Interview with Cozy Mystery/Romance Author Carole Brown

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 to my blog, Carole. Please tell us about your Cozy Mystery: 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 on-going 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.’

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This is the third book in your Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

It was part of the idea I had years ago of writing a romance novel: to write about three friends separate adventures in finding a true love. But since I’m not a “per se” romance writer, I shelved these three books and recently unshelved them to turn them into mysteries. That worked for me, and apparently my readers! Lol. People are enjoying them.

What kind of research did you do?

For this book, the main research I did was on Paris, France. I wanted to find out more about names and areas, what could be used and not. It was a fun task (as always) and I thoroughly enjoyed the research.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love both my co-protagonists, but I’ll focus on Caroline (Caro) Gibson today.

She’s a bit clumsy and downplays herself, too outspoken, and in this book, pretty rude in trying to ignore Andrew Carrington’s lovelorn advances. But, in her defense, she’s a staunch Christian, active in church, loyal to her friends (hence her quick worry and defense of Andy when she thinks he’s being taken advantage of), and a success in her and her brother’s business, Undiscovered Treasures. Once she realizes the huge mistake she makes in the book, she willingly makes amends. She’s a wonderful example of taking the reins in our own hands rather than waiting on God’s direction. 

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

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

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

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

Thank you, Carole, for this fun interview. I enjoyed learning about this new series. I hope my readers will check them out.