Shannon here: Romantic suspense author, Carole Brown shares insight into her real life romance & an excerpt from her latest release, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. Comment on this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: December 7th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Carole:
* What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?
Hmmm. I’ll choose one: how about serving me breakfast in bed–often. And even when you’re not hungry (you’d rather wait till you freshen up and work up a little appetite) you still smile shyly and accept it as a token of love. I’d rather force myself to eat every bite than to hurt his feelings.
* What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for your spouse?
How about: rub his feet in the evenings? I know, I know, some may not think that’s romantic. Some may even think it’s gross, but I don’t. I love rubbing his feet; he’s worked hard all day and it’s a little show of love I can do for him.
* Do you and your spouse have a favorite song?
Through the Years sung by Kenny Rogers. We’ve lived a long life together; we’ve shared an exciting, adventurous life. Gone through some rough patches and dry ground. Enjoyed some high moments and real treasures. It’s our testimony: it can be done if you want to bad enough.
* What simple gesture does your spouse do that melts you every time?
The way he says a compliment or I love you melts my heart (really!). I love the way his eyes warm, the way he holds my hand (love the feel of strength in his hands!), and the way he wraps his arms around me. He even touches his cowboy hat (yep, he’s got one. J) the way cowboys used to do. I think he does it now and then cause he knows I like it.
* Who is most romantic, you or your spouse?
Lol. I’m the romantic MORE often, but he’s the BEST romantic. I like to snuggle and hug and touch. He’s more sparing with his affection, but when he does share, it’s heartfelt and real. I know he’s showing emotion from his heart.
* Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?
We chose a simple cabin not too far from where we live. Although we enjoy visiting sites in cities, etc., we mostly love to enjoy the outdoors, camping, boating, fishing and being with family and friends.
Excerpt from The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown:
The midnight air cooled, and Dayne pressed the button to roll up both windows in his car. Cara shivered and snuggled deeper into the plush seat.
“Are you asleep?”
Dayne’s soft whisper rolled over her like a silk blanket. “No. Thinking.”
“A penny for them.”
The urge to share almost overwhelmed her. How wonderful to place some of this depressing burden on Dayne’s wide, strong shoulders. She let the wish—the weakness—drift away.
“Worrying about Abby. Wondering if she’ll be okay.”
“You’re a friend anyone would be glad to have, Cara. I see the caring, loyal, and responsible person you are, the one you show everyone.” Dayne steered around a slower-moving car. “But sometimes I’d like a glimpse of the part you keep hidden.”
The heaviness in her heart lifted, and for a moment, she envisioned herself as a carefree young person experiencing life to the full.
“I don’t know what that would be.” She closed her eyes. “I’m a foolish romantic.”
“A romantic is foolish?”
“Dreaming impossible dreams, wishing for fables, is unrealistic and foolish. I’ve always had a tendency to imagine what could be, what could happen. I suppose because I like beautiful things.” She chuckled. “See the moon and the star-studded sky? Instead of ignoring its beauty, I get the shivers. I wonder if a different world lives in another universe. A colony of people who know only goodness and peace and happiness.”
“I think this side of you is beautiful, and I love it.”
“You don’t love all sides of me?”
“I love—now you’re fishing.” He cleared his throat and his hand slid across the space between them and touched hers. “You’re beautiful.”
Cara pulled her hand from his. Too much danger for her. “Tell me about some of the things you experienced while you were gone. Were your studies hard? Did you like living in the city?”
“In some ways, but I missed the country. When I arrived home, I think I took the first deep breath I’d had in six years.”
“Did you meet many girls?”
She felt his quick glance. Felt the question hover in the air between them. What have I done? He’s not under obligation to answer my nosy questions. And what difference does it make anyhow?
“Do you mean did I date while away?”
At his words, the tension lessened. “You don’t have to answer the question. It’s none of my business.”
But I want to know.
Dayne pulled into her driveway and shut off the car. He slipped his arm on the back of the seat. “When is your meeting?”
Cara blinked but answered, “Tomorrow afternoon.”
“Want me to pick you up?”
“Thanks, but I’ll walk. It’ll give me time to reflect on how to behave while in the presence of such an august figure.” A hand flew up to cover her mouth. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be so flip.”
“No problem. The fact is I came home carrying a bunch of my own questions.”
“You?”
“Me. More questions than answers.”
“How do we find the answers, Dayne? You graduated with honors in ministry, so if you don’t know the answers, how is someone like me who’s uneducated supposed to get answers?”
He gripped her hand again as if he would never let go. She heard his long drawn intake of breath.
“What would you have done if you’d had the chance to choose something else?”
“Are you serious? I’ve never taken time to think about could-be’s and would-be’s. As I said, there’s not much sense in wishing for what will never happen.”
“But if you could have …”
“I don’t know. I’d mountain climb. Probably fly. Own my own private plane. Do rescue work.”
“What else?” His interest spurred her on. How long had it been since she’d had someone to share nonsense with?
“I’d learn to parachute and hang glide for fun and anything else to get me off the ground and into the air.”
“You crazy girl. Mind if I join you?”
Cara rested her head against the back of the seat.
His hand stirred beside her.
“I am crazy, aren’t I?”
He slipped his arm around her and tugged lightly until she gave in and rested her head on his shoulder.
“You know it’s not too late to experience your dreams.”
“What do you mean? Elder Simmons would never allow me to do that.”
A pause. Dayne stroked her hand with one finger. “Do it anyway.”
“Don’t encourage me, Dayne. Please. You don’t know—” With a sob, she straightened and flung open the door.
Dayne ran from his side of the car and grabbed her shoulders. “Cara. Cara, don’t cry. I’m doing my best to work on the elders. Trust me.” He cupped her chin, tilted it, and stared into her eyes.
She gave a shaky nod. “I do.”
Mostly.
With a thumb he wiped away the tears from her cheeks. “I wish—”
For me?
“What do you wish?” Cara held her breath.
He took her shoulders for a moment, his grip tight, and then let his hands drop. “Nothing. Go on.”
She moved as if in a daze toward the lighted porch. She’d barely reached the steps when Dayne’s voice stopped her again.
“Cara?”
She stopped moving, her back still toward him.
“You asked me if I met any girls while away. I did. Several. But every time I tried to get romantic or think about girlfriends, all I could see were the beautiful blue-green eyes of someone back home. A very effective deterrent for romance.”
Was she hearing him correctly? Interpreting his words the way he meant them? Her body warmed, the frozenness melting as surely as if the sun was ridding the earth of a winter avalanche. Slowly she turned.
He lifted a hand and returned to his car.
She stared after him, depression gone.
About Carole: Carole Brown’s debut novel is entitled The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, she 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? She’d love to connect with you at
Blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
About the book – The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman:
How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death?
Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest. Release date is September 30, 2013 from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, an ACFW approved publisher.
Come back Nov 27th for Justina Prima!
would love to win.
Sounds like total opposites as far as Elder Simmons is concerned. I would love to read more of the story.
Carole, I have heard great things about your book and would love to read it.
Carole Your book sounds great
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Wonderful interview with Carole, and learning about her very special relationship with her husband. She has a beautiful spirit, and if my guess is right that probably shows in her writing. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Hi Shannon. Thanks for having Carole here for an interview and how I loved that. Especially the Romantic part. So wonderful to know how much love someone has in a marriage. Some treat it too casual instead of keeping the romance alive. That’s why so many marriages fail. This book is wonderful. Everyone needs to read it. Lessons to learn and Romance. I would love to win this as a gift. I think it would be a good one. Thanks, Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
story sounds very interesting! Love to win it to read more!!
I have a winner! The comments from this post were combined with the comments from Carole’s Sept. visit. Lori L. won the drawing. I appreciate Carole for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.