Blog - Page 8 of 30 - Roxanne Rustand

Lessons from Muggs…the Himalayan Cat

Posted on September 1, 2014 by RoxanneSeptember 1, 2014

How My Himalayan Cat Enriched My Life, by guest blogger Nicola Furlong

This is a painful post to compose. I am facing every pet owner’s worst fear: zero day is looming for Muggs, my adored Himalayan. He arrived over ten years ago, found abandoned and catnapped by friends.

Age unknown, emaciated, and near death, he was hobbled by a concrete Mohawk running up his bony back, suffering from damaged kidneys, but blessed with a sweet and forgiving personality.

After a massive shot of anti-biotics, a buzz cut and a couple of days sucking tuna juice from a syringe, Muggs darted up and down the carpeted hallway completely unafraid of my astonished Australian terrier. His hilarious saucer face, spectacular daily gymnastic cleaning routine, and startling empathetic manner became a decade of life treasures.

Now, my sweet little guy is eating less, rickety in action, and I have to inject him with subcutaneous fluids every second day to support his faulty kidneys. The dreaded decision will have to be made, way too soon.

While I ponder this terrible responsibility, I’d like to share six essential Muggisms gleaned from living with and loving my six pound feline:

1) Regal Rules: Ask gently, accompanied by a soft pad to the face, and you shall receive.

2) Face Failure: When you are defeated, yowl once, and then stalk right back into the game.

3) Be Bold: Walk softly and always hold a haughty attitude.

4) Manage Emotions: Surrender to claw-ripping anger only as a last swift resort, and then pose triumphantly.

5) Don’t Dwell: A hairball is not the end of the world, and anyway, somebody else will clean it up.

6) Daily Musts: Purr, wash, play, knead and gaze, not necessarily in that order.

I know my heart soon will be broken, but as a writer, I have the ability to bestow the gift of immortality.

In HOMEFIRES, Book 2 of my new series called the SISTERHOOD OF SHEPHERDS, I’ve introduced an abandoned Himalayan who is found and immediately cherished by the Shepherd family.Though he has a different name, little Phoenix’s rise to life guarantees longevity to the singular spirit of my beloved cat. Thank you for letting me momentarily ease my anguish by sharing the joy of living with Muggs.

Here is an Amazon link to buy Nicola’s book! Heartsong: Sisterhood of Shepherds

HEARTSONG
BOOK 1 SISTERHOOD OF SHEPHERDS
published in trade paperback and ebook by Mantle Rock, May 2014.

Award-winning author Sandi Rog says HEARTSONG will “reach right in and take hold of your heart, seizing it until the very last page.”

Have You Ever Thought — There Must be More to Life?

Thirty-something Oregon plant nursery owner and single mom, Charly Shepherd has. She knows the joys and sorrows of digging in the dirt, but discovers she yearns for more in HEARTSONG, a charming cozy novel of family, forgiveness and forgotten promises.

Everyone has regrets. Sometimes we wish we had the chance and the courage to make amends. These Cold Cases of the Heart are at the center of the bestselling family saga series, the SISTERHOOD OF SHEPHERDS. When Faith, Hope and Charly, three quirky Oregon sisters, reluctantly delve into family secrets to help their ailing father fulfill a promise, their lives change forever as they pursue a new path of discovery, heartache and humor.

If you like Debbie Macomber, Jan Karon or Fern Michaels, you’ll love Nicola Furlong.

Nicola pens mystery & inspirational novels, creates interactive iPad books, podcasts about genre writing (The Novel Experience), & teaches e-publishing, when not playing Old-Timer’s hockey, growing blossoms & bamboo or eating chocolate fudge. Her first contemporary women’s series, the Sisterhood of Shepherds, debuted with HEARTSONG, in June 2014 (MantleRockPublishing).

Nicola’s swinging whodunit, TEED OFF! (republished in February 2014 by OakTreePress), features professional golfer and coroner Riley Quinn.

Her other novels include a psychological thriller (A HEMORRHAGING OF SOULS), six novels in The Church Choir Mysteries series and a multimedia online thriller, UNNATURALSTATES.

In addition, Nicola has published three how to ebook primers, TOP TEN GARDENING TIPS, YOUDUNIT WHODUNIT! HOW TO WRITE MYSTERIES & SELF-PUBLISH YOUR E-BOOK IN MINUTES! She’s recently released her first musical interactive children’s book for the iPad, Saving Grape-Jelly Cheeks.

Nicola gardens in a small seaside town on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. For more information, visit http://www.nicolafurlong.com or http://www.quillr.com.

Author Gail Gaymer Martin asks: Did you lose a kitten?!

Posted on August 27, 2014 by RoxanneAugust 27, 2014

by guest blogger Gail Martin

My latest novel includes a cat named Whimsey, and she’s one of the most memorable characters in the novel along with her owner, Aunt Winnie. Neither is a main character, although they are unique and special people, but I love animals and enjoy them in my novels. I’ve always had pets, and one, like Whimsey, is still in my heart.

Many years ago while camping, my husband and I heard a rustling noise outside. Assuming it was a critter in our camping gear, my husband opened the camper door and let out our dog. But instead of a critter, we spotted a tiny little tabby kitten staring at us.

Who could resist? We brought her in, gave her something to eat and drink and kept her until morning when we could try to find the owner. We headed for nearby homes, and after being laughed at by the first two families who told us people always brought unwanted pets into the woods, we gave up. Since the humane society was sixty miles away, we called people we knew, trying to find a good home for the kitten. No one was interested. So along with two dogs, we returned home with a kitten. And you can probably guess who ended up taking her in. We did. We named the poor little stray Waif but added an e and r at the end, so she became Waifer.

Waifer was one of those characters whose favorite trick was to bat at my knitting needles and knock the ball of yarn across the floor. She loved to climb on my desk when I was working and lay across the top of the papers. She gave us laughter and love. As she aged, she became ill, and though we took her the vet and gave her medication, she lost weight and looked bad. Selfishly, I didn’t have the heart to put her to sleep.

When we had a month long trip planned for Europe and had no family who could care for her, reality finally sank in. It was time to say goodbye and do the unthinkable. With one week to go, we made plans to take her to the vet’s office on the Saturday before our trip. The Wednesday before as I passed the rocking chair where Waifer loved to lie, I saw her there but something looked strange. My heart skipped, and a sob left my throat. I called my husband. When he looked, he agreed, She was gone. Though I cried, I also knew the little sweetheart gave us an amazing gift. We didn’t have to take her to the vet. She left on her own terms. What a blessing.

When I added Whimsey to my romance mystery, Treasures of Her Heart, I couldn’t help but think of Waifer. Whimsey is also a tabby and one who loves many of the same antics as Waifer.

Saying goodbye to a pet is as hard as saying goodbye to family? Have you had to say goodbye and make that difficult decision, or were you blessed as we were?

Here’s an Amazon link to buy Gail’s latest book! Treasures of Her Heart

Treasures of Her Heart
A Forget Me Not Romance
June, 2014

Nikki Townley a fashion-buyer, looking for a life with deeper meaning, leaves her career and moves to a small, tourist town in northern Michigan to assist her ailing great-aunt Winnie in running her floundering antique business. There she finds herself caught in a mystery searching for her aunt’s missing fortune, facing an investment company in pursuit of her aunt’s property, and hoping to save long-distance romance with her faithful male friend Rob Moore, while struggling to escape her attraction to an exciting, smooth-talking womanizer. Can she overcome temptation, locate the missing fortune and find the truth to the treasures of her heart? Will Rob wait for Nikki to make up her mind?

What are people saying?
Romance, and mystery come together in perfect harmony. You will delve into Nikki’s heartfelt journey from beginning to end. I highly recommend this wonderful author and this wonderful novel. Naomi Anderson, Amazon Review

I have to say that this book (by Gail Gaymer Martin) is now one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book. If you want a very sweet romance with a good mystery included, you will love this book. I know I really did. M. A. Young, Amazon Review

I quickly fell in love with this engaging story of romance and mystery. I found it hard to put the book down from chapter one to the final word in the last chapter. Gail Gaymer Martin has written another winning story that will warm your heart. J Pobst, Amazon Review

Treasures of Her Heart, a Mystery Romance available as a paperback and eBook. Click here to read an excerpt on Amazon.

Multi-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin is the author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction with 55 published novels and nearly 4 million books in print. Her novels have received numerous national awards, including: the ACFW Carol Award, Booksellers Best and RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. CBS local news listed Gail as one of the four best writers in the Detroit area. She is the author of Writer Digest’s Writing the Christian Romance and is a cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers where she serves on their Executive Board. Gail is a member of Advanced Speakers and Writers (ASWA) as well as Christian Authors Network (CAN) and is a keynote speaker at women’s events at churches, civic and business organizations as well as a workshop presenter at conferences across the U.S. Gail lives in Michigan with her husband. Visit her at: Website: www.gailgaymermartin.com

Of Cletuses, Herbies and Golden Retrievers

Posted on August 25, 2014 by RoxanneAugust 25, 2014

by guest blogger Fay Lamb

I’m not one to read a story that has an animal in it. I’m always afraid that it will die and rip out my heart along theway. When I have to read such a story in edits, I usually recommend that the animal survive unless I can see clearly why the author has chosen to write the story in such a way. After all, every character, even a pet, must have a purpose for being in a story, and that purpose might be fulfilled in the death of that “character.”

Tennager boy in the park with a dog

Because I don’t like to read books with animals in them, when Cletus came bounding into my first novel in the Ties that Bind series, Charisse I couldn’t believe that the overgrown Golden Retriever would dare invade my written page.

Cletus did more than that. He showed himself necessary to the story. Instead of breaking a heart, Cletus was there to heal the hearts of a mother and son deeply entrenched in grief. From the start when Cletus literally helps the hero and his owner, Gideon Tabor, run into Charisse, he had me giggling along with VJ, Charisse’s son.

And that laughter captivated me.

Throughout the story, Cletus appears, and each time, he seems to have the soul of an angel, knowing when Charisse or her little boy needed him.

I’ve thought long and hard about where Cletus came from, and I think my imagination had to make him as large as the heart that my Chihuaha, Herbie, had within him.

Herbie was given to me by my father. The dog chose his name because he wouldn’t answer to any name my dad called him. As a joke, I called him “Herbert,” and he perked up and looked at me. You see, Herbert was my father’s given name, and he was a precious gift from my dad.

In 2002, I became very ill. I couldn’t get out of bed for four months. Beside me, the entire time, Herbie snuggled against me or on top of my pillow, always letting me know he was there to comfort me.

Like Cletus, he just knew he was needed. He had a reason for being in my life story.

Herbie lived to an ancient old age of twenty-one. He left us last year, and he is missed, but he lives on every time I think of Cletus, his big heart, and the way he helped a hero heal the hearts of a heroine and her little boy just by being there when they needed him.

Here is an Amazon link to Fay’s book! Charisse (Ties that Bind Series Book 1)

Charisse
By Fay Lamb

He wants a family. She wants retribution.

Charisse Wellman’s husband has been gone a year, and she’s about to lose the only home her son, V.J., has ever known. She’s quit law school but the money just isn’t there. Her only option is to work as a law clerk for her ex-friend, Gideon Tabor. The only problem: Gideon is the judge who let her husband’s killer go free, and Gideon doesn’t know the connection.

Gideon Tabor can’t believe that the woman interviewing for the job is the girl he loved in high school. Charisse is hesitant about accepting his job offer, and when she does, Gideon makes every attempt to apologize for his relationship-ending blunder in high school. Charisse accepts his apology, but she keeps him at a distance. When Gideon learns that Charisse’s anger actually stems from his release of the man who ran down her husband, he tries to explain, but Charisse doesn’t want Gideon’s excuses or the love he has to offer. She wants her husband’s killer to pay.

About the author…
Fay Lamb’s emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Fay has contracted three series. Stalking Willow and Better than Revenge, Books 1 and 2 in the Amazing Grace romantic suspense series are currently available for purchase. Charisse and Libby the first two novels in her The Ties That Bind contemporary romance series have been released. Fay has also collaborated on three romance novellas: The Christmas Three Treasure Hunt, A Ruby Christmas, and the newest A Dozen Apologies. Her adventurous spirit has taken her into the realm of non-fiction with The Art of Characterization: How to Use the Elements of Storytelling to Connect Readers to an Unforgettable Cast.

Future releases from Fay are: Everybody’s Broken and Frozen Notes, Books 3 and 4 of Amazing Grace and Hope and Delilah, Books 3 and 4 from The Ties that Bind. Also, look for Book 1 in Fay’s Serenity Key series entitled Storms in Serenity.

Fay loves to meet readers, and you can find her on her personal Facebook page, her Facebook Author page, and at The Tactical Editor on Facebook. She’s also active on Twitter. Then there are her blogs: On the Ledge, Inner Source, and the Tactical Editor. And, yes, there’s one more: Goodreads.

Come back to The All Creatures Great & Small blog on December 15, when Fay will be visiting again and featuring LIBBY, another wonderful book!

Author Mary Ellis: Horses during the Civil War

Posted on July 30, 2014 by RoxanneJuly 17, 2014

The Role of Horses during the Civil War by guest blogger Mary Ellis

Many have said that the horse was the backbone of the Civil War. It wasn’t until I began researching my current book, The Lady and Officer, that I realized how true that statement was.

When you think about horses during nineteenth-century warfare, you think of the cavalry—those soldiers who fought while mounted with rifles, pistols, and swords.

But horses also moved artillery and ambulances filled with wounded, carried couriers and generals where they needed to go, and pulled wagons that brought food, munitions, and clothing to our boys in blue and grey.

It is estimated that more horses lost their lives during the war than men, in excess of one million. It didn’t take long before horses were in short supply on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line.

In my historical romance, my heroine breeds and raises horses outside of Cashtown, Pennsylvania. Many of you will remember that town is just a stone’s throw away from Gettysburg. When the war arrived on Madeline Howard’s doorstep, it brought along two armies desperate for replacement mounts. It was common for unscrupulous soldiers to steal horseflesh for their own use or to sell to quartermasters at a profit.

My character’s pride-and-joys were soon stripped away, leaving her without a livelihood or a means to flee the carnage of battle. Of course, my resourceful equestrienne was able to rise above her circumstances and thrive in a world gone mad. But I hope you’ll never underestimate the invaluable role that the noblest of beasts has played in our nation’s history.

Here’s a link to buy Mary’s new book! The Lady and the Officer (Civil War Heroines Series)

The Lady and the Officer
Lady and the Officer, The by Mary Ellis
August 1, 2014
ISBN 978-0-7369-5054-1
Category: Fiction—Romance

Love, Loyalty, and Espionage…How Does a Lady Live with All Three?

As a nurse after the devastating battle of Gettysburg, Madeline Howard saves the life of Elliot Haywood, a colonel in the Confederacy. But even though she must soon make her home in the South, her heart and political sympathies belong to General James Downing, a Union Army corps commander.

Colonel Haywood has not forgotten the beautiful nurse who did so much for him, and when he unexpectedly meets her again in Richmond, he is determined to win her. While spending time with army officers and war department officials in her aunt and uncle’s palatial home, Madeline overhears plans for Confederate attacks against the Union soldiers. She knows passing along this information may save the life of her beloved James, but at what cost? Can she really betray the trust of her family and friends? Is it right to allow Elliott to dream of a future with her?

Two men are in love with Madeline. Will her faith in God show her the way to a bright future, or will her choices bring devastation on those she loves?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope and The Quaker and the Rebel. She is an active member of the local historical society and Civil War Roundtable, where she served as secretary for several years. She has enjoyed a lifelong passion for American history. Shes has written twelve bestselling novels set in the Amish community. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Living in Harmony, book one of her last series won the 2012 Lime Award for Excellence in Amish Fiction. Love Comes to Paradise won the 2013 Lime Award.

She is currently working on a three-book series of historical romances set during the Civil War for Harvest House Publishers. The Quaker and the Rebel released in January and The Lady and the Officer releases in July.

She can be found on the web at:
www.maryellis.net or www.maryeellis.wordpress.com or
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

Author Eleanor Gustafson

Posted on July 25, 2014 by RoxanneJuly 25, 2014

Guest blogger Eleanor Gustafson

I was pet starved as a child, so I sort of adopted a friend’s dog. Nancy housed and fed Pokey; I took him for walks—or runs. He didn’t do well with walk. Worked fine until he started having seizures. Sadly, the day came when Nancy and I said a tearful goodbye to our friend as he was driven off to dog heaven. HOWEVER, 15 minutes later Pokey came tearing into the yard, delighted to see us! But the truck came back, and Pokey was recaptured and marched to the gallows.

The only other dog I had was a German shepherd named Beowulf. A beautiful dog, but fearful and less than welcoming to visitors at the parsonage. The only non-family person he greeted warmly was the breeder who had given him to us. “How ARE you, my friend?” Beowulf would say with excited doggy smiles, knowing this man had lady dogs at his house. Let the party begin! Everything that could go wrong with Beowulf, did, from porcupine quills and skunk encounters to broken bones. The first bone was a nuisance, but he no sooner got out of the cast when a second leg broke—prompting an immediate trip to the undertaker.

Anolis_carolinensis_(male&female)_by_Robert_Michniewicz

No more dogs, but we acquired a pair of anole lizards, Speedy and Spooky, that required live flies, spiders, and home-grown mealworms. I got to know where flies hung out—church windows were the mother lode—and our cellar was full of spiders. We gave the lizards away after a while. Enough, already, of flies and spiders!

Then there was Jenneau, a baby raccoon I found at the base of a tree—its mother dead on the road. Took it home, learned how to feed it, then built a wire cage behind our house and covered it with plastic. One afternoon, a storm came up and rattled that plastic—a tornado to that poor raccoon! I ran out, and as I opened the cage door, the baby leaped onto me, clinging for dear life. Never had I felt more like a mother!

Horses, though, became the passion of my life in my teens, when people down the street bought a pony for their granddaughter.

Once I learned to manage that contrary beast, not only had I learned to ride, but to do life, as well. I dedicated Dynamo to Lydie, the woman who shaped my life during those years. She shared not only horses, but flowers and birds and time, freely given.

Dynamo
Which leads directly to my novel–Dynamo!

Here is a link for Eleanor’s new book ! Dynamo

DYNAMO
by Eleanor Gustafson

Dynamo is a five-gaited stallion with a nasty disposition. His trainer Jeth has his work cut out for him before this gorgeous creature can possibly be shown, but that work must be done in his spare time. Jeth’s real job is training show jumpers for competition in horse events.

Jeth’s boss is a Christian; Jeth is not. But when his girlfriend, Janni, slaps him really hard after he refuses to go to bed with her, the door of the Kingdom suddenly opens to Jeth.

Jeth finds God to be totally inscrutable and unpredictable. Only his new friend Maybelle can interpret this strange, new venue. For instance, he wins classes where he deserves to come in last. He does amazing things and ends up in the hospital.

Maybelle, a bit of old lace, is something else. Mentor, yes; spiritual goad, yes; but tower of strength when Jeth desperately needs one. And he does—on two devastating occasions of life and death.

This novel walks you through the high-stakes horse world, but more importantly, it draws you into the world of a sovereign God who pulls and shapes and lifts Jeth into the unfathomably rich fellowship of suffering servanthood.

“Packed with the fascinating world of show horses, Dynamo is a rich tale of redemption, renewal, and hope. Readers will appreciate the fast-moving plot, and root for the life-like characters. May God “hug your soul” as you read this story.” Alice J. Wisler, author of Rain Song (Christy Finalist 2009), How Sweet It Is (Christy Finalist 2010) and Hatteras Girl

Dynamo
Recent review:

D.M. Webb rated it 5 of 5 stars: “….Powerful, gripping, and gritty…these are only a few words to try to describe the wonderful story brought to life by Eleanor Gustafson.”Jeth Cavanaugh may be raw and rough, but he knows horses. One decision to travel down a road led him on a journey for which he wasn’t prepared.Little by little, Jeth comes to know Jesus and His sacrifice for us all. Little by little, his soul is revealed, mirrored by the beautiful stallion, Dynamo. The dialogue in Dynamo is real and at times gritty (never overstepping the boundary of Christian morality). The emotions are straightforward and yet complex. The characters’ involvement with each other contributes to their growth….

I cried when a beloved character died. I cheered when a character was saved. I moaned when trouble came.All in all, Dynamo is great Christian literary fiction. The growth and journey of the character made a strong impact upon this reader. It stayed with me long after I turned that last page and closed the book.I encourage all readers of general and literary fiction to immerse themselves in this story and to take the ride of their lives.Superb, Eleanor Gustafson, superb!

www.eleanorgustafson.com
http://www.eleanorgustafson.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/ellie.gustafson.7
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1969775.Eleanor_Gustafson

World War II Military Dogs in London

Posted on July 24, 2014 by RoxanneJuly 24, 2014

World War II Military Dogs in London, by guest blogger Gail Kittleson

Research for my WWII novels led me to some pretty amazing canines this morning, among them a dog named Rip. This hero of the London bombings saved many victims buried in the rubble during the Blitz, when the German Luftwaffe determined to destroy Great Britain.

Rip, one of the “Magnificent Seven” animals receiving the Dickin Medal for Valor (the equivalent of the Victoria Cross), was a mongrel terrier. That fact, plus the high number of victims who owe their lives to him, stood out in this online article.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1278928/Hero-dogs-saved-hundreds-Blitz-honoured.html#ixzz381g66y5Z

Adopted by an air raid warden unit after he was bombed out of his home, Rip created his own notoriety. He received no particular training, as did some of the dogs, but “They couldn’t stop him becoming a search and rescue dog – it seemed he did it for the enjoyment.”

Between 1940 and 1941 alone, Rip rescued more than 100 people from the air-raid ruins, and went on to rescue even more people for another four years. Impressive, eh? And all this from a mongrel stray—goes to show that greatness can rise from unexpected quarters.

May that prove true for all of us.

Gail is the author of Catching up with Daylight. Doesn’t it have a beautiful cover?!

Here is an Amazon link for her book: Catching Up with Daylight: A Journey to Wholeness

And here is a special price:

Catching Up with Daylight on Kindle Boards for Thursday 7/24. It will be on sale for $.99 this whole weekend (Thurs – Sun). It’ll be here: http://www.kboards.com/

Scotland to New Orleans, but we still love Iowa!

Posted on July 23, 2014 by RoxanneJuly 24, 2014

How has your summer been? I just don’t know where spring and summer have gone. In the blink of an eye, we’re nearly at the end of July! Travel and lots of family events have certainly filled my days. I’ve been a bit lax here at the blog because of all these things, but I’ll now be better!

We were in the Highlands of Scotland for two weeks in mid-May and I loved every moment. i want to go back right now!

I’m such an animal lover, and everywhere one looks there are people and their dogs out on “walkies”–and not so coincidentally, lots of West Highland Terriers.

I loved seeing dogs on leashes in bookstores, coffeeshops and pubs, but it made me long to have our own dogs with us to enjoy that freedom.

And I love this sign–for visitors who don’t know English, the message is quite clear! 🙂

The love for dogs in Britian is clearly shown by the dog cemetery at Edinburgh Castle, which was placed on a beautiful promontory overlooking the city and goes back hundreds of years.

This year’s trip to Scotland, and last year’s trip to Ireland and England, have me thinking. I’m going to start working on an anthology of light romantic stories set in each of these countries.

The first one will be set in Scotland. I can’t wait to start writing it! 🙂

In May, daughter Emily and I were in the Gulf area just before the Romantic In Times Convention in New Orleans. We ran into creatures of a different kind on a swamp boat tour!

She and her husband have just closed on their first house in Pass Christian (yesterday!) but I think they were almost more excited about finally being able to adopt a dog, which they will be getting today. 🙂 After a long time in student housing and then two months in an apartment in Long Beach, it has been a long wait. 🙂

I hope Emily will guest blog here sometime soon about their new doberman: Zane was in training as a Seeing Eye dog, but flunked as he was a bit too clumsy. He knows twenty-five commands and sounds like an amazing dog. It’s all I can do to just to get our crazy-pants rescue Golden to heel—but we’ve started obedience classes, and I have high hopes!

And now…we are home. I love summer in the beautiful Iowa countryside. I enjoy traveling, but there’s nothing like being home in this lush, peaceful place–enjoying the horses, dogs, family and good friends…and the satisfaction of simple things, like getting our second cutting hay stored in the barn last weekend.

We went to a neighborhood potluck up at the neighbor’s farm afterward, and it was such a wonderful evening.

I’d love to hear about the highlights of your summer!

Amanda Cabot’s Unexpected Encounter–Big Horns in the Rockies!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by RoxanneJuly 18, 2014

by guest blogger Amanda Cabot

The first time I heard of Rocky Mountain National Park was when a co-worker in Philadelphia described it as the crown jewel of the national park system. A couple years later my husband and I visited it and discovered that, other than the reality of altitude sickness which affected both us and our car, it was indeed a jewel of a park. Now, many years later, I’m fortunate enough to live only two hours away, which means that I can – and do – visit it a couple times a year.

There’s so much to love about the park. The lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, tundra flowers, and of course those magnificent snow-capped mountains. But what attracts me just as much as the spectacular scenery is the wildlife.

On our first visit we were hiking when a marmot decided to follow us down the path. I’d never seen anything like him, and I have to admit that those large yellow teeth were more than a little intimidating. You see, I wasn’t certain he was a vegetarian. In retrospect, I suspect he was attracted by the chocolate chip cookies we were nibbling and that he thought if he came close enough, we might relent and feed him one. Sorry, big fella, but we knew better than to do that.

Although we saw a number of small mammals on that first visit, we had no sightings of elk or the park’s iconic Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. Fortunately, that changed after we moved to Cheyenne and were able to visit more often. We discovered that elk were common and that, in fact, herds of them wandered through the streets of nearby Estes Park, causing traffic jams that probably annoyed the residents but delighted visitors, including us.

Still, there were no big horn sheep. And then, one afternoon when we were leaving the park, we saw a number of cars parked along the side of the highway with everyone staring at the nearby cliff. It was a sure sign of a wildlife sighting and, yes, on top of one outcropping was a female big horn sheep. Success!

After that, each time we drove that highway, we’d look for the sheep. But they proved to be elusive, and I was beginning to think it would be a one-time sighting. Then, one January morning when we were heading for the park to do some snowshoeing, we had what could only be described as a big horn sheep bonanza. We’d just come out of the visitor’s center and there they were – a whole herd crossing the road.

Apparently unfazed by our car, they strolled down the middle of the road, barely glancing at us.

All except for this one, who gave us a look that practically said, “I’m king of the road.”

I agreed.

Here is a link for ordering Amanda’s new novella! Sincerely Yours: A Novella Collection

Sincerely Yours
A Novella Collection
Amanda Cabot
Available now!

Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.

Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver’s workshop to a remote hospital, you’ll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler’s Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that “M. M.” is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn’t marry quickly. When she learns her long lost brother is alive, she hopes she’s found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?

About Amanda Cabot:
From the age of seven, Amanda Cabot dreamed of becoming a published author, but it was only when she set herself the goal of selling a book by her thirtieth birthday that the dream came true. A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. She’s delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian historical romances. Her Texas Dreams trilogy received critical acclaim; Christmas Roses was a CBA bestseller; and a number of her books have been finalists for national awards, including ACFW’s Carol award.

www.amandacabot.com
http://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Cabot/110238182354449?v=wall

DiAnn Mills, German Shepherds and Buddy the Wonderdog!

Posted on July 16, 2014 by RoxanneJuly 17, 2014

by guest blogger DiAnn Mills

Taryn Young, my heroine in Firewall, finds a friend in a German shepherd. I’m not an detailed plotter, and when Taryn spotted the dog, so did I. He appears on a dark night in a precarious situation when she needs a friend. Her world is shattering around her, and she’s frightened. The dog became a dear friend, and she quickly named him Buddy. Throughout the story he exhibits loyalty and unconditional love. Often he lays his head on her lap when she’s discouraged and stays by her side when she’s in danger.

I fell in love with Buddy too. So I did more research on German shepherds. I learned they are listed in the top five most intelligent breeds of dog. They are fast learners, eager to develop new skills, and used extensively in K-9 units as bomb sniffers, drug sniffers, search and rescue, and various branches of the military. German Shepherds are suited as guard dogs. Although they can be aggressive, they can be trained to obey their owner. No wonder Taryn fell in love with this beautiful animal!

I posted the question to my Facebook friends about their experiences with German Shepherds. Some of their responses were the dog’s sweetness, protective nature, devotion to family, and loyalty. Others mentioned unconditional love and alertness.

One man told me how his German shepherd walked between his toddler and the street, never allowing the child to step into danger—The dog was not used as a babysitter, but the father observed this. The same gentleman told me about his dog playing hide and seek with his children. I loved his stories!

A woman confessed to loving her German shepherd to the point of attributing her fondness to that of a child. Another woman valued her dog’s keen sense of smell. She was involved in K-9 Nose Work.

I wanted to own German Shepherd until I realized I don’t have the yard size needed for the dog to exercise. This breed has tons of energy and must have a way to work it out. If I’m to have a dog of this caliber, I don’t want to be selfish and not provide for its needs. Maybe a home in the country is in my future. 🙂 But I can admire from a distance and envy all you who have these wonderful animals.

Click here to buy DiAnn’s new release on Amazon! Firewall (FBI: Houston)

FIREWALL
DiAnn Mills
Tyndale
Release date: June 2014

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

DiAnnMillssmaller-1

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than sixty books published. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2014 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, dvanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers.

She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
Visit her website at www.diannmills.com
and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills),
Twitter (@DiAnnMills),
Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/DiAnnMills),
and Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/DiAnnMills).

Winnie Griggs’ Louisiana Ranch & its Wild Animals!

Posted on June 11, 2014 by RoxanneJune 11, 2014

Hi everyone. Winnie Griggs here. Though our family has owned many pets over the years – dogs, cats, turtles, fish, hamsters – we are, alas, currently pet-less. So instead of talking to you about animals of the domesticated variety, I thought I’d share something else with you today.

First, let me explain that my husband is a cattle rancher. Occasionally he ends up with an orphaned calf that must be bottle fed. Here are a couple of pictures of one such baby – one where my husband is bottle-feeding him by hand, and another where he is using a ‘hands-free’ approach.

In addition to the cattle, one of my daughters has a horse named Prancer that is now living out his later years peacefully grazing in those same pastures. We have even somehow acquired some donkeys.

Of course, not all the animals that use the pastures were invited in. Over the years we’ve seen quite a bit of wildlife make appearances there. And occasionally we have the presence of mind to photograph them. So I thought I’d share some of those pictures with you today.

Here is an eagle who found a momentary perch in a tree there, and the baby fawn whose mother hid him among the tall grasses (my favorite picture).

Of course there are much less welcome ‘guests’ like this snake (shudder). Needless to say, that is NOT me holding that stick!

And other critters show up that are just plain pests. Possums and raccoons have learned how to get into the feed bins so hubby started setting out live traps.

He’s caught umpteen dozens of them that he carts off miles away and sets free. He even once caught an armadillo.

And there are other animals as well, such as coyotes, foxes, wild hogs, snapping turtles etc. that we’ve seen but not photographed.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our own little wildlife preserve. And I’d love to hear about any of your own encounters of a similar nature.

Here’s a link for Winnie’s wonderful new book! Lone Star Heiress (Love Inspired Historical\Texas Grooms (Love Inspired Historical))

LONE STAR HEIRESS

Romantic Times Book Review (4.5 stars) “…The final Texas Grooms story is a delight to read, and readers will be sad that it is the last book. Yet there’s promise that the author’s trips to Turnabout are not over.”

Rescuer Turned Husband?

Plucky Ivy Feagan is headed to Turnabout, Texas, to claim an inheritance, not a widower’s heart. That all changes when strapping schoolteacher Mitch Parker rescues her in the wilderness. Straightlaced Mitch has never met a woman like Ivy—beautiful, adventurous and good-hearted—but he already lost love once and doesn’t dare try again.

When Turnabout’s gossips target Mitch and Ivy’s friendship, he proposes to save her reputation. But Ivy doesn’t want to marry for honor, and she doesn’t need to marry for money. Ivy will only agree to a proposal made for love’s sake—but will Mitch make his heart part of the marriage offer?

Texas Grooms: In search of their bride

My website: www.winniegriggs.com
My facebook page: www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author