A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

Thank you, Carol, for sharing this Christmas book with my blog readers and me. I just love reading holiday stories.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Thursday, June 18, 2020

CALEB'S DESTINY - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carole. Why did you become an author?

I'm not sure I ever felt a sudden realization. I just always felt it inside me, although I might not always have realized what the feeling was. From childhood up, I was an expressive child with an imagination. My classmates clapped when I presented my speech in elementary grades. Study Halls (way back when) were spent writing dramatic and heart-wrenching poems with a best friend. Life happened, marriage, two children, played around with writing more poems, articles, short stories—and suddenly I realized if I was going to write seriously, I needed to get at it.

I'd always been great at English, but I found out quickly enough, I needed to re-learn a lot of things when developing a story. I studied, joined a critique group, went to conferences and learned, learned, learned. With time, I created one novel, then two and many more. Writing is my life, being an author is a dream come true, and I couldn't ask for a better career. I love being an author!

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

Photography. I love taking pictures and preserving memories with my camera.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

Probably the WWII era. I know it was a horrible war, but the romance, the bravery and courage, the clothes and styles, men's hats, the slang. It all impresses me as a wonderful period—in spite of a terrible war.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

Alaska. Not in the cold months, but when it's warmer, I'd love to see some of the sights and animals from there. I want to soak in the atmosphere, learn the history of this state.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Ireland, Scotland, or maybe

Australia

. My father's ancestors, I think, came from Ireland. We were invited to work in Australia at one point of our lives. And Scotland is just so downright fascinating! I've always been interested in those three countries. The accents and customs interest me tremendously. Their legends and history are magical and create in me a desire to maybe, someday, use what I can learn about those countries.

I’ve always been interested in Australia and Scotland. And my husband’s family came from Ireland. I’ve actually had both Irish and Scottish characters in several of my novels. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

To trust him fully. Sometimes you go through a lot of things that hurt badly. I can't solve most problems, but I know he is a powerful God. He can get me through the worst! If I trust and believe.

So true. Tell us about the featured book.

Mr. Michael, Destiny Rose McCulloch, and Hunter have a mysterious history. Why were three fathers, all business partners, murdered under suspicious circumstances while on their quest to find gold?

Hunter is determined to protect his boss and the precocious young lady who he suspects holds a key answer to his questions.

Mr. Michael wants only to be left alone to attend to his property, but what can he do when Destiny refuses to leave and captures the heart of every one of his employees?

Destiny almost forgets her quest when she falls in love with Mr. Michael's ranch and all the people there. And then Mr. Michael is much too alluring to ignore. The preacher man back east where she took her schooling tried to claim her heart, but the longer she stays the less she can remember him. She only came west to find a little boy she knew years ago. A little boy all grown up by now...unless, of course, he's dead.

Three children, connected through tragedy and separated by time, are fated to reunite and re-right some powerful wrongs.

Wow, interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Every bone in her body was broken.

Or at least, she was pretty sure they were, because that’s the way her body felt.

Destiny Rose McCulloch clenched her fingers together, swayed with the motion of the stagecoach, and ignored the leering stare of the man seated across from her.

She would have liked to give the man a piece of her mind, but that action would defy every etiquette lesson instilled within her at Miss Harriet’s School for the Genteel Lady. Besides, Reverend Richard Burke back in Boston would definitely not approve, and she wanted his approval very much. To be honest, she was trying her best to behave in a Christ-like manner. In spite of her tendency to speak her thoughts. In spite of the hot temper that refused to be dampened.

Destiny sighed. In spite of the twinge of temptation to stick out her tongue, she’d restrain herself and keep ignoring the rude gentleman—er—creature.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

Thank you, Carole, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3egdd2q

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. If there are more than 10 comments a print book is offered for winners in the US. If less than 10, or if the winner is not in the US, the book will be an ebook. You must follow the next instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

Saturday, December 22, 2018

SABOTAGED CHRISTMAS - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Bio: Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in Southeast Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Welcome back, Carole. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Sometimes an article, a story line, a thought or even a suggestion or remark from someone will trigger an idea for a story.

Several years ago I wrote three romance novels at the bidding of my agent, but shelved them after they didn't go anywhere. Later, when one of my editors asked if I had a certain type of book, I rewrote them into romance/mysteries.

I wanted to create a small town setting focusing on three friends, their love lives and personal mysteries for each of them. I wanted readers to feel the atmosphere, the warmth and coziness of a tight-knit community. So when a reviewer declared the book made her want to move to Appleton, I knew I'd succeeded.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Mary Ellis, Tamera Kraft, Michelle Levigne, Ted Dekker, Rachel Hauck, and Linda Rondeau

They are people I admire. Some of them have reviewed or endorsed my books, and I'm glad to call them my friends or acquaintances.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Sandra Merville Hart, Liz Curtis Higgs, Francine Rivers, Louis LaMour (deceased, I know, but his settings!...) and Linda Matchett. Accomplished, interesting and talented authors who've captured my attention and interest.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Time. This year has been a very busy one, and I've had to adjust several projects to fit into my schedule. Writing is important to me, but sometimes family and other things have to take precedence.

Perseverence, and determination to never quit, even if a short break is called for, keeps me going.

Tell us about the featured book.

Sabotaged Christmas is the first book in my Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mystery series. Each one is half romance/half mystery.

It started out to be a three-book series about three friends, the men in their lives, and the mystery. It's now expanded to include, not only the three female friends, but three men living in Appleton, West Virginia, making it a planned six book series with the setting in Appleton. To date, four books have been published. The fifth one, titled The Golden Touch, has a future date planned.

Here's the blurb for Sabotaged Christmas:

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions—all because of the mysterious pink notes she's been receiving.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas for Toni's employees as well as her own happiness.

Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia, has ever seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

Buy Link:

Please give us the first page of the book.

Antonietta DeLuca’s glance probed the dark shadows in the front yard of the Wisecup job.

The streetlight lit up the orange-leafed maple tree, setting it on fire. The tree limbs dipped and swayed to the whispering music from the autumn wind. Fallen leaves crackled to the left of the empty house she faced. Something moved, and Toni shifted to stare at the spot.

With a screech, two cats shot past her and crossed the street, yowling like demons in the night.

Hands shaking, Toni glared at the scattering offenders and leaned against the mailbox, dragging in deep breaths.

Drawing in another deep breath, she started up the sidewalk and pulled from her pocket the key to the house. The lock clicked, and a faint, far-off shuffle brushed against her senses.

Head cocked, she listened. Had that sound come from inside the house?

Nice hook! How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Carole, for sharing this book with us. I’ve really enjoyed every book of yours that I’ve read. I’m eager to read this one.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Thursday, January 04, 2018

A FLUTE IN THE WILLOWS - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carole. Tell us about your salvation experience.

My parents accepted Christ right before I entered my teens, and I did soon afterwards. From then on, I was involved in church and activities pertaining to churchy events. I strayed some but always felt the desire to serve Christ, always felt the pull to return to the Shepherd’s fold. I had several plans for my life, but God had others, and I can see the hand of God on my life and how he led me to and in the paths he wanted me to journey upon.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

First, I would choose mostly authors who have great talent, but little recognition. I would decide whether to have a retreat of:

· readers where authors could share interesting information about their lives and books, where readers could ask questions and learn and where the writers could offer contests and fun events for readers to win books and gifts, like live scavenger hunts, etc. or...

· beginning writers could learn from more experienced ones who have so much to share but little opportunity to do so. Classes where the newbies could experience firsthand what published authors must learn and accept to reach publication. Assignments, creative writing activities to complete and many other things.

· The whole event would have to be relaxed and fun—except when classes would demand a certain tension in creating a real-life part of a published author's one.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Speaking is not my first choice of activity, but it’s still a valuable part of a writer’s life, and I know some writers consider it so. I like to think it as a marketing tool for my writing. If it increases my visibility or possibly bring sales, then it’s what I want. I’ve spoken at writing classes including conferences and retreats on different topics.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

Since I'm probably the clumsiest female alive, I could give you several examples, like: falling over my own feet, forgetting I have the introductory part of a class, speaking when I really have no idea what I'm saying, making a joke that didn’t go over, etc. But how to handle it?

Laugh. Don’t let the embarassment conquer you. Laugh, and others laugh with you. Be distressed—and show it—and it not only makes you uncomfortable, but your friends too.
Slow down, think before you speak, take notes and make lists for yourself, etc. as reminders.
Move on. We are make mistakes. Some more than others. Don’t be defeated.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I never like to be negative or discouraging. Who knows but what I might be talking to the next millionaire best seller? But I also want them to realize what they’re getting into. If they’ll listen, I try to gently explain what all is necessary to get there. Wishing they could and being disciplined enough to do it are two different things. Here’s some things I would say:

Take your time. Consider your decision and once you know you’re determined and strong enough to complete your mission, then move on.
Study others’ books. What do you like? What style of writing impresses you/lures you to the book? Decide what genre interests you.
Read a few writing books. Ask for suggestions on what to read. If you’re a little rough on grammar, etc., think about taking a class or two to bring you up to speed.
Join some writing groups. Listen. Ask questions. Learn.
Practice some shorter writing pieces. An article for a magazine? A blog post? Maybe enter a few writing contests. Whether you win or not is not as important as taking note of suggestions and critiques that will help you progress as a writer.
Whether you feel you’re a pantster or outliner, do take time to jot down ideas, names, a few scenes, thoughts about what you might want to include in your book, and anything else that will help you get through.
Begin, but remember, you’ll probably reach some rough patches where you’ll want to give up. That’s normal, but don’t! Talk to a writing buddy, take a break, think about where and how you reached this point and figure out how to get past it.
Don’t give up. If you’ve reached this spot, you’ll probably make it! Keep going. You’ll love typing “The End.”

Tell us about the featured book.

Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other’s love ... and keep the German enemy at bay.

She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Please give us the first page of the book.

1943

Jerry Patterson stared out the yawning black hole in the side of the plane. Seconds to go before he dropped. Night time parachuting was always a risky thing, but the pilot was one of the best who’d keep this baby right on target, lessening the chances he’d have to hit water. Trees were another matter, but with any kind of luck, the landing would go smooth.

Then to meet his contact and move into the German military high life. His pulse revved up. It was a dangerous game he was about to play.

Josie’s face flashed in his mind, and Jerry felt his heart soften. How he loved his tomboy wife. She was a beautiful butterfly dancing on ice, but put her in a social setting, and she was like a wild creature let lose in a maiden aunt’s prim parlor.

Three weeks of marital bliss. It’d been heaven on earth for him. One rapturous day—and night—after another. She’d cried the night before he’d left, but had been strength personified when he’d boarded the train the next morning.

If—no, when—he got home, he’d wrap his arms around her and not let her out of his sight.

Jerry stepped into the hole and dropped rapidly, counting. One thousand...One thousand one...One thousand two... With a jerk he pulled, the parachute opened above him, and he drifted earthward toward his assignment.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67381031

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/what-easter-means-to-me/

Thank you, Carole, for introducing this book to me and my blog readers. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

A Flute in the Willows (The Spies of World War II) (Volume 2) - Paperback
A Flute in the Willows (The Spies of World War II Book 2) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

UNDISCOVERED TREASURES - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Bio: Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Welcome back, Carole. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Trust, both for humans and God, and forgiveness. I feel like that a person who has no trust, especially in God, or who can not forgive, can never have true happiness. We must learn to trust our God and forgive those who’ve hurt us. Only then, can we receive forgiveness and real joy in our lives.

True words. What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I had hoped to have the second book (A Flute in the Willows) of my WWII Spies series out this year, but because of circumstances, won’t see it released until early to mid 2017.

I also plan on having the third book in my Denton and Alex Davies series (called Daffy’s Duck) released in 2017.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t mind meeting Ben Carson. He’s a recent addition to my list of “would-like-to-meet people, but his principles and his attitude are impressive. I think it would be a very interesting session—and inspiring!

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’ve always admired Louis Lamour because of his details in research. His books are full of historical facts, and he’s a good writer too! J

I grew up reading Louis Lamour. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Don’t ever give up! Only you and God can ordain your writing journey, and always remember that.

Tell us about the featured book.

Undiscovered Treasures is the third book in my Appleton, West Virginia, Romantic Mystery series. When I wrote the first three books, I wanted to create a small town with three close friends, but very different personalities. Toni, Starli, and Caroline certainly are different but their friendship and loyalty to each other are steady and strong. Now that I can see how much people love these books, I’m planning to go ahead and write three more, but with three men as the main protagonists. Fun!

Here’s the blurb for Undiscovered Treasures:

Caroline Gibson is co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk in rural West Virginia. Inside the shop is a music box that Caroline particularly relates to, believing that her own life is similar: forever spinning and never going anywhere.

She dreams and prays for the right man to turn up. But when family and friends hint that the local artist could be the guy, Caroline forgets about trusting God and takes matters into her own hands.

Besides, she could never love a man who paints such depressing pictures.

Andrew Carrington, painter of said depressing pictures, insists there’s always one redeeming trait to each of his works.

He’s loved Caroline since they were kids and thinks he’s not handsome enough, strong enough, or rich enough to impress this woman. But when God—or is it?—suddenly sends contracts begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

But there’s a hitch in their plans. Someone is stealing Andy’s pictures, and why would they do that when he’s an unknown—so far? Do they know something Caroline and Andy don’t know? Is it mischief? Or something deeper that neither understand? Andy gets the chance to work with Caroline, and she must put aside her ongoing battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appleton before Andy loses the chance of a life time to “make it big.”

Please give us the first page of the book.

Andy whistled as he poured coffee in his favorite cup, grabbed a Greek yogurt, and headed to his studio. It was early, but not too much so. Perfect lighting to work on his latest painting.

He nodded at his new assistant, but didn't speak, and shoved open the door to his work area. His gaze circled the room—as it always did.

His favorite place in the whole world. He sucked in a deep breath, inhaling the faint smells of the paints and turpentine, but he kept moving toward the window in the back of the room and stopped.

It was already open. Had he shut it last night? There was nothing disturbed that he could see, so...he shrugged. Time to get to work.

Andy took a sip of his coffee and flipped back the cover from his latest—and best—painting of Caroline Gibson.

The painting leered at him, as if it was a caricature transformed into monster life. Slashed into ribbons, with dashes of red, jarring paint splattered over it, his work was ruined. Beyond saving.

Belatedly, Andy set his cup down on a nearby table, and with a shaking hand, reached toward the damaged picture. He stepped back and wondered if this was the worst nightmare of his life.

True, he could paint another one, but she'd never see the passion he'd put into this one, see his heart in every stroke, and see the love he'd painted in every color.

Ruined.

Why would anyone do this? It wasn't valuable—except to him. Worse, who hated him so much he'd wreack this kind of havoc on him? Was there a grudge-bearing individual in the small town of Appleton who had hoped he would hurt him by doing this?

If so, then they'd succeeded.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Carole, for sharing this new book with us. I'm eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Undiscovered Treasures (An Appleton. WV Romantic Mystery) (Volume 3) - paperback
Undiscovered Treasures (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery Book 3) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 11, 2016

KNIGHT IN SHINING APRON - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Bio: Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in southeast Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Welcome back, Carole. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Yes, and I thank God for his blessings on my books! Several things come to mind.
Since writing my debut novel (The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman), I’ve had lots of requests for a second, sequel book. I’m actively researching and plotting, and hope to begin that in the near future.
Once I’ve released three books in each of my mystery series (The Denton and Alex Davies series and the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series), I want to intensify my marketing with these. Three books in each won’t finish the series, but it’s a good start for a hopefully successful marketing plan.
I’m hoping to release the second book in my WWII Spies series: A Flute in the Willows, this year. After that I’ll push for the third book, which will be the final book in this group—unless!—I do a novella as a fun creation on one other character. We’ll see about that. J
I always have plenty of other ideas, including a light romantic suspense set in the mid 1800s, a hitman book and an early 1900s—both stand alone, serious books that deal with tough topics.
Good times ahead!

Tell us a little about your family.

Hubby and I just celebrated our 40th (can it be!!!) anniversary. We’ve had such wonderful experiences, plenty of problems, of course, but we’re still in love and expect to be till we cross into heaven. We’ve traveled through most of the United States, ministering, visiting many memorable sites, and making friends as we go.

We had two sons that traveled with us while young. I taught them to read before they began formal schooling, and we home schooled them as we traveled. Both now, as grownups, live fairly close, and times spent with them are highlights hubby and I cherish.

As an added bonus, and one of our greatest blessings, we have three grand boys that are the light of our eyes. Planning activities and adventures with them are prized and memorable hours.

We’re celebrating the birthday of our 9-years-old great grandson tonight. Great fun! Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

It certainly has. The busier I get with my writing career, the less I find time to read as I used to. I’ve had to learn to be choosier, and, of course, with requests for reviews and endorsements, I get to discover and enjoy newer authors I might never have known.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on the second book in my WWII Spies Romantic Suspense series, called A Flute in the Willows, featuring the second red-headed daughter of the Rayner Family. She’s rebellious and talented, and in the first book eloped with Jerry Patterson. Now she and Jerry have to face some hard trials to waken them to God’s mercy and work together to stop a certain spy who’s out to destroy them both.

What outside interests do you have?

I’ve just recently in the last few months picked up scrapbooking and enjoy any time I can find to create memories of my three grand boys.
I love my flower beds and garden pond.
I get an extra bit of fun each year I write and we present our annual Christmas play and program. It’s still “writing,” but in a different way, and a fun time for me.
Traveling is still special times, whether it’s just hubby and me, or we take family along the journey with us.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to choose places I’m acquainted with or places I’d love to visit. Since we’ve visited West Virginia many times, and it suited my Redemption of Caralynne Hayman plot and my Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series setting, I used that state.
In my Denton and Alex Denton series, the couple travel in their RV so they end up in various states, but so far, it’s been places or states we’ve visited or acquainted with in some measure.
I lived and worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a young person, and the city proved a good choice for my WWII Spies series.
Other books, I might choose settings that are new to me, with solid reason why I do so, knowing I’ll want lots of research for that setting.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Besides our Lord? Probably any of our past authors. Louis Lamour (tremendous researcher), Jane Austen (love her stories), Grace Livingston Hill (yeah, she’s one of the authors who got me started on reading books for adults), and many, many more.

I used to have a large collection of Grace Livingston Hill books, but gave them to a young reader, who was an advanced reader. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

One thing I wish I’d done was begin earlier. Life was busy for me, and I realize that all things work as God wants if you’re following his will, but I do wish I could have begun seriously writing a little earlier.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Actually, it’s been an ongoing lesson for a little over a year now. With five deaths in less than six months within our families, and two of them tragic, unnecessary ones, it was a haunting, depressing time. But God gave me strength and the encouragement I needed to become stronger in my faith and a lesson in trusting him—not just in a few things, but in all things, those we understand and especially those we don’t.

That’s a hard lesson. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

That depends (to me) on what each person defines as successful, but I would suggest these:

Be true to the writing journey God has for you.
Work hard, and with that I mean, write a lot, market a lot, and be kind to other authors. Kindness will produce its own rewards within your writing life.
Never, never quit. You won’t know how far you can go or how successful you will be . . . If you quit!

Tell us about the featured book.

Here’s the blurb:

Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia. Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing.

Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play?

And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Starli Cameron slashed off the last name on her list, the last possible candidate.

It’d been a long day, in spite of loving her work, so saying that was saying the impossible—for her—because she'd never said it before.

She had to admit, she was picky when it came to her beloved restaurant, Apple Blossoms. Anything and anyone to do with it came with high scrutiny from her. She wanted the best and only that for her business.

That last chef applicant, with his incessant sniffing, had driven her crazy. And what about the pompous one who’d strutted into her office with his fake Italian accent itemizing his demands. She'd not had a chance to say a word about her requirements. Good thing too. His dismissal had been fast—although she hoped, politely done.

She ripped the paper from the tablet, crumpled it, and tossed her pencil to the tabletop just as the loud pounding began.

Hurrying to the front door, hoping it would be one of her best friends—Toni or Caroline—so she could let off some steam, she flipped on the porch light and peeked through the peephole.

An eye glared at her, and she jumped back, heart beating like a woodpecker determined to get at the insects behind the tree bark.

Roland Stratton.

He can’t see me.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Carole, for sharing this book with us. I'm eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Knight in Shining Apron (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery) (Volume 2) - paperback
Knight in Shining Apron (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery Book 2) - Kindle

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

HOG INSANE - Carole Brown - One Free Book or Ebook

Bio: Carole Brown lives in Southeast Ohio and is always on the lookout for catchy titles and suspenseful plots. The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, her debut inspirational novel, is a Selah Award Finalist and a ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and also wrote a companion book (West Virginia Scrapbook: The Life of Caralynne Hayman) with discussion questions, quotes, recipes and interesting tidbits to go along with it. The first book, Hog Insane, in her cozy mystery book series, has recently been released. She has also written five children’s books, Racy, the Rabbit, dealing with character traits, and won two awards for her poems.

Carole has written her whole life as newspaper reporter, editor of journals and newsletters, and research manuscripts. When not penning her own novels, she enjoys mentoring beginning writers and founded a writer’s group called Circle of Pens where she can mentor to her heart’s content. Her passion for serving continues in her secretarial work and coordinator for the state of Ohio with ACFW.

She and her husband have traveled extensively throughout the United States ministering and counseling. They have particularly enjoyed the western states where they’ve labored with the Native Americans and many other specific places where she gathers folder for her writings. They continue to enjoy traveling, their grandsons, the country life and city lights, gardens, and good food.

Welcome, Carole. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Suspense/mystery has always been my first love. Team that with a touch of romance and sometimes pertinent topics from today’s world, and I’m in heaven!

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

My first most innocent happiest day came when I married my best friend, my husband, Dan, and I say innocent, because being a newlywed, I didn’t realize what all a couple must learn and give and do to remain close and in love.

Having acknowledged that, enjoying the birth of my first (and possibly only birth grandchild) I will ever see/enjoy/have, I believe has been the happiest. I know he will have a lot to go through, and in this world, will face a lot of temptations and decisions, but I still count his birth as the happiest. The only thing better would be to know he loves God as he grows older.

How has being published changed your life?

A lot of my time is spent in marketing, which fortunately, I enjoy for the most part. Then I also feel more pressure to finish writing projects and get more books out there for my readers. It’s all a part of being a writer, and one I love.

What are you reading right now?

I have a missionary book I need to skim through for our missionary program at church, plus several books from writing friends I owe reviews to: Lisa Lawmaster Hess, Mary Ellis, Molly Noble Bull, Barbara Derksen, and another one Revell requested a review. There are ALWAYS plenty of books needing reviews, and I certainly try to honor that. I know how much they mean to an author.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on several:

I’m completing the second book in my cozy mysteries, Bat Crazy.

I’m finishing a historical romantic suspense set in the late 1800s.

I’m also working on “second” books in series including a new contemporary romantic suspense set in Montana and a historical WWII spy romantic suspense.

What would be your dream vacation?

Traveling to several countries I’ve not visited yet: Italy, Australia, and perhaps Mexico (more).

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I decide on a setting once I have an idea for a book. I like to research and go over possibilities of what could/would work, what place seems logical and most importantly, gives me the feeling of being the “right” place.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

This is a hard one for me because I have no particular interest in spending it with anyone other than my friends and family. But if I had to choose, it would be with one of my favorite writers, and I have several.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy collecting music boxes, but at the stage I’m in now, I prefer antique, interesting or particular ones that capture my attention. I have a wide variety already, so can afford to be a little choosier in continuing this hobby! J

I also enjoy scribbling quotes in journals.

And I collect mugs from states we’ve visited. Since we’ve visited many already, I probably only have about a third more to go. After that, I’ll switch to finding better or more fun or something I like better than what I have now.

We also really love traveling and being with family, especially now that we have three grandsons. We’re always planning short trips we can take with them, or times they can spend the night (and days!) with us. Mommy, so far, has been generous in sharing. J

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

The worst would be finding and keeping the time to write as a priority. We live a busy life and many things are important to me, so I grab what time I can when I can. It takes me a little longer to accomplish my writing, but I get it done.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

As always, I would say: Never, never quit. If you truly feel you’re “called” to write, then write. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you. Find your groove, find your writing technique, find five minutes here and there and keep at it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Hog Insane is a cozy mystery that introduces the married character team of Denton and Alex Davies. It’s the first book of what I call my “crazy or insanity” series, with Book 2 (Bat Crazy) due out in a few months. Book 3 will be Daffy’s Duck, and on and on, until I run out of crazy terms! Lol Here’s a bit about it:

A dead body, a missing motorcycle, a strange key, and dope are at the bottom of the trouble Denton and Alex Davies, and Taffy, their Jack Russell Terrier, run into when they head for their first stop in the Smoky Mountains immediately after early retirement.

All Denton wants is to fish and recapture his wife’s love. She wants him to respect her wishes. Instead, they find the body of Anthony Risler with a bullet hole in his head. None of the campground people, or even the sheriff, pretend to like Denton and his snoopy questions, and everyone seems to be lying.

Denton figures Risler’s missing bike has to hide some kind of evidence that incriminates the murderer. Archie McGhee, the campground manager is self-centered and greedy enough to hide the motorcycle for the murderer, so why doesn’t he know where the bike is now? The Stillwells, although good-looking and popular, brag way too much to suit the Davies. The expensive S-shaped, ruby watch they foist onto Alex ought to play into the mystery, yet Denton can find no evidence of it. The drug-using, gun-toting man who chases Taffy knows more than he’s telling and raises questions in Denton’s mind even when forced to partner with the man.

Why is the sheriff ignoring obvious clues, and why would he leave a bribery note lying around where Denton’s suspicious eyes can see it? When Denton finds the keys with the strange looking C charm Alex and Denton realize only their pastor’s wife, back in Ohio, and the small, cherry-wood box Risler gave her, can provide the final clue they need to reveal the killer.

Denton wrestles with his personal demons of self-blame over his nephew’s death while riding a bike. Alex resents Denton’s riding roughshod over her feelings. When he thinks her love is fading, he’s determined to woo her back. But if he doesn’t find the young man’s murderer, their love may stretch to the breaking point.

Amazon print: http://bit.ly/1fd3cCQ

Amazon kindle: http://amzn.to/1eDC39t

Books a Million: http://bit.ly/1fd3cCQ
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dvNA6z

Please give us the first page of the book.

“You what?”

“I bought—”

“I know what you said,” I growled. A vision of my wife’s closet back home, filled with rows of shoes—basic colors like black, blue, brown, and white, and a rainbow of colors—flashed across my mind’s eye and nearly blinded me. Alexandria Davies had more shoes than any middle class lady should admit to.

We strolled toward the campground restaurant. The lights from the office behind us cast weird shadows on the shortcut path. I scowled and opened my mouth to let Alex hear why she didn’t need that eighty-sixth pair of shoes.

An explosive crack split the air around us and blasted the fussing right out of my head. I dropped to the mossy ground and pulled Alex down with me, breathing hard, my eyes searching the shadowy darkness closing in on us.

The throbbing rumble of a fast approaching Hog drowned out the creaks of nightlife, as the bike tore down the road that ran parallel with the path we were on. In a blur of silver and black, the sole rider wove from side to side in an imbecilic pattern.

Before I could dwell on it, a small, dark car roared by, twenty feet or so behind the bike. All the windows were dark except one, and something protruded from it. Something long, narrow, and ominous.

I blinked and hugged the edge of the road even tighter. Couldn’t be a gun.

Nah. Ludicrous.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author