Description:
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 Cara overcome the feelings that have governed her most of her life? Can she learn to trust Dayne, and most of all a God whom she sees as uncaring—if he’s really there at all? Only Dayne’s prayers and love can reach Cara and show her the way to redemption, and Cara must recognize and accept God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far.
GUEST POST
A Sensitive Topic: Abuse
by Carole Brown
When my husband came up with the plot for The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I knew it would be a tough topic to address. I didn’t want too many details, yet I wanted it real and emotional, so that the reader could understand that as far-fetched as it seems, it is a real and evil, pertinent topic in today’s world.
Abuse is an ugly word. We don’t want to face the fact it exists in our world. Most of us would rather settle for the noncommittal life of NOT having to take a stand against something so horrible. It’s so easy to shut our eyes and to avoid addressing issues that make us wince or uncomfortable.
Those trying to encourage/rescue those abused, see so many lost opportunities. Restrained and hindered from achieving their dreams or possible potentials, many will face death without ever experiencing the fulfillment which every person should. It’s a heartbreaking task, and sometimes with less than satisfying results.
We must never give up though. Even one person saved will be worth any effort we put forth. In writing The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I hope I have stirred readers to act: to act with love and more understanding and to offer a God-like sympathetic heart to the hurting ones in the world.
It’s Everywhere!
Some abusers have suffered abuse in their own lives. They seemingly can’t quit or have no training or encouragement to do so. Others are those who let their emotions rule them, suffer with personality problems and feel punishing others gives them status.
Seen and Unseen:
Invisible: Abusers could be your banker, your insurance agent, your minister (yes, that’s what I said!), or anyone else you meet on a daily basis. They’re dressed well, earn a nice income, friendly and likeable.
Visible: The person who yells in public at their child, smacks them unreasonably in public, or who neglects them with the proper food and clothing. Constant belittling of a companion in public is a sign.
So in writing The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I knew I would be treading a fine line. I needed to show some of the abuse yet not be too overwhelming to the reader. I wanted to show where Caralynne came from in harboring the emotions she carried and the plans she tried to initiate. Nothing less would give her actions creditability where, although the reader couldn’t condone them, they could at least understand them.
Would I attempt writing another sensitive subject topic into a book? Definitely. I lived and breathed and slept with this one for years, and I have no regrets.
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About the author:
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. 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?
3 comments:
That is a question we all wonder in how far will we go if our daughter or little sister was murdered to see justice done.
thanks for sharing
thanks for the giveaway! :D
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