About
Joanne is the author and illustrator of The Crooked Dog series, a heartfelt children’s book collection inspired by her rescued Dachshund, Jo Jo. After spending more than 30 years in banking, Joanne discovered a new chapter in life when she became a grandmother. Reading books with her grandsons, Stanley and Bristow, awakened her love for children’s stories and inspired her to create books of her own.
A lifelong resident of Hawaii and now a world traveler through her family’s move to Bali, Joanne brings warmth, joy, and a deep appreciation for family and connection into her work. She creates all of her own illustrations, often drawing while watching happy movies because she believes joy can be felt through the artwork.
Dogs have always been central to Joanne’s life, especially Dachshunds. Jo Jo, the inspiration behind The Crooked Dog series, came into her life through rescue and later survived a serious back injury. His slightly crooked walk became the heart behind the series name. Through her books, Joanne shares a meaningful message with families: pets are forever family, and with love, care, patience, exercise, and a healthy diet, animals can live happy, cherished lives.
HIDDEN DOORS, SECRET ROOMS
Description
<p>HIDDEN DOORS, SECRET ROOMS - a paranormal suspense:<br />"Superbly crafted and flawlessly executed, Eubanks doles out both plot and back-story in small doses, expertly keeping readers turning page after page...This is a phenomenal first novel; an excellent read for anyone who loves mystery, and would-be writers who want to learn exactly how it’s done." - KIRKUS REVIEWS<br /><br />Jillian Braedon possesses a secret so explosive that she must be silenced. On the run with her five-year-old daughter, stranded in the middle of a blizzard and critically injured, Jill sends little Valerie off into the raging storm alone. The child stumbles onto the property of retired musician-turned-recluse, John Mills, begging for help. John soon finds himself caught up in their torment, and face-to-face with the pursuing covert agents, who will do anything to destroy the secret, and silence everyone involved.</p>
Story Behind The Book
Jo Jo, the little dog in the book, was inspired by a real dachshund who came into my life on Mother’s Day in 2011. A rescue group called me about a frightened little dog who needed a home, and from that moment, he became part of our family.
Jo Jo had a difficult beginning. He had been found running loose on a golf course, scared, skinny, and without a tag or microchip. No one came looking for him. A few months after we adopted him, he broke his back. With love, patience, and care, he slowly healed, but he walked a little crooked afterward. That is how The Crooked Dog got its name.
I wrote this story to share an important message with children and families: every animal deserves love, kindness, and a second chance. Pets are not temporary. When we bring them into our homes, they become family forever.
As a grandmother, I also wanted to create a gentle children’s book that families could read together. My grandsons helped inspire my love for children’s books, and Jo Jo inspired the heart of this story. The Crooked Dog is about rescue, friendship, healing, and the special bond between a child and a dog.
