Friday, March 8, 2013

Interview w/ Roxanne Snopek + giveaway & interview!

Morning dearlings. We've got Roxanne Snopek joining us today to chat about her new book His Reluctant Rancher that is chock full of delicious cowboys, a determined heroine and just a wonderful family that has been through hell and is overcoming everything put in their path. It's a lovely little read (hopefully I'll be able to get my laptop cooperating so I can get the review up today. If not it'll be up soon!). So check out the interview, leave Roxanne some love and enter that giveaway down at the bottom.    ~Anna

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The last place city girl Desiree Burke expected to find herself was living at and working on a ranch, much less butting heads with the ranch’s sexy cowboy owner, Zach Gamble. But that’s exactly where she ends up after an incident at work leads her to her best friend Rory’s doorstep. Desiree is a gifted physical therapist, and Rory knows exactly where her brand of tough love is needed the most.

Zach’s been through hell and back. A devastating car crash left his brother gone, his father paralyzed, and him with mental scars a mile wide. His survivor guilt alone makes him sure he doesn’t deserve to find love. But as Des works her way into his ranch, his family, and his life, suddenly the last person who belonged there is the only one he believes belongs…with him.




Morning Roxanne! Thanks for joining us today :) 
Thank you!
So, a huge congrats on your new release in the Three River Ranch series. Could you tell us newbies to the series a little bit about what we'll find when we visit the Ranch? 
You’ll always find, ahem, extremely attractive cowboys. Think Joe Manganiello, Josh Holloway and Keith Urban. And my heroines are their equal match. One reviewer called Rory, my heroine in book #1 “the strongest female lead” she’d read in some time, which made me very happy! Plus, food, animals and angst. Always angst.


LOL Extremely attractive cowboys are always a plus ;) Desiree and Zach's story was wonderful. Did you have a favorite scene when you were writing their story? Or one you think will really resonate with readers? 
Absolutely! Zach’s family feeds a colony of feral cats on the ranch, as part of their commitment to sustainable, humane ranching. This fascinates Desiree, who has always wanted a cat. Near the end, when her hopes of happily-ever-after are ashes, Zach gives her a kitten. You’ll have to read it and tell me what you think. Definitely my favorite scene to write!
The note attached made me laugh for some reason Roxanne. I did love all of the animals in the story. They were such a great addition. So, how about telling us 3 behind the scenes fun facts about the series? Think pop-up video style :) 
1) Some time ago I wrote a book about inspiring animal tales (called, wait for it… Inspiring Animal Tales) for which I had to do a fair bit of research into service animals. Rory’s labradoodle, trained to work with autistic kids came from that, as did Desiree’s idea to put her patient on a horse, to help him relearn to walk. *the horse therapy was pretty interesting!*
2) I also wrote a book on animal rescue, which is where I learned about mustangs, and where Carson’s mustang sanctuary came from.  
3) My darling CEO/MBA very urban husband had pics taken of himself on a horse, dressed in hat/boots/chaps. This was years before I began writing this series. How can I not write about alpha cowboys, after that? *that. is. awesome.*
I saw that you were part of the Cat Writers Association (oh, okay, and the dog association too, we do like pups here at herding cats but the whole cats rule, dogs drool rule applies ;) lol). Had no idea those existed but how neat! Do you have your own little herd of critters that give you inspiration for their written counterparts? 
Oh, friends, there are so many writers’ groups out there. I understand there’s even an association for beer writers. (I’m not a member.) And yes, you know I’ve got a crew of critters! We’ve got two mini poodles, and before you say anything, let me tell you my black boy is extremely masculine and responsible. A very serious dog. Nothing poofy about him at all. My daughter’s white mini however is all “mama’s precious angel” so feel free to make fun of her. We also have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who is simply adorable – and most likely to die of a ruptured stomach, with her head in a bag of cat food. The cat food is for 27-lb Bryan (he came with the name) the largest of all our pets. We also have an ancient and sexually-frustrated cockatiel.
LOL your boy sounds pretty cute in all his masculine seriousness. Alright, we're gonna let you get back to your herd but first...Think Quick Roxanne!

  • City girl or country girl? Country! (as long as there’s high-speed internet!!)
  • Favorite chapstick flavor? Blistex Herbal Remedy!
  • Oddest thing in your purse right this second? A silver toothpick from Germany! (now that’s a souvenir) *okay, that's pretty neat*
  • Favorite escape? Cathie’s Cottage in Tofino on Vancouver Island, BC. Look it up. When I’m rich and famous, I’m buying it.
  • I'm obsessed with....? Dental floss. Cannot sleep until I’ve flossed. Also, my cuticles. Cannot live with hangnails.
  • Chocolate, chocolate or, um, chocolate? Um, hello, Himalayan-salted CARAMEL!! *yum!*
And I'm off to search for some of that Himalayan-salted caramel! Mmm, that sounds good right now! LOL Thanks so much for dropping over and having out with us Roxanne! It was great having ya here :)
Thank YOU, the pleasure was mine!

Roxanne Willems Snopek is an award-winning freelance writer of everything from corporate newsletters to personal essays. Author of the Amazing Stories series of true life animal adventures, she now focuses on fiction. Snopek grew up in Saskatchewan and now lives in British Columbia.



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17 comments:

  1. Great interview!! I love me some cowboys and look forward to reading His Reluctant Rancher! :-)

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  2. Loved the interview. Definitely going to pick up this book to read.

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  3. Awesome interview and I do love me some cowboy romance.

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  4. This sounds like a wonderful story! I love it when the hero is suffering and then finds his way out into the light. :) Always makes the story interesting.

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  5. Now that was a fun interview. Love hearing people talk about their herds. Hers sounds fabulous. I have seen some poodles. But never seen one that was masculine and serious. They always remind me of paris Hilton......puff and fluff and empty heads. haha
    Her story sounds interesting. One to feel in your heart. Love those stories.
    lisakhutson(at)cox(dot)net

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  6. Love cowboy stories, and add some dogs and cats? I'm hooked. Thanks for the interview! Will be looking for this series.

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    1. Just bought Three River Ranch! Figured I'd start from the beginning. Thanks Anna and Roxanne !

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  7. Really enjoyed your interview. Your book sounds really good.
    Sue B

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  8. Hey guys, thanks for the love! I'm always happy to find readers with tastes like mine! And for the record, Krazymama, poodles use their fluffy image to fly beneath the radar, then use their superior intellects to manipulate their unsuspecting humans. (I'm on to him now, though, so I give in knowingly.)

    Pat F, so happy you're visiting Three River Ranch! I hope you enjoy it. Do let me know...

    Good luck to all and don't forget to follow the rest of the blog stops. Lots more chances to win between now and the end of March!

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  9. I have been hearing about this book and am very interested in it. Last time I looked it was only in e form - so glad I now have a nook.

    Thanks for the giveaway

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  10. I have been hearing about this book and am very interested in it. Last time I looked it was only in e form - so glad I now have a nook.

    Thanks for the giveaway

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  11. This book sounds heart-wrenchingly good!!! Thanks for sharing the interview and for the chance to win!!

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  12. Great interview! And the book description sounds amazing, really how could it not, there is mention of a sexy cowboy that automatically makes me want to read this one! Thanks for sharing this book, I hadn't heard of it before!

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  13. Love the interview, =) can´t wait for my chance to read.
    Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Sunday!
    //Linda
    fr_larsson@hotmail.com

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  14. Pat L, how are you enjoying your Nook? I've got a Kobo and love it. I'll never give up hard-copy books entirely, can't even imagine it, but digital is so darn easy!

    Elizabeth, Dione and Linda, thanks for popping in! I hope you enjoy your time at Three River Ranch!

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  15. Love the interview and can't wait to read this. It sounds good:) thanks for the giveaway!

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  16. You're welcome Nicole! Good luck with the giveaway and I hope you enjoy your visit to the ranch!

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I always enjoy hearing what YOU think so come on and leave a comment. Everyone's welcome :) And feel free to leave comments on old posts. I'll check in on you there too :)

Bloggers don't forget to leave your links!
~Anna

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