Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Meet the Authors – #YAFantasy Kevin Cooper, #Mystery Mary Anne Edwards, #Historical Apple Gidley

There are over 150 authors in the Cafe and Bookstore and I wanted to keep it to key pieces of information such as buying links, recent review, website and covers. However, I know that readers also like to know more about the background of authors.

In this series during June and July I will share the bios of all the authors in the cafe in a random selection. I hope that this will introduce you to the authors in more depth and encourage you to check out their books and follow them on their blog and Twitter.

Meet Kevin Cooper

Kevin Cooper is an eclectic author & songwriter. His works are multifarious. He has published fantasy, sci-fi, memoirs and drama in the form of novels, novellas, short stories, poetry and song.

Some of KC’s major influences in literature are JRR Tolkien, Philip Pullman, C.S Lewis, Terry Brooks, and J.K Rowling.

KC was born in Hull, England. At 21 years of age, he moved to the USA where he first attended Western Kentucky University, but transferred to Asbury College where he graduated with a BA in Psychology. He then attended Asbury Theological Seminary for a couple of years before moving to Arizona where he enrolled at the Grand Canyon University, obtained a research fellowship and graduated with a M.Ed. His career in education spanned from tutor to teacher, to college lecturer. He later changed careers and went into management working for The Hertz Corporation. After almost twenty years living and working in the USA, he returned to England where his worked in the NHS for several years before giving up work to care for his wife, and focus on his writing and music.

A selection of books by Kevin Cooper

A recent review forThe Wizard, The Girl, and The Unicorn’s Horn: The Chronicles of Geo Book One

D. W. Peach 4.0 out of 5 stars Adventure and fantasy for middle-graders and young teens. January 20, 2020

An ancient evil power is encroaching on the world of Geo, blanketing the land in shadow and stealing villagers. The story tracks the daring adventures of three groups, two off to destroy the shadow, and one simply trying to survive. They all ultimately come together for a final battle.

One narrative follows the wizard, the protector of Geo. He joins with some rambunctious goblins who lead him through the mountain’s tunnels to Land’s End, the barren home of the shadow and its packs of demon wargs (wolf-like creatures). At the same time, Elyysa, a young girl with a magical past, allies with Geo’s wise trolls who collect tolls at the many bridges. She too heads for Land’s End and carries with her a powerful unicorn horn. The third narrative focuses on the villagers who find themselves swept up by the shadow and stranded in a cave. They must make their way through dangerous passageways to the surface.

The story is simply told with a steady pace and vocabulary that a middle-grade student would be able to handle … but there is quite a bit of tragedy in the caves, including the deaths of children and families, and significant violence during the warg attacks. For these reasons, I’d steer this read to mature middle-graders, preteens, and young teenagers who enjoy a fantastical tale of adventure and can deal with the scary and sad moments. (My 7-year-old grandson couldn’t handle it, but grammy enjoyed it!)

Kevin Cooper, Buy: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US –   Follow Kevin: Goodreads – blog:Author Kevin Cooper – Twitter:@KevinCo34737852

Meet Mary Anne Edwards

Born in Mercedes, Texas, Mary Anne has lived in Georgia for most of her life. A life-long fan of authors such as Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, and Elizabeth Peters, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Mary Anne listened to the voices in her head and began writing her own series of traditional mysteries featuring Detective Charlie McClung.

The first book in the series, Brilliant Disguise, was released to critical acclaim in January 2014. The next three in the series, A Good Girl, Criminal Kind, and Sins of my Youth were released soon afterward. The fifth book in the series, Flirting with Time, was released on June 30, 2017. Mary Anne released the sixth book, How Deep is the Darkness, on December 2, 2019, with at least three more to follow.

Although Mary Anne is a middle-aged woman, she believes no matter how old you are you should have fun. Don’t let anyone steal your joy by telling you you’re too old. The main female protagonist in the Charlie McClung Mysteries is an interesting snapshot of the author’s sensibilities.

Mary Anne and her husband of 39 years live in Smyrna, GA with an ill-tempered Tuxedo cat named Gertrude. Mary Anne is active in the Sisters in Crime and sits on the advisory board of Rockdale Cares, a non-profit advocacy group for the developmentally challenged.

Books by Mary Anne Edwards

A  recent review for How Deep is the Darkness

Carolyn Hindel 5.0 out of 5 stars A thriller through and through!  Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2020

I always look forward to the next book in this series! And this one was no exception. The thrill and mystery was on until the end. If you love mysteries full of life, love, and excitement, this one’s for you! Two thumbs up 👍

Mary Anne Edwards, Buy:Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – Follow Mary Anne on: Goodreads – Website: Mary Anne Edwards – Twitter: @maedwards58

Meet Apple Gidley

A transient life has seen Anglo-Australian Apple Gidley live in countries as diverse as Papua New Guinea and Thailand, Equatorial Guinea and the USA, and another eight in between. Her memoir, Expat Life Slice by Slice tells of the highs and lows of that nomadic life – one she wouldn’t trade for all the proverbial tea in one of the places she hasn’t lived, China.

Gidley’s roles have been varied – editor, intercultural trainer for multi-national corporations, Her Britannic Majesty’s Honorary Consul to Equatorial Guinea, amongst others. She started writing full time twelve years ago.

Gidley writes a regular blog, A Broad View, and has two published novels, Fireburn and Transfer, which are set on St Croix, and she has stories published in various anthologies and is working on a book of short stories. A novel, set in 1950’s Malaya is currently with agents and she is now working on another historical novel set in Poland and India.

Books by Apple Gidley

One of the recent reviews for Transfer

 Dianna 5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining  Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2020

What an entertaining story, one of two books. Fireburn , the first and now Transfer, the second book allow you to visit what life was like in St Croix VI back in the day. You’ll be absorbed deeply into each characters personalities and experiences. Truly engaging and so hard to near the end of the book without craving more. Thank you Apple for your talent to combine St Croix history and landmarks with fictional characters. Truly sensational!!

Apple Gidley, Buy: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK –  follow Apple: Goodreads –  Blog:Apple Gidley WordPress – Twitter: @ExpatApple

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope that you have enjoyed meeting more of the authors in the Cafe and Bookstore and discovering their books. Thanks Sally.