Meet the Main Characters in Snowflakes and Puppy Love

I thought you might like to know a little about the two main characters in Snowflakes and Puppy Love, one of the four novellas included in Pets Amore.S

Hi, I’m Brianna Kinney. I live in Juniper Falls, where I work for Robin Archer in her bookstore, Archer Books. Until last year, when Mount Avon School downsized, I taught third grade in Mount Avon. Although I miss teaching, and especially the kids, I love books and enjoy working for Robin.

My husband, Luke, died in an automobile accident on a slippery road two years ago. He had promised to bring me to Juniper Falls for their Snowflake Festival, held annually at the end of January. But that wasn’t to be. With no job and my husband gone, I found Robin’s ad for a clerk on the Juniper Falls website and moved here in September.

I’m twenty-seven and the oldest of three siblings. My brother moved away after he graduated from college, and my sister is in her senior year at college, so my parents are experiencing the “empty nest” syndrome. Mom and Dad want me to move back home. They worry about me. Although I miss Luke terribly, I’m fine living on my own.

Virginia Moore is my landlady in Juniper Falls. She’s cordial and kind but not the huggy type. My friend Alix Lin and I attend the same church, Juniper Falls Chapel. Alix is a bubbly fourth grade teacher at the elementary school. She loves discussing books and teaching, and we share our faith in Christ. She’s engaged and planning her wedding.

I also enjoy crafts, decorating, and baking cookies.

I’ve dated only once since becoming a widow, a date I never want to repeat. When a tall, blond, blue-eyed man enters the bookstore shortly before Christmas, he captures my attention. It’s the first time I’ve been seriously attracted to someone since Luke.

Robin calls the customer Cooper, and he buys books for Noah and Lexi at the request of Tessa. Assuming he’s married, I try to put him out of my mind.

After Christmas, I adopt a four-month-old puppy from the animal shelter. Cricket quickly nestles her way into my heart and life.

The Snowflake Festival is a community event which raises money for the county food pantries. It’s a great way to become involved in the community and meet people. I make some important discoveries about Cooper, and Cricket does a little matchmaking by being herself.

Valentine’s Day is coming. I’ll probably stay home with my dog and watch a romance movie on TV.

(I couldn’t find the right photo for Cooper Stiles. I think he might look a bit like actor Travor Donovan.)

I’m Coper Stiles, a Juniper Falls native. My brother Cole died overseas with the military. He and his wife named me as guardian to their children in their wills. I love Noah and Lexie, so I don’t mind caring for them. It’s hard for an uncle to be mother and father to two young children, but they’re good kids, and God is helping us.

I don’t go into Archer Books often because I usually buy my book online. But my sister-in-law, Tessa, insisted I buy books for Christmas for Noah and Lexie from her best friend, Robin Archer. Robin hadn’t told me about the new clerk she’d hired. I can hardly take my eyes off her and nearly forget why I came to the store.

However, I don’t have time for dating and romance. I promised Tessa I’d take care of Noah and Lexie while she fulfills an overseas commitment. My niece and nephew are my priority, along with my work as a carpenter and volunteer fireman. At 29, I’m a prime candidate for marriage, according to the well-meaning but nosey matchmakers in town. At one time, I thought I’d marry my college sweetheart. She married someone else. I’d love to have a family of my own, but I want to make my own choice in my own time.

The next time I meet Robin’s clerk, Brianna Kinney, is in the park during the Snowflake Festival at the end of January. Lexie immediately falls in love with her cute puppy, Cricket, and I feel myself falling for the puppy’s owner. With her puppy and obvious love for children, Brianna is hard to resist. She’s sweet, talented, and unforgettable. But I must keep my priorities in order.

I won’t ask anyone to my church’s sweetheart banquet the weekend before Valentine’s Day. There’s no one special, and I don’t want to set tongues wagging.

I wonder what Brianna is doing for Valentine’s Day?

If you haven’t read Pets Amore, I hope you will purchase a copy and enjoy all four unique novellas. I consider it a privilege to have shared this writing experience with Amy, Linda, and Heather.