Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Our #Feline #Sweethearts--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith




Valentine's Day is for sweethearts. But just what is a sweetheart? Someone you enjoy being with...someone you love to snuggle with...someone you trust and who trusts you...someone who touches your heart in a way no one else can?

Paddy decorates her scratching
house for Valentine's Day.
Humans can be all these things to each other and it is a truly special bond that should be celebrated all year...not just on one appointed day. Our furry friends also fit the definition of "sweetheart" and we should also appreciate our special bonds with them everyday. 

 Zoie, Halo, Paddy and London are our constant house buddies.  Nothing makes them happier than being with us...whether we are cooking in the kitchen, working in my office, or settled for an evening of TV.  They love to snuggle against us and relish the petting and stroking while they nap. They show their appreciation for the closeness by reaching out a paw to touch us or using our leg for a pillow.
Zoie and Paddy work together
to decorate the scratching house.
Trust is difficult to foster among humans and just as precarious to foster among our pets. Weeks, months and sometimes even years are needed to develop a trusting relationship. Setbacks along the way (like a visit to the vet, or an accidental trip when walking through the house) often take us back a few steps and we have to re-establish our trust. But in the process we are building a loving bond that is as strong as any human bond.  
Paddy poses for her Valentine's photo.

 Regardless of their unique personalities, each one of our felines has etched an indelible mark in our hearts. It is the stuff that memories are made of...the little things that make us laugh...the unassuming things like a peaceful napping pose that bring a tear to our eye.  
Halo's Valentine's photo session. 

 So this Valentine's Day, as you reach out in your own special way to tell your human sweethearts how special they are to you, take a moment to appreciate the love you and your pets share because their sweet hearts beat just for you! 



Even London, who can sometimes be our
"grumpy cat" has her sweet moments and
loves to cuddle for an afternoon nap.

Halo and all the Smith felines with you a
Happy Valentine's Day filled with warm cuddly
moments and sweet dreams.
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Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Amazon

Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Barnes and Noble



Pre-order SILENCE OF THE LAMPS on Amazon

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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 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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Sunday, February 7, 2016

A #Valentine Tradition--The Seven Days Before Valentine's Day by Karen Rose Smith


Many couples have Valentine's Day traditions and we're no exception. My husband and I have been married for 44 years.  We've followed our tradition for 42 of those years.  We leave each other little mementos the seven days before Valentine's Day.  It started like this. 

After our baby was born, I had post partum depression, though no one was diagnosing it or treating it all those years ago.  I was 22 when our baby was born and had never been around infants.  At the hospital, the nurse put the baby in my arms and left.  Young mothers were just supposed to know what to do.  My husband was a great support and totally involved with the care of our child.  He was way ahead of his time!  But the life-changing event that motherhood was along with hormones that took a while to settle down caused "the baby blues" to take hold. 

That year my husband started our tradition.  The seven days before Valentine's Day, he left me card, a candy bar with a love note, a poem or a trinket he felt would bring me a smile.  Those little caring mementos surrounded me with love.  No, they didn't fix the post partum depression.  But they gave me his loving support to hold onto while I waded through it.  

The following year, I left him mementos too, tucked a note into his wallet to find at work, cooked a favorite supper, found something to give him that would make him smile.  We do this every year.  It brings back memories and makes new ones. 

Do you have a Valentine's Day tradition?  Feel free to share in the Comments. 

To celebrate Valentine's Day with my readers, I'm offering you a Smashwords code to download Nathan's Vow, Book 1 in my SEARCH FOR LOVE series for free. Just go to this link--NATHAN'S VOW on Smashwords. Use the code at the check out process.

Hoping you have a warm and loving Valentine's Day. 

Karen
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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 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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Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH


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Sunday, February 8, 2015

Valentine's Day Sale--HER SISTER by KAREN ROSE SMITH is #99cents





Valentine's Day is about love and couples, that's true. But it's also about family. That's where love gets its start. When I was small, I remember my mom and dad watching TV together. They weren't often openly affectionate, but my mom would reach over and hold my dad's hand. He opened doors for her. He sent her flowers on Valentine's Day and also gave her a card--one like every woman wishes she'd receive. I'm not sure how old I was--probably pre-teen--when he gave me a card and sent me flowers too. He couldn't express himself in words, but he told us he loved us in that way.

I put HER SISTER on sale for Valentine's Day because it's all about family. It's about couples and sisters and grandmothers and granddaughters. Mostly it's about how a family can heal after being torn apart by tragedy.

When I wrote HER SISTER, I knew it was a departure from the type of book I usually write. It's women's fiction with romance and mystery. But is it really so different? One element that has always characterized my books is family relationships. Regardless of whether I'm writing the ultimate romance or adding a mystery or suspense plot, family trumps all.


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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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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. 



Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH


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©2015 Karen Rose Smith




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Saturday, October 11, 2014

Three Reasons Why I Write #Holiday #Romances by Karen Rose Smith



Many of my books include holidays--Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Valentine's Day. There are several reasons why I set my books during holiday festivities.

MEMORIES PROVOKE EMOTION

I think our hearts are attached to holidays. The memories of both happy and sad ones tug at us year after year and seem to grow larger rather than diminish. For that reason, my characters share emotions and heartfelt sentiments and that can't help but imbue my writing. Love for significant others and family seems huger, wider and more encompassing around holidays. Emotions run high and conflict as well as connection lurk around every corner, propelling the plot and urging personal growth.

THE SPARKLE OF CHILDISH DELIGHT

Children appear in many of my romances. They are so much fun to write about during holidays--their wide-eyed wonder, their questions about holidays past, their yearning for closeness with the people who matter most to them. When I write about them I travel back into my childhood, putting out cookies and waiting for Santa, welcoming cousins to celebrate with me, reading the Christmas story, receiving valentines from friends and, in later years, from that special someone.

HOLIDAYS HAVE UNIVERSAL APPEAL

Most of all I write about holidays because readers identify with them. Each year, I hope for the perfect holiday.  I believe readers do too. In a romance I can give that to them.

Holidays can provide an extra spark to a story. That's why I weave novels around them. If you enjoy stories that surround the holidays, here are five you might enjoy:



 A doctor and a Wyoming cowgirl fall in love around the holidays.  Lucy's gift to Zack -- the real meaning of Christmas.






Love is just a jingle bell away when a sexy toy store owner and a pretty job counselor travel the rocky road to love.





A former stunt man turned lodge owner and a trauma make-up artist meet in Colorado to help an actress who has become a recluse.  When their scars are bared, they all learn the power of love.






Can a marriage of convenience become a true marriage?  Jake and Sara find the meaning of Christmas in forgiveness.





 

 Tessa and Max are reunited when Max's son needs them both.  Thanksgiving could be a holiday they celebrate for a lifetime.

FREE





©2014 Karen Rose Smith





                           Karen's Facebook Author Page



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Sunday, January 19, 2014

How Did You Meet Your Significant Other? and #Lenox #Cat #Giveaway

How Did You Meet Your Significant Other?  To enter this giveaway for a Lenox 4 1/2 inch "Purrfect For Me" Cat figurine, in the comments below please share with me how you met your significant other!

I'm a romance writer and even my mysteries have a touch of romance.  I've been married for 42 years and believe in long lasting love.  My husband and I met at college.  We'd attended a retreat given by one of the clubs on campus.  We'd met briefly before that weekend, but that weekend we really talked and from there a friendship and romance took off.  Valentine's Day is a favorite holiday and we always celebrate it.

This giveaway is open until midnight February 7, 2014 EST.   That gives us lots of time to collect and read each others' stories of meeting our significant others.

Only US and Canadian entries please.  Also, you must leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.  If you want to message it to me on Facebook or email me at karen@karenrosesmith.com, that's okay, too.  

Good luck and have a great Valentine's Day.

Best,
Karen


©2014 Karen Rose Smith





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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Valentine's Day and this Romance Writer

Valentine's Day has always been special to me.  When I was a little girl, my dad didn't say much or express emotion easily.  But on Valentine's Day he sent me and my mom flowers and put a flowery card with each one.  Every year I felt special on that day.  My husband has also always made the day special--from dinner out to something pretty in a little box.  But even more special is the week before Valentine's Day.  After our son was born, I had the "baby blues."  What helped most were the little notes and surprises my husband left for me to find each day.  He has kept up the tradition for forty-one years.

My history with Valentine's Day laid the groundwork for how I feel about romance, and relationships, and happily-ever-after.  Hope in the ideal, hope for the best, hope that love can heal and conquer all really does make my world go round.

Of course, I'm realistic.  Anyone who knows me recognizes my pragnatism.  I don't see the world through rose-colored glasses.  But I do recognize the precious moments when my son comes home from across the country, when my BFF's daughter gives me a hug, when my husband and I celebrate our anniversary, when we find a kitten in our bakcyard on my parents' anniversary.  I look for the beautiful, the honest, the balms and the balance.

And I write romance to keep the ideal alive, to bring escape, and to give hope that truly loving relationships can heal.

Karen's Romance website

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