Thursday, September 29, 2016

Up Close and #Feline Personal--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose smith



Words are part of our daily life and words are part of my profession. We use words to express our emotions--anger, joy, affection, happiness, sadness--and to communicate with everyone with whom we come in contact in the course of a day. For me, some days thousands of words spill onto paper in the form of my novels or blogs or other promotion. But sometimes words aren't enough and this week I captured some photos of the Smith felines that were up close and personal. Since words seem inadequate, I will let the photos speak for themselves




  
 


Just looking into these fur babies' eyes... They convey emotion without making a sound. And when I gaze back at them, they know what's in my heart.

 There is comfort when we speak kindly or reassuringly. There is satisfaction when we consider the words we use each day in our daily routines.  There is satisfaction in knowing our words were used wisely and compassionately. But in special moments...especially with our pets, words just aren't necessary. 


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NOW AVAILABLE!

FOREVER IN HER EYES
Search For Love series, Book 9



The Search for Love romance series includes:



***************

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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

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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Monday, September 26, 2016

STAGED TO DEATH On Sale for $1.99 #cozy #mystery



My cozy mysteries--with irrepressible sleuth Caprice De Luca--include a murder to solve. But as Caprice finds the answer to each investigation, she takes in stray animals and finds homes for them, stages houses, spends time with her large Italian family and cooks. She also must solve her own romantic dilemma--choosing Mr. Right. Readers will find recipes along with love and caring in each novel. 
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STAGED TO DEATH, Book 1
ON SALE for $1.99


Caprice De Luca  stages houses for high-end clients. When she discovers a body in the castle-mansion she staged to sell and starts asking questions, she finds herself in danger. On the way to solving the murder, Caprice's large Italian family helps and hinders. She also finds romance with Dr. Seth Randolph. But does her brother's partner, attorney Grant Weatherford, care about her, too? Or is he just worried she'll get herself killed and her family will blame him?

Enjoy solving the mystery with Caprice, cook along with her, see her find homes for the stray animals she protects, be a part of the De Luca family...in STAGED TO DEATH.


STAGED TO DEATH on Barnes and Noble


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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

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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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Unusual #Feline Friends--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Many of the photos I snap of Bonnie and Clyde (the strays who visit us regularly twice a day and Clyde sleeps around our yard most of the day) depict their relationship with each other--washing each other, playing with and tousling over each other, napping together.  But recently I caught several other unlikely companions that Bonnie and Clyde came upon and captured their attention.

Our most recent daily distraction is a rooster our neighbors named Chester. This brilliantly colored "guest" first made his appearance at a distance. We could hear his morning crowing but had not sighted him for several weeks.  Then one morning he appeared at the corner of our property but seemed to be more "at home" in the neighbors' yards.  But slowly, Chester began to make more appearances and ventured into our neighbor's garden, then our yard.  Now he has no qualms about walking right up to our back door.

I was concerned at how Bonnie and Clyde would react to Chester's presence.  Actually I was concerned about Chester's well-being!  But those concerns were soon put to rest one morning when Bonnie and Clyde spotted our visitor and were more curious than fearful. Bonnie boldly ventured up to the garden to observe Chester up close and personal. Both she and Chester seemed to accept the fact that they were going to co-exist in the neighborhood and they needed to give each other space. Clyde was a bit more reserved in his interactions with the rooster.





In a couple of other photos, Bonnie is curious about some other less responsive friends. Here she seems to be having a conversation with our wrought iron door stop. The black cat seems to be whispering secrets in Bonnie's ear.


One afternoon Bonnie ventured down to a newly created garden with pampas grass, forsythia and a white pine located at the rear of our property. She walked right across the newly mulched area to greet the small fawn statue that I had given my husband for Christmas over forty years ago. She seems to have approved and, after a short "conversation," she moved on.


Our back yard always seems to attract a variety of "guests" from the occasional stray cat captured on our trail camera during a nighttime visit, to our other nocturnal visitors--a raccoon and an opossum, to toads, chipmunks and even deer, pheasants and wild turkeys.  Living in a rural area provides a wide array of wildlife that we never experienced up close and personal when living in town. You just never know what you'll see next when you look out the window or open the door...and Bonnie and Clyde are usually right there in the middle of it all!   

****************

NOW AVAILABLE!

 FOREVER IN HER EYES
Search For Love series, Book 9



The Search for Love romance series includes:





****************

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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

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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Sunday, September 11, 2016

Release Day FOREVER IN HER EYES #Sweetromance by Karen Rose Smith



I'm so excited for release day for FOREVER IN HER EYES.  I put my heart and soul into this book that pushes the boundaries we usually believe in to give hope and inspiration.  This book has an "angel watching over" theme.  I hope you'll need to reach for a box of tissues through the last few chapters.  And I hope the happily-ever-after ending will give you a smile and a warm feeling in your heart that will last much longer than the last page of the epilogue. 
“A highly absorbing tale that moves right along with one heartwarming and suspenseful scene after another.” ~ Romance Reviews Today
Melanie Carlotti lost everything, including her eyesight. Because of a donor, she regained it again. But with this gift came haunting dreams, a man's face and questions to be answered.
Thanks to the help of a psychic, Melanie discovers the identity of her donor. She steps into the life of her donor's husband Zack and toddler Amy, finding clues but not the definitive answer and peace. Until...she realizes she's in love with Zack, not because of his wife's memories that accompanied Melanie's cornea transplant, but because of her own feelings for this widowed single dad.
The truth sets Melanie free but can cost her the man she loves.
If Zack can believe Melanie's story and trust her, they will both find happily ever after. But if he can't believe...
Praise for FOREVER IN HER EYES:
"...a highly absorbing tale that moves right along with one heartwarming and suspenseful scene after another. The story never slows down; there are no lines you will be tempted to skip even as you can't wait to find out what happens next. I was mesmerized by it all and am awarding FOREVER IN HER EYES one of Romance Reviews Today's rare Perfect 10s." ~ Jane Bowers, Romance Reviews Today








The Search for Love romance series includes:



SEARCH FOR LOVE series website 

 Join my launch party on my Facebook page--
September 12, 2016
Karen's Facebook Author Page

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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

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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Saturday, September 10, 2016

A Healing Field, September 11 Commemoration by Karen Rose Smith


We are fortunate to have a Healing Field in Hanover, Pennsylvania, hosted by the Exchange Club at the West Manheim Elementary School.  Three thousand flags stand on the grounds evoking memory, inspiration, tribute, inspiration and gratitude.  Standing there, memories of that day flood in.



Each flag has a name attached in tribute and I hurt for the families still missing loved ones.  This inspirational display of Stars and Stripes draws residents of Hanover together as they view the flags. We remember first responders and everyday heroes and we're grateful for them.  We seem to be instilled with a new appreciation for those who serve and gratitude for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. 

It's a commemoration we need to remind us to be thankful for each day, each hug, and each smile we can share with a loved one. 
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 97th novel will be released in 2017.

Karen and Paddy
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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Thursday, September 8, 2016

#Feline Exercise--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


As our pets age, napping times become more and more a part of their daily routine. But just as with adults, exercise is very important to their health. A little observation on our part can help provide the incentive for them to stay active. Sometimes a toy that we purchase becomes a favorite exercise tool, other times, some other household item captures their attention. And then there are bugs--those unwanted distractions that provide instant exercise, including running through the house, racing up cat condos, climbing furniture. So this week, I would like to share some of the items that I use to provide exercise opportunities (in between naps!)

A daily scheduled play time is a good way to give the signal that it is time to exercise. Zoie and London know that their play time is before bed each evening. Because I consistently engage them at this time, they both have come to expect the attention and eagerly await my arrival in the living room. They both enjoy the laser light, and London loves to dive through crumbled packing paper to pursue the red dot. Zoie will chase through the bedroom to follow the dot.       

Cats can have a whole basket of toys, crumbled tin foil balls and ping pong balls and yet always migrate to certain items to occupy themselves. Many mornings while I am outside with the stray cats, I can hear Zoie running through the bedroom, playing with the ribbons I have draped over the scratching house. Because I know she likes the ribbons, I always have them available, changing them to match the colors of the season. 

Halo likes a carrot toy with a feathery top as well as certain mouse toys and felt balls. I always resist the temptation to pick up these items, because I want them available when she is in a playful mood. Paddy has a favorite catnip turtle that she carries through the house making little cat squeaks as she brings it in the room where we are working or watching TV. She wrestles with it often rumpling throw rugs in her wake.    

Bed making time can also be an opportunity for exercise. While the intrusion can be frustrating, the cats love to jump on the bed, climb under the blankets, slide though the clean sheets--all healthy activities.


Mail deliveries are also opportunities to provide exercise for the cats. They love to jump in and out of the boxes, competing for the space and this can occupy their attention for extended periods of time.   


For London, our senior cat, a simple jump to the counter for her nightly massage and catnip treat is exercise. She doesn't resist our encouragement and enjoys the attention she gets because of it.  She still races up and down the stairs, though she clearly spends much of her day napping.








The sun catchers in the kitchen window provide pretty rainbows on the kitchen wall, and often a breeze from the heating/AC vents cause the rainbows to skitter around the kitchen. A feline pursuit of the rainbows provides exercise in the guise of playful entertainment. 


Nature also provides other exercise opportunities. Although Bonnie and Clyde, our outside visitors, have numerous opportunities to remain active, the vast array of butterflies in the garden has captured Bonnie's attention and often a chase is the result. 
Halo joins the search
for a wayward fly.
Inside, bugs who find a way into the house, provide the same kind of distraction for Paddy and Zoie. The smallest critter can cause a huge commotion as Paddy, followed by Zoie, chases from window to window in pursuit. Neither rests until the intruder has been eliminated.   
So with some simple attention to the cat toys, household items and activities that attract and hold our felines' attention, we have an arsenal of opportunities to provide healthy exercise. Sometimes we have to step around empty boxes, put up with intrusions while we are doing our household chores and resist the temptation to pick up stray toys. But a healthy cat is a happy cat.
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Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES, Book 9 Search For Love series, on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!



The Wedding Promise on Barnes and Noble

Nathan's Vow on Barnes and Noble

Her Sister on Amazon

Her Sister on Barnes and Noble

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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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

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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