The Visitor Has a Ball ~ Betty Thomason Owens

July 11, 2023July 10, 2023 / Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

Betty Thomason Owens has a new book releasing Friday, July 14. I asked her to come by and tell us a little about this new story. Of course, I’ve read it, and I’m sure you’re going to like it.

Take it away, Betty!

About the Book

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Length: 153 pages

Publisher: Write Integrity Press

Amazon Link: Buy here

About the Author

I’m a writer of historical romance with a touch of suspense. That is, until a couple of years ago when I wrote Still Water, which was a mystery with a touch of romance. With that story, I dipped my toes in the murky waters of suspense writing and found out it was not for the “faint of heart.” It wasn’t as easy as I had envisioned.

So, when my publisher presented her idea for a multi-author novella mystery series with a common theme, I balked at first. I was already working on book two of the suspense series and didn’t want to take time away from that.

Then a golden retriever visited my thoughts, and an idea formed. He was an emotional service dog. His visit stirred up the old storyteller’s instincts. Hmm. This could be fun. I had to write it—a mystery without a body—kind of like Nancy Drew.

I set the family in a beautiful home on a couple of acres. Brought in a landscaper who may or may not have something to do with the crime. My main character, a young woman still finding her way in the world, needs her Aunt Connie’s help with her grieving mother. The level-headed Connie Wright helps maintain order when things…um…get a little weird.

I love dogs and cats, so of course, I included a couple of pets in the story. Not only do they provide occasional comic relief, but emotional support as well. And finally, romance—not too much—just a hint.

If I had it to do over, I may have included a body because, by the end of the story, I was definitely ready to put someone out of their misery. Fortunately, the main character and her mom had a different idea–one that I hope will inspire you.

Links

To connect with Betty and learn more about her books, visit her Blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

Happy reading, writing, and anything else you are doing to spread hope!

Backyard in July

July 4, 2023July 3, 2023 / Gail Johnson / 14 Comments

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. Psalm 116:7 KJV

I hope you are enjoying your summer. Do you have a to-do list you’re working through? I have several projects I need to finish before starting another. But alas, you know it doesn’t work that way. A to-do list is like a to-be-read list. You keep adding, and it keeps growing. So try not to work too hard. Take a break and enjoy the summer.

I found this quote and thought it was the picture of July here in Georgia.

Nothing compares to the backyard during the summer.

Photo courtesy Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels

Friends and Enemies

June 5, 2023 / Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5: 43-45 KJV)