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A few weeks ago, Ellen Withers was my guest author interview. She spoke about her newest novella, and today, we're blessed to have Jenny Carlisle here to tell us about her story in this fun collection. Warning, cute dog photos ahead! Do you love pets in stories?  A novella calls for focus. No time for extra storylines or a large cast of characters. My readers know this is a problem for me. For the second time in my fiction writing journey, I have been asked to place a spotlight on the romance between the main characters. Fortunately, my research for my latest story inspired a couple of companions who enhance the action, and even play a part in bringing my protagonists together.  A local historic figure in Savannah, Georgia is immortalized by a statue on the riverfront. The Waving Girl was a young woman who lived on the outer islands and took on the task of welcoming incoming boats with a cheerful wave. She and her trusty collie were a big part of the city’s reputation for encouraging commerce and progress. My heroine, Tara Williams is welcomed to the city by the captain of the paddlewheel riverboat, Georgia Queen. I imagined him being accompanied by his own collie. While they are on the tourist-centered boat, Micah Grayson becomes Cap’n Mike O’Flaherty, and the graceful Nikki takes on the character of Silver the Pirate Dog.  Tara, newly arrived from the river valley of Arkansas, leaves a tight-knit community of family and friends. I have grown to love her as she played a part in each of the three stories in my Crossroads series. My tender heart couldn’t send her to a strange place without a built-in friend. I decided that a short-legged version of Micah’s collie would be a good contrast. Tara’s corgi, Jeannie. has never-ending energy to balance Nikki’s elegant calmness. Micah and Tara first meet on the riverfront, but have no idea that they are next-door neighbors until they literally run into each other while walking their dogs along the Tybee Island beach. As in most good romance novels, there is an undeniable attraction between the athletic riverboat captain and the outgoing television anchor. Her job causes tension because Micah has been disappointed by his relationship with Tara’s predecessor at KSAV. Their canine companions have no such issues, and their developing friendship continues to force the humans together. Set at the end of the summer in the height of hurricane season, the climactic event of the story is an approaching hurricane. Savannah has the nickname of Dodge City because they have successfully avoided many head-on encounters over the years. This time, with Tara safely ensconced at the television station, Micah feels responsible for not only his own safety, but also his collie and Tara’s corgi, who is being cared for by a mutual friend and neighbor. While collaborating with the other authors in Romancing the Elements, I was asked to use the “fish out of water” trope. We also agreed to incorporate one of the elements of nature. My element of wind was appropriate to the feeling of instability and uncertainty felt by my reporter turned TV anchor. The addition of her sweet Corgi companion helped her become grounded, “anchored” and ready to meet the love of her life. I hope my readers will love the enhanced excitement and love provided by the pets in this story. Do you have a furry friend who helps you through tough patches in your life?  Romancing the Elements Four heartfelt novellas. Four forces of nature. One unshakable truth—faith-filled love can weather any storm. Romancing the Elements brings together four uplifting romance stories where ordinary people discover extraordinary love when life pushes their comfort zones. From icy porches to coastal winds, rugged wilderness trails to unyielding stone, each story explores how faith, love, and surrender intertwine in unexpected seasons. In this collection, readers will meet:
If you love the heartfelt faith, emotional warmth, and hopeful romance found in stories by Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, or Becky Wade—settle in and let these stories carry you through every season of love.  Jenny Carlisle is the author of the Crossroads series: three contemporary romances set in the Arkansas River Valley. Her first collaboration was a Christmas novella for A Gift for All Time along with Tonya B. Ashley and Ellen E. Withers. This time, they were joined by Delores Topliff for a collection of romantic stories that show how God’s love endures through all the storms of life.
Jenny and her husband are the parents of three married children who have blessed them with eight active grandchildren. They make their home in Central Arkansas where they are active members of the Church of Christ. Her favorite volunteer activity is Journey Partner with Women Equipped, a Christian Women’s Job Corp.
1 Comment
2/9/2026 09:13:05 am
I was so excited to include these furry friends in Tara and Micah’s story. I am eager to hear your readers’ reactions. Leave a Reply. |
This is a place for me to tell you about what I'm writing, talk about the process or where some of my ideas came from, or even have other authors come in and talk about their books.
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