Monday, January 1, 2018

Interview with Cozy Mystery Romance Author Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of nine books, with another one releasing late this month, 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?

There isn’t a better way to cozy up with a good book than with a “Cozy Mystery.”

In A Flute in the Willows, 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 glamorous 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.

Welcome to my blog, Carole. A Flute in the Willows is part of your WWII Spies series. Please tell us about your novel.

This novel is about the second red-headed daughter in the Rayner family. In the first book, With Music in Their Hearts, Josie and Jerry eloped, and were madly in love. Now, after separation because of his spy mission in Germany and injury AND Josie's own injury while ice skating (she trained and hoped for a chance at the Olympics once the war is ended), she's struggling with Jerry's rejection. These two troubled persons must work together to find forgiveness and peace besides locating the German spy who's trying to kill one or both of them. Can their love survive?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My mother lived through WWII, and her stories and the pictures I saw impressed and inspired my interest in that period of time. In With Music in Their Hearts (Book One), I chose her name, Emma Jaine, for my female protagonists and Tyrell's name from a book I read years ago.

That time period speaks to me in such a vivid way. I suppose because of my mother and her memories. The dangers and spy activities, the romance of the 1940s era, the gorgeous fashions, the hats, the men's bravery and the women's strength and determination in stepping up to fill their missing men's jobs, and so many other things resonate inside me.

What kind of research did you do?

Lots and lots! I did research on clothing, shoes, women's hats, men's hats and the message of different tilts of them, food (or the scarcity of it), gardens, clothing styles for both sexes, language, Germany, spies, ammunition, plots for spies, the town of Cincinnati, ice skating, flute music and many other things. I enjoyed it all!

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

Jerry Patterson came from an abusive family—not with physical beatings, but in that his father was absent a lot and required excellence from his two sons and degraded them if that wasn't given 100%.  Jerry is good looking in a sulky, mysterious way. At heart he is needy and loves his wife, Josie Rayner Patterson, with all his heart. Confused and hurt and angry at the happenings in Germany and his own injury, he misguidedly thinks he must turn his successful and athletic wife loose from the marriage they share. Of course, his thinking is faulty, but with God's help, Josie's love and the danger they both face, Jerry's heart softens and finally yields to God's perfect plan.

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

Readers can follow my blog or join my newsletter:

or Amazon is a great place to follow my posts and books too!

Thank you for having me!!

Thank you for this wonderful interview Carole. I hope my readers will check out your books and the links below.



16 comments:

Sonja said...

I love the cover! I think I would really enjoy this book, Carole! Love a good cozy mystery!

Caroline said...

Thank you, Sonja! So glad you stopped by and took the time to read my interview!

Unknown said...

Enjoyed the interview. I am a big fan of Carole's books and can hardly wait to read this one.

Linda Moffitt said...

Great Interview
Thanks for stopping by and Sharing with us
iamabho AT gmail DOT com

Linda Moffitt said...

Shared on Twitter https://twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/948437714671718400

Melanie Backus said...

Sounds like a good one!

mauback55 at gmail dot com

Linda Moffitt said...

Shared on Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/950790849360809985

Caroline said...

Thank YOU, Linda, for stopping by and for sharing the post. So appreciated!

Caroline said...

Vicki, I always loved listening to book cds while traveling. What could be better than enjoying a good book? Thank you!

Caroline said...

Melanie, thank you for stopping by and commenting. You've always been so faithful in commenting on posts. I hope you get the chance to read the book!

Caroline said...

Ann, you always make me smile. Thank you!

Jana Leah B said...

WWII is such a fascinating time period.
turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

binabug said...

looks like a good read, enjoyed the review

Buddy Garrett said...

Where do you enter the giveaway?

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

You enter the giveaway by making a comment. Then a winner is picked from all the comments. I hope this helps you to understand.

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

You have to also leave an email so the author can get in touch with you, that is, if your name was drawn out of the hat. I hope this makes sense, Buddy.