And the Pastor Wins!! by J.Q. Rose #MFRWHooks

 

Book Hooks--excerpts from novels

   Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. 

Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by 

the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. 

Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. Today I am featuring one of my favorite romantic mysteries, Dangerous Sanctuary.

Dangerous Sanctuary by J. Q. Rose
Romantic Suspense

Back of the Book: 

Pastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer. 

 Detective Cole Stephens doesn't want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep brown eyes attract her.

 Can they find the real killer and build a loving relationship based on trust?

Excerpt: Dangerous Sanctuary

Previously, Detective Stephens picked up Christine Hobbs to help the police calm down a young man who was holding his grandfather hostage. Christine knew Grandfather Jenkins and his grandson because Mr. Jenkins was a member of the church. Instead of staying behind the safety of the car cruiser to try and calm the young man, Christine walked up the sidewalk toward the grandfather's house, putting her life in jeopardy.

****

Detective Stephens and Christine watched as the policeman shoved the young man into the back seat of the police car. 

“May I talk to Jason?” 

“Maybe later, Hobbs. We have to book him. I’ll call you if he wants to see you,” Stephens said. 

“I’ll go to the hospital. You’ll call Mr. Jenkins’ daughter, right? Tell her I’ll meet her there?” 

Stephens nodded. “Yeah, we’ll send a policeman over there to escort her to the hospital if she wants to check on her father or go to the jail to visit her son.” 

In a gruff voice, he said, “I’ll take you back to the church. Get in the car.” 

“Thank you.” She made her way to the black Ford, distinctly aware Detective Stephens was upset.

 In the car, he started up the engine, then turned to Christine. His face was as red as a Michigan apple. “Well, that was some dumb thing you did today. Do you realize you jeopardized the old man’s life? That kid was so hopped up on drugs we didn’t know what he’d do. The boy could’ve come at you with his knife or even a concealed gun. You don’t get what a dangerous position you were in. If you’d gotten hurt or killed, I could’ve been booted out of the department.” 

“Oh, so you’re upset because I could have lost your job for you? Is that it?” Christine turned away from him and faced forward, glaring through the windshield. She’d used her instincts to try and save the boy and his grandfather and approaching the house had worked to get him to the door. Of course, she hadn’t thought too far ahead about the consequences if it hadn’t worked. 

Cole jammed the car into gear and streaked onto the roadway. She refused to look at the detective. “Then why did you even bother to come after me? I thought you wanted me to help calm the boy down and get him away from his grandfather.” 

Stephens ignored her. Deep silence filled the car, and only the songs of the birds on this sunny morning broke it during the drive back to the church. Stephens stopped the vehicle at the side doors of the church. He placed his hand on the door handle and turned to face her. 

In a controlled and deliberate tone, he said, “Thank you. I put you in danger, and it won’t happen again. It was poor judgment on my part.” 

“Actually, Detective, I’m glad you did come to get me. I acted on an impulse because I didn’t want Roger or Jason hurt. I understand and appreciate your concern.” 

Cole looked away and fidgeted with the steering wheel. “Well, don’t ever try anything like that again. Next time no one may be backing you up. Okay?” His voice softened and his brown eyes penetrated her heart. 

“Oh, Detective, God willing I won’t be in such a situation ever again.” 

She smiled, opened the car door, and swung her lean legs out to stand on the asphalt parking lot pavement. “Thanks for the ride.” She slammed the door shut and took the church steps two at a time.

****

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Paperback and hardcover available at amazon

****

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Of Brides and Blooms by J.Q. Rose

Book Hooks--excerpts from novels

   Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. Today, I share an excerpt from my memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir. 

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir
by J.Q. Rose

BACK OF THE BOOK: Arranging a Dream: A Memoir

In 1975, budding entrepreneurs Ted and Janet purchase a floral shop and greenhouses where they plan to grow their dream. Leaving friends and family behind in Illinois and losing the security of two paychecks, they transplant themselves, their one-year-old daughter, and all their belongings to Fremont, Michigan, where they know no one. 

 Will the retiring business owners nurture Ted and Janet as they struggle to develop a blooming business, or will they desert the young couple to wither and die in their new environment?

 Most of all, can Ted and Janet grow together as they cultivate a loving marriage, juggle parenting with work, and root a thriving business?

Follow this couple’s inspiring story, filled with the joy and triumphs and the obstacles and failures experienced as they travel along the turbulent path of turning dreams into reality.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

 June is the traditional month for weddings. According to theknot.com, June, September and October are the most popular months to get married in the US. Yes, I am a June bride, so I thought an excerpt about weddings at the flower shop would be appropriate.

Extract from Chapter 23: Of Brides and Blooms

One summer morning a shaggy-haired young man built like a wrestler dressed in a ragged shirt and dirty jeans showed up at the front counter to order flowers for a wedding in four days. I looked around the showroom for his bride or mother. But he was alone. 

His menacing posture and attitude intimidated me. I was glad Agnese was in the shop only steps away from me, but I knew the leprechaun-sized woman would not be of any help if the guy got unruly. He hadn’t shaved or showered for a while and his size was threatening to me, a 5’5” petite woman. The smell of cigarette smoke, B.O. and bacon grease overpowered my senses. Unfortunately, I had to be near him. 

I took him to the end of the counter away from customers hoping they wouldn’t leave the shop because of the odor and because I did not feel comfortable seating him at Agnese’s table in the back where no one could see us. 

We started through the order form. “Okay, let’s see now. What’s your name?” “Josh, just Josh.” From the tone in his voice and his glaring at me through defiant eyes, I decided not to ask his last name. 

“Your phone number?” 

“Ain’t got a phone,” he growled. 

“Um, how about your bride and her phone number?” 

“Carol and she ain’t got a phone either.” 

He told me he was on a limited budget having spent most of his money on the beer and food for the reception. I kind of laughed, the nervous kind, but he was serious. 

I showed him pictures and made suggestions for the flowers for the bride and bridesmaid. He wanted to spend the least amount possible. He decided on one white carnation with ribbon and greens for the bridesmaids, but he wanted something very pretty for his bride, so we figured it out together incorporating the matching carnations in the bride’s bouquet. He needed corsages and boutonnieres too. 

“Okay. Do you want to pick up the flowers or have them delivered to the church?” I asked after figuring out the total for the wedding flowers. 

“You can deliver it to the house. The wedding’s gonna be there.” 

“You’re quite a way out in the country. I’ll have to tack on a delivery charge to that address.” Glad I had learned more about the area by the summer, I smiled. 

“That’s okay.” He did not return my smile. 

I added up the amount he owed for all the flowers with delivery and presented him with the total on the form. He glanced at it and nodded his head in agreement. 

Without making a move to reach for his billfold in his pocket, he said, “Okay. I’ll pay you for the flowers when you deliver them.” 

I swallowed hard. Should I press him for a down payment of at least something? After looking up into his hard face, I decided to let it go. 

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Oh my, taking this wedding order and filling it turned out to be a huge mistake. I learned a good lesson and eventually could laugh about this dangerous wedding. Nope, I can't tell you what happened because you know this is a hook to entice you to buy!! 

Click the links below to download or order the print book! Thank you.

Click here to order the Paperback at amazon.

Click here to download your copy from your favorite online bookseller.

Psssttt---Click here to save 30% during the Smashwords Spring into Summer Sale on all my romantic suspense novels and this memoir.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

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A Bittersweet Moment by J.Q. Rose #MFRWHooks

 

   

Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. Today, I share an excerpt from my memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir, released on January 1, 2021.

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir
by J.Q. Rose

BACK OF THE BOOK: Arranging a Dream: A Memoir

In 1975, budding entrepreneurs Ted and Janet purchase a floral shop and greenhouses where they plan to grow their dream. Leaving friends and family behind in Illinois and losing the security of two paychecks, they transplant themselves, their one-year-old daughter, and all their belongings to Fremont, Michigan, where they know no one. 

 Will the retiring business owners nurture Ted and Janet as they struggle to develop a blooming business, or will they desert the young couple to wither and die in their new environment?

 Most of all, can Ted and Janet grow together as they cultivate a loving marriage, juggle parenting with work, and root a thriving business?

 Follow this couple’s inspiring story, filled with the joy and triumphs and the obstacles and failures experienced as they travel along the turbulent path of turning dreams into reality.

☘☘☘☘☘

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir

EXCERPT: Chapter 13, The Funeral Business Keeps Us Alive

    A few months into the winter season, I had the sad task of creating a small casket spray of white roses for a baby. This order was the first one I would design on my own since the baby’s visitation and funeral were scheduled on a Sunday. I waited until Sunday morning to go downstairs to the silent shop to design the miniature casket spray. 

    Switching on the lights didn’t chase away the gloom that winter morning in the design room. I noticed the chill and dampness in the air as I gathered everything I would need to create the piece. 

    I soaked the foam used as the base to hold the flowers. It had to be a small piece to fit the small baby casket. I went to the cooler and took out the white sweetheart roses, greens and baby's breath and set them on the design table. I wrapped the block of foam in green foil and taped it onto a papier-mache tray. A casket saddle used as the base for an adult-sized casket spray that fits on the foot of a casket would have been too large. 

    I set the prepared foam block next to the bucket of flowers and greens. I could not stop thinking of the heartbroken mother and father of this baby. My eyes brimmed with tears when I thought of losing Sara. How does one get through the crushing grief? The loss?  

    I prayed, “Please, Lord, be with this grieving family. Give them strength to endure the loss of their beloved baby. Give them comfort and peace. Be with their friends to help them through this unimaginable grief and loss. Be with me as I design this loving tribute to their baby. Bless my hands and sharpen my skills to help bring peace to their grieving hearts. Amen.” 

    I stepped back from the design table, closed my eyes, and pictured the small casket spray. This floral spray was the most important piece I had ever made. I took my time to place the dainty flowers and ribbons into a design to convey how special their baby was. 

    Working on this spray brought home the bond that I had with the families, my customers. My work was woven into families’ celebrations through weddings, graduation parties, and through their trials of sickness and death. I would be a part of the highs and the lows in people’s lives. I felt the weight of this huge responsibility and was humbled by the honor of being trusted to be a part of their life-changing moments.

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir is available at major online booksellers. Click the Universal Link to find your favorite retailer.

UNIVERSAL LINK  eBooks from your favorite digital bookseller.

 Paperback from amazon

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☘☘☘☘☘

About JQ   

Author JQ Rose

Whether the story is fiction or non-fiction, J.Q. Rose is “focused on story.”  She offers readers chills, giggles and quirky characters woven within the pages of her romantic suspense novels. Her published mysteries are Deadly Undertaking, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard and Dangerous Sanctuary released by Books We Love Publishing. Using her storytelling skills, she provides entertainment and information with articles featured in books, magazines, newspapers, and online magazines. 

 Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games and travel are the things that keep JQ out of trouble. She and her husband spend winters in Florida and summers up north with their two daughters, two sons-in-law,  four grandsons, one granddaughter, two grand dogs, four grand cats, and one great-grand bearded dragon.

☘☘☘☘☘

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A Pig, a Kangaroo and a Handsome Detective--Oh My! by JQ Rose #MFRWHooks

 

Read on to see if this Book Hook grabs you!

Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. Because Valentine's Day is almost here and February is the month of love, I'm sharing an excerpt from Dangerous Sanctuary, a romantic suspense novel.

Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q. Rose
Romantic Suspense

💕💕💕💕💕

REVIEW: 

"I generally read edgier thrillers but a friend recommended this book, so I gave it a try. It turned out to be a witty, pleasant, and cozy little romantic thriller." Kia Heavey

Abraham the Pig, a star in Dangerous Sanctuary

BACK OF THE BOOK:

Pastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer. 

 Detective Cole Stephens doesn't want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep brown eyes attract her.

 Can they find the real killer and build a loving relationship based on trust?

💕💕💕💕💕

EXCERPT FROM DANGEROUS SANCTUARY

Christine stood in the parking lot hanging onto the leash of the agitated pig in one hand and the docile kangaroo in the other. Taking her eyes from the ambulance careening out of the parking lot, she turned her attention to the animals and wondered what just happened here.  Her heart caught in her throat when she spotted Cole Stephens speed into the parking lot, barely missing the departing ambulance. What was he doing here?  He pulled up near her and jumped from the car. “I heard the call come through. I was afraid of what I’d discover at this church.” 

His serious expression broke out into a huge smile. “You never know what situation a 9-1-1 call will lead to. This… this is a first for me.” His hearty laughter echoed off the brick walls of the building. He wiped tears of laughter from his eyes with the back of his hand.

Cole’s appearance seemed to shake up the animals. Christine struggled to hang on to them, so the detective grabbed the kangaroo’s harness and tried to calm the frightened animal.  “What are you doing with the Noah’s ark critters?”

 She saw the twinkle in his eyes. Her face cracked into a smile. She had to admit it was an odd situation. She must look like an idiot standing out in the lot hanging onto these two adorable creatures. “Well, in a nutshell. A woman had a cardiac arrest here in the parking lot. As you saw, she’s on her way to the hospital, and well, these are her pets.”

Christine swept her free hand toward the animals.

“Yes, her pets.” Ella nodded and pointed to Katy and Abraham.

“Um, I guess I’m keeping them till, well, until… Let’s just say we didn’t really have time to discuss it. I’m sure you probably have a place to put them, don’t you?”

“Huh-uh, lady. I’m not taking in any animals.” He backed away as if they were wild animals ready to attack. “Anyway, my retriever would probably eat them.” His wink was disarming.

💕💕💕💕💕

Available at amazon

2^nd edition Kindle http://amazon.com/dp/B07SVPS8N1

2^nd edition Paperback  http://amazon.com/dp/0228609291

Happy Valentine's Day from JQ Rose

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Fright in the Night, a Scary Read for October! #MFRWHooks

 

Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. I'm sharing my scary novel, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard. It's the perfect read for this frightul time of year, Halloween!

Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q.Rose

Mystery, horror

Back of the Book: Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders Not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.

Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from sadness and loss.

Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?

Excerpt: Chapter Four, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard

Meet Jingles, Mr.Tweeble's Dog

Doris set aside her cereal bowl on the end table. She pulled her frail body from the deep seat ready to make a phone call to Ralph Tweeble to complain about the dog. Of course, once she was up, the pet quit yapping. She looked out the window to scan Ralph’s yard to see if he had let the dog out into the backyard, but the motion light wasn’t on. She cocked her good ear toward his house and listened. Ah, silence from next door. Maybe now she could watch her movie without that annoying barking.

Doris picked up her cereal bowl and returned to the kitchen to fill it with more raisin bran and milk. She settled down in front of the maple TV console. As she brought a spoonful of her midnight snack to her lips, the terrier next door began raising the roof with his howls and yelps again.

She had enough of that damn dog. She wrestled herself up from the recliner as fast as her stiff body would allow and spied out the window. She stood mesmerized by a dazzling yellow light blazing through Old Man Tweeble’s house. Momentarily blinded by the amazing brightness, she scrambled out to her screened-in porch to get a better view and caught a whiff of the most putrid odor she had ever smelled in her seventy-nine years on this earth.

Doris moved as quickly as her legs tolerated to call 911. Where was that dad-burned phone? Whoever thought of cordless phones anyway? When there were phones hooked up to the wall with a cord on the handset, no one ever missed a call because they couldn’t find the damn thing. She was exasperated, but she was more scared the house next door might explode into flames if she didn’t call right away.

Doris checked the kitchen table, the couch cushions and the nightstand by the bed for the phone. Finally, she found it where it should be…on the desk in the charger. She grabbed it and called 911.

“Come quick! There was a flash of bright light next door. Something’s on fire!” Doris clutched her chest, unable to breathe. “Hurry!” Everything turned black as she passed out and fell to the floor, the phone clattering down next to her.

* * *

 In that early morning, the first responders discovered two bodies in their respective homes on Sunshine Boulevard—Mr. Ralph Tweeble and Mrs. Doris Hadley. The aura of death and mystery overshadowed the dazzling sunny day.

* * *

Click here to download your digital copy of Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose from your favorite online bookstore.

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Deadly Undertaking: Call 9-1-1. There's a dead body out here! #MFRWHooks

Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. I'm sharing from my romantic suspense novel, Deadly Undertaking.

🌷🌷🌷🌷

Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose

Cozy mystery

A handsome detective, a shadow man, 

and a murder victim kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.

Back of the book:

Lauren Staab knew there would be dead bodies when she returned home. After all, her family is in the funeral business, Staab and Blood Funeral Home. Still, finding an extra body on the floor of the garage between the hearse and the flower car shocked her. Lauren’s plan to return to her hometown to help care for her mother and keep the books for the funeral home suddenly turns upside down in a struggle to prove she and her family are not guilty of murdering the man. But will the real killer return for her, her dad, her brother? Her mother’s secrets, a killer, a handsome policeman, and a shadow man muddle up her intention to have a simple life.

Welcome home, Lauren!

🌷🌷🌷🌷

Excerpt: Deadly Undertaking, Chapter One

“Lauren, quick, call 9-1-1, there’s a dead body out here in the garage!” 

Dad and his bad jokes. This is a funeral home. Of course, there’s a body here. 

“Lauren, did you hear me? Call 9-1-1.”

 Hearing the urgency in his voice, Lauren grabbed her cell phone from the desk, kicked off her high heels, and ran toward the garage. Lauren skidded to a stop in the doorway. A man lay sprawled face down in a pool of blood on the garage floor between the black funeral coach and SUV. Her father looked up and shook his head. 

Bile rose to her throat, and she turned away from the ghastly scene. Trying to steady her hands long enough to punch in 9-1-1, she breathed deeply and squeezed her eyes shut to block the image from her mind. 

“What is your emergency?” a nasal voice on the phone asked. 

“There’s a man in our garage. I think he’s dead.” Her voice sounded unusually loud and high pitched. 

“What’s your name and location?” 

“Lauren Staab, Staab and Blood Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street.” 

“Is this a joke? If this is a prank call, there are serious consequences, Ma’am.” 

“No, no. It’s true. There’s a dead man on the floor of our garage.” Lauren’s stomach churned. “Hurry, call the police.” She knew she was going to be sick. 
“Get the police here now!” 
Clamping her hand over her mouth, she raced for the other side of the funeral coach. 

***
Deadly Undertaking is on sale during Smashwords Authors Give Back Event 
through May 31 for $1.20.  
Click here to download it at Smashwords now.

Buy Links: Deadly Undertaking is available at your favorite digital bookseller.

Universal Link for Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple, etc.

Available in paperback and eBook at Amazon

AmazonUS  

AmazonCA 

Amazon UK 

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The May edition of the Rose Courier will be delivered this week. You still time to have it delivered to your inbox. Click the image in the sidebar or click here to sign up for all the news and giveaways from J.Q. Rose. Thank you.

🌷🌷🌷🌷

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Excerpt: A Pig, a Kangaroo, and a Pastor, Oh My! #MFRWhooks

Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWhooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. (#MFRWhooks) Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from a novel. I'm featuring my romantic suspense, Dangerous Sanctuary. I hope it will give you some smiles during this month of romance.

You're invited to come on along to visit authors sharing their books with you. The link to the list of participants is at the end of the page. Have fun!

Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q.Rose
Romantic suspense

 Pastor Christine Hobbs never imagined she would be caring for

 a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer.

Back of the Book:

Pastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer. 

Detective Cole Stephens doesn't want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep brown eyes attract her.

Can they find the real killer and build a loving relationship based on trust?

Excerpt: Dangerous Sanctuary, Chapter 14

 Christine watched the EMTs load Iola into the ambulance and secure the cot inside. Harley boosted up the pig, shoved him into the back of the ambulance, and started to grab the kangaroo. The EMT stuck his head out the back door. “Hold on there. Wait a minute. Sir, we can’t be taking a pig to the hospital and for sure, not that kangaroo either. You’ve gotta leave them here.”

Flashing a glance at Christine, the EMT rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Hurry up, sir. We’ve got to get this patient to the hospital.”

Harley pulled Abraham out of the ambulance. Grabbing the pig and the kangaroo’s leashes, he quickly handed them off to Christine, then hoisted himself into the back of the ambulance with help from the EMT. The siren wailed as the lime green ambulance lumbered its way out of the parking lot onto the road and toward the intersection.

Christine stood in the parking lot hanging onto the leash of the agitated pig in one hand and the docile kangaroo in the other. Taking her eyes from the ambulance careening out of the parking lot, she turned her attention to the animals and wondered what just happened here.

Her heart caught in her throat when she spotted Cole Stephens speed into the parking lot, barely missing the departing ambulance. What was he doing here?  He pulled up near her and jumped from the car. “I heard the call come through. I was afraid of what I’d discover at this church.” 

His serious expression broke out into a huge smile. “You never know what situation a 9-1-1 call will lead to. This… this is a first for me.” His hearty laughter echoed off the brick walls of the building. He wiped tears of laughter from his eyes with the back of his hand.

Cole’s appearance seemed to shake up the animals. Christine struggled to hang on to them, so the detective grabbed the kangaroo’s harness and tried to calm the frightened animal.  “What are you doing with the Noah’s ark critters?”

She saw the twinkle in his eyes. Her face cracked into a smile. She had to admit it was an odd situation. She must look like an idiot standing out in the lot hanging onto these two adorable creatures.

“Well, in a nutshell. A woman had a cardiac arrest here in the parking lot. As you saw, she’s on her way to the hospital, and well, these are her pets.”

Christine swept her free hand toward the animals just catching a glimpse of Jackson’s old van making a beeline for the parking lot exit. “Isn’t that right, Ella?”

“Yes, her pets.” Ella nodded and pointed to Katy and Abraham.

“Um, I guess I’m keeping them till, well, until… Let’s just say we didn’t really have time to discuss it. I’m sure you probably have a place to put them, don’t you?”

“Huh-uh, lady. I’m not taking in any animals.” He backed away as if they were wild animals ready to attack. “Anyway, my retriever would probably eat them.” His wink was disarming.

Christine turned to Ella standing nearby. “Ella, would you?”

 “No way, Pastor. You’re on your own with those animals. Remember? I’m the one who didn’t even want the cat.” Ella made a quick exit for the safety of the church office.

Christine turned to the detective. “Now what am I going to do?” She pushed her bangs off her forehead.

 “I can call the animal shelter. They’ll probably take them. Meanwhile, shall we take them over to the parsonage lawn instead of standing here?” He tugged a bit on the kangaroo’s leash.  Katy didn’t exactly hop right. She had a hitch in her hop gait.

What a sight as the little band hopped, tugged, pulled their way across the street and into the back yard.

Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q.Rose
Romantic suspense

“Do you think this animal is housebroken?” Cole asked.

Christine sliced her gaze at Cole ready to dress him down while she was in the middle of this predicament until she spotted those sparkling eyes full of mischief. A grin spread across her face. “Well, I don’t think the congregation would appreciate a kangaroo in the parsonage, nor a pig. Would you call the shelter for me now, please?”  

“Sure.” He slipped his phone off his belt.

Thank goodness Katy and Abraham needed her attention. Otherwise, she would’ve cupped his face in her hands and given him a healthy kiss for staying here with her.

***

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About J.Q. Rose--

After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her published mysteries From BWL Publishing are Terror on Sunshine Boulevard, Dangerous Sanctuary, and Deadly Undertaking. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband, Gardener Ted, spend winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.

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J.Q. Rose

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