#NewRelease from Alison Lohans: CANINE CUPID

My friend Alison's new book releases today! If you love emotional stories, especially emotional stories featuring dogs, you'll love CANINE CUPID. 

Blurb:

Kara’s vengeful con-man ex-husband has left her with a mountain of fraudulent debt – and now he’s begun stalking her, too! What is a hardworking elementary school teacher to do, simply to stay afloat, let alone trust someone new? Is Kara even safe?

Peter is still grieving the deaths of his beloved wife and daughter. Even so, his self-pitying widowed mother keeps escalating her unreasonable demands. Meanwhile, Peter’s stand partner in the symphony comes on to him, although he’s tried hard to make it clear that he’s not interested – in anyone.

When Kara slams on the brakes to avoid hitting a stray dog and Peter rear-ends her, an unexpected and unwelcome attraction begins to flare.

My Review:

Kara and Peter meet in the aftermath of a fender-bender when Kara brakes suddenly to avoid hitting a dog. From the moment we meet them, we like them. In this emotion-packed story, these characters are people we want to root for. You can tell a lot about people by the way they treat animals, and these two are definitely good people who deserve a happy ending. Both have faced terrible pain, and we want them to find happiness together. We can truly identify with what they’ve experienced in the past and what they’re still going through. When they fall in love, it feels like the most natural thing in the world, as if they were made for each other.

Ms. Lohans’ writing is rich and descriptive. The dogs practically jumped off the page and licked my face. I also loved the musical references connected to Peter’s career as a cellist in the symphony, and it’s obvious Ms. Lohans has a deep knowledge of classical music. One of my favorite scenes was when Peter brought his cello to Kara’s grade four class and was absolutely masterful in getting the kids excited about music.

I loved Kara and Peter’s love story. And I really loved their dogs!  I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more stories from Ms. Lohans.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Cupid-Alison-Lohans-ebook/dp/B096PT1G5K 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1088124

#NewRelease from Gayle Irwin: RHIANN'S RESCUE

Gayle Irwin visits today and she's talking about how she combines her love of animals and her commitment to animal rescue with her writing. Her new novella, Rhiann's Rescue is a prequel to her Pet Rescue Romance series. She's also making us aware that November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. Thanks for the heads-up, Gayle!

Of Pets and Romance

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, and I’m excited to share my pet rescue holiday romance novella, Rhiann’s Rescue, the prequel to my Pet Rescue Romance series. My heroine, freelance writer Rhiann Kelly, transports dogs for rescue organizations and cares for her elderly grandmother. They live in Spokane, Washington and spend winter months in Arizona. Rhiann dreams of starting her own animal rescue sanctuary. Readers will meet several animals including the grandmother’s beloved senior rescue cat, Poppy, in the story. My two cats are more than 15 years old; therefore, I wove in an older cat and released the book during Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. The story also introduces readers to a potential love interest for Rhiann – art gallery owner Elias Griffin, who learns about pet rescue and adoption from her. My passion for writing and for pet rescue and adoption is combined in this book as well as in my Pet Rescue Romance series, which currently consists of three books and one short story.

I’ve been a pet rescue and adoption advocate for decades My animals are adopted – the two cats and two dogs (a Shih Tzu and a Springer Spaniel); the Shih Tzu in my first novel within the series, Rescue Road, whose name is “Jax,” is based on my own rescued and adopted pup, Jeremiah. . Animals provide love and loyalty, and therefore, I think fit in nicely with a romance story.

I support pet rescues, including donating a percentage of book sales to different organizations. About 6.5 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters and rescues every year, according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and nearly 1.5 million still die in animal shelters. This is a primary reason I weave pet rescue and adoption into my romance books and donate to animal welfare groups.

Book Description for Rhiann’s Rescue:

Rhiann Kelly dreams of starting an animal rescue sanctuary, and her beloved grandmother desires to see her achieve that dream. However, they don't agree on when or where. Because of the older woman's health, Rhiann thinks it best they stay near large cities; Grams wants to return to Montana, where she was born and raised. During their annual winter trip to Arizona, the two women clash once again over relocating ... as well as about Rhiann's lack of desire to date and potentially end up with another broken heart. However, when art gallery owner and nature photographer Elias Griffin steps into her life, Rhiann reconsiders. Can she maintain her decision to not become romantically involved with someone again and keep her eyes fixed on helping animals and caring for her grandmother, or will she decide Elias is worth the risk of possible heartbreak?

Excerpt from Rhiann’s Rescue:

Smile on his face, the man asked, “So what do you do that makes you love your work?”

Rhiann closed the laptop. “I’m a writer.”

“Really? Awesome! I’m a nature photographer and art gallery owner.” He extended his hand. “Elias Griffin.”

She shook his hand. “Rhiann Kelly.”

“Rhiann? A unique, beautiful name.”

“Elias – that’s a name a person doesn’t often hear.”

“Technically, I’m Elias Griffin the third. However, since my father and grandfather have already passed on, I dropped the more formal version.”

“I’m sorry they’ve passed. So have mine.”

“And I’m sorry for your loss, Miss Kelly – or is it Mrs.?”

“You were right the first time,” Rhiann responded, maintaining her smile. 

“Would you mind if I sit for a few  moments, Miss Kelly?”

Rhiann shook her head and responded, “No, please. Have a seat.”

“Thank you.” 

He chose the chair closest to her. Rhiann placed her laptop in a blue, green, and yellow tote bag and looked at her visitor. Dressed in a short-sleeved green polo shirt and khaki pants, the dark brown-haired man appeared more dressed for the golf course than the pool. She pondered his presence in this 55-and-older community. Being Grams’ caregiver allowed Rhiann to stay here.

“So, do you have family here, Mr. Griffin?” He gave her a quizzical look. “You don’t seem to fit the required age group.”

He smiled. “Neither do you, Miss Kelly.”

“I take care of my grandmother, so when we come here during the winter, I can stay with her.”

“My mother is giving snowbirding a try for the first time. She came down the first of the year. I have a home in Mesa with an art gallery in downtown Phoenix and one in Tucson. I visit Mother whenever I can.”

Buy Links:

Rhiann’s Rescue is available in e-book format for .99 cents on various platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. The holiday novella is also available in print format from Amazon.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/38tehAf_RhiannRescue

Other Platforms:  https://books2read.com/u/3yzgYJ

Author Bio:

Gayle Irwin and Jeremiah

Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. Her clean, contemporary romance series, Pet Rescue Romance, consists of Rescue Road, released November 2019, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, released in May 2020, and a recently released holiday novella, Rhiann’s Rescue, the series’ prequel. A short story, Gram’s Legacy, is available as a free e-book on various book-selling platforms, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, Gayle volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com.

Follow Gayle on Social:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin

Pinterest (under Waggin' Tales): www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin 

Twitter: wyoauthor1 

Author Website: https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/gayleirwin

For the Love of Pets by Cynthia Terelst

We lost our seventeen-year-old dog Lou just after Christmas. It's been hard without her but I take comfort in remembering all the joy she brought us for so many years. It's good to hear about other people's beloved pets and to know they feel that joy as well. Thank you to Cynthia Terelst for sharing her love for her pets.

For the love of pets

Hi everyone,

I’m Cynthia Terelst. I write contemporary romance with some heat. Thank you to Jana for inviting me to share my pets with you today.

I cannot imagine not having pets in my life. For as long as I can remember we’ve had pets in our home. My current two pets are Kimmy and Possum.  Kimmy is 12 years old, and we adopted her from a local refuge.  She loves us, but is not interested in other people. Her favourite pastime is sleeping.

Kimmy

Possum is the total opposite. She loves everyone and demands their attention ALL THE TIME. She is an Abyssinian cross, who is a foster fail. If you don’t know what the term foster fail means, it is when you foster an animal through a rescue and end up adopting it yourself. 

Possum

As well as my two cats I often foster kittens for a local rescue. I once had five kittens in my home at once. Let me tell you I have never experienced such craziness, and I never will again. Just imagine, these babies need to be fed three times a day as they grow, grow, grow. They get into everything on their adventures and have no shame in breaking things.  And the amount of cat litter cleaning required is extreme. I will be sticking to two or three at a time from now on.

I have included a photo of Gimli, one of our fosters from a few years ago.  Fostering is a very rewarding experience.  You are setting these babies up for a forever home. If it weren’t for foster carers many kittens and cats would be put to sleep because shelters just do not have enough room for them.

Gimli

In The Cat’s out of the Bag, we meet some cats who live in a shelter. Mike is the cat character of the book and has a paw in Evie and Jesse’s relationship. He is a wise old boy with a lot of love to give.
Ultimately, The Cat’s out of the Bag is a love story that starts off at a cat shelter. We watch Evie and Jesse’s relationship grow. It’s not always an easy path, just like any relationship. The book touches on tough subjects like domestic violence and trust. Rest assured, this is not a totally serious book, there are many places where you will laugh.

The Cat’s out of the Bag

One van. Two hearts. Thousands of kilometres.

Jesse’s a self-made billionaire who yearns to get away from his empty life and the money-hungry parasites who inhabit it. The plan? Go to Australia, tell no one about his money and find himself. Instead of finding just himself, he finds Evie, who is everything anyone should aspire to be. Now, what he aspires to be, is hers. But to be hers, he needs to tell her everything.

Evie has left her past behind. She has rebuilt herself, and her life, into one of happiness. After she meets Jesse, while volunteering at a cat shelter, memories of her past filter back in. She is stronger now and wants to trust him. But after all she has been through, is trust even possible?

The quest to find a cat a forever home leads them to travel across the country together. Can the close quarters drive them to open up to each other? Or will it drive them apart?


Excerpt:

Jesse

I went to Mike’s enclosure to pay him a quick visit. He did not hear me enter, but as soon as I touched his head, he opened his eyes and regarded me. His purr was almost instant, as was the calming effect he had on me. I couldn’t believe I had missed out on the companionship of a pet all my life. Someone who I could confide in and would keep my secrets close.

“How’s it going, Mike?”

He head-bumped my hand, a sign to tell me he was good.

“I was thinking about Evie today.”

He looked at me as if encouraging me to go on.

“She’s pretty special, isn’t she?”

He continued giving me that speculative look.

“I like her.”

Still, he just stared at me, like I was telling him nothing new.

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Cats-out-Bag-billionaire-international-ebook/dp/B07ZC2Y2PG

Author Bio:

Cynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.

Social Media Links:

Website http://cynthiaterelst.com/
Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/p9p9y0
Blog http://cynthiaterelst.com/blog/
Twitter @CynthiaTerelst
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynthia-terelst
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/author/ref=dbs_P_W_auth?_encoding=UTF8&author=Cynthia%20Terelst&searchAlias=digital-text&asin=B07ZCTX8SB
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/cynthiaterelst

Meet my Colleagues

I've got great colleagues at the day job, both the two legged and the four-legged kind. Come over to Word Wranglers and meet some of my canine friends. http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-four-legged-colleagues.html

The Chocolate Thief

Merry Christmas to all! We've been celebrating the holidays the last few days with plenty of food (the diet starts next week!) and just being together. It's been wonderful to have both of my daughters home this year.

Last night we decided to go out to see "Les Miserables" which opened yesterday in movie theatres. Great show! Loved the acting and the singing. I remembered the songs from seeing the theatre production many years ago. "Les Miserables" remains one of my top favorite musicals of all time.

Returning home after three hours (yes, the show is that long), we were greeted by a scene of devastation in our living room. Ripped wrapping paper and torn boxes once containing chocolates were strewn over the floor. The culprit - our dog Lou, a notorious chocoholic. In our rush to get to the movie, we'd neglected to put the opened chocolate up high where she couldn't get at it, and left it instead on the coffee table. She cleaned out two chocolate boxes that were almost empty, one box we'd just opened, and an unopened 'chocolate orange' (a solid ball of orange flavored milk chocolate the size of an orange). All that was left were the empty boxes and a dog with a guilty expression.

We really should have known better. The same thing occurred a few Christmases back when the dog ate an entire box of expensive Belgian chocolates given to us by a friend. Back then I'd phoned our veterinary clinic and was advised that chocolate could be toxic to dogs. I was told to give Lou a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to make her throw up.

So guess what I was doing last night? Cleaning up after the dog. Merry Christmas to me.

On the bright side, this morning I found the chocolate orange that we thought she'd eaten yesterday. She'd taken it out of the box and then carried it into my office where she'd hidden it behind a box, presumably to finish later. Aside from a couple of teeth marks on the foil wrapper, it was totally intact.



Lou, the notorious chocolate thief

Note to self: next Christmas hide all the chocolate. Otherwise, make sure to have plenty of hydrogen peroxide on hand.

Puppy Love: The Office Edition

My dog Lou

I work two part-time jobs, one as a bookkeeper for a provincial veterinary association, and one as secretary/admin assistant/bookkeeper for the provincial animal health technologists association. Both associations have a common goal; to look after the health and welfare of animals.

So it probably comes as no surprise that one of the questions I was asked when I interviewed for the job with the animal health technologists was whether I had a pet. Of course I do! My dog Lou is the love of my life. Before we had Lou, we had cats for over twenty years. And before that, when I was a kid growing up on the farm, I was surrounded by animals.



Indigo

 As much as I love Lou and all the other pets I’ve had, I’ve never considered bringing any of them to work with me. That wasn’t even an option. But my current colleagues, and our employers, think that happiness is a warm puppy. And it might even make the office a more enjoyable place to work.

So let me introduce the four-legged colleagues that I share office space with.

Michelle started bringing Indigo with her to work shortly after she began working with us this past summer. Indy is a laid back kind of girl. She’s also a big girl. Being a Mastiff, she has a huge head and a wide chest. Indy is not what you’d call a high energy dog, which is a good thing because at her size she’d be pretty hard to handle if she was a bundle of energy. But she’s a sweet, affectionate pooch, who loves to come to visit me a few times during the day for a little scratch and some loving. Michelle found Indy at the Humane Society.



Huey



Huey was recently adopted by Andrea from animal services (aka “the pound”), which meant that he was found running loose without any identification. He is absolutely adorable! Andrea started bringing him to work to give her three cats a break; apparently they didn’t take it well when he moved in. We think he has some kind of terrier in him, perhaps Jack Russell terrier. But whatever breed he is, he’s got a big heart. I love Huey for the enthusiasm of his daily greetings. Nobody else is that happy to see me in the morning!



Winnie



Winnie is the youngest member of our little menagerie. Simone got her at animal services. At only a few months old, she’s still in the puppy stage, so she sometimes gets into a bit of trouble. For instance last Friday, we were all working in our offices and we could hear Winnie chewing on what we thought was her bone. Turns out it was Michelle’s shoe. Winnie loves to play and she enjoys a nice scratch and a cuddle. Though she still has a lot to learn, she’s a beautiful girl, and so smart. She’s going to grow into a wonderful companion.

Though none of these guys are purebreds, they’re fantastic dogs, proving that wonderful pets can be found at shelters. And they make pretty good employees too!     

Do you have a pet? I’d love to hear about him/her. Have you ever had the opportunity to take your pet to work?