 One of my favorite parts about writing Frozen in Jeopardy was including dog characters who play a vital role in the story. As the release of this book approaches, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to the three dogs that you'll either meet or hear about.  First, I'd love for you to meet Loki. When I originally decided to write a book about a police officer and his K-9 partner, I knew immediately that my dog (whose real name is Loki) would be my inspiration. Even though my Loki isn't a full German shepherd, his personality is what I picture in my mind when I write and talk about Loki in the book. Truthfully, I don't think my Loki could be a police dog, primarily because he truly believes everyone everywhere is potentially a new best friend. Ha! He was found wandering the streets at six months, and we took him in shortly after that. Until he came into our lives, I didn't think it was possible to become a dog person. He definitely proved me wrong. I can't imagine my life without him!  Lucy, aka Jane Dog, is actually the first dog you'll meet in the book. This sweet pit bull comes to Paige injured and shrouded in mystery. I have personally never had a pit bull, but I think that there is a lot of stigma surrounding them. I know several people who say pit bulls are some of the best dogs. And seriously, look at that face. How could you not love that face? So I decided to include a pit bull in the book. And trust me, you'll fall in love with Lucy as soon as you meet her!  Finally, let me introduce you to Pepper. In the third chapter of the book, we learn about a dog that Paige used to have. She was very attached to Pepper, a Catahoula mix, who passed away nearly a year before. Paige still misses her canine friend. Fictional Pepper was a nod to our own Pepper, one of the sweetest dogs we've ever had. Our Pepper was also a Catahoula mix. The moment we saw her as a tiny puppy, she completely stole our hearts. Unfortunately, we didn't have as many years with her as we should have, but we loved her until the end. It's been years since we said goodbye, but I think of her often. Being able to honor her in this book meant a lot.  I do want to mention two other dogs. Natty is another one of our dogs, and she is a full German shepherd. We got her when she was a tiny puppy, and she is super sweet. I can't imagine her as a police dog because she's very nervous around people or even animals she doesn't know. But the way she looks is how I imagine Loki, in Frozen in Jeopardy, looks. Just beautiful!  The last dog I want to introduce you to is Barco. If you read my blog post earlier this year about my ride along with our local police department, you got to hear about Barco, Officer Cox's K-9 partner. It was amazing to meet them both and to learn about the kind of training that a dog like Barco goes through to work with the police department. I got to watch him conduct a search for narcotics. So when it comes to how Loki searches for someone in Frozen in Jeopardy, most of that is thanks to what I learned from Officer Cox and Barco. Do you enjoy reading books that include dogs in the story? Do you have a dog? Feel free to comment - I'd love to hear from you! Frozen in Jeopardy - Releasing July 25th  Her routine night turns terrifying.
As the storm of the century howls through Destiny, Texas, Dr. Paige Wade remains at her clinic to care for any animals that might need assistance. Her quiet night is disrupted when a man dumps an injured dog on the doorstep just hours before Paige is attacked in the parking lot. He's uncovering deadly connections. A call from the local animal hospital where his friend works sends Police Officer Gabe Harrison hastening to respond. The crime seems random until someone starts stalking Paige. When Gabe and his K-9 partner, Loki, discover the man who dropped off the injured dog is now a murder victim, Gabe uncovers a link between the deceased and whoever is threatening Paige. They are running out of time. For years, Paige has ignored her feelings for Gabe. Working closely with him means gambling with her heart. As another winter storm approaches and the murderer becomes desperate, will the risks they take not only save her life, but give them hope for a future together?
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  Who is Lance Davenport?
We are introduced to Lance in Finding Peace. He's been best friends with Tuck Chandler since they were young. They grew up together, went through the police academy together, and served the town of Kitner as partners on the police force for years. In my new book, Finding Hope, we discover that life has changed quickly. After his dad suffers a stroke, Lance chooses to leave his career and keep his dad's carpentry business going. Now, he's worried about the woman he's always had feelings for but managed to keep at arm's length. Lexi's facing cancer and the last thing he wants to do is waste more time. Three of Lance's Favorite Things: #1 - Spending time with Lexi and doing what he can to bring a smile to her face. #2 - Ribbing his best friend, Tuck, every chance he gets. #3 - Despite the difficulties he's had getting used to a change in profession, he enjoys working with wood and crafting things with his own two hands. Three Things Lance Dislikes: #1 - Watching his friends go through something and feeling helpless. #2 - Seeing his dad struggle with the loss of his ability to do the work he's always enjoyed after suffering a stroke. #3 - The years he's ignored how he felt about Lexi. When I wrote Finding Peace, I knew that I wanted to see more about Lance in the future. I hope enjoy getting to know him, too!   Who is Lexi Chandler?
Alexis Chandler is one of the main characters in my newest book, Finding Hope, which will be available July 1st. If you've read Finding Peace, you'll remember she's Tuck's older sister and a successful registered nurse at the Kitner Memorial Hospital emergency room. In general, Lexi's felt in control of her life. She enjoys her job, loves her family, and things are predictable. Until a single word, "Cancer," changes everything. Three Things Lexi Enjoys: #1 - Lexi has always appreciated her family and looks forward to spending time with them. She's especially close to her younger brother, Tuck. #2 - While she enjoys most aspects of her job working at the ER, her favorite part is helping the children who come in. She has a knack for making them relax and even smile, despite the illnesses that bring them there. #3 - Her favorite food is Mexican food - specifically tacos. She's never met a taco she didn't like. Three Things Lexi Dislikes: #1 - A particular attending physician at the ER where she works who's determined to date her, and every other woman with a pulse. #2 - That she and her sister, Serenity, have grown so far apart. It all started before Serenity's son, Gideon, was born. So far, there's been nothing Lexi's been able to do to bridge the gap between them. #3 - Many of the changes that a recent doctor's appointment has brought to her life. She hates feeling out of control! Finding Hope is available for pre-order and will be released July 1st. I hope you enjoy reading her story and getting to know Lexi more!  10 Fun Facts About Kentucky "Tuck" Chandler
#1 - Tuck is a police officer in the town of Kitner, Texas #2 - His partner at the police department is Lance Davenport #3 - Lance and Tuck were best friends growing up #4 - He doesn't get to very often, but Tuck enjoys playing basketball #5 - Tuck carries a Glock 9mm #6 - He is a middle child with two sisters named Lexi and Serenity #7 - He loves to spend time with his nephew, Gideon, who has autism #8 - Rogue is his border collie who loves to play fetch #9 - Tuck is incredibly loyal to his friends and family #10 - Fellow officers often jab him about his height - over six feet tall My Favorite Quote from Tuck There is some drama going on between Tuck's sisters. When Lexi tells him that he could have an opinion, this is his response: “I do. I choose not to express it. That’s why I became a cop. It’s easier to keep the peace in Kitner than it is in my own family.” I hope you enjoy getting to know Tuck as you read this first book in the Love's Compass series. Look for Finding Peace on Kindle January 3rd, 2015 and in paperback shortly afterwards! |
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