Thursday, October 27, 2016

#Halloween #Feline Looks--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Each week I try to share some of the more inspirational photos of the Smith feline family with my readers. But Halloween week provides the opportunity to show the other side of those beautiful faces. Below are some photos of both the inside and outside furry crew that capture the spirit of Halloween. The eyes and mouth are good indicators of a bewitching mood.  And body language can also add to the ghoulish effect. But despite their attempts at capturing the Halloween spirit, it is still difficult to hide the sweet personalities that are so much more attractive than an eerie eye, snarly grimace or raised paw. Happy Halloween from Zoie Joy, Miss Paddington, Halo, London and Bonnie and Clyde.

"I know it's a carrot, but it's
the same color as a pumpkin!

"Will these eyes scare off the
ghosts and goblins?"

"You have to use your eyes, mouth and
claws all at once to really scare them away!"
 
"Did you hear that scary noise?"
"Yes, I did hear the noise.
 Where did it come from?"







"Does my wolf look work
as a Halloween disguise?"
"I was going more for the look
of a lion with a ferocious growl?"

"If you want ferocious, this is how you do it!"

"Just tell me when it's all over so I can open my eyes!" 

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As the Halloween merchandise disappears from stores, Christmas decorations are filling the empty shelves. The holidays and gift-giving will now dominate our thoughts for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special book lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






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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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Monday, October 24, 2016

#Clues and a Cozy #Mystery Cover--SHADES OF WRATH by Karen Rose Smith





What can you, the reader, deduce from a cover of a book? My artist who creates my Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozy series covers does a fabulous job of portraying the essence of the mystery that my sleuth Caprice solves.

Here are a few clues as to what happens in SHADES OF WRATH. 

The opening scene takes place in an early 1900's rundown Tudor mansion that is a legacy to the Kismet, Pennsylvania's women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow. Caprice will be decorating it.  It will be a transitional shelter for women who are finding their footing again after escaping abusive relationships. End of the day light is flickering through the tall windows when Caprice enters. That light is symbolic of hope for these women in their futures. 

The heavy wood-paneled door is open slightly, enough for a yellow tabby cat to be making the shelter his home.  That yellow tabby on the staircase is the stray that Caprice finds a home for in this mystery.  My sleuth does this in each book!  (SHADES is dedicated to this stray, Sunnybud, who I actually befriended for three years.) 

There are old fashioned roll-up shades with fringes leaning against the balcony.  The murder weapon, perhaps?

And then there are the balustrades on the balcony overlooking the grand foyer.  Since they are broken, imagine what happened to the murder victim. 

The title is a play on the word "Shades"--the window shades themselves but also all the shades of emotions that lead to motivations for murder.

Writing SHADES OF WRATH was a challenging labor of love.  As you enjoy solving the mystery with Caprice, may you also share in her joy as she finds her future with the man she loves. I'm hopeful that I've mixed a plot revolving around a serious issue with the joy and warmth of family and friends. 


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AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 29



Pre-order SHADES OF WRATH 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. 





at No comments:

Thursday, October 20, 2016

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


The idea of Most Wanted Criminals and their mugshots takes on new meaning this week with my photos of the Smith felines in their close-up poses. While mugshots of arrested criminals are less than flattering, these feline photos give the message-- "Who wouldn't want a face like this to love?"

 The pensive look in my cats' eyes always make me wonder what they are thinking.  Their actions immediately provide the answer when they snuggle against me or reach out a paw to touch me. Their loyalty, trust and love are endearing traits that make me want to hug them and care for them as opposed to prosecuting them (although at times they can get a little mischievous!).

  Enjoy my Smith family feline mugshots. 

WANTED: HALO

WANTED: ZOIE JOY
WANTED: MISS PADDINGTON

WANTED: LONDON

WANTED: BONNIE
WANTED: CLYDE

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NOW AVAILABLE!






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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. 



at No comments:

Monday, October 17, 2016

Karen Rose Smith's Montana Mavericks ON SALE


If you love the big sky of Montana, heroes to dream about and heroines who could be your best friend, you'll like Harlequin's Montana Mavericks series that has been published for decades. I've written quite a few Montana Mavericks titles and this month several are ON SALE for $1.99. 

HIS COUNTRY CINDERELLA has been optioned for a TV movie. My hero is a country singer.



FROM DOCTOR...TO DADDY is the prequel to HIS COUNTRY CINDERELLA introduces hero Zane Gunther, my country singer.




MARRYING DR. MAVERICK is the prequel to my new Montana Mavericks release this month, THE MAVERICK'S HOLIDAY SURPRISE. 




In THE MAVERICK'S HOLIDAY SURPRISE, the romance revolves around babies in daycare, Thanksgiving and preparation for Christmas.



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NOW AVAILABLE!






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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. 

at No comments:

Thursday, October 13, 2016

#Felines in #Fall: Sunshine and Straw--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



The seasons are now in full transition from summer to fall and the dynamics and daily routines of our furry family are changing to adapt to mother nature's new temperament. Arrival times of our outside duo, Bonnie and Clyde, has also changed with the shorter daylight hours. Morning feeding times are now slightly later since sunrise is later and after their suppertime feeding, they disperse to their nighttime lodging rather than lazing around on the cool evening grass as they did all summer. A lazy summer afternoon nap in the shade of the silver maple has turned into a respite in the afternoon sun for Clyde. 


For the past several weeks, we have been preparing shelters for our outside feline visitors. Earlier this month, we placed straw bails around the shelters for insulation to provide extra warmth during the cold winter nights and plugged in the heat pads in the shelters closest to the house. This week we lined the patio with additional straw bales to help buffer the wind and drifting snow. Of course, Bonnie and Clyde had to examine the new arrangements and seem to have given their approval. Hopefully we have provided enough alternatives for them to find warmth and feel safe if and when the weather turns harsh.









Even though they are inside, Zoie Joy, Miss Paddington and Halo have also adapted to the changing weather. They are seeking warmer spots to settle for their naps. Zoie enjoys her condo at the kitchen window which receives direct sun late morning through early afternoon. Halo and Paddy search out the sunny spots on the bed and seem to bask in the warmth. I have also started to use my microwaveable heat bags to add extra warmth under the covers for them to snuggle against.


Putting warmer comforters on the bed and fluffing the fleece throws prepare us for the colder weather that is coming our way. Our pets seem to have that same instinct to prepare for colder temperatures. In our family, we just give a little extra help to make their winter season safe and warm.   


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NOW AVAILABLE!






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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. 

at 2 comments:

Monday, October 10, 2016

Small Town #Romance Giveaway, Kindle Fire & 60 books!


To celebrate the beginning of all, I've teamed up with more than 60 fantastic small town contemporary romance authors to give away a huge collection of novels, PLUS a Kindle Fire to one lucky winner!
You can win my novel TOYS AND BABY WISHES, plus books form authors like Jean Brashear, Shirley Hailstock, Mindy Neff, Ann Roth and Linda Barrett.


Enter the contest by clicking here:

Small Town Contemporary Romance and Kindle Fire Giveaway

And when you're done, please leave a comment to let me know you've entered!
NOW AVAILABLE!






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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. 

at No comments: