When you put a puppy on the cover…
Lacy Williams here today. Thanks for having me!
I’ve always been an animal lover.
Some of my earliest memories involve a family collie named Lassie — yes, really. When I was around six, we adopted two gray kittens, a brother and sister, and later a calico cat joined our family too. Animals were just part of the fabric of home growing up.
As an adult, that love only deepened. My husband and I have had dogs over the years, and I’ll just say it plainly: I am a dog person to my core. There is something about a dog’s loyalty, their uncomplicated joy, the way they look at you like you hung the moon — my heart is completely lost to them. Always has been.
So maybe it shouldn’t surprise anyone that animals have a way of wandering into my books.
My very first published novel featured a dog named Wrong Tree. (Yes, that’s really his name. No, I don’t regret it.) Since then, the critters have kept coming. In the Wagon Train Matches series alone, we’ve had a horse in book two, a kitten in book three, a calf in book seven — and now, in Long Trail Home, a puppy.
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret about that puppy: he was on the cover before I knew what role he’d play in the story.
When my cover artist was designing the final book in the series, I made a special request. I wanted a puppy on that cover. It felt right — something warm and soft for the conclusion of a long, hard journey. But when I sat down to actually write Long Trail Home, I genuinely didn’t know how the puppy was going to work his way into the plot.
Then Coop showed me.
If you’ve followed this series, you know that Cooper is a man who pays attention. He watches. He notices things other people miss. And what he noticed about Belle was how her eyes would follow that little pup whenever it was nearby — that soft, longing look she’d try to hide, like she didn’t dare want something so small and sweet in the middle of everything else.
Coop saw it. And he decided to do something about it.
Because that’s who he is. He wants to give Belle the desires of her heart — not the grand gestures, but the quiet ones. The ones that say I see you. The puppy becomes a gift, and like all the best gifts, it carries more weight than the thing itself. It’s Coop saying: I know what matters to you. You matter to me.
I won’t pretend I didn’t tear up a little writing that scene.
Here’s a little more about the book:
Long Trail Home
All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival.
Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an ultimatum: a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he’s the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much…
Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can’t rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only.
As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she’d forgotten ages ago: home.
When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love…
- Forced marriage of convenience
- Redemption
- Family saga
- Heroine with a dark past/sworn off men
Now it’s your turn. Are you a pet person? Do you have a dog who thinks they run the household (they do), a cat who tolerates your presence (barely), a horse, a rabbit, a goat named something ridiculous?
Leave a comment and tell me about your special animal — and here’s the fun part: if that pet were a character in a historical romance novel, what would they be known for? The brave trail dog who always sensed danger first? The ornery mule who secretly loved his owner? The barn cat who played matchmaker?
Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win a paperback copy of LONG TRAIL HOME and a $20 Amazon gift card.
While I’m more of a dog person, we don’t have any pets due to allergies.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Buddy is my friend’s dog I love. ? He would be causing shenanigans in a fictional book!
I love the name Buddy. Thank you for stopping by!
Our latest cat (R.I.P. Sneaky) had to be euthanized due to an advanced case of heart disease (we, and one vet, thought he had allergies or a cold). He would’ve saddened those who love birdsong due to his proclivity for catching birds.
One of the cats we had when I was probably 4 got up in the lower bunk bed to have her kittens. The top bunk occupant, my brother Jim, questioned Mom about this. He, the self proclaimed cat lover, wanted to know why Boots hadn’t joined him in the top bunk to have her kittens. She knew he loved her AND also knew that his twin (fraternal) John, the occupant of the bottom bunk, wasn’t fond of her!
I love the name Sneaky! As a bird lover, I would have a hard time!!
And the story about your brothers cracks me up! Isn’t it funny how animals can tell who likes them and who doesn’t?? Thanks for chatting today,
I grew up on a farm, so we always had animals. My earliest memory was a yellow collie mix named Chipper. My grandfather raised beagles, so they are one of my favorite dogs. I guess my favorite pet though was a calico cat only because we had to bottle feed it when they mother got killed. It was the only cat that was allowed in the house.
no pets
We have no pets right now but have enjoyed both dogs and cats in the past. I am a cat person, hubby is a dog person. But we have both had birds and fish.
Good morning Lacy – We have had German shorthair dogs for the past 40 years. My husband is an advid pheasant hunter, and do those dogs love to hunt! As we are older now, we recognize that there’s been a very special dog each decade of our lives. We now have Katie who is six years old. She has comforted me through breast cancer being at my side every day. She is our travel companion and has been all across the United States from coast to coast. Last year she ran two black bears off our property and protected me. I would say her part in a book would be one of comfort, a protector, and a hunter. To me, she would have an incredible part in one of your books! Ha!
I love this! What a protective companion. She reminds me of some of my favorite books growing up, where the loyal dog saves his master!! (Many titles!)
I have always had dogs, (Aussies since 1972) horses since 1964, and llamas since 1999!!
I have always had dogs. Our current sweetheart is 13 years old – a boxer mix whose history is sad but amazing. I have a picture of myself as a baby, lying on a blanket with a beautiful collie next to me, so my love of animals started early! Other than dogs I have had cats (currently have one), parrots, parakeets, lizards and monkeys, all indoor pets.
Karin, I think you and my youngest daughter may be bosom buddies. I think she would have as many animals as we allowed. What a fun household! Thanks for stopping by today.
We have always had pets sometimes we had more animals than people. I like the independence of cats, but dogs are very loyal. For about a year our granddaughter and her large dog lived with us. He was very protective of us. He is a chow, lab, and pit bull mix and loved people.
We have had rescue dogs for years. Bogie, a 15 pound mix of several cute breeds was and always will be my favorite. He was loving, sweet, smart and very attuned to people and their character. He was energetic and loved romping at the park and lying on the carpet by your side. He was brave and even with his small size very protective of us.
Animals have always been part of my life – barn cats, working dogs, horses and cattle. Currently residing with me are 3 cats – Bear, a white Manx, bottle raised Bessie and 20+ year old Gus. A huge part of the family is Hank, a Red Heeler with several “hats.” He’s 100% cattle dog, guard dog and best friend. Hank loves long road trips in the Semi where he was raised as he and my son deliver cattle to their destinations around the country. For me a home without animal companions would be very lonely.
What a great story of Hank—a modern day cow dog going on the “trail”. And three cats! My daughter would love your home. She loves cats. Thank you for stopping by today!
Welcome here today. Oh my a kindred spirit. From the time I can remember, mom has had many animals. For the first nine years of my life, the vet would call my mom and say, “Pattie, someone just dropped off a mallard duck they no longer want. Would you like him?” along with a hoot owl, canary, etc. We had so many animals. One of my mom’s friends made a book of the Dimmick Family and illustrated each us as one of the animals we had. A fun book. Than we moved to a farm. We had many more animals. I was in 4-H and had a horse (Goldie), cow (Burgundy Rose), pig (Squeak). As well as goats, ducks, chickens, Bull (Bullet) etc. We found out that rabbits didn’t last too long in the desert. When we moved to Barrington Hills, we brought many of the animals with us. So we have always had fresh eggs. Store bought eggs just don’t compare. When I got married we got a puppy. My husband was allergic to cats. We later found out it was the long haired cats whose hair held in the flaking skin that he was allergic to. So we have had many animals/fish/lizards, etc. Now we are empty nesters and have two cats that we Know God has brought into our lives.
What a lovely life filled with so much love from your animals. Thank you for sharing your story!!
I love animals and have had dogs and cats and various other animals. Alas, my youngest is allergic.
Our sweetheart Newman, who is a rescue is very special. He has to be beside us constantly and walks from room to room following us. H is devoted and always ready for his lengthy walks. He will protect and defend us even though he is very small and cute. His size does not matter at all since he understands and has a feeling about individuals. He is my favorite dog character and would be loving to all.
Unfortunately, the only pet I’ve ever had was a fish that lived at my Granny’s house. 🙂
Lacy, it’s so nice to have you back with us. We do love when you come. I adore dogs and I always put them in my stories. In fact, I’m writing a Christmas story now that has a cute beagle in it named Toby. We once had a border collie named Daisy. She had some pups that all died except for one that we named Lure because he got a fishhook in his lip. That dog had little sense and looked nothing like his mother. We used to shake our heads at some of the crazy things he did.
Your new book looks amazing! I wish you much success with it and may God bless your life.
If my dog were in a romance book, she would be known as “the nosy friend” She is a very curious and perky little chihuahua named Rosie.
I have been a dog lover all my life and have had various breeds of dogs. The most lovable one was a Norwegian Elkhound and the smartest was a Jack Russell terrier.
You book sounds like the kind I enjoy reading.
The nosy friend is often helpful in a romance book! A good way to bring two stubborn humans together. Thank you for stopping by to chat!
We two dogs, Lexi and Kona.
I don’t have a pet but my grandaughter has a dog who is staying with me and she is a character. If you say do you want to go bye bye she will start running around and jumping up and down on her two hind legs until you pick her up. She gets so excited. She loved her toys. She is fun to watch.
Yes, I am a lover of animals. And I will read any book that has a dog or horse on the cover. I have a white poodle dog that if he were in a Western book he would be riding up in the covered wagon( he’s a scaredy cat…. Well, dog) instead of running along exploring the land.
The closest “pet” I’ve ever had was my neighbor’s dog. They’ve since moved, but boy was he a character! He loved playing ball with us, but not to play catch or fetch; he liked when we’d throw the ball from person to person, then run and follow its path barking the entire time!
I lost my sweet dog, Calvin, last summer at the ripe old age of 15. He was a Black Lab/Bassett Hound cross. Imagine a Bassett body with a Lab head and that was my boy. We adopted him from the local Humane Society at a year old, after he had been returned from another family. Their loss was our gain. Calvin would be the goofball in a romance novel. He caught a mole once but kept dropping it every time it squeaked because he was scared! I also heard him barking his “concerned” bark one day, and walked around the house to find him staring intently under the back porch steps. I was terrified there was a snake under there, but I finally worked up the courage to peek under, only to find it was a turtle! Calvin was scared of it, and he was barking so I would get it out from under the steps and out of his favorite napping spot! We all loved him dearly, and we miss him.
We’ve always had pets as well, mostly dogs, labs more often other breeds. This year we lost our cat, cinder but my aunt gifted us a new kitten she found, a small black and white boy kitten the kids named patch. Right now we have a total of four dogs from a small Chihuahua to a large pitbull. They are silly and loving so I imagine they would be matchmaking troublemaker together.
Many years ago when I was a young girl we had a cat, Smoky who we loved and spoiled. She would sleep on the best chair in the living room in the sun and stretch out and relax. Smoky was a love. When we went away for a week the neighbor lost her. We were devastated. We vacationed in a small fishing camp area which was close to a farm. The owners said that they were going to have a litter soon. My great uncle drove to our city with the puppy and this was a surprise to all of us. This wonderful, small, sweetheart lived 18 years and gave us great happiness and joy. A mix that looked like a miniature golden collie. Protective and loyal.
We have had pets as long as I can remember. Growing up we had dogs and cats. Then after we married and had children we had dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. Right now we have a dog named Puppy and two cats, Sassy and Ginger. The best dog we ever had was a Border Collie named Lady. We got her for our son when he was a year old. She was very protective of him. Would get between him and anyone or any animal that came in the yard. She was not mean, would never bite anyone or even growl at them, she just wouldn’t let them near him. I would have to say a dog that is a protector.
We have the sweetest, most gentle cat. She has the best manners, and is super grateful for her food each day and attention she gets. It’s such a departure from most cats ?
I raised goats for a while and tried to give them unique names. A few of these are: Izzy Cerius, Lemme Noe, Emma Purdy, July Tumuch, Maiden China, and Justin Case.
We have a dog, Snowball. She is a Shepski and can be very vocal about what she wants. She makes life very fun.
I love animals… growing up I had a parrot as my best friend… he would give me kisses every morning on my nose, would guard my room, play peek a boo and more.
I have a stray cat that I watched grow up… she is 12 now. One day she slipped into the house and never left. That very first night she jumped into bed with me and curled up and went to sleep… shocked me because most of her siblings avoided us except for food.
I have always loved animals and my granddaughter’s little mini-pincher is a very smart dog he will smile at my daughter all the time Have a Blessed Day and weekend !
I have always been a cat person growing up. I was scared of dogs. I married a man who raised coon dogs to sell. My second daughter wanted a dog. I sent her dad with her and told him to tell her “no’ He did but put dog in van anyway. Duke was loyal to me. He was my protector. I got past my fear of dogs. Duke is gone. But I always get another. Bandit was my granddaughter’s pup and she didn’t want to get rid of him. She talked Grandpa into taking him. She was at our house lot. He is part terrier and part chuchichua. Still part of family. I have Sugar a cat abandoned by her mama. I bottle fed her. She is 11 years old. And then there is Lucky we took out of highway on a rainy day. Her eyes were away. She is 7. All live in house. Only dog goes in and out. My daughter has 20 dogs plus lots of cats, bunnies, ducks, turkeys, chicken and more.
I’m a cat person. I grew up with breeder sheep (4-h) and piglets (also 4-h) and many dogs and outdoor cats. We lived in the country so Mom fed whatever cates came around and kept the mice at bay.
I as an adult had 1 cat that passed away last June. She was 17 and I still miss her very much. She was mostly black, my favorite, and her name was Emma. When my kids were growing up, we had guinea pigs. My boys kept up with that pet and are know by “word of mouth” to take n unwanted piggies. They give them an excellent, spoiled life. (if you can spoil a [piggy lol) At one point they had SIXTEEN!!!!
Growing up on a farm and still living on a farm I have always had cats and dogs. Even though the cats are barn and patio cats living outside we still get attached to them. A couple of years ago one of the cats moved her kittens to an old tire and so they were named Michelin, Cooper and Toyo. We decided Firestone was too long a name for a kitten.:) One year our daughters gave all of the kittens flower names: Rose, Geranium, Petunia are three I remember. We have also had Mint, Thyme, Sage, and Lavender because their mammas stashed them in my herb garden. They have all been good mousers.
Hi Lacy,
We have two indoor cats. One is older and can be a handful. The other one is one who was a stray kitten who adopted us. He was determined to be our cat. He would wait for me on the front porch in the mornings to walk me to the car when I was going to work. He would jump in the car with me. My husband would have to get him out so I could go to work. When I came home from work, he would come running from the front door.
I would like to share about a dog we had many years ago. There was a fire in the unit next door in the early morning hours. Bear kept nudging the bed to make sure I would get up. If it were not for him, the fire chief said I would not be here today. I would have to say that Bear would be one who would be very protective. He would jump into any situation to protect his love ones.
Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
I have a yellow lab almost 13 years old. She is an outside dog. She belonged mostly to my husband when he was alive, but now she is a faithful companion to me that loves sleeping in the sunshine and eating in between. She is very friendly to everyone, even strangers and rarely barks. I’m not sure what kind of role she would play in a book except a loving companion.
I love dogs too! I have two goldendoodles and they are both such characters. The youngest one is a hoot as she loves to tackle people. The older one loves to be hugged. She’ll park herself in front of you, look at you, and expect you to hug her.
We have a cat because a stray mother decided to have her kittens in the bush in front of my house. We found homes for most of the kittens but we ended up keeping one of them. He is mostly an indoor cat now and was never a lap cat until he reach the age of 7 years old and then suddenly he has became a lap cat. Any time you set down in a chair he is up in your lap wanting to be petted.
Growing up we had a dog named Dingo. My parents got him as a puppy from the animal shelter when I was 5 years old. He was part Australian Shepherd and part something else. He lived for 17 years and was a wonderful dog.
Your new book sounds amazing!!
I too have always been a dog person. When our daughter was in kindergarten we adopted a dog from the shelter. Ginger was part Lab and part Chow. She was a puppy and as she grew her personality developed and we would often describe her as a cat in a dog’s body. She would given us looks that said “What on earth are you thinking” and she could be stand offish at times. She was known to sit watch on the driveway and glance over her shoulder to make sure we were ok. She was also very loving and loyal and was always good for a slobbery kiss and a soulful look. I think she would be the type of person in a historical novel that had her eyes on everything that was going on and ready to jump into action and save the day when needed.
No pets now but we had dogs and cats growing up
We have a cat named Luna who would expect to be worship and adored like the princess she is.
We have always had pets, from gerbils and mice to dogs and a lot in between. We have had several house cats but non now. We have acquired several outdoor cats. Our neighbor moved and left about a dozen outdoor cats. Some moved on and some stayed. Right now we have 3 who are left a permanent residents with another 4 that come and go. We do have a little dog, our 15th rescue, who was dumped in the woods about 5 years ago and was probably 8 or 9 then. She is sweet, but was obviously mistreated. Aside from the cats and dogs, we have raised rabbits, peacocks, and chickens. We have had ferrets, mice, rats, and helped our daughter with her mini farm: pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, horses, and a calf. My pet was a ball python that I used in y position as a children’s librarian. Some pets are more cuddly than others, but they all add much to our lives.