Shannon here: Carole Brown shares the inspiration for her latest Historical Romance, Hunter’s Rose. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a Kindle copy. Two winners for this giveaway. Deadline: Nov 26th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Carole:
Romance is Everything—Almost!
If you read the first book in this series (Troubles in the West, Book One: Caleb’s Destiny), then you may remember a little about the two main characters: Rosita DeSantis and Hunter Carson and their attraction to each other.
Rosita, escaping from a troubled relationship previously, finds Carson, not only attractive, but honest and loyal. Traits that are especially welcoming in a man—to her.
Hunter, on the other hand, was raised by a man who was a bit older than him, but who loved him as a brother and trained Hunter to be a good man. Hunter was filled with wonder at the beautiful and exotic Mexican woman’s love for him.
But not all was warmth and love. Hiding her past from Hunter because of a false belief that he might get hurt, caused friction between them. He couldn’t understand why she was being so moody, afraid she was falling out of love with him. Rosita knew what the previous man she’d thought she loved so much in Mexico was really like: a murderer and ruthless individual who wanted what he wanted when he wanted it. She was determined to protect Hunter. He was determined to protect the love of his life.
Between separation, kidnapping, threats, and destruction, Rosita and Hunter faced their decisions—
whether wrong or right, and the love they shared grew even stronger. Mistakes were made. Distances from each other were endured. Threats were dealt with. And love prevailed.
Love like these two characters can be had if couples remember to understand, forgive, and work out misunderstandings. Whatever timeline romance happens, it’s worth preserving. Hunter and Rosita found theirs and worked hard to keep it.
One of the best things Rosita did for her beloved husband was prepare meals and soothing drinks for him and his workers. Here’s a tasty Hibiscus Tea, you may enjoy trying:
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields: 2 quarts
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts water
- ¾ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like your tea)
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- ½ cinnamon stick (optional)
- a few thin slices of ginger (optional)
- Allspice berries (optional)
- Lime juice (optional)
- Orange or lime slices for garnish
Method:
- Boil water with sugar and spices:
Put 4 cups of the water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and/or a few slices of allspice berries if you like. Heat until boiling and the sugar is dissolved.
- Steep with dried hibiscus flowers:
Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Strain:
Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. At this point youu can store the concentrate ahead, chilled, until ready to make the drink.
- Add Water:
Add remaining 4 cups of water
Suggestions:
Alternately, you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly version, or if you want to chill the drink quickly. Or…
Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Or…
Instead of sugar, you can always use honey. Or…
Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime.
NOTE: Hibiscus Tea is healthy, but research it and make sure it works for you! Most of all enjoy your tea and tea parties! “A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” Sen Sshitsu VX
Question for Readers: What is your favorite tea flavor? Do you like hot tea or iced, sweet, or unsweet?
About Carole: Besides being a member and active participant in many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen, best-selling, award-winning 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. She has found that traveling and ministering have served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Hunter’s Rose (Troubles in the West – Book Two):
It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?
Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?
After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.
And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Carole’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! Carole’s Amazon Author Page
Come back Nov 22nd for Patricia Lee!
Glad to have you here Carole. I’m a regular old orange peckoe type of girl. I like it iced and sweet with the sugar mixed in while it’s hot, not as an afterthought when it’s already cold and the sugar won’t dissolve.
I love any kind of tea! But my roots are from the south so love sweet tea! I will drink cols tea most but more hot tea in the winter.
Don’t judge me but I don’t like any kind of tea or coffee.
I do like hot apple cider in the winter. I hope this will work.
Hmm, it’s hard to choose a favorite tea flavor. I most often drink black Twinings or Mighty Leaf, but I do like several flavors if they are not too sweet or spicy. I like my iced tea non sweet. A sprig of fresh mint is pleasant.
I’m not really a tea drinker but I like iced tea with sugar lemonade I like apple cider.
I have a winner! Kathy Burdette won the drawing. I appreciate Carole for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.