I’ve always loved animals, but never to the degree of extreme devotion and
dedication as say . . . my administrative assistant. Her beloved dogs have their
own television, and she cooks them homemade macaroni and cheese. I’ve teased her
that I’d love to be one of her dogs, and she invited me to do so anytime. (This
is why I love her!). But I do love animals. I have two cats, Maddie and Ivy, and
they are spoiled in their own right. I did crack some eggs for them this morning
to dine upon as they overlooked the woods outside our house. And frogs. We have
four frogs. This is what my children gift me with. Amphibians.
But think about it. When animals make their way into stories, it always seems to
add depth and a richness that we can all relate to. Some of the great classics
are centered around animals. Or at least they’re classics in my mind. Old
Yeller, Rascal, Where the Red Fern Grows . . . animals become critical
characters in books. They bring an element of endearment, sentiment, and snuggle
into a story that human characters often cannot achieve.
In my most recent story, Gold Haven Heiress, part of The California
Gold Rush Romance Collection, the animal that made its way into my
heroine’s heart is a mouse. Hiding in a gold mining ghost town, Thalia has no
human connection, and finding comfort in an independent little mouse wasn’t
exactly what she expected. But Ounce the Mouse becomes an integral part to
understanding who Thalia is. Ounce brings out some of her deepest fears. With
his bright little black eyes and fuzzy little body, he overcomes the stereotype
of fear the mouse and instead, brings companionship to a lonely, washed
up prostitute who doesn’t believe she’s worthy of companionship. Least of which,
from a mouse.
Whether it’s a mouse, a dog, a cat, or a … frog … something about the
life that beats in the bodies of these creatures inspires life in a story. Even
Finding Nemo inspires us. The courage, overcoming fear, and the
necessity to reunite with a loved one. We place human emotion into an animal,
and honestly, sometimes I swear, we’re not that far off. As a child, when I was
especially sad, my black lab was fast to fix herself by my side. As a teen, my
cat Pepper would bring me little “gifts” of – um – food, as though I were her
kitten and she must care for me. Strangely, I felt cared for. Loved even. Maybe
that is the crux of why I believe an animal deepens a story. Animals love
without condition.
This is something we all long for. Unconditional love. And while a good story
will often bring that out in its hero and heroine with a story of redemption,
saving, protection, and camaraderie, an animal fills those empty places that
sometimes . . . just sometimes . . . another human can never quite reach.
GIVEAWAY
What novels have you read that included an animal that touched your heart?
How have animals touched your life? One reader will win a copy of California Gold Rush
Romance Collection.
Professional coffee drinker Jaime Jo Wright resides in the
hills of Wisconsin writing spirited, turn-of-the-century romance stained with
suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her
Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy
Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embarks on scores of
adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.
Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her
adventures at jaimejowright.com.
9 Stories of Finding Treasures Worth More than Gold
Rush to California after the 1848 gold discovery alongside thousands of
hopeful men and women. Meet news reporters, English gentry, miners, morticians,
marriage brokers, bankers, fugitives, preachers, imposters, trail guides, map
makers, cooks, missionaries, town builders, soiled doves, and more people who
take advantage of the opportunities to make their fortunes in places where the
population swelled overnight. But can faith and romance transform lives where
gold is king?
Old Yeller, of course! < sniff sniff > (Jamie Stein 12:15pm July 22, 2016)
There have been alot of books by Elle James that I read that included an animal and a vet and they were so good. For me I have severe nerve disease called RSD and it is throughout my body started in my right hand and if it weren't for the dogs I have owned during this 27 year fight I would not be here. As you might know once you get sick or get a disease people friends leave you as you can no longer do the things they want to do with you. They stop coming to see you and they just disappear as you no longer can work due to nerve pain and the meds that you are taking but my pups have been thru it with me throughout. I even lost my 20 year marriage to my husband who found other woman more attentive to his needs. I did remarry and moved from my home state of Calif and left my adult kids but moving to Iowa has been still lonely. We live in the country about 40 min from town I love our house and the 2 - 4 legged girls and without them I would be so lonely as they are here with me 7 days a week 24 hours a day and so loving. I so appreciate them and thank god for them every day. (Peggy Clayton 1:35pm July 22, 2016)
My dog is my best friend since friends are in short supply. When I became ill no one stayed except for my lap dog rescue dog, Bogie. After surgeries and recuping alone i realized that i could depend on no one. He gives me hope and is a loveable and sensitive companion. (Sharon Berger 2:43pm July 22, 2016)
When I was a kid, I read ALL of the great animal books. Rascal, Owls in the Family, Big Red, Old Yeller and all of their sequels! As a school librarian, one of my favorite book titles was one by Gordon Korman "No more dead dogs" because the kid in the story said the dog bites it in the end of the book every time. As an adult pet owner...we keep bunny rabbits. When the last dog died, the last hamster, and guinea pig, I thought that we would finally be able to take a vacation without a pet sitter. My husband drove off with the guinea pig cages one fine day and brought them back filled. He said that I had gotten all of the other pets, now it was HIS turn. Took my breath away, but...he was right. At the moment, we have 5 of them. And FOUR are in my rec room. Two are my pets, and the other two are still babies. (Marcia Berbeza 6:15pm July 22, 2016)
I haven't read a book with animals in it I didn't love - animals and kids steal my heart every time. Your post gave me a chuckle, Jaime - don't know how attached I could become to a real mouse after all the issues from them infesting our house when I was growing up - coming in from the fields on my parent's farm. However, I feel sure Ounce will steal my heart when I read your novella.
Growing up on a farm, we had many animals/creatures: dogs, cats (wild), chickens (my pet's name was "Ripe")and roosters, mules, hogs and pigs, cattle (beef and milk), horses and ponies, frogs, craw-dads, butterflies, birds, squirrels, deer, wild turkey, fox, and also some I wasn't as fond of (mice, rats, snakes, spiders, bees and wasps, skunks, groundhogs, moles, raccoons, vultures). My children had numerous dogs, as well as hamsters and guinea pigs - while I had rabbits and an aquarium of fish. I now live alone and no longer have any pets - loving to travel and having some mobility issues, it's much better that I don't.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity - looking forward to reading 'Gold Haven Heiress' and the other novellas in The California Gold Rush Romance Collection!! (Bonnie Roof 7:30pm July 22, 2016)
Almost all the books I read have animals I Love Dogs in stories Thanks (Linda Moffitt 7:44pm July 22, 2016)
I always enjoy reading books with animals and I look forward to reading this book and have added it to my TBR list!!! (Bonnie Capuano 9:59pm July 22, 2016)
I have always loved Marguerite Henry's stories. From Brighty of the Grand Canyon to Misty of Chincoteague to her many others. They touch you in a way you never forget and you find yourself sharing them with your children and buying them for your grandchildren to share. They never lose their impact. (Sharon Mitchell 4:09am July 24, 2016)
Alot of Susan Mallery's books, I like hers. This sounds good thanks for the review. I'm looking forward to reading it. Penney (Penney Wilfort 12:41pm July 24, 2016)
Any of the great books by Susan Wilson (The Dog Who Danced, A Man of His Own, The Dog Who Saved Me) will bring on the smiles as well as the tears. (Linda Harrison 7:28pm July 24, 2016)
We have a Yellow Lab named Buddy that we love dearly. He is truly a member of the family. (Gladys Paradowski 11:31pm July 24, 2016)
Colleen Coble wrote a series of books about search and rescue dogs awhile back, and I really enjoyed them. (Connie Williamson 12:34pm July 25, 2016)
I can't recall any books that I have read lately with animals , but I do love the cats and dogs . Both are smart animals and will listen to their 'master', and not talk back .LOL Thanks for this giveaway . (Joan Thrasher 11:16am July 25, 2016)
I love reading books with dogs as companions and protectors. almost as if they are a true human in the family. The best one I can think of off the to of my head is The Guardian. (Lily Shah 2:50pm July 25, 2016)
Jennifer Crusie usually has a dog in her books and they all have their own unique personalities. I love reading her stuff. I am the owner of two dachshunds and they are a blast to be around!!!! (Brenda Crider 4:05pm July 25, 2016)
Our yellow lab, Waylon, was our first child. Since his arrival we've had daughters Sophie, 2yrs, and Adeline, 1 year. Waylon has watched over our girls like a doting big brother would. He's also been a loving, attentive playmate. Pets become family and own our hearts. They enrich life and bring joy! My most recent reads have had mythological animals. Raxtus (a dragon) stole my heart in the 4th and 5th books of Brandon Mull's Fablehaven Series. Silveny, the alicorn, was a lovely breath of fresh air in the Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. May your pets always bring you much joy! (Sarah Edwards 8:54pm July 25, 2016)
We have had pets for the last 40+ years. First it was a dog, then a cat, then various rodents. Over the years, we have had a large number and variety of pets. All important to one or more family members. Currently we are down to 3 dogs, a peacock, and a ball python. The snake and the peacock are mine. The dogs are our son's, but they adore my husband. They all have their moments, but we love them anyway. (Patricia Barraclough 2:00am July 26, 2016)
I love reading books where there are animals. I can't recall any right off. We have 2 English Black Labs. Love them to death. Best dogs to have around children. (Anita Seymour 7:59pm July 26, 2016)
I love stories with animals! They enhance the story! (Caryl Kane 9:13pm July 26, 2016)
I think animals always add to the story. They are so loving and adorable! (Bonnie Capuano 9:31am July 27, 2016)
When I first moved in with my husband, he had Candy, a black Lab. Having not grown up with dogs, I was afraid of her at first. But she was older & sweet, & we quickly got used to each other. A few months later, she had to be put to sleep, & even though he told me that I didn't have to be, I was there for both of them. We each held one of her paws, & I told her that she could go, that I would be taking care of him from now on. I hope that gave her peace in her final few minutes on this earth. Since then, I love reading stories with dogs in them. (Maria Proctor 4:22pm July 27, 2016)
I read a whole series of cozy mysteries because I fell in love the Koko and YumYum, the 2 cats of The Cat Who Series.... I'm a real animal lover so I seem to enjoy books that have animals in them. (Sue Farrell 4:38pm July 27, 2016)
I love stories with animals in them - horses, dogs, cats ... they can show another side to the characters. Emily March's Eternity Springs series features many animals. (Diane Sallans 9:25pm July 27, 2016)
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy