Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Author Update – Sue Coletta, Robbie and Michael Cheadle and Deanie Humphrys- Dunne

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Welcome to the first of the Cafe Updates this week and the first author with a recent review is Sue Coletta for her thriller novella – Hacked.

About the book

Shawnee Daniels wrongly assumes she’s being punished for innocently hacking the Police Chief’s photos. Okay, maybe not-so-innocently, but someone had to expose him for the dog that he is. When she arrives at the mandatory computer seminar, the FBI enlists her help in stopping a serial killer who’s remotely hacking vehicles while the owners are behind the wheel.

Why he’s targeted these people remains a mystery. None of the victims frequent the same places, some don’t even live in the same state. The only commonality is they all drive Fords.

When Detective Levaughn Samuels is taken hostage—his life teetering on the edge of a high-speed chase—there’s nothing Shawnee won’t do to save him, no line she won’t cross. And when her BFF shows up unannounced with problems of her own, she only complicates matters.

Can Shawnee stop the killer before she loses the only man she’s ever loved? Or will the ride of his life end in death?

One of the recent reviews for the novella.

Reviewed by Karen for the Rosie Amber Review Team: https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/2017/10/26/rosies-bookreview-team-rbrt-karen-reviews-thriller-novella-hacked-by-suecoletta1

This book re-introduces you to Shawnee Daniels. Shawnee has to stop a serial killer hacking into his victims’ cars.

With Hacked, Sue Coletta has once again created an incredibly chilling thriller with a stubborn young woman hacking her way to identifying a serial killer. It is a very compelling read, inevitably drawing you in as the story proceeds. Sue Coletta paints a clear picture of the main characters’ mindsets – making the readers acquainted with them – while the story evolves. I was drawn rather close to Shawnee and Levaughn. The characters are very complex, believable with their flaws and virtues; sometimes too believable for comfort. Some characters (human and feline) are the source for some fun moments for the readers, not so much for Shawnee, though. The story is cleverly elaborated and has a great flow. Sue Coletta’s thorough research shows; you find proof throughout the story.

This is a book for you if you like psychological suspense, novellas, thrillers with serial killers and hackers, stubborn characters, and if you are a fan of excellently researched topics.

Read all the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Forces-Operation-HACKED-Novella-ebook/dp/B073RSR5JD

Also by Sue Coletta

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Sue-Coletta/e/B015OYK5HO

And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sue-Coletta/e/B015OYK5HO

Read more reviews and follow Sue on Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14078869.Sue_Coletta

Connect to Sue Coletta via her website/blog: www.suecoletta.com

Next the latest creation from Robbie and Michael Cheadle in the Sir Chocolate series. Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk River Story and Cookbook.

About the story

The Condensed Milk River where Sir Chocolate goes fishing has stopped flowing. The water creatures are losing their homes. Can Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet solve this problem? Five lovely new recipes are also included.

Review for Sir Chocolate by Paul Andruss on his blog http://www.paul-andruss.com/sir-chocolate-and-the-condensed-milk-river/

Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk River by Robbie and Michael Cheadle is a story and cookbook in one. It is the latest in a great fun series from a mother and her young son, the Author/Baker team of Robbie and Michael Cheadle. Their series of gloriously illustrated books for younger children are quite simply unique.

The books tell of the adventures of Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet and their friends. The inhabitants of Chocolateville; where everything and everyone is edible.

The concept was the brain child of Robbie’s son Michael. When he was a few years younger than he is now, and learning to read, he cleverly realised he could draw his mother away from dull lessons by weaving tales about made-up characters in a land of chocolate.

Equally clever (like mother like son, no doubt) Robbie turned it to his educational advantage by encouraging him write down his stories. So was born a family–friendly, cross-generational series that combined their love of spending precious family-time together indulging in favourite pastimes such as writing poetry, cooking, and it must be said, eating chocolate.

The series of books consist of cute and clever child-friendly poems, which adults can read to youngsters, and even encourage youngsters to read along. More family-fun time is guaranteed by the inclusion of uncomplicated recipes. Describing the scrumptious delights as simple; simply does not do them justice. Each recipe is designed to allow the youngsters to fully participate, thus passing on valuable life skills, and creating memories that will last both generations a lifetime, while also making fun things to eat.

The book and its predecessors are all illustrated with delightful figures made from fondant icing and sweets. Edible works of art that are easy enough for readers to copy: perhaps even making their own versions of Chocolateville for birthday parties and other celebrations.

Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet’s latest adventure has an ecological message. It explores what happens when the river of condensed milk running through Chololateville dries up causing all the fish to die. This is a subtle way of introducing very young children to the world issues that will no doubt be plaguing generations for some time to come. Plus the guaranteed happy ending helps youngsters feel they can really make a difference to the world.

Any one of Robbie and Michael’s clever and unique books would make great presents with Christmas coming up. Not just for Kids but for Parents and Grandparents too! They are charming and packed with fun recipes and stories to turn every kitchen day into an adventure that brings young and old together to create enduring memories.

Perhaps it’s time to collect the set! AND YOU GET TO EAT THE CAST. AN OGRE’S DREAM!

Read the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Condensed-River-Story-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B076KTHXY2

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chocolate-Condensed-River-Story-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B076KTHXY2

Also by Robbie and Michael Cheadle

Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Robbie-Cheadle/e/B01N9J62GQ

and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robbie-Cheadle/e/B01N9J62GQ/

Connect to Robbie and Michael at their blog: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

My next author with a recent review for her memoir My Life at Sweetbriar : A Life Changed by Horses, is Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.

About My Life at Sweetbriar

What if you grew up on a horse farm and your single passion was to become a champion horseback rider? The problem is, you were born with a disability. Doctors tell your parents you’ll never walk, let alone ride. What will happen next? What does her dad do that changes her life? Will a failed racehorse and a handicapped girl become a winning team? This is the author’s true story of her journey. Even if Deanie prevails, will she find exactly the right horse to help her win?

One of the recent reviews for the book

Story about a miracle, persistence, and courage

ByProfessor Johnon October 2, 2017

Although the relationship between Deanie and her horses make for a charming children story, the greatest value the book offers is the idea of persistence. Deanie faced a lot of challenges, and though she cried at times, fell down many times, she was determined and had the heart of a champion. This book is a great chapter book for children 8 and older to learn about overcoming difficulty, adversity, sadness and rising above and never feel defeated. Each challenge makes us stronger. Life is truly a lesson. I think this is a great birthday or Christmas gift for any child.

I really enjoyed reading it. I give this book 5 stars. It is well written, engaging, detailed, and nicely illustrated. Although the message was very clear, the author ensures the reader gets it by having a final chapter called Pearls of Wisdom and follows up with reading comprehension questions that the author calls a quiz, the answers so that children can check their understanding and the biography. I received this book as a complimentary copy and freely chose to review it.

Read all the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Sweetbrier-Changed-Horses-ebook/dp/B0711P67DM

And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Life-Sweetbrier-Changed-Horses-ebook/dp/B0711P67DM

Also by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne