One of the main plot concepts in my small town romance novel FINDING HIM AGAIN revolves around an adopted dog who helps serve as the catalyst that finally ties the hero and heroine’s lives fully together. FINDING HIM AGAIN centers on RaeAnne, a single mother who returns to her small, rural farming hometown after the unexpected passing of her own mother and who brings her young daughter with her when she returns. In her hometown, RaeAnne ends up having the one romance she always regretted not pursuing. It turns out to be more than a fling and grows into something strong and everlasting. When RaeAnne arrives home, much to her surprise, she finds that her father has adopted a dog named Blue from an animal shelter. RaeAnne questions her father’s decision to have gotten the dog so soon after her mother’s death but eventually Blue ends up winning over even the reluctant RaeAnne. In fact, possibly more than anyone in the story, she wants Blue to stay in their lives. Blue is based on an actual adopted dog, my own, who I can say, has definitely won me over. Both dogs, fictional, and real, are hound mixes who were adopted…

Be free and happy and danceful and uninhibited and now-y! ~Terri Guillemets I love that quote. And I love summer. It’s my favorite season. I love the warm weather and sunshine and lazy days spent with my family, a good book, or in front of the television (while still in my pajamas, of course). I love wearing flip-flops and my favorite Writer Chick T-shirt. And right now I also love Songs by DNCE, Flume, Justin Timberlake, and Calvin Harris. Indulging my sweet tooth with a little tiramisu gelato from Haagen-Dazs. Curse you, Haagen-Dazs for making something I can’t resist! The beach. Okay, I love the beach every day of the year, but I have especially happy memories of days at the beach during the summer months. These gorgeous pictures of waves that look like brushstrokes are pretty awesome, too. This book dedication page. (It totally makes me smile.) Instagram. I’m fairly new to the social media site, but really enjoy it. I’ve always liked taking pictures, much preferring to be behind the lens instead of in front of it, and it’s been great fun trying to capture parts of my days to share with people. I love looking at other’s…

At the moment of the Emperor’s death, everything changes in the palace. Mei, his former concubine, is free, and Pheasant, the heir and Mei’s lover, is proclaimed as the new Emperor, heralding a new era in China. But just when Mei believes she’s closer to her dream, Pheasant’s chief evil wife, Lady Wang, turns against Mei and takes unthinkable measures to stop her. The power struggle that ensues will determine Mei’s fate–and that of China. First banished to a Buddhist monastery, Mei is then threatened with death for her daring escape. Back at the palace and living in secret, she is surrounded by enemies. Only by fighting back against those who wish her harm will Mei be able to realize her destiny as the most powerful woman in China. This fascinating story is part of a duology that includes THE MOON IN THE PALACE. Writing a Woman’s Life columnist Yona Zeldis McDonough chats with Randel about her background and the path that led her to write these richly imagined and compelling tales. YZM: When did you start writing? WDR: I published my first short story when I was in fourth grade. So I guess I can say I started to…

Ready to play Author Match? I hope so because I’ve got an author on hand who you’ll want to check out ASAP! Writes: Contemporary romance with my latest release, BREAK OF DAY, book #2 of the EXCLUSIVE ROMANCE series now on store shelves. About: Contemporary romance author seeks readers for a novel with both heart and heat featuring a poor but determined heroine who’s clawing tooth and nail to get ahead in her TV news career and a rich, surfer weatherman hero whose happy-go-lucky attitude hides his deep, scarring family secrets. Must like workplace romance, humor, and John Hughes plotlines. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Likes their beach reads with emotional depth. Enjoys stories with some heat, but a lot of heart. Has always wanted to live in the sunshine of Southern California. Thinks surfers are super hot. Is curious what goes on behind the scenes in a TV newsroom. Wants a hero you can root for and fall in love with. Likes an ending that is not only happy, but filled with hope. What to expect if we’re compatible: Two more books in the series (JUST THIS NIGHT, already released) and AT FIRST LIGHT (coming…