Marcia James' Website

 

 

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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.
Amazon
iBooks
NOOK

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.
Amazon
Nook
iBooks

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?
Amazon
Nook
iBooks

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?
Amazon
Nook
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!