Article and Interview by Elise Cooper
Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye has Belle Sinclair recently adopting a stray puppy. It was love at first snuggle. He is the best Christmas present ever. And yet her holiday happiness goes sideways when she hears a siren and spots flashing lights in her rearview mirror. It seems Sheriff Parker Bishop always seems to be there when she commits traffic violations. But after Belle’s puppy goes missing, she calls the Sheriff for help.
This book has deception/pain, love/loss, secrets/truths, hope/redemption that mixed together creates a wonderful plot.
Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea for the story?
Jennifere Faye: Great question. We got a puppy last year and I suppose he played a part in the creation of this series. Add during Christmas my imagination took over. Beyond that the creation of a book is a little bit of magic and a whole lot of listening to the characters. They like to tell their own stories. 12
EC: Is Odie one of the stray dogs from book 1?
JF: Yes, Odie was in book 1, PUPPY WISHES & CANDY KISSES. But his story is told in book 2, PUPPY LOVE & SNOWFLAKE KISSES.
EC: Can you explain his backstory and personality?
JF: Odie is a quiet, snuggler but he does love to play fetch. His favorite thing to do besides eat is to curl up on Belle’s lap in the evening and go to sleep while she watches a movie.
EC: How would you describe Belle?
JF: Belle definitely isn’t lonely. She has a whole town of friends. But her heart is guarded because of her past loss. And she is not exactly a rule follower. She thinks there’s wiggle room when it comes to rules.
EC: How would you describe Parker?
JF: Sheriff Parker Bishop is a total rule follower. He thinks that life is black and white, that is until he gets to know Belle better. She shows him that life is made up of shades of gray. And yes, he is protective, especially of those he cares about.
EC: How would you describe their relationship?
JF: In the beginning, they definitely rub each other the wrong way. It’s a case of opposites attract. They just haven’t acknowledged the attraction yet. That’ll take a bit. Lol.
EC: In this book and the first book is there a common theme that losing a loved one has affected wanting to be in a relationship?
JF: Yes, there is. People leave their imprint on the people they love. And when they pass on that also leaves a mark. It’s how the characters choose to deal with those losses that will determine if/when they open their hearts to others.
EC: What is the role of Christmas, particularly the ornaments?
JF: Belle has a collection of Christmas ornaments. They’ve been passed down through her mother’s side of the family. They mean a great deal to her. And when she hangs them on the tree each Christmas, she feels a little closer to the family she lost.
EC: Next book?
JF: Next up is Tater Tot’s story, titled Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses, coming Nov 1. The plot has Holly Berry spending her first Christmas without her grandmother, who had raised her. Then, unexpectedly, she’s asked to foster a puppy. Feeling out of her depth, she turns to her childhood friend, who offers to give her some guidance. Veterinarian Colin Bishop has given up on relationships after his busy practice keeps interfering in his private life. But when the girl next-door needs some help, he’s more than willing to make room in his busy schedule.
EC: THANK YOU!!
