Many of us who love books, also love animals. I’ve noticed that among my friends who are devoted authors and readers, a fur baby is often an essential member of the family. Those ties run deep. In the past, I have commiserated with friends who’ve lost a fur child and celebrated delightedly with those who’ve welcomed a new member into the family. If you visit my Facebook page, you’ll see numerous shared posts on behalf of local rescues, and I can barely remember a time my home didn’t contain a dog.
Is there a connection between the love of storytelling and the love of animals? Some vital link, perhaps, in the minds of readers and writers which fires the imagination, allows us to extend warmth, compassion and understanding to a member of another species? Many of us, I suspect, feel more comfortable with our animal companions than with other humans. The love of an animal is unconditional, and nothing quite compares with the comfort of another little spirit existing in harmony with our own.
That being said, nothing is more difficult than losing a treasured furry companion. It’s an ache like no other. Each time I lose a dog I ask myself, is it worth this pain? The answer is always a resounding “yes”.
This truth inspired my latest Scottish Historical Romance, Loyal and True (Hearts of Caledonia Book One). Imagine if you lost your dearest companion, a fierce and devoted war hound, in battle—and it was your fault. Now imagine if he came back as a man…
Here’s to all our pets, past and present, and the unbreakable ties that bind us to them!
Loyal and True (Hearts of Caledonia Book One)
In defiance of her father, Caledonian tribeswoman Barta leads a daring raid against invading enemy warriors. But the fight goes badly, and her beloved war hound, Loyal, is killed. Unable to imagine existing without her dearest companion, she nevertheless must return home and accept blame for her terrible blunder.
For the first time in his life, Loyal is unable to rise and follow his mistress. When he appeals to the Goddess for mercy, she grants him leave to return on one condition: it must be in the form of a man. And only if Barta recognizes him for who he truly is will he be permitted to stay.
Loyal never suspects that, as a man, his connection with Barta will deepen, becoming passionate enough to transcend nearly any change. Will Barta recognize him before he’s lost to her forever?
Links:
Author Web site: www.laurastricklandbooks.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317
Author bio:
Multi-published and multi-award winning author, Laura Strickland writes stories that span several Romance genres. Her Scottish Romances have been compared to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and her American Historicals echo the work of authors such as Susan Wiggs and Kristin Hannah. Her award-winning Buffalo Steampunk series has broken new ground both for its setting and its portrayal of automaton characters pursuing their rights. Currently, she is at home in Western New York and at work on her next book.
