Monday, March 30, 2015

Why Follow Your Favorite #Authors on #Amazon? by Karen Rose Smith







It seems that life has grown busier and busier with each passing day. Think about it.  Do you write letters or emails?  Do you have phone conversations or text? Are you working more and fitting in everything else around it?  Is your family running here and there and everywhere?

In 2015 I find myself doing anything to make my life easier.  And that comes to buying books too.  I'm definitely not a "download everything that's free" reader. I don't have time to sort or start and be disappointed. My reading or listening to audiobook time is limited.  I try someone new with a recommendation from friends who know me and what I like or with a plot that really intrigues me.  But essentially, I want an excellent read every time I pick up, download or listen to a book.

There is one way I'm assured of that experience--I buy my favorite authors.  However, I watch for their new releases and I still miss them.  I put them on my wishlists and I still forget to check!  One of the new ways I don't miss a title by a favorite is by going to their author page on Amazon and clicking FOLLOW.

How do you find an author's Author Page on Amazon?  Go to any one of their books on Amazon and then scroll down to their photo.  If you click on that, you will be taken to their Author Page on Amazon. Once there, click on the FOLLOW box beneath the author's photo.  It's that easy.  Amazon will email you about their latest release.

This link will take you to my Amazon author page in case you would like to FOLLOW and receive notice about my latest mysteries or romances. If you wait a second, the little box underneath my photo with "Follow" will pop up.  Follow Karen on Amazon

Every author appreciates each one of your Follows.

Happy reading!
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 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. 






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©2015 Karen Rose Smith







Friday, March 27, 2015

Letting #Spring In by Karen Rose Smith


There comes a day after a long cold winter when no matter what the weather is doing outside, spring needs to be coaxed to life in my heart. Maybe it's after that first 50 degree sunny day. Maybe it's after seeing a crocus blooming despite a late snow. Maybe it's just because we need hope every April.

Last year's crop...this year's promise
This year's seedlings
I plant heirloom tomatoes from seed in out basement on a heat pad with a grow light. Today I transplanted seedlings that have developed four or five leaves just in the past few weeks. Transplanting brings the promise of beautiful beefsteak and cherry tomatoes come summer.

Another way I "experience" spring is to change my bedspread and the valances at the windows in at least one room. I change from heavier winter colors to whites and pastels, from fleece to light chenille and seersucker.

Zoie Joy enjoys the freshly changed bedspread
Then there's the clothes closet--moving long sleeves, corduroy and sweatshirts to the side to give more room to short sleeves, cottons and capris.

In the kitchen, I switch from making soups to incorporating more salads into our menus.

Although we're still having freezing temperatures some nights, I can start spring inside. Isn't that what renewal and a new season is all about? As soon as the sun shines again, I might have to open a few windows and let the cats and our family inhale a breath of spring.

How do you let spring in?  

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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. 


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©2015 Karen Rose Smith





Monday, March 23, 2015

Her Name is Paddington and She's Eight Months Old! by Karen Rose Smith




Many of you know Paddington's background.  We found her mom, Halo, napping in our yard last Mother's Day. Somehow I knew from looking at her that this would be a long range relationship. Halo was malnourished and looked like a waif.  After an emergency visit to the veterinarian, we found out she was pregnant and had probably been in an accident and had a healed back leg.  Halo had digestive problems from the start and cooking for her became a daily routine.  Once inside, we kept her in my office because we couldn't let her integrate with our other cats.  She couldn't have shots until she stopped nursing.

At the end of July, her litter was born and she was a wonderful mom.  Paddington was the first born and had trouble sucking.  I hand fed her the first day.  She always needed help finding her feeding spot.  She had a sister and a brother who thrived and we loved all of them.  We found forever homes for Tia and Mason.  We decided to keep Halo and Miss Paddington.

Paddington missed her sister and brother and always seemed to have a special bond with Halo.  Her mom made sure she fed and washed her often to encourage her.  Paddy and Halo still have that special bond.  They nap together and often play together.  But Paddy has made other friends now too.  She likes to play with Zoie our almost three year old and she's an expert at bothering London our fourteen year old who complains but likes the company.

Paddy is social.  She likes being around people and cats for the activity!  She hates to be bored and when she is she can find trouble easily from chasing ladybugs, to ruffling the blinds, to climbing to the top shelf of the closet and knocking down whatever she can.  She's curious, intelligent and experiments with her world.  At eight months she's eight pounds of wiggling activity.  She's not a cuddler except with Halo.  She likes to sleep nearby but not with us, though she does accept petting and affection.  

Paddington has been more affectionate since she went through her first heat.  She has a date for spaying in early April.  I will blog about how that goes.  Separating her from the others will be difficult for any length of time.  We're going to play it by ear, especially with Halo.

Paddy is a joy in each day, a laugh when we need it, a soft furry presence who is a scamp most of the time and a total love in others.

Happy eight month birthday, 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 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. 


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©2015 Karen Rose Smith





Friday, March 20, 2015

Escape from Snow with Summer #Romances by Karen Rose Smith, #Ebooks and #Audiobooks



Spring seems a long time coming this year!  The wonderful thing about reading is that it's a superb escape and can take us to any location in any season.  Here are a few of my summer romances that can melt the snow and make way for sunshine!  These novels are available in ebook and in audiobook formats.  (CASSIDY'S COWBOY is also in print. )

I hope you enjoy them and the warmer weather which has to move in soon!

Karen Rose Smith




Kit trusted a man who conned her.  Grey is keeping a secret. Can Kit learn to trust and can Grey confide in Kit about his special needs sister who will always need his protection.?


KIT AND KISSES on Amazon








Shara and Nate became friends after she became a widow.  She has a child on the way.  When Nate helps deliver her baby, an irrevocable bond is formed. But Nate has a thirst for danger and Shara needs stability.  Can true love conquer all?


A MAN WORTH LOVING on Amazon






Seth is a cynical child custody attorney who is looking for a change in his life. When circumstances lead him to Darcy's auto repair shop, they are highly attracted to each other.  But Darcy is the type of woman who needs commitment.  Seth doesn't believe he can give it.  Can Seth trust Darcy to keep his heart safe forever?


FOREVER AFTER on Amazon







Two eight-year-old girls have a plan.  Kristy needs a mom and Heather needs a dad.  Why not get their parents together?  But the best plans can go awry even when Amanda and Alex are wildly attracted to each other.  Can children hold a couple together or...must they trust the message of true love in their hearts?


WHEN MOM MEETS DAD on Amazon




Cassidy Sullivan's twin sister had found her with the help of Gillian Moore's intuitive gift.  The sisters had lost their mom and never knew who their father was.  Should they try to find him? What might happen if they do?  Cassidy doesn't count on her foreman's nephew stealing her heart or his daughter confiding in her as if she were her mom in the midst of their search.  The search for a father and true love is a lot to handle at the same time.  But Cassidy isn't your ordinary cowgirl and Ben O'Donnell could possibly become CASSIDY'S COWBOY.


CASSIDY'S COWBOY 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 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. 






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©2015 Karen Rose Smith









Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Five Reasons We Watch Or Read #Murder #Mysteries by Karen Rose Smith




Did you notice how murder/mystery programs are populating prime time TV hours? Elementary. CSI. NCIS. Rizzoli and Isles. Perception. Castle. Major Crimes. I'm sure you can name your own favorites. Then there is the selection of cozy mysteries from cat themes to dog themes, to museum themes and library themes and cooking themes. Less graphic with some humor and quirky characters, cozies are gaining a wider audience than they've ever had.



I believe these are five reasons why we watch and read them:

JUSTICE
Most people want life to be fair. When it isn't, it's human nature to want to find the person to blame for the injustice. In murder mystery TV or fiction, the bad guy is apprehended. All might not be right with the world, but justice has, in some way, been served.

PUZZLE
Who doesn't enjoy a good puzzle? Puzzles keep our minds sharp and challenge us to solve a problem before someone else. Can we follow the clues? Can we guess correctly? Can we figure out underlying messages another reader or watcher might miss? And whether or not we finger the right person, it's been kind of a lark to try.

EMPOWERMENT
Law enforcement protocol interests the general public. In many ways, we want to peek behind closed doors to see how detectives run down leads to solve a case. What methods do they use? If we read or watch murder mysteries, we think we can find out. We might feel better informed when we watch the news that details events we don't understand. Knowledge can be power. Maybe we feel a little empowered by being informed.

HEROES AND HEROINES
Readers and watchers like to root for the good guys and cheer when they win. We want heroes and heroines in our lives who can help us problem solve, protect us and even win our day. Heroes and heroines in these crime dramas might have special skills or...they could be just like us!  Maybe we could be a hero or heroine too.

ENTERTAINMENT
Suspense puts us on the edge of our seat. It makes adrenaline flow. It can add excitement and concentrated involvement to either a stressful or a dull day. Murder mysteries help us escape.

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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. 






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©2015 Karen Rose Smith






Sunday, March 15, 2015

Harlequin's #Montana #Maverick Series, Complete List by Karen Rose Smith


Do you like cowboy books? How about the big sky of Montana setting? Mix in romance. This is the Montana Mavericks series. Harlequin is reprinting 51 books in the series in large print for subscribers. I've written a few of them! Below you'll find the list of books in case you'd like to search titles to find them at Harlequin.com.  I've never had access to this comprehensive list before.  You can subscribe to the whole series through Harlequin's subscription service. Go to Reader Service and explore how to become a member for special offers like the large print editions.

Enjoy those cowboys and the Big Sky of Montana!

PAGING MR. RIGHT by Stella Bagwell
HER BEST MAN by Crystal Green
I DO! I DO! by Pamela Toth
A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Victoria Pade
A COWBOY UNDER HER TREE by Allison Leigh
STRANDED WITH THE GROOM, by Christine Rimmer

ALL HE EVER WANTED by Allison Leigh
PRESCRIPTION: LOVE by Pamela Toth
THEIR UNEXPECTED FAMILY by Judy Duarte
CABIN FEVER by Karen Rose Smith
MILLION-DOLLAR MAKEOVER by Cheryl St. John
McFARLANE'S PERFECT BRIDE by Christine Rimmer

TAMING THE MONTANA MILLIONAIRE by Teresa Southwick
FROM DOCTOR...TO DADDY by Karen Rose Smith
WHEN THE COWBOY SAID "I DO" by Crystal Green
THUNDER CANYON HOMECOMING by Brenda Harlen
A THUNDER CANYON CHRISTMAS BY RaeAnne Thayne
RESISTING MR. TALL, DARK AND TEXAN by Christine Rimmer
THE BABY WORE A BADGE by Marie Farrarella

HIS COUNTRY CINDERELLA by Karen Rose Smith
THE HARD-TO-GET- COWBOY by Crystal Green
A MAVERICK FOR CHRISTMAS by Leanne Banks
HER MONTANA CHRISTMAS GROOM by Teresa Southwick
THE BOUNTY HUNTER by Cheryl St. John
THE GUARDIAN by Elizabeth Lane

BIG SKY RANCHER by Carolyn Davidson
THE TRACKER by Mary Burton
A CONVENIENT WIFE by Carolyn Davidson
WHITEFEATHER'S WOMAN by Deborah Hale
MOON OVER MONTANA by Jackie Merritt
MARRY ME...AGAIN by Cheryl St. John

BIG SKY BABY by Judy Duarte
THE RANCHER'S DAUGHTER by Jodi O'Donnell
HER MONTANA MILLIONAIRE by Crystal Green
SWEET TALK by Jackie Merritt
BIG SKY COWBOY by Jennifer Mikels
MONTANA LAWMAN by Allison Leigh
MONTANA MAVERICKS WEDDINGS by Diane Palmer and Susan Mallery

YOU BELONG TO ME by Jennifer Green
THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN by Victoria Pade
IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING NIGHT by Karen Rose Smith
THE BIRTH MOTHER by Pamela Toth
A MONTANA MAVERICKS CHRISTMAS by Susan Mallery and Karen Rose Smith
CHRISTMAS IN WHITEHORN by Susan Mallery

IN LOVE WITH HER BOSS by Christine Ridgway
MARKED FOR MARRIAGE by Jackie Merritt
RICH, RUGGED...RUTHLESS by Jennifer Mikels
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN by Cheryl St. John
OUTLAW MARRIAGE by Laurie Paige
NIGHTHAWK'S CHILD by Linda Turner


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Check out these romances in Karen's MOMMY CLUB series for Special Edition.











COMING IN AUGUST 2015, Book 3--THE COWBOY'S SECRET BABY









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. 






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©2015 Karen Rose Smith