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!
Sandy Loyd
Marcia, Thanks so much for having me on your blog to tell you about my books that have pets in them. I’m a huge animal lover, especially cats…all shapes and sizes. Yet I can’t rule out dogs, because I have one of the best dogs ever. Which leads me to your first question…
1. Sandy, I hear you have a pet in your story, A Christmas Miracle, which—as the title suggests—is a Christmas story. Tell us about the book.
A Christmas Miracle is the first book in the series, and it’s based on a true story that happened on Christmas Eve right after an ice storm. I wanted to immortalize the event, so I wrote a quick story about it. Since I write contemporary romance, I created a sweet romance in that involves a Labrador retriever we found half-starved at a lake where we owned a cabin.
This uplifting short story will warm the heart on this cold holiday season. Here’s the blurb:
Megan Jenkins isn’t looking forward to Christmas. The holidays will forevermore remind her of what she had and lost. Her husband, and love of her life, died a few days after Christmas the year before, leaving her a young widow with a fatherless son to raise. During the course of this Christmas Eve, Megan experiences her own Christmas Miracle as she learns the true meaning of giving with the help of Kevin Murdock, a long-time friend who’s always been there for her.
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2.Why did you add a pet to A Christmas Miracle?
Since this story is based on a true event, the dog in the story is necessary for the plot. As mentioned above, Buddy was a stray. He was the sweetest dog, and I couldn’t fathom why anyone would be so cruel as to leave him on a rock in the dead of winter. I have to admit to being more of a cat person, than a dog person. I love dogs, but I never wanted one. Let’s be honest, dogs require a lot of attention and work that cats don’t need. Still, I took Buddy in, even finding him a home. But before the new owner could pick him up, I fell in love with him, which happened in the span of a few days. Buddy is the dog on the book’s cover. He’s worth all the extra work because he gives so much back.
Not long after adopting Buddy, I took in another stray that both my husband and son still give me grief about because she was the ugliest cat. My niece was fostering her and her kittens. The kittens were adorable. I knew they’d be adopted, but Sylvia, the ugly momma cat who was a kitten herself, would most likely spend the rest of her days in a cage. She was too sweet for such a fate. Sylvia is the inspiration for my second book in this series, A Christmas Miracle: The Gift Of Love.
Here’s the blurb:
For all who are searching for their someone special. May the gift of love reach your hearts this holiday season.
Angie Reynolds’ heart aches for a husband and family of her own. Unfortunately, she’s looked for love in all the wrong places with nothing to show for it but disappointment. None of the guys she’s dated is worthy of her, including her ex-husband. This Christmas season looks to be another one spent alone. Yet until Angie realizes her own worth, she will never be able to accept the gift of love from someone like Brad Miller.
As you can tell by the blurb, there is more to the story. Doing a Christmas novella is special, requiring a different approach. Readers who liked my first Christmas story wanted. I dug deep and pulled together a story from a few experiences I’ve had that meant something to me. If I can create a story that contains the lessons I’ve learned during my life and be entertaining at the same time, then I feel I’ve accomplished a miracle. My miracle wasn’t just finding love, but accepting it. Funny, I never thought I was one of those who “searched for love in all the wrong places,” but back then I was. I learned from my journey and thought it a worthwhile topic for my second Christmas novella. Also, the cat on the cover is the same cat we adopted.
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3. What other romances have you written?
I’ve written over 20 books in several genres. Besides contemporary romance, I write romantic suspense, historical romance, and I even have a time-travel story that goes back to 1874 in Kentucky, the year before the Kentucky Derby was established. That story focuses on thoroughbreds. If you’re a horse lover, you’ll love Time Will Tell: Book One of theTimeless Series, and it’s free for a limited time:
Here’s the plot:
Romance and adventure…and a trip to where an American tradition began…
Libby Edwards, a gifted horsewoman, unwittingly wishes herself back in time to Louisville, Kentucky just before Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby became a reality. During Libby’s journey in the past, she stumbles upon her destiny. Unfortunately, he’s in the wrong century. In 1874, there’s no electricity, no Internet, no modern medicine, no antibiotics—no Starbucks! And even worse than that, women have no rights. Libby has no desire to stay.
Widower Colin Thorpe, a renaissance man of his time, has big dreams. He is a horse breeder who names his thoroughbreds after Mythological Gods, because he has a reverence for past cultures and an appreciation for the unexplainable.
Libby and Colin can’t resist falling in love with each other. After all, Colin accepts Libby for who she is, and she understands Colin’s dreams better than his deceased wife ever did. Yet he grasps early on that Libby doesn’t belong in 1874. And because his wife never adapted to the move from Virginia to Kentucky, becoming bitter and unhappy in the process, he won’t take the chance of the same thing happening to Libby. Can these two lovers find a way to be together despite their challenges?
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Another of my stories involving an animal is the romantic mystery/suspense, Running From Love. Again, the stray dog is instrumental in the plot:
Michelle “Shelly” Matthews has decided to quit running from her past and meet it head on. Yet, nothing goes as planned, starting when she returns to her hometown to meet her ex-best friend, who collapses in her arms after making a puzzling statement.
Shelly then survives two near-fatal misses that are too coincidental to be accidents. After a third incident, where she dodges a couple of bullets aimed at her, Shelly has no choice but to run again. Only this time she’s running with Jacob Collier, the man she originally left behind and the last person she intended to see.
Jake Collier hasn’t got time to worry over Michelle Matthews’ hesitance to accept his protection. Women are dying of drug overdoses, his ex-wife included. Since he’s the lead DEA agent on his current case—and he believes the attempts on Michelle’s life are somehow related to it—Michelle is stuck with him.
When another fiery attempt sends the two into deeper cover, hurtful truths about their pasts come out. Neither is guilt free. At this point, both Shelly and Jake wonder the same thing. Even if they do survive, can they find enough forgiveness in their hearts in order to love again?
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iBooks
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
My stories have tons of online five-star reviews. They’ve also won many awards, including the books mentioned above. Running From Love won Denver Romance Writers’ Molly award for best romantic suspense. A Christmas Miracle, Book 1 won North Texas Romance Writers’ The Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award for Mainstream Romance and Time Will Tell won the Winter Rose Contest in the Paranormal Romance category.
5. How do you promote your books?
I promote my books in different ways. Advertising is key. Also social media helps. Mostly I periodically have the first book in a series free. I find that readers who like my voice and stories will read more of my work.
If you love animals, you’ll love these stories. Leave a comment below about a pet you’ve adopted, and you’ll be entered in a drawing for The Christmas Miracle story of your choice.
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Website: www.SandyLoyd.com
FB: www.facebook.com/sloydwrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sloydwrites
Amazon author page: www.amazon.com/author/sandyloyd
Thank you, Sandy, for visiting my blog and for offering a free ebook to one of my lucky readers! I enjoyed your Christmas Miracle novellas very much and look forward to reading your romantic suspense and time-travel novels, too!
READER INVITATION: I hope visitors to this pro-pet blog will join in the fun and share photos of their pets! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos 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!
Leslie Lynch
Hi, Marcia! Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog! I love reading books that feature pets; they add a layer of emotion and depth to stories, just as they do for our lives. I always know I can count on your delightful stories for the humor and love pets bring to them.
1. Hi, Leslie! I hear you have a pet in your novel, Unholy Bonds. Tell us about the book.
I’ll refrain from talking (too much!) about Sweetie, a formerly-feral cat we pried from an icy roadway a few years ago, but she is a great example of how deeply animals can affect us. Caring for her as she recovered from near death brought new meaning and purpose to my life during a dark time. You might say we rescued each other.
And that is what happens for Robert Davis and Zilla in Unholy Bonds, a novel partially set within the walls of a Kentucky prison. Inspired by true-life stories of rehabilitation programs that pair inmates with dogs for various types of training, Davis and Zilla are thrust into a relationship with life and death stakes. Like Sweetie, Zilla is a rescue and trusts no one—but she must learn trust if she is to live. And Davis, having established himself in the prison hierarchy as a dangerous man, has one chance to stay out of the general population—and stay out of the reach of his enemies. When he’s tapped for the prison’s dog program, he jumps at the opportunity, unaware that Zilla will force him to face his inner demons. As he and Zilla forge a relationship, Davis discovers his own humanity. But the price for becoming human is sacrifice, which may cost Davis more than he is capable of giving.
I loved writing Zilla. She’s a mutt with one blue eye and one brown eye, and embodies all our human fears. She came to life on the page for me with no hesitation at all. And her impact in the story actually made me cry as I wrote—and that rarely happens to me!
2. What about this topic (dogs in prison) motivated you to write this novel?
One of the programs that inspired Zilla’s appearance in Unholy Bonds is Missouri’s Puppies for Parole. The Department of Corrections pairs rescue dogs with inmates, who socialize them and provide basic obedience training. Once ready, the dogs are placed with adoptive families. It’s a win-win situation, and while I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out for Davis in Unholy Bonds, I knew in my heart we had to go there and find out. If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful program, please click on the hyperlink in this paragraph.
3. What other novels have you written?
Unholy Bonds is a stand-alone sequel to Hijacked, which your readers may wish to read for a more comprehensive understanding of the characters in Unholy Bonds. Opal’s Jubilee is my third novel, and is loosely related to Hijacked and Unholy Bonds. I also have two holiday novellas, Christmas Hope and Christmas Grace. Here are blurbs for all five:
Hijacked: Pilot Lannis Parker’s carefully constructed, sterile life is upended when her small plane is hijacked before dawn on a wintry Louisville morning. Her captor resurrects memories she’s tried to bury, but during a week in the Appalachian wilderness, Lannis learns her hijacker is fair and honorable, compassionate and insightful—strange attributes for a criminal. And when he discovers her secret, he vows to be the friend she desperately needs but refuses to accept.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hijacked-Appalachian-Foothills-Leslie-Lynch/dp/194172809X
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Hijacked-Audiobook/B010HRN9H6
Unholy Bonds: Pilot Lannis Parker has triumphed over her past—or so she thinks. She faces Robert Davis, then dredges up the courage to bring him to trial, and is relieved to see him imprisoned.
But the closure she’d sought is elusive. Lannis discovers she’s as much a prisoner as Davis, shackled by fear and inextricably bound to him through his crime. She gradually realizes that healing will come only when she acknowledges Davis’s humanity—not a popular notion, but one she increasingly understands as essential. In a bold move, Lannis meets with Davis in prison—and challenges him to recognize her humanity.
Will Lannis’s gamble free her from that unholy bond and open a path to peace? Or will she lose everything in the process?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L893I6A
B&N Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unholy-bonds-leslie-lynch/1121683761
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unholy-bonds
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Opal’s Jubilee: Fresh out of prison, all Opal McBride wants is a chance to build a future—but her past and implacable homicide detective Josh Boone thwart her efforts. Then he discovers there is more to her story than it seems, and risks his reputation (and heart) in a quest for truth—maybe even justice.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M07L1NG
Christmas Hope: The father of Becca Sweet’s unborn baby showed his true colors when he showed her the door. With Christmas and a storm on the way, living in her car is no longer an option. She appeals to her no-nonsense sister for help, but Maggie, unaware of Becca’s pregnancy, chooses that moment to dish out some tough love.
When Sam, a reclusive veteran, comes to Becca’s rescue, their battered hearts collide. In a moment of holiday magic, they discover that Christmas hope applies to all, even to them. And will hope lead to love, the most precious Christmas gift of all?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7AGF12
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Christmas-Hope-Audiobook/B0170QJFSY
Christmas Grace: No one wants to celebrate Christmas this year.
Not Ella McKendrick, who, on the cusp of success as a potter, is tasked with her husband’s company party on too-short notice. She gives up her first pottery sale to pitch in, but the joy of the season is diminished.
Not Gertie Wycliffe, Ella’s mom, a new widow who is doing everything she can to avoid her first Christmas alone. No one understands the grief and terror she feels—maybe because the craziness of a seventy-four-year-old woman signing up for skydiving lessons is all she lets them see.
Not Natalie Shaw, Ella’s pregnant daughter. Natalie’s husband is deployed halfway around the world, and she believes that ignoring the holiday might blunt her loneliness.
Then disaster strikes, not once but twice. Three generations; three untenable situations. Three women who come together for each other, and remember what’s most important about Christmas.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016SRSAR8
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Christmas-Grace-Audiobook/B01BG66794
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
In 2013, I was honored that my then-unpublished manuscript, Hijacked, was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s® prestigious contest, the Golden Heart®. Read below for some lovely Amazon reviews of Unholy Bonds, for which I am grateful:
“This is a suspenseful and romantic novel that manages to tackle some serious issues–trauma, forgiveness, restorative justice. . . . Lynch skillfully and realistically documents [Davis’s] growth, and his participation in a “puppy parole” program became one of my favorite subplots. Lynch weaves together many plot strands beautifully into a satisfying story that contains unusual but useful messages about healing and redemption.” —verified purchase, Amazon
“Absolutely riveting and beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. Thoroughly researched, the characters were completely believable, and related well with each other. I was drawn into this story from start to finish. I loved it! I highly recommend you read it.” —verified purchase, Amazon
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Marcia, again, thank you for inviting me to visit your blog, Go Pets! It is an honor and a pleasure to meet your fans! Readers can connect with me at https://www.LeslieLynch.com Find links to all my books at Amazon, Barnes & Noble (Nook), Apple, and Kobo on my website, along with a spot to sign up for my (infrequent) newsletter. For audiophiles, Hijacked, Christmas Hope, and Christmas Grace are also available as audiobooks narrated by the talented voice actress, Carol Dines, through Audible and Apple iTunes. You can also find me on Facebook at Leslie Lynch Writes; on Twitter @Leslie_Lynch_; on Pinterest at Leslie Lynch; and Instagram at LeslieLynchAuthor.
Thank you, Leslie, for visiting my blog!
READER INVITATION: I hope visitors to this pro-pet blog will join in the fun and share photos of their pets! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the pet photos 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!
Karen McCullough
- I hear you have a dog in your novel, Programmed For Danger. Tell us about the book.
Yes, there is a dog in Programmed for Danger. Mac is my heroine’s beloved companion mutt. When someone asks if he’s friendly, she replies: “Worse. He has a generalized love for humanity that borders on neurotic.” He’s also quite fond of pizza!
The quick blurb for Programmed for Danger: Computer programming isn’t usually a dangerous occupation, but Andrea Kingston finds herself fighting for both her love and her life when she’s hired to solve Ferverill-West Company’s computer problems.
The book was originally published by Avalon Books, but is now available as an ebook from the usual ebook outlets.
Amazon Kindle B&N for Nook Smashwords
2. Why did you add a dog to Programmed For Danger?
Gremlin. The pictures are old and somewhat faded, I’m afraid.
My heroine Andrea has a snug little house in the country, but wanted a dog for protection. What she got instead was Mac, a mutt who loves everyone.
Over the years, our family has had a lot of pets, but at heart, I’m a dog person. My very first pet, acquired shortly after my husband and I got married, way back when, was a dog named Gremlin. He was part beagle, part dachshund, and very affectionate. We had him for fifteen good years. Shortly after he died we were adopted by a cat named Tiger Henry who lived in the neighborhood, but in a household where he wasn’t all that welcomed by several already-in-residence felines. The neighbor finally conceded ownership of him to us. Over the years we’ve also had a parakeet, a rabbit, a couple of gerbils, and more hamsters than I can count.
Tiger Henry, lying on the couch with my youngest daughter.
3. What other novels have you written?
Lots of them! I’ve had fifteen novels published since I sold my first romantic suspense novel to Avalon in 1989. Programmed for Danger was actually the second novel I sold, but a couple of years ago I got rights back to all of my old Avalon books and republished them as ebooks. Since it involved computers, I did an extensive re-write of it prior to re-releasing it. I’ve also had half a dozen or so novellas and a bunch of short stories included in various anthologies and some are now also available as ebooks. I write and have been published in several genres: romance, romantic suspense, fantasy, paranormal, and mystery. A few of my most recent re-releases are shown below.
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
Argh! I hate beating my own drum. But I’ve won several awards, including an Eppie Award (now the Epic E-book Award) for best fantasy novel (The Rainbow Bridge, now re-titled, Wizard’s Bridge) and a Vixen Award for the book now titled The Wizard’s Shield. I’m a four-time Eppie finalist, and a finalist in the Daphne, Prism, Rising Star, Lories, and the International Digital Awards.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
You can find a list of all my currently available books, my bio, sign up for my newsletter, and visit my dragon collection at my website: http://www.kmccullough.com/
Other places I hang out:
Blog: http://www.kmccullough/kblog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMcCulloughAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kgmccullough
My Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Karen-McCullough/e/B0043TJ870/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1