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).

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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