99¢ BOOK OF THE WEEK

ABANDONED DREAMS

‘til Sept. 21st at

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003DS6LEU

Have you ever wondered what dreams you might have fulfilled

if life hadn't got in the way?

What if you had an opportunity to try again?

At twenty-seven years-old, George Fairweather is “the voice of his generation”, a poet whose talent has garnered him accolades from the literary establishment and homage from the disenfranchised “hippie” youth of the late 1960’s.

George is the embodiment of the times with his long hair, rebellious attitude and regular use of mind-expanding psychedelic drugs.

Then the sudden and tragic death of Fallon, his friend, his muse and his lover shatters his world, his sanity and nearly ends his life.

Katherine is the one person who stands between George and destruction. A hanger-on, a groupie, a go-for, she’s a woman George never considered – for anything. Katherine idolizes George and makes it her personal mission to keep him alive, doing whatever it takes, twenty-four seven.

Because of Katherine’s sacrifice and devotion George slowly begins to mend his soul and rebuild a life. But guilt and gratitude make it a much different life then he’d previously led.

Thirty-seven years later, George Fairweather is a husband, father and grandfather and a successful copywriter at an advertising agency. Another death, his wife Katherine’s, is about to change his life again.

Can dreams be resurrected? Can a live abandoned be taken up again?

Will they let him?

Is it worth it?

"Literary and artistic matters including the drive for fame and creativity, as well as cutting citicism, are refreshingly realistic and provide illuminating insights into the minds of writers and artists.”

Judge Number 54, The 26th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards 

★★★★★ "A well told, fascinating and powerful story. Highly recommended."

★★★★★  Lovely premise, well-delivered
 "...offers an unflinching look at how circumstance, both disastrous and mundane, can shove youthful ambitions aside...excellently insidious character development, where every individual springs from the page."

- Mary Keefer, Amazon Verified Purchase

The Seeker of Abandoned Dreams

He is not now, nor has he ever been

the person you think you know.

What you see is a complex compromise

of demons, dreams, desires,

the blunted spear of passion,

the dull edge of intellect,

an over-talked argument, the last guest

at a weary gathering.

Extraneous stuff slips away,

the affairs of friends hold little interest

and the lack of things in common

make conversation the killer

to his preferred silence.

The focus has narrowed, the journey closes,

the lack of purpose becomes

defined.

He’s going out there now

to slough off conventions,

become what wind, sun and rain would have him be

beyond different.

He’s taking with him

something vague and inarticulate,

less than a memory, tinged with warning.

He’ll travel with no expectations

only to be

uncomplicated, uncompromised,

unknown.

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FREE E-BOOK

Abandoned Dreams

 June 19-23

Can Dreams be Resurrected? Is it Worth It?

Download your copy now at

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003DS6LEU

At twenty-seven years-old, George Fairweather is “the voice of his generation”, a poet whose talent has garnered him accolades from the literary establishment and homage from the disenfranchised “hippie” youth of the late 1960’s. George is the embodiment of the times with his long hair, rebellious attitude and regular use of mind-expanding psychedelic drugs.

Then the sudden and tragic death of Fallon, his friend, his muse and his lover shatters his world, his sanity and nearly ends his life. Katherine is the one person who stands between George and destruction. A hanger-on, a groupie, a go-for, she’s a woman George never considered – for anything. Katherine idolizes George and makes it her personal mission to keep him alive, doing whatever it takes, twenty-four seven.

Because of Katherine’s sacrifice and devotion George slowly begins to mend his soul and rebuild a life. But guilt and gratitude make it a much different life then he’d previously led.

Thirty-seven years later, George Fairweather is a husband, father and grandfather and a successful copywriter at an advertising agency. Another death, his wife Katherine’s, is about to change his life again.

Can dreams be resurrected? Can a live abandoned be taken up again? Will they let him? Is it worth it?

"Literary and artistic matters including the drive for fame and creativity, as well as cutting criticism, are refreshingly realistic and provide illuminating insights into the minds of writers and artists. How the past and present link up and influence their current lives and activities is skilfully portrayed. Generational aspects ... are woven into multiple relationships and ambitions that stir the narrative." -

Judge Number 54, The 26th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards

"A well told, fascinating and powerful story. Highly recommended."

★★★★★ "I loved every part of the book. I would definitely recommend it to everyone."

★★★★★ Lovely premise, well-delivered

"...offers an unflinching look at how circumstance, both disastrous and mundane, can shove youthful ambitions aside. "Raglin delivers excellently insidious character development, where every individual springs from the page." "Overall a very entertaining, unsentimentally sardonic study of how shallow souls can leach subsistence from the goodness of others. And how sometimes responding to those needs can lead to contentment."

- Mary Keefer, Amazon VerifiedPurchase

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Blurb:

How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.

Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.

Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.

Can Dayne's love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne's deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/2IQk3i2

About the Author:

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?

Social Media Links:

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/

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

My Review:

“Who am I? What have I become besides a mother who adores her daughters?”

Thrusting the reader immediately into the world of The Children of Righteous Cain, a radical religious cult that exists in its own self-contained world, “The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman” is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, but with a whisper of hope that beckons throughout. Skeptical as I was when I started reading this story, I am glad that I took a chance on it. With a jarring prologue that begins to make more sense as the novel winds down, Carole Brown establishes a steady pace interjected with occasional moments of serenity that allow the reader to catch their breath. Once I stepped into the story, I had a difficult time putting it down, and it reminded me somewhat of a Lifetime movie. There is the requisite romance, and a forbidden one at that, and plenty of drama. Exposing the cornerstone of the cult, Brown manages to evoke revulsion but also sympathy, and she does so in a non-gratuitous manner that makes readers aware of the abuse and unpalatable issues without including graphic details or profanity.

As the narrative unfolds, the characters remain the most prominent aspect, even above the situations. They are my favorite part of the book because of the complexities woven into them by the author. When writing about cults, it can be easy to fall into stereotypes and characters who are either good or evil, with no middle ground. “The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman” offers a more authentic study of human behavior by demonstrating the conflicts within the cult members themselves, and the effects of brainwashing. While there is true evil, it comes through the sin resulting from twisting or denying God’s Word, and the consequences thereof. Indoctrinated with a false religion, the followers are expected to be subservient to whatever the leader proclaims, and anyone who challenges the modus vivendi is a threat. Due to her oldest daughter’s death, Caralynne defies the status quo: “All she wanted was for her girls to have a chance at a good and happy life. Whatever it took, she would do it. Right or wrong.” Ultimately, what causes the cult’s theology to fall apart is its lack of love. 1 John 4:18 encapsulates this missing element: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Thankfully, we have a Savior who does love us with a perfect love, and as this story demonstrates, it is Him we need to listen to and follow.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Tweets:

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The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown - #womensfiction #suspense #mothers #romance Caralynne’s secret seems safe until Dayne returns determined to learn the truth about the cult and his rekindled love for her... https://amzn.to/2qhWV1I 

Review: Rarely does a book come along with such raw honesty. Compassionate. Sensitivity. Fast paced. #award-winning #best seller. The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by @browncarole212 https://amzn.to/2BRSeV5