Good morning from Heyward Beach, South Carolina. I’m Andi Grace Scott, and I’m sitting on my front porch with my faithful German shepherd, Sunny. The sun is rising over the Atlantic Ocean as I sip my first cup of get-up-and-go. Coffee, lovely coffee. My days begin early, and I do better by easing into the day. My little beach cottage is on the actual island which allows me to hear the waves crashing. There’s no place I’d rather live.
Nobody will ever accuse me of being a coffee purist. I believe my coffee should be enjoyed with flavored creamers and sugar. That’s right. I’m aware creamers come pre-sweetened, but there’s no harm in a little more sweetness. Today’s brew is mocha cappuccino.
My other indulgence is drinking Coke. Real Coke, and if it’s served in a glass bottle, it tastes even better. Don’t ask me why, it just does.
My thirtieth birthday looms on the horizon, but I’m not worried. My dog walking business is successful, and I have a vague idea of how it should grow.
What’s my day like? Working with dogs, no two days are alike because no two dogs are alike.
I start every day with a cup of Joe before beginning my rounds. My appointments happen in waves. Early mornings I check on dogs who have families out of town. Depending on how many I get to walk, I may stop by Daily Java before the second wave on my schedule. The coffee shop slash bakery is run by an old friend who uses recipes straight from France. Ooh, la, la.
There’s no denying I’m a dog lover. I’m paid to spend thirty minutes with each animal. This includes filling water bowls, walking, playing, and taking care of other business, if you know what I mean. Most days, I stay longer than the allotted time. I can’t get fired because I own the place, so why not?
On nice days, Sunny goes with me. She’s getting older though and doesn’t relish the rain and cold.
My last group of clients usually work second or third shift at one of the factories inland. For the families on vacation, I’m delighted to visit their pets as often as desired. A few times I’ve even agreed to let some dogs spend the night with me. It’s hard for me to say no to family, friends, and clients.
At the end of my work day, I spend time with either my siblings or my best friend. Cooking isn’t really my thing, but I can open a can of soup and easily fix a grilled cheese sandwich. Otherwise, I pick up a pizza or burger on my way home.
Sunny and I often take a short walk before going to bed, and I often fall asleep reading. If you ever visit Heyward Beach, look me up. I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee.
Bite the Dust is the first book in the NEW “Low Country Dog Walker” cozy mystery series, released February 28, 2020.
Secrets can be deadly.
One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.
Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either. . .not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.
If you love strong heroines, coastal small-town life, and dogs, you’ll love Bite the Dust.
Purchase Link
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About the author
Jackie’s earliest memories include visiting the local library. She enjoyed the opportunity to check out six books at a time from shelves of options. Her love of reading continued through her life, and she always dreamed of writing. One day while walking on Holden Beach, North Carolina she shared a vision for a story to her husband. He encouraged her to write it, and that was the beginning of her writing career. Since then she’s attended classes and conferences and studied the craft of writing.
To learn more about Jackie, visit her website at jackielaytoncozyauthor.com or on Facebook.
All comments are welcomed.
Congratulations, Jackie. Your book sounds like a lot of fun. A good friend runs a large dog walking business, so I hear details about it all the time.
Grace, thanks so much. I’d love to meet your friend one day and compare notes.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a great week!
Sounds like a great premise for a story, Jackie. Good luck and congratulations.
Thanks so much, Susan!
Oh, what fun to peek into the life of dog walker Andi Grace! Jackie, thank you for sharing this glimpse today. I’m looking forward to another visit to Heyward Beach and your next mystery stories.
Sherida,
I’m so glad you enjoyed Bite the Dust. Thanks for stopping by today and leaving an encouraging word!
Good morning, Jackie!
Andi Grace sounds like someone I’d love to spend my afternoon with.
I’ve always thought having a dog walking business would be fun, but then I remember images from tv that show someone walking like 10 dogs all at once all of whom are barking hysterically. Uh, maybe not…
Love the premise of this book.
Hi Connie,
It’s so great to see you here. I’m kinda klutzy and can imagine me losing control if I walked a lot of dogs at once.
More than once when I’ve walked my dog on a leash, we’ve had unleashed dogs run up to us, and I’ve been spinning in circles trying to rescue Heinz from a bigger dog. Haha. It gives meaning to increasing your heart rate while exercising. Dogs are a lot of fun, and I think they help us remember to have fun.
Yes! I thought that was just me.
I have trouble enough with just one dog. I can imagine a client telling me, “Uh, you’re not that good at this. You know that, right?” LOL.
Enjoyed hearing more about Bite the Dust and looking forward to reading your next book!
I’d love that cup of mocha on the beach and please bring along Sunny! German Shepherds are my favorite breed!
Hi Sharee, one cup of mocha on the beach and our dogs. Sounds like a perfect day! We’ll have to do it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Love this glimpse of your character, and the setting, Jackie. I have ancestors that came from South Carolina and would love to visit someday. Your book sounds so interesting. Looking forward to reading it!
Thanks Laura. I hope you enjoy Bite the Dust.
South Carolina has been my home for three years, and it’s a lovely place to live. I hope you get to visit.
Thanks for stopping by!
Coffee, a German Shepherd named Sunny, a beach, and a mystery…what more could a person want!?! I love this! Congratulations, Jackie!
Thanks so much Rhonda!
I love it, Jackie! Not only do I want to BE your heroine sipping latte’s with an ocean view, you know how much I LOVE mysteries. And dogs! Not necessarily in that order.
I popped right over and bought your book! Can’t wait to read it, my friend! Great job!
Yvonne,
Thanks for your kind words, and thanks for buying Bite the Dust. I hope you enjoy it!
Sitting on the beach with a dog by your side – sounds like the perfect morning to me. I love this and I’m thrilled to read a Christian cozy.
I can’t wait for book two to release.
Hi Terri,
Thanks so much. The second book should release this summer.
Thanks for stopping by!
Dru, thanks so much for hosting me today. I had so much fun visiting with readers, and it’s been a great day.
Stay safe my friends!
Thank you.
Sounds amazing. Best of luck with this new series.
Thank you Cynthia!
Yikes!! I’m 2 days behind but still wanted to say what a great post, and a GREAT book, Jackie! I read this and thoroughly enjoyed it (and I don’t read many cozy mysteries, but am glad I read this one!).
Looking forward to seeing many more books with YOUR name on the cover!!
Patti Jo, you are so nice. I’m glad you enjoyed Bite the Dust. Thanks for stopping by!