Looking Out the Window: Carole Brown Talks about Her World War II Spy Novel, With Music in Their Hearts and Writes a Devotional about Contentment. She'll Give Away an E-book.
A Warm Welcome to Carole Brown
Carole will give away an e-book of With Music in Their Hearts. To enter to win leave a comment and an e-mail address below.
Sometimes It’s Hard to be Content
I Timothy 6:8 says, “Having food and raiment (clothes) let us be content.
In my novel, With Music in Their Hearts, Emma Jaine Rayner, really wanted to be content and in many ways, was. She had a business she loved. She enjoyed the company of her tenants and their varied personalities. She adored her family, and she lived a comfortable life. But . . .
She grew tired (although she wouldn’t admit it!) of the constant responsibility of caring for her family, and her inability in “making” them do as she thought they should.
She worried about the more problematic residents.
And she yearned for a man of her own.
What’s a woman to do?
I love the thought of being content. That place where you feel satisfied and pleasant and have ease of mind. Euphoric experience, right?
That’s NOT the norm though in our wonderful country.
- I need some new clothes.
- This car is two years old; let’s get a different one.
- I don’t want my kids to go to that public school. I’ll have to get another job to send them to that prestigious one on the other side of town.
- Can’t you see we need to start college funds for the kids?
- I’m tired of cooking. Let’s go out to that new restaurant in town.
Yes, I know some things are legitimate. Necessary. But many things are not, and I don’t want to seem unthankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon me. Does everything go smoothly for me? Am I seeing my world through rose-colored lens? Of course not. I realize and experience heartache and suffering and disappointment. Yes, I even get discouraged. But I have so many blessings, how can I not be thankful to a wonderful God who loves me and gives me so much? Everyday I like finding reasons to be grateful I have another day on God’s earth.
- Besides life, I have plenty of food, a warm cozy house, and water to drink
- I have a caring husband, two great sons and a good daughter-in-law, and three adorable grandsons.
- I have friends galore!
- I have the God-given talent and love for writing with multiple published novels.
- I’ve traveled all over the country and seen many beautiful spots and God has granted this to me and protection on the roads.
Like Emma Jaine in my WWII romantic suspense, I’ve had to accept that everything will not go as I want it too. I won’t always succeed or have all I “want.” But I do recognize that with God’s help and strength for me, and encouragement and leading, I can focus on the good things in my life . . . and be content.
About With Music in Their Hearts
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?
Buy With Music in Their Heart
amazon kindle copy here
amazon print copy here
EXCERPT from Chapter 18 of With Music in Their Hearts
The giggle exploded from her. “You’ve got more faith in humanity than most.”
Tyrell lifted the kettle of hot milk, fumbled and nearly dropped it. He reached for a potholder and poured it into two clean mugs. “Think I could talk a swell gal into a date Friday evening?”
A rush of recklessness spilled through her whole being. He was so much fun. “Depends.”
“If I tried, what kind of success rate do you think I’d have?”
She pretended serious contemplation while letting her eyes twinkle in mischief. “Your rate might shoot up to one hundred percent. But Bette could be busy on Friday.”
His mug settled back down on the stove top. “My family never did train me how to handle too much teasing from a snazzy girl like you. So…I’d better…” he advanced toward her in exaggerated strides, his hands extended, his fingers wiggling in anticipation of tickling her.
Emma Jaine jumped up, the fun over. She couldn’t stand to be tickled. Besides he wouldn’t dare. Would he? “Don’t you dare. Tyrell, I hate to be tickled. Stay away.” She hissed at him in a loud whisper and prepared to run.
Before she took two steps, two muscular arms encircled her and pulled her back
against a strong chest.
Her breath came in gasps as a delightful panic rose from her stomach. She struggled for a minute before collapsing against him.
The chocolate-y peppermint scent of his breath warmed her cheek. His cool lips brushed against her ear. His whisper tantalized her thought. Husky. Tempting. Dangerous.
“I’m going to let you go this time. But if you ever flash those big eyes at me again, daring me, you’ll have to pay the consequences.”
His arms spread wide and Emma Jaine sprang toward the door. She stopped midway through and flung back at him. “And what are the consequences, Mr. Walker? I’d like to—”
Eyes narrowed in his lean face, and the warm warning and laughter in them sent her heart to her throat. Before he could speak, she wrinkled her nose at him and lifted a hand to give him a finger wave. “Night.”
With a hurried step, she headed straight for her own room. She’d played with danger long enough for one evening.
Tyrell Shares His Recipe for Hot Chocolate
In With Music in Their Hearts, Tyrell and Emma Jaine come in from being outside, and Tyrell offers to make hot chocolate for them. Here’s his recipe:
Tyrell’s Special Hot Chocolate Recipe
1 large cup milk or water
1 Tablespoon of honey
1 Tablespoon of dark syrup
A pinch of salt
4-9 chocolate kisses (or about the same size of chocolate bits)
Optional: a dab of peppermint or stir with a peppermint stick
Pour chocolate drink in cup after heating on low fire
Enjoy!
(Thank you, dear hubby, for creating this sweet, sweet recipe for me! I’m sure Tyrell is thankful too!) --Carole
Bio: Brown not only has her award winning (Nominated for an Epic Award, RWA International Digital Awards finalist in Inspiration, Laurel Award finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now, but 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.
November, 2013, the first book in her mystery series, Hog Insane, released. It’s a fun, lighthearted novel introducing the characters, Denton and Alex Davies. Look for the second book, Bat Crazy, late 2014 winter.
Released November 1, 2014, is the first book in a new WWII romantic suspense series: With Music In Their Hearts. Three red-headed sisters. Three spies. Three stories.
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?
Connect with her here:
Personal 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
She's also part of several other blogs:
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
Comments
Great. Thanks for coming by. I'll make sure Carole knows!
Wishing you many sales on your new book, Carole.
June, I hope you enjoy this one too!
Thanks for sharing, Danielle!
Miss Mae, I hope you get the chance to read the book and enjoy it!
Gina, thanks so much. The cover depicts a scene in the book, and of course, I loved it too. :)
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. I so appreciate it.