Category: Carole Brown

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Jackson's Fall by Carole Brown (Give.away)

11/11/2024

He’d never fainted in his life. Hardly ever been sick. Never been afraid to tackle wild animals, untamed horses, or men with guns. But…there was his brother Jeremiah. A person so despicable he’d hope to never see him again. And worse, facing the heartless woman, Penelope, who’d betrayed him in front of the whole town—-standing here now just feet away from him with Jeremiah—well, for the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Fast.
Yet, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. There was his job that he loved, and the dreams he’d planned. But most of all, there was a new woman in town. A woman who was kind and sweet and beautiful with a heart of gold. They were friends—good friends, and neither of them expected anything else.
But can Jackson Barlowe find peace in the good things of his life? Or would the two people who had destroyed his past, ruin his life forever?

Genre: Western Romantic Suspense
Release date: August 20, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Carole

1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I usually take longer, but this book was finished in about two months. I set my goals, prayed and kept writing, and thankfully, it was finished within the time frame I wanted it done. That usually doesn't happen. I normally take anywhere from four to six months, depending on how busy I am.

2. Do have favorite character(s) in this book?
Although I loved both of my two main characters, I would have to say Jackson is my favorite. My heart went out to him for all the things he had to go through and endure. He was a strong man—but almost defeated in ways. Fortunately, Gabrielle, a new friend who never ceased caring and praying for him was there to encourage him.

3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope that my readers of Jackson's Fall, will understand that forgiveness and faith in God will conquer all problems. Forgiveness will not only benefit the other person, but will help soothe a person's own self too.

4. How did you name your characters?
Both Gabrielle and Jackson appeared in Book One (Caleb's Destiny) of this series as secondary characters. I love naming my characters and seldom regret giving them the names I give them. I wanted names that sounded (to me) old west, and these fit the bill.
I have a baby name book that I resort to when I'm needing a name. I also find names through articles, other people's selections for their children, etc. Some names I've had for a long time. Someday, hopefully, the story will need that certain name.

5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Do all you can do to encourage authors. Whether it be personal praise, online praise in different groups, reviews or whatever, do your part in keeping authors encouraged to never give up. It is work to create a book, and it doesn't take long to share a post about a book. Just do what you can. You just might save an author!!

More from Carole

In Jackson’s Fall, the female protagonist, Gabrielle Autumn, and her Grandparents own a bakery in the small town of Roaring Springs. Although I don’t mention this recipe in the book, it is one that I really believe Grandmama Mayfair would have baked and sold in her shop. And, perhaps, would have taught Gabrielle to make also. It’s totally delicious and diverse in that you can use whatever kind of fruit that you wish.

My mother made it often in our house! A perfect dessert for a historical, western setting…and a modern day family meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating it at your supper table.

Mountain Pie
1 cup of self rising flour
¾ cup of sugar
1 stick of butter
¾ cup of milk
Fruit Filling

Melt butter in baking dish
Pour batter over butter
Put fruit or pie filling on top of batter
Bake in moderate oven (around 350 degrees), 15-20 minutes
Serve as is or with ice cream.

Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-some, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery 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’s also published one children’s book and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5485

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2
Vicky Sluiter, November 3 (Author Interview)
Bizwings Book Blog, November 4
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, November 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6
Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8
For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)
Karen Baney Reviews, November 9
Texas Book-aholic, November 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12
Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Hunter's Rose by Carole Brown (Giveaway)

8/30/2022

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It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
Release date: August, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

#1. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That true love is strong and faithful in spite of serious and dangerous threats. Nothing can sway that if each person in a marriage holds steady.

#2. How did you name your characters?
Sometimes I already know what names I will use through casual thoughts of what I think will fit the character's personality. I also use baby books, jot down names I love as I read or hear them, sometimes use names of loved ones or close friends that I want to honor. Choosing names is a very important and fun project that I love doing.

#3. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
Oh, my, I could write a book about that topic! :) But since you said a little, I'll share some of my favorite things:

My husband and I have been in ministry most of our married lives
I have two brothers, two sons, and three grandsons.
We love to travel and have visited/ministered in about ¾ or more of the United States.
We live in the country with (right now) one big ole babied Mastiff/blood hound mix of a dog (Axel) one cat (MK), some chickens and plenty of wild life. Rest assured we've also had horses, cows, and other stock. But I am NOT a farmer's wife. :)
We're still in love, still have adventures, and love being with family!

#4. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Always be faithful to share about a book you've enjoyed. Writers work hard to create them so let them know, if possible, that you enjoyed the book.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
One of my favorite words is hope. There's so much possibility in that simple little word. While in the hospital the first of this year, I cherished every verse in Psalms about hope. Here's a good one:

More from Carole

Characters that Walk Off the Page

One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter’s personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I’d already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

Hunter is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person’s intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He’s a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he’s also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it’s not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader’s interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson, who is quiet and withdrawn, has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

Then there’s Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter’s Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.

Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), 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 SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/20e0e/hunter-s-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 20 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20
Texas Book-aholic, August 21
Inklings and notions, August 22
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 23
For Him and My Family, August 24
By The Book, August 25 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, August 25
Betti Mace, August 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27
Connie’s History Classroom, August 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 30 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31
Pause for Tales, September 1
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 2 (Author Interview)

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Sing Until You Die by Carole Brown (Interview, Guest Post, Giveaway)

1/13/2021

7 Comments

From childhood up, Claire Anne Rayner has despised the man who’s like a brother and son to the rest of the Rayner House residents. But when she puts her musical training on hold and begins singing to the troops as a means of helping support and encourage them, she is pulled into a mysterious spy’s efforts to destroy a certain high-ranking man.

Wills Mason is loved by everyone but Claire who cannot forgive him for his and her sister’s unmerciful, youthful teasing. But now, grown up and serving as a civilian spy, Wills must prove that Claire is not willingly relaying messages to the enemy, as his colonel believes, even when all evidence points that way. And can he prove he’s changed and can be trusted to cherish her heart as she deserves to be loved?

Genre: Historical romantic suspense
Release Date: October 15, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Carole

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
An older man we knew years ago who was thought to be a secret, U.S. civilian spy during WWII gave me the idea. That man never confessed whether he indeed was a spy, but the idea bloomed and became a three book series: The Spies of WWII.

Book One (With Music in Their Hearts) introduced the first spy and oldest red-haired daughter.
Book Two (A Flute in the Willows) introduces red-headed sister two and her husband spy who serves both in Germany and then at home. Last...
Book Three (Sing Until You Die) concludes this series with the youngest red-headed sister and the spy she both despises and loves.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I've loved mysteries and suspenseful books since a child. I grew up reading so many of the popular mystery books and bought them for my boys (who read before they went to school). As I grew older, I figured I'd be a detective, but I soon learned writing the mysteries and suspense was even better. Throwing in touches of romance sealed the deal.
I'd found my true calling: writing.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Forgiveness. The female protagonist, Claire Anne Rayner, just can not forgive the man who was like a brother and son to everyone in her family...except her. His teasing, along with her middle sister's, was the bane of her life. It was only when they were entangled in the spy search that things change, and Claire realizes that people aren't always who we thought they were. Hearts change. And forgiveness is the only way for self happiness.

#4. How did you name your characters?
Lol. You'll be the first to read this confession. I've always loved England's Prince William's nickname that his mother called him: Wills. That was a given for my male protagonist, and I knew it from the first book on. Claire Anne's name just seemed to click. I loved the name Claire, and Anne spelled with an E fit the first name just fine. I imagined a young girl who was spoiled, talented and who knew her own mind. One who had something to learn, who yearned to matter and make a difference.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. I love how God will shelter us and protect us from the fiery darts of our enemy. I love that he is our protection, that he guides us and will always show us the way to go, the path to choose, and has the answers to our problems and questions.
He is our best friend, one who understands far better than anyone when we our troubled, concerned or anxious. He corrects us when we need it (because we are his children!) and lovingly forgives when we err. We can trust him because he does what he says, we can lean on Him because no one is mightier than he, we can believe Him because his word is true and he never lies.

More from Carole

A Grip on the Story by Carole Brown

Unlike books one and two of The Spies of WWII series (With Music in Their Hearts and A Flute in the Willows), I couldn’t get a handle on where to go with Claire Anne Rayner and Wills Mason’s story in Sing Until You Die. I knew their names, knew their careers, but the plot evaded me until it was time to write the novel. And then…

Slowly the plot opened up:

How Claire was using her career
What was being asked of Wills by his colonel
The conflict between the two main protagonists
The protagonists’ personalities
Who the spy was
Why revenge was being sought by the foreign spy

The more I wrote, the more I loved these two faulty, but loveable characters. Were they perfect? No. Were they determined to do what they felt was their duty, what they knew was their calling? Yes and yes.

Claire, as a child and teenager, faced thoughtless and sometimes cruel teasings because of over zealousness from certain family and friends. In her youthful mind, she felt loathing for those hurting her and knew she’d never forgive those involved.

Wills, on the other hand, as a youth, was bound to prove he was one better than his best friend. Nothing was too dangerous or too extreme for him to try. No matter how others might feel…

Yet, through loving family and friends, these two grew into adulthood as caring, serious, and individuals determined to succeed in their separate pursuits. The only thing they needed to do was ask for forgiveness and forgive. Could they lay aside their accusations for each other and do it? Would they realize that past feelings and thoughts about the other might just be wrong?

I worked hard at showing the slow and sometimes painful process of their achieving that. But tying in the insidious spy, thrust these two adorable, but different, characters into each others’ lives. That brings about the question:

Will the web of deceit the mysterious German spy is weaving destroy their one chance of happiness
with each other, or can they both let go of the past and work together to bring the spy to justice?

Carole Brown

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 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?

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of
a music-themed tote bag a 4-piece set of bird/flower coasters,
a $25 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of Sing Until You Die!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/1052f/sing-until-you-die-celebration-tour-giveaway