Introducing Spots Before Marriage

I’m so excited with the next book in the Love’s Infestation Series. The title is Spots Before Marriage. I’m hoping to have it ready for release by June. It’s coming along well and I’ve already got the cover for it. I’ll reveal that in a couple of weeks.

If you’ve read the first book in the series, Mold and Marriage, you already know the hero. He’s Dr. Keith Austin. He wasn’t the best guy to start with but he had some growth during the book so I decided to make him the hero in the next book. To do that he had to have a total change of heart. Who can do that on their own? No one.

So, he had to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Since I didn’t want the second book in the series to be a salvation story, I wanted a lighter tone to the book, I had to have him come to Christ between the books. And thus Keith’s Coming was written.

Don’t know where to find it? That’s cause I’m sneaky and want you to read Mold and Marriage. Keith's Coming is a free book you can get at the end of the book. There’s a link to a free download of it.  Here’s the cover for Keith’s Coming.

So, The premise for Spots Before Marriage. Poor Whitney, who isn’t a dog person, has two pregnant Dalmatians left to her by her brother who moved away. Between them they have 14, count ‘em, fourteen puppies. Get it, Spots.

Keith and Whitney’s relationship develops as she tries to sell the puppies and he learns more about being a believer. Aren't they cute?


I have in case you're worried, I have purchased the image from 123RF.

Here’s a taste, the opening scene of Spots Before Marriage.

Keith Austin looked up from the sandwich he was struggling to keep together. It seemed to be too full of meat, cheese and veggies. His eyes widened at what was coming toward him in leaps and barks. A mass of tumbling, spotted puppies, all dragging leashes, yipped and barked, eyes seemingly glued to his lunch.

Then they were on him. There hadn’t been time to get to his feet let alone move out of their path. Keith couldn’t tell how many there were. All he could tell is that there was a roiling mass of white with black spots all nipping, trying to get to the roast beef he clutched in his hands.

“Down! Get down. Sit.” Keith didn’t know if was the words that did it or his tone, but several of the puppies plopped their bottoms down on the grass, the park bench or his shoes. That his feet were in them didn’t seem to matter to the puppies.
Deciding that the sandwich was better left to the dogs he began tearing bits off and feeding them to the ones who were sitting. Soon all the puppies were quiet, poised around the bench hoping for another bite. He counted. Stunned at the final count of fourteen Dalmatian puppies.

“How’d you do that?” A woman’s voice called across the lawn. Keith looked from the dogs to her limping toward him. She was petite, not so much in height although she wasn’t overly tall. Instead the young woman was small boned and thin, nearly frail looking. That her knees were skinned and bleeding definitely added to her fragility.

“You’re hurt.”

The statement was met with a look that said, ‘obviously.’

“These all yours?” He waved a hand at the puppies who all jumped up and began dancing around, yipping and biting at each other. “Sit,” Keith ordered. It didn’t work as well this time. They seemed to know he didn’t have any more food he was willing to give them.

Both he and the young woman began grabbing the leashes for each of the dogs. It took a while but they managed to get a hold of them all before any of the puppies ran off.

“Come on,” Keith said. “I’ve got a first aid kit in my car.”

“You carry a first aid kit? I’m surprised. Most guys wouldn’t think of it.” They began the trek across the grass to the parking lot.

“Hazard of the profession. I’m a doctor. Keith Austin. I’d shake your hand, but mine, and yours are full.” He lifted the leashes a bit.

“Whitney Houston, and don’t say it. My folks were huge fans. They were delighted with a girl after three boys. They’re all married. I have three nephews and two nieces. None live here in town now. That’s how I ended up with all these.” She waved a hand indicating the puppies.