Romantic Reads: A Persevering Heart

Welcome Lisa Prysock to the blog!

She's here to share about her book, A Persevering Heart, and she's hosting a giveaway! So remember to enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget that's located at the end of this blog post.

Enjoy your time with this lovely author!

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Interview with Lisa Prysock about her book, A Persevering Heart:

Alexis: What inspired you to write this story and why did you give it this title?

Lisa: My inspiration for this story was to write a Christian mystery with a setting inspired by my daughter. She recently married and lives in Georgia now. The title is inspired from the Lord helping me persevere through many storms in my own life.

Alexis: Who or what was the inspiration behind your story’s heroine, Ms. Pepper Anne Barrington?

Lisa: The fictional character of Ms. Pepper Anne Barrington is inspired by all of the mysteries I’ve read over the years, and even some I’ve watched on television. I have enjoyed Agatha Christie’s novels and Nancy Drew mysteries. I loved watching the TV shows Murder She Wrote, Perry Mason, Columbo, and many more. I wanted to create a memorable character, and readers tell me she lives up to it so far.

Alexis: How does Pepper look? What does her voice sound like? What are her greatest strengths and most embarrassing weaknesses?

Lisa: Ms. Pepper is an attractive, Christian, wealthy widow at the age of forty-eight when the series begins. She’s a confident brunette who owns a plantation mansion, an L-shaped house made into a Bed and Breakfast (B&B). Her former husband, Wyatt, was into real estate, which is how they acquired the 10-acre property. They remodeled the estate together before his car accident that left her widowed. She drives a shimmery blue Aston Martin and also owns a Rolls Royce. Her voice sounds strong, likeable, and kind of like a cross between Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith from “Charlie’s Angels” (a detective television series from way back in the 80’s). At times she is soft-spoken and other times, strong and courageous.

I think her weakness is being a bit too busy with her writing and managing a B&B. Thankfully, she has hired some staff to help her stay on track. There’s a cook, a gardener, and a housekeeper. I think her most embarrassing weakness is meddling. She likes to snoop out mysteries and help find resolutions for them. And it’s also perhaps a bit of a weakness that she loves fashion. She really enjoys dressing up and driving around in her convertible Aston Martin with the top down.

Alexis: Is Pepper rich? What does she do for a living?

Lisa: Pepper is what you’d call filthy rich. She’s a mystery writer, as well as the owner of Edgewater Coventry B&B. She doesn’t need the income because her husband’s estate left her millions upon his death. Between all of his properties, insurance, and income, she doesn’t have to worry about money.

Alexis: Why did Pepper choose to be a mystery novelist and how long did it take for her books to become bestsellers?

Lisa: Pepper became a mystery novelist after she retired from teaching elementary school and her children became school age. She became a bestselling novelist with her very first book. Not exactly the stuff most of us real life writers go through.

Alexis: Paint a picture of Edgewater Coventry B&B, with words. What makes it special?

Lisa: The B&B plantation property is pretty cool. It’s in a historic neighborhood area of Atlanta not too far from downtown. It was inspired by a neighborhood in Atlanta I drove through with my husband when visiting my daughter’s school connected to the Atlanta Dream Center.

To imagine Ms. Pepper Anne Barrington’s property, you’d want to picture driving through iron gates on the approach. The drive winds to the left and up through a gently sloping lawn toward the main L-shaped house with a courtyard garden terrace in the rear. To the left of the house (if you’re facing the house), there’s a giant arch leading into a garage with a stone courtyard of its own, and parking for numerous vehicles. I found a design from some famous Hollywood mansion homes that gave me the basis for this amazing courtyard garage.

Imagine beautiful shrubs and flower beds surrounding the mansion house with shade from patches of trees here and there on the front grounds. There is a veranda with four pillars across the front of the house.

The house has spacious rooms with tall ceilings, and a fireplace in nearly every room. The main floor has a Ladies Parlor, a Library, a Music Room, and an office. The other wing of the “L” has a long dining room, a kitchen, and Pepper’s quarters on the first floor.

Each of the guest rooms have a name. These are the Hydrangea Room, the Magnolia Room, the Marigold Room, the Pomegranate Room, the Peach Room, the Rose Room, the Indigo Room, and the Gardenia Room. The third floor attic has been remodeled into rooms for two of Pepper’s adult children.

The design of the house is based loosely on a real-life historical plantation. There is a staircase inside the main hall leading to the second floor, and another staircase from the other wing which can be accessed from the terrace garden. Some of the upstairs guest rooms are accessed by the upper veranda. Each guest room on the second floor (in both wings) has a bathroom and fireplace. There is a central lounge upstairs in the middle of the second and third floors. (Some of these details come out as readers read my books in the series). If you count the cottage, in total, there are eight guest rooms available because Pepper’s quarters are the Pomegranate Room.

Beyond the plantation main house is a walk leading to a guest house called Brook Cottage with a lanai. It sits on the northeast corner, angled toward the walking trails winding through a wooded area, and the pond.

Guests can enjoy the rowing boats on the pond, walk the shaded trails, swim in the pool year round, use the exercise room, enjoy the octagonal gazebo, picnic in the pavilion with swings, and walk through the green house. In addition to a vegetable garden providing organic fresh vegetables for guests and a rose garden, there are lilies, hydrangeas, and many plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs on the property.

Alexis: How does Bradley look? What does his voice sound like? What are his strongest features and his most serious character flaws?

Lisa: From Nashville, Tennessee, he looks and acts a lot like a cowboy. He wears jeans, cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and plaid shirts all through the story, except he’s not a country singer. He’s a hip hop artist and fans are crazy about him. He has brown hair, blue eyes, and he’s tall.

He has a strong voice. His biggest flaw was not being able to have fun during a long-term crisis in the book. He really had to work at trusting God to let that happen. His best feature is his dependency on God and that he doesn’t let his fame and success go to his head. He is a genuine hero. He loves to do handyman work and remodeling his grandmother’s old Victorian is a joy for him since he is a woodshop pro and a math whiz. He is also the oldest of all of his siblings.

He is not organized, and that’s one of his flaws.

Alexis: What brings Bradley to Georgia? Where does he stay and why doesn’t he leave?

Lisa: Bradley inherits his grandmother’s estate in Atlanta and he decides to remodel it and live there. Some of his siblings live in the area. In fact, he moves his whole band to Atlanta from Nashville. While he’s tackling the remodeling, he decides to stay at the B&B where he meets Patricia.

Alexis: Why is Bradley passionate about music? What is the name of his band? Are they famous?

Lisa: He is passionate about sharing Jesus through his music, and yes, his band is famous. The name of his band is Eternity.

Alexis: What draws Patricia and Bradley together? What are their first impressions of each other?

Lisa: Bradley’s antique watch turns up missing, but it is found on Patricia’s desk. Patricia is instantly attracted to Bradley. I’ll let readers find out what he thinks by reading the book.

Alexis: If you could visit the bed and breakfast in this story as a guest, how would you spend your time there? What would you do? Would you snoop around and help solve the mysteries?

Lisa: I would definitely love to stay there. I’d take a walk on the trails, have a picnic with my husband in the pavilion, ride in the rowing boats, and swim in the pool. I’d use the exercise room at least every other day. I’d love to stroll through the rose garden and the green house, and inspect the vegetable garden.

Yes, I might even try to help solve the mysteries. I’m curious like that, and if I see an injustice, I like to get to the bottom of it. I might also lock myself in the guest house to write stories and only come out for food. I’d also enjoy reading a book in the library, having tea in the Ladies’ Parlor, and reading in the gazebo and the pavilion. I’d enjoy the piano in the music room, too. Having tea by one of the fireplaces with a great book would be a favorite end of the day activity for me.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about A Persevering Heart?

Lisa: I want them to know that the persevering heart who does not give up on God will be rewarded with a good life from a good God who deeply loves each of us.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Lisa! Would you like to share closing comments?

Lisa: Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Alexis. I would like to share with readers that I’m not the only writer in this exciting new series. Some very talented writers are contributing books to it, and their ideas have each been unique and outstanding. 

These stories have been full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, faith, inspiration, sweet romance, well-developed characters, and amazing plots. I encourage readers to enjoy all of the books in the “Georgia Peaches” series.

I’m giving away two Kindle copies of this book and one signed paperback, so we’ll choose three random readers who comment as winners. To win, what kind of mystery do you think Pepper might help solve in my next series contribution? I’d love to hear what your thoughts are about this series, as well. Do you enjoy reading mysteries and suspenseful stories?

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Author Bio:

Lisa M. Prysock is an award-winning, bestselling, Christian and inspirational author of more than 28 novels. She and her husband make their home in Kentucky where the rich heritage, scenic area, local culture and history, along with her faith, are a constant source of inspiration for many of Lisa’s books. Together, they have five grown children. 

Lisa writes in the genres of both Historical Christian Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance novels, including a multi-author Western Christian Romance series, “Whispers in Wyoming.” She is also the author of a devotional. She enjoys sharing her faith through her writing.

She has many interests, but a few of these include gardening, cooking, sketching, arts and crafts, sewing, crochet, cross stitch, scrapbooking, reading, swimming, biking, and walking. Lisa loves dollhouses, cats, horses, butterflies, hats, boots, flip-flops, chocolate, coffee, tea, chocolate, the colors peach and purple, and everything old-fashioned. 

She adopted the slogan of “The Old-Fashioned Everything Girl” because of her love for classic, traditional, and old-fashioned everything. When she isn’t writing, she can sometimes be found teaching herself piano and violin, but humorously finds the process “a bit slow and painful.”

A few of her favorite authors include Jane Austen, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. You’ll find “food, fashion, fun, and faith” in Lisa’s novels.

She continues the joy and adventure of sharing her faith through her writing journey as a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and LCW (Louisville Christian Writers). Lisa’s books are clean and wholesome, inspirational, and family oriented. She gives a generous portion of the proceeds to missions.

You can find out more about this author at www.LisaPrysock.com where you’ll find free recipes, devotionals, author video interviews and book trailers, giveaways, blog posts, and much more, including an invitation to sign up for her free newsletter.

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Blurb for A Persevering Heart (book):

When Ms. Pepper Anne Barrington isn’t driving her convertible Aston Martin or writing her bestselling mysteries, she’s busy solving real-life dilemmas happening to her three grown children or the guests visiting her Atlanta bed and breakfast, Edgewater Coventry B & B. It seems to Miss Pepper, there’s always an air of romance, mystery, and perhaps a little adventure and mayhem at the restored 19th century plantation.

When handsome handyman and popular up and coming musician, Bradley Fielding, inherits his grandmother’s Victorian estate in Georgia, he relocates his band from Nashville to Atlanta to oversee the renovations. He decides to stay at the Edgewater Coventry B & B while the Fielding house that has been in his family for generations is being remodeled. All kinds of things begin to go wrong, including the disappearance of his sister and an antique pocket watch.

Patricia Johnston, avid reader and administrative assistant to Miss Pepper, is perhaps the most disturbed of all when she is framed for stealing Brad Fielding’s antique watch. She’s off to the wrong start in her new job—and with one of the country’s most eligible bachelors.

Don’t miss the adventure, romance, and sometimes mystery in "A Persevering Heart," Book 1 of the new, exciting Christian and inspirational series, ‘Georgia Peaches,’ where each novella ends with a happily ever after in spite of a number of obstacles.

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Buy Lisa's book on Amazon: 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085XTXSZR

View ALL of the books in the "Georgia Peaches" series:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088811ZXL

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Connect with Lisa:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaMPrysock
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LPrysock
Website: www.LisaPrysock.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J6MBC64
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-m-prysock

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:
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Devotionals for the Heart: Humankind and The Holy Spirit that unites us

One in the Spirit
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
–John 14:26 (NASB)

The Holy Spirit is a mystery. I know that the Spirit is real and that God dwells with us as believers in the form of the Holy Spirit, but I admit that I don’t really understand it all.

I’ve always liked the metaphor of the Holy Spirit being like the wind and how we can’t see the wind, but we certainly know it’s real when we feel it or when we see the evidence of it.

Living in the Midwest has given me both a perspective on the wind and a grudging appreciation for it. Out here a 50 or 60 mph wind can come out of nowhere, scream across the prairie, shake the house, rattle the windows and be gone. In some places you can look miles away to see dust clouds and know that the wind is there. You can look at wind maps and see where the winds are the highest and where they are moving to. Amazing.

What if there was an app on my phone that I could open up and see where the Holy Spirit was moving at any given time? I’m trying to imagine what that might look like. Maybe it would show me what the Spirit is doing in the lives of people around me. Or maybe it would be a map with different colors for how well things are going in prisons or churches or governments. Maybe it would spur me on to help with missions work or sharing hope or giving encouragement. Maybe it would have an alarm that would remind me each hour that the Spirit is with me, that He is for me and that He is my comfort in all things.

I think more than anything, an app like that would remind me that all believers, regardless of doctrine, creed, or culture, are part of something greater. We are a multifaceted web of flawed humans, living our lives in a broken world. Our purpose should be one of unity and love through our shared connection of having the God of the Universe living inside of us, something I too easily and too often forget. We should all be trying to show the world the good news that Jesus loves them.

The old song “We are One in the Spirit” makes me think of evenings around a fire at camp. But more than just a pretty song, there is such a truth to it, especially in the line “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Looking at the world and its division even among believers, I sometimes wonder whether that has ever been or will ever be true.

But today, if I stay in connection with the Spirit through Bible reading and prayer, I’m much more apt to be in better connection with my brothers and sisters in Christ and the world might look a little more like what God intended. So maybe I don’t need an app after all!

Let’s Pray: Please help me see where your Holy Spirit would lead me, Lord. I want to be part of the work of your Spirit in this world. Give me a greater love for my fellow believers. Remind us of our connection to You and to each other and Your charge to love one another. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

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Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Liz Tolsma's book giveaway

Welcome to the 20th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Liz Tolsma.

She's here to give away one of her books!

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a little bit more about Liz and her book ...

Author Bio:

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. 

She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a U.S. Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. 

Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

 Please visit her blog, The Story behind the Story, at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), and Pinterest. She is also a regular contributor to the Midwest Almanac blog.

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Back Cover Blurb for Liz's book:

When Harriet Peters came to Boston in 1882, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. 

Now, four years later, Lizzie is deathly sick, failing quickly just like several others in her family have done over the past few years. How can so many in one family die from the same mysterious illness? 

Harriet doesn’t have answers, but she is determined to help the family, bringing in a new-to-the-neighborhood doctor, Michael Wheaton.

As Harriet and Michael close in on the answer, putting their own lives at risk, can the cause be found before anyone else dies?

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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A Prelude to Christmas: Interview with author Linda Rondeau

Welcome Linda Rondeau to the blog today! She's here to talk about her new novel, Miracle on Maple Street. Here's the dreamy cover of her book:

Book blurb: “Christmas is a time for miracles,” Ryan McDougal tells his mother, when he is told that a long lost cousin, Millie, has resurfaced after nearly forty years, the cousin whose picture his mother clasped the day his father abandoned him. Though they occurred decades apart, he always believed the two disappearances were connected like opposite links of a chain. With Millie’s arrival, perhaps he might finally receive the answers he so desperately sought. 

However, Ryan has a third thorn in his side, more devastating than any mystery. His wife, the love of his life, has left his arms and his bed. How long before she moves out of the house and takes his beloved son with her? He prays for his own Christmas miracle. Millie’s anticipated visit prompts Ryan’s mother to reveal secrets that bring all to light. However, when past and present collide, the truth is more than Ryan can bear.

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Fill out the book giveaway contest entry form on this Rafflecopter widget for your chance to WIN a copy of Linda's book: 

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Enjoy my interview with Linda! 

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Interview with Linda Rondeau, author of Miracle on Maple Street:

Alexis: I like the title for your Christmas story. How did you think of it?

Linda: The title is “borrowed” from the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street". No, there’s no Santa Claus in this story, but a miracle does take place—one of spiritual healing for four people that has been four decades in the making.

Ryan says, “Sometimes miracles happen instantaneously and sometimes miracles happen over time.”

Alexis: Why did you write Miracle on Maple Street?

Linda: This story evolved over fifteen years. It is actually a revision of the first novel I ever wrote, and that was developed from a short story titled, "Marigolds Don’t Hold Grudges".

The idea first came to me when I reunited with my long-lost cousin. We hadn’t been in contact for twenty years. For us, it was merely the fact that life pulled us in different directions. It was wonderful when we saw each other again and relived wonderful memories. Now we make a much better effort to stay in touch. That made me wonder what sort of things could separate two cousins who loved each other deeply? That question led to a lot of, “what ifs” and Miracle of Maple Street evolved.

Alexis: What do you want your readers to remember most about this story?

Linda: That forgiveness is a two-way street. Sometimes we stand ready to forgive the person who wronged us; yet we fail to acknowledge that we may have contributed to the wrong done to us. We need to ask forgiveness for our part.

Also, we fail to forgive ourselves. We wear our guilt, like Dicken’s Marley, the chains we forged in life.

If God casts our sins into the sea of his forgetfulness, then we mitigate his cleansing power when we continue to be weighed down by them.

Alexis: There’s an air of mystery surrounding your main character Millie. Why? Tell us about her role in this story.

Linda: Ryan McDougal woke to a boyhood Christmas and found his father had disappeared and his mother clutches a mysterious photograph of a teenage cousin who ran away on her 16th birthday. His mother spends the better part of two decades in depression. Ryan feels like an orphan. And he wonders what part the picture plays in his mother’s sadness and his father’s disappearance.

Although Millie’s disappearance and his father’s abandonment occurred decades apart, Ryan believes they are somehow connected, like opposite links to a chain.

When his mother receives a letter that her cousin Millie is visiting for Christmas, He wonders why the cousin returns after nearly four decades. Could it be a sign? Ryan seizes the opportunity to confront his mother once and for all as to how the events connect. He can’t explain how, but he also believes his wife’s rejection is in the mix of mysteries that only Millie will unravel.

We don’t know Millie’s story until later in the book. But we learn that after she ran away from home, her life followed a much different path than his mother. Did Millie’s faith make a difference?

Millie will be the source to answer Ryan’s question, "Why didn’t my father ever come back?"

As Ryan’s mother answers these two questions, Ryan discovers the reasons for his wife’s emotional withdrawal. The pain of her revelation is more than he can bear. Will he abandon his family as his father did?

When Millie arrives, she finds a family torn apart. Through the miracle of her story, the family finds hope and a place where healing can begin.

Alexis: Tell us about Ryan. What makes him the hero of your story? Share insight into his character, flaws and strength.

Linda: Ryan wants to think of himself as a Cal Ripken, the baseball player famous for the most consecutive games played as of the setting for this story. He has grown tired of his wife’s rejection and wonders if he can “stay in the game.” He’s a good man, a good son, and tries to be a good father, and he thought he’d been a good husband. Through introspection, he sees he is flawed and in need of redemption.

Alexis: What kind of miracle are your characters hoping will happen? Why?

Linda: Ryan believes his mother’s reunion with her long-lost cousin is her miracle. He desires a healed relationship with his wife, and perhaps to finally receive an explanation why his father abandoned the family.

Alexis: You touch on emotional abandonment, which is an issue in real life. In what ways do you hope that your fictional story world will help people in the real world?

Linda: Sometimes forgiveness is a two-way street. We are quick to realize the wrong someone has done to us; however, we fail to recognize our own contribution to the problem. Sometimes we fail to forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Sometimes, emotional abandonment leaves a deep hole and mars our ability to receive love for fear we’ll be rejected once again.

Alexis: Why did you choose to make this story set at Christmastime?

Linda: Christmas is a time of deep reflection. Millie’s visit, prompts the long avoided conversation between Ryan and his mother that brings all into light. As Ryan begins to realize his need for a Savior, he contemplates the babe in the manger. When his internal struggle ends he says, “Finally, all is calm and all is bright.”

Alexis: Was there anything or anyone that you couldn’t live without while writing this story? If so, explain.

Linda: Food. When I write, I get really hungry, but I don’t like stopping to eat. I’m grateful for a spouse that likes to cook. He yells to me, “Ready!” We share our meals then I go back to work.

Alexis: Complete this sentence: If I needed a miracle, I would _________________________because________________________.

Linda: If I needed a miracle, I would ask God to reveal himself to my prodigal son because now he has a child who is curious about life. I pray that he will get right with God so he can show his little girl who he is. 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Linda! Merry Christmas!

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Author bio:

Winner of the 2012 Selah Award and Carol Award finalist Linda Wood Rondeau writes to offer hope for those with damaged lives and demonstrate our worst past, surrendered to God becomes our best future. 

After a long career in human services, Linda now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. When not writing, the author enjoys golfing, hiking, and spending time with her best friend in life, her husband of nearly forty years. 

Her recent release, Miracle on Maple Street, has already won the hearts of many. 
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Buy Linda's book on Amazon
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Connect with Linda: Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com where they’ll find a list of her books and her blog, Snark and Sensibility. Email her at lindarondeau@gmail.com or find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Goodreads. 

25 Days of Christmas Stories: Interview with Carole Brown, author of Sabotaged Christmas

Let's welcome Carole Brown to the blog! She's here today to answer all of my in-depth questions about her book, Sabotaged Christmas AND she's giving away a copy of her book to the winner of the book giveaway contest! 

The winner can choose a Kindle e-book or paperback copy.  To enter the contest, fill out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Now on to the author interview. Enjoy!

*Questions from Alexis are in bold, answers from Carole are not in bold

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Alexis: What inspired your book title, Sabotaged Christmas?

Carole: Originally, I wrote a three book romance series, but when that didn’t work out, and the opportunity opened, I asked my editor about turning them into romantic mysteries. She was enthusiastic. With a bit of editing and rewriting, I was able to increase the mystery. A woman’s construction business, her birth and the co-protagonist’s past all intermingle and create subplots that not only keep the reader’s interest high but threaten Toni and her employees with a sabotaged Christmas. 

Tell us about your heroine Toni DeLuca. What does she look and sound like (describe the sound of her voice)? Why did you give her an Italian heritage? What does she love about owning DeLuca Construction. How did she get that job?

Toni’s petite, but a strong woman. Dark black-haired, flashing brown eyes (with what Perrin calls golden flecks), she’s friendly, loves life and a vivacious type of person. She has a quick temper but is also kind hearted and a true Christian. She inherited DeLuca Construction from her deceased father, and although he taught her everything he knew about carpentry, she now leaves the labor to her supervisor and her four employees and contents herself with overseeing the business.

What is Toni’s relationship with her father? Do they get along? Did he raise her by himself or with her Mom? Why does she think he has deceptions?
She adored her father, and they had a good relationship. He did his best as a single parent, by attending her school functions, setting rules, but giving her the independence to see and make the right choices. In Sabotaged Christmas, someone is accusing her father of deception. Since Toni’s never heard such a thing, she’s a bit shocked at the news.

Tell us about those “mysterious pink notes” that Toni receives. What are they? Who are they from? What significance do they have in the story?

They are coy accusations with an intent of upsetting Toni. The culprit has his/her “harsh” agenda, and they play a big part in the plot.

Tell us about your hero Perrin Douglas. Start with his first name—what’s the origin. Did you create that or find it somewhere? Continue talking about Perrin by describing his looks, personality, strengths and flaws.

It’s an English name, meaning, in a general way: “Little Peter.” Most times, unless there’s a name that comes to me, a name I hear or love, or a name that has a significance to me, I use my trusted baby book. One of my favorite research books.

Perrin is tall, a bit of a academic, a history professor sans adventure/romance author. Although he’s published several nonfiction articles and books, he’s now venturing into fiction and has taken a hiatus to finish his book. He has brown hair, and blue/green eyes, wears glasses and is a bit awkward at times. He loves his son very much but isn’t an easy man to get to know.

What attracts Toni to Perrin? Why?

Toni’s kind heart draws her to the Douglas family, first of all. She can sense their need, sees deeper than either father or son realizes, feels their cry for peace and happiness, and knows that something is very, very wrong in their lives. In her attempt to “rescue/help” them, she ends up attracted to a man who sometimes lets his bitterness and fear of trusting get the better of him.

Why does Perrin have his doubts about women and God? Explain.

I don’t want to spoil the story, so I won’t go into too much detail here, but I will say, his past is not pretty. He not only blames those from the past, but himself which causes him to mistrust women and not having been raised in a godly home, he has no real sense that there is a God or one that could do anything for him.

Several factors may “ruin” Christmas for Toni. Can you tell us what they are and why?

There’s basically three: #1: The question about her father, causing her to view her upbringing with sadness and disappointment. #2: The damages on the construction sites that not only cost money but a loss of time and the possibility of her business reputation being ruined. Not being able to pay her employees due to these, is a big problem for Toni. #3: Last, Toni’s attraction for the one man who interests her, may not pan out. How can she be happy knowing she’s lost the one chance of being with him?

Why did you choose to set your story in West Virginia? Is Appleton a real town? What do you love about setting your story in that location?

West Virginia is a charming state. I wanted a homey, laid back community, and having visited WV numerous times, with lots of friends from there, I knew I could create what I needed from the area. Besides, I love WV.

Appleton is not a real town. The setting is not too far from the state capital, Charleston.

What can you tell us about the culprit and how he or she may “destroy Toni’s last chance at happiness”?

Resolving the puzzle of the three subplots might just destroy Toni’s natural happiness. The reputation of the parent who raised her is thrown into question. The possibility of a ruined business, and her own happiness all are at stake.

The culprit has one main agenda, but I can’t reveal that without ruining the novel story for readers. I encourage everyone to read the book and find out more of what’s happening in Toni DeLuca’s life.

Complete this sentence: I wrote this book because ________________.

I wrote this book because I wanted a romantic mystery series that featured different people in a small town setting. People who are friends who have their own unique lives that touch each other as they go about their daily lives. I want readers to sense the community spirit, and not only the love and friendliness but also the jealousies and problems and hurts and pettishness that can exist too. Life is not always pleasant, but when you work hard, trust God, and do the best you can, you can have peace and an inward joy. Hard decisions have to be made, forgiveness and hope has to be in place. It’s only then you can truly be happy. Toni DeLuca and Perrin Douglas made the right choices, eventually. 

Thanks for the interview, Carole! God bless you and Merry Christmas! If you have a question for my readers, please ask it now. 

Carole's questions for my readers: Can any of you guess Toni’s first name, her real name?

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Author bio: 

Carole Brown not only has her award-winning (2015 Winner of the USA Best Books Award, 2015 Small Publishers Book Award, RWA International Digital Award finalist, Clash of the Titles Laurel Awards finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel but The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, is available for purchase now.

A companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia, quotes, recipes from West Virginia and from Caralynne’s life, pictures and discussion questions for the novel is also available.

The first book in her Denton & Alex Davies mystery series, Hog Insane and Bat Crazy, the second book are fun, lighthearted novels that not only deal with the mysteries the Davies land in, but relationships too.

The first book in a new WWII Spies Romantic Suspense series, With Music In Their Hearts are nostalgic, warm-hearted books that place readers firmly in that era. Three red-headed sisters. Three spies. Three stories.

Brown released the first book in a new series, in November 2015: The Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mysteries, Sabotaged Christmas.

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. 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?

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Book 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 receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubled history—but the first man in years who’s interested her--is building to a peak. Yet Perrin‘s own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way. 

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business all converge to play a part in ruining Christmas for Toni’s employees. Will the mysterious person behind it all succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? 

Will this culprit destroy Toni’s last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

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Buy Carole's book:

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1IhSw4X
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1muKn36
Books-A-million - http://bit.ly/1IhSES6

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Connect with Carole:
Blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
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/profile/view?id=67381031
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/