Zoe Donovan's New Year's Resolution by Kathi Daley

Jan 1, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Alaskan AllianceHi, my name is Zoe Donovan. I am a 25 year old newly engaged woman who lives in the quaint hamlet of Ashton Falls. Every year I make exactly 5 New Year’s Resolutions. No more, no less. My fiancé Zak thinks my adherence to this rule a bit odd, but more than 5 makes it seem like I’m reaching for the stars giving me a reason to give up entirely, and less that 5 makes me feel like a slacker.

So here goes:
1) I resolve not to let my mom drive me crazy with wedding planning. (Seriously, everyone complains about bridezilla’s but no one mentions momzillas. My mother wants to take me to Paris to buy a wedding dress. Paris!!! Who in their right mind flies halfway around the world to buy a dress? Zak says that I should do my wedding my way which I assure you does not include a trip to Paris. I wonder if I can buy a wedding dress on Amazon. No muss, no fuss, plus free shipping for Prime members.

2) I resolve to keep my nose out of others peoples business. As long as it doesn’t concern me. Or intrigue me. Or provide a distraction when nothing is on television.

3) Speaking of television, I resolve to watch less TV. Unless either American Idol or Dancing with the Stars is on. Or Kitchen Wars. And of course it would be un-American not to watch Duck Dynasty. And you never know when the survival skills you might pick up on Survivor, or relationship tips you might gleam from Big Brother, will come in handy.

4) Speaking of relationship skills, I resolve not to be so jealous. Or needy. Or possessive. Okay, maybe jealousy is a given but I will not to jump to conclusions. Of course there are times when you need only take a tiny little step and there conclusions are, no jumping required.

5) And finally, I resolve not to let more than one homicidal maniac almost kill me this year. Last year? Well I don’t know that we need to discuss numbers but suffice it to say it was more than five.

You can read more about Zoe in Alaskan Alliance, the 12th book in the “Zoe Donovan” mystery series, published by Kathi Daley. The first book in the series is Halloween Hijinks.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on January 8 for the chance to win either a print or kindle copy of ALASKAN ALLIANCE. The print giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The kindle copy is open to everyone.

Meet the author
Kathi Daley lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and Bernese mountain dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn’t writing, she likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese), and garden (planting and planning, not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she’s not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.

Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Stay up to date with her newsletter, The Daley Weekly. There’s a link to sign up on both her Facebook page and her website, or you can access the sign-in sheet at: http://eepurl.com/NRPDf

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74 Comments

  1. Ruth Nixon
    Ruth Nixon on January 1, 2015 at 1:08 am

    Love this pair and would love to win this book. Kathi Daley is a very favorite author.

  2. Valerie Consoer
    Valerie Consoer on January 1, 2015 at 1:30 am

    This sounds really good!!!

  3. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on January 1, 2015 at 2:16 am

    This sounds like fun.

  4. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on January 1, 2015 at 4:26 am

    Love Kathi’s characters! Sounds like another awesome book!

  5. Gram
    Gram on January 1, 2015 at 5:53 am

    Love AK and would love to read this book.

  6. Linda
    Linda on January 1, 2015 at 6:13 am

    Please enter me for a copy of your newest book.It’s a wonderful series.

  7. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on January 1, 2015 at 7:15 am

    thank you for the chance to win 🙂

  8. mary robinson
    mary robinson on January 1, 2015 at 8:08 am

    Sounds like another great story! Would love to win this! Thanks!

  9. CCulp
    CCulp on January 1, 2015 at 8:19 am

    Thank you for opportunity to win. I love to read and always enjoy KD books.

  10. Barbara daley
    Barbara daley on January 1, 2015 at 8:37 am

    I can totally relate to Zoe’s resolutions. Girl after my own heart. Love this series, and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. Happy new Year!

  12. Christi King
    Christi King on January 1, 2015 at 10:01 am

    I would love to add this book to my Kathi Daley collection!

  13. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on January 1, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Sounds like a fun read.

  14. marylouh
    marylouh on January 1, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Love the series. Thanks for the chance to get this one.

  15. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on January 1, 2015 at 10:53 am

    When I was reading the list of resolutions I had to laugh at the momzilla comments. My daughter just got married last October-was I that bad? (I don’t think so-definitely no trip to Paris for a wedding gown!) This book sounds like a fun cozy, and a new author for me to explore! Thanks for the chance to enter the contest.
    Happy New Year!

  16. Tracy Melhinch
    Tracy Melhinch on January 1, 2015 at 11:18 am

    Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

  17. kaitcarson
    kaitcarson on January 1, 2015 at 11:27 am

    Laughed out loud at the Amazon wedding dress. Actually, it sounds like a great idea to me. And Alaska is so much nicer than Paris. The book sounds great, definitely on my TBR.

  18. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on January 1, 2015 at 11:42 am

    I was married not quite 20 years ago. Being the only daughter my wedding was my mother’s wedding. Needless to say by the day of my wedding I was a mass of nerves and my mother and my relationship was strained. I hope when my daughter ever gets married I am not that way.

  19. sallycootie
    sallycootie on January 1, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Always love more Zoe! You can always expect some fun and a good mystery. On my TBR of course.

  20. Linda MH
    Linda MH on January 1, 2015 at 11:45 am

    I love Zoe and her friends. Thanks for the chance to win.

  21. Kay
    Kay on January 1, 2015 at 11:50 am

    I have resolved to have no resolutions just gratitudes and I am very grateful for a chance to win what is sure to be a fun read.

  22. Brooke
    Brooke on January 1, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Thank you for the chance to win! I love Zoe and all of Kathi’s characters and stories. My resolution for the year is to read more and to complete my first 5k with my 12 year old daughter. 🙂

  23. Michele Gray
    Michele Gray on January 1, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I love Kathis books. Thanks for the chance. My new year’s resolution is to eat healthier and more organic foods.

  24. Dawn Frazier
    Dawn Frazier on January 1, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    I love this series!

  25. Sue C
    Sue C on January 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Love these books.

  26. Patricia Havard
    Patricia Havard on January 1, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    Love that you include people outside US in your giveaways! Happy New Year.

  27. Victoria
    Victoria on January 1, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    Don’t you want to live Zoe’s life?

  28. Marsha
    Marsha on January 1, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    I love Kathi and Zoe. I would love to win and add to my collection. Thanks for the giveaway.

  29. Teri Fish
    Teri Fish on January 1, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    Love this series. Kathi Daley is a great writer.

  30. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on January 1, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Good luck with those resolutions!

  31. cherylbbookblog
    cherylbbookblog on January 1, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    What a wonderful book that I need to read!

  32. Lynn
    Lynn on January 1, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    Sounds like a good read and a new series for me to start.

  33. Liz Caldwell
    Liz Caldwell on January 1, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    I’ve been getting caught up on this series and can’t wait to read this!

  34. Karen Durban
    Karen Durban on January 1, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    I would love to win this book

  35. Catherine Bogert
    Catherine Bogert on January 1, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Would love to read this.

  37. Debbie S
    Debbie S on January 1, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Love the resolutions but I think number 2 will be thrown right out the window, otherwise it would be the end of the series, LOL
    Thanks for the chance to win.

  38. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on January 1, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    It sounds like a great story. I really like the Alaskan setting. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

  39. Jill George
    Jill George on January 1, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    I would love to read this book sounds good and I have been wanting to start this series

  40. Patti Smith
    Patti Smith on January 1, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    Sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win.

  41. Becky Prazak
    Becky Prazak on January 1, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    Look forward to the continuing story of
    Zoe and Zak.

  42. Sharon Forrest
    Sharon Forrest on January 1, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    Sounds great! Happy New Year!

  43. Margaret R.
    Margaret R. on January 1, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    Love this series

  44. Sharon Baker
    Sharon Baker on January 1, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    I love to read. Now that I am retired I can read more than e er. Just need to get the books.

  45. Wanda downs
    Wanda downs on January 1, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    Love to read. My favorite past time

  46. Vicki Skidmore
    Vicki Skidmore on January 1, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    I love the voice of this author – this series is new to me so I’d love the chance to win a copy (kindle, as I’m in Australia, where we are starved of great cozy mystery series!!)

  47. Betty Escobar
    Betty Escobar on January 1, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    sounds interesting, would love to win

  48. candace knight
    candace knight on January 1, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    I love these books. Thank you

  49. Tammy Knisley
    Tammy Knisley on January 1, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    Love the Zoe Donovan series! Kathi Daley is a wonderful author! Excited to see what the year 2015 has in store for all us readers and fans.

  50. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on January 1, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Zoe’s resolutions sound perfect to me, especially #5. I’m adding that one to my list too. I love this series & would like to have this volume. #HappyNewYears #crossedfingers

  51. Jen
    Jen on January 1, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    This book sounds like a delightful read. Thank you for the giveaway! Please enter me in the contest. 🙂

  52. Pat Walker Pinkston
    Pat Walker Pinkston on January 2, 2015 at 12:59 am

    Sounds like a great book. Your resolutions are great, especially number 5.

  53. Melody Gonser
    Melody Gonser on January 2, 2015 at 1:23 am

    I love Zoe’s New Years resolutions. She sounds like a kick in the butt.
    I see myself in some of those. Thank you for your giveaway.
    Iamshortanote@yahoo.com

  54. bookwoman
    bookwoman on January 2, 2015 at 2:09 am

    Love the resolutions. Let’s see if you can keep them, esp #5

  55. cmgren
    cmgren on January 2, 2015 at 8:28 am

    My kind of read. Love Kathi’s books.

  56. holdenj
    holdenj on January 2, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    I would love to read more about Zoe in this new to me series. Thanks!

  57. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on January 2, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    This sounds like a great read.

  58. noreen sullivan
    noreen sullivan on January 2, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    HAVE LOVED EVERY BOOK SO FAR.

  59. Yifat
    Yifat on January 2, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    Would love to win this. Just found this author recently and loving the books. Thanks.

  60. Ruth Lyons Mazur
    Ruth Lyons Mazur on January 2, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    I love all of Zoe’s Resolutions – it sounds like she has quite a year ahead of her. This book sounds exciting and a real page turner! I’m new to Kathi’s books, so I have a lot of catching up to do! If I’m lucky enough to win, it’s going to be a gift for a dear friend. Thank you, Dru and Kathi.

  61. Annette
    Annette on January 2, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    I like Zoe Donovan, a lot. I have read a few of the books in this series and want to read more. I hope I win a copy to download on my kindle.

  62. Karen Durban
    Karen Durban on January 3, 2015 at 9:15 am

    I would love to win this book!

  63. bn100
    bn100 on January 3, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    cute cover

  64. Catherine Bogert
    Catherine Bogert on January 4, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    Would love this!

  65. kayk597
    kayk597 on January 4, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Sounds terrific. Too many books and no time to sleep.

  66. jagjhd
    jagjhd on January 4, 2015 at 10:26 pm

    Got a lot of catching up to do with this series, but I am willing.

  67. margo sue
    margo sue on January 5, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Looking forward to the next installment

  68. Michelle Fidler
    Michelle Fidler on January 6, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    I love mysteries with animals. Look at the dog with the antlers on the cover!

  69. Patricia Allen
    Patricia Allen on January 6, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Looks like a fun read, I would love to win a copy.

  70. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on January 7, 2015 at 2:30 am

    I love Kathi’s Books and I don’t have this one…
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

  71. Daniele K
    Daniele K on January 7, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Sounds like a fun read.

  72. Kelly Pfister
    Kelly Pfister on January 7, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Looks like a great read!

  73. carolyninjoy
    carolyninjoy on January 8, 2015 at 1:46 am

    This sounds intriguing. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  74. Dru
    Dru on January 8, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    contest is closed.