For my inaugural interview with a pro-pet author, I am happy to present romance author, Janie Mason. Janie and her – as she puts it – “amazingly supportive husband” have two grown children and live in central Ohio.
1. I enjoyed reading about Wink, the dog in Risking Love, your 1850s Americana historical romance. Tell us about the book.
Risking Love is set in southern Ohio and is the story of widowed farmer, Lucy Neels, who inadvertently ends up hiding a family of runaway slaves in her barn. Tensions are high as there are slave catchers hot on their trail. Lucy has also caught the eye of Renzo Ross, the new town deputy, who prevents the unscrupulous men from searching her place. But the law is clear about what she’s doing, and she could lose her farm for her involvement. Even though he’s stolen her heart, she can’t risk trusting Renzo with her secret.
Risking Love is the first in the New Beginnings trilogy.
2. Why did you add a dog to Risking Love?
My husband and I have always been “dog people.” We both grew up with dogs for pets and have had three of our own since we married: Emma, Abe, and Bonnie. Dogs love unconditionally and become immediate family members on day one. My heroine in Risking Love is a widow, and the companionship of her big russet-colored dog is what has helped her survive her difficulties.
I’d never given it much thought before this interview but looking back at all my books, a number of them contain a hero or heroine with a pet. I guess my love for animals transferred to the characters I’ve created.
3. What other historical romances have you written?
The second book in the New Beginnings trilogy, Trusting Love, begins in Philadelphia and travels to the fictional town of Endless, Texas.
The last of the series, Healing Love, is my current work-in-progress.
If you’re a fan of quick reads, I also have shorter work entitled, “The Secret Riddles of Adeline Smith.” It is a sweeter story also set in Endless, Texas.
4. Tell us about your contemporary romances.
I have four contemporary novellas available online. “Servicing Rafferty” is a friends-to-lovers story about co-workers Heidi and Rafe and holds a special place in my heart, because it was my first published work.
“Redhead Blitz” grew from secondary characters in that first book and is the story of Heidi’s outgoing friend, Gigi, and Sean, a hunky teacher/high school football coach.
“Worth the Wait” is another spin-off from “Servicing Rafferty” and my first (but not the last) story with a hero and heroine of more mature years.
Lastly, “Model Behavior” is a stand-alone story featuring Scott, Molly, and her fictional twin sister, Mary.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Readers can learn more about my books and me by visiting my website and looking for me on Facebook.
I would also like to thank you, Marcia, for inviting me to be part of your new Go Pets! Blog. Romance readers are hooked on true love and that includes our pets!
Thank you, Janie, for helping me kick off my new blog! I hope visitors to this pro-pet blog will 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. Go Pets!
