Behind the story of Pawprints and Predicaments

Bethany Blake is the author of the Lucky Paws Mystery series. Her latest release is Pawprints and Predicaments. Bethany is a prolific writer who loves animals and Hallmark movies. In this behind the story interview, we learn how she brought them together for this delightful series.

It began with a bet

“For the most part, my books are meant to transport readers to a quaint town, filled with people and pets who will make them laugh, and who will grow to feel like friends. I was once talking with my husband about whether I should tackle more profound issues in my novels, and he said making people smile was a work of mercy. That’s always stuck with me. That said, my Lucky Paws Petsitting mysteries do quietly advocate for animal rescue and adoption. It’s not a preachy message. It’s just woven into the life of my amateur sleuth, Daphne Templeton, who is always fostering a pet who needs a home.”

Book & a Latte Bonus Code: #FosterPet

Bethany admits that like so many of us she’s a huge fan of Hallmark Movies, which is what started her on the path to the Lucky Paws Mystery series. She said, “Once a year, one of my fellow writer friends and I sit down over a glass of wine and analyze our favorites from the year. So, one year, we dared each other to write a cozy mystery that had a similar feel to a Hallmark story. The first one to complete a manuscript would be the winner. I sat down the next day and started Death By Chocolate Lab. I sent a few pages to my agent, and she kept begging for more. Before I knew it, I had finished and sold my book—winning the contest!”

A love of animals

“I love animals, I love stories and I love to laugh,” Bethany said. “Not necessarily in that order. I also love food. That is probably worth mentioning. My favorite evenings are spent on my patio, with a fire blazing away and my three daughters and crazy dog all hanging out with me, telling tales and playing badminton. I used to be a world traveler, always restless, but right now I’m in a homebody stage.”

Even homebodies have to get out for a little fun, and Bethany was actually at a public pool when her agent called to tell her the Lucky Paws series had sold to Kensington. “It was a hot day, and the pool was packed. I kept wandering around, trying to find a place away from excited, screaming kids where I could actually hear my agent. The locker room was even worse! I just kept shouting, ‘What are you saying?’ I still wasn’t sure we had a deal when I got home!”

But wait, there’s more

In addition to writing cozy mysteries, Bethany also writes young adult and middle grade novels under a different name. Apparently, she’s also quite a researcher. She said, “I once spent two years reading 1920s editions of the Chicago Tribune to write my children’s mystery Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter. But the research had two purposes: I also earned a Ph.D. in mass communications! It was well worth the effort!”

To learn more about Bethany Blake, visit her on her website at bethanyblakeauthor.com.

Book & a Latte Contest

What: This month, Bethany is giving away one soft cover copy of “Pawprints and Predicaments” and I’m adding one $5.00 Starbucks gift card. One random entry will be chosen as the winner. Winner will receive a book and a gift card.

How to enter: Choose one or more of the options below. Each option gives you an additional chance to win.

Who can enter: This contest is only open to continental US residents over 18 years of age.

Winners: Selected winners must claim prizes within 72 hours of notification. Verification of entries: All winning entries are subject to verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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