This week in The Loft: Author Gayle M. Irwin!

Joining me today in The Loft is contemporary romance author Gayle M. Irwin. Gayle writes inspirational pet books for children and adults. Her Pet Rescue Romance series is a collection of sweet romance stories set in the Rocky Mountain West. She has also contributed to seven "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. When not writing, Gayle volunteers for rescue organizations and donates a percentage of book sales to that cause. Gayle resides in the western United States with two dogs and two cats, all rescues.

Author Gayle M. Irwin

S:  Good morning, Gayle. Welcome back to The Loft!

You have been a journalist for many years. Why write romance?

G:  I began writing romance after taking an adult education class at the community college where I live. Many in the class, including the instructor, wrote romance and since I enjoy Hallmark movies, I decided to delve into the genre. That was nearly eight years ago. I enjoy entertaining people through stories, but I also want to subtly teach the necessity for and joy in pet rescue and adoption, therefore, my series, Pet Rescue Romance.

S:  Do you write in other genres? 

G:  My authorship began in children’s stories, and I plan another children’s book in 2022 about our adopted springer spaniel named Sadie. My first children’s book, a chapter book, was about another springer spaniel living with my husband and I at the time--her name was Sage, and she became blind due to a genetic disease. She exemplified courage, perseverance, and self-confidence, and I wanted to inspire children to face adversity with those characteristics. I believe animals can teach us many life and faith lessons, and that’s what I seek to do with my children’s works. I also write nonfiction guidebooks for pet owners and one of my stories appears in the August compilation release, "The Animals in Our Lives: Stories of Companionship and Awe," published by Cladach Publishing in Colorado.

S:  What inspires your stories?

G:  Animals, nature, and Hallmark movies!

S:  What would you like people to know about you? 

G:  I volunteer for various animal rescue organizations as a transporter, taking dogs and cats either into rescue or to their forever families. My most recent transport included nine kittens that were found and fostered by an organization in my community. I drove 250 miles one way to take them to a cat rescue organization in Colorado, where they are being cared for until they are adopted. I’ve also transported large dogs, like Great Danes, and small dogs, such as Boston Terriers.

S:  What inspired "Paws-ing for Love?"

G:  "Paws-ing for Love: A Pet Rescue Christmas Story" looks at the primary characters in my first romance novel, "Rescue Road," about three years later. A missing friend, a winter outing accident, and a major illness impact not only the couple--Rhiann and Levi--but also the community of Colter, Montana. A stray dog and cat play a large role in whether Rhiann and Levi and their close-knit small town experience heartbreak or hope during the Christmas season. The book’s setting of southwestern Montana is a place near and dear to my heart, having spent nearly 12 years in that area. It’s beautiful during all seasons of the year, but winter’s layer of snow and the small population with mountains, valleys, and forests make Christmas extra-special. I wanted to bring the magic of the setting and the love small town residents have for their citizens to life in a story about a magical time of year--Christmas.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Paws-ing for Love?"

G:  "Paws-ing for Love" is a clean, sweet, contemporary romance about a couple in their mid-to-late 40s, their friends, family, and community. The story features lots of romance, but also the love between friends and extended family. Readers will also discover animals in need of loving homes, elements of drama, beautiful settings and scenes, and, at the back of the book, recipes that can be used for Christmas dinner--foods my mother and grandmother would create for our family holiday meals. This is a story of joy, challenges, love, and uncertainty, just like we experience in real life, but also filled with hope, even amid adversity. 

Here's the blurb--

Christmas Hope or Heartbreak?

Colter, Montana waltzes in brilliance during winter, with glistening snow on mountain peaks and diamond-like frost on trees and rivers. Romance and dreams flourish in this Christmas card setting. However, news of friends missing after a raging blizzard and a later accident and subsequent illness disrupt the lives of Rhiann and Levi Butler, who operate a horse ranch and pet rescue sanctuary. Will the joy of Christmas be silenced or strengthened after a pair of stray animals take refuge at the Butlers’ property? Can a cat named Mina and a Corgi christened Maverick deliver hope or will they add more heartache for a couple and community struggling with fear and sorrow?

S:  Sounds like a moving holiday story! Where can readers buy your book?

G:  It's available for $1.99 on various e-book platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Here's the Universal link--https://books2read.com/u/3RJdPj.

S:  Gayle, thanks so much for joining me today! If you'd like to learn more about Gayle and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin

Pinterest (under Waggin' Tales):  www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/wyoauthor1

Amazon Author Page:  amazon.com/author/gayleirwin