New Historical Fiction from Carole Brown

Caleb’s Destiny: Troubles in the West, book 1

Carole Brown

Inspirational historical fiction

May 22, 2020

Story & Logic Media Group

ISBN-13: 9781941622636

282 pp

$2.99 ebook

$12.99 Print

Buy on Amazon US

Amazon AU

Amazon CA

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

About the Book:

Mr. Michael, Destiny Rose McCulloch, and Hunter have a mysterious history. Why were three fathers, all business partners, murdered under suspicious circumstances while on their quest to find gold?

Hunter is determined to protect his boss and the precocious young lady who he suspects holds a key answer to his questions.

Mr. Michael wants only to be left alone to attend to his property, but what can he do when Destiny refuses to leave and captures the heart of every one of his employees?

Destiny almost forgets her quest when she falls in love with Mr. Michael's ranch and all the people there. And then Mr. Michael is much too alluring to ignore. The preacher man back east where she took her schooling tried to claim her heart, but the longer she stays the less she can remember him. She only came west to find a little boy she knew years ago. A little boy all grown up by now...unless, of course, he's dead.

Three children, connected through tragedy and separated by time, are fated to reunite and re-right some powerful wrongs.

Lisa's Review

Brown’s latest story-telling chops take her fans back to gold rush days, with all the deviousness mankind can wrought. Three youngsters, gathered by tragedy and separated by time are fated to reunite and re-right some powerful wrongs. Rich setting and always excellent scenes will enchant the lover the romantic historical suspense.

Brown’s stories tend to be rich on nuance and detail, spiritual and wholesome tales. In this  story, we hearken back to gold rush days in Colorado, where men become impatient and fools rush in. Three children, orphaned at the outset of the 1870s, are brought together for a very brief time after suffering tragedy.

Young Caleb is a determined protector; Destiny is a spitfire young girl, and Hunter, a young man with a loyal heart. They all witness horrifying crimes. The story picks up fifteen years later when Destiny travels back to the west in an effort to learn more of her history, Only a child when sent to Boston, she longs for a sense of family and friendship she once knew after losing her mother. Her reintroduction to Colorado is a rather violent one, and she’s rescued by the local landowner—a man burdened by secrets.

Caleb’s Destiny continues to unfold as the past slowly opens to reveal the intrigue and reasons behind the sorrowful events of the past. Lovingly researched with well-fleshed characters, Brown unwinds her story through multiple viewpoints, great dialog and realistic events. Fans of historical fiction with all the romance and suspense of classic westerns will find much to love.

A brief Interview with Carole:

Is there a story behind Caleb's Destiny?

Actually, a few years ago, I wanted to enter a book for a contest. When I brainstormed with my hubby, he came up with the plot for the book. I began writing but didn't complete it. This year I decided to finish that beginning. I'd just recently began a Chore & Writing Crawl, which I've been following meticulously (or almost). Doing this has helped me complete this approximately 90,000 word novel in around two and ½ months.

Where do you get the names for your characters?

In this book, it was easy. Our niece lost her baby girl whose name was Destiny. This niece is so special. Loves us and my books. It was decided almost from the first that the female protagonist would be called Destiny. :)  For me, it seems that the names just came to me. I use origins for some names to suit the personality of a character. I use a baby name book. It just depends on the book and character. But it's so much fun choosing!

As far as Mr. Michael's name, it came from a nephew who died unexpectedly and devastated the family. It was a good thing to use his name.

Do you have favorite research books?

I do, and they are such simple but important ones to me. A dictionary, a synonym, a baby's name book, some crime books, personality books. These are my go-to research books. For other research, I use the internet and try to find specialists in whatever I need to learn about some detail. Lots of fun!

About Carole:  

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten 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?

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

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

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

Interview of Lisa Lickel by Lorilyn Roberts About Her New Book "Meow Mistletoe" - a Christmas Romance for Cat Lovers

Christmas Reunites the Lovelorn and 

Brings About New Romance Under the Mistletoe

Meow Mistletoe

Ivy’s ex-fiancé left her wary of men. After the fizzle of their undramatic relationship, she believes romance might be a myth until Adam, an intriguing newer member of Ivy’s pet organization, catches her attention at the holiday party. Ivy would like to know Adam better, but with her self-esteem in the gutter, how can she talk to him? Especially since self-absorbed incoming president Almanzo treats her like arm candy.

When Ivy agrees to help a fellow cat-lover find a missing pet, she learns that love doesn’t need theatrics.

 😻😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

Lorilyn:  When did you fall in love with cats?

Lisa:  We had pet cats when I was growing up, and I’ve always loved them. We had a pure black cat we called Midnight—that was the first one I recall as a child, though there are pictures of a cat with me in my crib. There were always the barn cats at my grandparents’ farm to try and tame, or at least follow and find their hideouts between the hay bales.

Lorilyn:  What is your favorite personal cat story?

Lisa:  Our most memorable pet was a Siamese kitten we picked up from my grandparent’s neighboring farm and drove five hours home with him protesting every minute of the way. My dad named him Terrible Turk, and he used to chase my brother and me around our house. Of course, we loved it. He had a lot of personality and was very beautiful.

Lorilyn:  What other cat books have you written?

Lisa:  I haven’t written any particular cat books, although cats are featured prominently in my first mystery series, Buried Treasure. Carranza has a sixth sense Judy relied upon to help her learn who to trust after her aunt’s unusual death. His successor, Pancho Villa, and his other offspring all played minor but memorable roles in the three stories, The Last Bequest, The Map Quilt, and The Newspaper Code.

Lorilyn:  Are you going to write a sequel to Meow Mistletoe?

Lisa: Meow Mistletoe introduces the Fancy Cat Series. Full-length books begin releasing in early 2019, with the reboot of Meow Mayhem on January 25. Ivy and Adam have settled in Apple Grove, only to discover something’s rotten when their friend the mayor goes missing. Meow Matrimony follows, releasing on February 15. Ivy and Adam are planning their wedding at last. Ivy tries to do a good deed that goes badly and she winds up in jail, accused of murder. The books will release in ebook form, then print a few weeks later. They will both be on special order with a special ebook price a few days before the release.

Lorilyn:  What have cats taught you about life?

Lisa:  Cats are survivors. Sure, they are certainly as vulnerable as any other living creatures, but they are adaptable, resourceful, playful, curious, and opinionated. They can be dropped off miles away from their birthplace and decide to either go back or stay and make the best of a new life. They know what and who they like, and deal with it, without all the messiness of emotions getting in the way, and they are quite forgiving. They let you know audibly when they’re content, they take regular naps, and they stalk away when they’re upset. You know, I think those are all good lessons for humans.

Lorilyn:  Lisa, I agree. We have five cats. I thank God He gave me a daughter from Nepal who loves cats. Her first word was m-e-o-w. 

I look forward to more books in the series. Keep us posted so we can be sure and buy them as soon as they are published.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us about your new book Meow Mistletoe. Make sure you get your copy for Christmas by clicking on this Amazon link 

😸😸😸😸😸😸😸😸😸😸

Lisa Lickel lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book #reviewer and #reader, writing mentor, workshop leader, freelance #editor, and blogger. She loves to encourage new #authors and is a member of Chicago Writers Association and Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp & Writers Retreat. Find more at LisaLickel.com

A Memoir or a Novel - How Does One Decide Which Way to Craft a Story Based on Real-Life Events

by Lorilyn Roberts

 

 

Recently on a Linked-In discussion group, someone made this comment:  “I’m strongly biased toward fiction unless you are trading on celebrity or some highly publicized event. Memoirs put out as imparting the wisdom of the elders or holding up your past mistakes as object lessons turn me off. The fact you were a moron yesterday doesn’t make you a genius today. Journals and memoirs may be great for family but most are less attractive to a general audience and often convey the message of pleading to be loved or admired. Make it fiction and you can be more candid and the reader can decide whether your experience was informative, moving or amusing based on its own merits.” 

I strongly disagree with his statement and share the following thoughts:

Memoirs are some of the most powerful pieces written today, but people are shortsighted. They don’t always see the value of first-hand accounts in the present. Without memoirs, we have history written by partial observers who bring their own worldview into play—maybe at the expense of writing with accuracy the way the events actually happened. Second-hand accounts are never as factual as first-hand stories and never as valuable for historical purposes.

Many people love reading memoirs and will look for them in libraries and bookstores. Life experiences written by people reveal more about society than any history book or journalist covering a story. I am thankful for all the memoirs written today by all sorts of people to give us a peek into the present and the past.

For example, the world never would have known of Anne Frank if she had not written her diary. She was an unknown 13-year-old kid before her father published her diary.

If you have a compelling story to tell, tell it with passion, revealing your innermost struggles and thoughts. Being “real” with the reader will make your story come alive. In my memoir Children of Dreams about the international adoption of my daughters, I was open and vulnerable. That was the right way to tell that story. I could never have fictionalized it.

I just wrote another book and this one is fiction, Seventh Dimension - The Door. In contrast to Children of Dreams, I took certain events from my own life and turned them into fantasy. I had a story to tell and the only way to tell it was as allegory and to fictionalize it. The point being, do what the story calls for and write it. Don’t let naysayers talk you out of writing your story the way you feel it needs to be told. At the end of the day, you have to live with the result and be happy with the story and the way you wrote it.

These are some thoughts I would consider:  Who is your target audience? What is your purpose in writing your story? Can anyone be hurt or impacted negatively if you write your book as a memoir? If you write your story as a memoir in hopes of making money, you need to write your book as “creative nonfiction,” using fictional techniques.

For example, you need a beginning, a middle, and an end. You need to think in terms of “scenes” and “plot” and “problems” that need to be solved. The reader needs a takeaway—what can he learn from your memoir that would be meaningful or cathartic? No one wants to read someone’s boring biography.

If you decide to write your book as fiction, you will have more options and won’t run the risk of being sued or worried about divulging something you might regret later.

 

However, you need the skills to write fiction. Writing fiction is harder than writing a memoir because you have to create “story” out of fiction and make the plot enticing to read. In a future piece, I will suggest some books for writing fiction that I used in my Masters in Creative Writing that I found helpful.

I have written an award-winning piece on writing memoir that is posted on my website. Here is the link for anyone interested. Some might find it helpful. http://lorilynroberts.com/memoir.html

The most important thing as a writer is to keep writing and to keep learning—whether your write fiction, nonfiction, or memoir, and enjoy the journey.

 

 

Book Launch of Journey to Terreldor, by Chris Hibbard

 Book Launch on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. Click here for link to lots of freebies and drawings to celebrate!

Enjoy the book trailer!

Excerpt from Chapter One, Journey to Terreldor

          I woke lying on my back and shivering. I saw rays of sunlight and patches of blue through pine boughs weighed down by snow. Though I was cold and stiff, I felt better than I had in days.

          Why am I outside? I remembered and my heart sank. It’s only a dream, I tried to convince myself. Yet that morning something seemed clearer, more real than the jumble of hallucinations and doubtful memories of the previous six days.

Focus, Mark, I told myself, focus on today. The past will sort itself out soon enough.

          I couldn't have been more wrong.

          Lying there, I heard the sounds of my older brother stirring. At least we’re together, I thought. My mind reeled as I again failed to sort out the foggy memories of the day before I’d found him.

Without warning, my mind latched onto a more recent memory. I lay back on a bed of pine needles and let my mind sink into the dream I’d had just before waking. I saw it so clearly, and yet I fought its sense of reality.

My brother David shook me gently, holding a cold hand over my mouth. I sputtered before I realized he meant to keep me quiet.

“Shhhh,” he whispered, removing his hand. “More trolls—they’re coming toward us.”

          Trolls?  My mind staggered as I fought growing panic. I held my breath and crawled on my knees to peer through prickly branches, trying not to disturb the snow weighing them down. I saw a nightmare’s collection of ghouls marching toward us—monsters too horrible to consider real, and yet too fearsome to ignore. They were eerily familiar, as if I recognized them from a dream. My breath caught in my chest as they approached.

None of them were shorter than a man, and some were much taller. Where their skin showed, I saw some were covered in splotches of green, and the others had skin in tones of mud and sand. They were shaped like men, but short, squattish men who had no business being so tall. Their jaws seemed to project from their skulls, and they gave me the unlikely impression their teeth were trying to escape from their lips. I could imagine them capable of nothing but violence.

          My panic didn’t last long. Before they took a dozen steps, they veered left and headed downhill, away from us. Still and breathless, my mind shouted silent wishes after them. Don’t hear me breathing. Don’t turn around.
         “That was the second group,” David whispered. “I think they’re on patrol.”

          Chris M. Hibbard was born in the suburbs of New Jersey, the second of three brothers. His family soon moved to Alaska, where he grew up scrambling over the mountains and beaches of a remote village wedged between thickly wooded peaks and deep fjords. His childhood shaped in him an early love for family and the outdoors, and inspired such hobbies as wildlife photography, grafting fruit trees, and other horticulture.

          His first novel began as a collection of stories he invented to entertain his children. He, his wife and four children make their home in the Piney Woods of South Texas.

To see his other written works, visit http://Terreldor.net.

Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.

Book, Love the Wounded, by Lynn Dove, BOOK LAUNCH

Lynn Dove is launching her new book, Love the Wounded, October 30^th. 

Love the Wounded  is the final and dramatic conclusion to her brilliant Wounded Trilogy  series that has followed the lives of teenagers Jake, Leigh, Mike, Dylan and Tim as they come to terms with a series of tragedies and events that have made each of them question why God allows “bad things to happen to good people.”

You can help her achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY – and receive all kinds of free gifts while you’re at it!

Here’s how:
1. Go to the Landing Page on Lynn’s Word Salt Website
2. Buy the book at amazon.
3. Go back to the Landing Page and fill in the {{{{{{{form}}}}}} with your name, email and purchase number.
It’s that easy! You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.

About the book:

Leigh does not know who to choose...her heart tells her she will always love Jake, but he has changed so much since the death of their friend, Ronnie, and with his mother going through breast cancer; he has totally closed himself off from her emotionally. Now she is dating Dylan and try as she might to accept him for who he is, she can't stop thinking about Jake! Dylan has never gotten over the loss of his father and little sister, killed by a drunk driver when he was just a young boy.

After a horrific accident that has put both Tim and his little brother, Evan in the hospital, everyone knows that not only is he being bullied at school; he cuts himself to cope with it all. But meeting Cassidy has given him the courage to stand up to the bullies and at the same time give her what she so desperately needs...a life-giving bone marrow transplant. Jake's mother keeps telling him that "God works all things out for good" but with all the things going on in his life and with his friends, he's just not sure anymore. It is only after Mike is paralyzed in a car accident that Jake was partially responsible for that all the families and friends will be brought back together, not by coincidence, but by God's design and then Jake will finally believe that God truly does "Love the Wounded".

"A life of working with youth has inspired Lynn Dove, a Cochrane mother to turn her experiences into a book trilogy...(the Wounded Trilogy) series that parallels the struggles of students...(and) covers the angst of some of the real serious issues that teenagers face today, particularly with bullying and gossip. " -Rocky View Weekly-

What others are saying:
“I couldn’t put the book down…(A) dramatic ending to a wonderful series about five teenagers and their families who are struggling through life,…Lynn Dove has created a cast of teenage characters we grow to love over this three book series,…It is a wonderful, good, clean book with twists and turns about issues on a young adult level that they will enjoy reading.”  - Readers Favorite–
“A personal story of honest truth – offer(s) an uplifting spiritual message” – Cochrane Times –

Author bio:
Lynn Dove is a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and writer.  Winner of a Canadian Christian Writing Award in 2011, Lynn Dove's debut novel, Shoot the Wounded, written for teens and young adults was a finalist in the 2010 Readers Favorite Book Awards. Heal the Wounded, released in 2010, the second book in this series won the Bronze Medal in the 2011 Readers Favorite Book Awards in the Young Adult - Coming of Age category. Love the Wounded is the final book in the "Wounded Trilogy."

FREE STUFF:
Here’s just a sampling of the FREE e-gifts from generous supporters:
Free Kindle version of Tracy Krauss’s best seller: Wind Over Marshdale
Autographed copy of The Chamomile by Susan F. Craft
Autographed copy of award winning They Stood Alone by Sandra McLeod Humphrey
Free ebook Fit for Faith by Kimberley Payne
Free PDF copy of Live Without Stress by Shelley Hitz
First Three Chapters of The Legacy of Deer Run by Elaine Cooper
Plus more!
All if you buy your copy of Love the Wounded  at amazon.com on Oct 30! All links will be operational on the ‘Landing Page’ at the Word Salt website on that day only!

DISCLAIMER: This ‘Best Seller book launch’ has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email (or mail) by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com