Rambling Friday: It Just So Happens, This Book is on SALE!!

 Limited Time! 

$.99 Kindle

WITH MUSIC IN THEIR HEARTS

Book One

The Spies of WWII series

What's it about?

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong-willed as she is.

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

Buy the book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

Happy Reading! 

(and if you enjoy the book, consider sharing/reviewing!)

Serious Wednesday: Contemplating Writing When You Don't Know Where to Go.

 I visited Gail Sattler's Blog this past week and shared how hard it was for me to plot the book. 

Here's the link if you'd like to check it out:

https://www.gailkittleson.com/the-spies-of-world-war-ii/#comment-532758

Books one and two came as if it was nothing...just there. 

But book three? 

A bit harder. 

I had to work at it. 

I had to revise, rethink, rewrite before I could get it where I wanted it to go. 

I knew who the two main protagonists were...pretty much.

But the secondary characters?

They were difficult, hiding from me as if they were keeping their personalities, their reason for even being in the book hidden. I had to WORK at finding their information.

But as I always encourage beginning writers to do...

Never, never, never give up.

Keep writing even you feel what you've written is horrible.

Even when you feel you're mentally dead.

Even when you want to.

Keep writing.

Keep winning.

And the results will be there.

Like this:

Happy writing! 

Sunday Morning Peace: Wordless Picture Day

 

Serious Wednesday: The Launch is Over!

 It's been a hectic few weeks, or should I say months, preparing for the release of my newest novel: 

Sing Until You Die, Book 3 of The Spies of WWII series. 

As I read and enjoyed the responses from the attendees at the Book Party last night, I appreciated those who attended, those who support and love my books, appreciated their enthusiasm and their love of reading. 

Authors may pen their thoughts, their ideas and creations, but without readers? 

So thank you, readers and lovers of fiction books! You are worth your weight in gold, and I, for one appreciate your patronage and support! 

God bless! 

Serious Wednesday: Writing This Book

The Spies of WWII, Book Three:  Sing Until You Die

When I wrote the first two books of this series (With Music in Their Hearts and A Flute in the Willows) I knew where I wanted to go with them. The plot just magically (LOL) was there, ready for me to write the books. But...

All along, my mind was blank for a plot with this book three. I pondered, tried to decide how to produce a plot that was different but still tied into the theme of all three books. And then when the time was right--I suppose I could say it like that--the plot became clear:

* A singer who sang to the troops

* A singer who was being accused of being a spy

From there the plot leaped off the page. I knew where and how I would write this story. Of course, there were still some unknowns, but with time, repeated edits, and careful considerations, including turning my back on favorite story-people, I was able to layout this novel with a well-thought-out plan.

On top of all that, thanks to my scheduled plan of writing that I initiated at the first of this year, my writing timeline went very good. I completed the novel successfully, endured (lol, again) the editing, approve the cover, and was able to, at last, see this project come to fruition. 

So please forgive me if I give my shoulder a nice pat. 

And, if all goes as planned, I should complete one more novel this year with publication in early 2021. 

Well done, You faithful writer! (That's me, in case you're wondering.) 

Check out the book here:  

https://amzn.to/36zoLwZ

Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: It's Coming Soon...

 

Wills Mason is loved by everyone but Claire Rayner who cannot forgive him for his and her sister's unmerciful, youthful teasing. But now, grown up and serving as a civilian spy, Wills must prove that Claire is not willingly relaying messages to the enemy, as his colonel believes, even when all evidence points that way. Can he prove he's changed and can be trusted to cherish her heart as she deserves to be loved?

From childhood up, Claire Anne Rayner has despised the man who's like a brother and son to the rest of the Rayner House residents. But when she puts her musical training on hold and begins singing to the troops as a means of helping support and encourage them, she is pulled into a mysterious spy's efforts to destroy a certain high-ranking man.

Will the web of deceit the mysterious German spy is weaving destroy their one chance of happiness with each other, or can they both let go of the past and work together to bring the spy to justice?

COMING SOON!

Rambling Friday: Updates on my Life!

Hey!

I thought I'd take this Rambling Friday post
(late, I know!)

and share what's happening now

and in the near future

with my life.

First:

This sale will go on through September 9th! 

Knight in Shining Apron, the second book in 

The Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series

is in this collection.

If you haven't read this series,

then check it out! 

***

Next:

I'm featuring my two books from

The Spies of WWII series

WITH

a surprise announcement in store! 

My hour starts at 5:30!  Monday, July 13!

I will be giving away several nice prizes

(including the books in the meme above!)

***

I'm visiting several blogs this month

promoting 

CALEB'S DESTINY

July 14th at Jodie Wolfe's blog:

https://www.jodiewolfe.com/blog/

More details will follow.

July 16th I'll be at Sandra M. Hart's 

Historical blog:

https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/

talking about CALEB'S Destiny

and history

Michelle Levigne's blog,

https://michellelevigne.blogspot.com/2020/05/introducing-adventure.html?fbclid=IwAR153VwDjKI6Folw_cY8B0gGOdPHEWTRtNMTE7Wd6n15ltMH0fCImft9dpQ

Date to be announced soon! 

PLUS!

Progress on our remodeling!!!

That's it for now.

Have a great week, and

HAPPY READING!

Serious Wednesday: PTSD: The Hurting Military Families

Many military people dread Christmas due to various sadness, physical problems, financial setbacks, and loss of loved ones. It's a struggle to move forward, to face each day let alone enjoy the season. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a serious threat to soldiers returning home.

I wanted to share a bit today that is the real--the true meaning of overcoming and/or getting through each day.

Here's a story example of possible causes of PTSD:
He started to scoot out onto the balcony when pain shot through his whole body, and he wanted to scream. He pulled himself from the window ledge and staggered forward two steps before falling on his face.

What had happened? Marshall’s screaming voice echoed outside his head, but the world had faded to mental darkness. His left leg had gone numb. He shook his head. He couldn’t lose consciousness. To do so might mean death. He hung over the rail and surveyed the climb 
he’d have to make. His stomach churned with nausea.

The pain, the danger, the loss and more can affect men and women so much it takes months, years even to recover.


The pain and fear of facing the unknown, of knowing you're injured...
“What happened?”

Her gaze flicked to the bottom of the bed, then back. “You were shot.”

The memory of that night swarmed in. “How long—”

“Must you talk? You’re still pretty weak.”

“How long?”

She sighed. “Two weeks. You almost died.”

Facing the fact that you are injured. Learning what exactly that injury is. Knowing you're at the mercy of the doctors, possibly your wife or family, sometimes it all seems too much...
“Jerry. Lie still. You’re too weak to get up.”

Squeezing his eyes shut, he gritted from between his teeth. “I have to. It’s too dangerous for you to be coming here.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I do. Help me, and I’ll try it again.”

“I wasn’t able to get a doctor. Our family doctor is not to be trusted. You almost died. Medwin—my cousin—has a bit of medical training and he thinks a bone or bones was shattered in your leg. He did what he could but your leg still became dangerously infected. I thought—”

“What?”

Vanda bit her lip. “I thought we’d lose your leg if not your life.”

“The infection’s gone?”

“Yes-s. But it still looks bad.” Her brow lined with another worried frown. Her gaze flicked to his legs and back. “I-I’m not sure you’ll ever completely recover from that wound.”

The reality of the truth: you won't ever be the same as before. Through luck, carelessness and/or lack of training or funds or uncooperative military bureaucracy, life will never be the same.

Soldiers who've given their lives for their country and come back injured severely—and their families—face extreme difficulties. It takes strong and determined companions to get through, to accept the fact that this new life will be a life long endeavor. There are no magic wands to change the facts of war.

Besides the horrific injuries many face, the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with its moodiness, verbal abuse, feelings of wanting to commit suicide, embarrassment, rejection, etc. takes its toll on soldiers.

What You Can Do:
In the second book of my THE SPIES OF WWII series, Book Two: A Flute in the Willows, I tried to show a bit of this in Jerry and the effect it had on Josie, his wife. Young and inexperienced, both of the Pattersons struggle to understand and deal with conflicting emotions. Josie's father, experienced in war service, offers advice and encouragement.

“You're going to have to be stronger than you've ever been in your life.” He warns Josie, and those words stay with his daughter over and over to strengthen and give her a boost to not give up on Jerry. In time her patience and love for Jerry win out.

“I'm here if you ever need to talk.” Knowing what military service is like, and having lived long enough to know a few things, Captain Ossie, Josie's father, offers, but never intrudes on

Jerry's emotions. In time Jerry does head to his father-in-law's office to seek guidance.

• Families need to understand that their soldier is going through unspeakable damages. Love, offer help and listening ears, don't talk when their loved one is moody, encourage and never, never give up on them.

• Appreciate Friends who are there, offering hope and encouragement. Accept any help given and be grateful you have those kinds of friends.

• Encourage your hurting soldier to turn to God. Ask and accept God's guidance as you do what you can for your soldier. God is truly the only source who can pull a person through. Whatever comes, God is the strength, the supreme encouragement, the one who understands all, and the one who loves you unconditionally. Lean on him. Trust. Believe.

Both Josie and Jerry come through their own personal, and shared, problems, with God's help, and understanding from others, that pull them through.

That's what it takes for servicemen/women to overcome the worst of the nightmare of PTSD and injuries during the Christmas season--or anytime throughout the year. God, understanding, and love.

Read about the Patterson's struggles and how God helped them overcome

their troubles in the midst of danger and heartache.

Amazon

Serious Wednesday: Take Me Back

Take Me Back… to World War II

There’s an old country music song that includes those words in it. For today, though I want to go back in time and show you one reason why I love the WWII era.

I guess the first time interest sparked inside of me was hearing my mother talk of growing up. The clothes, her jobs, the hardships and fun times, her relationships with family and friends and most of all, the pictures. I fell in love!

While researching the 1940s styles, I realized hats were very much a part of the culture. I became fascinated with the choices of men’s hats I could use. I loved seeing the pictures of men in hats. So romantic. So handsome. So nostalgic.

• Up until the 1950s men were seldom seen out and about without a hat on their heads.
• They’re classy and sophisticated, add personality and boost confidence. Hats can show off your personality–give you that extra bit of swagger, add interest or be a unique accent to your outfit.
• And a few functional reasons? They can add warmth to your head in the cooler weather, shade your eyes from the sun on hotter days, and cover a receding hair line!

For fun, here’s some to peruse. Perhaps it may even convince you to buy one, for yourself or your man.

The Flat Hat. Rounded with a small brim and a high back. It was long associated with the working class man in the United Kingdom. It adds interest to a casual outfit, like worn jeans and t-shirt.

The Fedora. At one time, it was considered a necessary accessory for formal and business attire. Today, when a man wears one, he is considered a trendsetter. They are soft, stylish and perfect with dressier outfits and business attire. They were worn by Prohibition-era gangsters, movie stars of the 1940s, and Old Blue Eyes.

The Porkpie. Similar to a fedora, but with a flat top, shorter rim and turned up. It’s associated with jazz and the blues culture.

The Homburg. My personal favorite is also similar to the fedora. It lacks the fedora’s pinches, the brim is turned up all the way around, and has a hatband and sometimes a small feather. It’s less casual than a top hat but dressier than a fedora. Politicians and diplomats in the 20th century wore them. Now, carriers a distinct gangster flavor.

One more: The Bowler. Hard, made of felt with very short brims. They were worn as signature pieces and protection in many scuffles.

Frank Sinatra said: Cock your hat–angles are attitudes.

1. Wear your hat pushed back to seem more open and accessible.
2. Tilt your hat over your eyes to seem mysterious and intimidating.
3. Tilt your hat up one inch from completely straight to project an all-business attitude.

And finally, Hat Etiquette.

1. Promptly remove your hat upon entering an elevator, restaurant, or someone’s home. Never wear your hat during a meal.
2. Touch the brim of your hat lightly when greeting a friend.
3. Raise the hat by the crown when meeting a female friend in public.
4. Remove your hat during the national anthem and place it over your heart.

I used the Homburg in With Music in Their Hearts. What type of hat would you like to see me use in the next two books of this series?

And would you like to see these style of hats move back into popular fashion?

What’s your favorite style of hat?

* * *

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong-willed as she is.

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

Buy the book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

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 own selves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Buy the Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

What's Better than a NEW Book?

Book Blurb:

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 glamourous 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 own selves and abilities

 is the only true way to love and happiness. 

READ the First Chapter:

Chapter One

1942

Jerry Patterson stared out the yawning black hole in the side of the plane. Seconds to go before he dropped. Night time parachuting was always a risky thing, but the pilot was one of the best who’d keep this baby right on target, lessening the chances he’d have to hit water. Trees were another matter, but with any kind of luck, the landing would go smooth.

Then to meet his contact and move into the German military high life. His pulse revved up. It was a dangerous game he was about to play.

Josie’s face flashed in his mind, and Jerry felt his heart soften. How he loved his tomboy wife. She was a beautiful butterfly dancing on ice, but put her in a social setting, and she was like a wild creature let lose in a maiden aunt’s prim parlor.

Three weeks of marital bliss. It’d been heaven on earth for him. One rapturous day—and night—after another. She’d cried the night before he’d left, but had been strength personified when he’d boarded the train the next morning.

If—no, when—he got home, he’d wrap his arms around her and not let her out of his sight.

Jerry stepped into the hole and dropped rapidly, counting. One thousand...One thousand one...One thousand two... With a jerk he pulled, the parachute opened above him, and he drifted earthward toward his assignment.

BUY LINK:

Coming SOON!

Sunday Morning Peace: New Books

What do Flutes, Willow trees and Spies 

have to do with each other?

A new book is coming soon.

A Flute in the Willows:

the long-awaited second book in the

WWII Spies series

BLURB:

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 glamourous 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 own selves and abilities 

is the only true way to love and happiness. 

Watch for it!

$.99 Kindle Special of With Music in Their Hearts

WITH MUSIC IN THEIR HEARTS

A WWII Spy romantic suspense novel

THURSDAY

April 2, 2015

FEATURED at

 www.fkbt.com

$.99 KINDLE SPECIAL
Limited Time

Check it out here:

AMAZON KINDLE

Announcing a New WWII novel: With Music in Their Hearts

With Music in Their Hearts

Book One of 

The Spies of WWII

A historical WWII romantic suspense

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved. 

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up. 

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong willed as she is.

As Tyrell works to keep his double life a secret and locate the traitor, he refuses to believe that Emma Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style they’re used to, that he’ll stoop to espionage?

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

COMING SOON!

Look for it on Amazon and other places:

November 1, 2014!

Next week:

A sampling of chapter one!