Readers, I'm interviewing Robin Caroll with her newest romantic suspense. I got to read and review this book as an Advanced Reading Copy. It's a wonderful read. Even my husband, who isn't much of a reader, loved it. Click on the Reviews-Books I've Read tab at the top of the page and go down until you get to the review.
Welcome, Robin. How did this book come about?
I had the opportunity to speak with several former-members of a gang about their finding Jesus in prison. Hearing their stories of gang-life intrigued me. As a mother, learning of how gangs “recruit” children broke my heart. The idea of writing about gangs to raise awareness hit me and wouldn’t let me go until I wrote FEAR NO EVIL.
Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.
I have to say, my publisher’s art department ROCKS. This particular cover captures the eeriness of the Louisiana bayou, and the subtle eyes in the top trees….shiver! :-)
Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
Of course the story is fiction, but so much of the details of gangs—how they operate, function, recruit, and react—is very much true. Also, the information regarding social services policies and procedures are quite factual.
How much research did you have to do for this book?
I was lucky that two previous gang members agreed to allow me intensive interviews. They were open and candid and only asked that I keep their identity secret for obvious reasons. Going into the realm of gangland, even by proxy, was so frightening.
What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?
Well, the REAL gang information. Names, criminal acts, etc.
What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?
What inspired me was the former gang members’ trek to find Jesus, disengage themselves from their gang, and helping lead others to Christ. Their journey story inspired me to keep going, even when the muck of the facts weighed heavily on my heart.
What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?
I hope readers realize how gangs operate, how all our children are at risk if we’re not careful, and how to help with the situation.
What is the next project you’re working on?
I just completed the 3rd book in this trilogy, IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL, which will release spring of 2011. Now I’m writing the first book, INJUSTICE FOR ALL, in a new trilogy.
What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?
Beg my husband to take me out to eat! LOL Or, play with my new grandson! :-)
Who, by the way, is beatuiful! Give him a hug for Grandma Lena, too. Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
Fifteen Years Ago
“No más.”
Carlos jerked off the earphones and sat up in bed. The stench of something burning filtered into his bedroom and stung his eyes.
Meth.
“Drogas. Look at you. Repugnante.” His mother’s voice carried easily from the living room, thanks to the thin walls of the mobile home.
Great. His stepfather was strung out on drugs. Again. It’d gotten worse since he’d been laid off at the refinery. So had the fights.
Joya peque–a! Surely his little jewel hid in the corner of her closet, just like he’d taught her. He had to find her, hold her, and sing into her ear until Mamá and Robert finished yet another argument.
Carlos whipped off the covers, slipped out of bed, and crept over the beaten-down carpet to his door.
Readers, you don't want to miss what comes next.
How can readers find you on the Internet? http://www.robincaroll.com/ or on facebook under Robin Caroll
Thanks for the interview, Robin. I know what a busy lady you are.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
love the cover!!
ReplyDeleteFear No Evil sounds exciting, the bayou setting makes it suspenseful and dark. I'd love a chance to win it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Congratulations for your job! I'm very interesting in this book. The story of gangs that need Jesus is aways fantastic. I'd like win a copy, please. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteletrassantas at hotmail dot com
I loved the interview and want to win the book. So many people are afraid to write about gangs. Thanks for the chance to win. ybutler@oppcatv.com
ReplyDeleteOOOOO, sounds really interesting. I 2nd what Katrina said, great cover! And great review/interview. Dontcha just love ARCs!
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
What a great interview. My hubby and I are both involved with Prison Ministry and the importance of being there for the children when they are small and not influenced by gangs. I'd love a opportunity to win this book.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a fantastic read! LOVE the cover!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for entering me, this book looks good.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks interesting! Please enter me! martha(at)lclink(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI loved your interview...the excerpt sure left me hanging. I sure would love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteThank You
Maureen
The excerpt certainly leaves me wanting to read more. Nice interview, and I'd love to read the book.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read it, please enter me, thanks
ReplyDeleteAwesome cover art! I would love to win a copy of Fear No Evil. Thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
I don't think I would have noticed the eyes without the mention but then you just keep going back to them.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the super interview. Please enter me.
Thanks,
Trinity Rose
The cover is so beautiful. This book sounds great. Enter me, please.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting and I would love to read it. I so appreciate these interviews as I can't seem to satisfy my appetitie for reading. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love the cover! Very interesting! It would make me want to pick it up and see what it was about. Please enter me into the drawing! It sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
~Katie G.
I would love to read this.
ReplyDeletePlease count me in.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been scary interviewing gang members. I don't know if I could have done it. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteplhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I would love to read this book. Please enter me. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
sounds like a good book. thanks
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
That is a creepy cover and the subject matter of gangs is one I haven't read about in the Christian market, yet.
ReplyDeletejulesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me:) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteesterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
sounds awesome! please enter me to win the book. =)
ReplyDeleteI have only recently discovered Robin Caroll's books, with Deliver Us From Evil. I would love to win this one!
ReplyDeleteThe eyes on that cover scared me out of my seat!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book!
Thanks,
Edwina
Would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting novel. Please enter me.
ReplyDelete--Debbie
I think it took a lot of courage to interview gang members. Please enter me in the draw for the free book.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
You caught my attention hook, line and sinker.
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
Outstanding idea. Every parent needs to be aware of this.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a chance to win!
LeeCTne
lee[at]computertutorne[dot]com
Hi everyone! Thanks for the kind comments. And I LOVE my cover. I, too, kept going back to the eyes...I think they follow me! LOL
ReplyDeleteAn important book for everyone. We need to be aware of the info in this book. Please enter me in the giveaway and thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Would love to win the book.
ReplyDeleteGreat Interview! Thanks for the opportunity!
dancealert at aol dot com
Sounds like a very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI've come back to leave my name for the giveaway again, I hope that is acceptable to you, Lena. This is an exceptional interview and strikes in the center of one of the most vicious infiltrating problems in our nation and the world today. It's a war of it's own and only God can stop it. We need to pray for this cause and these lost people just like we need to pray for our nation. I would appreciate the chance to win this book. I have young grandchildren who need information they can believe and pray about. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGrace & Peace in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Sorry...one more thought about this book. This author, Robin Caroll needs to be commended for her work and the faith in Christ to be able to tackle such an endeavor. What a beautiful show of trust and faith in Jesus. Jesus is in this, praise Him.
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my mind so much since I first read Robin's interview.
Blessed Be in Jesus,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
I'm already eager to find out what happens next! I'd love to win this book! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Great interview! I always love hearing how Robin comes by ideas for her books. She's such an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this awesome cover. (That is huge frame worthy in my opinion.) :D
Hugs to you both!
The sounds like a great book. I would like to win. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletesrupp1 (AT) embarqmail (DOT) com
Oh wow, I know I am going to read this book. Gangs are destroying our young people and hopefully this book will help some of our youth to stay away from gangs and help the parents talk to their kids about gangs and why they should stay away from them.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview ladies.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Wow, sounds like a really good book. Is this the second book in the series? That's what I got from the interview, and I am such a stickler for reading books in order. :)
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteLong time since I've been here for last time.
This books looks very interesting, with a important subject.
God bless you!
I'd love to read this. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the author on the grandson!
ReplyDeleteAnd this book looks intriguing.
Janemaritz at yahoo dot com
This book sounds good. I can't wait to read it. :) Please enter me!
ReplyDeletebooklovercb[at]yahoo.com
Another chance to win this incredible book. I've not read any of Robin's writings as yet, and it is my full intention to do so soon. Many will be blessed by this book.
ReplyDeleteGrace & Peace,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com