Ciao, amici! Today I’m happy to invite friend, fellow author, and Story Empire colleague D.L. Finn back to my blog. I trust most of you are familiar with her and her work. For those of you who aren’t, you’ll find her down-to-earth nature and whimsical imagination impossible to resist. Today, she’s here to discuss her latest release, A Voice in the Silence. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome.
Thank you for having me on your amazing blog, Staci, to share the release of “A Voice in the Silence.”

A dog, cat, and rat are characters in A Voice in the Silence and are based on my pets. Our family has been blessed with many amazing dogs. Our first pup Butch, a collie-mix, went everywhere with us and loved to play hide and seek with my husband. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Cher was a black-lab shelter rescue who had the sweetest disposition, even after she lost her vision. Bear was our 175-pound lab/rottie mix. I gave up on taking him for walks, because he didn’t like any strange men near me. Beast, a shepard-mix, was a neighbor’s dog but he thought he belonged to us. Eventually, Beast became a part of our household when his owners moved away. Then came our high-energy lab, Hermie who loved to wander but was always a gentleman.
All these pups are now a part of the forest they so loved to explore, but we still have Sara, Hermie’s other half. She is a 13-year-old shepard-mix who was always great at finding skunks and treeing bears. Now that her body doesn’t work like it used to, she has become my constant companion.
All these dogs ran through my mind when I wrote from Charlie’s POV. Charlie is a loving representation of all the dogs I’ve loved—with a sprinkle of something extra.
Fun Finn Facts
- I have always wanted to write a book where animals could talk.
- The power shutdowns for fire danger are something we deal with here.
Blurb
Drea Burr has experienced more than her share of loss when a stray dog, cat, and rat enter her life. Although the animals start to mend her broken heart, there is something very unusual about them. During a snowstorm, Drea discovers a chilling set of footprints leading to her front window. Both the police and a ghostly messenger warn her about a killer stalking widows. Help comes from her late husband’s best friend, Adam Hale. As the two try to discover answers, more questions arise—about a killer, ghosts, and animals experimented on in a lab.
Can Drea and Adam survive the threats coming from so many directions and save themselves and the animals they’ve grown to love? Or will more tragedy destroy her second chance at happiness? Find out in this thrilling, cozy paranormal adventure.
Excerpt
A slight breeze wove through the pine trees, making them sway to nature’s song, but Drea and the dog didn’t join in the flowing movement. Instead, they maintained a tense pose, as if studying each other from a safe distance.
Drea made the first slow movement of setting her newspaper down. “Are you lost?”
The beautiful brown eyes pulled her in. It was like they could peer into her soul. There was no threat or fear in those eyes as the fluffy dog sat down. Encouraged, Drea stepped back into the garage and grabbed the pink leash and collar still hanging on the wall. The dog watched her every move with a slow tail wag.
A can of dog food she hadn’t donated to the shelter yet caught her eye. “Hungry?”
It wagged its tail harder.
She opened the can and shook the smelly chunks onto a white paper plate she kept under the cans. Holding the offering, she moved cautiously to the dog. Using a soft tone and a smile, she kept moving forward. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”
The dog blinked and nodded as if it understood her. The sun fully abandoned the sky, leaving behind the encroaching darkness lit by a half moon. But the sadness that had weighed her down seeped out into the night with each step she took toward the pup. She wished she’d brought a flashlight, but the evening offered its remaining luminescence. Soon she was within a foot of the dog. The posture and build indicated a golden retriever mix like her Lady, but this was a male, and he was beautiful.
“I don’t recognize you. I know all the neighbor’s dogs. You have a home?”
The dog blinked and shook his head as her feet crunched through the dry pine needles. The sound reminded her of when Robbie would place bubble wrap on the ground and gleefully jump on it. She would clean them up—tomorrow. As she got closer, the dog’s condition was more apparent. He hadn’t eaten in a while.
“Here, this used to be Lady’s food. I lost her a little while ago.”
He licked his snout as though he understood. Smart dog.
“No collar. Maybe you have a chip.”
She set the food down and backed away. He lunged toward the plate and wiped it clean in seconds, then sat down, licking his chops. She inched her way toward him. Each step toward the mutt brought him closer to her heart, which was beating like she’d run a marathon. She slowly reached out and rubbed his fur. The dog didn’t flinch. In fact, a small sigh escaped him. Drea gently searched for injuries. Other than a small gash on his neck, he appeared healthy and wasn’t afraid.
“You must have someone who loves you. What happened?”
She wished the dog could answer.
Amazon Purchase Link US
Amazon Purchase Link UK
Author Bio
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include adult fiction, poetry, a unique autobiography, and children’s books. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
D.L. Finn Links:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | D.L. Finn blog | Amazon Page
MY REVIEW:
This One Has It All
Most authors would be hard-pressed to take all the elements this book has and come up with a cohesive premise for a story. But somehow, D.L. Finn managed to do it. Not only did she tie all the threads together at the end, she wove a beautiful word tapestry as she did so.
Grief and isolation are powerful concepts addressed in this story. We begin with Drea, a widow who has recently buried her companion pets and said goodbye to her son because his wife dragged him away from her. She’s lost every relationship that matters to her.
Finding stray pets on her property saves her. But with their arrival comes problems.
Drea discovers the animals aren’t the only ones hanging around her home. She’s got definitive proof that someone’s been stalking her. Someone who has killed before. And now she’s a target.
There are sci-fi and supernatural elements that reveal themselves in organic ways. (I won’t post any information to spoil the story.) There’s also a potential for a romantic happily-ever-after for the grieving woman, if she’s able to put aside her past. So many elements fill these pages, and once the action ramps up, we’re treated to one twist after another.
The characters are among some of my favorites in recent novels. The world-building is solid, and the plot advances logically despite the many surprises.
If you’re a fan of paranormal mysteries with a sci-fi element and bits of romance woven in—who can say no to that, as there’s something for everyone—then you’d enjoy The Voice in the Silence.
I’m such an animal lover, so this one really speaks to me. I couldn’t wait for its release and read it in one day.
I hope you’ll share Denise’s announcement to your friends and join me in offering her congratulations by leaving a comment below. Before you leave, I invite you to click on some of the links, most especially the purchase link for A Voice in the Silence. Grazie!
Thanks for sharing this, Staci.
Denise, kudos on a terrific tour. Will you be doing a special post from your blog?
Hugs all around.
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Thank you, Teagan 🙂 I did a cover and video release before. I don’t have one planned but never know. Xo
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Thanks, Teagan. I’m always happy to share great news. Glad you could stop by.
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Fabulous review, Staci. I’m starting this one next and can’t wait to jump into it. Congrats to Denise on her release and the super review!
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I can’t wait to read your review, Diana. I suspect you’ll enjoy this one.
Thanks for dropping by!
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Thank you, Diana 🙂 I appreciated the review and glad you enjoyed it.
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It was one of the most creative books I’ve read in a long time. 🙂
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I just jumped into NaNoWri and this is what came out of it.
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Oh. That’s cool. I’ve never gone into Nano with a blank page. Maybe this year!
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Great review! Grabbed my copy. You really intrigued me. I have to say, I was blown away by the 175-pound lab-rottie mix. That is quite a dog!
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Right? My Labs (at their biggest) were around 100 pounds, give or take a few. All three are around 50-ish, plus or minus a couple. And they’re all more powerful than me. I can’t imagine trying to control a 175-pound dog!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Denise’s book. So glad my review inspired you to pick it up.
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I’ve read her books before–always love them. For some reason, I guess I got distracted from this one. Glad you reminded me!
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I’m glad, too!
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I hope you are enjoying it , Jacqui! Bear was quite a dog, never expected him to grow to that size.
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Sorry to make this sub-thread so long, but I couldn’t resist adding one more thought: Denise–I loved this book! It is my favorite of all of yours (so far). I’ll be reviewing it soon–gushing about its greatness.
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You have NO idea how widely I am smiling now, Jacqui. Sending you a ton of hugs xo
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If you want to gush about something, feel free to make the thread as long as you’d like! Thanks, Jacqui.
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A fabulous post for a fabulous story! Congrats, Denise and thank you for hosting, Staci!
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Thank you, Jan! I’m happy you enjoyed meeting the dogs 🙂
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Thanks so much, Jan.
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Reblogged this on PTL Perrin Writes… and commented:
Do you love animals? D.L. Finn’s new release has some exceptional animals you’ll fall in love with! Add some paranormal, a sprinkling of scifi, and a compelling mystery, and …. See for yourself!
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Thanks so much for the reblog!
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My pleasure! Always happy to share great posts!
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💕
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Thanks for the reblog, Patty xo
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What a wonderful review, Staci! Thanks for hosting Denise, today.
Denise, it’s sad that we outlive our beloved fur babies, but so sweet that your dogs’ energies live on in your forest and now in your character Charlie. I love this excerpt, where Drea meets Charlie for the first time. You know I pray for you and your family during your frightening fire season. You’re always welcome here in Florida!
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I loved that Drea took in the animals she found. And it’s lovely that Denise still has the memory of her beloved pets. Now they’re immortalized forever. What a fitting tribute.
Thanks for sharing your support here today.
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It is sad we lose them after only a few brief years, Patty. They do live on in the forest though. This is a favorite part of mine too. Thanks for all your support along the way. I appreciate the prayers and offer the same back. I like I have many choices and Florida is there for us xoxoxo
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Wonderful, well-deserved review, Denise! I love the names of your dogs, how did you come up with them?
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Excellent question! Thanks, Jacquie.
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Thanks, Jacquie 🙂 The names came from a lot of places, but Butch was after Butch Cassidy and Cher after the star. Hermie was the dentist in Rodolph the red-nosed reindeer (the old one) and Bear looked like a bear…lol. Beast already had a name when we got him and Sara, my husband just liked the name.
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Congratulations to Denise. What a wonderful review too!
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Thank you, Wendy 🙂 I was excited to see the review.
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Thanks so much, Wendy.
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A fabulous review, Staci. What a wonderful idea to spotlight the pets and make them stars in your new book, loved the excerpt, Denise. This is only June. I don’t know how California gets through the fire season this year! Thank you for the beautiful post, Staci! 🙂
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I was thrilled to see Staci’s review! Pets are a part of our lives so I thought why not a book? Hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, Miriam. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get as bad as last year. Hugs and stay safe. xo
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I’ll be praying for a safe fire season. It feels like the last one didn’t end yet.
Thanks for showing your support here today, Miriam.
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Woo Hoo. So glad to see Denise here. I loved this story. Got to get my review posted!
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That’s fabulous news! Thanks for sharing your enjoyment of Denise’s latest, Sandra.
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Thank you, Sandra 🙂 I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the story. See you tomorrow. xo
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It’s my fave of the stories you’ve written:)
Thanks for hosting, Staci:)
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Not only did your review make my day but I’m so happy to be here today, Staci 🙂 Thank you! Sending hugs xo
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Delighted to have you here, Denise. You’re welcome anytime. And I’m glad you liked the review.
Hugs 💕
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Thank you for your support throughout, Yvette. Hugs xo
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Lovely review Staci, this book is at the top of my list. Wishing Denise great success with this one too.
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Many thanks for showing Denise support today, Balroop. When you get to the book, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
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Thank you, Balroop 🙂 That is good news. I hope you enjoy reading it!
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Thank you for sharing your site with us, Staci!! Congrats on your release, Denise. Can’t wait to read this one! I love that you were inspired from your own fur babies. ❤
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Insider information about real things that inspire stories makes the works that much richer to me. I love knowing her own pets inspired her. Thanks, Mar.
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Yes, exactly!!
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Thank you, Mar 🙂 I hope you enjoy it, my fur babies were definitely a part of the process this time. Happy reading xo
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Congratulations to Denise. A super review, Staci. Thanks for hosting.
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Thanks so much, John!
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Thank you, John 🙂 I was thrilled to see it!
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You sure hit one of my passions–love of animals. I don’t support experimentation on them even to save human lives. I’m not sure we’re more valuable. All this to say–the book sounds excellent.
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I agree, Jacqui. One hundred percent.
Thanks for visiting.
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I don’t like that either, Jacqui and I like to think we are past needing to do so. Thank you, these animal characters are very dear to my heart.
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This book is fantastic, and I hope everyone grabs a copy! Thanks for hosting Denise today, Staci! 🙂
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I hope the same thing, Yvette. Thanks for sharing your opinion, too. Maybe it will entice more people to take a chance on it.
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Thank you for your support throughout the process, Yvette. Hugs xo
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Congratulations, Denise, on your new book. It sounds fascinating. I just bought the book after reading the review and excerpt. Thank you for hosting, Staci.
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That’s fabulous news. Thanks, Karen. Happy reading!
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Thank you, Karen 🙂 I hope you enjoy meeting the animals. Xo
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As an animal lover, I’m all kinds of excited about this book. My cat has been talking to me for years – in his own way. Congratulations on the new release, Denise!
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You’ll love it, Teri! Thanks for stopping in.
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Thank you, Teri 🙂 Yes, I do believe they are talking to us, we just don’t completely understand what they are saying…yet. happy reading!
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Congratulations, Denise! I’m so looking forward to reading your latest jewel. Thank you, Staci, for hosting today and offering precious glimpses of A Voice In The Silence. Hugs to you both! 💗
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It was my pleasure, Gwen. I know you’ll love it when you get to it. Thanks for supporting Denise today.
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Thank you, Gwen 🙂 It’s something I’ve always wanted to write a book about. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to hearimg what you think about it. Xo
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Thank you for introducing to this great new story, Staci! Thanks to Denise as well, because stories for calming down are just what i need. Best wishes, Michael
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Well, I don’t know how calm you’ll feel. There’s plenty of excitement! But beloved animals are soothing.
Thanks, Michael.
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Thanks, Michael 🙂 I have to agree with Staci this might not be a very calming story 🙂
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Many thanks, Michael.
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Good excerpt. This is a must-read for me.:-)
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I think you’ll really like it, Priscilla. Thanks!
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Thank you, Priscilla. I’m eager to hear what you think xo
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I’m such an animal lover too and this story, I know it would speak to me, also. Excellent review, Staci! Wishing Denise much success ❤️
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Feels like a must-read for animal lovers. Thanks, Tessa.
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Thank you, Tessa 🙂 The animals are strong characters in this story for many reasons. Happy reading!
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I really want to read this one. I love talking animals and have written several.
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I think you’d really enjoy it, Craig. Thanks for supporting Denise today.
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I’m a fan of talking animals too, Craig, and enjoy reading stories with them in it. I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading 🙂
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Pingback: A Voice in the Silence Blog Tour Day Two! @stacitroilo #bookrelease #blogtour #whattoread #writingcommunity – Author D.L. Finn
Huge congrats to Denise on her new book and this fabulous review! I’m a little over a quarter of the way through and am loving the animals and supernatural elements! Wishing Denise all the best. Thanks for sharing this great new book with us, Staci. Hugs 💕🙂
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It’s my pleasure to host her today and to share my review. Thanks for adding your support for Denise’s new release, Harmony.
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Thank you, Harmony 🙂 I’m more than happy to hear you are enjoying it! The blend of the animals and supernatural was a place I was eager to explore. Happy reading! Xo
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I’m an animal lover as well…dogs, cats, wildlife… One of my favorite childhood books involved two dogs and a cat. I started reading my copy yesterday, but my lunch break wasn’t long enough.
Wishing you much success, Denise, and a big thanks to Staci for hosting today.
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I’m sure I’ll never look at my dogs and my daughter’s cat the same way again. I’m a nature fan, too, though I suspect Denise has me beat in that regard.
Glad you at least got to start her book, Joan.
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I have always been around animals and have always loved them. There were some good books as kids with animals, I still feel all the emotions of those sad ones. I hope you enjoy the story, Joan. Happy reading, and thank you xo
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I obsessed over animal books when I was young. But my parents never let us get pets. I didn’t have my first until 2010. Now I have three beloved dogs and love my daughter’s cat as if he were my own!
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Thank you for sharing your review, Staci. Wishing Denise all the best on her release. I look forward to reading her book. She’s a talented writer!
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It’s my pleasure to share her release and my review. I agree, Jill, she is a talent. I know you’ll enjoy her story. Thanks for adding your support.
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Thank you, Jill 🙂 That is so kind of you to say that, and I hope you enjoy the story. Hugs
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A beautiful post, reminding me of every dog friend I have ever loved…
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There’s nothing like the love of a furry family member. Thanks for dropping by.
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And I miss them all so much…
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That’s the part no one prepares you for. 💙
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and it never goes away either…
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Thank you 🙂 They are such a strong part of our lives and not for gotten.
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Hi Staci, a lovely post and extract. I’ve been reading about the wild fires in Australia and they also experience power shutdowns on high fire risk days. It’s scary.
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I was alone in California in 2019 during rolling blackouts and fires with potential evacuations. It’s terrifying. I can’t imagine living like that every year.
Thanks, Robbie.
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Thanks, Robbie. These fires everywhere are so scary and like nothing we’ve dealt with before on this level.
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