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Bailey’s 8 Simple Rules for Being a Good Dog

Who better to tell you about being a good dog than Bailey? He’s lived a lot of lives, and looked after and loved a lot of different humans. We at Forge were lucky enough to get some exclusive advice from the angel dog himself. So grab your dogs and read (or bark) aloud Bailey’s 8 Simple Rules for Being a Good Dog. After all, every human needs a dog―and every dog needs their human.

Also, get excited for the paperback release of A Dog’s Promise by W. Bruce Cameron, available now wherever books are sold!


Rule Number One: always listen to your human.

Sometimes a situation is just begging for you to run around and play, such as being outside in the day, or being inside in the day, or being somewhere at night.  But then your human tells you to Sit or Stay. Yes, this is very strange to a dog, but in my many lives, I have learned that a good dog doesn’t question a person’s reasons for anything.

Placeholder of  -50Rule Number Two: Learn your commands.

When you are listening to your human (Rule Number One!) you’ll hear things like Sit, Stay, Drop It, or Fetch.  You are expected to know what to do.  For example, Fetch means “it’s time to chase the ball and bring it back so you can chase it again!”  (This works equally well for sticks, but not for something like cats.)  But Stay means, “For some reason it’s not time to chase anything!  Wait there for what will seem like forever!”  Just learn to do what you’re told and everyone will know you’re a good dog, and you will get a treat.

Rule Number Three: Be the best dog you can be.

Your human won’t always know why you’re doing what you’re doing. “Humans can do amazing things, but they don’t always understand what is going on with dogs.” That is okay. Just keep being a dog, and they will love you.

Rule Number Four: Humans are confusing.

Sometimes humans are confusing. In one life, my boy had many friends and they were all very nice to me. “You can pet him, but please don’t give him any treats,” my boy often said. Yet despite saying the word “treats” over and over, no one ever gave me any. But if you want to be a good dog, you can’t get upset about such bizarre behavior.  A lot of people don’t even carry treats with them!

Rule Number Five: “Some things happen that even a dog can’t fix.”

When a person goes away and does not ever come back, your humans will be sad, and they will want to sit and speak softly. They will not want dogs to try and cheer them up by dumping a squeaky toy in their laps. That is okay. Sometimes, the best thing a dog can do is just be there.

Rule Number Six: Don’t mark your territory inside.

Humans do not like it when you mark your territory inside their house. I think this is because it is their territory, even though they mark it differently.  If you’re a big dog, you’ll notice that humans will mark in your water bowl.

Rule Number Seven: Don’t run away from a bath.

Baths may not be fun, but you should still let your human clean you. Otherwise, they will hold their noses and they will not cuddle with you—even if you have just rolled in something dead and smell wonderful!

Ruler Number Eight: Love your human.

Always remember: a dog’s ultimate purpose is to be with their people, and to love them.  Do this, and you will be a good dog.

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5 Great Book Club Picks

5 Great Book Club Picks

By Jennifer McClelland-Smith

There’s never a bad time for book club. Whether your book club is more of a wine club or a snacks club or a fun and friendship club, the camaraderie that comes with a group of people reading the same book and talking it out is unmatched. We’ve rounded up some of our Forge book club favorites that all have reading group guides. They’re perfect for getting the conversation going and offering ways to go deeper into these meaty books.


Place holder  of - 33Remembrance by Rita Woods
Remembrance is one of those books it’s impossible NOT to talk about. It takes you on a journey throughout the country and the ages telling the story of an elderly woman in the present, a slave in 1791 Haiti and an escaped slave in New Orleans in 1857. There are elements of magic that make this a rich book experience like no other. Find the reading group guide here!

Image Placeholder of - 58Father of Lions by Louise Callaghan
Animal lovers and people interested in Middle East politics will be equally captivated by Father of Lions. Louise Callaghan is Middle East Correspondent for the Sunday Times and her take on this incredible story of a zookeeper and the measures he takes to save his animals in the wake of the Iraq War is a truly thrilling read. Find the reading group guide here!

Poster Placeholder of - 8The Devil’s Half Mile by Paddy Hirsch
Fans of thrillers and historical fiction should look no further than this book, set in 1799 New York City. Dealing with the fallout of a financial crisis, racial tensions and corrupt financiers, The Devil’s Half Mile feels almost contemporary. Young lawyer Justy Flanagan is on the hunt for his father’s killer and the twists and turns he faces will keep you on the edge of your seat. Find the reading group guide here!

Image Place holder  of - 78Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
If your book club loves nothing more than a cozy read, Midnight at the Blackbird Café is the perfect choice. It’s a sweet Southern story about a girl who returns to the small town where her mother grew up with a magical twist. There are quirky characters, heartwarming romance and enough pie recipes to make your mouth water. Do NOT read this on an empty stomach! Find the reading group guide here!

Placeholder of  -63A Dog’s Promise by W. Bruce Cameron
Dog lovers and book lovers alike know Bruce Cameron is the best choice for an uplifting canine read. This third book in the Dog’s Purpose series continues the story of Bailey and introduces us to Lacey, another very good dog. No one can write the soul of a dog quite like Bruce. And the way these two pups unite a fractured family gives readers plenty to howl about. Find the reading group guide here!

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5 Audiobooks to Add to your Reading Life

5 Audiobooks to Add to your Reading Life

By Sarah Pannenberg

Audiobooks are a great way of getting more reading time out of your day! Whether you’re cooking, taking a walk, crafting, or just relaxing on your couch, you can have an audiobook on in the background to keep you company. Here are some Forge audiobooks that we love, as well as an audio excerpt of each for your listening enjoyment!


Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, read by the authors

Karen

Georgia

Image Placeholder of - 96You’ve listened to the podcast, fell in love with the book, now it’s time to listen again! The audiobook is narrated by Karen and Georgia themselves, and it brings all the familiar personality and humor that you’re used to hearing in the My Favorite Murder podcast. The audiobook also has special features that you won’t get from the book, including guest appearances from Paul Giamatti and sections recorded in front of a live audience.


Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk, read by Raphael Corkhill and Marisa Calin

Image Place holder  of - 55If you’re looking for a long, immersive audiobook to keep you busy at home, look no further than Nottingham! This historical epic is 25 hours long, and it will keep you entertained for every second. It’s a spin on the myth of Robin Hood, and narrators Raphael Corkhill and Marisa Calin give life to all the merry men and other characters in Nottingham Castle. If you want a Game of Thrones type of saga with less magic and dragons, you’ll love this story.


A Dog’s Promise by W. Bruce Cameron, read by William Dufris

Place holder  of - 61For all the dog lovers out there who need a heart-warming listen, dive into another adventure with Bailey the dog! Ever wondered what your dog was thinking? Narrator William Dufris gives voice to Bailey and makes you feel like you’re in the head of your furry friend. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll definitely want to keep your tissues nearby!


Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber, read by Stephanie Willis, Bethany Lind & Nicholas Techosky

Poster Placeholder of - 16The multicast performance of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe brings this mystical Southern novel to life. The group paints a beautiful audio picture that you will feel like you’re transported to the small town of Wicklow. There are a lot of mentions of delicious food, so this would be the perfect audiobook to listen to while baking or cooking!


The Murder List by Hank Phillippi Ryan, read by Angela Dawe

Placeholder of  -26For those who need something more thrilling to keep them busy, listen to an audiobook from the master of the legal thriller, Hank Phillippi Ryan! The Murder List is a standalone novel that follows law student Rachel North, who is committed to justice and doing the right thing but is faced with lies, manipulation, and a harrowing legal triangle. This book has twists and turns that will keep you guessing, and Angela Dawe’s narration adds the perfect element of suspense to the story!

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Holiday Gifts for Every Reader

Happy New Release Day! Here’s what went on sale today.

By His Own Hand by Neal Griffin

Poster Placeholder of - 13 The body of a young man has been found in the woods outside Newberg, dead from a close-range shotgun blast. The gun—his own—lies beside the body.

Certain things don’t add up for Detective Tia Suarez. Where did the fat envelope of cash in his pocket come from? Who called the police to report the body, then disappeared before the cops arrived?

Head On by John Scalzi

Image Place holder  of - 34 Hilketa is a frenetic and violent pastime where players attack each other with swords and hammers. The main goal of the game: obtain your opponent’s head and carry it through the goalposts. With flesh and bone bodies, a sport like this would be impossible. But all the players are “threeps,” robot-like bodies controlled by people with Haden’s Syndrome, so anything goes. No one gets hurt, but the brutality is real and the crowds love it.

Until a star athlete drops dead on the playing field.

NEW IN PAPERBACK

Avengers of the Moon by Allen Steele

Place holder  of - 36 Curt Newton has spent most of his life hidden from the rest of humankind, being raised by a robot, an android, and the disembodied brain of a renowned scientist. Curt’s innate curiosity and nose for trouble inadvertently lead him into a plot to destabilize the Solar Coalition and assassinate the president. There’s only one way to uncover the evil mastermind—Curt must become Captain Future.

The Guns Above by Robyn Bennis

Placeholder of  -22 They say it’s not the fall that kills you.

For Josette Dupre, the Corps’ first female airship captain, it might just be a bullet in the back.

On top of patrolling the front lines, she must also contend with a crew who doubts her expertise, a new airship that is an untested deathtrap, and the foppish aristocrat Lord Bernat, a gambler and shameless flirt with the military know-how of a thimble.

Night Magic by Jenna Black

Image Placeholder of - 48 Philadelphia is locked in the grip of an evil magic that transforms its streets into a nightmare landscape the minute the sun sets each night. While most of the city hunkers down and hopes to survive the long winter nights, Becket Walker is roaming the darkened streets having the time of her life.

Once, the guilt of having inadvertently let the night magic into the city—and of having killed her onetime best friend—had threatened to destroy her. But now she’s been Nightstruck, and all her grief and guilt and terror have been swept away—along with her conscience. So what if she’s lost her friends, her family, and her home? And so what if her hot new boyfriend is super-controlling and downright malevolent?

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The Atrocities by Jeremy C. Shipp

When Isabella died, her parents were determined to ensure her education wouldn’t suffer.

But Isabella’s parents had not informed her new governess of Isabella’s… condition, and when Ms Valdez arrives at the estate, having forced herself through a surreal nightmare maze of twisted human-like statues, she discovers that there is no girl to tutor.

Or is there…?

NEW IN MANGA

Monster Girl Doctor Vol. 2 Story by Yoshino Origuchi; Art by z-ton

Spirit Circle Vol. 3 Story and art by Satoshi Mizukami

Holiday Gifts for Every Reader

By Jennifer McClelland-Smith

When you were a kid, the holidays were simple. You got a gift for you family members, and maybe a gift for you bestie. Now you’ve got to get gifts for you family, bestie(s), close friends, and do those acquaintances deserve a gift, too? Probably. If there’s a significant other in the picture, well, they definitely need a gift, plus their family and friends, and don’t even get me started on coworkers…Figuring out who you need to get gifts for is a headache. But add in the pressure of figuring out what to get for everyone? Ugh, forget about it.

Fear not! Forge is here to help. Not with figuring out who in your life you need to give a gift to, you’re still on your own there. But when it comes to deciding what to buy for everyone, we’ve got your back. Our handy list of holiday gifts for every reader will definitely save you some shopping time!

Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber

For that friend who owns the comfiest robes, softest cookies and heartiest teas, invite them into this cozy read. Anna Kate returns to small-town Alabama to settle her grandma’s estate and finds herself drawn to quirky townspeople and the magic that abounds. Have snacks close by as you read… the descriptions of the scrumptious offerings of the Blackbird Cafe will be enough to keep every reader’s mouth watering.

48 Hours by William Forstchen

Got a survivalist on your list? Look no further than 48 Hours, the latest from William R. Forstchen, the master of apocalyptic potboilers. A huge solar storm shuts down the electrical grid and threatens humanity itself. A group of ordinary Americans band together to save humanity. It’s an unputdownable page-turner that will set your mind reeling.

 

Darkness at Chancellorsville by Ralph Peters

For your resident Civil War enthusiast…Take a front-row seat for one of the war’s most surprising battles. Ralph Peters is one of the top historical fiction writers out there, and this extensively researched and enthralling epic shows why. Get a fresh perspective on the battle that almost ended the Civil War and trace the steps that led Confederate general Robert E. Lee to embark on the Gettsyburg Campaign.

 

Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Sure, this is the obvious choice for your Murderino friend, but Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered is a great read for anyone looking for a fun, funny read full of advice only your older sister could give you. It’s a memoir disguised as a life manual. It’ll have you laughing until you cry. And crying while you laugh. And every combination of laughing and crying you can imagine.

 

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk

Fill that Game of Thrones-sized hole in your favorite reader’s life with this fresh spin on the myth of Robin Hood. You’ll get to know his merry men and all of the characters that haunt Nottingham Castle in a whole new light. You think you know what to expect, but the twists and thrills in this study of power will keep those pages turning all the way through the thrilling conclusion.

 

A Dog’s Promise by W. Bruce Cameron

If you’ve got a dog-lover on your list, you’re no doubt familiar with the heartwarming works of W. Bruce Cameron. A Dog’s Promise is the follow-up to the wildly popular A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey, both major motion pictures! It’s a new tale of Bailey, a very good dog who is joined by Lacey, another very special dog. Together, they show the love and loyalty only our canine friends can offer.

 

Empire of Lies by Raymond Khoury

It’s a time travel book. It’s an alternate history. It’s a sweeping thriller like you’ve never read before. If you’ve got a reader on your list who loves a book that will keep them thinking, this is the one. Set in a world where the Ottoman Empire conquered Europe in 1683, it’s a race through time for a member of the Sultan’s secret police force and the mysterious tattooed stranger he encounters. It’s a race through time to save the world, or destroy it.

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Listen to an Audiobook Excerpt of A Dog’s Promise by W. Bruce Cameron!

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Image Place holder  of - 71A Dog’s Promise continues the story of Bailey, the good dog whose journey started in A Dog’s Purpose and continued in A Dog’s Journey (both major motion pictures). This time, Bailey is joined by Lacey, another very special dog, who helps Bailey fulfill his promise over the course of several lives.

This charming, wise canine soul brings joy, laughter, and comfort as he unites a family fractured by life’s inevitable obstacles. The love and loyalty of these two memorable dogs shows us the incredible power of hope, truth, and unending devotion in this moving novel by award-winning author W. Bruce Cameron.

A Dog’s Promise is available now. Please enjoy the following excerpt from the audiobook, narrated by William Dufris.

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Order Your Copy:

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On the Road: Tor/Forge Author Events in November

Your favorite Tor/Forge authors are hitting the road in November! See who’s coming to a city near you this month.

Alison Wilgus, Chronin, Volume 2: The Sword in Your Hand

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Thursday, November 7
Kinokinuya Books
New York, NY
6:00 PM

Shannon Price, A Thousand Fires

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Saturday, November 9
Books Inc Campbell
Campbell, CA
4:00 PM

Jenn Lyons, The Name of All Things

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Thursday, November 7
Half Price Books
Dallas, TX
6:00 PM

Friday, November 8
Poisoned Pen
Scottsdale, AZ
7:00 PM

Sunday, November 10
Mysterious Galaxy
San Diego, CA
4:00 PM

Monday, November 11
University Bookstore
Seattle, WA
5:00 PM

Kel Kade, Fate of the Fallen

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Thursday, November 7
Half Price Books
Dallas, TX
6:00 PM

Friday, November 8
Poisoned Pen
Scottsdale, AZ
7:00 PM

Sunday, November 10
Mysterious Galaxy
San Diego, CA
4:00 PM

Monday, November 11
University Bookstore
Seattle, WA
5:00 PM

Hank Phillippi Ryan, The Murder List

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Saturday, November 2
Bouchercon
Dallas, TX
2:30 PM

Saturday, November 16
Holiday Inn, New Orleans Airport
Metairie, LA
8:30 AM

Paddy Hirsch, Hudson’s Kill

Saturday, November 16
Camarillo AAUW Author’s Luncheon
Ventura, CA
10:00 AM

W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Promise

Saturday, November 9
Horizon Books
Traverse City, MI
12:00 PM

Tuesday, November 12
Riverstone Books
Pittsburgh, PA
7:00 PM

Saturday, November 16
Changing Hands
Tempe, AZ
7:00 PM

Sue Burke, Interference

Thursday, November 21
Mages & Quinn
Minneapolis, MN
7:00 PM

Naomi Kritzer, Catfishing on CatNet

Mages & Quinn
Minneapolis, MN
7:00 PM

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Catch Up on W. Bruce Cameron’s A Dog’s Purpose Series

Catch Up on W. Bruce Cameron’s A Dog’s Purpose Series

By Patrick Canfield

Image Place holder  of - 77In W. Bruce Cameron’s bestselling, joyous novel, A Dog’s Purpose, we are introduced to one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lifetimes. Bailey is a rambunctious puppy whose search for meaning leads him into the loving arms of an eight-year-old boy named Ethan. Through the good times and the bad, as Ethan grows up, gets and loses a girlfriend, and eventually leaves for college, Bailey discovers what it means to be a good dog to his boy.

But this is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn again as a puppy—this time, a GIRL—Bailey wonders – will he ever find his purpose? After an exciting life as a search and rescue dog, Bailey uses the skills he’s learned over the course of his lives to return home once more to his boy, Ethan, and reunite him with a long lost love. Bailey is sure that he has found and fulfilled his purpose.

Placeholder of  -20When A Dog’s Journey picks up, however, Bailey is certain that a curious baby named Clarity is in need of a dog of her own. Reborn again as a puppy, Bailey realizes that he has a new destiny. Adopted by Clarity, now a troubled teenager, Bailey is there to protect, cheer, rescue, and love Clarity as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence.

When they’re suddenly separated, Bailey will stop at nothing to return to her side, supporting her when she needs it most and sharing in her darkest moments and greatest joys. Having fulfilled his purpose here on earth, once again, Bailey returns to the golden shores, where he sees his beloved people once more.

Poster Placeholder of - 4Is this the end of Bailey’s purpose? Or does he still have promises left to keep? To find out what’s next for Bailey, pick up a copy of A Dog’s Promise on October 15!

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What’s Coming from W. Bruce Cameron?

What’s Coming from W. Bruce Cameron?

By Jennifer McClelland-Smith

There’s a reason W. Bruce Cameron is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. His heartwarming books have touched the hearts of readers all over the world and the film adaptations have done the same. Thus, we’re happy to share that Cameron has plenty more books on the way for readers of all ages!

Here’s what’s coming up soon for all you Cameron fans!

A Dog’s Promise

Image Placeholder of - 57Bailey superfans rejoice! The beloved pup from A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey is back and this time he’s joined by Lacey, another very special dog. Both dogs display unwavering loyalty as they endeavor to keep a family together with lots of love, laughs and treats! You’ll have all the doggy feels that you expect from this inspiring series. A Dog’s Promise goes on sale on October 15, but you can preorder now!

Lily’s Story

Poster Placeholder of - 36Bruce’s bestselling Puppy Tales series continues with Lily’s Story, on sale on October 8. Lily is the smallest puppy in her litter, but after meeting her girl Maggie Rose, she learns that the smallest dogs can be the biggest helpers. She’s just the right size to help out at the animal shelter. The seventh book in this middle grade series, Lily’s Story offers the right amount of doggy fun to entice even the most reluctant readers, with the added bonus of even more adorable animals!

Lily to the Rescue

We’re excited to announce more fun with Lily for even younger readers! In the chapter book Lily to the Rescue, Lily and Maggie Rose get to work rehabilitating an injured crow. Then, eager Lily fans can dive right into their next adventure, Lily to the Rescue: Two Little Piggies, where our heroes help two sweet piglets who have been separated from their mother. Both chapter books are on sale on March 17, 2020 and have all the heart of the Bruce Cameron novels you know and love.

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10 Bookstagrams of Dogs with W. Bruce Cameron Books That Will Melt Your Heart

Is there anything cuter than dogs? How about dogs with books?

These adorable pictures of dogs with A Dog’s Purpose author W. Bruce Cameron’s books will make you want to hug your dog right away and grab Cameron’s upcoming novel, A Dog’s Promise!

For a chance to have your bookstagrams featured, tag us (@forgereads) or use the hashtag #forgebooks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow us at @forgereads for more delightful grams and regrams of pages and puppers!

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