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The Scottish Island Inn: A totally gripping and emotional Scottish romance full of family secrets

301 pages Publisher Bookouture Publication date June 16, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Balhennie Inn is surrounded by heather-strewn mountains, with breathtaking views across the wild blue loch. But the cosy B&B is in trouble, and the only woman who can save it left without looking back years ago. Sorrel Balhennie will need to confront her past if the inn has any hope of a future…

The Balhennie family raised their six daughters on the Isle of Skye amongst early breakfast services and fully booked summers. Their inn is never short of gossip – and when eldest daughter Sorrel turns up for the first time in ten years, the island rumour mill begins.

Always the one left to corral her younger siblings, resourceful Sorrel now runs her own successful property business on the mainland. She throws herself into the repairs, praying her curious sisters will stop asking about the real reason she left home…

But Sorrell didn’t count on brooding, blue-eyed Tam Blackwood – the man she thought was her forever – supervising the works. Now they’re thrown together again, Sorrel realises just how much she’s missed him.

And with her secret in danger of tearing her family apart for good, only Tam has a plan to fix the inn and heal the rift between the Balhennie sisters. With his help, can Sorrel finally open up? Or will the inn close its doors forever?

The first in a brand-new Scottish-set series about sisterhood, secrets and second chances. Fans of Pamela Kelley, Hope Holloway and Debbie Macomber will utterly adore this romantic read!

Scottish Highlands landscape with loch, purple heather, hills, and sunset sky
A stunning sunset bathes the Scottish Highlands’ loch and blooming heather in warm light.

MY THOUGHTS

One thing I like about the author’s books is how descriptive her books are from the luscious scenery to the events happening you feel as though you are there.
This was a pretty emotional book. There are six sisters, all grown and one left without a word or an explanation ten years ago. Though one tried to keep in touch there was never any reciprocation.
Not only that she left a strong friendship with a childhood friend that was just turning into more.
Now she’s back without giving her family a heads-up and they’re puzzled, shocked and hurt.
The family inn is failing, and this sister is the one with the best business sense to turn things around if she’s willing to help things along.
We find out she left because of family secrets that she was never meant to know about that she accidently overheard. She was deeply hurt and didn’t take the time to talk to her family just left.
When she returns there are family talks but a lot of hurt as misunderstandings come to the forefront. There is the normal sisterly bickering, but all of the sisters have been hurt by her behavior.
Every family has secrets and when they come to the forefront there will be disagreements and outsiders see it in a very different way than those in the family do.
There’s also her special childhood friend she left behind who was so happy to see her. Can a special relationship take root now that she is back home again?
I enjoyed the story a lot. It had lots of family drama but lots of talking got done and things don’t just change overnight when you’ve been gone ten years.
Looking forward to more books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. She has a very cuddly cat called Twinkle who spends her days sleeping: Kennedy aspires to having Twinkle’s nap schedule one day.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it. Her favourite foods include (but are not limited to) Indian food, Victoria sponge, breakfast pastries with coffee and sushi. The only thing she’s not particularly keen on is artichoke, and she’d eat it, anyway.

Find out more about Kennedy on her Facebook Author page: facebook.com/kennedykerrauthor; she is also on Twitter as @KennedyKerr5

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Blog Tour for A Cornish Escape

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Cornish Escape
When a catastrophe threatens Ellie’s business there’s a puzzling mystery to solve, and Gertie steps in to follow the clues. Love and romance are the very last things on Gertie’s mind right now. But while she’s risking her safety helping to hunt down the culprits, could she also be in danger of losing her heart?

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRM5QNMQ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRM5QNMQ

MY THOUGHTS

The Little Duck Pond Cafe series are my go-to favorite novella series. In number forty-six a day of relaxation and celebration turns into a nightmare when things at the cafe take a pretty bad turn.
In this one we have Gertie and Jonah who we met in the last book, so this is pretty much a continuation, they are on the case. This book is different than the others, more of a cozy mystery sort of type and I loved the turn and change of tone it has taken.
What can I say, I just love this series.
Maybe the author should think of doing a cozy mystery series as she has done very well with this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for lots more café drama and romance in 2026, including ‘The Secrets of Midsummer Cottage’, which will be published in July.
Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88
https://www.instagram.com/rosiegreen_author/

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Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays by Amena Brown 

320 pages Publisher Tiny Reparations Books Publication date

June 16, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

An irresistible delight, this hilarious and heartwarming essay collection gathers essential tales about growing up in the South, the pitfalls of date night, and why no one should ever tell a Black girl how to Black Girl.

Black women always find a place to meet: in the natural hair aisle, at Beyoncé concerts, even online in memes and catchphrases. This book is one of those places: a living room where readers can contemplate how a well-picked afro can defy the laws of physics and why boob sweat has to exist in the first place. Here, Black Girl is a verb. Here, Black women can Black Girl in every way we want to.

Amena Brown’s book Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl blends storytelling, humor, and pop culture commentary to traverse the magic and wisdom she’s gleaned from being raised by Southern Black women, and supported by the community of Black women who hold her down today. After graduating from the International Black Girl Headquarters (the renowned HBCU Spelman College), Amena has built a career telling stories and celebrating Black womanhood. In her book, she shares stories of dancing in Janelle Monae’s “Tightrope” music video and partnering with Tracee Ellis Ross to compose odes to natural hair. She imparts essential life lessons from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and tells hair tales, including wisdom on the ideal style for her first speaking gig at Essence Fest (box braids, 100 percent).

In the end, Brown shares that Black women are a whole world. A galaxy of customs, language, code, and unspoken understandings, all explored with humor and heart in this unforgettable book.

MY THOUGHTS

A nonfiction coming of age written through essays, poetry and just plain rambling thoughts.
Very insightful full of nostalgia we get a trip down the author’s memory lane. From her oh so important church life that influenced everything to her hair and going natural which was almost just as important to dating and food. Whatever the author was writing about it she does it with a sense of humor and full truthfulness. You get the good, the bad and the ugly of navigating Southern Black family culture.
Having read this, I have more of an understanding and appreciation and I hear your voice loud and clear!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amena Brown is a spoken word poet, author, and performing artist whose work interweaves keep-it-real storytelling, rhyme and humor. A proud graduate of Spelman College and previous poetic partner for Tracee Ellis Ross’ natural hair brand, PATTERN Beauty, Amena is the author of five spoken word albums and three non-fiction books. Her new book of comedic essays, Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl, debuts June 2026 and is available for pre-order. As a stage performer, Amena takes arenas, theaters, and performance venues and turns them into living rooms where the audience and her readers can make themselves at home. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband DJ Opdiggy and their dog Kane, where she is also the Chapter Host of CreativeMornings Atlanta.

Have a wonderful evening and thank you for stopping in.

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Nantucket Second Chances

368 pages Publisher Sourcebooks Landmark Publication date June 9, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nantucket is the perfect place for a new beginning.

Claire Shipman never imagined she’d be the single mom of a teenager, going through a contentious divorce, and unexpectedly pregnant. On the bright side, at least she’s on Nantucket, where she grew up, and where her mother and grandmother welcome her home with open arms.

For years, Claire lived an enviable Manhattan lifestyle. Until her ex had a marriage-ending affair and also lost his job and all their money. Claire’s high school friends invite her to their book club and an off-hand joke that she could sell one of her Hermes bags sparks a business idea. 

Her friend’s brother, Cody, is a furniture builder with a spare storefront. He’s initially skeptical about the prospects of a “used handbag shop”.

But Claire is determined. With the support of Lily, her mother, grandmother, old friends and new, she begins to build a true second chance at a new life.

MY THOUGHTS

This is my second read by the author; I discovered her last year when I read her Christmas book.
I also appreciate it being a clean read a well.
The book is warm, you feel a happy, good feeling while reading it and surely want to recommend it to a friend.
It’s a story of family and friends. I loved seeing the support the family gave to each other as they all lead similar yet different lives. A wife starting over in her late thirties getting a divorce and expecting a baby is not how she expected to find herself. A multigenerational read of strong women and I loved seeing how they are in each other’s lives and so supportive of each other. Even though the parents are divorcing I was happy to see the father is still there for his daughter strong as ever and wants to continue a relationship with her. I see the author has an extensive backlist for me to dive into and I look forward to it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women’s fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you’d want as friends.

She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There’s also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.

Feel free to sign up for her list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available as well as extras like early bird discounts. Just cut and paste into your browser, http://eepurl.com/IZbOH

Thank you!

~Pam

Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping in.

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The Lost Château: escape to southern France with this emotional and sweeping new novel 

425 pages Publisher HarperCollins Publication date June 4, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A secret lies behind every door…

The Dordogne, 1936

Amid tangled gardens and crumbling walls, Chateau Rousseau guards its secrets well.

Pushing open its faded door, Thirza Caruthers arrives to care for her great-aunt. She’s made a promise – unaware of what awaits.

As the skies darken above Europe, the chateau begins to reveal its secrets: stories of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and a child who vanished years ago.

But in uncovering the truth, Thirza may lose herself forever.

MY THOUGHTS

Every book I read by the author just gets better and better!
The characters are so well developed as the story didn’t feel rushed at all.
I absolutely loved the setting and how it moved back and forth in time, this really explained a lot.
This is really a deep story, so much going on.
The story is very realistic, and I felt as though I was also there experiencing it with the characters.
This is an emotional story that will have you feeling it all!
Very highly recommended and I greatly look forward to more books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dinah was born in Malaysia and moved to England at the age of nine.

As a teenager she missed the heat of Malaysia, which left her with a kind of restlessness that led to quite an unusual life. She studied Fashion Design and went to live in Tuscany where she worked as an au-pair for an Italian countess. There was even a time when Dinah lived with a rock band in a ‘hippie’ commune in Suffolk.

Although Dinah and her husband spent five wonderful years living in a small 16th Century village in the mountains of Northern Andalusia, she’s happy to say they now live close to her family in Gloucestershire along with two crazy Maine Coon cats.

Have a wonderful day!

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A Heart on Consignment (The Heart of the Amish)

259 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date April 1, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love Is Not for Sale
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Despite knowing her parents are getting desperate for their only child to marry and give them grandchildren, Salina Stoltzfus is weary of seeking the perfect match. Every time she thinks she has found “the one,” he marries another.
 
The best way to forget you are the last woman any man in Havenlee, Indiana, wants to hitch his buggy too is to find something passionate to focus on. When the area is overrun with donations after a tragic storm, Salina suggests opening a consignment shop. The deacon supports the idea and offers his visiting nephew to help set things up.
 
After the embarrassment of having his fiancée call off their wedding, Seth Weaver takes his mother’s advice to leave Kentucky to stay with his uncle for a while. Unfortunately, Seth knows nothing about building furniture in his uncle’s factory, which is the only reason he agrees to help ready the consignment shop next door—not because of the little chatterbox working inside.
 
When Salina’s parents are caught meddling in her love life, she comes up with a crazy idea that might gain her some time and space. Could it be the road to happiness is paved with good intentions and epic fails—until we cross paths when the one made especially for us?

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve read other books by the author and it’s always my lucky day when I get to read another one.
I enjoyed reading Amish books with their slower paced lifestyle. This is a relaxing read.
Our story is The Heart of Amish country.
Our main character is being pressured to marry but she wants to marry for love and on her own terms.
With compromise, compassion, faith, trust, charity and love this emotional story evolves and I enjoyed it very much.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Mindy Steele was raised in Kentucky timber country and has been writing since she could hold a crayon against the wall. Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with just the right amount of humor, as well as engaging Suspense, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, Steele wants her readers to find themselves somewhere within her pages. A mother of four and grandmother to a half dozen blessings, Steele enjoys hiking and gardening, coffee indulgences and weekend road trips, and is personally doing all she can to make peanut butter its very own food group. 

Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for: A Nantucket Fling by Kathryn Freeman

A Nantucket Fling

Can a no-strings attached holiday fling really just stay casual?

Olivia is a fiercely independent woman climbing the ladder of corporate finance. But when her family demands she take time off to go to her niece’s bachelorette and wedding in Nantucket, she reluctantly agrees.

On the island, she catches the eye of Connor: a handsome, cocky, playboy type—also ten years her junior. Olivia’s sisters egg her on, encouraging a summer fling, but she’s more interested in catching up on her finance reading. Except…he’s funny and sexy, and doing her ego a world of good.

As their attraction steadily grows, Connor gets Olivia to relax her tightly held control and indulge in the fling she won’t admit she needs. But too soon, the holiday is over and they’re back home, living two very different lives.

And yet, neither can ignore the intense chemistry that didn’t go away after the summer. Are they just a Nantucket fling… or something much more?

Tropes:

  • Opposites attract
  • Age gap
  • Summer fling
  • No strings attached
  • Single dad

MY THOUGHTS

I’m so glad the cover drew me into this story; it reminds me of New England. Otherwise, I would have never had the pleasure of reading this author. I’m not sure how I’ve missed reading this author but now that I’ve discovered her work, I have some catching up to do.
This is really a lovely story.
Talk about opposites attracting, he’s a single dad with big dreams, she’s a strongly driven ladder climbing career woman.
She’s older, he’s giving off single playboy vibes.
An island vacation before her niece’s wedding has her meeting a hot hunk, he couldn’t possibly be interested after all she’s older.
Things just seem to click but being so career driven she’s not looking for a relationship, this is just a short fling for her.
He falls first.
He’s hiding a secret will it become curtains when she finds out?
The couple have quite the chemistry going on, lots of spice.
I enjoyed the progression of the story and how the couple works through problems.
I’ll soon be checking out what else the author has out.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FT1VX97Zhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQCFQDZL

Author Bio

A former pharmacist, Kathryn now writes romantic comedies. Feel good books that are sexy and sweet, funny yet heart-warming. Mr Right Across the Street won the RNA Award for Romantic Comedy in 2022.

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), the romance in her own life is all in her head. Then again, his unstinting support of her career change proves love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links

Twitter: @kathrynfreeman1

Facebook: facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Instagram: kathryn.freeman_author

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Giveaway to Win a paperback copy of A Nantucket Fling (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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The Tiny Magic Bookshop: The charming and heartwarming cozy fantasy for fans of books about books new for 2026 (The Tiny Magic series Book 1)

322 pages Publisher HQ Digital Publication date June 4, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

There’s magic in a book …

Max always felt too ordinary for the magical village of Lampton. No place more so than her mum’s bookshop, where the recommendations are more than just a matter of taste – they’re magic.

When Max’s mum dies suddenly, she leaves her daughter Lamplight Books and makes one last wish: that Max would spend a year working in the bookshop before she sells it.

Max has no desire to uproot her busy life in the city to return to a place that always made her feel inadequate, but she can’t ignore her mum’s last request. So she decides on a trial run of two weeks – if she can’t even last that long, then a year would be impossible…

Owl figurine sitting on a bookshelf in a cozy library filled with books
A charming library corner featuring an owl figurine perched among nature-themed books.

MY THOUGHTS

If you are in a reading slump feeling down, this is such a lovely book it’ll cheer, you right up.
Every once in a while, I’ll read a magical realism book, and it hits just right.
This one is so warm and charming. The writing just drew me right in.
Our main character is dealing with grief; it’s pretty debilitating to her.
She must run her mother’s bookshop, The Lamplighter. I want to work there, surrounded by books all day but even better the shop is magical. With its whimsical cast we find out just how incredible literature is when it’s recommended to others. Small town vibes and magical creatures including a special bookstore owl made the story feel like a warm reassuring hug. Looking forward to visiting this town again in future books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES

ABOUT THE BOOK

Something sweet is on its way! Return to Lampton for cosy treats and tattoos, coming soon!

Cam has spent her whole life in the quiet magic of her family’s bakery – flour-dusted, certain of her path, content. But when her brother arrives home with his fiancée, everything she thought she knew about her place in the bakery – and in her family – begins to crumble.

Convinced she’s being edged out of her own dream, Cam finds herself facing an impossible question: if she can’t have the life she always wanted, what can she do? Setting up her own tattoo stall at the summer fayre feels like the answer – she’s always been proud of the beautiful art on her skin, after all – but leaving her mark on strangers terrifies her in a way that baking never has.

The more Cam chases this new path, the more she suspects she’s running in the wrong direction entirely. She must figure out who she really is: not who her parents need her to be, not who Lampton expects, but someone altogether more herself.

Publication date October 22, 2026

Have a delightful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends (Ruby’s Tools Series)

40 pages 4-8 years Pub Date Jun 02 2026 Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Beach Lane Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

A little fox uses tools to overcome anxiety and make friends at her new school in this heartfelt picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light!

It’s Ruby the fox’s first day at a new school. She’s a little nervous, but luckily, she has her tools to help: a tape measure to count her breaths if she feels overwhelmed, pliers to remind her to be flexible, and safety goggles to see things in a new way.

When Ruby finds out her class is having an egg drop competition, she wants to share her ideas, but she feels shy surrounded by all her talkative classmates. Can she use her tools to find the confidence to speak up, and maybe even make some new friends?

MY THOUGHTS

Ruby is nervous and has a little tool kit to help remind her to keep things calm.
One day at school she and her classmates are painting a banner.
Her ideas are different than her classmates and they keep telling her how to paint differently.
Becoming overwhelmed even her tools don’t help her this time.
She throws paint everywhere to let out her frustrations and instantly regrets it.
Pappy talks to the teacher, and Ruby apologizes to her teacher and friends and they’re very understanding.
A nice book to teach children it’s okay to be angry, we all feel this emotion, but we need to find ways to cope with it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author-illustrator Apryl Stott grew up drawing and making delightful creative messes. Her first story, “How to Get Rid of My Baby Sister” was written in third grade. Since then, she has learned how to be kind to her sister and how to clean up after herself. Mostly. She spends her days working in her studio, listening to podcasts, and picking up after her daughter’s delightful creative messes. Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light is her first picture book. Learn more at AprylStottDesign.com.

Have a great day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Dashing Through the Show: A Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery

273 pages Publication date June 16, 2026 Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books

Murder is under the mistletoe in the peaceful island community of Orca Cove. Holiday plans are put on hold to give attention to the grand opening of the Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course. Special guest, Bently, is supposed to dazzle on the stage, but the locals have had enough of his snooty trainer, Miles Collins. So has his killer. When Charlie Calderbank finds Miles’ body in the back of her moving van, it becomes the season of giving…alibis, that is. Her hopes for a Christmas romance are dashed when the local hot cop is forced to pay more attention to the clues leading to her door than the chemistry that simmers between them.

Tainted treats, a widow who raises a toast along with a few eyebrows, a groomer with a grudge, an angry Santa Claus, a nosey reporter, and a canine custody hearing have Charlie spinning in every direction, juggling clues, dogs, and blizzards. She must identify the killer, or she’ll spend her Christmas behind bars.

Seven puppies wearing holiday bows sitting on a blanket in front of a Christmas tree and fireplace
Seven adorable puppies wearing festive bows sit together in front of a decorated Christmas tree and fireplace.

MY THOUGHTS

This is a new to me author and series. I’m always on the lookout for a new cozy mystery series and one about dogs drew me right in. I couldn’t resist the cute cover either.
Orca Cove is set for the holidays, but any celebrations are put on hold with the opening of the Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course.
Show dog Bently is a fabulous pup and highly trained, his owner Miles Collins, not so much. Unlikeable and argumentative towards everyone he’s made enemies everywhere he goes. Not surprisingly someone has had enough of his nonsense, and he’s found dead in the back of a moving van.
So many suspects, he’s made enemies with everyone.
I really enjoyed the dogs in the story; it added such a welcoming touch.
The story wasn’t overly Christmassy at all, but I did enjoy it a lot and now I’ll be looking for more to read in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Cindy Goyette is a former probation officer who had a front row seat to the criminal justice system. Her experiences helped her create fiction that mirrors real life situations. She is the author of the LEFTY and SILVER FALCHION AWARD nominated and PSWA AWARD WINNING Probation Case Files Mysteries and the Wiggle Butt Manor cozy mystery series. Cindy lives in Washington state with her husband and two Cocker Spaniels.