Gayle M. Irwin – Nomad Authors Blog

New! Second chances–for people and pets! Gayle Irwin

She crouches then pounces upon the enticing mouse like her cousin the bobcat. His tail swishes as he stares and then stalks the feather on the floor like his larger brother the tiger. Domestic cats, like their wild relatives, enjoy the hunt and chase. They entertain their human companions, bringing smiles and laughter. Their purrs soothe stress, and their company delights days.

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, and in my recently-released book, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, my main character, Erin, adopts two cats. This clean, contemporary romance is a second-chance story, for the human couple and for the animals featured in the book. Here’s an taste:

That afternoon, as Erin played with the cats, she focused again on the two yellow tabby brothers, Ricky and Rocket. The more she engaged with them, the more certain she was that her daughter would enjoy these kitties. She watched Rocket refocus his attention on a sunbeam dancing across the nearby wall. She laughed as the tabby leaped, as if trying to catch the light. Another sunray on the floor captured his interest, and the cat began zooming around the room. With her cell phone, Erin snapped several pictures of Ricky playing with a catnip mouse and others of Rocket pouncing on rays of sunlight. A few moments later she texted the photos to Brittany along with this message: “I think I’ve found the purr-fect cats for you! Two brothers, about two years old. Playful, fun, and friendly. We already know they get along, they are healthy, and they like people. What do you think? Want me to adopt them for you?”

As she waved a feather toy in front of the tabbies’ faces, Brittany responded with a text: “YES! I already love them. Do they get along with Winston?”

Erin responded, “I’ll plan a sleep-over to find out. Potential adopters can do that here, just like at Best Friends Animal Society.”

“Super!” came Brittany’s response. “Let me know how everyone does.”

Two cats share my house. I adopted them when they were 10 weeks old; they will be 15 years old in August. Murphy and Bailey are sisters, although to look at them you couldn’t think so. Murphy is a long-haired black and white (often called ‘tuxedo’), and Bailey is a short-haired tortoiseshell (black, orange, and white). Their mother was a medium-haired, cream-colored Persian-looking cat. Only two of the six in the litter looked alike, and they were black and gray tabby cats. I’ve been a cat person since I was a child. My first was a calico who followed me home after school when I was nine years old. I named her Precious and she was my companion for more than 10 years.

Buy links:
Amazon ebook
Amazon print
Barnes and Noble
Kobo

Bailey and Murphy cats I weave pet rescue and adoption into my romance stories because that topic is something I’m passionate about. The second book in the series, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, sees my main character, Erin, volunteering at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. The fictional sanctuary is based on a real facility called Kindness Ranch. In the book, Erin reconnects with a man she knew in high school when she shows up to volunteer. Both she and Mike, my primary male character, have lost their spouses. Sparks ignite, especially after Erin helps Mike save the life of an ewe and her lamb. However, Erin wonders if she gives her heart to Mike, will she be betraying her late husband and her two grown children?

Pick up your copy of Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, available as an e-book through Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Amazon, and available in print format through Amazon. You can also obtain my first book in this Pet Rescue Romance series, Rescue Road, in which the character of Erin is introduced, through the same outlets.

I encourage you to support your local animal shelter, humane society, or pet rescue organization. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), each year nearly 3.2 million cats and kittens enter animal shelters and humane societies across the United States. Sadly, Rescue cats more than 850,000 are euthanized due to illness, owners not claiming their lost/stray animals, and overcrowding due to lack of adoptions and reclaims. Whether through adoption, fostering, donations of supplies or money, or volunteering, these groups need our help to help the animals they serve.

When people purchase my books, I donate a percentage of sales to pet rescue organizations. I also volunteer for a few groups. In fact, the two cats in my story, Ricky and Rocket, are based on two cats I met at a rescue. Their picture is above.

Happy reading!

Blurb:

A ranch like no other …

Erin Christiansen is still adjusting to life as a widow. She seeks additional healing by volunteering at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. Upon arrival at the majestic and unique northwestern Wyoming ranch, she meets Mike, a man she knew in high school, whose compassion for animals and people might be the balm Erin needs.

Retired veterinarian Mike Jacobs is no stranger to loss. Five years after the accidental death of his wife, he now serves as ranch manager of Compassion Ranch. He not only fixes fence and provides tours, but he applies his veterinary skills and his heart for animals to his work. Upon recognizing Erin from high school, he can barely believe his first love will spend a few weeks at the sanctuary.

Can Erin and Mike span the years since they have seen each other or do they, like many of the rescued animals, have wounds that run too deep to trust and love again?

Much of the story takes place here, at Yellowstone Lake

Excerpt:

That evening before sunset, Mike secured wire to a wooden post a few feet from the barn. More fencing to his left helped create a new corral, the project he’d been working on all day. He didn’t hear Erin walk up until she called out, “Hi, there, busy guy!”

He stopped his work and looked at her. Her large smile brought one to his face.

“Hi, yourself.”

Mike noticed Winston beside her. He squatted down and said, “Hey there, fella. How are you and those cats doing?”

Winston, his tail wagging, sauntered up to Mike, and the ranch manager patted the little dog’s head.

“They’ve done very well,” Erin responded as she walked closer. “A few hisses and growls by the cats at first, but with Winston’s gentle, sweet personality, the Ricky and Rocket adjusted pretty quickly. Winston learned about cats while at Rhiann’s sanctuary, so he knows not to push the limit.

They all took about a thirty-minute nap on the couch before supper. I think Brittany’s going to be quite happy with the boys.”

As Mike drew to his full six-foot-one height, he noticed Erin held a cloth bag in her hand.

“You don’t have the cats in there, do you?” he asked in a teasing voice as he pointed to the sack.

She laughed slightly and held up the bag. “I think you’d hear a lot of fussing. No, silly. I brought your supper. I’ve been hearing the pounding of nails all afternoon and saw you putting those posts in the ground earlier. I figured you could use a break.”

She opened the container, which held two sandwiches, a small bag of potato chips, and a covered glass pitcher of lemonade. Her kindness startled him. Not that Erin wasn’t thoughtful, but in the midst of her own busy day, settling in two cats, the thought that she would notice he hadn’t taken a break in several hours touched his heart.

“Thank you, Erin. I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” he said in a sincere voice.

She smiled and handed Mike the bag. He reached for the lemonade first and poured a cup from the small thermos. After consuming the tart liquid, he said, “Ah! That hits the spot.” He smiled. “I knew you were a good woman, Erin, I just didn’t realize how much of an angel until now.”

Author Bio:

Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. Her first novel, a clean, contemporary pet rescue romance titled Rescue Road, released November 8, 2019; the second book in that series she calls Pet Rescue Romance is titled Finding Love at Compassion Ranch – the book released in May 2020. Gayle subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, she volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, including a weekly blog, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com.

New! Rescue Road by Gayle M. Irwin

Rescue Road a clean, contemporary romance set in southwestern Montana, an area where I lived for more than 10 years.

Blurb:

Freelance writer Rhiann Kelly shelved romance for years. Her dream of starting an animal sanctuary takes deep roots after finding the perfect location in southwestern Montana and purchasing the property for back taxes.

Emergency medical technician Levi Butler knows his elderly friend George left the ranch to him in his will. Levi anxiously awaits the probate to be complete so he can plan his retirement and begin his dream of raising and selling horses.

When Rhiann and Levi find each other at the ranch simultaneously, sparks fly – and not the romantic kind. Yet their attraction for one another can’t be denied and deepens after Levi finds Rhiann injured in an accident. Meantime, land developer Dallas Patterson sets his sights on charming Rhiann to obtain the land.

Can Rhiann and Levi work together to detour Patterson and find a solution in which neither needs to give up their dream, or will the fence line of their hearts – and the property – separate them forever? Can their broken paths weave their hearts together as they travel the rescue road?

Buy links:
Amazon
Books 2 Read
Barnes & Noble

Print book coming very soon!

Let’s meet Gayle!

NA: Gayle, welcome! We’re so happy you are here with us. How did you come up with the idea for your book?
GMI: Five years ago I took a creative writing class at the community college in my town. Several women were writing romance novels, and I decided to pursue the endeavor. After many setbacks and changes, and a lot of encouragement from others in my writing groups, I picked it up again last November for NaNoWriMo and completed the draft. The idea comes from my desire to entertain but also inspire pet adoption and educate readers about pet rescue. I love the state of Montana and lived there for more than a decade; therefore, since I know the setting well, I created a fictional town but also used the names of real communities in order to bring familiarity about the state (i.e., Yellowstone National Park, the Madison River) and help readers fall in love with the setting as well as the story.

NA: What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?
GMI: Two things: Middle age people can fall in love even after they’ve experienced a significant romantic setback, and rescued dogs can also rescue humans.

NA: What’s a fun fact about writing your book.
GMI: I based one of the dog characters on a dog my husband and I adopted a few years ago. My Jeremiah, a Shih Tzu, is the motivation for “Jax” in the story. Jeremiah is a puppy mill survivor, whom I adopted from Hearts United for Animals in 2017; “Jax” is also a Shih Tzu and puppy mill survivor whom my heroine, Rhiann, helped rescue and who welcomes the other dogs she rescues.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
GMI: I began writing stories as a child, and in college I studied journalism and creative writing. I worked on the student newspaper and student annual magazine. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I began working for small-town newspapers in Montana, including as editor for the West Yellowstone News near America’s first national park. When I moved to Wyoming 20 years ago, I served as a reporter for another small-town newspaper and began freelancing for magazines. My short stories are featured in seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and I regularly write for WREN (Wyoming Rural Electric News) magazine. I’ve also had stories published in The Prairie Times, a monthly Colorado publication, and in Creation Illustrated, a nature magazine for children. I’ve authored dog books for children and devotional books for dog lovers, as I believe we can learn wonderful life and faith lessons from dogs.

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
GMI: I’m an only child and the first person in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree, and my parents were quite proud; they continue to be my biggest cheerleaders. In fact, my father steered me in the direction of my first job with a Montana newspaper as he was impressed with (what was then) a family start-up and the positive stories the couple sought to tell; I became their first full-time reporter. That was more than 30 years ago. My parents are still living and still cheering me on. My husband of more than 19 years was with me at my first Barnes and Noble book signing with my first children’s book in 2008, as was our dog, Sage, a blind springer spaniel who was the main character of that story (Sage’s Big Adventure: Living with Blindness). I have a wonderful support system in friends, work colleagues (I work part-time for a non-profit), and other writers. These people encourage me, critique my work, and help me persevere, and I’m grateful for each one of them … and also for the pets that inspire me to tell stories!

NA: The biggest surprise you had after becoming a writer.
GMI: How much excitement I feel doing the work! As a reporter, especially in the early days, sometimes the work was stressful due to so many stories and deadlines. However, I’ve matured over the years, and since I don’t have daily deadlines, I find composing stories, whether for a magazine, a Chicken Soup call-out, or for a book, delightful – and that time often passes quickly while I’m writing! The days I’m off work and devote a morning to writing, I blink my eyes and Noon has arrived. I wish time would slow down a bit!

NA: Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
GMI: I’m a pantser. I know the premise of the story, but I let the words flow and take whatever direction “the characters tell me to go.” I often know how I want the story to end, and I explore pathways to get there. I may cut scenes during the editing process, and I did so with Rescue Road. However, I save those deleted scenes because they could be re-worked and used in another book. For example, I plan a Book 2 (in the works) and Book 3 for this Pet Rescue Romance series, and I may be able to massage some of the deleted scenes from Book 1 and weave into either Book 2 or Book 3. Watching the story unfold as I type on the keyboard is a significant part of the fun of writing for me!

NA: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?
GMI: When parents, teachers, or children come up to me after a program or book purchase and say how much the story touched them (or a child they love). After taking my blind dog with me on a classroom visit many years ago, I received a note from the teacher who said she had a visually impaired student and he said to his aide afterward, “I didn’t know a dog could be like me. If Sage can be brave, I can be too.” One of the students told me in a note, “I think Sage needs to star in her own movie!” Writing about challenges in life and how dogs can teach us to have courage, to persevere, to forgive, to love, brings me great joy, and helping people understand the importance of rescue and adoption is part of my mission as a writer.

NA: Do you have quirky writing habits?
GMI: I don’t know if this is very “quirky,” but I drink coffee or tea and play instrumental music on Pandora while writing. And, of course, Jeremiah hangs out with me in my home office … as does one of my cats usually. It’s a peaceful setting.

NA: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
GMI: I enjoy traveling and taking nature photos. My goal is to visit all the western national parks before I can no longer travel. My husband and I own some mountain property and cabin, and we enjoy spending time there with our dogs. I also enjoy helping animal shelters and rescues. I’ve transported dogs into rescue and into the arms of new families for various regional organizations during the past 10 years, and I look forward to continuing that volunteer work.

NA: Name a pet peeve.
GMI: Tardiness. Likely comes from my time as a newspaper reporter/editor.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?
GMI: How delighted I am to have my pets snuggling with me in bed.

NA: What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
GMI: Betty White – her humor and love for animals totally touch my heart!

NA: What are you working on now?
GMI: Book 2 of my Pet Rescue Romance series and a devotion book about nature.

NA: Tell us about a passion you have.
GMI: My enjoyment of nature and animals stem from my childhood. I was raised in Iowa, and my parents taught me to appreciate and respect the outdoors, both the environment and the wildlife. I was raised with animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, etc. – and my household chores included caring for the animals. I loved doing that! And, I continue that love of caring for animals and nature. I hope to instill the same appreciation and respect for creation to readers through my writing, whether it’s a children’s book, a devotional, a short story, or a novel.

Excerpt:
Rhiann stood on the porch of the mid-century ranch house. Cup of coffee in hand, she watched the blazing orange sunrise. Streamers of light cascaded on the mountains west of the property, casting a rosy glow on the rocks and patches of snow upon the higher elevation. October’s morning danced with the browning grasses of the nearby pastures as touches of frost shimmered upon tan sprigs surrounding the house. Overhead, a flock of Canada geese in traditional V formation honked as they winged their way south.
Rhiann observed them and whispered, “We have something in common. We’re starting over.”

****

As he drove closer to the ranch house, Levi noticed a small, red dual-cab pickup parked near the building. His eyes squinted. He remembered seeing a similar vehicle at the Twin Bridges Campground yesterday. He parked next to the truck.

“Who in the world could that be?” he murmured as he exited his pickup.
He looked at the license plate. He didn’t remember George knowing anyone from Washington state. He saw a heart-shaped sticker on the side. Levi scowled. He meandered to the driver’s side and saw the “Rescue Road” emblem.

“Can’t be,” he muttered.

He looked up when he heard the front door of the house slam. He stared.

“What are you doing here?” he and Rhiann asked simultaneously.

***

Rhiann couldn’t believe her eyes. Left hand on her hip and straw broom in her right, she glared at the man she had met yesterday.

“Well?” she questioned, looking Levi in the eye. “Answer my question. What are you doing on my ranch?”

“Your what? YOUR ranch? This is my land,” he snapped.

“Uh, unless your last name is Kelly or McCallister, I don’t think so.”

Levi stalked toward the front porch. Rhiann took a step back. She looked into his smoldering gray eyes as he said, “George Nelson left this place to me. Just who are you to come claim it as yours?”

Before she could respond, he rushed on, “Are you related to George? I didn’t think he had any kids or grandkids. Are you a niece or something?”

Rhiann shook her head. “I didn’t know Mr. Nelson. I’m the granddaughter of Mary Martha McAllister. She was born here, in that log cabin over there.”
She pointed to the two-room dwelling to her right.

“That’s my house,” Levi said.

She detected the curt tone, and she responded in kind.

“I don’t know why you keep saying you own this property. That cabin, this place, has been mine for nearly four months and was in my family for two generations. I’m just now getting here after settling the back taxes.”

Levi’s face blanched. “Back taxes? What are you talking about?”

At that moment, his cell phone rang. She watched him pull the device from a back pocket of his jeans. He turned away from her.

“Mr. Williamson. Yes, this is Levi Butler. You have news for me?” He paused in his conversation. “I see.”

Rhiann continued observing him. He gradually turned toward her. His eyes darkened, and his teeth clenched. Rhiann took a step back, holding the broom in both hands. I’ll swing this thing at his head if he takes one more step.

“Yes, yes, I’ve met her. In fact, I’m looking at her right now.”

His icy statement sent chills up Rhiann’s spine.

***

Levi gripped the cell phone tighter. His mind tried to process the words spoken by George’s attorney. A few moments later, he said, “I see. Not the news I expected to hear but thanks for letting me know.”

He clicked off and stared at Rhiann. He noticed she held the broom as if to fend off an attacker. He wanted to punch something but knew he couldn’t. He took a deep breath and clenched a fist. He exhaled a ragged breath. A moment of silence ticked by. Levi inhaled again, trying to steady himself. As he released the air and unclenched his fist, he spoke in a terse, but controlled tone.

“Someone who knows nothing about this place, it’s history, or the man who lived here … I guess it’s yours after all.”

Levi stalked to his pickup and jumped into the driver’s seat. He backed the Chevy toward the Y junction and stomped the accelerator. He heard a large spray of gravel as the truck tires dug in, and he drove from the house.

About Gayle:
Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. She subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including courage, kindness, perseverance, friendship, appreciation of nature, and the importance of pet rescue and adoption. Her first novel, a clean, contemporary pet rescue romance titled Rescue Road, releases November 2019. A pet rescue and adoption advocate, she volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwin.com.