Tuesday, September 24, 2013

THE REDEMPTION OF CARALYNNE HAYMAN - Carole Brown - One Free Ebook Per Every Ten Commenters

Readers, here's another debut author.  Welcome, Carole. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I love writing some of my likes and interests into my characters. For example, I love to bake and love to discover new healthy recipes. In The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, Cara is a great cook and baker. It comes natural to her and because she loves her daughters so much, she enjoys providing healthy foods for them.

Another example for two different books: I’ve always loved ice skating and loved watching it. In my WWII series, the second sister has a real talent for ice skating and even works toward the Olympics. Unfortunately, because of WWII it never comes to pass. I also love hot air balloons and enjoyed bringing it into one romance novel as a unique wedding getaway for a couple. That was fun. J

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Oh, my, I don’t know. We’ve experienced so many things it’s hard to pick one. Hmmm, maybe having the chance to try fried sheeps’ intestines. They’re a delicacy in New Mexico. One can only hope they’ve been washed very well!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
The first time I remember writing anything creative was in the sixth grade. We were assigned to write a week-long journal of a caveman’s family. Wish I still had that, although I probably wouldn’t be sharing it with anyone.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love romance novels that make me feel satisfied, laugh, cry, or relate. But my very favorite genre is suspense/thrillers/mysteries. I enjoy true to the world stories that deal with appropriate subjects from our world. Handled tactfully and well, they help make us aware of the true state of certain situations.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
God and my husband. As I’ve grown older, I love simplicity more and more. Although I still have tense and stressful days, I try to lean on God’s strength and realize He knows my future. Without Him I can not make it. And my husband is such a strong person, and wise. I can talk with him about most things. He’s a steady influence in my emotional world.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I use baby books a lot. I go through them looking for names that fit and feel right for the character. Sometimes it’s not a name I’m particularly fond of, but as a character name, it works and grows on me.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Other than getting my first traditional writing contract? We’ve lived an adventurous and exciting fulfilled life. We’ve traveled a lot, seen a lot of things, experienced a lot, but having two sons who still love and respect us is saying a lot in my book. Getting three grandsons means the world to me!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I love dogs, but would probably be more of a cat in that I love to snuggle. I love hugging my family and friends and feel like I’m purring with contentment when I’m having a good time around them.

What is your favorite food?
This is another hard one for me. I love GOOD food. I enjoy going to a nice restaurant, but I also love homemade cooking. Vegetables and fruits are high on our list. Well-prepared fried chicken, stir fry, potatoes (all kinds), excellent cheesecake, brownies, and ice cream. The list could to on and on.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
When I got back into writing as a serious career, I went into it thinking I would get that contract, win those awards right away. I found out quickly, and rather abruptly, how much I needed to learn and relearn. Fortunately, I’m stubborn enough to go the long haul and kept at it. It hasn’t been easy and it has been discouraging at times, but the reward is wonderful!

Tell us about the featured book.
I can thank my husband for the idea. We like to follow news items that catch our attention. A while back the cult news in Texas was prominent, and Dan—my husband—began a what if session with me. It seemed like a tough topic, but he was there with me throughout the whole time. We added a twist to the old cult-thing with a spunky rebellious woman who prevailed in spite of circumstances. 

Here’s a short blurb:

How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of your daughter?

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.

Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart. 

Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.

Can Cara overcome the feelings that have governed her most of her life? Can she learn to trust Dayne, and most of all a God whom she sees as uncaring—if he’s really there at all? Only Dayne’s prayers and love can reach Cara and show her the way to redemption.

This sounds like a very interesting book. Please give us the first page.
Chapter One
Twenty years earlier
The shadow creatures on the wall shook their wings and legs. Heads with horns nodded. Scary, dark faces watched.

The little girl clasped her floppy-eared rabbit against her chest and stared into the dark.
“Mmm …” Mommy’s murmur reached to her through the walls, and the giggles from her mother tiptoed in, shooing away the fear.

Whoosh. She blew out a breath and squeezed her rabbit tighter. “Mommy has a friend with her, Ramsey. She loves me just like I love you and will give me hugs in the morning after the man leaves.”

Ramsey said nothing. She ran her fingers over his face and could feel his black button eyes staring at her, trusting her to protect him.

“And she’ll read to us, and I’ll sit on her lap and we’ll snuggle—all of us together.” She nodded and tugged on Ramsey’s left ear.

She rolled over.

Real live whispers and laughter floated into the room.
Opening her mouth in a wide yawn, she patted Ramsey’s tummy and whispered again, “Don’t be afraid. I’m right here.”

“Please. That hurts.”

“Mommy?” The little girl frowned but her eyes wouldn’t open. Just like when she and Mommy put cucumbers slices on their eyes.
 
“Stop it—”

Rubbing at her eyes, the little girl sat up. Mommy had never sounded like this before, and neither had any of the men—the men who brought flowers and candy and money.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I also am part of several other blogs:
Geezers Guys and Gals:  http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

Thank you, Carole, for sharing this book with us.


Readers, here’s a link to pre-order the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. One free ebook for every ten different commenters. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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28 comments:

Melanie Backus said...

This is certainly a topic that I don't undertstand and yet, you read or hear about it more and more. I look forward to reading THE REDEMPTION OF CARALYNNE HAYMAN. Thank you for the interesting interview.

Melanie Backus, TX

Jean said...

Sounds like a wonderful book! Thank you for the opportunity!

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

Unknown said...

This is such a hard subject for most of us. I'm sure this wasn't an easy book to write.
Tonja (Virginia)

Unknown said...

I would love to read this.

Deborah D, FL

Brittany said...

Sounds very intriguing!
Brittany McEuen
Texas

Linda Kish said...

The storyline sounds like something I would enjoy.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Mary Preston said...

It is a tough topic, but one that will no doubt fascinate.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

bonton said...

Hi, Carole!

Enjoyed your interview, & would really love to read your book! I enjoy reading about religious cults, & trying to understand why they believe as they do. This sounds like an exciting book - thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)
Kentucky

Diana Flowers said...

Going through baby books to pick a character's name is a great idea, Carole! The title with that beautiful, unusual name caught my eye immediately! As A young woman only 19 yrs. old, I became very hungry for God and I ended up going into a cult, that just appeared to be a regular church. It took me 10 long yrs to get out of it, bc of the fear tactics the leaders use on you. Thank God I finally did and am now going to a "normal" church!

I would love to read this and thanks for the opportunity!

Diana in SC

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Diana Flowers said...

Please excuse typos...typed all that out on my kindle. :)

Caroline said...

Melanie, I'm not sure any of us understand what causes cults to develop except misguided thoughts. It's a fascinating topic, but very sad.

In our ministry we've run into many people who've been abused in varying degrees, and always my heart aches for them.

Thanks so much for commenting!

Caroline said...

Thank you, Jean. It is God's book, and when I say that, I'm not generalizing. The whole book and it's journey to publication has been been a strange and wonderful thing to watch. :)

Thanks for commenting.

Caroline said...

Tonja, in many ways, it was hard because of the character Caralynne. She had to be angry and bitter enough to want revenge yet be a sympathetic and likable person too. I hope I achieved that. :)

Thanks for commenting!

Caroline said...

Deb, I hope you can read it. It does us all good to be stirred on one of today's current problems. Thanks for visiting!

Caroline said...

Britney, It's the most serious topic I've written about to date. Hope you enjoy reading it! Thanks for commenting.

Caroline said...

Oh, I'm sorry, Brittany, for spelling your name wrong in the post for you.

Caroline said...

Linda, I certainly hope you do. It deals with a tough topic but very much needed in today's world! Thanks for stopping by.

Caroline said...

Fascinating for sure, Mary, and when you base it on real cults, but add details that are different, you can go anywhere with the topic. Thanks so much for stopping in to read the interview.

Caroline said...

Bonnie, Oh, I hope you do read it! Sometimes I think we'll never truly understand the why; but we can be faithful to pray for those caught up in them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Caroline said...

You know, Diana, that's exactly right. Lots of people don't understand how anyone can remain in a cult, but they usually don't understand the tactics used, the brainwashing and the factor of separatism that keeps members from leaving. I'm so glad you were able to break free. I appreciate you for sharing your experience!

Britney Adams said...

This sounds like such a stirring book and one I look forward to reading! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!!

Britney Adams, TX

sam said...

Wow! this is quite a topic. I'm not really sure how far I would go if someone murdered my daughter. I hope I would extend forgiveness but....... I don't know. sharon, ca Love to win. wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Caroline said...

Britney, I hope you enjoy the book and are stirred by it. Thank YOU for stopping by to comment!

Caroline said...

Sam, it is a tough topic, and even thinking about forgiving someone who murdered my one and only birth grandchild causes me to draw back at times. Yet I know God would give me the grace to do the right thing--if I had to make that choice. Thanks for commenting; I really appreciate it!

KayM said...

Carole, we have something in common--We were both blessed with a wise, Christian husband. It sure makes life a bit steadier, doesn't it? Thank youf or offering copies of THE REDEMPTION OF CARALYNNE HAYMAN.
Tennessee

Caroline said...

Kay, you're exactly right. I can't thank God enough for a strong man who still has the love of his wife and the admiration (they consider him their hero) of his sons. His grandsons adore him.

I love getting this book in the hands of readers, hoping others will be as stirred by the horribleness of abuse as I am.

Thanks for commenting, Kay.

Diana Montgomery said...

This sounds really good.Would love to read it.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com

Kristie said...

I'm fascinated by cults. I would love to read this. Always looking for new authors also. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.