Grab some pure entertainment! Enter the world of “Nancy Drew Meets CSI” and follow new girl detective, Annie Tillery, as she navigates her way through intriguing plots with good forensic science, narrowly escaping the dangers that keep those pages turning.

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************************ Linda’s Website Links
http://lindamariafrank.com/
http://lindamariafrank.com/reviews/
http://lindamariafrank.com/events/
http://lindamariafrank.com/tv-show/
http://booktown.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=13rf1utui2kg0 http://bookbzz.com/category/editorial/conrtibutor-pages/authorblogs/linda-maria-frank-authorblogs/
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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Fires Of Hell: The Alchemystic (Book One) by Maureen L. Mills

  Fires of Hell:
The Alchemystic (Book One)
by Maureen L. Mills
When her captain is murdered and her airship suffers a series of sabotages, airship engineer and rogue pyromancer, Amelia Everley, must put aside her dislike of her new employer, Josiah, and help him save her airship and crew.

But is the destruction aimed at their mysterious government passenger, or is the captain’s killer now after Josiah?

All Amelia knows is, if Josiah can’t learn to respect her skills, she may have to resign herself to working for his rival, Edmund Fairlane.

If, that is, she can bring herself, her crew, and her ship home in one piece.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review for Fires Of Hell:
The Alchemystic (Book One) by Maureen L. Mills
Author Maureen L Mills brings to the table her first book in the Alchemystic series. The book opens when Amelia Everley discovers that her captain has been murdered.

Descriptive writing balanced with believable dialog in the thirty-three chapters along with well-developed characters create the desire to keep turning the page.

A murder to solve, along with the tension between Amelia and her new captain, might overshadow bringing the airship home in one piece. I always quote a portion of the book to whet your appetite, so I quote:

“I’d not sleep again, except in stolen snatches until we made Constantinople some three days hence.
Although a chill night breeze entered through the open porthole, the thin stream of air could not compete with the engine’s furnace, which roared at full capacity, radiating excess heat into the engine room. Steam seeped from copper pipes I would have to reseal at the next extended docking. The leaks were small and expected. No pipe could hold up to the flexing of the ship’s timbers for long without cracking—not when they also had to contend with the heat and damp of the steam.

But the combination created an atmosphere more like a tropical swamp than the French countryside.

Even stripped down to my chemise and stays, sweat soon drenched me.

Weariness fogged my vision, slowing me down as I climbed the rungs bolted to the engine’s face to check the water level in the tank. I swiped at my eyes, no doubt streaking my face with soot, leaned closer to see the gauge more clearly, and nearly lost my grip on the rungs as the tocsin began its shrill alarm.

I slid down with my feet on either side of the ladder, not bothering with the rungs, and ran to check the control panel gauges.

Steam pressure: good. Hot air gasbag temperature: steady and in the green. Air speed: 45 miles per hour, right on target. Barometer…

Not good. Not good at all.”

You must read this book to understand where science fiction, fantasy and steam driven technology either bring this crew home or leaves them to the perils that threaten them with possibly no justice for the dead captain. Book two in the Alchemistic series titled ‘Airs of Heaven’ is coming soon.

Cold Coffee Press endorses Fires Of Hell: The Alchemystic (Book One) by Maureen L. Mills. I reviewed this book from Kindle format. The review was completed on August 17, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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*************************Airs of Heaven: The Alchemystic (Book Two) Coming Soon************************
Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Maureen L. Mills
Maureen Mills lives in Draper, Utah, and is the happily married mother of five grown children, all of whom are proud geeks, like their mom and dad.

When she’s not playing with her imaginary friends, she enjoys knitting, reading, and sewing cosplay outfits for her kids, who look a lot better in them than she does.

Along with her husband, she is in the process of creating a steampunk truck camper from scratch. She also enjoys teaching beginning fiction writing for the local school district’s continuing education program.

Maureen L. Mills, author of the romantic steampunk adventure Alchemystic series. Book one, Fires of Hell has just been published and Airs of Heaven: The Alchemystic (Book Two) is coming soon.

Here are a few stories I’ve written for fun. Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them!
Midwife Crisis
The Hungering
Fulcrum
The Old-fashioned Way

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Utah? Utah has a vibrant and growing population of writers, who support and encourage each other. I love the camaraderie, diversity and imagination of the Utah writers' community. Plus, Utah has some of the most beautiful mountains, deserts, and canyons you'll ever see!

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I've always been a voracious reader, and loved rewriting endings to suit myself, especially when the hero or heroine began acting too stupid to live, which frequently happened in kid's books in the old days (I'm dating myself, here.) I went on to write plays for my younger brothers and sister and their friends to put on, complete with home-made costumes. My poor parents had to sit through many truly horrible, overly-dramatic retellings of fairy tales over the years. But my real inspiration came from a seventh grade literary publication, where I had the second most entries accepted. One of my best friends, Thea Hansen, had the very most, and even then I could totally understand why. Her writing flowed, and she talked about real issues, and her dialog sounded as if actual people had said those things. I wasn't jealous--much--but I did come to understand I needed to up my game.
I played with writing in college and ended up with a professor who hated everything about the way I wrote. I quit college and writing, both, to do the wife and mother thing. Far too many years later, I took a community school class taught by Brenda Bensch (love you, Brenda!) which rekindled my love of writing and gave me the skills to pursue that love. It seems to have worked out pretty well.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? We were poor growing up. Not quite "not enough to eat" poor, but always hovering on the cusp. And there were nine of us kids. I was the second, and often overlooked as I was both quiet and not as responsible as my older sister. If I wanted entertainment, I had to make my own. Thus, the books and the rampant imagination. Plus, with eight brothers and sisters, you can find lots of grist for interesting characters.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? About ten years ago, after I'd taken a couple of Brenda's classes, she invited me to join her writer's group, Wasatch Mountain Fiction Writers, a multiply-published group of fantastic women who helped me understand I could succeed in writing. I wrote two or three stories which will probably never see the light of day (and the world should be grateful for that!), and then I began Fires, and the rest is history.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? The people I have met along the way. I've made more and better friends, and discovered such fascinating people!

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Still waiting for the rewards. Publishing my work--having my words and thoughts and stories exposed to public scrutiny--is harrowing for someone with my hermit-like tendencies.

How many published books do you have? One for now. Book two in the Alchemystic series is about half-way complete. I hope to release it next year.

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I begin writing with a working title, which is usually kind of lame, and hope a better one comes along during the process.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I'm currently writing steampunk, which stems from Jules Verne stories and the like. Victorian or other historical settings with retro-science fiction trappings. I love reading historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and mysteries. With steampunk, I can jam all of that into one book. Score!

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Fires of Hell: The Alchemystic

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 adore the idea of steampunk, and have tried many times to read steampunk novels. Most seem to spend too much time being aggressively either steam-driven or punk-ish, and not enough time on character and story development. I love character-driven stories, so I decided to write my own. Back to my roots of making the story do what I want it to do, I guess.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Published authors? I wouldn't presume. Unpublished authors? Keep learning, keep trying, and keep writing. You can fix whatever you write, but there's no helping stories that never make it onto the page.

Who is your favorite author and why? My favorite, go-to author is Patricia Briggs. I love spending time with her characters. They make sense to me. I reread her books every year, right before her next book comes out!
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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Let The Sun Shine In: A Book Of Positive Affirmations For Kids by Tara L. Kay

Let The Sun Shine In:
A Book Of Positive Affirmations For Kids
by Tara L. Kay PharmD MBA
Inspired by Louise Hay’s message, “Your thoughts create your life”, Let the Sun Shine In was created as a tool for children to learn and understand that they have control over their thoughts and words and, ultimately, what happens in their life.

Within the pages of Let the Sun Shine In, kids will learn the difference between negative thoughts and positive affirmations. Child-inspired illustrations and simple text demonstrate how to make the change from negative thoughts and words to positive ones. The happiness, freedom, and confidence that come from this ability are beneficial for children for their entire lives!

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Let The Sun Shine In:
A Book Of Positive Affirmations For Kids by Tara L. Kay PharmD MBA
From a Grandmother’s point of view the book cover and title got my attention right away.

The title “Let The Sun Shine In” is above a child’s drawing of two children standing on a green landscape with flowers and blue clouds with the sun’s yellow rays permeating their world brought a smile to my face.

No greater time has our children, grandchildren and adults needed “Positive Affirmations”. The very fact that LifeRich Publishing (trademark of the Reader’s Digest Association Inc.) picked up this book tells me that they have put their stamp of approval on this book.

Author Tara L. Kay PharmD MBA, dedicates this book, “For the children-may you always cherish the gift of your uniqueness, and know that only you define you."

Simple, positive life affirmations fill 24 white pages of this book with beautiful, colorful childrens' drawings (with actual words from the children) will uplift children and adults. The drawing on each page has a border that makes me think they should be sewn into a patch work quilt. My grand-kids will love this book. Every child needs to read and hear these positive affirmations every day.

Tara L. Kay is a licensed clinical pharmacist who has been practicing for over fifteen years in various settings. Additionally, Tara is a certified Reiki master of Dr. Usui’s System of Natural Healing, and she has certification in craniosacral therapy with the Upledger Institute. Tara also practices EFT/tapping, a hands-on healing technique that balances and realigns energy. Tara incorporates alternative therapies into the scope of her practice as a pharmacist to improve the health and well-being of her clients. Tara strives to educate her clients and to facilitate their physical, spiritual, and emotional health and growth as they move along their own path toward enlightenment.

Cold Coffee Press endorses 'Let The Sun Shine In: A Book Of Positive Affirmations For Kids' by Tara L. Kay PharmD MBA. I reviewed this book from Kindle and the review was completed on July 31, 2016.  For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Tara L. Kay PharmD MBA
Tara Kay grew up in Southern Connecticut and currently resides in North of Boston, Massachusetts.

She has been a practicing pharmacist for over 15 years in various settings. Tara received her Bachelors in Pharmacy from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, her PharmD from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy/Allied Health, her MBA from Fairfield University and her Ayurvedic Health Practitioner certification from the Natural Healing College. Additionally, Tara is a certified Reiki Master of Dr. Usui’s System of Natural Healing and she has certification in Cranio-sacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute. Tara also practices EFT/Tapping, a hands on healing technique that balances and realigns energy.

Tara incorporates Alternative Therapies into the scope of her practice as a Pharmacist to improve the health and well-being of her clients. Tara strives to educate her clients and to facilitate their physical, spiritual and emotional health and growth as they move along their own path towards enlightenment.
Tara’s practice is inspired by her life-long commitment to health and wellness. She is a dedicated, compassionate and devoted healthcare professional and healer. She takes a unique approach to healing with each client based on their need by using both her knowledge of medications, herbs and supplements and Alternative Therapies.

Tara believes that each individual holds the power to heal themselves and that by honoring the body, mind and spirit many miraculous awakenings can occur.
Tara published her first book entitled, "Let the Sun Shine in, a book of positive affirmations for kids” in June 2016. It was inspired by Louise Hay’s message, “your thoughts create your life, as well as Tara’s own experience with positive affirmations.

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What makes you proud to be a writer from Massachusetts? The North Shore is an incredibly beautiful and inspiring place to live. I feel very fortunate to have moved here 6 years ago. It is a summer destination for many avid beach goers and outdoor enthusiasts, of which I am one and it also offers many cultural, educational and social activities.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I believe my writing endeavor was divinely inspired. I have been a pharmacist for over 15 years and I have incorporated a number of alternative methods into my practice along the way. My focus has always been on health and wellness. While I have benefited from the messages and teachings of authors such as Louise Hays, I never thought about writing. After my divorce, I began using positive affirmations on a daily basis to help me through my healing process. Earlier this year, I took an amazing trip to South Africa where I was deeply moved by Nelson Mandela’s story. I returned home, sat down one evening and wrote the first draft of my book.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I’ve always had an awareness level beyond my years. I knew this even as a child but didn’t fully understand it. I grew up in a home with a very controlling father and a mother whose voice was rarely heard. I can’t say my upbringing played a conscious role in my writing but it obviously sparked something within me.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I returned home from an amazing trip to South Africa at the end of January 2016. In February, I left a job of 8.5years, started a new job and moved. During this time of transition, I came home from work one night and wrote the first draft manuscript. By the beginning of March the illustrations were complete. I secured a publisher at the end of March.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? The outpouring of support, encouragement, enthusiasm and excitement. This is my first book. I realize it will be for some and not for others. I’m ok with that. I know in my heart that it will get into the hands of those that need and desire it.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Navigating the world of self-publishing. At first it seemed overwhelming but I had the pleasure of working with a great team at Life Rich Publishing. They guided me step by step and made the process seamless.

How many published books do you have? I have one published book at present

Please list the titles of all your books: Let The Sun Shine In: A Book Of Positive Affirmations For Kids.

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I wrote the manuscript first then came up with the title.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? This first book is children’s non-fiction. It was created as a tool for children to learn and understand that they have control over their thoughts and words.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Let the Sun Shine in, a book of positive affirmations for kids.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? My trip to South Africa was extremely inspiring and enlightening. I was profoundly touched by Nelson Mandela’s story. He was a man who stood by his beliefs and advocated for those who had no voice. He was a freedom fighter. That whole concept of freedom really resonated with me. Several weeks after returning home, I sat down and wrote the book. The idea for the child-inspired drawings came to me about a week later, one morning while I was out running. From there, everything just fell into place.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Believe you can and you will.

Who is your favorite author and why? Harper Lee because she never gave up on her dream of being a writer. She persevered at a time when women’s rights are not what they are today. She achieved great honor and success and yet never got caught up in it.

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira

Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
Magical Madness A fireball launches itself from the Arizona desert leaving behind three camels, a magical jukebox, and a five-year-old girl who only speaks Italian.

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

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

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

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

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For
Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
Step aside Indiana Jones. There’s a new adventurer in town. Esteban Dorantes may be a little more reluctant, but he has an even greater sense of destiny than even Dr. Jones. Dorantes is goaded by the desperate needs of his impoverished hometown and visions of his great, great grandfather... an African slave who once led Spanish Conquistadors on the first quest for the Seven Cities Of Gold.

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

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

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

Esteban Dorantes must have some sense of all this as he decides, at the little girl’s bidding, to takes up his great grand-fathers quest for The Golden Cities and save his home town in the process.
The novel’s fifty-six chapters of action-packed adventure may surpasses some of the greatest quests ever told, with its Aztec lore, science fiction spacecraft, magical jukebox, a destiny that spans generations, horror, humor, three camels, talking coyotes, a very sexy substitute high school teacher, the devil himself, and, of course, a love story.

I invite everyone to read Esteban's Quest and experience this compelling tale for themselves.

Cold Coffee Press endorses Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira. And we encourage you to purchase other books by the team including: The Carlos Mann Trilogy (Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched) and Avenging Adelita (romance), in addition to the stand-alone novels by Nick Iuppa include Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games (fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project) and Taken by Witches (a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales). This review was completed on July 26, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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

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

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

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Taken By Witches by Nick Iuppa
If you have ever thought that reading Grimm’s Fairy Tales to your children or grandchildren might frighten them, then you’d better keep the lights on while reading Taken by Witches to yourself.
Author Nick Iuppa asks questions you might not ask aloud. “Do witches exist; where does their power come from, and to what ends will they use it?”

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

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

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

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

Cold Coffee Press endorses Taken by Witches by Nick Iuppa as a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which first brought the essence of ancient witchcraft into America’s bedtime stories. Nick’s other novels include Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched, Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games, and Avenging Adelita. This reviewed was completed on November 12, 2015 from a Kindle/PDF format. For more information please visit http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nick’s extensive travels to Europe have inspired some of his characters and settings. His work history, technical knowledge, and experience have given him the tools and concepts for his novels.
Cold Coffee Press endorses Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games by Nick Iuppa for the creative genius of the Doomsday Game. Reviewed on October 2, 2014 – http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Avenging Adelita by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
A tender romance with a ticking time bomb at its heart.

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

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

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

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

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

There’s a large cast of unique characters, many of whom are confined to business class cars on the Copper Canyon Railway as it speeds through the Grand Canyon of Mexico, unaware of the impending man-made disaster that’s about to shatter the serene environment. Somewhere in the process of grieving for his lost wife, Adelita, his “warrior woman” love, Professor Tom McKeever walks a thin line between reality and golden memories that keep pulling him back into his her beauty, delicious aroma, and open arms. The gut wrenching knowledge that there was an experimental cancer treatment that might have saved Adelita’s life, had it not been for the decisions of one man, is more than Tom can bear. The need for revenge seethes like red-hot embers but conflicts with thoughts dredged up from a Catholic School upbringing: “Vengeance is mine, saith the lord!”

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

Cold Coffee Press endorses ‘Avenging Adelita’ – by Nick Iuppa & John P. Mendoza as these two authors give the reader what they have come to expect; great descriptive writing, with dialog and startling transitions from present to past and back again placing the reader in the mind of this widower. ‘Avenging Adelita’ was given to us by the author in a PDF format for review. The review was completed on December 15, 2014. For more information please visithttp://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Alicia’s Ghost by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
Carlos Mann Trilogy

"IT’S WONDERFUL; I LOVE IT! I love the characters. And Alicia, OMG, she's so real I think I know her.” B. Escamilla, Palo Alto, CA

"Every time I thought I had it figured out, there was a new twist to the story. I couldn't put it down. Great read!" C. Gallagher, Chicago, IL LOVE, OBSESSION, MURDER, DEATH, MANNEQUINS, RATTLESNAKES, DRUG LORDS, CHINATOWN, GHOSTS...AND THE WORLD’S MOST HAUNTING HEROINE!

The astoundingly beautiful Alicia has ended her modeling career in Mexico City, married the love of her life, helped pay his way through college, settled into a comfortable life in Los Altos, California, and now she’s dead... MURDERED. Her husband, Professor Carlos Mann, has wrapped himself in an obsessive-compulsive disorder to hide from that fact. But when Amy Joy, one of Carlos’s students, is sold into slavery by a Chinese mob that traffics in Asian girls, Alicia returns with a vengeance.

Can Alicia save her man, foil the human traffickers, and destroy her murderer? Overwhelming supernatural forces stand against her. But, hell, that just makes her stronger! Told in the voices of Carlos and Alicia Mann, Alicia’s Ghost is a funny, imaginative and thrilling ride through the human and spirit worlds of Mexico and the American Southwest.

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Alicia’s Sin by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
Carlos Mann Trilogy

“One damn inventive thrill-ride of a story!” Suzanna B. Stinnett, author of Starship Interlude
REVENGE, MURDER, ADULTERY, OBSESSION, GHOSTS, GYPSIES, TIGERS, WITCHES, FREUD, MYSTERY, DRUG LORDS, CHINATOWN, MEXICO, VIENNA... AND THE SPANISH INQUISITION!

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

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

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Alicia Bewitched by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
The Third Carlos Mann Adventure

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

Unfortunately, the gorgeous queen of human traffickers captures him and ships him off to the Yucatan, where the evil witch, La Bruja, uses all her powers to try to weaken and destroy him.

Meanwhile, Alicia calls on friends both living and dead to help save her husband, and in the process she learns many terrible secrets that were born in the days of the great Mayan Empire … secrets that could save or even destroy Carlos and Alicia.

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

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

I commuted to LA every week and used the accumulated miles to visit Europe a lot. That’s why some of my books have realistic European settings. At Paramount Pictures I designed Internet entertainment and built Hollywood-style training simulations for the military. Through all of this I was writing novels, but I could never get them published even though my friend Dr. Seuss worked with his publishers on my behalf. I found a tech publisher and sold lots of books about the technology on which I worked, but that wasn’t really what I wanted to do.
When I left Paramount I started writing novels so that I could build my own worlds. My first sci-fi novel was about a high tech simulation like the ones I worked on for the army, but this simulation had futuristic technology and was invaded by vampires. I first called it Virtual Vampires but eventually published it as Bloody Bess and the Doomsday Games.

I also wrote other horror novels inspired by Stephen King's deep, creepy characters. Now, I work with a writing partner, John Pesqueira and even though I do all the writing, his participation in story development makes things much simpler. I love creating characters and letting them tell me where the story should go.

These days, my favorite person is Esteban Dorantes who is the driving force in our newest novel Esteban’s Quest. I tell a lot more about my writing experiences and ideas in my blogs at http://www.nickiuppawrites.com and http://www.nickiuppawrites.com

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Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from San Francisco, Silicon Valley? San Francisco gives me a built-in atmosphere for my stories. Everyone loves the place. So it’s easy for me to write about exotic locations all within driving distance. It has also given me entre to Hollywood, Stanford University, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the surrounding desert. I also worked for several high tech companies so I can add that element into my stories. And this locale rounds out my experience growing up in Upstate New York and going to college in the Midwest.

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

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

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing, and did you use it to your advantage? I still set parts of my books in Upstate New York. I feel that I know the area very well and can write to the time and place and create that period.

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

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I love writing horror novels. I was afraid of the Horror genre all my life, never went to horror movies, had nightmares all the time, which is why I may be good at writing it. I’ve written several blogs about this topic and they are up on my blog site. I wrote an autobiographical novel and showed it to famous screenwriter Bill Idelson. The only chapter he liked was the one in which I told how my grandmother always reminded me of a witch and how I was scared to death of her. In the novel I wrote under his direction I explore our relationship under the assumption that she was one of the most powerful witches who ever lived. Several people read my horror novels and suggested that I try the genre Magical Realism. It brings supernatural elements into everyday life. Esteban’s Quest is far more magical realism than horror.

How many published books do you have? I have published seven novels, six technical books and one humorous management-training book.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? My writing partner, John Pesqueira, mentioned a film he saw that portrayed Esteban Dorantes, the man who led the first quest for the Seven Cities Of Gold. He was an African slave, not a Spaniard. We did some research and found that he was a very interesting character. Then we wondered what would happen if he actually found the mythical land and came back to tell his great, great grandson how to get there. After that we just started adding supernatural and sci-fi elements, flying saucers, sandstorms, the devil, and on and on.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I love rewriting. Getting the first draft of a chapter down is painful, but once it’s there I can polish endlessly, that may be why people tell me that my writing is so easy to read, because I polish it maybe twenty times before I think it’s okay. Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so, please explain how it could have been avoided? All those rejection slips before I finally decided to self-publish.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? I put an e-mail link in the back of my books and asked readers to send messages if they liked the work. Every one of those messages that shows up is the greatest thing I can think of. Just like finding a new positive review on the amazon page, just like holding one of my books in my hand for the first time.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? A good, original story is everything. And they can probably build one from their own experience or personal dreams or nightmares. It has to be unusual and simple, something that readers can grasp in a single sentence. But almost as important, are good characters. It’s easy to write shallow characters who are only in the story to make something happen. You need complex character who may have doubts about everything they do. That complexity is what catches the readers’ attention.

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

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

Please add questions and the answers to any questions that you believe your readers would like to know.
Do I ever fall in love with my female characters? Every damn time.How hard is it to kill off characters you love? It’s murder in every sense of the word.How erotic your novels? My editors hold me down or there would be much more sex. Alicia is a little sexy. Bloody Bess has several very sexy scenes, and some very romantic ones. Some of my as yet unpublished novels are much more erotic.Do you write romance novels? I read them for background, but there is generally too much action and adventure and horror for my novels to be considered pure romance.Author Nick Iuppa’s Published Books
Alicia Bewitched
Alicia’s Ghost
Alicia’s Sin
Avenging Adelita
Bloody Bess and the Doomsday Games
Esteban's Quest
Taken by Witches
Author Nick Iuppa’s Websites
http://www.nickiuppawrites.com/
https://www.nickiuppa.com
http://aliciasghost.com/Welcome.html
https://www.facebook.com/NickVIuppa
Amazon Author’s Page
Author Nick Iuppa’s Blog
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Cold Coffee Press Endorses The Darcy Farthing Adventure Series by Arleen Alleman

 
Currents Deep and Deadly: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book One
Currents Of Vengeance: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Two
Current Assets: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Three
Alternate Currents: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Four
A Current Deception: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Five
Currents Of Sin: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Six

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Currents Of Sin:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Six
by Arleen Alleman
In downtown Las Vegas homeless teens are disappearing from the streets, and Darcy fears that runaway teen, Pammie Fleetfoot, has succumbed to human traffickers. After Darcy befriends two young prostitutes, their pimp is brutally murdered, but they refuse her offer of help to leave the streets. She finds that they have fallen under the influence of a dubious, self-styled preacher. When she confronts him, her activities draw the attention of brutal Asian gang members, and an old nemesis with a deadly agenda.

When an attack on Darcy and her friend, Sid, brings life-changing consequences, Darcy doubles her effort to end the violence, stop the human trafficking, and finally determine Pammie's fate. When clues lead to a strip hotel with links to their past, Darcy and husband, Mick, join forces with local law enforcement to free girls who've been forced into prostitution, only to find themselves caught between two vicious criminal factions.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Currents Of Sin:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Six by Arleen Alleman
If you care about the intense suffering that goes hand in hand with global human trafficking, challenge your understanding of the problem with Author Arleen Alleman’s newest suspense-filled psychological fictional drama, meticulously researched and skillfully written will underscore the danger that awaits teenage runaways in America.

With the tension of time ticking way, lives on the line and bold, unrelenting evil will cause your heart to race and blood boil as innocent young lives are terrorized and devalued on the altar of greed. I share a couple of quotes in order to draw you into the story.

Part One titled ‘Persecutors and Prey’ with 19 chapters reinforces every parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, and law enforcement’s nightmare when a teen goes missing. Following in the footsteps of each of these stand-alone Darcy Farthing series books ‘Currents Of Sin’ outlines a criminal drama when Darcy Farthing is contacted and rushes to Las Vegas when a teen named Pamela goes missing.

Quote: “In yet another world apart from downtown Vegas, a beautiful young woman with dark hair and eyes blinked into blackness then rolled onto one side as far as her tether would allow. She didn’t know what awakened her, only that she’d suddenly jerked to awareness. As her eyes adjusted to the gloom she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep . . . and something else.”

Part Two titled ‘Murder and Misery’ has 27 chapters that begins on day six through day nine will thrust you into the world of drugs, gangs, human traffickers that enslave, sell and ship unsuspecting teens to buyers across the continents. No one is safe when billions of dollars the motivating factor.

Quote: “Tom called early in the morning to tell me about Shimmer’s murder. I plopped down on a barstool after my knees almost gave way. I thought I detected a surge in my blood pressure as he was explaining how he was driving down Fremont and came upon the huge police presence. He parked and walked to the motel where he stood as close as possible to watch the action. Part of me wished I’d been with him. Another part, not so much.”

Part Three titled ‘Rescue and Raids’ includes 33 chapters that start on Day 10 and goes through Day 16 keeps the reader turning the page. Who is the good guy and who is the bad guy?

Quote: “In a dark, decrepit room at the Green Door, five members of the Asian gang were planning their next move. The tattered drapes were drawn tight and despite the efforts of an ancient swamp cooler, the temperature hovered around ninety. The room was small and the men were big. Several sat on chairs they’d brought from other rooms they controlled, and an oversized cooler full of beer sat against the wall.
Curtis leaned back in his rickety wooden chair, wiped perspiration from his forehead, and gulped down a Bud while he listened intently to the boss.
“These assholes are going to be history. They think they can send spies down here to run our bitches? Then grab em off the street just when we’re seasoning them? No fucking way, man! Not gonna happen anymore.”
He looked around the room and his eyes fell on Curtis. “You, the new guy, let’s hear what you think we should do about it.”

Wrapping things up 6 Months later, I quote: “All the current ills of the world can be traced back to our failure to embrace and entrench these basic necessary characteristics, simple and broad as they are. We have gotten in our own way. Thankfully, individuals rise above their base natures to embrace one or more of them, often without realizing the impact of their actions on future generations.”
I invite you to read Currents Of Sin: book six in the Darcy Farthing series by Arleen Alleman and answer these questions for yourself:
Can Darcy’s marriage and Mick’s PTSD withstand this test of time?
Is there a psychic connection between Tom, Darcy, Mick, Rachael, Brooks, Sid, Don and Charlie?
Is it possible that a man in Darcy’s past is responsible for these crimes?
What will be Pamela’s fate be and can others be saved?

The Darcy Farthing series books stand alone and you can read them in any order. I encourage you to also purchase Currents Deep and Deadly: Book One, Currents Of Vengeance: Book Two, Current Assets: Book Three, Alternate Currents: Book Four and A Current Deception: Book Five which are all sold in print and eBook format at Amazon.

Cold Coffee Press endorses Currents Of Sin by Arleen Alleman. We reviewed this book in a Kindle format. This review was completed on July 23, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Currents Deep and Deadly:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book One
by Arleen Alleman
In her travel log of murder, romance, and a personal journey of discovery aboard a cruise ship, Darcy Farthing manages to entertain the reader with her descriptions of Caribbean and South American ports, while also detailing the horrific and wondrous events that take place during her four week adventure.  A pragmatic scientist by nature, she says she has given up all belief in a spiritual component to life and knows that coincidences are either man-made or chance occurrences that seem related but have no significance.  That is, until a series of unbelievable coincidences challenges her belief.

In telling her story, she lays bare her "non-existent" soul and the deeply hidden emotions she has kept in a fragile prison of cold logic and denial for 20 years.  She is a savvy, professional woman who has been fighting her internal demons ever since she made a colossal mistake in her personal life from which she knows she can never recover.  But on a hastily planned cruise with Dr. Peter Johnson, her latest romantic interest, Darcy's non-belief system is shaken when she is confronted with a set of bewildering and frankly unbelievable coincidences that bring together a tangle of strangers, and people and events from her own past. Darcy is already feeling trapped on the gigantic floating village when she accidentally overhears discussions about a murder for hire plot.  Then when members of the crew begin to die under suspicious circumstances, she learns the hard way that she cannot trust anyone onboard the ship.  She is forced to run for her own life as she tries to identify both the intended victim of the plot and the murderer before even more disaster strikes.

Finally, as the cruise sails through its final week the mystery appears to be solved and Darcy believes that further tragedy has been averted.  Onshore in a beautiful Argentine city she experiences the pain of breaking out of her emotional prison when she meets the one person who will either fulfill her life or destroy her completely.  While Darcy finds much needed closure to one chapter of her life, the cruise sails on to what promises to be a restful and romantic end.  However, just short of their destination Darcy and Mick meet with unimaginable violence and loss when they are finally forced to confront and battle a vicious killer.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Currents Deep and Deadly:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book One by Arleen Alleman
Darcy Farthing boards the $550-million cruise ship named Sea Nymph with every reason to believe that Captain Espen is in full command of his crew, his passengers and this four week voyage taken by thousands before her to the scheduled exotic Caribbean and South American ports.

She follows close behind her traveling companion Dr. Peter Johnson through the maze of narrow hallways where every hall and every door look alike. Darcy feels uneasy as she becomes intensely aware that her sense of direction is being challenged within this floating mega city. Her senses are on overload. Every movement, every sound and even the conversation of two men in a room off to her right catch her attention. The men don’t see Darcy as they are deeply entrenched in a serious, secretive conversation that catches Darcy’s attention and leads her to believe that they are up to no good. To make matters worse, later that day she overhears people discussing a “scheme”.

Questions bombard her mind; Is it coincidence? Is it two unrelated things that she wants to see meaning in? Should she go to security and tell them what she heard? But what can she say? The fact remains, she knows she has no proof of what she believes she overheard or the identity of who these people are.

Amidst the beauty, history and customs of the off-ship port excursions and the luxurious accommodations with the relaxing people friendly environment, suspicions intensify as members of the crew begin dying under suspicious circumstances.

Join Darcy Farthing by way of her detailed travel journal as she is on a voyage of self-discovery along with a ship full of complex characters, inter-relational story-lines, historical ports, secrets, mystery, suspense, romance and foreign investigations as the Sea Nymph is far from America’s shore.
Author Arleen Alleman’s Darcy Farthing Series books stand alone. She reports that at book signing events, readers tend to read her books in order of publication. Currents Deep and Deadly: Book One, Currents Of Vengeance: Book Two, Current Assets: Book Three, Alternate Currents: Book Four and A Current Deception: Book Five are all sold in print and eBook format at Amazon.

Cold Coffee Press Endorses Currents Deep and Deadly: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book One by Arleen Alleman. This well researched fictional Cruise Ship adventure will bring you a brief pause as you book your next travel cruise. We reviewed this book in a Kindle/PDF format. This review was completed on December 12, 2015. For more information please visit http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Currents Of Vengeance:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Two
by Arleen Alleman
"New author Darcy Farthing and GAO manager Mick Clayton struggle with the aftermath of their traumatic South American cruise.

As Darcy gets to know her new daughter Rachael, Mick battles depression from his near-death in Valparaiso. Reluctantly, he decides to return to the Sea Nymph with Tom Smythe the ship’s fired security chief to conduct a joint GAO/FBI investigation of crime on cruise ships and to bring a murder suspect to justice.

Darcy and Rachael reluctantly go along, but the nightmare begins anew when they encounter a shipboard saboteur, a rapist, and much more. Mick finally succumbs to his emotional stress and Rachael falls victim to a violent predator, as they all meet with violence and madness wrought by vengeance.

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Current Assets:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Three
by Arleen Alleman
Author Darcy Farthing is writing at her new home in Marco Island, Florida while her boyfriend Mick Clayton conducts a GAO investigation of government property—asset forfeitures—stolen from under the noses of U.S. Marshals and a sheriff’s office.

When close friend, Tom Smythe, is arrested for attempted murder of a deputy sheriff, the couple tries to identify who is behind the property thefts and corruption. When more deputies are attacked, Darcy and Mick are drawn into a bewildering government investigation and an alarming web of murder and conspiracy with a surprising link to Middle East terrorists; as well as a smuggling operation on a luxury yacht.

As they inch closer to identifying a vicious murderer, the violence hits close to home when desperate criminals target Darcy and her deeply troubled daughter, Rachael.

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Alternate Currents:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Four
by Arleen Alleman
"Author Darcy Farthing is living in Washington, DC, with her fiancé, Mick Clayton. They are enjoying a much needed respite from trauma and crime fighting while preparing for a wedding and a romantic cruise. Everything changes when an alarming phone call halts their plans. A good friend, Charlie Scott, has mysteriously disappeared—the apparent victim of an abduction.

Against Mick’s wishes, on an impulse and without much thought of consequences, Darcy flies to Seattle to help Charlie’s partner, Don, and their daughter, Penelope, cope with the loss. She is worried about Mick’s negative attitude about the couple and worries that he is prejudiced toward her friends. As a result, she finds herself reevaluating the direction of her personal and professional life.

Soon after her arrival in Seattle, she becomes immersed in the unfamiliar world of domestic partnerships, birth surrogates, and assisted reproductive technology. Don and Charlie, who became unlikely heroes in the first novel in this series, Currents Deep and Deadly, have their lives turned upside down by elusive kidnappers with no apparent motive. At the same time, their well-intentioned decision to pay a surrogate to bear their daughter for them turns into a nightmare, when the biological mother returns after eight years, claiming that Don and Charlie are not Penelope’s fathers as they believed, and she wants her child back. This revelation sets in motion a series of tragic events that threatens to destroy a parent-child bond, and worse.

Before the police and FBI are able to solve Charlie’s kidnapping, an even more devastating case materializes when Penelope also vanishes. The FBI and Seattle police detectives frantically look for clues. In the process, they implicate a local antigay organization and its leader, two local business owners who are being harassed by antigay demonstrators, a flamboyant stalker who is obsessed with Don, and the birth mother herself. There is no hard evidence against any of the suspects, and the leads are curtailed when two of them are murdered. The authorities are no closer to finding Penelope and now worry that she has been abducted by a vicious killer.

In the midst of turmoil surrounding Penelope’s birth status and abduction, true to her nature, Darcy tries to help her friends. When she ventures into the midst of the case by conducting a freelance interview with a local clergyman, she is nearly killed in a vicious attack by an unknown assailant. Mick rushes to her side and soon overcomes his reluctance to get involved with Don and Charlie’s plight. Together they try to gather information to help solve the case. Before the hostility ends, Don also becomes a victim and then a hero, and Mick must fight an unbalanced killer intent on revenge.

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A Current Deception:
Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Five
by Arleen Alleman
"Freelance reporter Darcy Farthing boards a luxury cruise ship for a trip to beautiful Australian seaports with family and friends, where a baffling murder mystery challenges her investigative skills. The crimes begin when a small-town Kansas woman traveling with a class reunion tour group is plagued by an attack of yellow crazy ants—a dangerous, invasive species—as well as an illness caused by mysterious foodborne bacteria and the odd cancellation of an onshore tour. The bizarre but relatively minor incidents escalate when the ants injure more passengers and crew members. Soon, a peculiar death on the streets of Adelaide and attempted murders on board the ship threaten to cause panic. It is obvious that a crew member or passenger is targeting individuals, but who is it and why?

Meanwhile, Darcy is distracted by daughter Rachael’s uncharacteristic behavior and intense friendship with a handsome passenger. Reluctant to make waves, Darcy tries to suppress her concerns. She turns her full attention to the crimes when evidence is found in Brooks’s stateroom and the security chief names him as the sole suspect. Brooks is clearly innocent, but the chief is inexplicably reluctant to conduct a more thorough investigation to clear him; then Darcy’s best friend, Sid, who is also Brooks’s fiancé, becomes the latest victim. Clue by clue, with husband Mick’s help, Darcy uses her skills to reveal a homicidal master of disguise and world-class computer hacker intent on exacting revenge related to a twenty-year-old crime."

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Arleen Alleman
Arleen Alleman is a former analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office where she wrote extensively on many topics ranging from satellite systems to endangered species.  She has a science education and worked as a fashion model, insurance adjuster, jewelry designer, and proprietor of a home décor shop.

Her interests include reading, health and fitness, world religions, and travel. Her world travels supply authentic backdrops for her stories. Born in England and raised in New Hampshire and Nevada, she spent many years in Colorado before moving to SW Florida with her husband, Tim.

Arleen has just completed the 6th and final book in the Darcy Farthing Adventures.

In order of publication: Currents Deep and Deadly, Currents of Vengeance, Current Assets, Alternate Currents, A Current Deception and Currents of Sin.
Winner of Books and Authors 2012 Best Trilogy Award for "Currents Deep and Deadly" "Currents of Vengeance" and "Current Assets".

The sixth and final Darcy Farthing Adventure, Currents Of Sin, explores human trafficking. Cold Coffee Press says “challenge your understanding of the problem with Author Arleen Alleman’s newest suspense-filled psychological fictional drama, meticulously researched and skillfully written will underscore the danger that awaits teenage runaways in America.”

The fifth Darcy Farthing Adventure, A Current Deception, explores themes of computer hacking, identity theft, and long-held grudges and revenge played out on a cruise ship sailing around Australia. Murder-mystery with the added plots of a yellow crazy ant infestation as well as food-borne pathogens.

The fourth Darcy Farthing adventure "Alternate Currents" was a finalist in Foreword Reviews Magazine's 2013 Indie Book of the Year Awards. This is a timely topical story of mystery, child abduction, and murder set in Seattle, WA. Darcy rushes to the aid of good friend, Don Freeburg, when his partner, Charlie Scott, disappears. She is soon immersed in a murder investigation and the shocking abduction of Penelope, Don and Charlie's daughter by surrogacy.

The first two novels in the series are based on crime and mystery aboard cruise ships. The third in series "Current Assets" is set in South Florida and involves local corruption, terrorism, and the U.S. Marshals asset forfeiture program.

The series is unique in that it addresses social issues along with the murder-mystery elements of the stories. Themes addressed in the first four installments include, family issues and adoption, PTSD, alternative lifestyles, religion, government corruption, and cruise ship safety. This is a series that follows the lives of the characters over time, but the author has taken great care to write each book so it can stand alone. This said she reports that at book signings most people still want to begin with the first book.

Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from SW Florida? I am a recent transplant to SW Florida, but have included this area in all my books from the beginning because I am drawn to it. We have many authors living in Naples and Marco Island and I am proud to be among them.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? My inspiration came from many fiction authors and thousands of books from the time I began reading adult fiction at the age of thirteen. Since then, it was a persistent dream to become a novelist---one that I did not pursue until later in life.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Perhaps the freedom I enjoyed to read anything and pursue any activities I wanted helped give me confidence to finally try fiction writing. I’ve drawn on my history to create a few of the characters and locations in the books. My career as a GAO analyst has helped immensely because I received an education in a wide variety of topics, and my biology degree has given me the ability to research and understand technical information.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I began the first novel in 2007 with the intent to try to publish it. I achieved that in 2008 and went on to publish four more books in the series. I’m working on the sixth and final installment of this series now.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? When I began the first book I had written a lot of nonfiction for my employer, GAO, but had very little experience with fiction writing.  Improving my writing over time has been very rewarding. A while back, I reedited the first book without changing the story because I wanted to improve the grammar and style.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? I think all the book signings I’ve been able to arrange on cruise ships and various Barnes and Noble stores around the U.S., along with accolades from readers are the most rewarding. The first three books in the series were given an award for best trilogy of 2012 and that was very nice as well.

How many published books do you have? Six in the Darcy Farthing Series.

Author Arleen Alleman’s Published Books
Currents Deep and Deadly: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book One
Currents Of Vengeance: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Two
Current Assets: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Three
Alternate Currents: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Four
A Current Deception: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Five
Currents Of Sin: Darcy Farthing Adventure Book Six

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? Most of the titles have come during the writing. In fact, because I’ve chosen to use the word Current in each title it has been a challenge to come up with each one. The titles convey something about the theme of the book using one or another definition of the word. Sometimes it is a play on words. My protagonist, Darcy Farthing, has a personal philosophy that includes envisioning life running on currents and colliding with other people’s currents as well as obstacles.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I call my books mystery adventures. They cross genres. I love murder-mysteries so that is what I began writing. However, I’ve interwoven the mysteries with crime fighting, family and social dilemmas, humanist values, science, and world travel.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? The first book in the series came about while I was traveling by cruise ship around South America. I was retired from GAO and was working as a silver jewelry designer. Relaxing onboard, I started thinking about my old dream of writing fiction. Right then I decided to try it. As it turned out, I used the Cape Horn cruise as the backdrop for the first two books.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? I don’t like to give advice, but I usually tell people who ask that they should write because it gives them great pleasure, rather than believing it will be a way to make a lot of money. If that happens—great, but competition is stiff for new unknown authors.

Who is your favorite author and why? This is an impossible question for me. I love so many authors. If pressed, I would say Diana Gabaldon is certainly a favorite with her Outlander series. Weaving history, anthropology, and fiction together in an educational way is appealing to me.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? I’ll go with the first in series, Currents Deep and Deadly because I find that most people want to start reading the series from the beginning. In this case, the first book introduces all the main characters to each other and the reader.

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Haiku Dance by Cora J. Ramos

 
Haiku Dance by Cora J. Ramos
Dance Series Book Two

Thirteen year old, Shino, rebellious and undisciplined, is sent away to the Tendai monks to be trained as a samurai warrior. When leaving his childhood friend Miyoshi behind, he carelessly crushes her young heart.

Years later, weary of senseless battles fought for selfish lords, Shino is thrust into the world of Heian Kyo where he finds Miyoshi once again. Now blossomed into the beautiful and charming Lady Lotus, she is courtier to the emperor’s court and soon to be betrothed to another. Finally accepting that he has always loved her, he risks everything to keep her from the fate to which she is destined but does not want, and the dangers that threaten her life. Does he dare hope for more?

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Haiku Dance by Cora J. Ramos
Even though I am open to all books, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a story about a samurai warrior. I was wrong, so let me explain why.

It is 968 AD and early spring on Mount Takao, Japan.

Torn away from his grandfather and the tea farming, final acceptance of his direction in life sets in as Shino puts away his childish memories of Miyoshi. Strict samurai training of body and mind becomes his existence while Miyoshi learns the disciplines of her intended role.

Boyhood is replaced by manhood; through the skills perfected in battle, by dreaming the future, and the assignment that brings him back into Miyoshi’s life in an unexpected way. I quote:

“Tonight, after years of denying and repressing the urging of my heart, I now admit I love her. It has always been so. But my heart is weary of fighting for lost causes. I am not of her class and can never hope to have her. She’s a lady of the court of the emperor, and I, a samurai warrior. There is no meeting place for us except here, where I watch over her tent while she sleeps, guarding her as instructed by my daimyo lord.”

Miyoshi, too, has a destiny to fulfill. Can the worlds of the samurai warrior and the court aristocracy ever intertwine?

With Intense knowledge of the time period and culture, Author Cora J. Ramos weaves mystery steeped in ancient Japanese culture that is very educational. Well-developed characters with innocent childhood memories will touch your soul. Suspense is woven around elegant beautiful haiku poetry, love letters, and famous quotes from Confucius, Buddha and Lao Tzu. Carefully worded dialog draws the reader into this historic yet contemporary love story.

‘Dance The Dream Awake’ was Cora J Ramos first book in what she now calls her “dance series”. This book was inspired by a paranormal incident that occurred while she was vacationing on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Although the author considers this a series, each book stands alone with its own story line and ending. Once a teacher, the author now enjoys writing full-time in California with her husband and two feisty Chihuahuas.

Readers now wait for ‘Dance The Edge’ due to be released in late 2016.

Cold Coffee Press endorses Haiku Dance by Cora J. Ramos. I reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on July 10, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com

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Dance The Dream Awake by Cora J. Ramos
Dance Series Book One

Do past lives intrude into a present one to set wrongs right and fulfill desires yet unsatisfied?
Tessa Harper’s relentless nightmares are driving her to fall apart in her present day life as co-owner of an art gallery in San Francisco. She is experiencing a Mayan sacrifice night after night that defies a modern solution. Desperate to escape her nightly horrors, she travels to Mexico, seeking relief in a house by the ocean on the Yucatan Peninsula. On the way she meets three men. Which one can she trust? Will she have to lose the one she’s fallen in love with to find her answers?

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Valley Fever: Where Murder Is Contagious:
A Collection of Short Stories Set in the San Joaquin Valley
by Sunny Frazier, JoAnne Lucas, Cora Ramos
A Great Place to Live—and die!

If you’ve read your Saroyan, you might think that the San Joaquin Valley is a gentle, peaceful place, where almost everyone is a good-hearted Armenian, and everyone is happy.
If you’ve ever lived there, you know that California’s Central Valley has a dark side, too, and it gets hot…and very deadly.

Valley Fever is a collection of stories by three women who write about the underbelly of Fresno, the “All-American City,” and its surrounding areas. These award-winning authors combine their talents and their tales to present a collection of mayhem, murder, malice, and hot-blooded passion. Some of the stories are funny, some frightening, but all are wicked.

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 Cold Coffee Press Author Spotlight Interview With Author Cora J. Ramos
Cora J. Ramos is a writer of short stories of mystery and suspense that have won awards and been published in the anthology, Valley Fever, Where Murder is Contagious.

Her first novel, Dance the Dream Awake, was published in June 2015, a paranormal romantic suspense set in present day, but with a past life of a Mayan life lived in the Yucatan, around 900 A.D.

Her second novel is a romance set in the Heian, Japan of 980 A.D., when the pillow books (like Tales of Genji) were written by the first women authors. It was published May-2016.

Cora is a trained artist and loves to paint for her own pleasure and helps design her own book covers. She keeps journals of her dreams, poems and inspiration for paintings and stories.

She is past president, past editor of San Joaquin Sisters in Crime

Currently she is member of:
International Sisters-in-Crime (and the San Joaquin and Central Coast Chapters)
Romance Writers of America (and Yosemite Writers chapter)

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Interview Questions:

What makes you proud to be a writer from California? I’m proud to be a writer from Fresno, California because the surroundings were the inspiration for my first short stories which ended up in the anthology:  Valley Fever, Where Murder is Contagious.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I had always wanted to write but the incident that got me to put pen to paper to create my first novel was a déjà vu experience. On a trip to the Yucatan, Mexico, as I approached one of the pyramids, I was sure I’d been there before. I was certain there was an opening around the side (if you know Mexico’s pyramids, they don’t have openings in the side that I’m aware of) and that there would be a room in there. I steeled myself to enter the pitch black opening, not knowing what was in the dark, but convinced I would find that room. I followed a corridor that twisted and turned until I arrived at a room that opened to the sky. I heard in my head, “This is the room where they dumped the bodies, after they cut out their hearts in sacrifice, and burned them.” Well, that’s not something I could easily forget so when I had the opportunity a short time after the trip, I wrote from that impression and thus began my novel, DANCE THE DREAM AWAKE.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I was an only child that spent a lot of time alone with only my imagination. Before I began to read, I was taken to the library every week to listen to stories read aloud while observing the colorful murals of fairy tales illustrated on the walls. When I began to read, I ended up voraciously consuming every fairy tale I could get my hands on. Later, when my younger cousins would ask me to tell them a story, I would make them up on the fly. I eventually wanted to write them down but never did—until after that Mexico incident.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Our Sisters-in-Crime chapter (mystery writers) would hold a tongue in cheek contest every year, called the Coveted Dead Bird Contest. It was limited to a ten page story of murder or suspense. We would all compete with each other for the upside down faux dead bird statue. That first story did not win, but got published in a German anthology. I was hooked. The contest produced many stories over the years. Two other writer friends from that group and myself found a publisher and put our stories into an anthology using the themes we wrote to through the years. (Valley Fever, Where Murder is Contagious)

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? It is the flow of creativity that happens when you open up and get in the flow. Especially when you write something and later look at it and say, “Huh, wow, I hadn’t seen that coming.”

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Each publication is a new high. That first short story that sold to a German anthology gave me the confidence to know I was a writer. I could do this writing thing! My first novel was my ‘learning to write’ journey with a teacher, but I was hesitant in letting it go right away. When I finally sent it to a publisher years later, I was confident, and it was accepted without question. I was thrilled. Two years later I re-published it with my present publisher Black Opal Books with a new cover.

How many published books do you have? Two novels and a shared short story anthology.
Please list the titles of all your books:
Dance The Dream Awake
Haiku Dance
Valley Fever, Where Murder Is Contagious (anthology of mystery/suspense short stories)

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I came up with the first title, Dance the Dream Awake from the subject matter of a past life dream coming awake in the jungles of Mexico—a romantic suspense. It was the working title from the start and I never found one more appropriate. After it was published, I started on the next story, Dance the Edge (in process at the moment) and wanted to maintain ‘dance’ in the title. I knew I had more to write about one of the main characters, Jack who has an edgy past. As I was writing it with the theme once again of a past life, it became that character’s samurai life. The problem was that the past life became so powerful a story, I had to pull it out and write it as its own romance novel—thus Haiku Dance was born. That name evolved out of the haiku poems shared throughout the love story.      

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I began writing without thought about genre. With my mystery/suspense background and my love of the gothic romance novels of England, I fit into the Romantic Suspense genre but didn’t really think about that while writing it. And, with fairy tales and magic as an early influence, the paranormal/fantasy elements creeped in. So I don’t fit neatly into the major genres. I write stories of mystery and suspense that include love and sex. Shamans, past lives and magical elements work their way in to add spice.

Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Haiku Dance

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? As I mentioned above, this book was begun as the sequel to DANCE THE DREAM AWAKE, the past life of Jack Hart, character from my first novel. When I began to do research on samurai for a time before they joined into warrior clans, I found this charming time in Japanese history, called the Heian era. The first women writers wrote books and diaries of the life of the emperor’s court at that time. They were called pillow books, because the ladies of the court would keep these ‘diaries’ under their pillows. I was intrigued and fascinated by the customs, clothing and people of that era. It fit what I wanted to do with my samurai—perfect for Jack’s past life. Only the story became much bigger as I wrote it and had to be pulled out and written as a stand-alone.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Write from your heart; what has meaning to you. Learn craft and take criticism humbly to improve all the time, but not from people who know less than you do. Writing is a process where growth never ends. I think of it as a yoga; a daily practice of stretching yourself to greater flexibility and strength. You have to keep improving. On the other hand you can’t get the perfectionist mindset that stops you from publishing until it’s perfect. There is no end point as a writer. When you’re confident you’ve done the best you know how to do, jump.

Who is your favorite author and why? I don’t have a favorite. There are many authors I love for different reasons—some for prose, some for plot, and some for engaging the reader so well—a good story whether or not it is perfectly written. A few authors that that come to mind: Pat Conroy, Michael Connelly, Charlotte & Emily Bronte, Barbara Kingsolver, Pamela Clare, Robert Crais, Michael Crichton, Edgar Allen Poe, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. I could go on but I’ll stop there.

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon by Krista Lynn

 
Blood Stones: The Haunting Of Sunset Canyon (Volume 1) by Krista Lynn
Deep in the Arizona desert, the love a young woman feels for her mysterious Indian lover grows deeper every year, though her heart stopped beating over a century ago—stilled by the one she loves. What magic could cause this? What ancient Native American witchcraft could hold her spirit captive and make her part of The Haunting of Sunset Canyon? Could the legends of ghost warriors who guard the treasure of the Lost Blood Stones Mine be true?
When Darcy Peel left Dry Creek, Arizona, to go to graduate school, she thought she had left for good. She never imagined she would come back to the small community nestled in the shadow of Prospector’s Mountain. But now she is compelled to return and find her sister who is lost in the red gorge canyon. On her trail to the truth, Darcy meets Alan Brandt, a young deputy who possesses hidden abilities that link him to stories of ghost warriors. Can she trust him to help find her sister as he promises? Or is she being trapped by the canyon’s magic—seduced by her attraction to a man with an uncanny connection to the deadly legends?
Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Blood Stones:
The Haunting of Sunset Canyon (Volume 1) by Krista Lynn
Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon by Krista Lynn begins in 1911 during the Summer Solstice in Little Springs River at Sunset Canyon, Arizona with a story that sets the stage for a supernatural suspense.

Fast forward 100 hundred and four years later in Sacramento, California where Darcy Peel lives and teaches at a prestigious university. Darcy is forced to return to her rural hometown of Dry Creek, Arizona when her sister, Deanna Peel, suddenly disappears in the desert canyons while pursuing her research. The local headlines relate Deanna’s disappearance to the deaths of other Peel family members who entered the canyon and presume that she is also dead. “Deanna is well known in her community as an activist for desert preservation and anthropological research in the “Canyon that Sees the Sun” as that deep gorge is known from Indian myth”. Some of the locals believe that Deanna “fell prey to the Curse”.

Intent on doing her own expedition to find her sister, Darcy drives the long hours back, stopping alongside the highway a half-mile from her family’s 76 Diner and Gas Station to view Prospector’s Mountain. What awaits her is Déjà vu as she holds up an old Polaroid photo from June 22, 1986 and stares out her windshield at the mountain, then back to the photo. The cloud formation she sees over the mountain top is identical to the one in the old picture which was taken the day of a horrifying experience that happened on the date of the photo.

Darcy has to stay focused on her mission to find her sister as the dark magic of the New Moon at vernal equinox draws near, bringing its strange energy to the mountain, its canyons, and the small community steeped in rich Native American legends. Darcy might just find more than the answers she came in search of when a young deputy named Alan Brandt is willing to assist. Their attraction to each other another is yet another mystery that will need to be solved.

Author Krista Lynn weaves a tale conjured up from her childhood where she lived with her family sixty miles north of Arizona on an old gold mine. The nearest neighbor was twenty miles away. Krista draws from her own memories of an isolated desert life with her brothers, animals and the supernatural desert landscape. Descriptive writing, easy to follow dialog, well developed characters will draw you into this first story in her Blood Stone series and will leave you waiting for her next novel coming soon titled ‘Cast In Stone’.

If you enjoy stories that speak of supernatural legends and curses, suspense and mystery, humor and romance this book is for you. It is a multi-genre geared for young adults and up.
Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon by Krista Lynn. I reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on July 6, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com and Cold Coffee Cafe http://coldcoffeecafe.com/

Genre: Paranormal Thriller/Romantic Thriller

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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Krista Lynn
Krista Lynn is a late-comer to the author’s world with a long academic career in earth sciences in her wake instead of years of fiction writing. But, wind has filled all the sails this year, with the release of Blood Stones, the first book in the Haunted Canyon Series. The next book, Cast in Stone is due December, 2016. A short cozy mystery anthology titled, The Talking Board Mysteries, is in the works for early 2017.

It’s no mystery why Krista writes about the high desert of Arizona. She grew up on a gold mine about 60 miles north of Phoenix. The closest neighbor was 6 miles or so down the Agua Fria River, or another 20 miles by dirt road. To say it was a gold mine is technically correct, but very little gold was ever mined. It did, however, keep gas in the jeep and food on the table. The real treasure of this placer gold-mining venture was the lasting impressions of living wild on the desert with her brothers, and a menagerie of dogs, goats, and donkeys. And experiencing the magic and spirit of a rugged, isolated landscape where mysteries are carried on the wind, and whispered in your sleep. Years later, these experiences are the multi-colored threads woven into her series of romantic supernatural suspense set in the high desert of Arizona.

She taught physical geography and GIS courses at CSUF and Fresno City College before taking an Academic Coordinator for GIS Technologies position at UC Davis Cooperative Extension where she built a GIS program to assist agricultural research.

She now enjoys the full-time writing life in California with her husband and a menagerie of dogs, goats and one spoiled horse – and reading, reading, reading! What a joy!

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What makes you proud to be a writer from central California? I live in central California and have always loved books and admired writers. Being now among those that start, finish, and get a manuscript traditionally published, I guess I can say I’m proud of that accomplishment. Mostly, I think I’m just satisfied (in a relieved manner) that I met my goal, and that I have written a good book. There were times when I thought never to finish, and was certain what I had spent months on was just awful. I persevered and finished and I’m getting many 5-Star reviews.

I am proud of my book cover and website. I designed them both.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? I love so many writers, I really can’t begin to say just one who sparked my own writing. I know that my first foray into writing a story was prompted by a Linda Howard book – Death Angel. I embarked on my own story, The Assassin of Citrus Cove, which I am going to self-pub this year, based on a character in Death Angel, which is a romantic suspense. I’ve tried to write The Assassin… in the style of Michael Connelly or Robert Crais, two stellar mystery writers. So, I guess this explains the mystery novel element of my book Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon. For the Sci-Fi edge of the book, I think a combination of books and movies influenced me.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? To answer the first question: I was raised in an environment that valued education and character. My brothers have advanced degrees as do I. My mother was an intelligent person—a life-long learner. We were partly raised in the high desert of Arizona where we went to a one-room school house, lived in a cabin not unlike the one I depict in my book, and, as we had no electricity or running water, we read books by the feeble glow of one bulb in the kitchen, which owed its light to the poor amperage afforded by a gas generator—which was always shut down by eight o’clock to save fuel.

This is from my website’s About Page.
I grew up on a small gold mine claim in Arizona where my dearest friends were dogs, goats, my mom - and books. The worlds in those books were no more enchanting and exciting than the beauty and mystery of the desert around me. The one-room school house sitting proudly amongst Palo Verde trees and Saquaro cacti is still vivid when I recall time spent there. I can open the memory and read it like a beloved book, so indelibly written is it into mind - and spirit.
A memory-chapter I "read" often is about the cabin where we lived. From it could be seen a tall bluff that defined the course of the Agua Fria River. Old Indian, who lived with us, explained that an Indian burial ground was at the top of the bluff.  He said we should never go there because it was sacred and protected by spirits.Of course we did. We went there once. One time. My two brothers and I scrambled to the top of the cliff, and for two minutes it was just a small mesa dotted with cacti and mesquite brush. A jackrabbit burst from under its bushy shelter and birds flapped away at our intrusion. That was before everything went still - no breeze, no movement of any kind as the sun slipped behind a curtain of thin clouds, leaving the dim stage to our imagination. Imagination. That's what the adults said when we tried to explain what we felt and how, under a 110 degree desert sun, we were suddenly chilled to the bone before a dust devil kicked up dirt and pebbles and chased us off the mesa. And we heard voices.... We did. Didn't we? Mom said it was all in our heads. Old Indian said nothing. He let the hard stare he gave us speak loud and clear. He told us not to go. He said there were spirits. They were both right. There are spirits there, and the experience is still in my head. I can read it like a book. So, borrowing from the "books" of life, I'm writing a series of haunting love stories, the kind of romance I love to read - served with a garnish of mystery, suspense, and yes...magic.To answer the second question: I started with serious intent 3 years ago.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? “Selling” the trilogy to Black Opal Books.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? When Black Opal offered a contract, because it hadn’t all been for nothing, you see.

How many published books do you have?  One

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? Before and during.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? The publisher describes Blood Stones as Paranormal Thriller/Romantic Thriller.  I categorize it as a Supernatural/Sci Fi Romantic Suspense. Blood Stones is a cross-genre book that weaves elements of romance, ghosts, Native American Indian lore, and ancient aliens. I believe this is a challenge to the category gods and goddesses. It is not urban fantasy. There are no vampires, or werewolves that live down the street or in the mansion on the hill. But there are entities that haunt the canyon. Their destinies are intrinsically tied with that of the humans in the story, some of which are intimately connected, unbeknownst to them in book one, to the entities. The first book is about the haunting, and the legend of ghost warriors. The next two books develop who is really in the canyon, their story of survival and their quest to find a way home. So, I would love to have your take on where my book fits. At this point in the trilogy, it is heavy on the romantic suspense.

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’d say there was no one moment, just an adult lifetime remembering the glow of an enchanted childhood.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Finish your book, because that’s the only way to really work on it. The rough draft is just the beginning. From there, you can truly begin the long, winding journey to publication.

Who is your favorite author and why? There really are many that I love. Mary Stewart, Thomas Wolfe, Diana Gabaldon, Emily Dickinson (poetry), Mary Baloug, J.K. Rowling/Robert Galbraith, Robert Crais, Emile Zola, Steinbeck, Harper Lee…a crazy combo, I know.  But, really crazy is the fact that I adore Linda Howard. I didn’t start reading romance until I was fifty years old and read one of hers. The relationship between two people is always the heart of any story. I learned that from her.

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Cold Coffee Press Endorses Still Wilde In Outlaw River (The Outlaw River Wilde Volume 2) by Mike Walters

 
Still Wilde In Outlaw River (The Outlaw River Wilde Volume 2) by Mike Walters
Rescued from a desperate situation, Mitch Wilde finds the stakes raised for him, his loved ones, and his small Oregon Town of Outlaw River. Mitch’s wife Mabey is alone and on the run, fighting for her own survival. Jasper, Mitch's cantankerous old neighbor and investigative paranormal sleuth, and best friend Jack Jenson, also return in Book Two of Mike Walters' debut supernatural duology.

Mysteries further unfold in Still Wilde in Outlaw River as fast-paced events take the original characters into a multitude of unexpected directions. The invasion on Outlaw River from outside sources continues. Are they Alien forces looking for human subjugation or covert human entities from a parallel universe? Will Outlaw River residents unravel the mystery of the forces wreaking havoc in their small Oregon town and save themselves? Can Mabey Wilde rise to the occasion and overcome challenges she never imagined she would face? Will Mitch Wilde make the right decisions to save those closest to him?

All is revealed in the sequel to The Outlaw River Wilde, described as a novel with "Great character development, likable characters to boot, and a mystery that just yearns to be solved" (Rebecca Skane, Portsmouth Review), and "An original and impressively well written novel deftly crafted and highly entertaining by an author who will leave his readers looking eagerly toward his next effort" (James Cox, Midwest Review).

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For Still Wilde In Outlaw River
(The Outlaw River Wilde Volume 2) by Mike Walters
Nine long months have passed since I read The Outlaw River Wilde (Volume One) by Mike Walters. Settling back to read Still Wilde in Outlaw River (Volume 2) it was comforting to be able to quickly immerse back into the story line.

Author Mike Walters will draw you into the story with descriptive writing, well developed characters that seem like old friends and you will turn every page with the desire to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the small Oregon Town of Outlaw River. The author’s ability to draw on the Native American culture, especially the Klamath Tribes makes the story line more credible.
It is hard to share a quote with you without spoiling the story, so I have decided to share a perspective from Mitch’s wife Mabey. I quote:

“The Rabbit Moon looked majestic as it highlighted the towering pines standing tall and firm. Mabey was hungry and emotionally shaken. Physically she felt decent but not great like she was used to. Her hands and a tender ankle were her biggest concerns at the moment. She knew resting a bit more would put her in a better state mentally. Mabey held out hope a break would also help her gain insight as to which direction to go. She hunkered down among some thick ferns in a bed of pine needles. Lying on her side, she made a pillow of her slightly swollen and sore hands. She was cold, but not shivering, and knew sleep would give her body the needed strength to recover.
Then her head reflexively raised off her hands. The noise coming down the road started as a low growl, and as it got closer, the vibrations in the earth confirmed something was coming.”

If you love fast paced drama, a good love story, humor, rough language, and a supernatural mystery that will take you out of this world, this duology is a must read. I highly recommend you read The Outlaw River Wilde first. Better yet, purchase The Outlaw River Wilde and Still Wilde in Outlaw River from Amazon and get ready for the ride of your life.

I sincerely hope that Author Mike Walters will bring us another series not far in the distant future.

Cold Coffee Press/Cafe endorses Still Wilde in Outlaw River (The Outlaw River Wilde-Volume 2) by Mike Walters. I reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on July 2, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com and Cold Coffee Cafe http://coldcoffeecafe.com/

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The Outlaw River Wilde (The Outlaw River Wilde Volume 1) by Mike Walters
The Pacific Northwest is Under Attack. Ancient Alien Intrigue: Can Mitch Wilde save humanity?

A very impressive debut. Original and impressively well written novel! - Portsmouth BOOK REVIEW

An original and impressively well written novel, "The Outlaw River Wilde" is a deftly crafted and highly entertaining story by an author who will leave his readers looking eagerly toward his next effort. - Midwest Book Review

Mitch Wilde never believed in aliens, that is, until he was left with no other way to explain the strange events happening around his small Pacific Northwest home. With scattered appearances of ghostly Native American riders, a series of odd break-ins by unknown intruders, and hints that more could be coming, Mitch, along with his cantankerous old neighbor who is quickly becoming a new friend vows to unravel the mysteries and preserve the comfortable life he has worked so hard to build.

When an unexplained attack leaves his long-time best friend acting quite unlike himself, Mitch knows he has to act fast or risk losing everything. The only question is: Does he have what it takes to conquer the mysterious, potentially powerful force once and for all?

Ancient Alien Intrigue long-time Pacific Northwest resident Mike Walters found his first love in dogs, and then quickly followed up with photography, bicycling, globetrotting, and library software development. He would finally find his true calling at the tender age of 45 while settling in to watch a program on the History channel. It was then that the concept for his debut novel, The Outlaw River Wilde was born. "What if we're not alone in the universe?" he asks of readers who dare to venture into his Science Fiction Thriller world. "And what if our forgotten past was the link to our probable future?" Mike intertwines his love of Native American culture and a passion for the Pacific Northwest setting that he called home as a child in his original tale of intrigue and adventure guaranteed to keep readers guessing until the very last page. Of course, he continues to honor his first love of dogs by donating 10% of all proceeds to the Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles where he also volunteers as a photographer.

Cold Coffee Press Book Review For The Outlaw River Wilde
(The Outlaw River Wilde Volume 1) by Mike Walters
Outlaw River, a small town in the Pacific Northwest’s Outlaw River Valley. This community is no different from most small American towns that depend a fair amount of tourist trade. Outlaw River is a community of 1800, comprised of farmers, ranchers, loggers and hunters. Like most rural communities, everyone knows and looks out for their neighbors, attends annual events and go to bed at night without locking their doors.

While biking the river trail, Mitch Wilde loses control and falls when something swishes by him with an intensity that breaks his concentration. Rattled, Mitch looks around and spots a man on a horse across the river. An uneasiness causes him to look up high in a tree where he spots a shimmering arrow with a sparrow sitting on it. As he watches the bird flies away and the arrow seems to dissolve leaving only a trace of glowing liquid.

Mitch successfully put the simmering arrow, tree phenomenon along with the man on a horse out of his mind until his neighbor Jack is struck in the shoulder by an arrow while in his yard. Mitch goes to render aide and observes that it isn’t a normal arrow. The shaft and feathers almost seem alive. When touched, the shaft goes from cold to hot. When Mitch decides he can safely pull the arrow out of Jack, the arrows mysteriously disappears into Jacks body.

If it were just he and Jack it would be one thing, but other members of the Outlaw Rivers community report sightings of famous Indians like Sitting Bull in full battle dress. To add to the local stress, ongoing news reports indicate that Native American Indians in the Pacific Northwest are simply disappearing without warning.

This phenomenon extends to sightings of strange creatures around Crater Lake and objects which seen to collide with the mountain range. Legends compare tales of local Indians guiding settlers away from Crater Lake. Is it meteor strikes? An alien invasion? Kachina Indian Spirits? Perhaps it is shape shifters or even the apocalypse?

The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters in an introduction and cliff hanger to his sci-fi, mystery series. Still Wilde In Outlaw River (Book Two) is scheduled to arrive in 2016. In some series, authors design each book to stand along with separate stories using many of the same characters. This author has chosen a continuing saga approach where the reader needs to read this book before the next.

Cold Coffee Press endorses The Outlaw River Wilde by Mike Walters as a paranormal mystery that presents a series of unexplained phenomenon. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on October 13, 2015. For more information please contact Cold Coffee Press. http://www.coldcoffeepress.com


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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Mike Walters
Mike Walters and his debut novel, The Outlaw River Wilde, sprung from an idea while watching Ancient Aliens on the History channel. He intertwines his love of Native American culture and a passion for the Pacific Northwest, primarily his birth state of Oregon. Mike sat down one day and started writing. The characters and story were revealed each and every day he wrote.

“Every session was as if I were reading something new myself for the first time. It was a blast seeing what would happen next. This is why I enjoyed writing this novel so much. ”

Mike is a Director of Marketing & Product at Auto-Graphics, Inc. based in Ontario, CA. That’s California, not Canada. A-G makes software for Libraries, primarily public. So on your visit to the library, when you sit down to search for a book this is the software that A-G makes.

“I am very fortunate to work in an industry that has a meaningful impact on society. It makes going to work each and every day enjoyable. I mean who doesn’t think we need, and who doesn’t love, libraries?”

Mike learned photography as a freshman in high school and later took the passion and used it as a photographer in the United States Air Force. He loves to ride bicycles in SoCal year around, travels abroad as much as possible, Dublin Ireland and Bradgate Park near Leicester, England are a few of his favorite spots. Mike has a passion for Micro-brews, particularly Porters and Stouts. You will frequently find him sampling, with his son Alexander, at Claremont Craft Ales, a personal favorite — or one of the many fine breweries in and around Claremont, CA. Mike released book II in his Supernatural Duology, Still Wilde in Outlaw River on June 3, 2016. He is currently at work on his own historical fiction, What's Hidden Beneath the Ferns, which is a dark mystery. At least at this point so far. He doesn't think it will turn into a RomCom.

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Interview:

What makes you proud to be a writer from Southern Oregon? I currently live in Southern California, but was born and raised in the southern part of Oregon. I love the outdoors, and there are few better places in the country than the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River where I grew up. Oregon isn't well known to part of the country and I am proud to say I am from there. It is a great place to grow up with a multitude of things to do, especially if you love the outdoors. I hope to get back to the Pacific Northwest someday to live.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? I have known a few writers and I was always envious of their ability to tell stories and share them with other people. I loved making stuff up as a kid and always got great grades on my creative abilities. As I became more aware of what options were available to Indie authors thanks to the internet I started thinking, why not me? As far as inspiration, it would have to be my son, Alexander who is an actor. He can go out on stage and bare his sole and I figured if he is willing to take those risks than I can too.

When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? The first of second year I was watching Ancient Aliens on the History Channel I started getting this idea in my head that would take place near where I grew up and have a science fiction twist with it.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I don't know how most authors are, but for me absolutely. There are a bunch of traits I saw develop in a number of characters in my novel. Not one single character resembles me overall but some of their traits do. At least in the first novel it just seemed natural for me to put some of my own thoughts, ideas, perceptions, and mannerisms into the characters. It certainly helped me keep a realistic believability to the characters and my story. My latest novel I am working on now, working title - What's Hidden Beneath the Ferns, is a straight up dark mystery with heavy life experiences thrown in. I think I will keep writing this way until I run out of ideas.

Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? Actually before I started writing. Looking back this seems kind of strange to me but yes, before.

Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I love Science Fiction and Mystery. The X-Files was a show I loved. Their ability to take extraordinary events and make them seem plausible influenced me. Obviously there are heavy science fiction elements in the show but the writers did a great job of introducing a lot of mystery as well and made the show much more than just chasing aliens. I want to try and capture in my Supernatural Duology.

What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I loved the X-Files and Ancient Aliens so they are definite sources. My biggest inspiration though has been my son. He is an actor and seeing him put his heart and soul into a part in a movie, or even more so on the stage each performance encouraged me. I figured if he was willing to risk so much with each performance I could certainly take a shot writing a novel or two, or three.

What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Creating something that I really enjoyed reading myself. I felt if I could create something that I liked that others would as well. I got a real sense of accomplishment in seeing the novel published.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Seeing reviews come in where people say how much they enjoy it. Also talking with people who have read The Outlaw River Wilde and want to know about different events in the novel. This lets me know they are engaged and care.

Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so please explain how it could have been avoided? Yes, the marketing aspect of a self-pub novel is brutal. It is a bit odd for me since I am a professional marketer by day. I thought writing would be the most difficult part of the whole process but marketing is the most negative aspect so far. Hopefully this will change in the coming months and years. I don't think there is anyway at all to avoid it, unless you have a tremendous amount of money and can do a national marketing campaign yourself. I suppose the other option is to go the traditional publisher route but there you run the risk of your creation being in slush piles forever and never seeing the light of day.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Hire an editor and if you are going to self-pub have one copy of your book printed and then read through it from beginning to end before you actually publish it.
Don't rely on family and friends to be objective on your novel. Pay a professional.

Who is your favorite author and why? Only one? No fair I have so many. If I am forced to choose one I will go with Michael Crichton. I love his ability to put normal people into extraordinary circumstances that are plausible. He always flirts with the edge of reason but does such a wonderful job of creating believability. He wrote great science fiction that was heavy with mystery and intrigue. He is easy to read and always makes me care about his characters.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I created my own website, hopefully when you see it you will say "well done" and not, "he should have paid someone". I love marketing and all the avenues available to artists these days because of social media.

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