Did you ever decide you wouldn’t buy something until later? Maybe you didn’t have the money just then, or you weren’t sure you wanted it, or you had to check whether it would fit into your house. I’m always proud of myself when I exhibit that type of restraint.
Except when I make the decision that I do want the item… but when I return to the store, it’s gone. But what does “should have bought it when I saw it” regret have to do with Contemporary Christian Romance?
I write for Love Inspired, Harlequin’s inspirational line of short Christian romances. I love almost everything about writing for Love Inspired… except the way the books are only on shelves one month. I try to get the word out to my friends, family, and readers in time, but it doesn’t always work. It makes me sad when someone tells me she wanted to buy my latest book, but it wasn’t available at WalMart/Target/Barnes and Noble. Of course, these days you can always get last month’s book at your favorite online retailer, and ebooks live forever. Still, writing for a line of books that has a short shelf life has its challenges.
That’s why, if you want to start The Soldier’s Redemption in paperback today, you should run out and grab it right away! Within the next week, all the July Love Inspired romances will go off the shelves to make way for the August selections.
Why should you read The Soldier’s Redemption? I have one word for you: SHONEY.
Shoney the cocker spaniel epitomizes the very best of Redemption Ranch, where this book and my next two Love Inspired romances are set. Like the other senior dogs at the ranch, and the troubled veterans who stay there, Shoney has her challenges. In Shoney’s case, she’s blind, almost deaf, and on the older side. At any shelter, she’d be “hard to place.”
And guess what: Shoney is a real dog! She spent many weeks at the animal shelter where I volunteer, and we all fell in love with her eager, enthusiastic spirit. Yes, you had to carry her down the steps when it was time for her walk, and yes, she tended to run into things. But she was always happy, despite her disabilities. She loved to eat, and roll in the grass, and be petted; in fact, she was one of the most affectionate dogs at the shelter. We were all thrilled when Shoney finally found her forever home, where she gets to enjoy freedom, a family, and the company of several other dogs. And she can roll in the grass whenever she wants to!
When I was writing The Soldier’s Redemption, Shoney seemed to nudge her nose under my hand and ask to be part of the book. So on the very first day that Kayla, our heroine, and her son Leo visit the ranch, they meet her. Finn, the hero, treats Shoney with extra care, and Kayla and Leo immediately fall in love with her. These characters’ gentle treatment of Shoney says a lot about how caring and accepting they are. Kayla and Leo end up adopting Shoney. And you can probably guess that Kayla and Finn fall in love as well. But I have to warn you that there are a few tears on the way to their happy ending!
True confession: the photo above isn’t the real Shoney… but it’s probably just what she looked like as a younger, healthier dog. If you visit my Facebook page and scroll down, you can find a video of the real Shoney enjoying her new home.
If you’re out shopping this week, check the book section of your favorite store and grab your copy of The Soldier’s Redemption.
Meanwhile, I’m giving away three autographed copies of A Family for Easter, one of my earlier Love Inspired books that is, you guessed it, already off shelves. Comment today for a chance to win. I’ll give one copy to a random commenter, and I’ll also give an extra chance to anyone who also subscribes to my newsletter (you can do that here). If you want that extra entry, let me know in your comment whether you’re an old subscriber or a new one—I will draw a winner from each group.
Renate says
Hi Lee! Thanks for the informative blog. Did not realize the short shelf life of Inspiring Love books. While I usually read books as ebooks, I have been checking the books our local supermarket Meijer stocks. Will be checking monthly. Best wishes and Happy Writing.
Brenda Day says
I reading this series now and waiting on the next on line chapter of the first one. May I tell you I nenever read on line books where you only get a chapter ervey week , but I have fell in love you books and stories. Thanks for all them
Emma says
Hi Lee!
I am an old subscriber of your newsletter.Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a wonderful week. I like reading all of your books.
Sherri G says
Shoney sounds like a sweetheart and that’s coming from a cat person! I’m glad he found a good home. I always enjoy your books. The Sacred Bond series is a favorite.
Becky Smith says
I am an old subscriber of your newsletter. I really enjoy the Love Inspired books! Fun video of Shoney!
Jackie Smith says
Hi Lee, don’t enter me ’cause I’ve read it and loved it! I read that entire series and can’t wait to read about Shoney! I will probably download an E copy since am having a little eye trouble at this time!
Keep up the great writing!
Lucy M Reynolds says
What a sweet back story. I’m so glad Shoney found a forever home. Thank you so much for the chance. Blessings
Connie Saunders says
I admit that I’m one of the people who miss out by waiting. I would be thrilled to win A Family for Easter. I recently subscribed to your newsletter.
Thank you & Blessings!
Connie
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thank you, Renate! All the Love Inspired authors love it when people buy books at stores or even just post a picture of a book they’ve seen at a store… helps us keep that shelf space for books instead of more candy or drill bits!
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thank you for commenting, Brenda–I am honored that you’d put aside your dislike of online stories to read mine. And guess what: the last chapter is out today, so you can finally finish the story! It’s right here: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articles/376_a-soldiers-return.html
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thanks for being a subscriber, Emma!
Lee Tobin McClain says
Ha, I myself am a dog person (as you can probably tell) but there is one cat who’s made his way into my heart. Guess maybe we’re both animal people!
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thanks for being a subscriber, Becky. And aww, you watched the video. Isn’t Shoney the greatest?
Lee Tobin McClain says
Hi Jackie, thanks so much for reading my books. I hope your eyes improve. Thank heavens for ebooks and audiobooks!
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thank you for commenting, Lucy… glad you enjoyed the story of sweet Shoney.
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thank you for subscribing… I hope you got the chance to download the free story when you subscribed, too.
Paula. Shreckhise says
I am already a subscriber! This sounds like a great book! We used to have a Springer Spaniel years ago. She was a great dog! Would love to win. paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
Lee Tobin McClain says
Hi Paula, thanks for being a subscriber… and a dog lover!
Lila Diller says
I love dogs! I’m an old subscriber. ?
D Terpstra says
I’m a new-old newsletter subscriber (I haven’t been for very long ;). I’ve enjoyed your Bond books so far. Thanks for writing Christian fiction for us to enjoy!
Lee Tobin McClain says
Ha, I guess I worded the question wrong… you’re not really old! But thanks for being a subscriber. :)
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thank you for subscribing and for reading the Bond books! I hope you’ll enjoy the Love Inspired ones as well.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I love the story of Shoney, Lee and I’m so glad she found a home. I had a dachshund who went blind. We didn’t even know she couldn’t see until we moved the furniture around to put up the Christmas tree and she started running into things. She’d had a doggie door and a fenced yard her whole life. All this time, she’d gone outside and down the ramp to do her business, even when she couldn’t see.
Once we knew as long as we didn’t move things or leave shoes in the floor she was fine. I’d watch when she went outside. There’d always been a rug down the center of the ramp to help wipe little feet. She’d stay on the rug, so she never fell off the ramp. I’d think she was going to run into a tree or the fence, but she’d turn just before she got to it. It was amazing. We realized she was blind at 11 and she lived to be 14. She used her doggie door as long as she lived and never had any problems.
Lee Tobin McClain says
What a sweet story! Dogs are amazing in that they just accept whatever happens–including losing their vision–and cope with it. My sister and I were just talking about our dachshund that we had growing up. They are smart little dogs.
Anitra Parmele says
Wow! I knew they were limited time releases but with months passing like days, it’s a great reminder to grab your latest.
I am a new subscriber to your email!
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thanks for subscribing, Anitra!
Andrea B. Brooks says
I am always amazed at the covers of the love inspired books, I thin k that is what draws people to them, borrow them and or check them out from libraries. I would love to be entered to win this book, if I am not to late in leaving a reply.
Rose Blackard says
I am already subscribed to your newsletter. Loved Shoney,s story. My dog went blind also. She lived roseblacksrd@gmail.com
Jessica B. says
Thanks for sharing the story about Shoney. I’m so glad that she found a forever home. BTW, I’m an old newsletter subscriber.