#AmWriting and Running: FiveWriting Lessons Learned from Jogging #NWHFD #fitnessday #Writelife

In March of 2011 I started jogging. On one long and rather tedious solo run, I started making connections between jogging and writing and life. I'm sharing them in honor of National Women's Health & Fitness Week (the last week in September). See some fun facts here. 

Get Some Running Buddies

It helps to have inspiration. I started jogging with a Couch to 5K group that met twice a week. Having the regular schedule kept us on track. The program helped us pace ourselves, starting with short runs and frequent walks, and working up to a 45 minute run. We also had an experienced leader to offer advice.

Several of us continued running together after the program ended. I wouldn’t get out as often if people weren’t waiting for me. I’d be tempted to stop early, if I didn’t have the encouragement of the group. Hey, peer pressure is powerful! You might as well make it work for you. Plus, it’s more fun to run with other people.

For writers, it’s important to find the right peer group for your needs. For many, this is a critique group. They may be large or small, meet in person or online, have open or closed membership, get together weekly or monthly or as needed. Finding a group that suits your needs is invaluable.

Other writers share goals and deadlines, checking in with a friend daily or weekly to report progress. There’s that peer pressure again! Even a non-writing friend can help hold you accountable. (But choose carefully. You don't need someone pressuring you to finish your novel in six months or run a seven-minute mile.)

Finally, social groups can provide camaraderie and networking. I live in a small town with a science and engineering college; I know far more computer geeks than writers. But by making monthly trips to Albuquerque to attend a writing meeting, I’ve made many friends who understand what I do. I’ve also made connections by teaching workshops and guest speaking for groups like Sisters in Crime. 

For those who can’t attend in person (or all of us during the pandemic), online discussion boards, listserves, and online classes offer information and a sense of connection. The New Mexico SCBWI group of children's book writers and illustrators has a weekly online "coffee chat" which has been fantastic for keeping in touch. Another writing friend started inviting people to occasional evening chats – "the folks I would grab at a conference to go out for drinks."

Jog - and Write - for Distance, Not Speed

It really is about the journey, not how fast you get there. Pace yourself, and enjoy the journey, or you might burn out along the way. If you can see the end, or at least imagine the cheering crowds and free food, it might give you the extra boost you need to keep going. But take time to enjoy the sights, and the experience will be a lot more fun.

As a writer, don’t focus so much on the response to your query letters. Sure, celebrate successes, and try to learn from disappointments, but put most of your energy into enjoying the journey. (That works for the rest of life, too.)

But Keep Moving Your Feet (or Fingers)

A slow pace may get you there, but if you have a long way to go, you might as well do it running. A marathon will take a lot longer at a stroll than at a jog, even a slow jog. Run when you can, walk when you need a rest, but keep moving. That’s the only way to reach the end.

Take the time you need to learn and practice your writing craft. Do as many drafts as you need to polish your novel. Don’t rush, but do keep working. Write a page a day, and you’ll have a complete draft in a year. It may not be perfect, but it will be more than what you started with.

Practice Makes Perfect, or At Least Lessens the Pain

If you’re training, you need to get out regularly. Running once a month will just leave you sore and frustrated each time, and you won’t see any progress in your fitness.

It’s the same with writing. Establishing habits and sticking to them will keep your mind fit. Writing several times a week will hone your skills and make it easier to get started next time.

Beware of Shortcuts

If I map out a 5K run, but take every shortcut, that could cut the distance down to 3 ½K. Easier, sure, but that won’t prepare me for running a 10K. It’s the same with life. Whether you’re trying to switch careers, meet the right partner, or finish a novel, some shortcuts may help, but others may do more harm than good.

See Chris’s website for info on classes:
Advanced Plotting; Educational Publishing;
and You Can Write for Children, plus
developmental editing rates/recs.

I work with a lot of writing students. The beginners want to know if they’ll get published after taking one course. Nobody wants to spend 10 years learning how to write, but you need to do the work in order to earn the reward at the end. If you beg your friend to send your rough draft to her editor, you’ll blow your chance to make the best use of that connection. If you self publish your work before it’s ready, you’ll waste time that could be better spent working on your craft.

Sometimes the long, hard path is the only one that gets you where you want to go.

Whether Running or Writing, Push Yourself Sometimes

With enough practice, you should get better. When I started jogging, it was a struggle to go for 10 minutes without a break. Six months later, I could make it through 45 minutes without stopping.

Learn more about the Accidental Detective
humorous mystery series.

And then I plateaued. Jogging had become comfortable, if not easy. Why cause more pain by trying to go farther or faster?

Because that’s the only way to get better. And most likely, it’s the only way to stay interested. Fortunately, one of my jogging partners was great about coming up with new workouts. We added in some sprints one day, did hills another day. We chose different routes on different terrains. Variety keeps it interesting, which makes it easier to work hard.

With my writing, I find that I get bored if I become too comfortable with something. After publishing a dozen children’s books as Chris Eboch, I wanted a change. I started writing romantic suspense for adults, using the name Kris Bock. This brought new challenges – writing books two or three times as long as what I was used to, exploring romantic subplots, delving deeper into character. I didn’t always get things right the first time, but I became a better writer – and I renewed my interest in writing.

Are you a writer who runs? Join the Writers Who Run Facebook Group to meet up with like-minded folks and learn about events.

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at a museum of oddities.

Kris’s Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves. Learn more at her website or visit Kris Bock’s Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. (For other countries click here.)

Kris writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Find the books at major retailers.

Kris also writes romantic suspense set in the Southwestern U.S. If you love Mary Stewart or Barbara Michaels, try Kris Bock’s stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue in the Southwest. Learn more at www.krisbock.com or visit Kris Bock’s Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. (For other countries click here.) 

Bringing the Maya Golden Age to Life Through Historical Fiction in the Novel "The Well of Sacrifice" #books #history #kidlit

Historical fiction can open a door to the past. In The Well of Sacrifice, adventure backed by research creates the vivid world of the ancient Maya for young readers.

“Watching this unorthodox 12-year-old girl outwit a high priest, escape jail, rescue her sister and more makes for a fast-paced read. An author’s note describes the historical context for the tale.” – Publishers Weekly

The Well of Sacrifice immersed readers in the Maya world of the ninth century. The novel’s setting is a glorious city at the height of the Maya golden age. Readers see grand buildings, ceremonial spaces, and homes. They meet a society shaped by family, tradition, religious beliefs, political authority, and the rhythms of everyday life. These details bring the historical setting alive.

 At the same time, the book never loses sight of its adventure. When the king dies, the city becomes unstable. Great Skull Zero tries to seize control, and his plans place Eveningstar’s brother and other potential rivals in danger. Rituals, leadership, and social expectations help determine what Eveningstar can do and what she risks by resisting.

The novel includes 7 interior illustrations

A gripping plot can encourage questions: What pressures might cause a city or culture to change? When should you question authority? What would I do in Eveningstar’s place? How much should you risk to do what’s right? Fiction can inspire readers to learn more and think deeply.

The novel also offers a way to discuss how history is remembered. The Maya did not “vanish.” Eveningstar’s story focuses on people living through a period of crisis. The characters have ambitions, loyalties, fears, and hopes. They make choices within their own world.

For classrooms, The Well of Sacrifice can inspire conversations about historical evidence, cultural traditions, leadership, and the difference between fiction and nonfiction. Students can compare the novel’s setting with reliable historical sources. They can consider how a young narrator shapes the reader’s understanding of story events.

Most importantly, the book makes learning history an emotional experience. When readers care about Eveningstar’s family and city, the past becomes a place filled with people worth understanding.

“Blending rich historical detail with high-stakes adventure and the fascinating culture of the Mayan golden age creates a story that is both educational and impossible to put down. We used the book as the backbone of several language arts exercises... The students’ enthusiasm for this book pushed our curriculum into other disciplines including math." – 4th/5th grade Teacher review

The Well of Sacrifice: A Middle Grade Historical Adventure About The Maya is available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover. When the Mayan king dies, young Eveningstar finds herself at war with the evil high priest trying to take over. Blending rich historical detail with high-stakes adventure and the fascinating culture of the Mayan golden age creates a story that is both educational and impossible to put down.

Chris Eboch writes fiction and nonfiction for all ages, with over 100 books for children. Her novels for ages nine and up include The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy; The Eyes of Pharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; Bandits Peak, a survival story, and the Haunted series, which starts with The Ghost on the Stairs. See her Middle Grade Novels (for ages 8-12).

The Comfort of Small Rituals: Tea, Cats, and Starting Again at The Magical Cat Café and Teashop #books

Small rituals can make difficult days feel manageable. Sitting in a familiar chair. Watching a cat stretch in a patch of sunlight. These ordinary acts can provide the structure and calm we need when everything feels uncertain. 

In the world of The Magical Cat Café and Teashop, a cup of tea and a few quiet minutes become invitations to reconnect with yourself. The café offers its visitors time to notice and connect with the people around them. Nothing is rushed. 

A pause before the next step

A cozy setting does not erase the challenges its visitors face, but it lets people breathe. They can listen to themselves and consider possibilities that felt impossible while moving through the pressure of everyday life.

This is one reason tea appears so often in healing fiction. It takes time to prepare and time to enjoy. It asks us to notice the fragrance, savor the taste, and hold something warm in our hands. The ritual is simple, but it encourages presence.

Companionship without pressure

Cats offer another kind of comfort. Around them, people can be quiet. They can laugh at a sudden burst of play or relax into the steady sound of purring. 

In the café, this atmosphere helps people form friendships. Healing doesn't need perfect answers. It comes when people are present and willing to share their true selves.

Second chances begin small

The stories in the Cat Café remind us that small choices can lead to great growth. That is the quiet magic of this teashop: it makes room for beginnings.

The Magical Cat Café and Teashop is a heartwarming, cozy novel about finding family, healing, and home. Find it in ebook and print at all retailers.

Readers say: "A heartwarming story.” 

“What a sweet book!”

“This book made me smile many times.”

“This book is the absolute coziest! Cats, and tea with cakes and human connection.”

“I adore the connections and the utter sweetness of this tale. I'd love to visit for real...but I don't know if I would ever leave!” – Dawn 

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get short stories from the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic and Accidental Detective series plus other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats.

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and discovers winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.

In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works.

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

The Real-World Thrills Behind a New Mexico Treasure Hunt & Southwest Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense #books

The desert is more than a backdrop in Desert Gold. Its history, scale, and unpredictability help turn a legendary treasure hunt into a suspenseful adventure.

“Oh my wow! 
You’ve heard people say you gotta read this book...
well for this one, it’s true!! The story is worth the read
(not a page turner, but a page burner)
and the characters are awesome!” – Kathia 

Why the desert makes such a powerful setting

The New Mexico desert seems designed for mystery. Its wide-open spaces can make a person feel wonderfully free—or dangerously exposed. Canyons, rocky slopes, lonely dirt roads, and distant horizons create the perfect environment for a story about a hidden treasure and the people who would do anything to find it.
 
In Desert Gold, the setting is an active force in the story as Erin and her companions face the wilderness. The terrain demands attention. Weather can change quickly. Animals can create unexpected danger. Help may be far away when something goes wrong.
 
Legends that refuse to disappear

Stories of lost gold often blend history, rumor, conflicting accounts, and the enduring human belief that something valuable may still be waiting just beyond reach. Whether the Victorio Peak treasure is viewed as a historical puzzle or an irresistible adventure, the legend creates a strong emotional pull.
 
Erin approaches the mystery as a historian. She is interested in learning, not merely in the promise of wealth. But when she discovers a clue to the lost treasure, she becomes the target of ruthless treasure hunters. Her search takes her into the New Mexico wilderness with Drew, a helicopter pilot who rescued her, her brilliant best friend Camie, and a feisty orange cat.
 
Research, imagination, and suspense

This story started with an intriguing legend. Writing the novel meant clues must feel plausible. Characters have to face their fears. The landscape must be vivid enough for readers to picture, yet unpredictable enough to keep them uneasy. The danger has to emerge naturally from the setting and the villains. 

 
These elements helps make romantic suspense so satisfying. A story can offer the excitement of discovery while maintaining the pressure of danger. Erin is trying to solve a historical mystery, but she is also trying to survive. She must decide whom to trust, how far to pursue the truth, and whether the possibility of love is worth the risk of letting someone close.
 
The result is a treasure hunt with several layers: a legendary fortune, a dangerous wilderness, a historical puzzle, and a relationship tested by uncertainty. The desert may conceal the gold, but it also reveals character. Under its vast skies, there is nowhere to hide from fear, ambition, loyalty—or the truth.

If you like Indiana Jones-style adventure with a smart heroine, Southwest history, dangerous secrets, and a slow-burn romance, you’ll love Desert Gold. Erin and Drew’s treasure hunt leads deep into the New Mexico wilderness—and straight into danger.

Get six romantic suspense novels in one ebook “box set.” These are exclusive to Amazon for $12.99 (a $25 value) and free in Kindle Unlimited. Get it here! Or see each Romantic Suspense in the Southwest novel.

Readers say:

“…strong solid female characters in a rip-roaring mystery.”

“Fast, fun, romance and adventure.”

“Kept me on the edge of my chair.”

“Great balance of history, romance, and adventure. Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. She lives in New Mexico where she enjoys hiking with her spouse and playing with their ferrets.

In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. 

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Learn more at KrisBock.com. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get short stories from the Accidental Detective and the Reluctantly Psychic series, a cat café novella, a Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy story, and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Welcome to the Magical Cat Café: Where Every Patron Has a Story #books

A café with a little magic

Imagine opening the door to a small-town teashop and being greeted by the scent of steeping tea and fresh cake, along with the cats who know exactly who needs a little comfort. This is the setting of The Magical Cat Café and Teashop (Volume 2 out now), a place where everyday life and quiet magic share the same tables.

The café seems like the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys warm drinks and friendly felines. But it is also a refuge for people who need time, reassurance, or a chance to see their lives from a different angle. Customers may come in for a cup of tea, but they often leave with something more powerful: a new perspective, new friends, or the courage to take a next step.

The cats are part of the welcome

Rescued cats call the café home while they wait to be adopted. They offer affection and companionship. A cat settling beside someone can turn an awkward silence into a peaceful one. A cautious animal learning to trust can mirror the experience of a person doing the same. The cats are part of the café’s community, each one adding to its sense of safety and belonging.

Interconnected lives

Customers may enter alone, but their stories overlap. A chance encounter may turn into a lifelong friendship. A kind word may reach someone who needs it most. We rarely know all the ways our lives affect one another. A shared table, a thoughtful gesture, or a familiar face can become part of someone else’s turning point.

A place readers can return to

The Magical Cat Café offers more than escape. It offers recognition. Anyone who has needed a quiet corner, a sympathetic listener, or permission to begin again can find something familiar here.

Whether you come for the cats, the tea, the gentle magic, or the promise of healing connections, the café has a seat waiting.

The Magical Cat Café and Teashop is a heartwarming, cozy novel about finding family, healing, and home. Find it in ebook and print at all retailers. 

Readers of book 1 said: “What a sweet book!”

“This book made me smile many times.”

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get short stories from the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic and Accidental Detective series plus other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats.

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and discovers winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.

In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works.

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Why Cozy Stories Make Room for Healing & The Magical Cat Café and Teashop series, book 2 out today! #books

The best cozy fiction reminds us that healing can begin in small, ordinary moments—and if there's a cat nearby, so much the better. Visit The Magical Cat Café and Teashop series, book 2 out today!

A quiet place can change everything

Readers seek cozy stories when life feels overwhelming. These books offer friendly settings where people are allowed to slow down, be imperfect, and discover that they do not have to face everything alone.

In The Magical Cat Café and Teashop: Volume 2, that space is a small-town café where Greta, the mysterious owner, brings patrons tea and baked good that are just what they need in that moment, while rescued cats wander among the tables. 

The café is warm and welcoming, but its real magic comes when people pause long enough to connect. A conversation can start a friendship. A cat choosing someone’s lap makes the person feel special, wanted. A familiar place can make an uncertain future feel hopeful.

Healing isn't always dramatic

Cozy healing fiction understands that change often happens gradually, through small moments that may not seem important at first: showing up, telling the truth, accepting help, or simply allowing yourself to enjoy something.

In the interconnected stories of the Cat Café, each customer arrives with a different need. The café offers the conditions for change: kindness, patience, and a community that does not demand perfection.

The comfort of being welcomed

In cozy fiction, belonging does not have to be earned through achievement. You may be tired, lonely, uncertain. There is still a place for you at the table.

At The Magical Cat Café and Teashop, the cats may draw people through the door, and the tea may encourage them to stay, but connection is what makes the café special. Readers will find a gentle reminder here: You don't have to earn everything. The Magical Cat Café and Teashop is for anyone who needs a gentle reminder that they deserve comfort, too.

The Magical Cat Café and Teashop is a heartwarming, cozy novel about finding family, healing, and home. Find it in ebook and print at all retailers.

Readers of book 1 said: “This book is the absolute coziest! Cats, and tea with cakes and human connection.”

“I adore the connections and the utter sweetness of this tale. I'd love to visit for real...but I don't know if I would ever leave!” – Dawn 

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get short stories from the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic and Accidental Detective series plus other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats.

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and discovers winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.

In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works.

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Why the Best Treasure Hunts Are About More Than Gold: Southwest Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense #books

In Desert Gold, a legendary fortune draws everyone into the New Mexico wilderness—but the real discoveries are found in history, trust, and courage. 

The lure of the unknown

Treasure stories are magical. They promise adventure and a secret waiting to be uncovered. The lost Victorio Peak treasure gives Desert Gold that irresistible pull with a Spanish priest’s gold mine, riches stolen by bandits, and legends of an Apache raider. 

For Erin, the mystery begins as an intellectual challenge. As a history professor, she understands the importance of clues found through careful research. She wants to understand the past and determine whether she can interpret the evidence to find a real location. But history becomes dangerous when someone tries to kill her.

History under pressure

Old stories can inspire scholarship, obsession, greed, or violence, depending on who is listening. Erin’s knowledge gives her an advantage, but it also makes her a target. The closer she comes to finding the treasure, the more dangerous the search becomes.

The New Mexico desert is beautiful, vast, and unforgiving. A wilderness setting isn't simply scenery; it is part of the suspense. Sudden storms, wild animals, difficult terrain, and isolation all force Erin to act without the safety of familiar routines. Every mile deeper into the wilderness brings her closer to the answer—and farther from help.

Trust as its own kind of treasure

Erin’s relationship with Drew adds another layer to the mystery. He helps her when she's injured, but does he want to protect her or does he want the treasure for himself? Romantic suspense thrives on that uncertainty. Attraction may draw two people together, but trust must be earned through action.

Old stories can inspire scholarship, obsession, greed, or violence, depending on who is listening. Erin’s knowledge gives her an advantage, but it also makes her a target. The closer she comes to finding the treasure, the more dangerous the search becomes.

The New Mexico desert is beautiful, vast, and unforgiving. A wilderness setting isn't simply scenery; it is part of the suspense. Sudden storms, wild animals, difficult terrain, and isolation all force Erin to act without the safety of familiar routines. Every mile deeper into the wilderness brings her closer to the answer—and farther from help.

Trust as its own kind of treasure

Erin’s relationship with Drew adds another layer to the mystery. He helps her when she's injured, but does he want to protect her or does he want the treasure for himself? Romantic suspense thrives on that uncertainty. Attraction may draw two people together, but trust must be earned through action.

Erin also relies on Camie, her brainy and fearless best friend, whose presence brings humor, loyalty, and ingenuity to the journey. Then there's the feisty orange cat Tiger, who may be the bravest of them all. They are not simply racing toward gold; they are protecting one another, confronting fear, and discovering what they are willing to risk.

In Desert Gold, the gold may be legendary, but the deeper rewards are courage, friendship, and the possibility of love in the middle of a perilous adventure.

Get six romantic suspense novels in one ebook “box set.” These are exclusive to Amazon for $12.99 (a $25 value) and free in Kindle Unlimited. Get it here! Or see each Romantic Suspense in the Southwest novel.

Kris Bock writes romance and mystery with characters you’d like to know. In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. 

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. Readers say: “Lovely feel good story.”
“I can hardly wait for the next in this series.”
“I highly recommend this book. Kris has a winning series here.” 

 The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

Readers say: “I absolutely love this heartfelt series.”
“I loved this book so much and absolutely loved the concept of the café.”

“One of my favorite series of all time."

The Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novels follow the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. These are written by scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama, and his sister (me). 

Readers say: “Fun loving, laugh out loud read!!!!”

“Such a fun book to read! If you enjoyed Sweet Home Alabama this will be a treat.” 

Get an Accidental Detective humorous #mystery free at all ebook retailers! “Something Shady at Sunshine Haven by Kris Bock grabbed me from the first page to the last.” ~Novels Alive #books

In The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

With humor and high stakes, The Accidental Detective mysteries prove that danger and friendship don’t retire quietly.

Book 1, Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, is free this week at all retailers! 

War correspondent Kate Tessler has followed the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive going home?

Injured in a bombing, Kate returns to her hometown in Arizona to recover. For the first time in her life, she’s starting to feel her age (49), even though she’s living like a teenager again: staying with her father, trying to understand why her sister resents her so much, and running into people who still think of her as Kitty.

Seeing her mother in an Alzheimer’s unit is the hardest part – until an old friend asks her to investigate suspicious deaths at that nursing home. Is a self-appointed “Angel of Mercy” killing patients to end their suffering? Are family members hastening their inheritance? Is an employee extorting money and removing the witnesses? Kate uses her journalism skills to track clues, but the puzzle pieces simply won’t fit.

If Kate can’t uncover the truth, her mother could be next on the killer’s list.

“This is a remarkably enjoyable start to a brand new cozy mystery series.” ~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

“A great start to a new series... Readers will enjoy this new cozy mystery and eagerly wait for more sleuthing with Kate and the Coffee Shop Irregulars!” ~Reading is my Superpower

“This is a fast-paced book that keeps you thinking. It’s a great jump start for this new series. I will anxiously await the second book.” ~Socrates’ Book Reviews

“Something Shady at Sunshine Haven by Kris Bock grabbed me from the first page to the last.” ~Novels Alive

Learn more about the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series and get the links to all retailers, or go straight to Amazon. 

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. She lives in New Mexico where she enjoys hiking with her spouse and playing with their ferrets. 

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get a free novella set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, a printable copy of 22 recipes from the cat café novels, and short stories in the Accidental Detective and Reluctant Psychic worlds. Then every two weeks you’ll get fun content about animals, books, and more

In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mystery series, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works.

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn’t want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.

International Cat Day! Celebrate by cuddling your cats, reading about cats, and/or helping cat rescues. #internationalcatday #cats #catlovers #books #romance

International Cat Day takes place on 8 August of every year. It was started in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare as a way to raise awareness and teach ways to help and protect cats. Celebrate by cuddling your cats, reading about cats, and/or helping cat rescues. 

There are many local rescues and shelters doing great work in trying to reduce the population of feral pet animals, through Trap-Neuter-Release programs and finding homes for strays. They can always use donations, volunteers, foster families, and people to adopt.

The Magical Cat Café and Teashop: Fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop will find a new favorite healing story in this cozy novel about six people finding family, healing, and home. Find it at your preferred store or buy directly from my online shop.

Readers say: "A heartwarming story.” 
“What a sweet book!” 
“This book made me smile many times.” 
“This book is the absolute coziest! Cats, and tea with cakes and human connection.”

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Start the series for 99c with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café: Kari doesn’t have time for love when she’s opening her new cat café. But when a sexy master baker walks in, how can she resist?

Get a free novella, Lions and Love at the Cat Café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café,” a Tales of a Reluctant Psychic short mystery, and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.

The Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series stars a feisty orange cat named Tiger! Desert Gold follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In Valley of Gems, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In Silver Canyon, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle. See the Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series (only on Amazon).

Kris's other novels include the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series: a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? 

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. 

“This is a remarkably enjoyable start to a brand new cozy mystery series.” ~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

“A great start to a new series... Readers will enjoy this new cozy mystery and eagerly wait for more sleuthing with Kate and the Coffee Shop Irregulars!” ~Reading is my Superpower

In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. Readers say: “... one of the most vivid books I’ve ever read. Kris Bock doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it.” 

“This is exactly the kind of book I crave—tightly plotted, emotionally rich, and impossible to put down. Kris Bock blends murder, mystery, and psychic suspense seamlessly, and I’m obsessed.”

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. The series starts with Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium. Sign up for their romantic comedy newsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find the books on Amazon US or All E-book retailers.

Learn more at KrisBock.com. Sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter.