It’s been a busy month but I’m happy I finally finished the next book in the Baker City Hearts and Haunts series, Kindred Spirits. I’m working on the next book in the Liberty Valley Love series, tentatively titled, Kitchen Witch. No guarantees about titles since that one may change closer to the publication date in 2024. Plus, I’m finishing up a Christmas novella for one of my young adult series as well as Baker City Ghostmas. The due dates for those are the first week of June, so I’m not sure if I’m coming or going!

In addition, I just finished teaching spring break horse camp when I trained camp counselors and now it’s time to promote summer horse camp. I still have slots to fill, and the horses eagerly await to see the kiddos and the carrots. Or maybe, it’s the other way around. They want their long, skinny carrots first. I also have to take out the bulldozer and run the trails, so they’ll be ready when the kids and the horses leave the arenas.

Of course, first I have to repair the hydraulics on Frou-Frou, (that’s the name of my bulldozer). I goofed last fall when I let someone else drive her. It was supposed to save me time because I was overloaded, but that didn’t work. Word of advice. Never let anyone else touch your bulldozer. She has a six-way blade, and we can do some serious work on the farm when Frou-Frou is functional. She will be soon and if I’m not too irritated, I won’t paint her pink. Then, again – okay, I’m joking. I’ll leave her International Gold!

So, what are your plans for the summer?

Business at the riding stable is still recovering from the long shutdown in Washington State during the pandemic. In Pre-Covid days, I usually taught 20 to 25 students in our weekly sessions. This year, I’ll be happy to have 10 kiddos in 3-day sessions. Baby steps as the saying goes. The kids learn to groom their horses and yes, that includes hoof picking, saddling, and of course, lots of riding. Along the way, I’ll also teach them what I consider the basics of horsemanship.

Although they’re big, horses are also surprisingly fragile in spite of their size. They only have one stomach, so it is not like a cow, a goat, or a deer. The stomach is small, so the horse eats approximately twenty hours a day in the wild and sleeps four hours, usually in short naps. Surprisingly, because of their body structure, horses can’t regurgitate (throw up) so anything they ingest, they have to digest.

Horses are always hungry and will eat constantly. When they stop eating, it’s a clue that they’re sick. Normally, this means colic – a bad stomach ache that constipates the animal. Left untreated, the horse will die. And if you want to know what makes a real hero, it’s the guy who stays with the heroine and her horse for the three days it takes to save the critter. The cure for colic is to keep the horse on its feet and moving until it passes the blockage.

Yes, this means pooping and passing gas. We actually keep Gas-X on hand for the horses and I mix it with applesauce and force-feed it during these times. The drug can be used with the muscle relaxants prescribed by the vet. Fun times are the enemas, and mineral oil drenches, and don’t ask what I do with plastic bread sacks and shortening – you don’t want to know, but I’ll tell you anyway! Yes, I do stick my hand up the horse’s you know what to clean out the poop ~ it’s cheaper than having the vet do it.

So, now I’ve shared what I’ll be doing this summer. It’s much more fun to write about cleaning the barn than actually shoveling out the stalls. I hope your summer is as exciting as mine. I’m looking forward to taking the kids out on the trails and teaching them how to play games on horseback. Of course, when everything is done, I’ll be writing half the night.

Have a great summer!

May Book Recommendation

Josie Malone never fails to come through with a great read. With her latest offering "My Sweet Haunt," I wondered how she could make a ghost romance work out, but with a twist and turn, she gives us a memorable hero and everybody gets their HEA, except the bad guys of course.

With a Malone book, I've come to expect several elements, and "My Sweet Haunt" didn't disappoint me. There were kittens and puppies, horses and kids, a strong, independent woman, and the loyal, and hunky, man who loves her. There were elements of danger and suspense; good conflicts, both physical and emotional; and a sweet, sexy romance. I couldn't ask for more – except for the next books in the Baker City: Hearts & Haunts series. I can't wait.

A Goodreads review!

If you're on Goodreads please add this book to your TBR pile. Add Here

This newsletter is jam-packed with goodies! Continue reading for a look at what the future could hold.

Events

Join the Strong Women - Strange Worlds A Quick Reads Group Author Reaing event on the first Friday and third Thursday of every month for a teasing taste of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. The events will feature 6 authors who will each have 8-minutes to temp and tantalize you. Per the SW-SW page, the readings are like a box of chocolates as described by Forrest Gump - you never know what you're gonna get!

The next event takes place on May 5th! Preregister here.

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Book Information:

Start your adventures in Liberty Valley with book one of the Liberty Valley Love Series A Man's World (e-book) for $2.99! Get your copy today! Find it on Amazon ~ A Man's World (Liberty Valley Love Book 1).

Liberty Valley Love Book 5 is OUT NOW. Order your copy today of Trail Through Time!

If you haven't seen it enjoy the Time In Between trailer.

While waiting for Book Four to release, check out books 1 - 3 of the Baker City: Hearts and Haunts series available on Amazon ~ Baker City: Hearts and Haunts.

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Have a great Summer!

Josie

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