Hello Readers! We’re back for the second day in a row because a really interesting character just “blew in”.(You’ll catch that reference soon.)
Jen Dodrill’s new book Birds Alive is all about a bird watching group, led by the main character, Peg. Evidently, word got out that I was interviewing Jen about her book. Peg’s mother-in-law is excited to meet you, so I interviewed her as well. You just never know what’s going to happen on my blog, right?
Jenny: Hello, Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hazel: Hello, thank you for having me on your blog. My name is Hazel Howard, and I am Peg’s mother-in-law. My son Zack married Peg, but unfortunately, he died fifteen years ago. I think Peg and I bonded over us both being widows.
I moved in with Peg when Hurricane Hazel changed from a category one to a cat 3 and headed for Pensacola. Can you believe they named a hurricane after little old me? I was mad at first but now I think it’s flattering. After all, according to Peg, I’m a little blustery and stormy sometimes. (I don’t think that’s true though. I think she’s just kidding.)
Jenny: It must have been hard for both of you to navigate that loss. Then, a hurricane. Maybe too much excitement. Now that you have settled in a bit, what is new in your world and interesting in your world?
Hazel: There is a man, Owen, in our birding group who is quite handsome. He’s a retired history professor. Unfortunately, he seems a bit taken with another birder in our group. I intend to find a way to catch his eye.
Before I forget, my Weimaraner, Charlie Brown, and my yellow parakeet, Roscoe, send their best. They love to be interviewed in case you ever need the pet’s point of view.
Jenny: A handsome man, a pet dog and a parakeet? You are not short on excitement for sure. Who has really surprised you the most?
Hazel: Shortie! That man is almost as handsome as Owen, and I thought he was really serious about Peg, but … Oh wait, you’ll learn about that in the next book, Where’s the Quetzal?
I suppose I’m surprised how many readers just love me. They call me quirky. That’s a compliment, right?
Jenny: I would think quirky is a great complement. After all, no-one is interested in reading about anyone who is dull or predictable. You sound like you are very much in control of your life, but what challenges you the most?
Hazel: Besides not catching Owen’s eye quite yet, my biggest challenge is Peg’s driveway. It’s ridiculously steep. My little yellow VW Bug has a hard time backing up that thing.
Jenny: I am sure you will conquer that, or figure a way around it. Just for fun, tell us about your favorites:
Food: Anything I don’t have to cook. Peg makes a good BBQ chicken.
Quote or Scripture: Peg prays before dinner. I’ve learned a lot from her. My favorite Scripture is that one about tomorrow – “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34. That makes a lot of sense to me.
Sound: my sweet parakeet Roscoe’s chirping. Peg says he’s loud, but I disagree.
View: Peg’s house backs up to wetlands and she has a fabulous deck. I love to watch the birds, raccoons, and bunnies.
Jenny: I agree with so much of that. No use letting worries pile up and get in our way. I guess I’ll have to reserve judgement on Roscoe’s chirping since I’ve never met him. This has been so much fun, Mrs. Howard. Do you have any parting words for our readers today?
Hazel: If you have the chance to help solve a murder, do it! It’s been so fun. I learned how to open a door with a credit card from a TV show, and then I got to do it in real life! Isn’t that exciting! Of course we almost got arrested for it, but Peg knows Marcus, the detective. I think she likes his dimples. Anyhow, back to murders, if you can, get involved!
Jenny: Well. Getting involved in murders? Not sure I am wild about that. But, at least it wouldn’t be boring and routine!
Note to readers: I have absolutely loved introducing you to Jen Dodrill, her book, and one of the most interesting characters I have ever met! Read more about Birds Alive below, then remember to leave a comment about activities you have taken up, or even how your mother in law compares to Peg’s!
We will choose a winner from all of the commenters, who will receive a paperback copy of this book!
More about Books Alive:
Peg — widow, mom blogger, and empty nester, is desperate for a new hobby. After a late-night blog post leaves her dedicated Mamma Birds followers fearful that she’s closing her blog, she adopts a reader’s suggestion and forms the Empty Nesters Birding Group. On their first outing overlooking beautiful Pensacola Bay, a birder dies from an allergic reaction to peanuts in the birdseed. Seed that should be peanut-free.
A hurricane barrels toward the Gulf Coast, and Peg’s overbearing, animal-collecting, but well-meaning mother-in-law crashes Peg’s empty nest. After the hurricane passes, Peg checks on her new birder friends and finds one wounded and dying. The assailant is still there and knocks Peg down a steep staircase. Stuck in a boot with a broken foot and still reeling from the two murders, Peg recruits a fellow birder and her mother-in-law to help solve the crime. She even teams up with the detective investigating the case, whose dimples draw her in a way she hasn’t experienced in years.
For more information about Jen, her books, writing info and tips, and author interviews, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill
So what do you think? Comment below:
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