Meet Gayle Irwin, author, pet lover and lover of nature who is here to share her latest book, My Montana Love. This sweet, contemporary, Western romance incorporates Gayle’s love of pets and nature. It was just released last month and I think you’ll love it.
Writing in the West: Finding Tranquility and Creativity in Nature By Gayle M. Irwin
As I drove toward the house, the large, lanky birds squawked, jumped, and bowed. I smiled and stopped the car. Springtime at this Wyoming ranch beckons these birds, and every March when I come here to celebrate my birthday, they are almost always there to welcome me back, just as the land welcomes them.
As I celebrated my 60th birthday at the end of last month with my ranch friends, my husband, and my two dogs, the pair of sandhill cranes appeared in the field near the house. Each morning and evening they came to feed, and I smiled and laughed at their antics.
Sandhill cranes mate for life, as do trumpeter swans. These two species share a special place in my heart, perhaps because of their loyalty toward their mates. My husband and I recently celebrated not only my birthday, but also our 21st Valentine’s Day together; our 20th anniversary took place last fall. I dedicated my latest book, My Montana Love, to him. We may not live in Montana, but we live in a neighboring state, and we visit the Big Sky State often because it is one of our favorite places (and I have friends and family there).
My Pet Rescue Romance novels and novellas are set in the west. I have lived in the Rocky Mountain region, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, most of my life. I love the vastness, low population, mountains, plains, forests, rivers, and streams – nature has been an integral part of my life since childhood. Therefore, the settings for my books, including my children’s collection, weave nature and the West throughout the stories.
The ranch location that I visit each spring is also a writing retreat. I’ve composed children’s stories, magazine articles, and portions of my romance books at this location. I stay at the guest house my friends have on the property, and each day I gaze upon fields, hillsides, and a river; each welcomes and nourishes livestock and wildlife. Each greets and nurtures me. My heart and soul are filled with joy every time I visit. My husband and I walk our dogs regularly up the ½-mile drive or along the Powder River. We often see white-tailed deer and pronghorn antelope, hear Canada geese and mallard ducks, observe horses, sheep, and cattle, and occasionally view hawks, owls, and cranes. The tranquility whispers to my soul and engages my creativity.
Gayle’s Latest Release: My Montana Love, A sweet, contemporary Western Romance
My Montana Love is the sequel to my first Pet Rescue Romance titled Rescue Road. The new book takes readers on a journey five years into the future relationship of my primary characters from that book, Levi and Rhiann. They own a ranch and operate a pet rescue sanctuary. The animals play an integral role in their lives and their relationship. Challenges and chaos, including health issues and a character from their past, rock their steady life and begins to fray the fabric of their relationship. That happens to all of us at some point. Can a firm foundation and a tranquil place be the anchor to help ride the storm – for my characters and for us in real life?
National Parks & Upcoming Release
Other natural places I enjoy are America’s national parks. They’re not always tranquil due to the numerous visitors each year, however, their majesty and uniqueness always speaks to me and draws me to them. My first romance releases, including My Montana Love, take place near several national parks, such as Yellowstone in the Rockies and Saguaro in Arizona. My next book, a holiday romance titled In the Shadow of Mount Moran, is set near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Release date is tentatively set for October 30, 2021. Check my website (www.gaylemirwinauthor.com) for more information.
Book Description for My Montana Love
Crisis and Chaos in Paradise
Rhiann and Levi married five years ago. Their blissful life on a Paradise Valley, Montana ranch, buying, breeding, and selling horses and operating a rescued animal sanctuary, is challenged when Levi experiences a health crisis. A much-anticipated anniversary trip to Ireland postponed, a financial situation she didn’t expect, and a past experience she thought she’d put behind her causes Rhiann to face critical decisions. Can she keep the ranch and sanctuary solvent and her marriage intact, or will these incidents cloud her judgment and cause chaos she cannot control?
An Excerpt from My Montana Love
Levi stood again. “Ever since we brought Dave on, things haven’t gone as well for us, even between us.”
He looked at Rhiann and saw her ashen face.
“What do you mean by that?” she asked, her voice cracking.
“Our disagreements, our not being on the same page about things.”
Rhiann stood in front of him. “Levi, people don’t always agree on things. And Dave has turned out to be a great ranch hand.”
“Yeah, but why? Maybe he and Patterson’s nephew have been conniving all this time, spying on us for some loathsome purpose.”
Rhiann placed her hands on her hips. “Like what?”
“I don’t know! Something!”
Levi hobbled toward the kitchen sink and leaned against it.
“How come you’ve become so suspicious, Levi?” Rhiann asked.
He faced her, and she continued, “As far as our disagreements, we’ve had them before, but we always found a compromise.”
“Yeah, involving me giving in. I’m getting tired of it.”
He watched as her eyes first bulged and then narrowed.
“Levi Marcus Butler, what’s gotten into you?”
“Rhiann Elizabeth Kelly, maybe I’m just weary of being the dog in the fight.”
“You used my maiden name.”
His wife’s soft voice startled him. Their eyes locked.
“You don’t want to be married to me anymore, do you?”
Rhiann’s hoarse ripped across Levi’s heart.
Buy Links for My Montana Love
Available as a Kindle e-book and in paperback format from Amazon:
Kindle: https://bit.ly/3uxqlc6_MTLove_Kindle
Paperback: http://bit.ly/31uNfnd_AmzPprBck
Available as a Nook e-book from Barnes & Noble:
E-book: https://bit.ly/3b2tLMx_BandN
Meet Gayle
Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. Her clean, contemporary romance series, Pet Rescue Romance, consists of Rescue Road, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, Rhiann’s Rescue, and the recently released novella, My Montana Love. She subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, Gayle volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com.
Find Gayle on the Web:
- Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin
- Pinterest (under Waggin’ Tales): www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin
- Twitter: wyoauthor1
- Author Website: https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/
- Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/gayleirwin