Puppy Love for the Veterinarian

Puppy Love for the Veterinarian by Amy Woods

Abandoning children is a serious crime but one that is not uncommon. The same is true when precious animals are left out in the frigid cold hoping that they will survive on their own yet not really caring about their fate. June Leavy works in a pizza shop with a woman who is like a mother to her named Margaret. A heavy winter storm is the backdrop for the major scene that sets the stage for this romance novel. As June and Margaret get ready to close up for the evening June volunteers to throw out the trash and when doing so she find two precious puppies hidden away among the trash and whose cries she hears above the sounds of the raging storm. Not knowing what to do she takes these puppies and puts them in her coat pocket to keep them warm and out of the cold. Coming off a bad marriage with a man who stole her life savings and her dream of every opening her own bakery what happens next should have sent up red flags. Not able to splurge on much and working hard to keep a roof over her head, June recalls how hard her own mother worked just to feed and cloth them both. Heartache, living on her own and distancing herself from any emotional ties but that is about to change. Not wanting anything to happen to the puppies she finds her way in the blasting cold and snow to a veterinary clinic and face to face with one hot and gorgeous vet named Ethan Singh. Hot, warm, kindhearted and definitely manipulated by his parents and strong armed in many ways you will find this story endearing, funny, filled with hope, charm and two people that just might find love because of two precious black puppies. But, everything does not go as planned or smoothly as Ethan too has taken his punches and back in Peach Leaf he too is recuperating from a bad relationship. Bringing the puppies to his clinic was the right move and Ethan takes charge teaching June how to care for them and together they get them fed, settled, warm and safe. But, when they both realize that the storm is still raging and her car is out of commission he decides to take a walk to the bakery next-door, uses his key to open the door and then realizes he might set off the alarm. Calling his father to get the code brings a scene that every mother would love as his father talks him through it, his mother reminds him of a party he’s too attend on that Sunday and they hear June’s voice and assume they are dating. Poor Ethan and what about June as she promises to attend the party but you won’t believe why. Some storms rage on the battlefield or outside but this one gets hotter by the minute as they forge into the bakery and for the first time in a long time June creates something for Ethan that is do delicious. But, things change when she attends the party as he asks that she also attend a function for pets that need to be adopted assuming that she wants to put the two that she found up for adoption too. When he relates that Neena’s father wants to surprise her with a pup, she gets quiet, feels betrayed and the trip home is tense. But, something happens that changes it all as her ex=boyfriend shows up and so does Ethan. What does Clayton want and how will June react as Ethan finally makes his intensions known. Added in she is upset because she does not want to lose the pups and yet disappoint a little girl. Enjoying her time with his family and wanting to make a life with Ethan can she put her feelings and anger aside? Within the story we learn more about Ethan and his failed relationship and his reasoning for distrusting anyone else. While June faces her own demons and the loss of being able to buy her own bakery what Clayton does just might change it all.

Ethan is persistent but the pet fair might change it all as so many were up for adoption and Neena’s father wanted the two puppies for her as a surprise. But, sometimes things do not pan out the way you might want and both Ethan and June have to decide if they can mend their fences, be honest with each other and find a way into each other’s hearts before it’s too late.

A story of new beginnings, hope, trust, loyalties, betrayals, lies and deceits and a story of love brought to you by author Amy Woods and two puppies named Salt and Pepper.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine

Every writer’s journey to publication is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all advice that will work across the board. However, if your dream is to publish, here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful on my own path:

–Decide whether you’d like to go indie, traditional, or both. There are more options for writers now than ever before in the history of publishing, and knowing the advantages of each is key. Examine your career goals and seek knowledge about each option. There are countless books, podcasts, websites, and forums that can help you with your decision-making. A quick internet search will bring up millions of hits on the topic of publishing; just get ready to set aside time to dig into the research, and be sure to check the reliability and experience level of your sources before you commit to following any advice.

-Treat your writing seriously, but not so seriously that you forget to have fun! If you dream of seeing your book on store shelves (virtual or brick-and-mortar), make sure that you give your writing the time and nurture that it deserves. It’s hard to make time to write, especially if you have a day job and/or a family, but a big step in that direction is letting those around you know that writing is important to you, and that you deserve to pursue it. Setting clear boundaries for your writing time and space lets your family know that you will continue to spend time with them, but that writing is your passion, and it needs time too. And if you have kiddos, how great is it for them to see you following your dream, and know that they can follow theirs as well? When you’ve committed to setting aside time for writing, you can then step away from the desk feeling like you’ve done something just for you, and you can spend time with those you love taking a break from the writing, and refilling the well.

-Read in your chosen genre. Whether you are indie-publishing or going for the traditional route, the best way to know what readers love is to saturate yourself in books from the genre in which you want to write. Every genre has conventions and tropes that readers crave and keep coming back for. Know what those are by reading a great deal in your genre, and then add your own unique voice and creative spin. In addition to reading in your genre, reading widely across other genres can give you a break and keep your writing fresh. Plus, for me at least, the best way to get new ideas is to keep filling your head with stories!

I hope these tips help you on your journey to publication. Happy writing!