Undiscovered Treasures
(Book Three of the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series)
By Carole Brown
Why did I write this book?
Several years ago, my agent urged me to write a romance novel for a certain publishing group. I did, and while I was at it, decided to write about three friends, all living in the made up town of Appleton, WV. Each had their own story, but the romance books didn’t go anywhere (because I’m not a “per se” romance writer. But when a current editor asked me for a new series, I thought about these three books and wondered if I could turn them into light mysteries. Ta da: the Appleton, WV series was born!
How much of myself do I put into my books?
Almost always little dabs of this and that. I love antiques and flea markets, cats, flowers (including Caroline’s favorite: daisies) and coffee. If I drink tea, I’m a Tea Snob (same as Caroline). I’m clumsy and fall over practically nothing (Caroline too!).
What are your main characters like?
In Undiscovered Treasures, Caroline Gibson, is a “home-town” girl. She doesn’t have a lot of confidence in her own looks, is clumsy, and sometimes quite outspoken. But she’s loyal, trustworthy, and soft-hearted, always watching out for the “underdog,” helps her brother run a successful business, writes plays, and oversees the local youth organization at her church. 
Andy Carrington, on the other hand, is quiet, but confident in his own abilities, friendly, a dedicated Christian, and an up-and-coming famous artist. He’s best friends with Caroline’s brother, and grew up with him and Caroline. Best of all, he’s loved Caroline forever and trusts God to direct his and her life.
Where did I get the title for this book?
When I plotted for the third friend (Caroline), I decided a junk/antique/collectibles store would be fun and unique. It also fit her personality. Having a brother and sister run the store worked well with the plot and giving them both a bit of wittiness added interest to the novel. I also thought this title played into the emotional love story part of the plot. Caroline, always dreaming of a real live prince for her life, doesn’t realize that she already has one. It’s only when she discovers Andy’s virtues that she finally clasps the truth: Andy is her treasure, chosen by God, just for her.
Why a cat in the story?
It played into Caroline’s personality very well. I can just see her volunteering at the local pet shelter. Angel, the cat, also was a ready (or not) listener when Caroline needed a sounding board.
How does the music box play into the plot?
It’s a constant reminder–and not a very welcome one–that her life is somewhat unsatisfactory. She thinks it’s because she doesn’t have a “prince” riding up to save her from a mundane existence, but really, it’s more like the proverbial ostrich inserting his head into the sand, and unwilling to accept the will of God for her life.
Why have Caroline travel out of the U.S. when she’s such a homebody?
Having her travel, which she isn’t totally fond of, forces her to climb out of her comfort zone. She knows what she has to do–make an apology–whether everything turns out the way she wants it to or not, and because she has to travel a distance, she has plenty of time to ruminate on her “follies.” Overall, a good disciplinarian action for her.
Is there a spiritual thread?
Yes. Accepting God’s will for our lives. We can’t make things happen the way we want, and if we force the issue, most times, it turns out to be an unsatisfactory situation. Caroline has to learn that, and once she does, she couldn’t be happier.
Happy Reading!
man-Blair, the male protagonist in Knight in Shining Apron. . . Since Joel is helping figure out what’s going on in Starli Cameron’s life, and why all the the seemingly threats and odd incidents happening, I thought it best to ask Joel to give us some ideas about the mystery half of the book. Joel . . .
The other little things that kept questions playing over and over in my mind were: the smoke bombed coatroom, the firecracker, the outdoors unscrewed light bulb, the scratched reception desk, and the unexpected Valentine’s candy heart–all of it kept us–Starli and me–on edge, wondering who could possibly be so annoying. And why. That was probably 
the hardest, trying to decide who and why he or she would want to inflict aggravation on Starli when she was such a good employer.
but I think in three ways it benefited:
e able to accomplish that.
ions!
he other hand, grew up in a privileged home by caring, although busy, parents, but when she made the mistake of marrying her first husband, he successfully robbed her of any spontaneous joy she had. Through their married lives, he turned her into a woman who grew to fear men and who thought they couldn’t be trusted. Deep inside her is a longing to find a love such as her friend Toni DeLuca-Perrin has, but she has no faith it will happen. Joel is an attraction, but is he as good as he seems?
and different.
Ladies and gentlemen, our own lovely and tal-ent-ed…Starli Cameron, a-n-d her partner—all the way from Great Britain—Sir Jo-el Peter-man Blair!”
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I remember the time I placed my first WWII Spies book in her hands, the way she smoothed her fingers over it, the love and pride she had that I’d accomplished this goal. Was she jealous? No, she was happy that I could do this.
Word Sharpeners 