About Karyn Good

I grew up on a farm in the middle of Canada's breadbasket. Under the canopy of crisp blue prairie skies I read books. Lots and lots of books. Occasionally, I picked up a pen and paper or tapped out a few meagre pages of a story on a keyboard and dreamed of becoming a writer when I grew up. One day the inevitable happened and I knew without question the time was right. What to write was never the issue - romance and the gut wrenching journey towards forever.

Robin Hood: Tell Me Your Favourite Movie Version

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Karyn Good

Robin Hood is one of my favourite folk heroes. Who could resist stories of an outlaw that steals from the rich and gives to the poor? Displaced, cast out, with a price on his head, the idea of Robin Hood, a rebel for the ages, has infinite appeal. At least, for me!

But I love myths and legends. King Arthur, Templar Knights! Tell me all your medieval favourites. I used to read a lot of medieval romances, Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsay, Jude Deveraux. Writers with “J” names are very good at this, it seems. Castles, ladies of the keep, witches, knights, villainous villains, swords and poisonings. Oh my gosh, those books have the best bad guys!

Back to the movies and which were my favourite versions and which one was a huge disappointment.

We rented the newest Robin Hood version on the weekend. I was excited! I love Jamie Foxx! I wanted it to be good. It was not. It was terrible. Mine boggling terrible. The costumes were ridiculous. The plot holes were large enough to drive a team of horses through. At one point, my husband asked if we were actually going to finish watching it. We did, but once was enough. More than enough.

I’m not a huge Russell Crowe fan, but I love him as Robin Hood. Sigh. Almost as much as I love Cate Blanchett as Lady Mariann. I love that they are mature characters, in both temperament and age. There’s also a great cast of secondary characters. And I love that the legend begins when the movie ends. This is my favourite version, so far. It’s one of those movies I watch when I’m in need of comfort. It hits all my buttons. Every time.

Followed ever so closely by Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Despite his abysmal attempt at an accent, Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood will forever have a place in my heart. But ahead of him, is Alan Rickman’s Sheriff Of Nottingham and Morgan Freeman’s Azeem. This is another version I could watch over and over again.

My love of the legend probably began with this movie version that I saw in the theatre as a young girl in 1973. It might have been the first movie that I remember seeing in the theatre. I was enchanted by the legend, the characters, and the music.

Until next time…

If there are other versions of the Robin Hood story that you’ve loved, let me know. I’d love to check them out!

No Such Thing As a Guilty Pleasure!

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Karyn Good

It doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. It can just be pleasurable.

There should be no guilt attached to the things we choose to enjoy. I don’t know about you, but I need things like books and cupcakes and new shoes to balance groceries, laundry, work, and worrying about my kids. We’ve had more extreme cold warnings this winter then I can remember and the coldest temperatures in 80 years. Our daughter-in-law brought over cinnamon buns last weekend. I ate two. I’m not sorry. I enjoyed every delicious bite.

Also, books! Reading is a pleasure for me, as it is for a lot of people. We should be allowed to read anything we wish. We shouldn’t have to apologize for our reading choices. We shouldn’t be made to feel like we have to publicly reject the books we enjoy in private. The literary police can take a hike.

Books should be accessible, and in most instances they are. They are found in libraries, schools, bookstores, online, and a variety of other places. We can read paper books or ebooks. We can listen to audiobooks. We can stick to one type of book or enjoy a variety of stories. We can read memoirs or cookbooks, or DIY manuals. Newspapers. Periodicals. Magazines. But what we want to read must be available to us. The offerings must be there so we can pick and choose. No one has the right to restrict the access of books to others.

My Top Five Guilt-Free Pleasures!

Colouring my hair. Because I love my blonde hair.
My 80s playlist. Including but not limited to REO Speedwagon, Quiet Riot, Chicago, Laura Branigan, and .38 Special.
Watching Forged in Fire. Because modern-day blacksmiths making knives and swords is awesome.
Shoes. Do I really need to explain this one…
Keenau Reeves. Because Speed is the best movie ever made.

February 24th to March 2nd is Freedom to Read Week in Canada.

Until next time…

What little things make you happy?

“What we don’t need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human.” ~ Brene Brown

Jana Richards’ New Small Town Contemporary Romance!

Posted on February 22, 2019 by Karyn Good

It’s Friday and you’re asking yourself: “What should I read this weekend?” If you like small town, contemporary romance, then I’ve have just the book for you! And if, like me, second chance romances are you’re absolute favourite, then this is the book for you! If you like tales of forbidden love, family conflict, and babies, then same! Bonus – you get a chance to enter Jana’s giveaway!

Five Things You Need to Know About the Masonville Series

This small-town series is set in the fictional town of Masonville, North Dakota. I’ve given the town a population of 6,000 because I once lived in a town of that size. It’s big enough to have a lot of services, like a hospital and vet clinic, but small enough that everyone knows your business!
In each of the books, the characters have a past trauma or unhappiness they must work through before they can be whole again. And before they can accept love into their lives.
Right now I have four books planned for the series. Several of heroes and/or heroines in each book work in the town’s veterinary clinic. Two of the heroines and one hero are brother and sisters from the Saunders family.
This is the fourth romance series I’ve written. I think I’m getting the hang of this thing! Each book in the series will be a stand-alone story, but as with every series, I think the reading experience is enhanced when read in order.
I am currently at work on book 2 of the series, Garrett and Blair’s story. Garrett is Lauren’s brother, the heroine from CHILD OF MINE, book 1, and Blair works at the vet clinic with Cole, the hero from book 1. See? It all fits together!

Lauren didn’t intend to sleep with her brother-in-law Cole on the day of her husband’s funeral. But now that she is pregnant, she’s not sorry. Cole’s given her a baby, a long-wished-for miracle. He’s been her friend forever, though she never told him or anyone else how unhappy her marriage to his cheating brother was. And she’s afraid to tell the small town that considered her husband a hero that the baby isn’t his.

Cole’s been in love with Lauren since he was sixteen. It kills him that everyone believes the baby is his dead brother’s. All he wants is to claim the baby, and Lauren, as his own. Though she marries him, will Lauren’s heart ever be his?

Lauren must tell the truth or risk losing Cole. Is her newly-discovered love for him greater than her fear of scandal in her hometown?

Amazon * B&N * iBoooks

You can find Jana Richards on Goodreads! Twitter! Facebook! Bookbub!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I also have a giveaway happening, so if you want another chance at a $25 Amazon gift card visit HERE!

Until next time…

What’s you’re plan for the weekend?

Battling The Winter Blues and a Giveaway!

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Karyn Good

FYI: the following maybe too much information, but here I go, anyway. I can’t think when I’m in my pyjamas. I know some writers spend the day in their sleep clothes and are productive and go about slaying the universe, fictionally speaking, of course. But, me? Not so much. I put my pyjamas on when I go to bed, or possibly at some point during the evening, like if I’ve worked out and I need to shed my sweaty workout gear.

Right now I’m sitting at my desk, in front of my computer, in my pyjamas. And it just feels…wrong.

It might be that I need new pyjamas, but, I think for me, day clothes signal productivity. Although lately, some days I’m not exactly setting fire to my to-do list, even when wearing my day clothes. I blame winter!

frosty mornings and toasty mugs
www.karyngood.com

I’ve read all the lists on how to ease a winter malaise. I know I’m supposed to eat healthier, exercise, take Vitamin D. And those things work! But the cold winter still makes me want to hibernate in a pile blankets with a good book. Luckily, there is an endless number of good books out there to choose from.

I’m eagerly awaiting the release date of GONE, Aspen Lake Series, Book 3!

I’m open to suggestions on how to survive the rest of the winter! Or your opinion on pyjamas! Comment below on some of the ways you battle the winter blues, or any kind of blues, to be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

Comment to win $25 gift card. Closes February 27, 2019.

Until next time…

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips it’s turn. ~ Hal Borland

Five Things I Need To Survive Winter

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Karyn Good

I don’t know what your winter looks like but here it means snow! And on the prairies, you know you’ve gone through a bit of a cold stretch when you go out and it’s -26 C (-15 F) and it feels downright balmy.

And, yes, my neighbours still have a giant 90’s style satellite dish in their backyard!

My Top Five Winter Favorites

Tea: My favourite of the moment is a cinnamon rooibus chai from David’s Tea!
Books: Currently listening to Hexed by Kevin Hearne and LOVING it.
Blankets: I ordered a new blanket from one of my favourite Etsy shops, Make It Cozy and it’s so warm and comfy!
Netflix: The series Fat, Salt, Acid, Heat! Warning: It will make you want to travel to all the places and eat all the things.
And…more books! Because books are the best cure for the winter doldrums.

Until next time…

What does winter look like in your neck of the woods?

GONE, Aspen Lake Series Book 3

She won’t leave and he can’t stay.

RELEASE DATE COMING SOON!

BACKLASH, Book 1 and EXPOSED, Book2.

Valentine’s Day Approaches!

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Karyn Good

I don’t know if it’s the brutality cold weather or the general malaise brought on by February, but I’m not exactly feeling inspired to make a big deal about Valentine’s Day this year.

Is it okay to want to stay home, drink tea, eat macarons, and play Scrabble? Of course it is! And it’s quality time together. Although, I don’t know if the person I’m married to is all that excited about word games. Then again, he married me. So, there’s that…

But all things being equal, it means I should figure out what he’d really like to do for Valentine’s Day. Something or some act that would really convey my feelings and to show I know what’s important to him. I’m kind of scared to try and figure it out because his idea of together time might involve watching sports. Ugh. To me, that is the worst kind of torture.

Apparently, someone wrote a book on how to deepen the connections in your relationships. (Okay, I’m sure there are several books out there on the subject of relationships.) I haven’t read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, but the idea of discovering my love language is intriguing. Here’s an entertaining summary I found on YouTube, that might be of interest.

If you’re interested in learning what your love language is or discovering what your partner’s love language is go HERE.

If you think that sounds like a bunch of hooey, here’s a couple of links instead!

Romance novels to check out in 2019!

Rom-coms in 2019!

Also, next week I’ll be announcing another contest! And next Wednesday my newsletter goes out and there’ll be a contest there, too!

Until then…

What’s your take on Valentine’s Day? Take it or leave it?

Winner and My Friday Read

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Karyn Good

****** Trisha Rose ******

You’re the winner! Please contact me with your email address, and if you want an Amazon or a Kobo GC, and I’ll send that out to you!

So, January is over. Thank goodness! It’s the first day of February, it’s Friday, and, of course, I’m reading a book! I have to say, I’m really enjoying this one. Time slip novels are fast becoming a favourite!

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

Vermont, 1950. There’s a place for the girls whom no one wants-—the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too-smart-for-their-own-good. It’s called Idlewild Hall. And in the small town where it’s located, there are rumors that the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming—until one of them mysteriously disappears…

Vermont, 2014. As much as she’s tried, journalist Fiona Sheridan cannot stop revisiting the events surrounding her older sister’s death. Twenty years ago, her body was found lying in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And though her sister’s boyfriend was tried and convicted of murder, Fiona can’t shake the suspicion that something was never right about the case.

When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during the renovations will link the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past—and a voice that won’t be silenced…

Until next time…

What’s everyone else reading these days?

Cover Reveal!

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Karyn Good

Oh my gosh, I’m so excited to share this cover! My newsletter subscribers got a early peek last week, along with a chance to win a fabulous prize pack of goodies. But this week, I’m sharing it with everyone! And thank you Kim Mendoza for doing such a wonderful job on my cover.

Ever since a devastating family tragedy seventeen years ago, Grace Bighill has struggled to keep her remaining family from falling apart. Then the discovery of her mother’s body in the woods unearths a connection to a decades old murder case, and Grace is dragged into a politician’s bitter bid for revenge.

Constable Mike Davenport’s days in Aspen Lake are numbered. He’s ready to take his next step up the career ladder somewhere a lot more cosmopolitan. He’s avoided any emotional attachments, despite having fallen hard for a certain stubborn local. But when a body turns up, Mike’s careful intentions collapse in the face of Grace’s grief and her exhaustive efforts to care for her family.

A search for answers leads Grace and Mike down a twisted path proving no one can escape their roots. But someone might die trying.

The release date is coming soon!

GONE is the final book in my Aspen Lake Series. Check out BACKLASH and EXPOSED to see where the series started. There will be more snippets and giveaways to come in the following weeks. For now, check out my giveaway that ends tomorrow!

Until then…

Tell me what you think of my cover!

Settings in Books & Giveaway

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Karyn Good

My newsletter subscribers are getting the first look at my next cover today. Yay! I’m so excited and it’s so pretty, and eerie. It perfectly represents the scene in the book when everything changes for the heroine. My new cover has me thinking about different settings I read about and how the details surrounding place bring great fiction to life.

Whether it’s Kristin Hannah‘s 80s Alaska, Sarah MacLean‘s historical London, or Lucy Maud Montgomery‘s Green Gables, the setting of each has a deep impact on the characters. You are there with them, in a place you might never have visited, but you are experiencing the setting through the character’s eyes. While reading All The Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood, I felt like I was there, in that dirty, revolting place in which the main character was forced to grow up in. Gosh, that sounds horrible, but it’s one of my favourite book club reads because it was all so real to me. Every little setting detail put me right there with the characters.

Now, as I start a new project, I’m busy learning about the setting of this new story. Another small fictional town set in southwestern Saskatchewan, based in the area known as the Cypress Hills. GONE (release date coming soon) takes place in my fictional town of Aspen Lake, which is a resort town in southeastern Saskatchewan, and is the third and final book in my Aspen Lake series. My heroine, Grace Bighill, serves drinks at The Back Forty, which is a term homesteaders used to refer to the back section of land on a farm. Constable Mike Davenport is a RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer with career ambitions that reach far beyond the prairies.

https://www.canva.com/design/DADPWvJQM_I/view

Until then…

Enter to win a $25 Amazon or Kobo gift card by telling me a favourite book setting in the comments!

New Year, New Goals!

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Karyn Good

Planners and Journals, Oh My!

My favourite part of a new year is new notebooks, journals, and planners. Love, love, love me some crisp, clean pages to write in. And one of my goals for this year is to keep better track of thoughts, reviews, writing time, etc. I like the idea of having a paper trail of my thoughts that I can look back on.

I feel like I need more than one notebook to record the different things I want to track, without it becoming too complicated.

First of all, I need a calendar to keep track of appointments for myself and all things family related. This one is put out by a company called Fringe that I bought at Winners for $15. I bought the least complex one I could find that was still visually appealing to me.

Next is my bullet journal, although what I do probably isn’t considered bullet journaling, per se. This is where I doodle, jot down random things, make to-do lists, etc. Most recently, I wrote down a couple of podcast recommendations: Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History and The Guilty Feminist. For this I love the Leuchtturn journals and I always go for the ones with the dotted lines versus the blank pages or lined ones.

I was lucky enough (my people know me well) to receive two journals for Christmas and I’ve found a lovely use for both of them. I wanted to give each one a specific purpose. The one with the cover quote Nevertheless She Persisted is dedicated to keeping track of my writing progress. Which, eeps, is something I’ve never done before! The other journal I have earmarked for reviews of books, plays, movies, concerts, Netflix series, etc. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and this year is the year I start.

So, that’s my plan!

Who else loves journals, calendars and notebooks?