I GOT NUTHIN!

Well, here we are...it's blog day again and, as the title says...I got nuthin! I have had a fairly calm and pleasant week, so no rampant stupidity to rage against. I don't have a new release looming, so no frantic last minute scurrying or shameless promotion, and I'm not slaying any dragons, so no whining or freaking out. So I guess I'll just do a simple year-end summary to tie a bow around 2022.

I had two new releases this year, which are humming along, selling a few copies here and there. So if you or anyone you know needs a good (funny) fiction read, share Murder by Dummies with them. If a heart-tugging nonfiction read is what they need, be sure to tell them about Life with a Demented Drama Queen.

(Okay, maybe just a little shameless promotion.)

~ ~ ~

 

Remember the coffee creamer post where I was begging for ideas on how to survive the onslaught of holiday creamer flavors that bumped my preferred flavors off the shelves of the grocery store for months at a time?

Well, I'm pleased to report that I am surviving the holidays nicely thanks to tips from our readers. I have taken to mixing my own creamer using half and half, artificial sweetener, baking flavor emulsions, and a little heavy whipping cream. I tried some of the flavored sugar free coffee sweeteners, but the flavors were all "off" as far as I was concerned. What I found was that the baking flavorings (emulsions) actually worked the best and gave me a flavor that I felt more closely aligned to what I felt it should be.

The difference between my solution and the off-the-shelf option is virtually undetectable and since it is mostly dairy products, it is most likely much healthier for me than whatever crack they are putting in the branded creamer products. 

(Which we all know are probably created in a chemistry lab.) 

Crisis averted, and I may never go back to the branded product since this feels healthier and costs me a whole bunch less! 

So take that, Mr. big coffee creamer manufacturer. Teach you to screw with my addiction...you have been replaced!

~ ~ ~

 And no year-end wrap-up would be complete without an update on 

Dammit, Oliver!

 

Our feline companion has survived the year in fine form. He made out like a freaking bandit on Christmas, with several new toys. While he loved the purring kitten and purring sloth (why a sloth purrs, I'm not entirely sure), but the toy that really caught his attention was the huge, fuzzy mouse that glows in the dark. Took us a while to realize that the reason he loved it so much is that the darn thing is filled with catnip.

Which just goes to show that we each have our own brand of crack.

So...that is the year-end update from the Kayce Lassiter household. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you stay safe and warm--and tremendously loved into 2023. Hugs and wishes for a fabulous NEW YEAR!

NOW, BRING THAT BAD BOY ON...LET'S ROCK IT!

I intend to ride this sucker like it was a rented mule.  How about you guys?  You in?

So…that’s my story, obsessive and optimistic, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Hang on tight now ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!

Love ya,

Kayce

Happy New Year!

       

            Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

        Happy New Year!

Granted, the new year doesn’t ring in for another couple days, but that’s okay. I’d rather be early than late!

Many of us reflect on the past year as the New Year rolls around, and I’m no different than anyone else. All in all, 2022 was a good year. There are so many things I’m thankful for—too many to count actually, but I’ll take a stab at it. I am thankful for my DH (who is healing, slowly but surely, from back surgery), my son and my soon to be daughter-in-law (who is one of the loveliest, sweetest women I know). I’m grateful for the friends in my life (and those who started as friends but are now sisters of my heart). I’m thankful for the unconditional love thrown my way (it is indeed reciprocated and my soul is full to bursting). I’m grateful for the roof over my head and the food on my table (I have been off my low-carb lifestyle for the month of December and have partaken in so many fabulous goodies I haven’t had in almost three years…I will pay for this indulgence but it was worth it).

I’m thankful that I can find the time to write (which makes me happy, even when my characters disagree with me or I write myself into a corner). I was able to finish one story (no publisher yet, but that’s okay) and I’m almost finished with another in my series of four. And I have a job I love so yeah, 2022 was a good year.

Now, on to the important stuff--my wishes for you, gentle readers. First and foremost, I wish you JOY, plain and simple. Joy in the simple things. In the mundane, ordinary every day experiences that make your life what it is. I wish you moments that take your breath away and moments that show you how loved and appreciated and extraordinary you are. I wish you good health. Lastly, I wish you the realization of your dreams, whatever they may be.  

I hope 2023 is a great year for you! Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie

When a Helpdesk is No Help At All.

Hey ya'all...how the hell are ya? Good, I hope...kicking arse and taking names if there is any justice in the world.

Well, it's almost Christmas and I'm almost ready.  Everything is ordered and supposedly "on its way"...which sometimes is a lot like "the check's in the mail." My big tree is up (still...from last year), and the small tree is up (new...from this year), but my outside lights still need work.  Baby steps.  :)

So, today's blog is about one of those situations that comes with Christmas. If you order lots of stuff online, you may encounter the dreaded HELP DESK...sometimes referred to as the helpless desk around our house.

Now, don't get me wrong. There are lots of wonderful people who work at help desks, but since everyone has gone to outsourcing them, they just aren't what they used to be...and here is one example.

I purchased a gift for a family member and was so excited to have found what I think is an excellent gift. But then it started. It began with 3 emails the night I purchased the product, to be followed by no less than 3 emails a day every day since. Some emails are saying congratulations on a great buy, some are offering me more of the same at a lower price. 

What the hell makes them think I'm going to be excited about knowing they will sell me more...cheaper? That just makes me feel like I've seriously overpaid for the original purchase! Anyway, I digress.

They finally wore me out with the incessant emails, so I went online to see if I could request a frequency for emails. Nope, no options...it's all or nothing. Well, I didn't really want to completely opt out, just in case they offer some additional content that I would like to know about...I just wanted it to come at a reasonable rate.

So I emailed the helpless desk explaining I did not want to unsubscribe, but to simply reduce the frequency of the emails. Someone named "Money" replied to me.  I kid you not...that's the name he's going by. Anyway, Money replied telling me no problem, I could just hit the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the email and the emails would stop.

Uh...NOT WHAT I SAID! It was like talking to a three year old and having to make them stand still as you pointedly say, "Listen to my words." I honestly don't understand why they can't train help desk personnel to actually listen and address the problem as you have actually stated it, or maybe they would be a better fit in...well, I don't honestly know. Anyway, I politely wrote another email stating that I did not wish to unsubscribe, but simply reduce the frequency...but thank you anyway.

At this point I thought I was done with the helpless desk.

Nope.

Next day I get an email from another person whose name I couldn't begin to pronounce who indicates he/she hopes they resolved my problem and to have a good day.

Oh-kay...maybe that was the end of it.

Nope.

Next day I get another email from an even different person with an equally difficult name. (By now, I'm almost missing Money.) Anyway, this person asks that I email them to indicate if they should close my ticket or not because they hope they have resolved my issue.

Seriously?

In an effort to head them off at the pass and avoid any more emails on this subject, I replied that they did not resolve my issue because I was looking for the option to request fewer emails, not to unsubscribe, and perhaps they should provide that option in the future...but go ahead and close the ticket because it appears they don't have that ability.

Too much information...BIG MISTAKE.

Another email from yet another helpless person whose name I can't pronounce  indicating he was sorry they were unable to help me, but he would gladly unsubscribe me and close the ticket.

NOT WHAT I FREAKING SAID...LISTEN TO MY WORDS!!!

WTF is wrong with these people?! It's not like this is some fly-by-night company. These people cater to people who are motivated and don't mind paying a decent price for classes on various topics. They attempt to present an upscale image, and then back it up with a help desk that apparently cannot read. I responded with, "STOP. Do not unsubscribe me. Leave it alone and just close the ticket." God only knows what creative response they will have to that!

Okay, now that's off my chest and I can move on (for now).  Just think of me as your friendly neighborhood vigilante, fighting stupidity wherever it rears its ugly head.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My next blog isn't scheduled to be posted until after Christmas, so I want you all to know that I wish you a safe, happy, and love-filled holiday.

Huge hugs to you all!

Well, that's my story, rueful and ridiculous, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Hang on tight now ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast! 

Love ya,

Kayce

 

Be sure to check out Kayce's Christmas titles. They make great gifts.

GARLAND CREEK COWBOY

A CHRISTMAS BOWSER

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Sometimes the Character is Right

 

        Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

So, here I am again, staring at a blinking cursor, wondering what I should talk about. Yup, you guessed it. I have no topic.

I could mention the fact that I’m having trouble with my current work in progress, but really, that’s old news! I’ve been having trouble with it since I started it. I get so far and then either write myself into a corner…or off the cliff. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my characters don’t want to do what I want them to do. They, apparently, have minds of their own (which I find so strange, because, well, I created them!). Hmmm, that could be a direct reflection of myself and isn’t that a sad thing to realize? Of course they don’t want to do what I’m asking them to do. Why would they? If they are truly a reflection of me, then they would be stubborn. That’s not to say being stubborn is a bad thing. Sometimes, stubbornness if all you have and if it’s all you have, then you work with it.

Take Gabe, my hero. He’s a really nice guy. Funny. Kind. Sweet. That being said, he’s got a stubborn streak a mile wide. Just the other day, I was writing along and I had him do something that was totally out of character for him. I swear, his voice popped (small disclaimer here…I frequently hear my characters voices in my head and for most the most, I listen ‘cause they say some really good stuff) in my head and said “Are you nuts? I’d never do that!”

My response at that point was “I’m the writer. You have to do it.”

And don’t you know that man, that character I created just crossed his arms over his chest, stiffened his back, and said, “No, ma’am. With all due respect, you are out of your cotton-pickin’ mind! I’m not doin’ it!”

He was right, of course, and the scene went much better after I listened to him. I think I should listen to him a bit more and stop being so stubborn myself then maybe, just maybe, I can finish this story and move on to the next (because there’s quite a few I need/want to write)!

Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie

Books and the Holidays

 This is all about a happy holiday season and the things you give (up) and what gets done (or not)!

I'll start with what I've given and hope it makes a difference.  I've given a donation to my favorite charity, which helps domestic animals that are found to not have a happy life.  My hope is their lives are made better.  All animals should be spoiled.  

I also planted eight trees, maple, redwood, birch, and others, to help clarify the air.  Not to mention more shade and beauty all around.  

I compliment people for no reason at all.  Everyone should feel good about themselves, which can spread like a smile.

Moving on, I've given up trying to get a whole novel read this month.  Too many things keeping me busy.  By the time I want to sit down and soak in a great story, my heavy eyelids win out.

I always have a list of "Things to Do".  Now, this list can get out of hand.  I love to cross off what gets done, hoping to leave time to read or write.  Unfortunately, there's a pen laying around ready to keep adding necessary ideas.  The list never ends, and my lonely book or e-reader sits on the table glaring at me.  I think I made that up!

Overall, I've gotten a lot done and given my time resourcefully.  Yet, I won't give up on reading and writing or eventually getting another story read or written!

Keep your holiday season happy and peaceful!

Dawn 

AN UNDONE DAY IS DANGEROUS!

 Hey, ya'all, how the heck are ya? Did you survive your tryptophan-induced coma? LOL Well, I avoided it this year by doing burnt ends instead and it was freaking yummy!!! But I gotta be honest...I sort of missed all that went with the "bird thing". And I thought I could go without a pumpkin pie. Well...that will never happen again. Apparently, I cannot because I have been craving one for a week now. Sigh. Guess I'm gonna have to make a trip to the store soon 'cuz it ain't goin' away.

So...that said, let's talk about one of the days I had last week. I've decided to call it an "undone day"...one of those days where nothing gets done, seems like everything you try to do either won't get done or unravels later to leave you feeling...well....undone. An undone day is something you really do need to take seriously, as it can easily lead to a series of explosions. Let me 'splain what I mean.

First you make the coffee. But when you go to do that, you find that the coffee pot has been closed up in the dishwasher overnight and you forgot to run it the night before...undone step #1. So you decide to rescue the pot, start the dishwasher, and wash out the pot by hand...but the dish soap dispenser is empty...undone step #2. You go in search of more dish soap and find there is none because you forgot to order it the last time you got groceries (#3), so you settle for washing the pot out with hand soap.  Don't judge...we all know I'm dysfunctional.

The next thing is to put coffee in the little basket, but the coffee canister is empty as well (#4). This prompts a flurry of frantic activity as you search for a full container of coffee in the bottom of your chest freezer, only to find the coffee covered over with frozen gems you had no clue were in there. You finally tunnel down to the coffee, manage to get both the coffee and the water into the coffeemaker and you walk away, forgetting to hit the "on" button (#5). Ten minutes later when you return, still comatose, to pour a cup of coffee, there is nothing to pour.  Sigh. You hit the button and go to find something else to screw up.

Hungry, you decide that a bowl of hot cereal sounds good, and you have become very adept at making it in the microwave in less than 3 minutes. Perfect! But after the cereal has been made, butter and sweetener added, you find that you are out of milk (#6). Seriously? So you try adding a little water to thin it...because you like making it very thick...but it just dilutes the taste. Time to try coffee creamer. Other than adding the flavor of caramel, it actually works well enough to be edible.  (Finally, something goes right!)

However...............you decide it would be a good idea to carry breakfast to your bedroom where you are writing in your recliner this morning. All goes well and you get it there without mishap. But...while eating your cereal, you get distracted and set the bowl down on the table...well, sort of on the table. And because it's not fully seated, it tips off the edge and launches hot cereal across the carpet in a five-foot arch of gooey mess quickly soaking into your precious carpet. You run for the carpet cleaner, only to find that you only have half a squirt left (#7).

~ AND THIS IS WHERE THAT SERIES OF EXPLOSIONS BEGINS ~

(it is also where I quit counting undone events)

Well, that's the story about the morning I found myself kicking footwear across my bedroom...flipflops and cowgirl boots airborne in all directions.  It's my story, explosive and eruptive, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Hang on tight now ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast! 

Love ya,

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A Hallmark Christmas

 

    Hello, gentle readers! Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving (I’m still eating leftovers and I haven’t counted a single carb in over a week!)! 

    So, my DH had back surgery a couple weeks ago. I took some PTO to be with him during his recuperation and I’m really enjoying spending this time with him (even though I worry constantly and sympathize with his pain…so not easy seeing someone you love in pain, especially when you know what they have to do to have a successful recovery). He’s doing well though, improving every day, and for that I’m thankful.

    An interesting thing I’ve discovered about him after almost forty-two years of marriage…my DH likes all those holiday movies on Hallmark (Lifetime, too). Now, I’ve always loved them (they speak to my sappy side--I do have one though I don’t show it often and I admit, some of them have brought me to happy tears), but I didn’t know he did.

    It’s been eye-opening to say the least. 

    My DH is not the most romantic person in the world (which is funny, because I write romances). He’s not the type to bring me flowers (and frankly, I can think of other things to spend money on) nor candy (why, when I’m always watching my weight (except for this week)?). No, his idea of romance is changing the oil in my car or making sure my tires are in good shape (and that’s okay…I’ll take it because people show their love in ways other than what we normally consider romantic).

    I’ve thought about this a lot over the past few days, especially because we’ve been watching those movies that only show the beginnings of a relationship. He and I have been together a loooong time and we know love and marriage isn’t all peaches and cream (it’s hard work!) but it is so satisfying to watch new couples overcome obstacles and come together for that happily ever after. It speaks to my soul and gives me hope.

    Speaking of that, I’m about to sit down and watch another one of those movies…and maybe have a piece of cheesecake!

    Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go! 

    Marie

CHRISTMAS WITH ANGEL by Lexi Post - a FREE Cowboy Christmas Romance #Romantic Suspense #Freebook

Christmas with Angel

(Last Chance #1 / Poker Flat #2.5)

by Lexi Post

Cowboy firefighter, Cole Hatcher, is determined to do what’s right and take his fiancé with him to his mother’s annual holiday dinner party. After all, the two most important ladies in his life need to learn to get along and the sooner the better. Besides, the rest of the family will be there.

Lacey Winters can’t forgive her future mother-in-law for keeping her and Cole apart for eight years. While she loves Cole’s family, including the five they are living with, she wants to spend Christmas alone with Cole on Last Chance Ranch.

But there are worse things brewing than family drama. This Christmas day, nothing goes as planned…for anyone.

Download Links:

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Cole and Lacey's story begins in Cowboy's Match 

Two Hearts, Two Fires...and a thousand questions keeping them apart.

Cowboy Cole Hatcher became a firefighter to support his horse rescue ranch. He never dreamed it would lead him back to his first love, but a fire at the Poker Flat Nudist Resort lands him face-to-face with Lacey Winters. She may have started the fire that ended their relationship, but the sight of her reignites his long-buried feelings.

Lacey is shocked the hunky firefighter is the same man who dumped her eight years ago. Cole burned her in the past when he failed to stand by her, and she’s determined not to let him back into her heart. But everything about the new Cole is just too hot to resist. He melts her defenses, sweeping her away into a night of passion only to rip open old wounds.

Determined to prove who set the Poker Flat fire and the original fire that destroyed their relationship, Cole investigates both, unearthing ugly truths that reveal even more damage. Now, he's not sure he can catch the arsonist or the heart of the woman he never stopped loving.

Buy Links:

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Call It Magic by Janet Chaman

I don't think love needs magic, but it's a little fun to mix the two.

Katy McBain disappeared, then came back to existence in Maine.  For some reason she was propelled to become an elite part of a fire and rescue team.  And she's good at it.

Granted, the few other women on the team are distant from the intruder, yet the boss, Gunnar Wolfe, is harsh, demanding, and totally devoted to her safety.

Gunnar doesn't make a habit of falling for women, let alone so fast.  He knows Katy is hiding something.  He'll figure it out.  

Katy is concentrating on her new profession.  That helps keep her mind off of her three weeks in hiding.  Although, another distraction is Gunnar.  She can't believe she may have met the one.  She's been told it'll be fast and intense when she meets the man made for her.

Making mistakes is all part of the game.  The game of work, life, and love.  She's made mistakes in all and wonders if all can be forgiven.

Leave it to Gunnar, and he'll let her know.

A great story of love and magic along with mistakes that can have a happily forever after!

Happy reading,

Dawn

WHOOPS! HERE I AM! OVER HERE.

...I'm the one still in my jammies at one o'clock in the afternoon...  (sigh)

Hey there, ya'all.  Sorry to be late posting this morning.  I have been virtually attending the 20Booksto50K Conference this week and after four days of drinking from a fire hose, I just dropped into bed last night with not an ounce of energy left to post a blog.  LOL  But the good news is that I'm moving again and thought I would share with you an excerpt from one of my Christmas stories. 

Garland Creek Cowboy is the first story in the Legends of Garland Creek, which will eventually become a collection of holiday stories that focus on second-chance romances in the small mountain town of Garland Creek, Arizona.

Enjoy!

PLEASURES OF CHRISTMAS PAST by Lexi Post is now FREE

Pleasures of Christmas Past 

(A Christmas Carol #1) 

by Lexi Post

When present-day American social worker Jessica Thomas is assigned her first case as a spirit guide, she’s excited to serve as the Spirit of Christmas Past for her client and prove she knows her profession well. Unfortunately, her mentor, the very hot, very single, and very Scottish Duncan Montgomerie has little faith in her ability and plans to catch her when she falls. As far as she’s concerned, he’s going to be waiting a very long time. 

Bachelor Duncan Montgomerie hails from late 18^th century Scotland where he enjoyed life to its fullest, something he continues in death. Having been dead a while, he is well equipped to handle the afterlife where time doesn’t exist and phasing is the norm. What has him stymied is his connection to the uptight Jessica and the strange feelings he’s experiencing being around her, even though she refuses to listen to his advice. Duncan needs to figure out what it all means and fast because the rules change after death and the path Jessica is headed down could cost her her soul. 

Download Links:

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EXCERPT:

“Are you ready for your first case?” The lilt of a heavy Scottish accent behind her caused her to turn.

Duncan Montgomerie floated there, not close enough to touch, but near enough she caught the whiff of pine that was so much a part of him.

Oh no, not him. The man was the hottest instructor she’d had and even now she couldn’t remember a word he’d said. She’d been too busy having her libido stroked by his voice while her eyes feasted on his rugged looks and ripped body. He’d never told them what time period he was from, but his accent gave him away as Scottish and some of his vocabulary made her think it might be centuries back, even though he dressed in modern-day clothes.

Nervousness tamped down her excitement. There was no way she’d be able to concentrate on this assignment with him around. She was bound to screw something up.

“Jessica?” His blue eyes sparkled with an unearthly light as one brow rose. “Are you with me, lass?”

“Yes, of course.” She tried not to focus on his wavy brown hair that fell past his strong jawline or on his scruffy chin that led the eye to his quirking lips.

His arm stretched out past her as he pointed below them, revealing his forearm muscle flexing as he moved his finger. “That’s our case. Mrs. Cameron Douglas.”

Despite the butterflies tickling her stomach as Duncan’s breath passed by her left ear, Jessica snapped her focus to the people below. There were many women in the shop. Mrs. Douglas could be any of them. She leaned away and looked her mentor in the eyes. “What’s her first name?”

“Huh?”

Jessica pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose. “What’s Mrs. Douglas’ first name? To get a client to trust you, you must show an interest in them and knowing the person’s first name is the very tip of the iceberg.”

Duncan frowned. “I dinna teach you that.”

She took a deep breath. “No, you didn’t. It’s part of the experience I bring to the job. Do you know her first name?”

He shook his head, clearly perplexed by her request.

“How long have you been a Spirit Guide?” It was really none of her business, but she wanted to be sure her mentor was, in fact, more experienced than she was.

He shrugged broad shoulders, drawing her focus back to his build.

“Since we have no time in the afterlife, I cannot tell you how long I’ve done this, but I can assure you it is no’ my first case.” He pulled the neck of his t-shirt away from his skin, as if it were too tight.

As far as she was concerned, the entire shirt was too tight with the way it molded to his chest muscles, showing a significant valley down the middle. Heck, if he just wanted to take the whole thing off, she certainly wouldn’t complain.

“Holly.” Duncan grinned and her insides turned to melting ice cream.

So why did he point out holly? It was Christmas. There was holly everywhere… And mistletoe. Oh, maybe she could find some mistletoe and Mr. Distraction here could catch the hint and kiss her.

“Holly is her first name.” Duncan nodded to confirm his statement. “It’s also what that older woman down there just called her.”

Her? Oh right, the case. 

Enjoy the whole series as Holly and her spirits learn to move on in their lives...or afterlives 😊

  

ABOUT LEXI

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of romance inspired by the classics. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe's short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she's read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi's first love is romance novels so she married her two first loves, romance and the classics. Whether it’s dashing dukes, hot immortals, sizzling cowboys, or hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides a sensuous experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her two cats in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you’ll never see her without a hat.

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Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett

 Slinking back home, Emma Starling returns to her home near the Maple Street Cemetery.  The first sentence raises a lot of questions as to why Emma is reluctant to reclaim her home roots and what's so notable about this cemetery.

Emma has a special gift of healing.  It comes and goes and can't be regulated.  Medical school had been her target.  Now, her father is dying of a mysterious brain disease and he hallucinates animals.  Maybe Emma can heal him.

The cemetery is more alive than most with ghosts watching the neighborhood.  Without obvious interference, they want the living to enjoy life as much as possible.

Emma takes on an unlikely job as a fifth grade teacher.  She also meets, Mack Durkee,  a high school teacher. 

With so much going on in her life, Emma tries to focus on everything.  The imaginary and real pets, father's illness, family attempt at bonding, school, work, and the list goes on and leaves minimal time for her to concentrate on herself.  

Some things just take their own time and place in life and that includes love.  

A heartwarming and lovely story to enjoy.

Happy reading,

Dawn 

ONLY NORMAL ONE IN THE BUNCH

Good morning!  Well, I guess if you're on the east coast, it's almost afternoon. But WTH, we're going with my time zone because while I'm late posting this blog, I'm not as late in my time zone as I am by east coast standards. :)  My story!

Well, I've been a busy girl sifting through projects and trying to figure out what to do in what order, how long it's going to take, what skillsets I will need for each, and figuring out where I left off before my sabbatical. But the next project was pretty much a no-brainer...the Murder by Dummies re-release is almost ready to fly.

I got my rights to the story back earlier this year, so I'm re-releasing it as an indie-pub. I've gone through and shined it up a little bit, and built this new cover for it...similar to the original, but a better looking hero and more the style I'd originally hoped for on the fonts.  I hope you like it!

Since the next book I'm working on is Book Two in this same series, I want to give you an overview of each of the books currently planned in this series and a little excerpt from Book One, which will be re-released next week on Thursday, November 10th, with Book Two to follow early in 2023.

Series description...

The Muensters had their niece, Marilyn.  Buzzard’s Breath has Emily Redfeather.  Being the only “normal” one in the bunch ain’t for the faint of heart.  Emily finds partners in crime in her niece, Brittney Redfeather, and her new best friend, Jo Parker, as the girls work together to sort out the crazies in Buzzard’s Breath, Arizona.  As they try to figure out why dead bodies keep popping up in the most unusual places and under the strangest circumstances, they form The Marilyn Club—a very exclusive club for the “normal”, and a haven of sanity in an otherwise nutso community. 

Murder For By Dummies (Book One) introduces us to this insane cast of characters as we watch Emily and Hawk sort out their tumultuous relationship while also trying to figure out what Jo’s aunt Maddie is hiding in the basement of her boarding house. 

Dead Men Ride Motorcycles (Book Two) will pull us into the budding relationship between Jo and Dal, the town sheriff, as we ride along on the journey to determine the identity of the dead man found riding a motorcycle on the old carousel in Beau Redfeather’s motorcycle boneyard. 

Death In A Doghouse (Book Three) brings love to the doorstep of Brittney and Blake, as the girls try to figure out why a dead body has turned up in one of their dog houses.  The girls have to sort this out because if Blake is somehow involved in the murder, he’s probably not such a great catch for Brittney.

Enjoy this excerpt from Murder by Dummies...releasing on Thursday.

As I pulled around to the side and parked, something scraped against the back window on the far side of the car. I parked, shut off the engine and shifted in my seat to get a good look.

Oh, no. That’s all I need.

The corner of the tarp I had used to cover the Fifield luggage on the top of the car was loose. I’d forgotten all about the bags up top. I grabbed my purse and hauled myself out of the driver’s-side window. The entire load had shifted and both corners of the tarp hung loose on the passenger side. I counted bags—one was missing.

“Damn. What the hell else can go wrong?” Pushed over the edge one more time by the events of the past twenty-four hours, I kicked the tires and banged on the top of the car with my purse, shouting a stream of obscenities that would’ve made Aunt Bea threaten to wash my mouth out with soap—tough soap. Lava. No Dove for these words.

About the time my tantrum lost steam, the shoulder strap on my purse broke and the bag flopped lifelessly to the ground. I stood frozen, staring at my ruined purse.

What the hell did I do to deserve the last twenty-four hours of my life? And when will it stop? Maybe I should stab myself in the forehead with a fork to make it hurt less.

The sound of a man clearing his throat made me look up. A grizzled, leathery old man in rags sat on top of a picnic table, staring at me with piercing ice-blue eyes. His toothless grin indicated he’d enjoyed my fit of temper.

“Great,” I muttered, “just what I need—an audience.”

The man grinned even broader. “And a fine performance it was.”

I rested my forehead against the top of the doorframe and prayed for patience.

God, do not let me rip this man’s lips from his face. Just get me home without adding murder or mutilation to my long list of problems. Please.

I felt the old man’s gaze on me as he watched my struggle for control. I imagined he was still smiling. For some reason, that annoyed me more than anything else, but he had the good sense to remain silent and I had the good sense not to look.

After a few minutes, I raised my head. Our eyes held for a moment before he spoke. “Looks like you’re having a bad day, young lady. Can I be of assistance?”

I shook my head. “No. But thank you. I lost a bag off the top of the car. I’ll have to double back and see if I can find my stuff.”

The man smiled again and hopped off the picnic table. “Here, let me help you tie this back up, so you don’t lose anything more.”

Goosebumps ran up my arms at his overwhelming generosity. This was the second time today I’d seen the better side of human nature. It almost made it worth the stress I was under.

Almost.

As my most unlikely rescuer was re-tying the ropes, I climbed in through the window and rooted through the camping equipment until I came up with a roll of black and white zebra-striped duct tape. I climbed out, held the roll over my head and bounced back and forth on the balls of my feet as I took a small victory lap.

“Wooo-hooo. Look what I found.”

My new friend laughed at my excitement. “Yep, that’ll do the trick. This load ain’t goin’ nowhere now.”

With the load rearranged and secured with tightened ropes and half a roll of tape, I thanked the man and ducked into the convenience store. After a quick restroom break, I left the store with two hot dogs and two sodas. The old man was still on the picnic table. His huge smile warmed my heart when I handed him a hot dog and a soda.

“You didn’t have to do that, Miss, but it was mighty thoughtful.”

“Not a problem. I appreciate the help and that you didn’t laugh at me for throwing a tantrum.”

At this, he chuckled. “Some days are like that.” He paused for a moment before he added, “Others are better. Where you headed?”

I stared at him a moment before I a nswered, “Home. I’m headed home.”

He nodded, seeming to totally understand. “Home’s a good place to be when the wheels are comin’ off.”

Stunned he’d plucked the words right out of my brain, I mumbled, ‘Thank you,” and turned toward my car.

My old wreck packed to the headliner, with garbage bags duct taped to the top like a ragged zebra rug was too much. I giggled so hard at the image of it driving down the highway that it took a couple tries to get my leg through the window.

All of a sudden, I didn’t have a care in the world. I waved and hollered as I backed away, “Thanks again for the help.”

I got a smile and a nod from the old man perched atop the table, as he gummed his hot dog and watched me head back the way I’d come.