Knight in Shining Apron ~ Carole Brown

August 9, 2016September 16, 2017 / Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

I am pleased to have Carole Brown visiting today. Carole has a new book, Knight in Shining Apron, and it’s available on Amazon. To help us get to know her better, I asked Carole to share a short bio with you.

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?

Thank you, Carole. What a lovely bio. It is obvious you love helping others. Tell us why you became a writer?

I’ve always loved reading, imagining stories and writing, so it was a natural thing to progress into becoming an author. I suppose it began way back when my mama read to us. We loved it so much, and I still love hearing my husband read aloud to me or to our grandsons.

I’ve always felt like a writer, as if it were a part of me like an arm or leg, eye or ear. It’s who I am, and I can’t imagine not writing.

You have a new book! Yay! Tell us about Knight in Shining Apron.

Here’s the blurb:

Knight in Shining Apron

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, a 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?

I love reading stories with a second chance thread. We don’t always get one in this life, but when we do, it makes a happy ending. How does your faith affect your writing?

In real life, many people don’t have the opportunity of a second chance. But when a person is offered that, I think they need to grab hold and go with courage embracing the opportunity as a special blessing from God.

I don’t like in-your-face, pushy types of witnessing, but I’m also not ashamed to let others know I love God. In my writings, sometimes the “word” is stronger than in others, but there’s always a thread of the possibility of a “better life (with God).” It can be in the redemption a character needs and ends of realizing that, or it might be in my characters sharing their love by helping others or encouraging them to do their best. Sometimes it’s as simple as an apology or a dinner blessing. However the story progresses, I always want to share a positive outlook, an encouragement for those who need help to look to God for whatever their need might be.

Why did you choose to write about spousal abuse?

Abuse is prevalent in our world. It’s something that touches and angers me to the core of my being. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I was led to write about it in my debut novel, and now this one. If one of my novels can encourage an abused person to make the right choices or share light to others to help stop it, then it’s well worth the time it took to write the book.

I agree, Carole. Let’s talk about music. I love the musical element in your book. Do you play?

Smile. I play, but not at the level of Starli Cameron’s talent. She’s a professional, and I’m a down home, lightly trained pianist.

I love perusing the Pinterest boards with yummy recipes. I’m not an expert, but I do love to try new recipes. Your plot revolves around a restaurant. Do you like to cook?

Yes, I do, most times. I don’t always enjoy the day-to-day task of cooking, but I love creating menus for dinners, family celebrations and fun times. Some of my specialties include:

Homemade lasagna, bread, and cheesecake
Homemade chicken and noodles (and mashed potatoes, of course!)
Fun party foods
I enjoy trying new soups and experiencing my own personal touches to them to make them mine.

When researching a story, I often discover truth I needed for myself. I am always curious to know if while researching the spiritual thread, did the author come across something that made an impact on her?

Yes. When I first wrote the book, trust wasn’t as much of a detailed trait, but once I changed it from a romance to a romantic mystery, I realized it was one of the things that brought depth to the story line.

I know the past year, God has brought ME through some deep waters in facing five deaths in about that many months and the depression that went along with it. I’ve had to learn to trust him more fully. He was faithful to encourage and strengthen me, and His word is always a powerful antidote against the enemy.

Any advice for newbies?

Never, never, never give up! Find the writing journey that is for you and stay with it, regardless of the directions your friends might have. We all have our own personal journey and must be true to that.

Thank you, Carole, for sharing. Where can folks find out more about you and your books?

I LOVE connecting with new friends and fans of my books! Please do join me at one or more of these sites:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

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/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

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The Best Yes – Lysa TerKeurst

August 2, 2016September 16, 2017 / Gail Johnson / 3 Comments

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Book blurb

The Best Yes Lysa TerKeurst

Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul?

Lysa TerKeurst is learning that there is a big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In The Best Yes she will help you:

Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love.
Escape the guilt of disappointing others by learning the secret of the small no.
Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom based decision-making process.
Rise above the rush of endless demands and discover your best yes today

My Thoughts

Have you ever had problems with saying no? I have. Do you often find yourself grumpy and stretched thin after saying yes? Yep, me too. Do you say yes knowing you don’t have the time or the energy to give the project 100%? I’m guilty.

And a stressed yes is like snow on a tree that refuses to release its leaves. It causes cracks and breaks at our core. – Lysa TerKeurst

In this world, we are often a blur of action until we drop in exhaustion. But thankfully, there is a better way. In her book, The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurst tells her readers how to decide when to say yes, how to implement the soft no, and when and how to give an answer.

I know the weight of carrying more than I should. And usually it’s because I’ve refused to release something before taking on something else. – Lysa TerKeurst

Using Biblical insights and personal stories, TerKeurst helps the reader to understand there are times when a no answer is better for everyone involved. She explains not making a decision is actually a decision and releasing the “good” things allow us to commit to our “best” things.

I can’t expect to have room for my Best Yes opportunities if I refuse to release the clutter. – Lysa TerKeurst

The Best Yes will give you an idea how to organize your time, evaluate your situation, and implement your God-given gifts in a way that pleases God, protects your relationships, and stops the insanity of chaotic decision making.

I thought The Best Yes to be informative and filled with practical advice. If you struggle with saying no, I recommend reading The Best Yes, Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands.

I own a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Splash Down ~ Linda K. Rodante

June 7, 2016September 16, 2017 / Gail Johnson / 5 Comments

Today I am pleased to have with me, Linda K. Rodante.

Linda has a new book coming out this Saturday! In fact, it is so new I was unable to get a purchase link for you, dear reader. However, Splash Down will be available for purchase June 11. Also, Amber Alert, Book 1, will be free that day for those who haven’t started the series.

Splashdown7

Hello, Linda. I appreciate you taking the time out from your busy schedule to stop by and chat with us. I know you are excited about your new book. Tell us about Splash Down.

Splashdown is my latest book and number three in The Dangerous Series. It’s about a young woman, Lynn Stapleton, who befriends a homeless woman, but the woman is murdered during a hurricane. The detective on the case is immediately suspicious of Lynn because Lynn loves designer handbags and high-end clothing. So, what was she doing at a homeless site in the middle of a hurricane? Of course, there’s a romance that develops between them as they investigate the murder. There’s also a second story line with a couple from my other books. I weave both story lines together at the end. And I always have a spiritual element to my stories. Romance, mystery, suspense, and God.

Sounds exciting. And just in time for the hurricane season. What inspired you to write this story?

I live in Florida and hurricanes are just part of our lives here. Also, when I started writing Splashdown, I worked with the homeless; and one of the women we knew was killed. No one was ever arrested for it. But, you know, every life is worth respect, everyone was someone’s son or daughter. I wanted to show the humanity of those that are or have been homeless.

My secondary plot line involves a couple who are missionaries. The man is a pilot of one of those small bush planes they use. Much of this story comes from the time my mother spent in Indonesia as a missionary. I think it will be intriguing for the reader to see how the two plot lines intertwine at the end.

Okay, you’ve piqued our interest. I love that you’ve included a part of your mother’s history in your story. I love to read true stories about missionaries. Tell us, while researching the spiritual thread, did you come across something that made an impact on you?

I have two characters who deal very specifically with God in their lives. One knows the Lord well but has a hard time giving the person he loves to God. It is one thing to give ourselves to God and another thing to put someone we deeply love into God’s hand—not knowing the outcome in their lives. That is what I’ve had to do with my son, his wife, and my three grandchildren. They are now in Botswana, Africa as missionaries.

The second person’s spiritual journey is not as deep, but he is what I call a nominal Christian. He has his “fire protection”—he’s accepted Jesus as his Savior, but he doesn’t think he needs God for anything else. Of course, he comes to realize, he needs him more than he thought.

LOL. I can relate to that. And of course, in the end, we all come to realize we can’t make it without Him! Let’s talk about the writing process. What is your favorite part of weaving a story?

Doing the actual writing and seeing how the story comes together. Sometimes a plot or a character will take on a life of their own and do or say something I never thought about writing!

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

As you can probably tell from the above answer, I am a pantser. I have an idea and just start writing. I have to rewrite, of course, and often have to go back and put something in the front of the book that helps make sense of the ending

Are you happy or sad when writing “the end.”

I think I would say “satisfied.” I like to get to the end and see how it all works together and that the ending leaves me (and hopefully the reader) feeling warm and hopeful. I want the reader to know that God is alive, that God loves us, and that He is working for our good.

I totally agree, Linda. As a writer, I love sharing God’s love with my readers. Thanks again for stopping by and talking with us. Congratulations on the new book!

Learn more about Linda: