June 19 is my parents' anniversary. Four years ago on their anniversary date, we found Zoie Joy in a dwarf redbud bush in our back yard, dehydrated, hungry, lost and needing a home. She weighed a pound and a half. That day and since, I felt my parents gave me this wonderful gift. She's a sweetie and every day tells us in some way that she appreciates being in our home and being loved.
Two years ago we brought Halo, a pregnant stray, into the house and quarantined her in my office. Zoie lost her sleeping quarters and some of her other favorite daytime spots like the table in front of the office window. A few months later, we lost Ebbie and once again Zoie's world was rattled. Ebbie had been my constant companion and together Zoie and I absorbed the shock of losing her. We began to develop a special bond and while no one could replace the bond that Ebbie and I shared, slowly Zoie began to nap in some of Ebbie's spots and now sleeps with me every night and is by my side most of every day. She is gentle, kind and loving. She is a comfort when I'm feeling down and, true to her name, a "joy" to have by my side.
After Ebbie passed and Zoie was in mourning too, it seemed like the right time to integrate Zoie, Halo and Halo's kittens. We found forever homes for two of the kittens, Mason and Tia. Zoie immediately accepted Miss Paddington, Halo's first-born kitten, into her world. The two of them often play together, tussle in the sheets when I'm changing the bed and chase each other through the house. For a long while, Halo was wary of Zoie's motives and very protective of her kitten. She would instantly go on alert when Zoie and Paddy were together. Slowly, Halo is becoming more accepting of Zoie and even sleeps in close proximity to her on the bed. They still have an occasional sisterly tiff, but are learning how to share our love and attention. 
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NOW AVAILABLE!
THE WEDDING PROMISE
Book 8, SEARCH FOR LOVE Series
Sequel to HER SISTER
Beth Crandall has known trauma. Kidnapped from her birth family when she was three, abandoned at a mall by her kidnapper a few months later, traumatic amnesia has prevented memories from plaguing her as she was adopted and ushered into a "normal" life. But a twist of fate reunited her with her birth family recently and now she's attempting to move forward in a way she couldn't before.
As a teenager, Beth's face was scarred in an attack at a group home where her best friend lived. Now Beth is seeing a plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Benedict, so he can remove the scar. Sam volunteers his time to the foundation Kids Cause which sends doctors all over the world to help children. Sam, who came from an abusive home, feels children need to be listened to and fixed. He and Beth connect on a deep level from the first moment they meet.
Beth has believed a romantic relationship is impossible for her given her background. But during integration into her birth family and throughout a search for her teenage best friend, Sam remains by her side. He helps to heal more than the scar on her face. Neither of them realize that Beth's search for her friend with the help of psychic Gillian Bradley (continuing character from other SEARCH FOR LOVE books) will land them in a fight for their lives.
THE WEDDING PROMISE is now available in print and audiobook formats, too.
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| Karen and Paddy |
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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©2016 Karen Rose Smith
2 comments:
What a beautiful, joyful tribute to Zoie! She's so lovely and obviously, well loved!
Black cats rock :-) And Zoie is definitely a gift. It is amazing the way she seems to have brought stability to the whole household. Happy anniversary!
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