I'm back with a brand new book!

 

It's been nearly two years since I've written, really written anything. Not because I didn't want to, but because during that time I was hit with some major issues. Let's just say I have a whole lot of empathy for Job from the Bible. I won't bore anyone with an organ recital, but I do have some nasty-looking scars on my right foot.

I returned to serious writing in Nov 2022 and Monday, Feb 6, my latest book, Blizzard Patrol, went Kindle live. 

Moving to the Blizzard Belt isn’t as intimidating as the man with ice in his eyes.

Raised by nomadic parents, Nurse Gianna Verlin longs to settle in one place and establish roots. Despite its harsh winters, she chose Silver Rock. When her landlord welcomes her with open arms and Elderberry syrup, Gianna thinks she’s made the right decision.

Blizzard Patrol driver Emmett Bainbridge has watched “outsiders” move in and out of town after they've had their first taste of Silver Rock’s unforgiving weather. He's okay with that. What he's not okay with are “outsiders” who take local jobs and then leave the town in the lurch.

Can Gianna prove to Emmett she’s the exception to his rules?

Blizzard Patrol backstory

In 2015, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia (Canada) were hit with some of the nastiest snow storms in recent history. Seemed like every time we turned around, we were battered by another storm.

At times, people were snowed in at the Moncton and Dr. Georges L. Dumont hospitals in New Brunswick. Kind-hearted people in the area took pity on the staff and formed what was called the Blizzard Patrol, safely carting personnel home and back mainly by SUV or trucks. It was wonderful to see communities pull together.

This is how the idea of Blizzard Patrol sprang to life. I started with an idea and then the H and h, Emmett and Gianna. I absolutely adore this couple.

 Writing is my business, but it doesn't seem like work when you write the last "awwwwww" moment of a story.

Excerpt from Blizzard Patrol

Like that morning, the backseat was occupied leaving her to sit in the front with Emmett. “I thought it was your night off,” she said to Dr. Austen.

“So did I.” There was a note of censure in his voice.

“The doctor on rotation called in sick.” Violet cooed sympathetically. “Poor Michael. I don’t know where he finds the energy. This is his tenth straight shift.”

He grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. “I manage.”

Violet elbowed his ribs and he scowled at her. “Don’t pretend to be angry. You would have been bored at home.” She elbowed him again and this time he grinned, albeit reluctantly.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Turning back to Emmett, Gianna smiled. “I want to thank you again for clearing the driveway.”

“No need.” He shrugged.

“All the same, I want to show you my appreciation.” In the process of offering the tin to him, a large hand reached from the backseat and intercepted it.

“What do we have here?” Dr. Austen asked. Without waiting for an answer, he opened the lid and dove into the cookies, taking two and shoving one into his mouth. “They’re edible! That’s more than can be said for hospital food.”

Gianna was both shocked and dismayed that he’d helped himself to what was not meant for him. He held the tin out to Violet and she took one.

“These are delicious, Gianna,” Violet said a moment later. “You need to give me the recipe.”

“Sure,” Gianna said, feeling helpless.

Dr. Austen held the tin out to Emmett and he accepted one. He bit into the cookie and put the remaining half on his thigh.

As he chewed he glanced at Gianna for half a second. “It’s good,” he murmured.

“I’d made them for you to enjoy later at home,” she whispered, sorely disappointed.

Apparently, Dr. Austen didn’t hear her comment as he continued to shovel cookies into his mouth. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the tin was half empty. The doctor kept the can, jumping out of the parked SUV. After Violet thanked Emmett for the drive, she, too, left.

“I’m sorry.” Gianna turned her gaze up to him.

“Don’t worry about it,” Emmett said, frowning. “Apparently he needs them more than I do.”

Nodding, she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door. She thought he’d dismissed the subject until he spoke again.

“Next time, give me a signal and I’ll make sure Austen is out of reach of them.”

Gianna’s heart swelled with emotion as she hurried to the main hospital doors. Quill’s warmth and acceptance of Gianna was the fertile soil Gianna needed for a root to sprout, but it was the covert agreement she shared with Emmett that watered it.

Grab a mug of cocoa, a warm blanket, and a copy of Blizzard Patrol Book 1 in the Finding Love in the Blizzard Belt series for a cozy read during a cold, winter evening.