Thank you, Robbie, for turning your blog site over to me today so I can talk about my new book, A Beggar’s Bargain.
Sara Beth is my female protagonist in the story and she has a pet rabbit that she takes with her everywhere she goes. While her father only wants to get rid of the rabbit, Layken Martin accepts it as part of Sara Beth. Here’s an excerpt where he meets Cuddles.
When he shot her a glance, she quickly swiveled toward the window.
“What’s your bunny’s name?’ he drawled.
“Cuddles.” Her heart thudded. She prayed he wasn’t about to insist that she make him into a stew.
‘Is Cuddles a boy or girl?”
“Boy.”
“Seems pretty special to you.”
Cuddles chose that moment to hop out of Sara Beth’s arms and onto the seat. She reached for him. “Sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“He got out of my arms.”
“So?”
“So, my father would have tried to toss him out the window.”
Layken rubbed the bunny’s long ears, then angled toward her. “Let’s get one thing straight here and now. I’m not your father. I’m nothing like him. From what I’ve seen, he’s a poor excuse for a man. He should be ashamed of the way he treats you.”
***
I love giving pets to characters and the more unusual the better. I’ve never written any chracter who had a pet rabbit, so this was fun. It gave the opportunity for a little comic relief and in certain situations upped the tension (when an owl tried to snag it for breakfast). At the same time, it can get repetitive since the bunny can’t make any sounds and only hops around. So, I had to get creative. Still, it added to the story.
What’s the most unusual pet you’ve ever given any of your characters? Let’s talk.
Book blurb
A shocking proposal that changes everything.
Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.
Only the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?
Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.
Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.
UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK: https://books2read.com/u/3nqqEo
BOOK TRAILER LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6vMqD4SuQ4
Including a pet or an animal in a story is always a good idea. Most readers can empathize with the love of a pet. A popular animal in my Amanda Travels stories is Ali Baba the camel in Amanda in Arabia. Although Rupert, the Main Coon bookstore cat in Amanda in England, is another favourite. I love the idea of a bunny as a pet.
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Hi Darlene, thank you for visiting. I also love the bunny.
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Thank you for your comment, Darlene. How fun to include some extraordinary animals in your stories. I enjoyed creating Cuddles for Sara Beth.
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This is a very interesting book.
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Thank you, Michelle. It really sounds good and I am looking forward to reading it.
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I am thrilled that you think so, Michelle! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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I don’t think I’ve ever given one of my characters a pet and now I wonder why – we’ve always had pets running around in the house (makes mental note). Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Nicholas, I don’t often give my characters pets either. I had a very creepy cat in Through the Nethergate but that is different.
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I remember that cat, Robbie, and yes, it was creepy. 🙂
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Yes, very Stephen King …
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I’m glad I could spark an idea, Nicholas. 🙂 Pets can definitely add to the stories. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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I am already in love with this story, and can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you, ladies 🌈
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Yay! Music to my ears, Jaye and Anita. I sincerely hope you enjoy it!
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I have a feeling I will, Jan…
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Thank you, Robbie, for showcasing Beggar’s Bargain. And a big congratulations to Jan, with good wishes galore for the book’s success!
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It is my pleasure, Gwen.
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Thank you so much, Gwen!
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This sounds very involving, a person on the edge of losing everything finds a rewarding way out. The pet rabbit adds cuteness to the situation.
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Hi Tim, it is an intriguing plot. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
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Thank you for your comment, Tim. I like your synopsis. And yes, the rabbit adds something extra to the story.
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I might be the king of unusual pets. I’ll just mention that Lisa Burton has a pet rabbit and stop there.
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Yes, there are far more unusual pets and friends than bunnies in the Hat series.
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I love that, Craig. And yes, I agree that you might just be the king of unusual pets. Noodles is a good example. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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I answered your comment earlier, Craig but WP decided to wipe it out along with others. Ugh! Anyway, what I said was that you just might be the king of unusual pets. Noodles is a great example. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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I’m answering your comment for the third time, Craig. WP keeps deleting them. So, if several suddenly show up, please accept my apologies. You just might be the king of unusual pets for sure. Noodles is a good example. 🙂
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HI both, WP jailed Jan in spam. She is now a free woman so there will be repeat replies.
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Wow! I wondered where all the comments went, Robbie. 🙂 But it was that kind of day. Feel free to delete the duplicates.
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If I delete the, WP may spam you again so I thought I’d just leave them
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Aw… bun, bunny…
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Thanks, Annette 🐰
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Your comment made me smile, Annette. 🙂
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Your comment made me smile, Annette!
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Your comment made me smile, Annette!
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Annette, always makes me smile too.
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Well, mission accomplished. I adore Layken AND Cuddles. Wishing you much success, Jan.
Thanks for hosting, Robbie.
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My pleasure, Staci ⭐️
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Glad to hear it, Staci. Both are wonderful characters. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hugs!
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Yay! Then my work is done, Staci. 🙂 I’m so glad you like both Layken and Cuddles. They are both wonderful characters. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and leave a comment.
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Thank you, Staci! I’m so happy my mission is accomplished. 🙂 I loved both of these characters and was so happy to bring them to life. Please accept my apologies if my comments show up multiple times. WP keeps deleting them. Ugh! I appreciate your support!
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Hats off to Jan! I finished this book over the weekend, and she’s got a true winner on her hands. I highly recommend A Beggar’s Bargain to anyone who hasn’t already snatched up a copy.
Thanks for hosting, Robbie, and best wishes to Jan!
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Hi Mae, thank you for adding your endorsement for this book.
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Thank you so much for the added recommendation, Mae! It means so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story!
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Thank you so much for your endorsement, Mae. It means so much to me! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story!
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Thank you so much, Mae. For some crazy reason, WP keeps deleting my comments, so my apologies if suddenly several pop up. I deeply appreciate your recommendation for A Beggar’s Bargain! It means so much to me.
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💕
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Hi Jan, I’m also having a few issues with commenting. WP is putting the wrong reply under the wrong comment. If it’s my blog I can fix it, but if it’s a guest post, I can’t sort it out. Sigh!
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No worries. WP is wonky at best, but sometimes it goes over the edge. I apologize for all the duplicate comments.
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No worries
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I haven’t ever given a character an unusual pet, but maybe I should. I had a pet cricket when I was about eight.
I’ve read A Beggar’s Bargain. It’s so good!
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Hi Priscilla, that’s great to know. I’m looking forward to reading it soon.
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Lol! You sound like my youngest granddaughter, Priscilla. She is forever rescuing insect, frogs and lizards and tries her best to keep them alive. Thank you so much for stopping by and for adding your recommendation!
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I responded to your comment, Priscilla, but WP decided to wipe it out. Ugh! What I said was that your comment reminded me of my youngest granddaughter. She is forever rescuing insects, frogs and lizards and tries to keep them alive. 🙂 Thank you for your added recommendation for A Beggar’s Bargain!
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I’m answering your comment for the third time, Priscilla, so please accept my apologies if it suddenly shows up multiple times. Your comment makes me think of my youngest granddaughter. She is forever rescuing insects, frogs and lizards. 🙂 I appreciate your endorsement of the book!
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WordPress can be fickle sometimes, eh?!
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It really, can. WP suddenly put all of Jan’s comments in spam. I’ve approved them all so there will be repeats but it shouldn’t happen again.
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HI Jan, your youngest granddaughter sounds just like me.
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That’s funny, Robbie. She now has a crested gecko and a snake in her room. 🙂 She loves all animals, but seems especially drawn to reptiles.
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I hope her mom doesn’t mind
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Jan has a winner! Just the cover makes me want to read it.
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Yes, Jacqui, I agree 💚
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Thank you, Jacqui!
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I’m so happy to hear that, Jacqui! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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Yay! Then my work is done, Jacqui. 🙂 Thank you for your comment.
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Thank you, Jacqui! I’m happy you love the cover. I do, too!
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It is a great cover, Jan.
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Great post 🙂 I am a big fan of Cuddles and animals in stories.
Thanks for hosting, Robbie!
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Thank you, Denise! I appreciate you stopping by!
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HI Denise, thank you for visiting. I like the sound of this book very much.
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Sounds fab, Robbie and Jan. This is an interesting premise.
I love the rabbit touch.
Jan, have a great blog book tour! Your book might pop up on one of the blogs I follow. That would be cool.
Cheers to both!
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Thank you so much, Resa. I am thrilled that the story interests you and that you enjoyed today’s post.
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You’re welcome, Jan!
How wonderful that Robbie featured your book.
Congratulations!!!
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Hi Resa, thank you. It is my great pleasure to host Jan. This book sounds so exciting.
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HI Resa, I also like the rabbit. The book sounds fabulous.
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I enjoy reading about pets as characters in fiction, but I can’t recall featuring any pets in any stories I’ve written, just dairy cows and plow horses.
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Hi LIz, I haven’t really featured pets either. It probably does help humanise characters to give them pets.
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Now that you mention it, in a story from my critique group, I fell in love with a character because of how he treated his dog.
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Yes, pets certainly indicate the type of person you are.
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Dairy cows and plow horses count, Liz. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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You’re welcome, Jan. 🙂
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I agree, but they count in a different way. Working animals can be pets, but its not that usual. It’s a different relationship.
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I also enjoy reading about pets as characters.
Congratulations to Jan on this book.
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Thank you, Donna. My animal characters in my adult novels are usually evil…
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Thank you for your comment, Donna. I love giving my characters pets and in this story there is another one besides Cuddles. The challenge is to remember to keep them in the scenes and not let them disappear.
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Ah, more pet intrigue, Jan – smile!
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Congratulations to Jan and wishing her great success. Thanks for sharing this lovely post Robbie.
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My pleasure, Balroop.
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Thank you so much, Balroop. I’m happy you stopped by!
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Love pets in fiction! Congratulations, Jan.
Hey, Robbie. *waves*
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Hi Sue, thank you for your comment.
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Thank you, Sue!
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Good luck to Jan. Hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Teagan!
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Congratulations and good luck to Jan! Now I’ll be noticing pets in fiction a lot more. 🙂
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Thank you so much, merrildsmith. I appreciate your comment and glad you enjoyed the post.
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You’re welcome.
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Hi Merril, it is interesting how an explanation of a writing technique can make us more aware with our reading.
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Yes, true.
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Interesting 🙂🤔
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Thank you
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I’m happy you found the book interesting, Taha!
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Great share, Robbie. I’m looking forward to the read! Huge congrats to Jan!
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Thank you, Diana. I truly hope you enjoy it!
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So far, I’m loving it!
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💞
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Congratulations to Jan on this new release. May you find great success! Thanks for promoting Jan’s new book on your blog, Robbie.
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My pleasure, Beem
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This sounds like a hopeful story. I love books where pets and/or animals play an interesting role in a book. I like the sound of this one.
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