WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?

What book should you read next? What words should you write next? Whether you're a reader, a writer, or both, you need look no further for ideas and pointers to help you make up your mind. You might even get your next book for free!

Sometimes I even give away my own novels. My Inspirational romances and devotionals are pictured below and are detailed on my Books page. You can always count on a trace of humor in my novels and nonfiction. Whether you're a teen or a woman mature in years, I think these stories will ring true.

Read on, and discover some of today's most appealing Inspirational novelists, their latest books, and their words of wisdom and imagination. Enjoy!

Monday, September 18, 2017

Carolyne Aarsen and Free Books!

Danielle needs to get away from the guys in her life. Leaving town is her only option.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of The House Next Door, by Susan Page Davis, is:

happygrammaof3@...

Congratulations! I'll e-mail you for your snail mail address, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Carolyne Aarsen, author of the romantic/chick lit novel, Any Man of Mine (Misty Ridge Publishing, August 2017).

Carolyne Aarsen, originally a city girl, was transplanted to the country when she got married. While raising four children, foster children, and various animals, Carolyne managed to find time for daydreaming and writing.

Her first book sold in 1997 and since then has sold over fifty books to three different publishers. Just recently she has moved into self-publishing and is excited to start this new venture. Her stories show a love of open spaces, the fellowship of her Christian community.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I won first place in a Moose Calling contest. Valuable life skill for sure!

I would imagine that success did not take place while you were a city girl.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Any Man of Mine.

Danielle needs to get away from the ‘guys’ in her life, and fast. Growing up, her world was full of them. Between her brothers, her father, her boss, and the guy that broke her heart, she’s had enough. It’s time to get out of Holmes Crossing, and hopefully, build a new life with new people in the city, but that’s easier said than done.

Terrified that her grand adventure will send her into the arms of a suit-wearing, no nonsense, too-smart-for-his-own-good man, her brothers draft a plan to find her the kind of man they think she needs. The only problem is, Danielle has already met the one. She just doesn’t know it yet. But when she finds out that her idea of Mr. Perfect and her preconceived notions of who to stay clear of don’t exactly go hand in hand, her dream of a happily-ever-after might just surprise her.

That sounds like a lot of fun! 

What is it about Danielle that will make your readers care about her?

Danielle is a girl who has grown up with three brothers who used to stuff her Barbie dolls into their rockets, who used to tease her. All this hides a deep love they have for her which manifests itself in trying to find the ‘perfect guy’ for her. While she loves them dearly she wants to get away from their ideas of what kind of guy they think she wants. She is looking for a man. Someone who likes classical music, who cares about her and, even more important, who isn’t a cowboy.

Have you attended any writers’ conferences in the past? What are your thoughts about their merits for up-and-coming, or even established, writers?

I’ve been to a number though I haven’t gone for a few years. I think writer’s conferences are an invaluable place for beginning and established writers to connect with other writers, to meet editors and agents face to face. There is always something to learn and be challenged by.

I completely agree. I haven't been able to attend one for the last few years, either. I miss the one-on-one camaraderie. 

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. To me it’s an absolute gem of a book that is so well-written it makes me want to quit writing! It’s a loving treatment of one family’s tragedy shown through the eyes of a young boy trying to make sense of his life and of God.

What are you working on now?

I’m redoing a couple of older books that I got the rights back to, weaving them more closely into a series called Sweethearts of Sweet Creek. This is a self-publishing venture and I hope to put the first book, Homecoming, out in September or October.

Where else can readers find you online?

I am on Facebook.

If your readers want to find out about new releases, they can also follow me on Bookbub.

I also have a website – www.carolyneaarsen.com. If people stop by, they can get a free book by signing up for my newsletter.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What kind of hero draws you into a story the most?

Thanks for this opportunity, Trish. Blessings to you and your readers.


Thank you, Carolyne, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Carolyne has offered to give away a free e-copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Carolyne's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE


11 comments:

Becky said...

Haha! Moose Calling? I'd love to hear that, because I can't imagine what that sounds like. Sounds like a good book! I'm subscribed and following on all the media. Becky lelandandbecky[at]reagan[dot]com

Carolyne Aarsen said...

It's not a very romantic sound, Becky!!! But it's easy to imitate. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

Paula Shreckhise said...

My ideal hero would be someone strong but quiet and kind, but funloving.and of course he would have to be an established, upstanding Christian. That doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes-- just not searching or makes huge blatant ones.
This looks like a book with a twist from the usual plot. Thanks for the chance to win. I follow this blog. paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

Carolyne Aarsen said...

Hey Paula, thanks for stopping by! I agree with your assessment of your ideal hero especially the part about making mistakes because we all do! Take care.

Brenda Arrington said...


I'd love to win a copy of this fun sounding book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. My ideal hero would be a strong Christian but a sensitive one. He would have to love having fun and strong enough in different ways to take care of the women in his life.
happygrammaof3(at)Comcast(dot)net

Gail H. said...

This book sounds so good! I enjoy male characters that are a bit shy, love children, aren't conceited and not afraid to show their love for the Lord.
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

Alice said...

This book sounds like one I want to read. My ideal hero has many faces. Strong mentally and physically. Not necessarily Christian but open to learning about God. A man with a sense of humor. And of course good looking to the heroine.
Alice Myers
Myersalicem@gmail.com

Carolyne Aarsen said...

Thanks Alice! I think you'll enjoy Any Man of Mine. Sounds like your hero and Danielle's hero (the heroine in my book) are the same! I hope you can read it as well. Thanks for stopping by.

Carolyne Aarsen said...

Hey Brenda, Thanks for your comment. Your hero sounds appealing as well! I like it that you said he should be able to take care of the women in his life, not just the heroine. I think it's important to see how a hero treats his mother and sisters as well!

Carolyne Aarsen said...

Dear Gail, I love that you said your like heroes that are a bit shy! So endearing. My husband was like that. Since we've been married he has come out of his shell and you'd never say he's shy anymore! Take care.

Trish Perry said...

I love that your story description doesn't tip us off about which character is the hero of the story.

The kind of hero I enjoy is not perfect, as Paula says, but has a good core. I recently watched Hacksaw Ridge, and I was struck by how sure of his beliefs the hero was, no matter what he faced. The movie wasn't exactly a romance, and it wasn't light, but the hero was amazing (and real!).

I also love a hero with a good sense of humor, especially about himself. A man like that tends to be easy to forgive and to extend forgiveness--something necessary when romantic conflicts arise.

 

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