About Kihivas: Alone at the Ends of the Earth by Istvan Kopar:

Solo circumnavigation of the globe. Fewer than 300 sailors in history have accomplished it, less than the number of people who have climbed Mt. Everest, or even those who have gone to space. In 1990, Istvan Kopar set out to earn his place among this elite fraternity—and to do so with only one stop. If he were successful, he would realize a lifelong dream, and bring pride to his home country of Hungary in the process. Yet the risk of failure carried with it the possibility of dying alone in the middle of the vast sea.

Over twenty years ago, Kopar first published the inspiring chronicle of his journey in his native Hungarian. All of his hopes, dreams, and fears coalesced into one word: “Kihivas”—The Challenge. Now, Kihivas: Alone at the Ends of the Earth brings this thrilling story to an English-speaking readership for the first time.

Kopar recounts every element of his adventure, from custom building his own 31-foot yacht, Salammbo, to battling the legendary waves of the Roaring Forties. His narrative is interspersed with proud descriptions of Hungary’s impressive maritime heritage, even as a landlocked country, and heartfelt portrayals of the memories that kept him going as he faced thousands of miles of lonely ocean. Experience a glimpse into the struggles, thrills, and insights known only to those who dare to pursue the greatest of challenges—alone at the ends of the earth.

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Author Bio:
Istvan Kopar was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1953. Despite growing up in a landlocked country behind the Iron Curtain, Kopar was determined from a young age to be a sailor and a circumnavigator. At age seventeen, prior to attending college, he joined the merchant marine to learn about the sea. He worked for MAHART (Hungarian Shipping Company), from 1971 to 1984. Kopar traveled the world over the course of his career, and has stated that he “lost count after visiting over 100 different countries.”

Kopar has worked as a naval officer, sailing racer, and instructor. He started his own marina/charter operation and sailing school in Europe in the 1980s. He served as one of the operational managers of the biggest vessel recovery company in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010. He has taught at Sea School, Fort Lauderdale, and is an instructor trainer for U.S. Sailing. He is also a USCG-licensed commercial captain.

Kopar’s proudest accomplishment to date was his solo one-stop circumnavigation of the globe, 1990-1991. He built his own boat for the voyage, Salammbo. Due to his shoestring budget, Kopar sailed without GPS, autopilot, radar, a water-maker, or any heating device. He was forced to rely on the use of a sextant and manual plotting for determining his course, and upon Morse code for weather forecasts. His first book, Kihivas (“The Challenge”), details his adventures on this voyage. After Kopar returned safely home, Salammbo was exhibited at the 1992 World Expo in Seville, Spain, alongside a replica of the Santa Maria, and the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery.

Kopar holds a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Studies from the Technical University of Budapest, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Economics/Foreign Trade from the College for Foreign Trade at Budapest. He is fluent both in English and his native Hungarian. Kopar moved to the United States in 1994, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2000. He has two adult children, and currently lives with his wife in Boca Raton, Florida. He works as the Sailing Master at Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (New York) during the sailing season. Captain Kopar was recently accepted as an entrant in the Golden Globe Race 2018, a nonstop solo race around the world.

Please visit www.koparsailing.com to learn more about Istvan Kopar and his upcoming adventures.

Kihivas: Alone at the Ends of the Earth by Istvan Kopar is a post from Awesome Gang

About Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas:

Twenty-two years old with a journalism degree from UCLA and a promising entry level position at a television station, Madeline Patterson is ready to take on the Universe. Raised by two loving parents, adored by her grandmother, protected by her dog, Pepper, and supported by her best friend—Madeline has it all. There’s only one thing missing—literally missing—her identical twin, Melissa.

When Madeline and Melissa were three-years-old, their mother was carjacked in broad daylight while taking them to a doctor’s appointment. She was able to get away with Madeline in tow, but the assailants left the scene before she could rescue Melissa. A long and massive search ensued, but Melissa was never found and is believed to be dead. However, a dream Madeline has on her twenty-second birthday, wherein Melissa appears to her as a grown woman pleading for help, convinces her Melissa is still alive. Against her parents’ wishes, Madeline vows to find her twin. However, in doing so, she unknowingly stumbles upon a series of startling clues that point to her parents’ possible involvement in Melissa’s disappearance. Paralyzed by fear, Madeline doesn’t want to face what could possibly be the ugly and grim truth about her parents. However, her desire to find Melissa propels her forward—but nothing could prepare her for what she discovers.

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Author Bio:
An award winning author, playwright, director, and producer, Alretha Thomas’s background is as diverse as her personality. She started at the age of ten, when her 5th grade teacher picked and read her short story assignment in front of the class–that simple, loving act empowered a new writer. Continuing in high school, her numerous original oratorical conquests on the Speech Team led her to a journalism concentration at USC.

Upon graduating, Alretha soon realized that her interest in journalism was not heartfelt. While at the taping of a live sitcom, the producer noticed her and encouraged her hand at modeling. Modeling didn’t mean much to her, but it did lead her to acting and a NAACP Theatre Award Nomination (1993) for BEST ACTRESS. Alretha left acting and began to write full time. Her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces, six of which she directed–the community response was overwhelming.

This led to full length plays outside of the church. In 2002, The Stella Adler Theater presented A Shrine to Junior. The play was nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award and in 2004, Alretha’s play, Civil Rites, was the recipient of an NAACP Theatre Award. Her play Grandpa’s Truth ran at the Inglewood Playhouse in Inglewood, California in 2006, and was extended more than once by popular demand. Not only did radio station KJLH support by recommending this production to its listeners, but notables like the Mayor of Inglewood, Roosevelt Dorn, and music legends like Freda Payne and Stevie Wonder had critical acclaim for Grandpa’s Truth. This wonderful piece was featured on Channel 5 (KTLA News) by Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. Additionally, in 2007, Alretha’s play that she wrote and directed, Sacrificing Simone, had a successful run at Stage 52 in Los Angeles and was called “an inspirational crowd pleaser” by the Los Angeles Times and in 2009, Alretha’s ground breaking One, Woman Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient Denise Dowse, garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.

In between plays, Alretha’s first novel Daughter Denied was launched in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her books, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on KTLA Channel 5. In 2011, Alretha launched her second novel Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. Alretha’s award winning third indie novel, Four Ladies Only, was released February 2014.

Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas is a post from Awesome Gang

About The Trial Lawyer:

A longtime friend has been arrested for driving drunk and causing a death. The friend also happens to be the District Attorney. Thaddeus arrives downstate in Orbit for the defense of this courtroom drama. The DA faces a special prosecutor who is intent on putting him in prison. A legal thriller begins unfolding unlike any other Thaddeus has faced.

Thaddeus listens to his old friend and hears about his drinking. He learns that the DA’s wife is on the prowl with strange men, and the DA is dangerously close to murder. This lawyer novel follows the wife and her special lover as they edge up to a dangerous cliff.

The wife’s sleeping around comes to a sudden stop. Watch up-close as the police and a special prosecutor wage all-out war against one of their own.

Then Thaddeus needs help. His health is savagely jeopardized, so his office puts in a call to Christine Susmann. His old paralegal drops what she is doing and hurries to his side.

Together again, Thaddeus and Christine try to restore Thaddeus back to health. The DA’s defense suddenly demands 100% from them.

A tense courtroom drama emerges and takes over the book, leading to its startling conclusion.

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Author Bio:
John Ellsworth is from Arizona and practiced law nationwide. For thirty years he defended criminal clients across the United States. His first book, “The Defendants,” was published on Amazon on January 20, 2014. John is self-published and enjoys the freedom of choosing his own release schedule, selecting covers, and marketing his own work. “It’s a great thing Amazon has done, giving all writers access to a readership, and I, for one, am very grateful to them.”

The Trial Lawyer is a post from Awesome Gang

About Granny Skewers A Scoundrel:

Granny has a new addition to her arsenal of crime fighting weapons as Fuchsia, Minnesota’s most colorful detective. Now, along with her famous crook-hooking umbrella, she’s acquired a scoundrel-skewering knitting needle. And just in time! Residents of Fuchsia seem to be dropping dead like flies! First, it’s Granny’s neighbor Sally (who gives up the ghost in her weed-filled front yard), followed by Esmeralda Periwinkle (the squirrel lover on Main Street), and then, Mr. Nail, owner of the local hardware store (who is squashed when dozens of bags of fertilizer fall on top of him). Granny is baffled. Who is behind this murder spree?

Granny enlists the help of her sort of boyfriend franklin Gatsby, the town’s police chief Cornelius Stricknine (or “The Big Guy”), her reality-show loving neighbor Mavis, and her own son Thor. And, of course, the special assistance of her menagerie of pets — including Mr. Bleaty, the goat. Soon Granny is hot on the trail of this dastardly murderer. Unfortunately, when Granny herself is poisoned, everyone insists that she cool her crime solving ways and stay indoors and out of harms way. Of course, that’s never going to happen! Not when Granny knows all the secret passageways and tunnels that run underneath Fuchsia. Out she goes–and watch out, you evil doers! Granny will solve this mystery–you can bet your pink undies, she will!

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Author Bio:
Julie Seedorf is a Minnesotan. She calls dinner, supper, and lunch, dinner. She has had many careers over her lifetime but her favorite career was that as mother to her children. In later life she became a computer technician, opening her own business. In 2012 Julie signed a contract with Cozy Cat Press for her Fuchsia, Minnesota Series. Books included in that series are Granny Hooks a Crook, Granny Skewers A Scoundrel and released in November 2014, Granny Snows A Sneak. Closing her computer business in January 2014 Julie has transitioned to becoming a full time writer adding free-lance work for various newspapers, along with continuing her column Something About Nothing which is now in book form in a book of the same name released in early 2015. Her children’s series, Granny’s In Trouble gives her grandkids a hint of the young Grandma underneath the wrinkles. Her books are light and fluffy and highlight the fact that in the midst of life we have to find the humor in bad situations to keep us going. “We all take ourselves too seriously and we need to have a little fun. Julie secretly yearns to be like the Granny characters in her books. Julie’s serious side is revealed in a story included in the Anthology, We Go On – Anthology for Veterans where the proceeds will go to Veteran’s Charities. Visit her website at http://www.julieseedorf.com. Her blog http://sprinklednotes is a little scattered like Granny but lends itself to wisdom and occasional flip flops about life. You will also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julie.seedorf.author and on Twitter at julieseedorf@julieseedorf and her character Granny has her own Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/GrannyFromFuchsiaMinnesota. Enjoy the moments; they may carry you through a lifetime

Granny Skewers A Scoundrel is a post from Awesome Gang

About A DEAD RED HEART:

When a homeless Vet litters her beloved red Cadillac with poetry scrawled on paper snowflakes, Lalla decides to confront him. But that doesn’t mean she wants the man to drop dead at her feet—with a pair of blue handled scissors sticking out of his chest. With nothing but the man’s last words for the police to go on, Lalla decides that someone needs to be on the side of this misunderstood vet, and that person will be the exasperating, pushy, tenacious, Ms. Lalla Bains. But digging into the man’s past will only unravel a more potent question: What would you do if the love of your life lost their chance for a heart transplant because the donor organ went to a convicted felon?

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Author Bio:
I write humorous mysteries about an annoyingly tenacious tall, blonde and beautiful, ex-model turned crop-duster who, to quote Lalla Bains, says: “I’ve been married so many times they oughta revoke my license.” I wanted to give readers a peek at a not so-perfect life of a woman who is not afraid of chipping her manicure because she doesn’t have time for a manicure, what with herding a bunch of recalcitrant pilots and juggling work orders just to keep her father’s flagging business alive.
Beginning with #4 in the series, A Dead Red Alibi, Lalla and her family will reside in South East Arizona where she will divide her time between a fledgling P.I. business with cousin, Pearlie Bains, and

A DEAD RED HEART is a post from Awesome Gang

About Amped by Rob Lopez:

Book 1 of the action-packed, alien-busting X-Troop series, free for a limited time only.

England, 2051. Alex Harvey is a washed up SAS trooper, thrown out of the army and dumped on the streets of a country that is coming apart at the seams. Jobs are scarce, the economy is in the doldrums and a black market in performance enhancing drugs and illegal cage fighting is thriving. Alex may be out of work, but his quest for that adrenaline high keeps him thirsting for the next challenge, the next fight.

So when he’s approached by a strange gentleman and offered the mother of all enhancements, he’s more than tempted.

But in order to be accepted for the treatment, he’s got to agree to a peculiar assignment: to hunt down the toughest, fastest foe that he’s ever encountered. In half the continents of the world, Alex has pitted himself against a variety of combatants, but this will be the first time he’s gone up against something that’s not of this world at all. Pretty soon he’ll find that winning is the least of his problems. When the stakes are shooting off the scale, it’s going to take all his skill just to survive.

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Author Bio:
Rob Lopez is a British author who hasn’t died yet. A perpetual daydreamer, he’s been a factory mechanic, a teaching assistant and a cleaner, plus a whole bunch of other jobs too dull to mention. He always wanted to write a novel, and now he’s written several, including the fast paced and hard hitting X-Troop series. He writes mostly dystopian science fiction and post-apocalyptic horror, with an emphasis on dark humour, action, love and death. He’s not nearly as miserable as that makes him sound, and he’s quite partial to relaxing on a cliff by the sea and watching seagulls soar. Like I said, he’s a perpetual daydreamer, but at least he gets to write his dreams now. And you get to read them.

Amped by Rob Lopez is a post from Awesome Gang

About 50 of the Most Scrumptious, Tantalizing, Mouth-watering Italian Recipes Ever Assembled:

My book of my favorite food of all time is based on real authentic Italian recipes from all regions of Italy, including some of the outer islands. Italian food is the most popular food on the planet, and many of you that aren’t in Italy don’t know this, but many original recipes have been changed by local chef’s of your region, because they want to keep your countries culture in step with other cultures. The book is priced right now at $2.99 usd and will be increased prior to Christmas. There are also 15 bonus recipes in the book for everyone to enjoy.

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Author Bio:
I am a father, grandfather and great grandfather, and was born and raised in the restaurant business, one of the hardest businesses anywhere. My father was my inspiration when I was younger, and my training in the kitchen was from many chef’s that I did not know their language, and they didn’t know mine. The love of food and great taste has never let me down, but the restaurant business did. Many of these recipes were collected by my father and I and many I have collected while traveling. These are my best according to my family that continues to ask for them year after year.

50 of the Most Scrumptious, Tantalizing, Mouth-watering Italian Recipes Ever Assembled is a post from Awesome Gang