Becky Wade's Blog, page 95

The Blessings of K-9 Companions {Giveaway}

Hi friends! This week I’m thrilled to welcome back my fellow author and friend, Jill Kemerer. If you aren’t familiar with Jill or her books, you’re in for a treat! I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jill last month.

We spent the day in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It’s lovely there if you haven’t been. We talked about writing, books we love to read, and life. It’s always a special treat catching up with someone who understands writing and all that goes into it. Today, Jill’s sharing an inside peek at the research she did for her K-9 COMPANIONS series. Hope you’ll enjoy and be sure to leave a comment to enter her giveaway!

Picture a roly-poly puppy—a fluffy golden retriever, a spaniel, or a Saint Bernard. I don’t know about you, but I can’t help oohing and aahing over them. They’re so cute! Dogs are one of the most popular pets for a reason. Their loyalty and affection brighten our days.

I have a mini-dachshund, Sophie, who is almost thirteen years old. I love my little nine-pound writing buddy. She’s either by my side or on my lap all the time! In fact, right now she’s curled around my shoulders on the back of the couch.

I’m amazed at all the wonderful things dogs can do, especially when it comes to being of service. Rescue dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs—they make such an impact not only on their owners but on the community, too.

For instance, I recently read an article in the Oklahoman about dogs helping grieving families in Uvalde, Texas. The organization, Lutheran Church Charities, sent K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Teams to support the families. You can read the full article “Meet Miriam: The Kingfisher Therapy Dog Sent to Comfort Families After Ulvade Shootings” for more information. What a wonderful way to help—even in a small way—people who are devastated by tragedy.

Veterans suffering from PTSD are able to function better with their specially-trained dogs. People with various health problems rely on service dogs for many things, including helping with routine tasks or alerting them to changes in blood pressure. Then there are seeing eye dogs that act on behalf of their blind owners to help them navigate daily life.

Even when dogs aren’t trained to perform life-saving tasks, they are blessings. Therapy dogs bring joy to people of all ages. When my children were young, they wanted a dog but we weren’t ready for the commitment at that time. Our library hosted special children’s programs where kids could read to a canine. Both of my children loved it, and it made them look forward to reading.

Love Inspired publishes a K-9 COMPANIONS series each year. There are ten books in 2022, and my book Guarding His Secret is the June 2022 release. I loved researching and writing this one. I learned so much about what medical-alert dogs can do and about the general training process for all K-9 companion dogs. These dogs truly are blessings!

Do you have a dog or pet? What kind do you have?

To celebrate the release of Guarding His Secret, I’m hosting a giveaway. One commenter will receive a copy of Guarding His Secret. (US residents will receive an autographed paperback; international winners will receive an ebook.) Thank you!

He’s hiding something…
Can a special K-9 encourage him to reveal all?

When a family crisis leaves rancher Randy Watkins caring for a surprise baby nephew, he turns to longtime friend Hannah Carr for help. But Randy has a heart condition—a secret he’s determined to hide…until Hannah’s clever retired service dog threatens to expose it. As friendship turns to something more, can Randy trust Hannah with the truth?

Click HERE for Purchase Links and More

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. Over half a million of her books have sold worldwide. Jill’s essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

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Fishing, anyone?

Do you like to fish? I do. I’m not great at it by any means, but Joe and I recently went deep sea fishing with some good friends, and we had a blast! AND CAUGHT TONS OF FISH!

We brought them all home, too, and are planning a fish fry for our community group sometime soon.

But even if we hadn’t caught anything, just being on the water is so beautiful. Dolphins were following the boat as we left the harbor, the sun was coming up, the briny salt water was frizzing my hair. What’s not to love? : ) Sharing that experience—and the laughter—with friends is a taste of heaven.

Joe and I headed down to the beach for a very quick walk

In addition to fishing, we also managed to fit in some history while in 30A in Florida by visiting Eden Gardens Mansion and State Park. Just look at this place…

It’s stunning! Drink in the live oaks and grounds. Talk about God’s handiwork on display.

About Eden Gardens State Park (from their website)—

The park contains approximately 163 acres of land that was part of the historic Wesley homestead. In a setting of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion recalls a prosperous era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state. The mansion, surrounded by lawns and gardens, has been restored and furnished with remarkable antiques. A reflection pool provides a glimpse back into time as camellias and azaleas provide colorful accents in the surrounding gardens.

We had a wonderful time fishing and sightseeing, but the best part of the trip, by far, was the laughter and late night/early morning conversation with friends. And the food wasn’t bad either!

Are you fellow fisherwoman? Or live oak & history lover? What are some special places you’ve visited that you would definitely recommend to others? Sites with historical significance get extra points in my book. ; )

Be sure and enter to win the DEAR MUSKA NECKLACE that’s my website giveaway this month! Details below.

Blessings from Nashville,

Tammy

JUNE GIVEAWAY

ESSENTIAL Necklace (Micah 6:8)
by Dear Mushka
$29 value

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good (essential).
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8

ENTER TO WIN

Jesus is Like a Rooster

The other day I went out to the chicken run and didn’t see Ringo, my amazing rooster. So I looked inside the coop, and there he was, dead. My heart broke. He was beautiful, and he did his job so well. The girls and I will miss him.

Why do I keep a rooster? Hens don’t need a rooster to lay eggs–they only need a rooster to lay fertilized eggs. Ringo fathered many of my current chickens, including George, who looks very much like his father.

I wouldn’t keep a rooster if my neighbors hate the sound of crowing, because roosters can crow any time, and sometimes they crow all day long, if they have a good reason. (A reason that makes sense to the rooster, mind.). But my closest neighbors have told me that they LIKE the sound of a rooster crowing, so I’ve kept a couple from the chicks I hatch.

But why a rooster? I love my roosters because they remind me of Jesus.

A good rooster (and I’ve had bad, which I define as a bird who is either too rough on his girls or who attacks humans) takes care of his hens. He is a gentleman, and doesn’t rip their feathers out. He does a lovely little dance as he woos them, and whenever he spies food, he calls the girls with a special little “here it is” cluck. But most important, a rooster will guard his hens from predators or anything odd.

The Real Ringo

The other days I let the girls out into the yard because grass is good for them and creates healthier eggs. (You should see the resulting orange yolks!). I also let the girls from another coop out at the same time. I never let them out unless I’m outside, so I can be watchful for hawks.

Anyway, one of the girls from Coop A approached Ringo’s girls, who were dirt bathing in the sunshine. Ringo suddenly left his girls, spread his wings like a parachuting commando, and took off after the Coop A interloper. The poor hen promptly fled, and Ringo came back to his girls, clucking contentedly.

I loved that bird.

I’ve had roosters who tried to attack me and my grandkids, and that’s no good. A person can be seriously injured by a rooster, who attacks by jumping into the air toward you while thrusting the sharp spurs on his back legs toward you. You don’t want those things scraping down the front of your shin bone. I usually list those roosters on Craig’s List, and hand them off to a genuine farmer.

Ringo as a youngster.

But Ringo, who was a Pavlovskaya, never did that, and neither has his son. He always kept an eye on me when I went into the run, but he seemed to understand that I was his support team.

So how is a rooster like Jesus? He leads us to still waters and food. He protects us. He is a gentleman when His Spirit woos us. And most important, He would lay down His life for us . . . and He did.

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Collections—What Do You Collect?

I admit. I’m not much of a collector. I prefer to keep my home uncluttered which was VERY challenging when my five kiddos were all younger and living at home. To that end, I’ve always had a “Donation Bin” going in my garage where I store items I no longer need or use. When the bin starts to overflow, then I know it’s time to make a trip to Salvation Army or Goodwill.

In spite of my constant pruning, I have managed to develop several collections.

Obviously, the first is BOOKS. But I guess I don’t really count that as a collection since it’s more of a necessity. *grin* I’ve always had bookshelves in almost every room of my house—non-fiction, fiction, research books, homeschooling books, and more. Just recently I started to thin out some of my bookshelves (since they’re overflowing). Let me tell you, it’s hard to part with books, even when I know we won’t use them anymore.

My second collection is CATS. Yes, I have five! As a result I’ve become known as the “Crazy Cat Lady” in my family and am therefore gifted with all kinds of cat items. Here are just a few:

My third collection is CANDLES. I do really love a candle on a rainy or snowy day. And since three-fourths of the year in Michigan is overcast (or so it seems!), my collection of candles has grown over the years.

My fourth and final collection is COFFEE mugs. I don’t have a huge number of regular mugs. But I have holiday mugs that I switch around—mugs that are themed for each season (Fall, Christmas, January Snowmen, February Valentines, and Spring). And of course, I also have my cat collection which is currently out on the counter!

CATS. CANDLES. COFFEE. And BOOKS . . . what more does a person need?

How about YOU? What do YOU collect?

In Honor’s Defense

In less than a week, the final installment of the Hanger’s Horsemen series will officially release. I can’t wait to share Preach’s story with you! I always get nervous when a new book hits the shelves, worried about what readers will think, but initial feedback has overwhelmingly claimed this to be the best of the series.

Here are a few snippets from early reviews:

“Preach and Damaris . . . have earned a spot on my Best Fictional Couples list. The fast-paced, adventurous plot twists and turns with lots of action. The strong faith element woven throughout the story is inspiring. The well-structured plot, superb characterization, and gentle romance made this book one of the best reads of the year for me.” — Carolyn Bryant

Graphic designed by Susan Snodgrass

“This story had everything I’ve come to expect from a Karen Witemeyer book. There’s a reason why Karen’s books are some the most re-read on my favorites shelf. The blend of lovable characters put through the wringer, pulse-raising action/suspense, and heart-felt romance keeps me pushing through chapter after chapter, regardless of what life says I should be doing instead.” — Alyssa Madjeski

Graphic created by Brandi Gabriel

I thought you might enjoy reading a short excerpt:

Invisible people rarely received correspondence. A fact Damaris Baxter had accepted long ago. So when the housekeeper entered the parlor and held out an envelope with her name occupying the address line instead of her aunt’s, it took a moment to process the unprecedented event. . .

Miss Damaris Baxter,

I write with a heavy heart to inform you of your brother’s untimely death. Douglas Baxter was found drowned in Lake Madison on March 7, 1895. . . Mr. Douglas Baxter named you, Miss Damaris Baxter, guardian of his son, Nathaniel. . .

Douglas had chosen her? Damaris could barely find the strength to blink through the paralysis of shock. He’d entrusted Nathaniel’s care to the baby sister he barely knew? . . . Perhaps because she had no attachments to hinder or distract her. Of all their siblings, she was the only one with no family to keep her rooted in St. Louis. She was free to leave at any time, free to devote herself fully to Nathaniel’s care.

Or maybe . . . Damaris caught her breath. Maybe the choice had belonged to Nathaniel. The idea kicked her heart into a rapid rhythm. What if Nathaniel had remembered his Aunt Maris and requested that she be named his guardian?

To be chosen for herself—it was the secret desire of her heart. To be important to someone. More than a glorified servant who fetched and carried and entertained at her aunt’s whim, but to be wanted truly for herself. Seen instead of invisible. Valued instead of tolerated.

“I must pack.” Damaris jumped up from the sofa with such speed that her forgotten basket of needlework threads toppled to the floor along with her embroidery hoop.

A snuffling sound echoed from the window as Aunt Bertha stirred. “Damaris? Why are you fluttering about, girl? You know I dislike being disturbed during my afternoon respites. Clumsy child,” she chided as her gaze landed on the upturned basket and contents spilled across the carpet. “Clean up your mess then bring me one of my tonics. I can’t have my nerves overset.”

Anna hurried over to help right the sewing basket. Damaris smiled her thanks but didn’t stay to help. She had trunks to fill, railroad schedules to check, and a nephew who needed her. “Sorry, Aunt Bertha. I don’t have time to fetch your tonic. I’m moving to Texas.”

Graphic created by Tasha Cantrell

Damaris is a character who has much in common with her creator. Introverted, bookish, and fond of stitching samplers, I had so much fun bringing her out of her shell and showing her (and myself) that quiet people can have as much grit and courage as anyone else.

Do you find yourself relating quiet, bookish heroines or are you drawn more to the overtly adventuresome type?

A Surprising Read

I may have mentioned that I’ve joined a book club for the first time. It’s a group of ladies from my neighborhood, so not only do I get to read books I might not have picked for myself, I get to know my neighbors in the process. 

To be honest, I really didn’t hold out much hope of reading things I really enjoyed. I know that sounds a bit . . . arrogant . . . but the truth is I like what I like and often times that isn’t necessarily what other readers like. 

I missed the first 2 months of meeting due to schedule conflicts. When I finally read the next book in preparation fro the first meeting I could attend, it proved my theory. But I finished the book and contributed to the conversation. When the next book was revealed, I wasn’t thrilled over it, either, since it was labeled as suspense. I don’t do real suspense books. I will do some romantic suspense, but I have very clear parameters on what kinds of scenarios I can read because I’m a scaredy cat! But I bought the book and started it well ahead of the meeting date, assuming it would be a difficult read.

Boy was I wrong! 

These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant is not suspense in the truest sense of the word. I guess you might say it was psychological suspense. But to me, it was simply contemporary fiction. And great fiction at that! 

I don’t want to give away the story, but suffice it to say that the writing was beautiful, the characters memorable, and the story itself an amazing picture of redemption and salvation. The book has quickly catapulted to my top books and I will be buying a physical copy to add to my library. 

Experiencing this book has made me realize two things: 1) there are more great books out there that haven’t yet crossed my path and 2) there are readers around me who do indeed enjoy the books I enjoy. 

I’m thrilled on both counts. 

Have you read a book you didn’t expect to enjoy and you ended up loving it? Tell us! 

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Cover Re-creations

I love cover re-creation photos! I was delighted when talented readers staged and snapped a few for my most recent books…

The above was created by Shannon. Didn’t she do a FANTASTIC job? You can follow her charming Instagram account here. Bonus — she also created a playlist of every song mentioned in Turn to Me. You can listen to that on Spotify here. And read the first two chapters of the novel for free here.

This one was done by Lauren and you’ll find her wonderful, bookish feed on Instagram here. I’m amazed by how closely she nailed the details — his shirt, her shirt, the styling of her hair, the wash of color along the bottom and the circular spots of color. All on point!

This one is also by Lauren. Notice how his forehead lines up almost perfectly with the cover image. Ha!

Hearty applause to Lauren, Shannon, and their husbands (who are both such good sports). Thank you!

The above cover re-creations reminded me of when I used to do them back in the day for the books in my Porter Family series.

Poses that look natural on the professional covers feel highly unnatural when attempting to imitate them!

My good friend Katie Ganshert joined me in several cover re-creation challenges. We’d both attempt the pose, then ask our readers to vote on who did it best.

She and her husband beat us every time!

Trying to re-create this pose was hilariously challenging. It appears whimsical, spontaneous, and romantic in the professional shot. In real life it was none of those things. It required the kind of muscle that had our husbands gritting their teeth with strain.

To complicate matters, our kids were smallish then. We had LOTS of out-takes.

I invited readers to attempt the pose for themselves and a few took me up on it. The two couples in the middle pictures killed it. In the top right — two of my kids gave it a whirl. And my aunt is pictured in the bottom right. She was traveling with her husband at the time and since there was no one but him on hand to take the picture, she attempted it solo. Which was actually brilliant because her husband avoided having to grit his teeth with strain.

What do you think of the cover re-creations, everyone? Do you have a favorite?

Restarting the Writing Lifestyle

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to have to spend significant time this summer writing. Just last week I signed a three-book deal for a new legal, romantic suspense series in addition to the WWII novellas I’d also signed contracts to write. It’s a process for me to restart the writing race when I’ve gotten out of practice. Today, I thought I’d take you behind the scenes. Be sure to read to the end, where I share the link for a giveaway Revell and I are running for the latest releases of Lynette Eason, Lynn Blackburn, and Lisa Harris connected to their special edition Book Talk panel last week.

First, Good Coffee….

All good things start with coffee…including a writing sprint.

Then there’s my research board. I catpure much of my research online, but there are certain things that I want to have ready access to at a glance. This is also where I’ll fill in post-its that represent each chapter. This book has a pretty thorough synopsis that I’ve put at the beginning of each chapter in my document, but this gives me another quick reference to see if it’s coming together the way I thought it would.

I also keep motivation from my prior books close at hand. It’s nice to be able to glance over and realize that even if this story feels like a mess, these other books did too, and people still liked them at the end of hte process. No matter how many books I write, I still need the reminder that the draft can become a beautiful story.

This image may not feel like it fits, but when I’m struggling to get going, or letting myself get sidetracked by research — so easy to do! — a timer for 20 minutes of writing makes a daunting task feel very doable. I don’t have to write for two hours. I only have to create for 20 minutes. Invariably, I write longer than that. Or I give myself permission to get up and do something else for five minutes and then get back at it. Earlier this week I did three of these in a row…and…

This was the result. I wrote 1477 words in an hour. That’s my sweet spot, and it let me know that I had finely done enough of the initial research to be able to focus on the story. It doesn’t mean I won’t have more to research…I will. But I can now write without the distraction of not knowing enough detail to plant myself or readers in the location. There may have been some happy dancing when I hit this milestone, because now I know I can tell myself to focus on words on page. Woot!

I’ve also had research books coming in this week, because I’m thinking about the next novella and how it ties into book two in the legal suspense series, even as I’m on the Outer Banks. This is the pull and push of writing. I’m usually marketing one book, while writing another, while also dreaming and research the next. It’s the never ending cycle.

The book I’ve been finalizing and marketing when I just couldn’t get traction writing is this one:

It’s been in development off and on for eighteen months, so I’m delighted to release it to the world. If you’re a writer, this book may help you add layers to your characters. The process has certainly helped me.

And as promised, here’s the information on the giveaway. All you need to do is pop over to my blog and enter. Revell is giving away one of each of the authors’ latest releases, and I’m adding one of mine. You cna find all you need here, but the giveaway ends Saturday, May 28th.