Welcome Carole Brown. I’m excited to have an Award-winning, Best-selling author visiting me today. It’s been several books ago since you’ve been on my blog. Can’t wait to introduce you to my audience.
First off, what is your latest published project?
The Golden Touch is the latest book (Book 5) in the popular Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series. This book will take readers on an adventure with Ryle Sadler and Jazmine (Jazzi) Sanderson. Ryle has what his business friends call “the golden touch” because, so far, everything he does business-wise succeeds. Jazzi has been anything but successful. Running from her adopted parents at eighteen, hanging with the wrong crowd has brought some serious dangers back to Appleton when she returns.
You’ve got my attention. The Golden Touch just moved up on my TBR list.
Carole, how did your historical research for your book?
I love research, so research is usually fun and interesting, and at times, I found myself going from one thing to another. I use the internet (of course!), books, people who are knowledgeable about what I need or who can refer me to a book or someone else who can give the answers I seek. In this book, I researched special recipes that I could adapt for my own use, equipment that scans and reads through concrete, rock, etc., businesses, the mid-eighteen hundreds during the war, words and more.
Sounds like you really do love research.
What inspired you to write your book?
When I began this series (with Sabotaged Christmas), I planned on three books. But as their popularity grew, I decided to add three more. Now that I’m looking ahead to writing Book 6, I find myself wondering about minor characters and what adventure could they face?
You see, in every one of these books, secondary characters play a part. They have minor roles in the books where they first appear, but then in the next book, they are the primary characters. The major players. So I’ve introduced them first but give them their own story in the following book.
For Ryle and Jazzi, they were introduced in Book 4, Toby’s Troubles, then in Book 5, their story is revealed.
I love learning secondary character’s stories. Probably why I love series so much.
Do you have a favorite verse that resonates with you?
My verse for my writing is found in Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I love this verse, and it means a lot to me. Assurance and encouragement that I am doing God’s will for my life.
I love that verse too.
Who is your best support system to keep you focused on your writing?
One of my editors. She’s always there for me, encouraging, urging me on, giving me choices but also telling me the truth. She works hard to make sure my book is the best it can be.
An awesome editor is so important. Sounds like you’ve got a gem.
What is your favorite genre to read for fun?
Mysteries would be my first, with or without romance. Second would be suspense, and third, an outstanding romance novel, and I mean really outstanding. I’m picky when it comes to romance, but I will admit, my tastes may not be everyone. ?
And every reader loves to know where is your favorite place to write?
At my office and desk in our home. I have a huge refinished desk, all my research and favorite books surrounding me, items I love and that make me happy, pictures, lots of plants, essential oil diffusers and more. It’s a comfortable, peaceful spot where I can enjoy music and write to my heart’s content.
More About the Author:
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An award-winning author of thirteen full-length books, 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?
How to connect on social media
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/38Ukljn
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
The Golden Touch Blurb
The 5th Book in the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mystery series
Not again.
Ryle Sadler stared down at the financial statement lying on his desk. His investment firm had just sent him another record of overwhelming success. Time to sell his share in this stock.
Ryle came from the poor side of the tracks, but that had no bearing on his success in life—which he kept hidden from everyone, especially those in Appleton, West Virginia. But when he buys the local, rundown bed and breakfast, mysterious revelations from beneath the site are suddenly threatening to ruin his good standing with the citizens.
Then along comes Jazzi Sanderson. Jazzi has a reputation of being wild, but Ryle sees more than is on the top layer of this woman. Beneath that tough, wild streak lurks a woman who wants to be loved by the right person, a woman who is tender-hearted and who is just finding out that God is real.
Is Ryle and Jazzi’s worlds too far apart or can their differences help them solve the mystery that lies beneath Ryle’s bed and breakfast? Will the evil person behind it all be able to silence them, or can Ryle’s golden touch prevail in this too?
Purchase Link:
Carole has added a teaser for you to enjoy and is giving away a Kindle copy of Golden Touch to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment below to enter. The drawing will be Friday. Carole will contact the winner.
The Golden Touch, Chapter One
Ryle Sadler stared at the unkept bed and breakfast in front of him. The urge to buy this place was stronger than ever, and he couldn’t understand it. He’d never bought or invested in anything on an urge. He’d prayed about it for sure. Many times. No answer came back from God. Only this confusing urge to buy it. Now.
He hadn’t amassed his wealth by going on urges. No sirree. Coming from the poor side of town had taught him plenty, and two of those things were listening and learning. Those had gotten him where he was now.
The Golden Touch. That’s what the investors in the world called it, and that’s what he had. Or so they said. It scared him, truth be told, that everything he touched turned to gold. Didn’t matter whether it was stocks or an act of generosity in helping a struggling business person. Everytime—so far—had been successful.
But this, this business that Maisie, the owner, cared little about, was neither of those things. If he bought it, would it change his touch? Would it be his first failure? After all, what did he know about bed and breakfasts?
Nothing.
A young woman exited the place, her purple hair a distraction from her beautiful features. Jazzi Sanderson didn’t know her own beauty or worth.
He’d had little to do with women. Too little time, and, frankly, no one so far, who’d garnered his attention long enough.
But this woman. Ryle’s heart gave an unusual ping forcing a frown on his face.
She saw him then, and gave a shy, little wave, the smile on her face as bright as the sunshine from the heavens.
And then he heard the voice.
Invite Jazzi Sanderson to help you at the bed and breakfast.
No. That was crazy. What was wrong with him? He’d never done such a thing. Invested in businesses by using his money, yes, to do what he felt was his calling. But asking a woman he barely knew to help him get this place up and running? Would she laugh at him? Would the whole town of Appleton consider him the biggest fool ever to cross their path?
She did have a reputation. And not such a good one.
What if she accepted, thinking it was a lark—an easy way to get some money—with no improvement in her personality? But was that his responsibility?
No. But then, he didn’t think helping someone continue on the broken path they were on was beneficial either. Still, his calling was to help. What they did afterwards was their responsibility.
So, what’s it to be? Will you obey my direction on this?
The dark cloud suddenly covering the sun seemed to be frowning at him.
“I always have.” Ryle couldn’t even hear his own whisper as he mouthed the words.
And as suddenly, as it had been covered seconds ago, the sun popped from behind the cloud, sending its golden beams straight down to shine on the bed and breakfast.
Ryle gave up the struggle. It might be interesting—and a learning process for him—if this adventure was a failure. Time would tell.
The groan that escaped his lips assured him he wasn’t looking forward to it.