There's Trouble in Appleton!

I'd like to welcome Tobias (Toby) Lee Gibson and Amy Sanderson to our Stitches Thru Time Blog today for an interview on Carole Brown's upcoming 4th book in her Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series: Toby's Troubles.

Carole: Toby, can you tell us what you do?
Toby:  I'm co-owner (with my sister Caroline--whose story is told in book three) of Undiscovered Treasures, a shop filled with antiques, collectibles. and junk.

Carole:  That's fascinating, and I know Caroline's cover made me want to delve right into your shop! Will you give us a clue of what the problem is in your book?
Toby:  Sure. To begin with, there were several break-ins in the middle of the night. I jokingly called the person a "ghost".  He/She didn't steal anything at first. But when things began getting out of hand--breaking into my friend's flower/landscaping business and making a mess, then kidnapping her--well that didn't go over so good with me. I figured if this was to be settled, I needed to dig in and find a few clues.

Carole:  Do I get a hint of romance with this Amy?
Toby:  Maybe. I can't give away all the secrets of the book, but she is a very good friend who puts up with my dilly-dallying. She's smart, owns her own business, and is beautiful.

Carole:  I see I won't get much more from you right now, so I'll ask Amy a few questions. Amy, give me a hint of what the story is about. Toby mentioned break-ins...
Amy (laughs):  Several break-ins. It's an exciting time, and Toby and I, with the help of our town police chief, do our best to find out what's going on. There's a missing treasure chest, a stolen van, a head injury, suspicious new visitors in town, a kidnapping that Toby's already mentioned, and (sigh) my sister comes home.

Carole:  You don't sound too excited about your sister's return...
Amy:  I'm not. She's spoiled, wild and trouble. Those three words describe her perfectly.

Carole:  Toby, can you tell me one thing about Amy not many would notice?
Toby:  Just one?  She loves lilacs. Oh, and one more: she has hazel eyes, which means green and brown, right? But sometimes, rarely, the color blue will shine through. Not often, and only at special times...

Carole:  And I don't think you'll tell me about those special times, will you?
Toby:  Nope.

Carole:  Amy? What about you? Can you share a not-so-well-known item about Toby?
Amy:  Love to!  He's a regular jokester and doesn't like for people to see that he's a gentle soul, and everybody loves him. He spends time after shop hours with our church's youth group and the community theater, which he worked hard to get off the ground. It's a huge success.

Carole: Sounds like the perfect place to live. Can you tell me--either one of you--when does your book release?
Toby and Amy together:  July, this year!

Carole: And it will be on Amazon, right, for us to buy?
Toby: Yep. Here's Carole's author page where you can see all her books: 

Amazon

Carole: do you have a blurb for us?
Amy:  Sure. Here it is:

Toby's Troubles Blurb

Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church's youth functions. But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it's just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what the thing is looking. To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he's wanted forever but is in love with him. And he's not interested.

Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin' Life—is drawn into capturing Toby's “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby since a teenager, she's more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendances to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who's determined to ignore her love.

In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he'll stop at nothing.  

Carole:  Thank you, Amy and Toby, for joining me today! Oh, one last question. Who's your favorite author?

Toby and Amy, chorusing together:  Carole Brown, of course! We carry all her books in both of our shops. 

A Question for Readers:

If you could shop in such a shop as Undiscovered Treasures,

what would you search for?

Anything in particular?

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books 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? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Stay Warm; Read A Book

Why Should You Read?

1. It improves your vocabulary.
2. You get to visit worlds you'd never see in real life.
3. You'll be able to understand/read about other cultures that otherwise might remain a mystery or unknown to you.
4. Increases your imagination skills.
5. Super cheap(er) expense (?) than other methods of entertainment that might not be so constructive
6. You learn new things you might never take time to research.
7. Gives you life lessons you've heard from your parents but isn't quite so "preachy."  :)
8. Reading gives you time alone and teaches you that you can be satisfied and happy being yourself and by yourself.
9. Reading exercises your brain by expanding your powers of concentration and activating neurons as your mind processes information.

And last, but certainly not least (drum roll):

    10. Your mommy said so!

So:

Stay Warm this winter

and Read a book.

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions—all because of the mysterious pink notes she's been receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubling history—but the first man in years who's interested her—is building to a peak. Yet Perrin's own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas for Toni's employees as well as her own happiness.

Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

BUY THE BOOK here:

Amazon

Happy Winter Reading!

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, 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? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

And It's Time for A Fun Contest...!

What's more fun than a contest?

What's in it for you?

Three things:

* Some fun and relaxation

* Promotion. If you're an author, I'll feature you or your book on one of two different blogs.

* Books! Winner #1 gets their choice of two of my e-books.

Follow up winner can choose one e-book.

Let's dive right in. 

1.  I'll give you TEN questions and one link. 

With a few questions you will have to click on a book to find the answer 

and read the descriptions. 

Others, you'll find by searching the covers.

2.  I'll also include a few ways to earn extra points

READY?

Let's go:

Amazon

1.  Only one book has two children on it. Which book is it and are they female or male?

2.  Which book has a Grandfather clock on the front cover?

3.  Which book has a protagonist who is a pianist?

4. Which book has two protagonists who end up in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to solve their first mystery?

5.  Which book cover has a man staring out the window?

6.  Which book has a park ranger on the cover with an unusual creature on her shoulder?

7.  Which book has a woman as the owner of a construction business?

8.  Which book has a red-haired protagonist and what does she do for work?

9.  Which book has a mother who lost a daughter?

10.  Which book has an artist in it?

BONUS Question (one point for each one):

*  If you win, which books would you like to have? 

And tell me WHY YOU should win.    

Bonus Ways to earn points:

* Follow me on my Amazon Author Page:

Carole's Amazon Arthur Page

* Follow my blog and/or Sign up for my Newsletter:

 http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Follow me on Facebook:

https://facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Follow me on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/browncarole212

I'll use points to help make my decision. 

Your answers will also guide me in making a decision.

Thanks for playing!

Have a last-of-the-month fun time!

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, 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? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Introducing Undiscovered Treasures

I'm tickled to announce that Undiscovered Treasures is a-l-m-o-s-t ready in entirety to order. This book is the third one on my Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series. I hope you take the opportunity to check it out soon and enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.  (OPPORTUNITY to win a KINDLE copy below!) 

The Cover

The Blurb

Caroline Gibson is co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk in rural West Virginia. Inside the shop is a music box that Caroline particularly relates to, believing that her own life is similar: forever spinning and never going anywhere. 

She dreams and prays for the right man to turn up. But when family and friends hint that the local artist could be the guy, Caroline forgets about trusting God and takes matters into her own hands. 

Besides, she could never love a man who paints such depressing pictures. 

Andrew Carrington, painter of said depressing pictures, insists there’s always one redeeming trait to each of his works. 

He’s loved Caroline since they were kids and thinks he’s not handsome enough, strong enough, or rich enough to impress this woman. But when God—or is it?—suddenly sends contracts begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

But there’s a hitch in their plans. Someone is stealing Andy’s pictures, and why would they do that when he’s an unknown--so far? Do they know something Caroline and Andy don’t know? Is it mischief? Or something deeper that neither understand? Andy gets the chance to work with Caroline, and she must put aside her on-going battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appleton before Andy loses the chance of a life time to ‘make it big.’

Available at Amazon Kindle here: 

(print is almost ready)

Amazon

OPPORTUNITY

Want to win a Kindle copy of this book? 

Let me know in the comments below why YOU'd like to read a cozy mystery.

(Fun answers are acceptable!)

Be sure to include you email addy.

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, 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? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Interview With Caroline Gibson and Andy Carrington...from Undiscovered Treasures

I'm thrilled to introduce these two protagonists from the third book in the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mystery series: Undiscovered Treasures.
(Sabotaged Christmas, Book 1: (finalist in the Book Excellence Contest in Fiction), and
Knight in Shining Apron, Book 2.


Let's welcome these two that are featured in their own book!

Me: Caroline, let's start with you. Why do you  want to be known as Caro instead of your full name--Caroline?

Caroline: Because it's much too prestigious for me. I'm not a beauty like Starli Cameron (Peterman-Blair) or sweet and gentle like Toni DeLuca-Douglas, both are my very best friends. I'm just me, freckles, big mouth and undistinguished hair. I talk too much when I'm nervous and ask too many questions. I often speak my mind, to my own detriment. But I do love my business Undiscovered Treasures and I love God. 

Andy: Don't believe her. Let ME describe her: she's a talented playwright and seeing some success with her meaningful comedy plays. As she said, she co-owns Undiscovered Treasures, which is a thriving antique/collectibles and a little junk thrown in for full measure-business. She's a marvelous Youth Leader, and the young people adore her. She might not always have "dress sense," but she has a big smile and beautiful, expressive eyes. She's loyal to her friends, is caring and works hard for the underdogs of the town, and most everyone feels safe to confide in her. Most of all she's a faithful christian. She deserves to be called Caroline.



Me: Wow, that's some recommendation, Andy. Why did you decide to be an artist?

Andy: I didn't actually decide in the normal way. I've always known I loved creating and thought at one time I might become a teacher, then later a designer. But as time went on, I came to accept that my true love was painting--in oils. From then on, I haven't looked back.

Caroline: He's really good, too! 



Me: I can imagine. Can either of you explain to us what mystery is going on in your book?

Andy and Caroline speak together, then laugh. Andy speaks: Someone is stealing my paintings. Three of them, in fact. And one of a special painting I did was destroyed--slashed. 

Me: Can't you tell us who it is?

Caroline and Andy exchange amused glances, then Caroline speaks: Absolutely not. If you want to know, you'll have to read the book! :)



Me: That sounds like some good advice. Now, one final question:  I heard you both love the rain. Why? 

Andy, laughing: I'll tell you what. The first one who gives the closest answer as to why we both love the rain, I'll coax our author to send you a kindle copy of the book. How does that sound?

Caroline: Come on, Andy, give them another hint. 


Andy: Okay, but just one  word.

Caroline: Romantic city.

Andy: Hey, that's more than one word! 

Caroline, smirking: I know. I want someone to guess the answer! Oh, by the way, I hope whoever wins enjoys the book so much, they write a review. Authors love that!



Me, laughing at them: Thank you, Andy, Caroline. 

There you have it, Readers. Whoever can guess the answer to their question: rain, romantic city, and why they love the words, gets a free kindle copy of Undiscovered Threasures! 

Thanks for joining us today! 

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, 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? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

The Ins and Outs of Cozy Mysteries

One of my very favorite genres is mysteries, particularly cozies,

as you know if you've been following my own attempts at writing mysteries the last few years. 

I now have two series running:

* The Denton and Alex Davies Mystery series (Hog Insane and Bat Crazy). They feature an early retired couple who travel in their RV 

with their dog solving mysteries as they go. 

And coming next year, book three:

* The second series is The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries, 

featuring residents of the town

Coming late June, 2016

I love the feeling, the hints and trying to capture every nuance before the revelation at the end. To that end, all you lovers of said genre :), let me give you some thoughts

 about what makes up a mystery. 

Be sure to add your own thoughts at the end of this. 

HERE GOES: 

The cozy mystery hero/heroine is usually a very intuitive, bright person with an every day occupation that can vary from a bed and breakfast owner to a nun to a florist.

The cozy mystery usually takes place in a small town or village.

The amateur sleuth is usually a very likable person who is able to get the community members to talk freely about each other which, 

of course, enables the amateur sleuth to solve the mystery.

The local police force doesn’t take the amateur sleuth very seriously. They dismiss her presence, almost as if she doesn’t exist. This of course, makes it convenient for her to “casually overhear” things at the scene of a crime.

it is important that the characters are likable, so that the reader will want to visit them again. The supporting characters are equally important to the reader. It is for his reason that there are so many funny, eccentric, and entertaining secondary characters. 

Cozy mysteries are considered “gentle” books with no graphic violence, no profanity, and no explicit sex. Most often, the crime takes place “off stage” and death is usually very quick. 

Cozy mysteries tend to be fast-paced, with several twists and turns throughout each book. There are usually several red herrings to provide distracting clues to the reader. The amateur sleuth is able to sift through the clues, tossing the useless information out while analyzing the good clues. 

I hope this makes you want to run out and purchase a mystery book! And if you decide to purchase one of mine, well, that gives me a smile! 

Happy Reading!

Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for  the Lone Star Love collection! Winner announced in the Weekly Windup on June 27th. 

Check out all of our great prizes on the Prizes Galore page.

About Carole:
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?


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
Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Check out her books here

http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1



Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for  the Lone Star Love collection! Winner announced in the Weekly Windup on June 27th. Check out all of our great prizes on the Prizes Galore page.