About Me: My Likes, My Writing, My Life, and Mentoring

Carole Brown lives in Southeast Ohio where she and her husband enjoy their grandsons and play the game of grandparenting for all their worth! Good food, whether at home or in finer restaurants, walks in the woods, reading some good, keeper books, occasional boating and fishing and camping outings, and collaborating on their children's books are some favorite activities.

She's always on the lookout for catchy titles and suspenseful plots. 


The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, her debut inspirational novel:
Winner of the 2015 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award 
2015 EPIC's eBook Awards, Romantic Suspense 
2014 Selah Debut Fiction finalist 
2014 Genesis semi-finalist 
2014 Clash of the Titles, Laurel Awards finalist 
2014 Oklahoma RWA International Digital Awards, 2nd place 



* * *

The Denton and Alex Davies Series
  • Hog Insane--was released in November 2013 and is receiving great reviews.
REVIEWS:
The storyline was very intriguing. It reminded me of one of my favorite detective series from the 1940's, the "Thinman" with Nick & Nora Charles. Right down to the dog. Even the bantering back and forth was similar.
If you are looking for a clean, fun, entertaining whodunnit, this is the book you should read. Hope to see more of Denton & Alex Davies

Right from the beginning, I enjoyed this book. The characters are believable, very interesting & with out giving much away, I love the relationship between Denton & Alex. The plot is something that could happen anywhere & in my opinion, that always is more interesting. I'll be reading more of Carole Brown's work.


  • Bat Crazy, Book two released in August 2015
REVIEWS:
Another great book written by Carole Brown. She's never disappointed me. I didn't want to put it down and hated to see it end. Looking forward to the next one. It won't be out soon enough for me!!!!!--Janeth


Cozy Mystery Fun! Now I have to admit, bats are not my favorite creatures - too many associations with spooky movies I'd watch in childhood and nights on my aunt's country farm. So, I wasn't too sure about a mystery titled Bat Crazy! But, happily, I plunged into this newest in the Alex and Denton Davies series and didn't come up for air until I'd raced to the exciting conclusion.

RV mysteries - or even books with RV's - are one of my vices. Who can resist the call of the open road - the thrill of adventure? Certainly not Alex and Denton! But when their borrowed RV breaks down in an odd little town - think some of those spooky movies again . . . the shivers are real. There's no place to stay until a mysterious man offers to lend them his cabin. Okay . . . does this seem a little odd to you? Yup, it did to the Davies too! Guess the mystery man forgot to tell them there were odd bat-like creatures building fires and arguing in a clearing near the cabin. Oh, and then there's the cave.

Alex and Denton go on a cave tour . . . and you know if they are involved something HAS to happen. It does and a young woman is clinging to life. Trust the Davies to try to help the young woman - what else can they do stuck in this weird, uncooperative town? And as they get deeper and deeper into just what is going on in town, they come closer to the mystery of the giant bats - with glowing red eyes and . . . well - you don't want me to spoil the whole story do you? You'll just have to read it for yourself! But maybe you'd better not read at night . . . or with the shades up . . . or out in the country . . . just saying. :)--Donna



  • Daffy's Duck, the third book, is scheduled for release in 2018.

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The Spies of WWII
  • With Music in Their Hearts, the first book in her WWII Spies series, released early November 2014. 
Reviews:
Early WWII sets the stage for an intriguing story of suspense and mystique. A Cincinnati boarding house is inhabited by a cast of colorful and diverse characters with varied personalities. A father and his three daughters run the household with gatherings around the piano and a time of socializing every evening. The most recent resident is a pastor with a secret mission, working with the government to uncover a plot to steal plans for a new type of ammunition.

This is a classic 1940s scenario that brings to mind all of the memories from that era in time. On US home turf the war revolves around the residents who share the same address, but that's where the similarities end. This is a lively, fast-paced adventure that gives away no secrets, takes the reader on a few tangents, and produces a dollop of angst and a tidbit of comedy. The list of characters seems endless, varied and perplexing, and at times a lot to absorb, but there's never a dull moment in this dramatization. This is a treasure to enjoy!--Nancee


A twisting tale of murder and suspense that keeps you turning the pages to the very end.
Set during WWII, With Music in Their Hearts captures the imagination and soul of the time and brings the reader into the spirit of the 40’s. While the war rages overseas, times prove challenging for folks at home as well. And just as on the battlefield…the trick is to discern friend from foe.
Who’s the enemy, the daughter who has caught his eye, the father of the house? Who’s a friend, the banker he can’t stand?

Carol Brown weaves an intricate story with a message of trust in the Lord which is unmatched. Well done, Ms. Brown. I give this book five stars.--Anonymous


  • A Flute in the Willows, book two, is available on Amazon
Reviews:
A Flute in the Willows is Carole Brown's latest book in her series, The Spies of World War II, and it is great. This is the second book in this series and the first book by Carole Brown I have had the pleasure of reading. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction this book really caught my attention. After reading the description, I knew I had to read it. The content of the book is different from other books I have read about World War II. Carole Brown writes with authority on:

World War II and its affects on our world especially Germany and the United States, figure skating, spies, and military life in general. I absolutely love history and love learning more about our world and this book did not disappoint. I learned more about WW II. 

I found myself drawn into this book from the first page and it kept a hold of me until the end. Carole Brown's style of writing put me right there in the book, being a part of the story. The characters in this book are well written and real people with real problems. I found Josie being my favorite character. Her zest for life, her passion for skating and her husband admirable. I was also drawn to her sense of humor in the face of danger. 

This book is the second volume of this series but definitely can be read as a stand alone. Carole Brown made sure that new readers didn't feel lost and that readers who read the first volume weren't bored with details. I found myself holding my breath in places, crying in some, and laughing in others. I definitely am going back and reading the first volume of this series and can't wait to read more from Carole Brown. I have definitely found a new author to add to my list of favorites. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.--Beth


What happens when two wild, crazy young adults get together, get married, and then he leaves for military service about two weeks later? 

Jerry was sent to Germany as a spy during World War II while his wife, Josie, waits at home for his return. She loves ice-skating and focuses most of her attention on that as she dreams of becoming an Olympic skater after the war. After getting wounded and almost getting captured, Jerry returns home. But all that he saw and did has changed him. 

Further, the intrigue has just begun back home as he tries to protect her from an enemy who has reportedly followed him back to his hometown. Will his attempt to protect her put her in greater harm than if he simply explained to her what was happening? Would she be more inclined to stay home and stop trying to find out what is going on if she knew the real danger that they were both in? At times, I wanted to tie Josie to a chair to keep her from taking so many chances. Did she really need to know every detail about where Jerry was and what he was doing? But by the same token, did Jerry do her right by keeping her in the dark about the dangers they faced? 

When I was their age, I doubt I could have lived so close to family as they did to hers but it was extremely beneficial to them to have her family next door. I enjoyed the interaction between Josie, her family, and her friends. Families today could learn from them. 

So I have not mentioned the flute in the title but it had a special part in the story that you need to read.--GD 


Sing Until You Die, Book Three is coming...


* * *

The Appleton, West Virginia Mysteriesthe friends of Appleton, West Virginia are introduced in the first book entitled: 
  • A Sabotaged Christmas, Book One
Reviews:
"Sabotaged Christmas" another great book from Carole Brown. Once I started to read it I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I have always enjoyed mysteries and believe it tops the many others that I have read. Through her describing the characters and scenes I almost could imagine being there.
I will be anxious to receive the next book.--Tim


I had won the third book, in this series, online. When this one was mentioned, I knew I had to read it. I will be starting the second book tomorrow. I highly recommend this author!--Tmom



  • Knight in Shining Apron, Book Two
Reviews:
Carole Brown does not shy away from the tough issues of life. Domestic abuse is not something discussed over the kitchen table, but needs to be addressed. The Knight in Shining Apron presents the debilitating effects from abuse on the victim's psyche in a sensitive and understanding manner. The reader empathizes with Starli as she copes with intimidation from the brother of her deceased abusive husband. Living with secrets presents challenges to Starli's ability to forgive and trust. Music and Ice skating are her therapeutic tools. The plot is realistic, but includes romance.The setting in Apple Blossom's chef kitchen keeps the reader salivating. A satisfactory resolution of all the subplots makes for a page turning read. Well structured. Well written. Well worth curling up with hot chocolate and cookies. Could a cook book be in the future?--Cleo


KNIGHT IN SHINING APRON is a a cozy foodie mystery, yes. Yet it goes beyond that to become a psychological cozy tackling the issue of domestic abuse thoroughly, but also in a manner that won't distress readers of cozies and classical mysteries. This is a well written story.

Sir Joel Peterman, an actual British knight who is a bonafide gourmet chef, is mistaken for a new hire dishwasher and gets off on the wrong foot with Starli Cameron, the owner of Apple Blossoms restaurant in West Virginia.

Starli has a lot of issues. She was severely abused by her deceased husband and as the novel opens is being stalked and threatened by her police officer brother-in-law. P.O. Roland Stratton, well respected in the town, blames her for his drunken brother's deadly car crash. Then there's the sulking assistant chef, the scheming kitchen worker, and the cloying banker who is in love with her. There are more twists and turn and red herrings than you can shake a spatula at.

The novel captures small town business rivalries to perfection. The culinary aspects of the novel ring true. After a break in at the restaurant where the freezer has been deliberately left open, Joel knows exactly how to save the meat. I particularly liked his menu ideas and wanted to eat dinner at Apple Blossoms.--Nike


  • Undiscovered Treasures, Book Three
Reviews:
Need a book recommendation? Look no further. These books will have you spellbound. Carole Browns authentic gift of writing will leave you wanting more! As always, with Carole Brown's books, I was not disappointed. The only disappointment is, I will have to wait for her to release a new book. I highly recommend this book.--Stevie


A delightful “cozy” read for a beach, or as I did, on the patio beside a pond. I prefer to rate books as they compare to what they claim to be. “Undiscovered Treasures” by Carole Brown is marketed as Cozy Romantic Suspense Fiction, and it is that to the max, and in that order. It is a cozy-perfection; amateur & female detective, low violence, greater humor, small intimate town, clean language, and a kiss is about as romantically suggestive as it gets, but the quest for love lingers throughout the storytelling. As I said, “COZY GENRE” perfection. It’s what Carole Brown writes, and a refreshing change from some of the contemporary suggestive intimate writing found elsewhere. Freshly alluring for any age.

Undiscovered Treasures part-owner Caro (think of a youthful Miss Marple) tries to ignore her shop’s partner and brother Toby’s artist friend Andy, even though he’s handsome enough for all other females to ogle. But Caro can’t ignore a mystery solving opportunity when Andy’s paintings begin to get stolen just as he receives some career vaulting offers. It’s believable romantic mystery done with a light Christian persuasion, perfect for a lazy day of reading in the hammock. Even better if you have a lush West Virginia mountain view, the setting for “Undiscovered Treasures.”

If you like good cozy romantic suspense, then you’ll be glad to hear the next in this series is promoted with a chapter at the end of this book. Next we get to hear of Undiscovered Treasures other partner’s adventures in “Toby’s Troubles” And I also suggest looking at the beginning of Appleton WV mysteries with:
Sabotaged Christmas.--Harold


  • Toby's Troubles, Book Four is scheduled for release 2018.


* * *

Carole has written her whole life as a newspaper reporter, editor of journals and newsletters, and research manuscripts. When not penning her own novels, she enjoys mentoring beginning writers and founded a writer’s group called Circle of Pens where she can mentor to her heart’s content. Her passion for serving continues in her secretarial work and coordinator for the state of Ohio with ACFW.

She and her husband have traveled extensively throughout the United States ministering and counseling. They have particularly enjoyed the western states where they’ve labored with the Native Americans. They've:


  • sampled some special foods like fried intestines, mutton stew, and a special stew prepared by the local medicine's wife, so hot tears rained down her cheeks.
  • She's also tried learning how to make fry bread as the Native Americans do and
  • gave a very poor attempt at learning how to weave. At least it was fodder for a laugh!
  • Panning for gold in a mountain stream and
  • checking out a mountain ghost town,
  • eating fresh catfish so delectable she had trouble sharing, and
  • visiting the local hogans
were all experiences she and her family treasure. But please don't ask her about the candy-sweetened preserves she so carefully brought home and shared with many "unappreciative" friends. :)

Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington provided lots of memories and along with many other specific places, she's gathered folder for her writings.



In brief and in fun, Carole loves:

  • writing and books, 
  • dogs and cats, 
  • babies and grandsons, 
  • real cheesecake and fruit, 
  • country scenes and cities at night, 
  • chocolate and nuts, 
  • fireplaces and hot tubs, 
  • flowers and trees, 
  • Christmas trees and Christmas--period, 
  • research and editing, 
  • eating and hanging with my best buddy--hubby, 
  • stories that intrigue me and stories that enchant me, 
  • words of wisdom from the ancients and words of wisdom from children, 
  • and certainly not least: God and his mercy







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