K-9 Fun

Terri Reed here. So many of the Ladies of Love Inspired write books with dogs, especially with K-9 officers and their human handlers.
Right now in Love Inspired Suspense we have a Military K-9 Unit continuity series running that began in March and ends with a Christmas novella.

To view the whole series:

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/brand/love-inspired-suspense.html?ms=Military%20K-9%20Unit&rg=previousRelease&pg=1&pz=12&ord=publicationdate%20DESC%2Ctitle_copy%20asc&vm=grid

My girl Aubrey Rose, Australian Shepherd, and her BFF Lincoln, the Golden Retriever and her other bestie, Jovi, a Border Collie, in the background. 

And for added fun, this video shows a K-9 dog who wants something special before he'll go to work. Trust me you'll laugh.

https://www.facebook.com/wedontdeserveanimalsDM/videos/215899589172236/UzpfSTE1ODUwNzcwMDc6MTAyMTQ5MTA1Mzc2Njg2ODQ/

Military Working Dogs

Good morning, Terri Reed here, off to a late start. That seems to be how my life is going lately. I'm knee deep writing a new book. But I want to talk about the new Military K-9 Unit continuity series from Love Inspired Suspense featuring Military Working Dogs and their handlers. This was a challenging series to be a part of because I'd never written a military set book. There was so much fascinating information to learn and all of the authors involved worked really hard to make our stories adhere to the codes and regulations of the military, while still providing a sweeping suspense plot, satisfying romances and happily ever afters.

And of course we all fell in love with the dogs.  Here are some fun facts about the first five K-9 heroes.  There are eight full length novels in the series, two Christmas novellas, and a short story online prequel that came out in March. Here's the link for the full collection

https://books.harlequin.com/search?w=military%20k-9%20unit

Do you have dog? A pet? 

I'd love to giveaway a signed copy of Mission to Protect to a commenter. And we'd love to see a photo of you pet.

Book 1 Mission to Protect by Terri Reed

Book 2 Bound By Duty  by Valerie Hansen

Book 3 Top Secret Target by Dana Mentink

Book 4 Standing Fast by Maggie K. Black

Book 5 Rescue Operation by Lenora Worth

Follow the grain in your wood!

Hi, all. Dana Mentink here. Though I REALLY wanted to be an Olympic ice skater at one point in my life, it just wasn't going to happen. I mean, it turns out that you really do need to know how to skate. Furthermore, people who don't like the cold just aren't suited to hang out at ice rinks all day. Nope. The Olympic ice skater thing just wasn't going to cut it because it didn't follow the grain in my wood. I am so glad I found a nutty, wacky, crazy profession that suits me...writing! It's the perfect fit for me for three reasons.

1. I am a constant daydreamer. Not good in a corporate staff meeting, but really awesome for a writer!

2. I need to be creative. If I don't have an outlet for this quality, I begin to behave badly, drawing on things, wiggling in my chair, eating large quantities of junk food. Not pretty.

3. I am hyperactive. I need things to do, lots of things, or I get antsy. It's not a quality that I'm proud of, but there it is, the grain in my wood. Writing provides a plethora of ideas and projects that can all be whirling around at the same time. I love that!

Here's a little motivational about following the grain in your wood.

Follow the Grain in Your Wood

So what's your grain like? Are you shy? Outgoing? Calm? Inquisitive? Personable? How have you found ways to follow your grain in your work and home life? 

Drumming up a fiction series.....

Dangerous Tidings, a Holt Medallion Award Winner

Hello, all. Dana Mentink here. Summer means "write like crazy" time for an elementary school teacher. I dash off into my garden here in Northern, CA and hammer out as many words as I can before the Mentink children find me. Having just finished the last in the four book Pacific Coast Investigations series, I'm at that scary time when I have to build a world, a fresh series idea that will hopefully please readers and editors alike. Sheesh! That's a tall order! This puts me in mind of a few questions I have to ask myself and I figured I'd pose them to you, too!

When writing a series....

1. Should it be a small town setting? Do we enjoy that type of story, dear readers? The little small town where strange and nefarious things occur? Usually this town has a quaint name, like Rose Villiage or Bear Mountain. It's got to be catchy, you know, not like 'Cuperinto' or something.

2. Should the stories focus on one family or on many unrelated characters? Do you like to follow the lives of those four brothers or sisters or do you find that tedious after a while? Hmmmm.

3.  What would a reader find unique about the series? Are the characters all scientists? Navy Seals? Dog trainers? Or maybe scientific Navy Seal dog trainers? What series have you found to be unique?

Blast from the past...and some joypain!

I have discovered a new word....it's called 'joypain.' My social media family assures me that this is really a thing. I experience this interesting emotion when I look at the above picture of my graduating senior. Oh! Errgh! Ouch! Yes, I'm happy, proud, thrilled that she is wearing that tassel, but there's a measure of pain too. All you mothers out there...do you get me? This kiddo (affectionately nicknamed named Yogi) was the reason I decided to pursue writing professionally. I hope I do not come off as a terrible mother with this confession, but I left my elementary teaching career to be a stay at home mom with Yogi and it was a lot harder than I thought. Of course I adored her, and of course I knew it was the right choice, but I'm a hyperactive kinda gal and I missed the creative, intense experience of the classroom so Papa Bear encouraged me to write. Thirty-five books later and here we are. I'm a bone fide author...and Yogi is a real live graduate. 

Did I savor the moments of her childhood? Not as deeply as I should have. Did I make every moment count? Alas, I failed there as well. Would I love to have a 'redo' on some of the things that came out I of my mouth over the years? Oh, how I would crave such an opporunity, but we don't get those "revision" opportunities in parenting, do we? 

So I sigh, I hug her, I take pictures and I experience the joypain of letting her go. Please tell me I'm not alone in this, ladies. Tell me about your joypain. 

What We're Reading

I just finished reading: Cowboy with a Cause by Carla Cassidy
I am currently reading:Finding your way bak to God by Don Ferguson
Next, I plan to read: The Wrong Jesus by Greg Monette
Barbara Phinney 

I just finished reading: Lisa Van Allen's THE WISHING THREAD, which was great preparation for spending Halloween morning in Sleepy Hollow NY

I am currently reading: Brian Grazer's A CURIOUS MIND, a marvelous look into the creative life of a Hollywood producer 

Next, I plan to read: Nicholas Spark's THE LONGEST RIDE to prepare for a rodeo-themed novel
Allie Pleiter

I just finished reading:The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert

I haven't read a lot of WWII historical novels. This one was epic in scope and quite a riveting read.

I am currently reading:A Reunion for the Rancher by Brenda Minton

Rereading the Lone Star Cowboy League books, of which I'm a part. Love revisiting the characters.

Next, I plan to read: A Doctor for the Nanny by Leigh Bale

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Making Memories by Janet Lee Barton

I am currently reading: A Montana Born Christmas (a multi-author boxed set)

Next, I plan to read: A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone
Yes, I've started my Christmas reading. I didn't finish 2014's until March 2015. I love holiday stories.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: The last apprentice by Joseph Delaney (did the audio in my car as I have an hour's drive back and forth to work.  Love,love, loved this YA that was darker than Harry Potter but not as scary as Stephen King) 

I am currently reading: A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley (my favorite author and I finally have her new one.  I am soooooo having fun.  I'm already on page 25 and am searching for more time to read)

Next, I plan to read: The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Pamela Tracy

What I'm reading: The Secret Garden (yet again!)
Patricia Johns

I'm reading Beneath the Navajo Moon by Lisa Carter. 

Next is Texas Wish by Jolene Navarro

Barbara Harrison aka Leann Harris

I just finished reading...For the Love, Jen Hatmaker 

I am currently reading...The Reluctant Assassin, JC Morrows

I plan to read ...Seagrass Pier, Colleen Coble 

Dana Mentink

 I just finished reading a WW2 historical for endorsement

I'm currently reading The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert. Yet another WW2 historical. Hmm.

 Next up? Probably a holiday book. I have the 2-in-1 A Western Christmas by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge at the top of my TBR pile.

Christine Johnson

What I'm reading - Nothing for pleasure at the moment because I've been in an intense writing period, but I am reading Roald Dahl's The Witches with my class.

I'm so looking forward to reading all the holiday stories I've been stockpiling - but not until I've met my deadline!
Cate Nolan

I'm finishing - "Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale," by Ian Morgan Cron. I'm also reading Tina Radcliffe's wonderful story, "Safe in the Fireman's Arms."

My book club pick for this month - "Chasing Tomorrow," by Sidney Sheldon so that's next on my TBR list.

Debby Giusti

HA!! I am so busy with deadlines right now that I haven’t been able to pick up an actual book in a few weeks. However, the Harlequin Heartwarming authors have a wonderful series of free (and short!) online reads at Harlequin.com that I’m really enjoying. You can find them here: http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?cid=623303

Danica Favorite

 I just finished reading: The Matchmaker’s Match by Jessica Nelson, a wonderfully rich romance with delightful characters. It’s easy to see why this story received a Top Pick from RT Magazine along with an RT Reviewer's Choice nomination for Best LIH of 2015. 

I am currently reading: Her Convenient Cowboy by Lacy Williams, a heartwarming story with a sweet heroine and a charming hero. 

Next, I plan to read: The Bachelor’s Homecoming by Karen Kirst, her latest release that’s sure to be another winner.

What I’m reading:I just finished: Kiss Me by Susan Mallery. I love, love her writing. The book was fun, light and romantic.

 

I am currently reading: Be Afraid by Mary Burton. Another of my favorite authors. This is a fast paced thriller and I’ve enjoying it.

 

Next, I plan to read: Charming Christmas by Carly Alexander. She’s a new to me author. Her book was made into a Hallmark movie which I recorded but I want to read the book before watching the movie.

So, readers, what have you just read?  What are you reading now?  What are you reading next?

Are you ready to ice skate on the beach?

I know, I know. It seems like Fall gets skimmed right over in all the hustle bustle of Christmas, doesn't it? In this wacky world of fiction writing, fall is the beginning of the holiday book avalanche and my newest book, Dangerous Tidings, is part of that onslaught! I will always have fond memories when I look at the cover, because hubby and I were fortunate enough to travel to Coronado Island in Southern, California where the book is set. There at the historic Hotel Del Coronado, we were amazed to see an ice skating rink operating a few yards from the beach! The hotel itself has hosted many famous people from Marilyn Monroe to L. Frank Baum. The classic movie "Some Like it Hot" was filmed on that very beach.

How cool, right? I would love to travel again to the Historic Hotel Del someday. In the meantime, I'll just have to enjoy the photos and memories! Are you planning to travel over the holidays? Do tell! 

What We're Reading

Deb Kastner

What I just finished reading: Gray Girl by Susan I. Spieth  

An interesting look at the inner workings of West Point from a female cadet's point of view.

What I am reading now: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon  

Actually, I'm listening to this one when I'm cleaning the house or washing dishes. I've read her whole series before, but that was many years ago.

What I plan to read next: For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Kate Nolan

I haven't finished anything lately. I

What I’m reading: Susanna Kearsley's The Rose Garden

Marta Perry's Where Secrets Sleep

Linda Castillo's The Dead Will Tell

Alison Stone's High Risk Homecoming

Jon Keller's Of Sea and Cloud

Next up - Heather Woodhaven's Surviving the Storm

Pamela Tracy

What I just finished reading:  The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin.  It was the fictionalized account of Anne Lindbergh’s life.

What I am reading now:  Safe in the Fireman’s Arms by Tina Radcliff.  I’m busy writing a Love Inspired.  I have sticky notes on my computer reminding me IT’S A ROMANCE.  I decided I needed to read a great LI to inspire me.  This one is working :)

What I plan to read next:  I’m thinking For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Linda Goodnight

What I just finished reading: Nightingale by Kristan Hannah, a story of the French Resistance in WW2.

What I am reading now:  Nothing :(((  Too busy with revisions

What I plan to read next: Probably:  Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

Dana Mentink

I just finished reading Hiding in the Light by Rifqua Bary. 

I am reading Decieved, by Irene Hannon. 

I plan to read Finding Faith in the Dark, by Laurie Short. 

Christine Johnson

What I just finished reading: The Wedding Dress by Rachael Hauck

   This has been on my TBR pile for ages, waiting for me to meet writing deadlines. What a great treat to devour once those deadlines were met!

What I'm reading now: Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf

   This is pretty scientifically dense for this non-scientist, but I'm always looking for ways to exercise and strengthen the mind, especially since dementia lurks in the family history.

What I plan to read next: Not sure. There's this huge TBR pile. Whatever strikes my interest at the moment will be the book of choice.

Rhonda Gibson

I just finished reading, Ravenspell book 1 of Mice and Magic,                          The Three Heaven's by John Hagee, and Mrs. Jefferies and the One who Got Away by Emily Brightwell

I am reading, Good health, good life by Joyce Meyer. The Iron Trail by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.  And, Frontier Engagement by Regina Scott

  

I plan to read, A Daddy for Christmas by Linda Ford, The Everyday Visionary by Jesse Duplantis, and The Other of One book 1 by Brain Burke

Yes I like to read three books at once :) Most of the time they are all different and from different genres.

Janet Lee Barton 

What I just finished reading: Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

What I am reading now: Nothing—working on deadline

What I plan to read next: The Marriage Agreement by Renee Ryan

Debby Giusti 

What I just finished reading: NO, MAMA, I DIDN'T DIE, My Life as a Stolen Baby, by Devereaux R. Bruch, a self-pubbed memoir about being a black market baby taken from her unwed birth mother in the 1930s. The mother was told her infant had died at birth. Much later, the author would learn that she had been a victim of the Tennessee Childrens Home Society's illegal baby-mill operation run by Georgia Tann.

What I am reading now: Getting ready to start the next book...

What I plan to read next: My book club selection for the upcoming month is MY MOTHER'S RING, by Dana Fitzwater Cornell, a WWII Holocaust story set in Poland. After visiting Wasaw, the site of the Jewish Ghetto, and Auschwitz this spring, I'm eager to start this story.

Lacy Williams
What I just finished reading: The Jack of Souls by Stephen Merino (fantasy) & Love on a Deadline by Kathryn Springer.

What I am reading now: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

What I plan to read next: The Boy Next Door - an anthology coming out in late October from Lenora Worth, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Gayle Roper, Susan Crawford and Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay.

Question for readers...whaddya want?

I've been perusing sales numbers recently for my 20 Harlequin novels. The fact is, they haven't all sold the same number of copies. Some have amazed me with their popularity, and some have disappointed, but all of them confound me. When I am whacking away at those keys, I'm completely convinced this is my BEST novel ever, one that really speaks to the readers, a pulse pounding thriller that will fly off the shelves. Trouble is, sometimes I'm wrong. Gasp! Sometimes, for reasons which I can't explain, my book just isn't what people want to read. Go figure! Was it the theme? The cover? The timing? A dull premise? Tired prose? No idea.

So tell me readers and writers...when faced with a shelf full of romantic suspense novels, what makes you pick one over the other? What themes really trip your trigger? Do this confused writer a favor and share! 

FEATURED BOOK: ESCAPE FROM TH BADLANDS BY DANA MENTINK

After his brother is convicted of murder, Shane Mason will do anything to clear his name. But when his investigations lead him to enter South Dakota's Desert Quest extreme race, Shane is fl oored by the surprise waiting for him. Kelly Cloudman—the woman he can't let himself love—is the race's medic…and the killer's next target. A painful memory from his past divided Shane from Kelly, but he's not going to let her out of his sight again. Even if it means revealing his secrets, Shane won't stop until he's found the truth—and kept the murderer from striking again.