Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter
1 I hear you have pets in your novel. Tell us about the book.
My first novel, Cottonwood Place, received 4 and 4.5 star\heart reviews and is about Ian, Megan, her extended Navajo family, and the people who really run Megan’s inn, Orion, her Shepherd-husky mix dog and Cassiopeia, the white long-haired cat. Here’s the back-cover blurb:
Megan MacCloud knows before meeting him that Ian Hunter is the neediest of the troubled guests she and her desert inn has helped. Estranged from God, neither she nor Ian believe He can bring them the love they crave. Ian says he couldn’t resist driving across the country to her after her face on a brochure “hypnotized” him.
Because of Megan’s past abuse, her attraction to him is dashed when she learns he drinks. Megan resists loving Ian, but her family and mostly-human pets bond with him immediately, proving he’s good. Megan, her Grandma, and the pets resolve to help Ian stop drinking and be a doctor again.
He helps solve major problems with guests and saves several lives as Megan and her mysterious Navajo-and-White family show him religious and lifestyle philosophies foreign to him, yet truly American.
When she’s kidnapped for unknown reasons, Grandma says that to find Megan, he must first “find himself.” What does that mean? Can God use Megan’s family, their Navajo ceremonies, and the police to find Megan and help her and Ian “walk in beauty” before it’s too late?
Ebook Buy Link: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_31_42&products_id=105
Print Book Buy Link: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=42
2 Why did you add the pets to your book?
Sheena
Since I’ve been animal lover all my life, especially birds, I had to have animals in all my books. I protect animals on the road by swerving to miss squirrels; I stop to take turtles to the other side of the road when I see them by a river I drive over every day, and stop to see the sandhill cranes that now hang out by that river. YES, I am an animal rubbernecker!
When it came to my writing, I had to have animals as characters. For Cottonwood Place, I use the dog and cat to maintain the mysterious bewitching aura that draws people to Megan’s inn, Cottonwood Place, for healing and peace. Who better than my Sheena to play Orion? Sheena died in 2011 of a ravenously deadly and rare cancer. I needed almost 5 years to recover from losing her, the only living thing I loved at that time. I’m so glad I immortalized her in the book. I’ve always wanted a cat since the only one I ever had, Rascal, a beautiful black male, died of severe kidney failure in 1976. He was the first Valentine’s Day present my husband bought me. What better way to give myself a cat than in my first novel?
3 What other romances have you written?
I have two other romance novels. The first is The Winds of Fall, which received 4s and 5s of five book reviews from LASR (Long and Short Reviews site). The Winds of Fall was my second published novel, and the “book of my heart.” Combining two dreams from my teen years lead to this sci-fi romance about Skye and Joe. Both are aliens living on Earth; Skye doesn’t know she’s an alien who was stranded here, but Joe immediately knows what she is when he sees her hand entering one of his artworks in a gallery. This cover includes my other loves: sailing and deep water. Here’s the back-cover blurb:
Unknown to Skye Worthington, the people most important to her are keeping unearthly secrets from her. If not revealed and faced, these secrets will cause death for untold billions of people, Skye included.
Rebelling against his family and their deadly but necessary secrets, which keep him a recluse in a Caribbean paradise, Joe Allen meets Skye. They fall into a love forbidden to Joe until now.
Can two people with unimaginable secrets—and more in common than either know—overcome a force capable of entering dreams and taking humans through outer space without life support to other planets? This is the dilemma facing Skye and Joe as she fights to keep her sanity and her identity as a human being.
My last novel is The Diamond Road, based on The Ice Road Truckers History Channel series. I just found a 5-star review for it on Amazon from Janna S. Here’s blurb:
Devoted to her family and God, American trucker Connie Williams decides to run the ice roads to earn money to pay her beloved father’s mounting bills as he fights kidney failure. Losing him will destroy her. Subconsciously, she feels inadequate because she never went to college like her siblings and still lives life like a teenager.
Canadian professor, rancher, and ice-road trucker Jake Baxter runs the ice roads for money to keep his ranch out of his greedy siblings’ hands. He clings to the ranch because it’s the only thing keeping his parents alive in his heart; their deaths are too fresh in his mind, too overwhelming. He blames God for his parents’ deaths and hates seeing any living creature die.
During Yellowknife, Canada’s ice road season, they will face two truckers fixated on murderous revenge. Connie and Jake and their friends have three short months to solve the mystery of who their attackers are and stop them, or die.
Connie is a rare-breed of woman, a trucker, one familiar with all trucks and driving them to deliver supplies to the people of Great Falls, Montana. Determined to save her family, she finagles the right to drive her father’s big-rig to Yellowknife, Canada, where she is befriended by Faith Embleton of Embleton House B&B (a real place and a real friend I made while researching Yellowknife) and a host of other Yellowknifers.
Jake, though disillusioned with life because of his family’s treatment of him after their parents die, loves Connie almost immediately and helps her survive the ice-road season while fighting off an embittered ex-ice road trucker who tries almost successfully to kill her to get revenge on her father for him being banned from the ice road for the rest of his life. Connie and Jake marry in the Winter King’s ice castle and return to Great Falls together.
Soulmate Publishing ebook: http://soulmatepublishing.com/the-diamond-road/
Amazon print book: https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Road-Sandy-Wickersham-McWhorter/dp/1619352044/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
I’d like to mention my latest book: a chapbook of science-fiction poetry based on my long love of the stars and outer space since age 5, and later of Star Trek. I never thought I’d EVER write poetry, let alone publish some! I’ve had single poems published and been in two anthologies, one this spring to support the planetarium at Ball State University in my home town of Muncie, Indiana.
This chapbook was just released last month from Bloodstone Press. This cover combines all the things I love: sunsets on water and the stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Sci-Fi-Dreams-Little-Girl-Chapbook/dp/1793259011
4 Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Willie
This is my website: http://www.sandywick.com/
And this is my Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.wickershammcwhorter
Also, I will give away a free autographed copy of Cottonwood Place to a commenter on this blog post. You can tell me a story about your favorite pet–one you’ve loved and lost or one you have now that means everything to you. Or you can post a photo of your pet or just comment on my interview. In early November, I’ll randomly choose one commenter to win a novel.
Finally, here’s a photo of my current pet, Willie, asking why he can’t go for a ride since he’s obviously in the car and ready!
Marcia James: Thank you, Sandy, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: In addition to Sandy’s offer to win one of her novels, would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Barbara White Daille
1. I hear you have a pet in your novel. Tell us about the book.
Hi, Marcia, and a big thank you for inviting me to the blog! Though I love all the books I’ve written, I have to admit this first one I’m mentioning holds a special place in my heart. It’s the story of a hero who suddenly becomes a daddy to a four-year-old girl, a child he’d never known he’d fathered—a child he can’t communicate with because she speaks only in sign language.
Little Becky forms a special bond with a puppy who shows up in her yard as unexpectedly as she has appeared in her daddy’s life.
A Rancher’s Pride is book one in the Flagman’s Folly series. This is the blurb from the back cover:
His Whole World Is In Her Hands
Sam Robertson’s life just changed. In one short day, he found out that he’s a daddy; that his beautiful little girl, Becky, is deaf; and that her aunt, sign language teacher Kayla Ward, intends to fight him for custody.
There are plenty of reasons Sam shouldn’t fall for Kayla. A city girl like her has no place on his ranch, particularly when she’s his ex-wife’s gorgeous sister. But thanks to the judge’s orders, Sam’s spending a lot of time with Kayla, trying to give Becky the stable home she’s never known.
Despite their ongoing custody battle, Sam and Kayla’s love for Becky brings them closer than they ever expected, and Sam knows that no matter who wins in court, he could still lose—Kayla or his daughter.
Here are some of the places you’ll find A Rancher’s Pride:
Amazon http://bit.ly/Amazon-ARanchersPride-BarbaraWhiteDaille
B&N http://bit.ly/BN-ARanchersPride-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Harlequin http://bit.ly/Harlequin-ARanchersPride-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Books-A-Million http://bit.ly/BAM-ARanchersPride-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Kobo http://bit.ly/Kobo-ARanchersPride-BarbaraWhiteDaille
2. Why did you add a pet to A Rancher’s Pride?
In the case of A Rancher’s Pride, I didn’t have much choice! 🙂
Sam’s life may have changed drastically, but so has Becky’s, and naturally she’s a bit lost and confused. When a mixed-breed puppy bounds into Becky’s new backyard, she’s thrilled to make a friend and immediately “adopts” and names the pup. No spoilers here, but. . . the name Becky gives the dog is tied into his description and relates to her character. She and I both just fell in love with the little guy. : ) Here’s a peek at him through the heroine’s eyes:
Kayla moved over to the screened door and saw Becky outside with one of the ranch animals, a puppy. He looked like a Labrador-Shepherd mix. His body and nose were dark, his face tan. A large dark patch of fur completely circled one eye, giving him a permanently startled expression.
3. What other books have you written?
I write short contemporary romance, usually on the sweeter side, though some have been called “sensuous” by reviewers. Although many of the books are in series, all my books are standalones in that the hero and heroine of each book reaches their Happy Ever After by the end of their story.
There’s a printable list of my books at my website (under the Books tab), and I’ll share a bit about a few of the stories below.
My current series from Harlequin is The Hitching Post Hotel, which includes The Cowboy’s Little Surprise, A Rancher of Her Own, The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal, Cowboy in Charge, The Cowboy’s Triple Surprise, The Rancher’s Baby Proposal, and The Rancher’s Family.
The Rancher’s Family, my first clean romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, celebrates its book birthday this month!
“Are you my new mommy?”
She certainly hopes so…
After a devastating loss, Cara Leonetti’s dreams of a husband and children are on hold. But Cowboy Creek’s local matchmaker thinks otherwise! And Cara finds herself unexpectedly entangled in the day-to-day family chaos of widower Wes Daniels and his two small children. She’s falling hard, but the strong, silent rancher doesn’t trust in love. Can Cara put her own fears aside and show Wes that they’re stronger together?
Amazon http://bit.ly/Amazon-TheRanchersFamily-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/BN-TheRanchersFamily-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Books-A-Million http://bit.ly/BAM-TheRanchersFamily-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Harlequin http://bit.ly/Harlequin-TheRanchersFamily-BarbaraWhiteDaille
Kobo http://bit.ly/Kobo-TheRanchersFamily-BarbaraWhiteDaille
The Flagman’s Folly series includes A Rancher’s Pride, The Rodeo Man’s Daughter, Honorable Rancher, and Rancher at Risk.
Rancher at Risk features a deaf heroine who is related to both Kayla and Becky from A Rancher’s Pride:
A Fresh Start
After the loss of his family in a tragic accident, Ryan Malloy has been given one last chance to change his life. His boss sends him to Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico, to run his ranch, but unfortunately, Ryan’s troubled attitude lands him in hot water with the locals, especially the ranch’s manager, Lianne Ward.
Deaf since birth, Lianne has never let her disability define who she is. But, she’s yet to meet a man who treats her as an equal. Ryan seems different…that is, when they’re not butting heads over the ranch’s new school for disadvantaged boys.
Forced to work together, Lianne and Ryan discover an unexpected attraction beneath their quarreling. But will Ryan’s painful past drive them apart…permanently?
The Snowflake Valley series from Entangled Books includes the holiday stories Snowbound with Mr. Wrong and One Week to Win Her Boss.
One Week to Win Her Boss:
Single mom Amber Barnett loves family, kids, Christmas…and unfortunately, her boss, confirmed bachelor Michael DeFranco. It’s a crush she really needs to get over. Except, when she’s temporarily forced from her apartment, her only option is to stay at Michael’s private ski lodge, where she’s the housekeeper. No problem. Her handsome boss rarely visits Snowflake Valley unexpectedly, plus he’s spending the holidays with his family. Or so she thinks…
A stormy Christmas Eve reunion leaves Michael seeking the solitude of his lodge, where he finds Amber in residence—and in trouble. Attempting to save her from her matchmaking family, he announces they’re a couple. His good deed backfires when they’re instantly included in each and every holiday event in town. So much for solitude.
Only the more time he spends with the beautiful, cheery brunette, the more he yearns to make things real between them. But he and Amber want different things, and Michael could never be the family man she’s looking for.
Entangled: http://bit.ly/owep2l85mN
Amazon: http://bit.ly/ow2l9Detp
Last but not least, Family Matters is a book about a heroine whose full-time job appears to be rescuing one member or another of her large and crazy Irish family. And The Sheriff’s Son and Court Me, Cowboy, my first two published books, are set in Dillon, Texas.
Court Me, Cowboy:
Not The Present He’d Expected This Christmas
Three weeks. Gabe Miller’s marriage ended in divorce so fast it had hardly begun. Which is why he couldn’t quite believe his luck—or his “ex”—when she returned a few months later with the news that legally they were still husband and wife. And that the child she was carrying was his son.
It looked as if Marissa might bolt again, making a custody battle his only option—unless he could turn back the clock and woo her the way he should have during their whirlwind affair. But even with his boy’s future at stake, mending fences with a woman—especially the one he loved—wasn’t something the strong, silent type found easy to do….
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
My books, short fiction, and works-in-progress have won or received nominations for awards such as the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award and the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award. They also have won or reached finalist standing in a number of Romance Writers of America chapter and other, non-romance, contests. Several of my books received TOP PICK ratings from RT Book Reviews.
The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal, one of the Hitching Post Hotel books, was included in USA TODAY’s Happy Ever After Best Romances. A review of the book says, in part: “[Daille] deftly offsets tension and drama with the antics of an interfering family, and builds to a happy ever after that resonates with healing and hope. Say ‘I do’ to The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal—you’ll be so very glad you did.”
5. What made you become a writer?
This question is always one of my faves! When I was a little girl, I used to see my mom sitting at our kitchen table with something she called books. She taught me these volumes held wonderful stories, and soon after she started reading children’s books aloud to me, I began “writing” stories of my own. These were scrawled in crayon on construction paper because I couldn’t read or write.
We often visited our local library, where the rule was that to get your own library card, you had to be able to write (or print) your name on the application. That day came for me when I was about five or six years old and barely tall enough to reach the top of the librarian’s desk to hand over my paperwork. That was one of my proudest days ever, and libraries have always been among my favorite places. My hope as a writer is that my books will give as much enjoyment to my readers as other authors’ books bring to me.
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Readers – I hope you’ll check out my website, consider signing up for my newsletter, and look for me at my blog or on social media:
Website https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Newsletter https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com/newsletter
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhitedaille
Twitter https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-white-daille
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/529361.Barbara_White_Daille
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-White-Daille/e/B002J6B0QQ
Harlequin https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/23759_barbara-white-daille.html
Entangled http://entangledpublishing.com/category/barbara-white-daille/
Also, leave a comment or question or share a pet story or photo in the comments below my blog post, and during the first week of October, I’ll pick a winner to receive an autographed print copy of one of my available backlist books. (Open to US/Canada mailing addresses only, please, and based on book availability at the time the winner’s name is announced.) Check for my comment here at the blog after the first week of October to see if you’ve won!
Marcia James: Thank you, Barbara, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Jessica James
1. I hear you have a pet in your latest novel. Tell us about the book.
My new novel, Lacewood, is a blending of all the things I love to read: history, mystery, and a love story (actually TWO love stories), all of which are blended together in a small Southern town. Two things that most of my books contain are characters who are in the military or veterans—and at least one animal. The pet featured in this book is a German shepherd named Zeke, who is an emotional support animal for one of the main characters who has PTSD.
Lacewood Blurb:
A love story that spans centuries…
Two people trying to escape their pasts find a connection through an old house—and fulfill a destiny through the secrets it shares. Part love story, part ghost story, Lacewood is a timeless novel about love and loss, roots and belonging, and spirits of the past that refuse to be quieted.
With emotion and vivid storytelling, the book conveys the heartache of war, the tragedy of loss, and the fulfillment of destiny…even when souls are separated by centuries.
Lacewood takes readers on a journey that connects the past with the present—and the present with eternity.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PW8BQJ4
Apple Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1447749646
Universal Link https://books2read.com/u/mYoj2P
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lacewood-jessica-james/1130038190?ean=2940156236220
Video Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHEHQjD5Vac
2. Why did you add a pet to this book and your other books?
I never really planned it this way, but I have pets in every book I’ve written. I guess that’s because I can’t imagine a life without pets, and I can’t imagine the characters that I create being without an animal in their lives.
It’s interesting that the “pets” I’ve created have become some of the most memorable characters in my books. I can post a picture of a black horse on my Facebook page and ask readers who it reminds them of, and they all still remember his name from my novel, Shades of Gray: Justus. That book came out 12 years ago!
My love of animals is not on a surface level. My first career was working as a surgical veterinary technician in a state-of-the-art equine hospital. I have “rescued” stray animals all my life and currently have three cats who found my house at different times. (And they are all now between 15 and 17 years old).
I lost my German shepherd about 3 years ago at the age of 13 and still haven’t replaced her. (But I’m looking!)
3. What other books have you written?
I started my writing career in the historical fiction genre with Civil War novels. Shades of Gray (and the re-written version, Noble Cause, which has a happily-ever-after ending), followed by Above and Beyond, Liberty and Destiny (Revolutionary War), and The Lion of the South.
Then, I began to write romantic suspense and thrillers with the award-winning novel, Meant To Be, and the Phantom Force Tactical Series: Deadline, Fine Line, and Front Line.
Historical Fiction:
Noble Cause: Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect is the Union spy he has vowed to his men he would destroy. https://books2read.com/u/mdNJl5
Above and Beyond: A raging war. An unexpected love. A selfless sacrifice. Charismatic Confederate cavalry commander Douglas Benton would much rather flirt with a woman than work with one. But Rebel spy Sarah Duvall soon teaches him that faith is more important than glory—and love more important than life. https://books2read.com/u/bza7jL
Liberty and Destiny: The spark from a single candle can light a sacred flame. Two patriots show their devotion to freedom as they struggle to survive in a war-torn country full of deceivers and spies during the American Revolution. https://books2read.com/u/mgrJl0
Romantic Suspense:
Meant To Be: What do you do when the person you most want to protect is the one risking everything to make sure you survive? It started as a chance encounter on the beach, and ended 24 hours later when they parted to go their separate ways. Or so they thought. https://books2read.com/u/4AwDKK
Thrillers:
Deadline: A resolute journalist and a Navy SEAL turned homicide detective collide as they strive to get to the bottom of a puzzling series of deaths. But what happens when sparks start to fly? A dynamic romantic thriller! https://books2read.com/u/3J0LQA
Fine Line: With a new wife and a successful career as the co-owner of Phantom Force Tactical, retired U.S. Navy SEAL and former homicide detective Blake Madison thinks he has it all. But when his wife disappears from their bed while he’s taking a morning job, Blake has to figure out if it’s someone from her past as an investigative journalist or his as a combat veteran and police officer. https://books2read.com/u/b5MnZk
Front Line: Nicholas “Colt” Colton thought the radical extremist he captured years ago was locked away for good. Unfortunately, a new classified mission reveals that the threat is still very real, and corruption within the U.S. government runs deep. In this finale of the Phantom Force Tactical series, Colt joins forces with another counter-terrorism agent to stop a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C. after Mexican drug smugglers unite with ISIS terrorists to infiltrate the U.S. https://books2read.com/u/mVZ9VJ
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
I am very honored to be a three-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, as well as a gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and more than a dozen other literary awards. However, I’d have to say that some of the emails I get are even more special than the awards. Here’s a sample:
“My house is a mess, my sink is piled high with dishes and my husband ate watermelon for dinner because I could not put down Shades of Gray. Could. Not. Put. Down. Honestly, this book completely captivated me and left me emotionally drained. I loved it!!!”
“I’ve not been much of a reader and was given Shades of Gray. I’ve read it five times and fall in love every time I read it. Because of you I have developed a love for reading.”
“It is now 1 a.m. cause I couldn’t put down my I-pad with your delicious novel. Thank you for the pleasure you afforded this 81 year old.”
“Wonderful, fabulous book! I seldom reflect back on a book, but this one has haunted me since I finished it at 2 a.m.”
“Lost a lot of sleeping reading this one. Too good to put down! Made me laugh. Made me cry. Awesome book!”
“Oh my, I let the world go on around me and could hardly put it down. Every free moment, every break at work. LOVED IT!!!”
“I was completely lost and spellbound by the realistic story. Without hesitation I must say this now ranks equally with Gone With The Wind.”
“I stayed up until 2 a.m. two nights in a row because I couldn’t put it down. It was a book that I couldn’t wait to read, yet I didn’t want it to end!”
“This book has touched me more than any other I have ever read. I cried, laughed, and then cried some more. Thank you for such an amazing and touching story.”
“If someone said I could only ever have one book for the rest of my life either of these [Shades of Gray or Noble Cause] would be my pick. Thank you.”
”This book absolutely ripped my heart out. Superb. Thank you for such a moving, believable love story.”
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Website and Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com
(Sign up for my newsletter and get a copy of From the Heart: Civil War Love Letters)
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001IYTXOG
BookBub : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-james
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/southernromance/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/586216.Jessica_James
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RomanticHistoricalFiction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicajames/
Marcia James: Thank you, Jessica, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Meredith Bond
1. I hear you have your dog Duchess in one of your latest novels. Tell us about the book.
Thanks so much for having me here today!! I just love talking about Duchess! Yes, I know, what pet-owner doesn’t love talking about their fur-babies! LOL! But first you asked about the book she’s in…
The book is actually a series of books in which Duchess is one of the characters. It’s called The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society (series) and is a “traditional” (sweet, no bedroom scenes) Regency romance.
The first book of the series is A Hand for the Duke. It’s about a young woman, Tina Rowan, who was born “on the wrong side of the blanket” (she’s illegitimate) and a stuffy, but handsome and lovable, duke. She’s being blackmailed by her foster-father and needs to become a successful dressmaker in London fast (in order to pay him the money he expects or else he’ll tell the world that she’s illegitimate and who her real mother is). Her mother is a well-respected lady of society who needs to keep that secret to herself.
The duke, Warwick (that’s his title and what he’s called), is bringing out his younger sister into society and needs her dressed properly (cue the dressmaker!). His sister is the sweetest, most shy and insecure person, and really isn’t so sure about this whole society business; but she’s got to find a husband and get married, or else she’ll lose her inheritance.
The ladies of the Wagering Whist Society, headed by Tina’s mother, get together and play whist (a precurser to bridge) every week. Usually people played for money, but these ladies play for secrets! The person with the fewest number of points at the end of two games must tell their deepest, darkest secret. They’re also a wonderful, caring group of women who are there to help each other out of difficult situations and give a needed shove to a romance to make sure everything works out the way it should.
You can find A Hand for the Duke wherever you buy books online:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q822RKS
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1131086919?ean=2940156472598
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/book/id1458372099
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-hand-for-the-duke-1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meredith_Bond_A_Hand_for_the_Duke?id=0UeQDwAAQBAJ
2. Why did you add your pet to these books?
Duchess
So where does Duchess fit into all this fun? Well, in real life, she’s my dog (see picture). She’s the sweetest, most affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed is known for being very loving, and Duchess is an excellent example of this. She loves everybody and, whenever we go out for a walk, trolls the streets of the city where we live for pets from willing strangers. How could I not put such a dog into my book?
In all of the books of The Ladies Wagering Whist Society, Duchess belongs to Mrs. Aldridge, one of the members of the society. She brings little Duchess with her just about everywhere she goes. Duchess provides solace to those who are upset for any reason and happily gets the attention of the ladies when one person has an announcement to make to them all. She is also a cause for unrest among the group because one member, an actual duchess, does not like dogs and especially doesn’t like overly friendly dogs who rub their dirty little faces on her beautiful gowns. The mix-up between people calling the dog and the duchess can get rather funny at times, must to the lady’s chagrin!
3. What other romances have you written?
A Hand for the Duke is the first of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society. The second book, Jack of Diamonds, is also available and the third, The Games She Played, was published June 14th. Here are quick descriptions of them:
Jack of Diamonds:
Can a young woman with a dark secret allow light and love into her heart? Can a Robin Hood be the man to do it?
He’ll steal from the rich to feed the poor, but he’s powerless when a beautiful young woman steals his heart. But she can’t let her love for a gentleman thief distract her.
It will take the love of a gentleman thief to help Lydia, but it’s the assistance of The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society John needs to win his diamond.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RVQ8RVM
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1131189466?ean=2940156498635
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jack-of-diamonds-6
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/jack-of-diamonds/id1459252079
The Games She Played:
Diana and her father race horses, but when a heart-attack fells him, a physician is needed. The charming lord doctor is so very distracting while Diana is trying to make good on a bet her father made.
Lord Colburne only wants to saves lives. The possibility of winning the heart of one of his patient’s daughter just adds to his determination.
Delve into the world of Regency horseracing and medicine in this sweet romance where it will take the efforts of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society to have a healthy outcome.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Games-Played-Ladies-Wagering-Society-ebook/dp/B07RDB14ZL
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-games-she-played-meredith-bond/1131490771?ean=2940156596850
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-games-she-played
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1462583110
The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society is the third series of Regency romances I’ve written. The Merry Men series (of nine novels and novellas) deals with people trying to fit into Regency society (including an Anglo-Indian lord, an American, a young woman raised in Spain, and a trio of sisters raised on an archaeological dig in Greece), and The Storm Series (four novels) combines fantasy elements (magic!) with Regency romance. You can find them all wherever you buy books online or read more about them (including excerpts) on my website: MeredithBond.com.
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
One reader wrote about A Hand for the Duke:
“What an exciting read! Being such a fan of royal historical novels, I love getting lost in your characters and settings. Your writing is the perfect escape for me at the end of my hectic day. I keep a list of ‘must have re-reads,’ and you have quickly climbed to the top of that list! I can’t wait to read more!”
Another reader said:
“The plot and characters are well developed. It is a heartfelt story filled with lots of twists and turns that held my interest throughout. It’s a story that’s well worth reading.”
About Jack of Diamonds:
“Another winner by this author. Beautifully written and era appropriate, with an entertaining story and engaging characters, this book entranced me. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. Although it is part of a series, it reads perfectly well as a standalone novel. Once again we are given an incredibly intriguing story, full of twists and turns, with a storyline that reads slightly different from the standard historical romance fare.”
Another reader said:
“Adore Merry’s books, adore this series. Just felt overwhelmed reading this, brought on so many emotions. Couldn’t tear myself away from Jack of Diamonds…such a magnificent storyline n the way it’s so cleverly ties into the first book.”
5. How do you promote your books?
I promote my books through Amazon ads and making appearances on blogs like this one! It’s really word-of-mouth that sells books. Writing a great book and then asking people to share it.
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
I am everywhere online! LOL! But if you really want to connect with me (and I would love for you to do so!!) “Like” my Facebook page and sign up for my newsletter. Thanks!!
Website: http://www.MeredithBond.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredithbondauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredith_bond/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrybond
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merrybond/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/meredith-bond/69/a64/647/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/847484.Meredith_Bond
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/merrybond
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Meredith-Bond/e/B001KI1SNE
Newsletter signup: http://meredithbond.com/subscribe/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meredith-bond
Marcia James: Thank you, Meredith, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
PRISCILLA BROWN
1. I hear you have animals in your novels. Tell us about the books.
Hot Ticket:
What kinky no-hoper would attach his business card to the sexiest bras in a luxury boutique?
Ambitious Sydney lawyer Olivia seconded to Darwin (Australia) after ending a toxic affair with her boss intends this six-month stay to be man-free. Yet curiosity leads her to investigate the guy at the café identified on his card. She’s shocked by the kick of heart when Callum, light years away from a no-hoper, serves her coffee topped by a chocolate heart, and she finds the tropical climate is not the only steamy aspect of her new life. Love or her career? Will she listen to her head and return, or to her heart and stay?
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/Hot-Ticket
Sealing the Deal
Mayor Anna Marshall agonises over the parlous finances of both her country town and of her alpaca stud. Will this sexy television producer be financial salvation or major trouble?
Excited that Kyle Kinross wants to shoot his blockbuster drama not only in the struggling town but on her cash-strapped farm, Anna sees his company’s fees as some relief from economic predicaments. But offering to pay her to film her alpacas smacks of buying her mayoral support. Could she survive accusations of payola? Is Kyle only after her influence to win over community opposition to his project, or could he possibly want her for herself?
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/Sealing-the-Deal
2. Why did you add animals to those books?
Callum grew up on a cattle station in Australia’s Northern Territory, where cattle dogs were part of the crew. Now settled in Darwin, he misses animals, and chooses a young cattle dog from Animal Rescue because he looked sad. Named JD for Juvenile Delinquent as the puppy has clearly never been trained, this energetic black-and-white animal learns quickly at Puppy School and his cheerful friendly personality emerges.
I gave Callum a dog because of his childhood and because an animal such as JD adds a dimension to his lifestyle, which at the start of the story centres on his new café business. As the plot advances, the dog becomes an important secondary character with a part to play in the developing romance between Callum and Olivia. In fact, he falls in love with Olivia before Callum does.
I’d reached a point in my romance writing career when I felt the need to locate a story in a rural Australian setting, and my own alpacas became the starting point for Sealing the Deal.
I’d come across a newspaper article about alpaca farming, and out of interest checked this out at an agricultural show. But there I fell in love with a young cinnamon-brown female with a pretty white face. I spoke to the owner, visited her stud, and ended up buying this one and a young black female. So began my love affair with these intelligent, inquisitive, friendly creatures. Gradually I built up my herd, and watching their actions and interactions inspired me to star them in a story. Unfortunately, unlike Anna in the story, no sexy television producer has ever wanted to film my animals!
3. What other romances have you written?
I write contemporary romances where the main characters spark off each other while struggling with the challenges each presents, and their different lifestyles and dreams.
Finding Billie
For mechanic Billie, fixing cars is easier than perking up her love life. When childhood friend Zac, whose family secretly left town years ago, calls into her service station by chance, they are astonished to come across each other. Their friendship blossoms; for Zac, struggling to cope after a personal tragedy, warm-hearted Billie is easy to talk to but he cannot let himself love her. Her long mislaid hormones leap into life, but dare she risk loving a man carrying so much baggage?
As I drafted the story, Billie told me she wanted a cat. In my childhood home, we had a much-loved ginger cat who thought he ruled his people. At the back of my writing mind, I always had the thought that I would one day put him in a story, so here he is. The inclusion of this feisty ginger feline who purrs with most humans but spits at any who are not nice to his owner rounded out Billie’s household of only herself and teenager Tim.
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/Finding-Billie
Silver Linings
He almost runs her over, she breaks a shoe in a drain. What can he do but play Prince Charming?
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/SilverLinings
A
Class Act
She’s lover shopping, but her new boss could never be the goods on her wish list.
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/Class-Act
Where the Heart is
No way does romance figure in recently-divorced Cristina’s expectations of her working holiday at a luxury Caribbean resort, but can this zany charmer of a pilot break through her defences?
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/Where-the-Heart-Is
4. Where can readers learn about your books and connect with you on line?
Website: https://priscillabrownauthor.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/priscillabrown
Marcia James: Thank you, Priscilla, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Jana Richards
1. I hear you have dogs in your novels. Tell us about the books.
I do! Here’s three of my books that prominently feature dogs:
Chill Out
Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?” Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.
Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.
As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Chill-Out-Candy-Hearts-Romance-ebook/dp/B018L29ZUY
Take A Chance On Me
Teacher Darcy Ferris loves travel almost as much as she loves her Toronto neighborhood. But no matter how far she roams, she always returns to the genteelly shabby Victorian mansion where she grew up, the last place her father lived. Darcy’s world is turned upside-down when the Victorian is slated for demolition.
Since architect Nick Cummings’ mother’s death, his father has retreated from his real estate developing business, and from life. In a desperate attempt to interest his father in living again, Nick buys a beat-up Victorian mansion and draws up plans to replace it with a Victorian-inspired condo. But he doesn’t expect such opposition from his new tenant, Darcy Ferris. Nor does he expect to fall in love with her.
Nick and Darcy must come to terms with the past before they can forge a future together. And they’ll need to take the biggest chance of all – on love.
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KNBM8G3
Child Of Mine
Lauren didn’t intend to sleep with her brother-in-law Cole on the day of her husband’s funeral. But now that she is pregnant, she’s not sorry. Cole’s given her a baby, a long-wished-for miracle. He’s been her friend forever, though she never told him or anyone else how unhappy her marriage to his cheating brother was. And she’s afraid to tell the small town that considered her husband a hero that the baby isn’t his.
Cole’s been in love with Lauren since he was sixteen. It kills him that everyone believes the baby is his dead brother’s. All he wants is to claim the baby, and Lauren, as his own. Though she marries him, will Lauren’s heart ever be his?
Lauren must tell the truth or risk losing Cole. Is her newly-discovered love for him greater than her fear of scandal in her hometown?
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY
2. Why did you add dogs to your books?
Indigo
Mainly because I love dogs. Giving a character a dog and showing how he/she relates to that animal tells us a lot about the person. The dogs I’ve featured have really become major characters in their stories.
Like Spike in Chill Out. Spike is a mastiff, and he was inspired by Indy (short for Indigo), a colleague’s mastiff. Like Spike, Indy was a rescue dog, and she was a very chill dog, a real gentle giant. She was friendly, loving and sweet, with some quirks, like demanding to sleep under the covers in my friend’s bed. I don’t think I ever heard her bark. I wanted to give Spike some of those traits, and I think he comes off as real, because he was based on a real dog.
Another fictional dog inspired by a real dog is Stanley the pug in Take A
Lou
Chance On Me. Stanley was inspired by my own dog, Lou. Even though I made Stanley a pure-bred pug and my dog Lou is actually a pug/terrier cross, they have the same attitude. And I mean attitude! I never knew how much I loved dogs until Lou came into our lives. She’s old now – sixteen and a half – and she’s certainly slowed down. But she’s still the same loving dog she’s always been.
Though I’ve never owned a Labrador retriever, I featured one in my latest release, Child Of Mine, because I’ve always thought they were wonderful dogs. Brady is featured on the cover of Child Of Mine and is owned by Cole, the hero of the book. Though Cole is his master, Brady falls head over heels in love with Lauren when she moves in. So much for man’s best friend!
3. What other books have you written?
I primarily write contemporary romance, but I love many other romance genres and have tried my hand at writing a few.
Seeing Things is my romantic suspense with a dash of the paranormal:
When psychic Leah McKenna “sees” the abduction of a small boy, she knows she must help find him, no matter the danger to herself. David Logan, the boy’s uncle, doesn’t believe in psychic phenomenon. He believes Leah knows who kidnapped his nephew and plans to stick close to her to discover the truth. As they search for Jeremy, they uncover truths about themselves and the way they feel about each other. Can Leah convince him her visions, and her love for him, are real before time runs out for all of them?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Things-ebook/dp/B004I6E7YM
I love stories set during and around World War Two. Here are a couple of my novellas set during that tumultuous period. Both are available as audiobooks:
Flawless
France, 1942. The world is at war. The Nazis have stolen the infamous blue diamond, Le Coeur Bleu, intending to barter it for weapons that will destroy the Allies. Jewel thief Hunter Smith is given a choice; help the French Resistance steal back the diamond and avenge the death of his best friend, or stay locked up in an English prison. He chooses revenge.
Resistance fighter Madeleine Bertrand’s husband died when he was betrayed by Hunter Smith. How can she now pretend to be married to the arrogant American? How can she betray Jean Philippe’s memory by her passionate response to Hunter’s kisses? Neither is prepared for the maelstrom of attraction that erupts between them. To survive they must uncover the mysteries of the past and conquer the dangers of the present. But first Madeleine must decide if her loyalties lie with her dead husband and the Resistance or with the greatest love of her life.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Flawless-Jewel-Night-ebook/dp/B004I438QW
Home Fires
Anne Wakefield travels halfway around the world for love. But when she arrives in Canada from England at the end of World War Two, she discovers the handsome Canadian pilot she’d fallen in love with has married someone else. Heartbroken, she prepares to return to London, though she has nothing left there to return to. Her former fiancé’s mother makes a suggestion: marriage to her other son.
Badly wounded and scarred during the war, Erik Gustafson thinks he’s a poor substitute for his brother. Although he loves Anne almost from the first time he sees her, he cannot believe she would ever be able to love him as he is – especially as he might be after another operation on his bad leg. Anne sees the beauty of his heart. The cold prairie winter may test her courage, but can she prove to Erik that her love for him is real?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Fires-Love-Letters-ebook/dp/B008MBM7CS
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
Last year I was lucky enough to win best contemporary romance in the “I Heart Indie” contest for Lies And Solace, book one in my Love at Solace Lake series. Book three in the series, Truth And Solace, won a Paranormal Guild’s Reviewers Choice Award, as did the whole series. I’ve been very happy with the reception my indie series has received!
For a complete list of my books with reviews, excerpts and formats (ebook, print and audiobook), go to my website at https://www.janarichards.com/books.html
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
I’m glad you asked, Marcia!
Website: http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG
Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter If you sign up to receive my newsletter, I’ll send you a copy of Take A Chance On Me free!
Marcia James: Thank you, Jana, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun and share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos to win and to feature on my social media pages and in my reader newsletter. To leave a comment and a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Maureen Fisher
1. I hear you include pets in your novels. Why do you add them to your books?
I grew up with pets, and I’m a huge fan of all animals, be they furry, feathery, scaly, or leathery. The favorite places I ever visited on my travels were Tanzania and the Galapagos, and that was because of the animals. Okay, so maybe I draw the line at mosquitoes, but I find dogs, ferrets, moose, aardvarks, turkeys, elephants, leopards, even the so-called ickier creatures like snakes and toads fascinating. When my youngest son was 10, I allowed him to have a pet rat. That’s right. A white-and-tan, ultra-friendly hooded rat called Ben. Ben was an extrovert who loved people. The little guy won my heart in spite of the gaping holes in my sofa cushions he gnawed. Hey, it was an old sofa. Ben spent many an hour snuggled up on my lap or shoulder, keeping me company.
Apparently, I’m incapable of writing a book without animals. I’ve tried, but it doesn’t work. They insist on sneaking in. I try not to let the furry creatures steal the scene, but it’s an uphill struggle. Other than the fact that I love animals, I use them in my books to reveal character and move the plot forward. They’re also great to inject humor. In my opinion, a tough alpha-male protagonist is ultra-sympathetic if he has a soft spot for animals.
2. Tell us about your most recent book.
Horsing Around With Murder is a funny, furry cozy mystery set on a dude ranch in the Alberta Foothills. Due to a family emergency, Abby, one of the ranch owners and Chief Financial Officer, is forced to act as event manager and interact with guests and horses. Unfortunately, she’s terrified of horses. Here’s an example of her first confrontation with Alamo, a gentle gelding:
The stable area was bright, airy, and spotless. The stall doors and upper grills were all painted white. Sunbeams poured in from strategically placed skylights and upper windows. Based on the neighing and restless shuffle of hooves, most stalls contained occupants.
“You look kinda green,” Dodie said to me. “You okay?”
“Dandy,” I lied.
She gripped my arm. “Your teeth are chattering.”
“Are not,” I muttered through a clenched jaw.
“You’re terrified. What’s up?”
To my utter humiliation, tears filled my eyes. If Dodie hugged me now, I would start to howl, so I turned and sped down the corridor. The sooner this nightmare ended, the better. Zipping past the first six stalls, I avoided eye contact with the occupants, who shoved massive heads out grill openings.
Every one of those suckers was munching on whatever horses chew when they’re not, say, taking a chunk out of someone’s butt. I’d reached the halfway point when the largest horse in the world whinnied, revealing long, yellow teeth. I skidded to a halt, certain the beast’s eyes shot red sparks. The sign over the stall door proclaimed “Alamo.”
I was about to dart past when Dodie gripped my elbow, preventing escape. “This one seems friendly. Here’s an opportunity for you to master your fear.
As the event manager, Abby has no choice but to accompany guests on a trail ride:
The presence of horse droppings made me bob and weave, detracting from my can-do attitude.
With the help of a mounting block, much undignified straining, and an embarrassing quantity of muscle on Zeke’s part, I found myself on board Alamo, my legs spread to the max. It was a miracle my straining ligaments and tendons didn’t squeal out loud.
“Yowza,” I muttered to Zeke. “I’m relying on you to scrape my remains off the trail.”
His face split in a broad grin. “You’ll be fine.”
Reins clutched in both hands, I said through gritted teeth, “Yeah, peachy.”
Throwing up was out of the question. So was flinging my arms in a death grip around Alamo’s neck. I assured myself I’d get the hang of this horseback-riding thing before long. How hard could it be?
As if reading my mind, Alamo shook his head and started moving. Where were the brakes on this sucker? Stifling a shriek, I used both hands to grip his mane as we ambled along the fence where grass grew long and green. He lowered his head to rip out a clump of grass and came up chomping.
Toward the end of the book, Abby’s attitude toward horses has softened:
A firm nudge against my shoulder made me yelp. Grabbing a fence post for support, I found myself nose-to-nose with Alamo. He whickered a greeting.
“Aw, gimme a break,” I whispered, scooting away.
The horse ambled alongside me.
I stopped walking to give him a long look. “So we’re friends, are we?”
Alamo gazed at me, his eyes liquid with adoration.
My heart softened. I stuck out a hand and rubbed his nose. “I’ve gotta go, fella, but I appreciate the support.”
He blew out a snort, as if saying, “No problem,” before giving a final nudge and clip-clopping away.
Here is the back cover blurb of Horsing Around With Murder:
Abby, Dodie, and Clara Foster, three 60-something sisters, are astonished to find they’ve inherited a dude ranch in the Alberta Foothills. Facing financial ruin due to extensive property upgrades, the sisters decide to host a week-long horse breeding symposium to attract more guests during the off-season.
Hours into the symposium, a sudden death appears accidental. When the Mounties dismiss Abby’s suspicion of murder, she convinces Dodie and a hot cowboy to help conduct a covert investigation without alerting their quirky guests.
Problem is, the guests are their main suspects.
Chaos ensues when the senior sleuths tangle with a runaway stud, a hands-on artificial insemination demo, one seriously amorous gelding (yes, it does happen), a llama on the lam, dwarf goats in the swimming pool, a cranky stallion, drug abuse, sabotage, animal rights activism, and more attempted murders. A late-life romance adds to the complications.
Warning: This book may contain inappropriate boomer humor.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://MyBook.to/HAWM
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2DslJdU
Nook: https://bit.ly/2BsyO6G
iStore: https://apple.co/2E47jC9
3. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
Reviews like these for Horsing Around With Murder stimulate my creativity and fuel my willingness to write another book:
“5.0 out of 5 stars – This Book is a Delight – This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was a delight. The suspense and laugh out loud moments keep the reader riveted to the page. The author masterfully blends humor and mystery to create an extremely fun read. The two things I took away from the book are: Don’t mess with senior citizens and take a pass if you’re ever offered a Super-Deluxe Fat Buster Thigh ‘n’ Butt Toner.”
“Horsing Around with Murder is a really good read – I laughed so hard in a few places that I couldn’t read for the tears rolling down my face. The author’s sense of humour is addictive and her twists and turns keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Look forward to reading more of her books. Truly enjoyable!”
“A Must Read If You Love Cozies!!! – Horsing Around with Murder by Maureen Fisher is a perfect example of a cozy! It’s got it all. Characters that are so life-like you’d like them for your own friends, the hilarious, wry, and naughty humor of people comfortable in their own skin that make you laugh out loud, and a story so well-crafted it will keep you guessing as to who dun it!
Thanks to the heroine Abby Foster, her sister Dodie, and a cast of eccentric characters including Chef Armand whose food sounds to die for, and of course, one hot guy called Zeke, the story just zings along at a wicked pace.”
“A Wonderful Romp! – It is a joy to read a book where the stars are 60+ women! I found sisters Abby, Dodie and Clara to be refreshing main characters that were well fleshed out and very believable women who were comfortable in their own skin … Maureen Fisher has created a warm and funny novel that fairly zips along and only resolves when you reach the point where you believe everyone done it! I look forward to the next in this series!”
4. What other books have you written?
I call my other books romantic suspense with heat, heart, and humor. All are on Kindle Unlimited.
Fur Ball Fever (The Fever Series, Book 1)
A pet spa owner loses her client’s prize pooch. Too bad the only man qualified to help is a former flame with his own agenda. Add an aging hippie aunt, renegade schnauzer, and a dominatrix or two to spice things up. Non-stop action bounces from beached corpses to fancy yachts and a raunchy Jersey Shore nightclub. Hazards soon multiply like bunnies, culminating in a second chance at love and a Fur Ball gala the locals will never forget.
“It entertains, it heals, it delivers a message.”
“… hilarious, moving, and sexy.”
“Romance, mystery & dogs with personality, all wrapped up with humor.”
For an excerpt, a buy link, and reviews: http://booksbymaureen.com/my-books/fur-ball-fever-2/
Cold Feet Fever (The Fever Series, Book 2)
One for the Money with steamy romance meets The Sopranos. A bad boy gambler and a mortician-turned-event-planner find romance while overcoming obstacles such as a goofy dog, ruthless thugs, exploding trucks, an eccentric granddaddy, disappearing corpses, an unfortunate synchronized swimming episode, and the threat of live cremation.
“An exciting novel that left me doubled over in laughter”
“a wonderful hilarious comedy … a warm and enjoyable read”
“I only stopped reading last night because my husband turned the lights out on me!”
For the buy link: http://booksbymaureen.com/my-books/cold-feet-fever/
The Jaguar Legacy
Romance, suspense, and adventure explode in the steamy Mexican jungle when a journalist’s past lifetime invades the present in unimaginable ways. Award-winning The Jaguar Legacy deals with themes of karma and reincarnation, love and loyalty, betrayal and redemption.
“…magnificent characters and scenarios.”
“An intricately woven tale of mystery, romance and occult. Definitely a keeper.”
“The ending really does give you goosebumps.”
For an excerpt, a buy link, and reviews: http://booksbymaureen.com/my-books/the-jaguar-legacy-2/
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Please feel free to keep in touch with me using the following links:
Website: http://booksbymaureen.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaureen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaureenFisherAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/845094.Maureen_Fisher
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Maureen-Fisher/e/B005EOLB1Y
6. Before you go, would you please tell us a little about yourself.
After spending eons in the I.T. consulting world, I live with my husband in Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city, where I write fresh and funny novels featuring romance, mystery, suspense, and always an animal or two. I’m also a besotted grandma, a voracious reader, the Gardening & Landscaping Coordinator for our community, an avid bridge player, yoga enthusiast, seeker of personal and spiritual growth, pickleball player, and infrequent but avid gourmet cook. My husband and I love to hike, bicycle, and travel. I’ve swum with sharks in the Galapagos, walked with Bushmen in the Serengeti, sampled lamb criadillas (don’t ask!!!) in Iguazu Falls, snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef, ridden an elephant in Thailand, watched the sun rise over Machu Picchu, and bounced from Johannesburg to Cape Town on a bus named Marula.
Marcia James: Thank you, Maureen, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun and share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos to win and to feature on my social media pages and in my reader newsletter. To leave a comment and a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Helen Henderson
1. I hear you have amazing equines in your fantasy romances. Tell us about the books.
In most fantasy worlds, horses and sailing ships are two of the most common means of transportation, besides flying on dragon back, of course. But the horses in the Dragshi Chronicles and the Windmaster Novels are more than just animals. They are characters who happen to be able to gallop. They are the seidheirn of the Dragshi Chronicles and the falaire of the Windmaster Novels, magical creatures of intelligence, with unusual speed and stamina. A toss of their mane or stomp of their hoof communicates as clear as spoken words. They also have their own unique personalities. If a groom isn’t available (or is unwilling) to open a stable door, a smash of the hoof will achieve the goal. But they will look sheepish afterwards and explain, “I couldn’t find anyone to help me. So I helped myself.”
What I liked best about the falaire and the seidheirn is their loyalty and friendship to their chosen riders. The mounts were more than transportation, they were confidants and their stolid nature provided comfort. In the case of Talann and Glyn in Hatchling’s Mate and Hatchling’s Vengeance, the emotional support was especially needed. Everyone expected Talann to be a dragshi and be able to take on dragon form. But no dragons sang a welcome at this birth. And Glyn had a secret that no one could every know. The loyalty and fighting ability of the seidheirn was recorded in a tune sung in Dragon Destiny called the “Battle Hymn of the Seidhern.” The tune was not used to inspire men before a battle, but to quiet rioting animals who panicked during a wall-rocking winter storm.
Earth magic allows the equines to gallop without leaving behind the sound of hoof falls and presents the image that they are nothing more special than a slightly large horse. A special talent of some falaire was the ability to boost their human friend’s magic with their own earth magic to make the mage’s spell even stronger. There are legends told of falaire who swim with shipfish in the deep oceans and soar with the birds. I won’t say what the head stallion Taerneach did, but the truth of one of the legends appears in Windmaster Legacy after a leap from a cliff.
About the Dragshi Chronicles: The dragshi are two beings, one human, one a dragon, who can change forms with the other at will. However, freedom of the skies comes with a price. Excerpts and more at https://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/p/the-dragshi-chronicles.html.
Dragon Destiny: https://books2read.com/Dragon-Destiny
Hatchlings Curse: https://books2read.com/HatchlingsCurse
Hatchling’s Mate: https://books2read.com/hatchlings-mate
Hatchling’s Vengeance: https://books2read.com/Hatchlings-Vengeance
First Change: Legends From The Eyrie: https://books2read.com/FirstChange
About the Windmaster Novels: Cast off and fill the sails for love and adventure. However be warned. Destiny cannot be avoided –especially when love controls the journey. Excerpts and more at https://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/p/the-windmaster-novels.html.
Windmaster – Revenge set Ellspeth and the archmage, Dal, on the path to her destiny, but prophecy controlled the journey. Adventure, magic, and the search for a hidden treasure in an epic fantasy. http://books2read.com/Windmaster
Windmaster Legacy – Dal must make an impossible decision—Rescue Ellspeth, save his mother, or thwart Bashim’s plans. As archmage, he might be able to survive killing the future of magic, but as a man could he live with the knowledge he caused the death of a loved one. http://books2read.com/Windmaster-Legacy
##NEW RELEASE – Windmaster Legend – A forbidden love. An impossible quest. Threats to life and career. If love survives, there is one more challenge—the accusation of witchcraft. https://books2read.com/windmaster-legend/
2. Why did you add the equines to the series? Have you had pets that inspired you?
For more than fifteen years, my house was ruled by a tuxedo cat. During our walks around the neighborhood on harness and lease, he ignored the barks of dogs or greeted them with a sophisticated meow giving his name as, “Cat…Tighe Cat.”
During my childhood, collies helped corral sheep and cows, and sometimes children. However, at this point in my life, my household is without a ruler who prefers to walk on four-feet and chase birds. A cat or dog wouldn’t fit the lifestyle. As a caregiver, we’ve worked too hard to eliminate the granny shuffle. But with an animal around, the shuffle is needed to ensure no one is blocking your path. And no cat likes to have his tail stepped on.
That doesn’t mean I’m without animal companionship. I am an adopted member of a pack that consists of a Siberian Husky, a Golden Retriever, and their human family. When I visit, Shadow, as the self-perceived alpha female, races over and garrulously greets with demands for pets and polite inquiries as to our day. Haley walks over more sedately as befitting her years. There is a comfort to the weight of a dog on your feet (at least before circulation stops) and a sense of being loved when they sit with their head on your lap.
For this post, the pet I’ve chosen is not a dog or a cat, but a magical equine. I have a personal connection to horses. When growing up, there was Fury, Flicka, Scout and Silver, Tornado, and of course, Trigger. (If the names don’t ring a bell, an online search will educate.) A Shetland pony graced our farm. No small creature, he was large enough to be ridden by an adult. And I broke my first bone because of him. Note to self—don’t ride without a saddle. An occasional ride on wooden trails when on vacations has kept the interest in horses alive. A bucket list item would be a horseback glamping trip in Wyoming or Montana.
3. What other romances have you written?
Besides the two fantasy series, I’ve also written a dark fantasy/romance. Imprisoned in Stone. For the crime of healing without payment, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. Centuries later, he felt the touch of another’s mind and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars. However, his potential savor’s only knowledge of him comes from an eerie message on the wall and nightmarish dreams. And, she is unaware of her latent magic–the power needed to free him.
A spell kept secret for generations.
A brotherhood thirsting for power.
Demands that cannot be obeyed.
A woman who stands to lose everything.
Imprisoned in Stone –
Excerpts: helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/p/imprisoned-in-stone-excerpt.html
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/Imprisoned-in-Stone
While the work isn’t a romance, several stories in the collection Hearth and Sand: Stories from the Front Lines and the Homefront are a love story or have a romantic element. Hearth and Sand are twelve tales of those who served on the front lines and the stories of loved ones left behind who preserved the homefront. Set universes apart and separated by decades in time, the stories in Hearth and Sand reflect a continuity of service from the past to the present and into the world of tomorrow. The tales cross genre from contemporary to historical, and science fiction to poetry. Although the events are fictional, the voices captured within these pages came from historical notes, veterans’ own words, letters left by their ancestors, or contemporary events. Pen was put to paper while watching fighter planes land in the Philippine Islands and in the shaded woods of a stateside farm.
More about Hearth and Sand – http://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/p/hearth-and-sand.html. Available at https://books2read.com/Hearth-and-Sand.
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews
Kudos and reviews, that’s a hard one for someone who prefers to be in the background. However, here are a few kind words acquired not by me, but the stories and characters whose tales I’ve had the privilege of presenting.
The tales of Captain Ellspeth and Lord Dal as recorded in the Windmaster Novels have been described as “A great read by an author with magic in her veins.” Comments about Windmaster include, “This beautifully crafted novel is filled with fascinating characters, both two- and four-legged” and “An intriguing fantasy that kept me riveted from the first page.” Windmaster Legacy was described as “a beautifully written, powerfully evocative sequel.”
For those who prefer to fly with dragons rather than hang out with mages, there are the Dragshi Chronicles. What has been said about the books is, “one of the best dragon shifter stories I have ever read,” “a fascinating fantasy world with engaging characters,” “An enjoyable fantasy read, especially for fans of dragons,” “Any fantasy lover would enjoy this epic tale!” and “a very unique story with a truly exceptional plot.”
And perhaps the best comment, “a true keeper.”
5. What is one thing readers might be surprised to know about you?
In a past life, I was a correspondent and feature story writer. Among the topics I wrote about were history (including military history), antiques, and military weapons. People who see me in a suit giving a lecture on how to create a novel notebook would not recognize me at a reenactment with a reporter’s pad and press badge hung low on my fatigues or in hoop skirt and wide-brimmed hat carrying a basket with my camera and recorder covered beneath a piece of gingham material. The historical research and additional backgrounds in creating computers and running a museum provide an unusual insight into building not just worlds of the past, but of the future.
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Helen invites you to join her on travels through the stars, or among fantasy worlds of the imagination. Connect with her online at her blog: helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com, as well as:
Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/HelenHenderson.author
Twitter—https://twitter.com/history2write
Amazon—https://www.amazon.com/Helen-Henderson/e/B001HPM2XK
Goodreads—https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/777491.Helen_Henderson
Marcia James: Thank you, Helen, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a FREE ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun and share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos to win and to feature on my social media pages and in my reader newsletter. To leave a comment and a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Jocie McKade
1. I hear you have pets in almost all of your books. Tell us about them.
I love critters, all kinds of critters, so it was natural for me to include them in my books. My romantic comedy series, The Three Baers, is set in ranch country Wyoming–a perfect setting for all kinds of critters! There are (so far) four books in the series and each one features animals. Now, don’t always expect a loving kitty or lapdog. No, my critters are more of the comical and unexpected variety.
In the first book, Baer Truth, there is a dog and he is pretty amazing, in fact, he befuddles the humans occasionally. But there is also a Black Angus Bull named Frosty, and he becomes quite the pet. Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2162jjb
In the second book, Baer Necessities, there is a dog of the smarter-than-most-humans variety and a grizzly bear who doesn’t really know he’s a bear. Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2bfrsE2
In the third book, Baer Facts, a certain Black-Footed Ferret adds a lot of laughter. A little back story: I fell in love with these particular ferrets in South Dakota on an RV trip. These native furballs were almost extinct when a small group of them were found in Wyoming. A group has been working hard for almost forty years to bring them back. So, of course, they had to play a part in my book. Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2byI1uZ
And in the fourth book, A Very Baery Christmas, a holiday skunk hitches a ride for a very special Christmas road trip. As you can see, animals play a special part in this series. Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2amK3NV
2. Why did you add pets to your books?
I can’t tell you how many times pets have saved my sanity, literally. I wouldn’t want to live in a world without their beauty, majesty, and affection.
I live out in the boonies on what we call Dust Bunny Farm. (That’s a story in itself!) My kids were in 4-H, and we are
Diesel
surrounded by farms with cows, horses, hogs, goats and, of course, wildlife. Deer, hawks, and fox all roam around here, and we’ve even been graced to spy a few Bald Eagles in the last few years.
My husband and I were raised with horses, cows, and chickens and that continued with our daughters. We’ve been lucky enough to share our farm with chickens, dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, a few wounded squirrels who were returned to the wild, and one rehabilitated falcon.
Now, we just have Diesel the Wonder Dog. He is a rescue who just celebrated his 15th birthday. He still makes me smile every single day.
All these animals have touched my heart, and I wanted to be sure to include them in my books. I guess it’s my way of saying thank you for all the warmth, love, and smiles they’ve brought me.
3. What other books have you written?
Besides the Three Baers series, I’ve also written a number of other books. If you land on my webpage, you’ll see my tagline is “eclectic author.” That pretty much describes my storytelling. I can’t seem to write within just one genre.
I have another romantic comedy called Heart River Inn set in the Pocono Mountains at a lover’s resort. It was one of the most fun books I’ve written. Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2a5O1ON
My last few books have been cozy mysteries and humorous thrillers. I think they evolved from my warped sense of humor. I love thriller movies, and all I can think of watching them is “what if someone like me were caught up in this spy game?” Well, I wouldn’t be very good at it, but it could make for some funny moments, and a story is born! I’ve written 14 books and have three already scheduled for this year.
My latest series is the Mayson-Dickson Mysteries. Here’s the blurb for the first book in the series, Mayson-Dickson, the Line is Drawn:
Imagine being told you have a twin sister and that your entire life has been a lie. Then an assassin’s bullet kills the only person who knows everyone’s secrets. Emme Mayson and Jackie Dickson started a private investigation firm to learn the truth. What they didn’t count on were the dead bodies that keep appearing. Mayson-Dickson–Northern logic, Southern charm, and murder! Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2a1CYVG
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
My writing has received the Author / Ambassador at Library Journal Self-e Authors, Winner Queen of the West Reader Favorite Award, Amazon Bestseller–Historical, Double finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Mystery and Humorous Categories, and Baer Truth received 4.5 stars from RT Book Reviews. Nearly all of my books have received 4–5 stars.
5. How do you promote your books?
This is probably the hardest thing about writing. My favorite promotion is to participate at writer’s conferences and actually meet readers. Traveling and conference fees, however, can make this expensive.
Primarily, I use social media. I send out a monthly newsletter, which lists new books, WIP [Works-in-Progress], or books I’ve put on sale, sometimes ONLY for my newsletter readers. And my newsletter features a fun column called Dust Bunny Bits, which features slice-of-life articles.
I also have a Facebook author page and a private Facebook reader page, as well as Twitter and Instagram. So, any readers who enjoy my books can find me online. I also have a webpage, and it has links to everywhere else!
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
The best place to start is on my webpage: www.jociemckade.com I (usually) keep it updated with my latest releases, buy links, and links to other places I’m loitering online instead of writing!
I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter. I send it only once per month, unless Spielberg wants movie rights to one of my books, then y’all are getting a special newsletter! Here’s the link: https://www.jociemckade.com/contact
And here are the links to my other online places:
Website
Author Facebook Page
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads Author Page
Pinterest Page
My Pinterest page has boards for each of my books, so you can get an idea of locations and the characters as I see them. Plus, a few other boards, you know, for all those things I’m gonna make someday!
Marcia James: Thank you, Jocie, for stopping by my Go Pets! blog! I look forward to reading your books!
READER INVITATION: Want to win a free ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun and share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos to win and to feature on my social media pages and in my reader newsletter. To leave a comment and a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Kayelle Allen
1. I hear you have shapeshifters in your novels. Tell us about those books.
My shapeshifters are unusual in that they don’t personally change shape — they trade places with their bondmates. Pietas and Dessy are twins and immortal. They are thousands of years old and their bondmates are twin dragons. Pietas and Stormsinger create thunderstorms and rain at will. Dessy and Fireshade summon ice and snow.
2. Why did you add shapeshifters to your books?
I love dragons and have a pair of statues near my desk. The pair is named for my two characters. The blue one (right) is Pietas/Stormsinger and the other is Dessy/Fireshade. Having these two nearby is good inspiration.
3. What other romances have you written?
I write multiple genres, including space opera, science fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, contemporary holiday romance, and science fiction romance. I used to write erotic romance, but I have moved to sweeter stories. Except for one trilogy, all my books are rated between G and PG13. In those books, there is no explicit content or profanity.
4. How do you promote your books?
Most of my promotion is sharing stories and insights about my characters. I’m active on Facebook and Twitter, and I have a huge collection of images on Pinterest. Pietas has a board with multiple sub-folders, each with unique images. I have one dedicated solely to dragons. https://www.pinterest.com/kayelleallen/bringer-of-chaos-pietas/dragons/ and another with panthers. https://www.pinterest.com/kayelleallen/bringer-of-chaos-pietas/panthers/
If someone wants to know more about me, the best place to find that is on my bio page. I call it Kayelle Allen and Misbehaving Robots. https://kayelleallen.com/misbehaving-robots/ There is a list of workshops I’ve taught, awards I’ve won, and a lot more background. When you join one of my reader groups, you have access to a whole lot more material, including downloads and free books. Everyone is welcome to visit my coloring book page and download as many coloring books as they want. I have several.
If you just want a list of books, download this pdf: https://kayelleallen.com/media/booksbykayelle.pdf I keep it updated, and it will soon have at least one more book. I have a new tale coming out in January, part of the Antonello Brothers series.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Please do connect. I love hearing from readers and I’m always happy to chat and answer questions. If you join one of my reader groups, you’ll be first to get inside secrets and access to exclusive content just for members. You can choose SciFi or SciFi with Romance. That way, you only get material of interest to you.
Homeworld https://KayelleAllen.com
Reader Groups https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups/
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Amazon Author page http://amazon.com/author/kayelleallen
READER INVITATION: Want to win a free ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun and share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos to win and to feature on my social media pages and in my reader newsletter. To leave a comment and a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!