Spotlight & Giveaway: The Bluebonnet Battle by Carolyn Brown

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Carolyn Brown to HJ!

Hi Carolyn and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, The Bluebonnet Battle!

 
Excitement is bouncing around my house like a sugared up six-year-old that just spent the day with Grandma. The Bluebonnet Battle came out on March 8 and the reviews are awesome!
 

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

See those two little bees on the front of the book. One represents Aunt Liddy, the queen bee of funeral dinners in Bonnet, Texas. It doesn’t matter what church a person goes to, or if they’ve never been inside a church, Aunt Liddy will be sure that person has an awesome funeral dinner. The other bee is Matilda, who’s come to Bonnet to take away Aunt Liddy’s crown for herself. The battle is on as the layers of the past are peeled away one-by-one. Then horror of all horrors for both Aunt Liddy and Matilda, sparks begin to fly around between Liddy’s precious niece and Matilda’s son.
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

*We’re not going to borrow trouble until we know there’s trouble to be had
*Honey, not even God is powerful enough to have a spell that will soften up that woman
*You either got to laugh about it or you’ll worry yourself crazy
*In the South our worst enemies are are called honey–maybe in a sarcastic way–but still honey.

What inspired this book?

For several years, the library in Bonham Texas hosted a Valentine’s event with a panel of authors. We met lots of fantastic readers and were privileged to tell a little bit about our books. After the event some of the local ladies had a sweet luncheon for the authors. So, I was sitting at the table with one of the ladies when–of course–talk went to the food. I mentioned liking one particular dish and the lady said that was what so-and-so always took to funeral dinners. That reminded her of a book titled “Being Dead is no Excuse”–a cookbook of funeral dinner recipes. That conversation was the inspiration for The Bluebonnet Battle. What if one lady in a small town had been the queen bee of all the funeral dinners for years and someone came to threaten her crown?

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

They didn’t surprise me as much as the history between them did. As it unfolded day by day, I was shocked and yet glad that they–especially Aunt Liddy–trusted me to write her story. I know! I know! They are characters in a book, but to me they were very real.

What was your favorite scene to write?

When Liddy and Matilda meet at the first funeral dinner. Maybe a snippet:

Matilda snubbed the first table and gave Harry a dirty look when he not only helped himself to a large slice of ham but also fried chicken. She held up the line for a good two minutes and then finally put a small amount of a green salad on her plate.
With a long sigh, she said, “I suppose I can pick out the bits of bacon and cheese.”
“There’s a Jell-O salad with peaches in it,” Liddy suggested.
Matilda frowned and the look on her face said she would rather be talking to a chimpanzee as Liddy. “Don’t you know that gelatin is made with animal bones?”
“Had no idea,” Liddy answered. “I guess you could pick the peaches out and wash the gelatin off them.”
Matilda ignored her and carried her salad to the table where Barbara and some of her family members were seated.
“Who put a burr in her britches?” Amelia whispered.
“Probably everyone on the planet who doesn’t agree with her. I’m Nick Monroe, her son, but don’t hold that against me,” a tall, blonde-haired guy with gorgeous green eyes answered. “If you have to judge me on my relatives, I’d rather you judged me by Uncle Harry. I like good food almost as much as he does. I apologize to you ladies for her attitude. This is just a phase she’s in. It’ll pass in a few months, like all the others she’s worked her way through.”
“I’m Amelia Taylor, and I try not to judge anyone. I figure to each his own. Nice to meet you, Nick,” she said.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he flashed a bright smile and moved on.
“He’s downright sexy with those green eyes and that cute little dimple in his chin,” Amelia whispered to her Aunt Liddy.
“They used to call that a cleft, but honey, that man is totally off limits,” Liddy slipped the last piece of lemon pie onto a small plate for Harry.
“Why?” Amelia asked. “Oh! That’s Matilda’s son. I’d never met him, and I’ve probably only seen her a couple of times in my life, so I didn’t recognize her.”
“It sure doesn’t look like you’ve lost your touch, Miz Liddy,” Harry said with a grin. “Wanda and Jack both said more than once that you should put in a bakery, but I’m kind of glad you don’t have one right now.”
“Why’s that?” Liddy asked.
“Because I’m leaving town on Monday on a little trip. If I knew you were baking these pies every day, I’d have trouble driving out of Bonnet,” Harry said.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

This one was difficult because my heart went out to Nick–that would be Matilda’s son:

Nick closed the door to his office, sat down at his desk, opened a drawer and popped three aspirin into his mouth. A sudden, brutal headache had suddenly hit him in the eyes.
The business phone rang and caused another wave of pain to slap him right between the eyes, but when his mother didn’t answer the jangling thing on the fourth ring, he reached for the receiver. “Good morning, this is Nick,” he said.
“You sound like hammered owl shit,” his father chuckled. “You mother driving you up the walls?”
“Did you cheat on Mother your whole married life?” Nick blurted out.
“What on earth brought on that question?” Gregory asked.
“Did you?” Nick asked again.
“No, I did not. The only affair I ever had was with Betsy, and as soon as the divorce was granted, we had a simple ceremony here at the house. We are very happy, son, and I believe that I’ve found a woman who believes in real marriage.”
“I found out…”
“About your mother’s infidelities?” Gregory asked. “I tried to make her happy. I really did, but it was impossible. I just called to check on you, not drag skeletons out of the closet. You’ve been at the business for a week, now. How’s it going?”
“Great,” Nick said. “I’m settling in a lot faster than I thought I would, and I met a wonderful girl, but there’s this big problem.”
“You want to talk about it?” Gregory asked.
“You ever hear about the business with Liddy Latham’s son?” Nick asked.
“That’s old news,” Gregory chuckled. “I’m surprised Harry didn’t tell you that story a long time ago.”
“Well, this woman I met is Liddy’s niece.” Nick rubbed his temples.
“Well, now that’s a nuclear bomb just waiting to go off. I can’t do much about that, but I’m here if you need to talk,” Gregory told him.
“Why did you stick with Mother so long, Dad?” Nick continued to massage his head.
“We didn’t have a prenup, and well,” his father paused, “the truth is I had to take care of the finances. Matilda is reckless when it comes to money, but she is your mother, and I shouldn’t be talking about her at all. Besides, I wanted to be around to give you one stable parent, then the years went by and suddenly, you were grown. I didn’t think I’d ever find anyone to be happy with, so why not just be married to my job.”
“Do you think I’m like her side of the family?” Nick asked.
“You are you, son. Every choice a person makes has a consequence. Make the right one and don’t let all that old history define you,” Gregory said. “If you really feel something for this niece of Liddy’s, then go for it, and be damned to both sides of the family.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ve got a showing at a house in five minutes, so I suppose I should go.” Nick’s headache was much better already. “Tell Betsy hello for me.”
“I sure will,” Gregory said. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t,” Nick said. “I’ll try to get down to Sweetwater one weekend to see you. I’d invite you to Bonnet, but there would be too much drama.”

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

This definitely shows my writing style.

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

That when you face the past, it makes you stronger for the trials of the present, and brings peace for the future. That love is love, no matter what the past is.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

Right now I’m working on another women’s fiction with a thread of romance. The working title is The Devine Doughnut Shop, but that could change.
For the rest of 2022, my schedule looks like this:
Bride for a Day, March 29 (an updated reissue)
In Bloom, April 26 (an anthology with Fern Michaels and Lori Foster)
Riverbend Reunion, June 14 (women’s fiction with romance)
Just in Time for Christmas, Oct. 11 (rewritten and updated reissue of Darn Good Christmas)
The Sandcastle Hurricane, Nov. 8 (women’s fiction with romance)

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: I will give away a signed copy of The Bluebonnet Battle. Open internationally.

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Do you have funeral dinners in your part of the country? If so, what is your go-to dish to take?

 
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Excerpt from The Bluebonnet Battle:

I’m talking too much. Aunt Liddy will know that I’m nervous, Amelia thought as she picked up a second brownie. Eat. Don’t talk. Let her say something.
“That’s because of my secret ingredient,” Liddy told her. “It’s not much, but it gives the pie just a little kick and brings out the lemon flavor more.”
Amelia nodded in agreement. “Who would have ever thought a tablespoon of limoncello would make it so much better?”
“Or a fourth of a cup in a lemon meringue pie?” Liddy said.
“Whoever put you onto making them this way?” Amelia asked.
“My mama, and before her, it was her mother,” Liddy said. “I’m told that my great-grandmother used a little vodka in her pies, but once Granny discovered limoncello, we’ve used it ever since.”
“Why is it such a big secret?” Amelia asked.
“Because we take them to church, and all those folks who think Jesus only drank grape juice would be offended at a pie with liquor in it,” Liddy explained. “Did you know that Nick Monroe has a girlfriend, and she lives out in your apartment complex?”
Amelia had to swallow fast and then gulp down tea to keep from choking. “Well, dang it, Aunt Liddy. I thought I had a chance at dating him after the way he was flirting with me at those two funerals.”
“Girl, don’t you tease me like that,” Liddy said. “I know that it’s April Fool’s day, but that’s not funny. Do you think he is seeing Savannah on the sly? Poor old Kirk would be devastated if that’s happening, but I don’t think he’s seeing her.”
“Why?” Amelia could almost feel the color leaving her face as she finished off her tea. “I’m going to get a refill. Want me to bring the pitcher out here?”
She was on her feet and headed through the door before Liddy told her that she didn’t need any more. She leaned her head against the refrigerator door for a moment before she opened it. After she had taken in several long breaths, she pasted a smile on her face and poured herself half a glass of sweet tea. When that was gone, she would figure out an excuse to have to leave.
“What were we talking about?” she asked as she crossed the room and sat back down.
“Nick dating someone in your apartment complex,” Liddy answered.
Well, there goes the hope that she would go on to another subject. I’d rather she ranted about Matilda, Amelia thought.
“Now that I think about it, I don’t think he’s seeing Savannah. Kirk spends every waking minute with her. I’m surprised that they don’t just move in together,” Liddy said.
“Aunt Liddy!” Amelia gasped. “I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“The way that society looks at things has changed over the years,” Liddy raised a shoulder in half a shrug. “Seems smart to me for a couple to live together for a while before they get married. The only way you ever know a person is to live with them. That would save a lot of heart ache and cheat the lawyers out of a lot of money for divorces. If my Richie had lived with Matilda, he would have figured her out, and he might be alive today. If you hadn’t lived with Elliott that summer, you would have never figured out that he was evil.”
“Amen to that,” Amelia agreed.
“Did I ever tell you about the time my mama caught me smoking?” She didn’t wait for an answer but went on. “She gave me a whole pack of cigarettes and sent me to the back porch. I couldn’t come in the house until they were all gone. I was green and throwing up my toenails by the time that pack was finished. All I have to do is smell one of those things, and I get sick even now, sixty years later.”
“What’s that got to do with Elliott?” Amelia asked.
“By living with him, it was like smoking a whole pack of cigarettes in one day. You got to see him in action twenty-four/seven as you kids say today. I prayed that you were smart enough to see through him, and you finally did,” Liddy said. “You know Kirk and Savannah. Please tell me that he’s not about to break that sweet heart of hers.”?”
“He is not,” Amelia answered, trying to think of a way to distract Liddy from talking about Kirk or Nick. “There’s lots of single women out in the complex including Daphne O’Hara.”
“I hadn’t thought about her,” Liddy frowned. “She’s such a mousy little thing, but I’d rather see him dating her as messing up Kirk’s life. Poor Daphne. Matilda will eat her alive. I bet that’s the reason he’s dating her on the sly. Once he introduces her to his mother, she’ll run like a Jack rabbit with a hungry coyote on its tail. Give me just a minute here.” She picked up her phone, typed in a message, then laid it back down on the table. “I had to tell Ruth Ann about Daphne. We’ve both been worried that you were dating him.”
“Yes, I am,” Amelia said. “Daphne and I’ve been sharing him. I think I might be ahead of her since he says she’s better in bed, but I’m a better cook. We all know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. You got any advice for me when it comes to the bedroom?”
“Don’t tease me about this, Amelia Juliet.” Liddy shook her finger at Amelia. “I might be open minded when it comes to a couple living together, but what goes on the bedroom stays in the bedroom, and I don’t discuss those things with anyone.”
“Oh, come on, Aunt Liddy,” Amelia whispered. “It’s just me and you out here on this porch. Did you and Uncle Marvin have any good sex secrets that I could use to give me a leg up,” she giggled, “that’s poor wording, isn’t it?”
“Amelia Juliet!” Liddy raised her voice a notch.
“You just second named me twice, so you are serious,” Amelia said. “I’ve never known you to judge a person by another’s half bushel.”
Liddy finished off the rest of her tea before she answered. “I’m not either of those things. I’m protecting you from a life of misery. Nick might be a decent guy, but his ancestorial background is against him. His grandpa Floyd was a philanderer, and so was his grandmother, Linda June. Nick’s mama followed in her parent’s footsteps, and his daddy traded in Matilda for a different woman. I got to admit, knowing Matilda like I do, I wouldn’t hold that against Gregory.”
“Nick might be more like his grandparents on the other side,” Amelia said. “I understand they were together until his grandpa died and his granny never remarried.”
Liddy eyed her carefully. “How did you know that?”
“We did talk at the funeral,” Amelia told her.
“That had slipped my mind,” Liddy said, “so, I guess it’s poor little Daphne is the one he’s seeing. Now, on to the next couple of things I wanted to talk to you about. Can you help us with the church Easter egg hunt and the potluck?”
“No, ma’am,” Amelia answered. “We have Friday off school and the following Monday since we didn’t have to use our snow days. I’m getting out of Bonnet and away from all this stresss for the long weekend. Want to go with me?”
Liddy seemed to be thinking about joining her, but she finally shook her head. “I would love to, but I’d better stay here and help with the Easter doings at the church. Where are you going, anyway?”
“Maybe Galveston, or South Padre, or I might even fly to Destin, Florida for a couple of days. I need to get away and destress, and I love to be near the ocean,” Amelia asked.
“Sounds wonderful, but I’ll pass this time, and honey, you do realize that you’re going to the Gulf, not to the ocean,” Liddy said with half a laugh.
At last, we’re on a different subject, Amelia thought.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s heartwarming novel about old rivalries, young love, and a lemon meringue pie to die for.

In Bonnet, Texas, Liddy Latham, the queen of funeral dinners, keeps a southern comfort-food tradition alive—until fancy-schmancy Matilda Monroe moves back to town. She wants room at the table for her own style of consolation and closure: healthy, modern, and vegan. But this is about more than fried chicken versus tofu turkey. Matilda’s return is also stirring up their volatile, unresolved history. And just when they thought it couldn’t get more personal…

Matilda’s son, Nick, and Liddy’s niece, Amelia, have met and the sparks are flying. For Matilda and Liddy, their precious kin’s romance is their worst nightmare. Now, it’s all Nick and Amelia can do to survive a family feud that has the whole town talking.

The battle for the funeral dinner crown is on. As two strong-willed women wrestle for control, making peace with the past may be the only way to serve the star-crossed lovers a happy ending.

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Meet the Author:

Carolyn Brown is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher’s Weekly and #1 Amazon and #1 Washington Post bestselling author. She is the author of more than 100 novels and several novellas. She’s a recipient of the Bookseller’s Best Award, Montlake Romance’s prestigious Montlake Diamond Award, and also a three-time recipient of the National Reader’s Choice Award. Brown has been published for more than 20 years, and her books have been translated 21 foreign languages.
When she’s not writing, she likes to plot new stories in her backyard with her tom cat, Boots Randolph Terminator Outlaw, who protects the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, locusts, and spiders. Visit her at www.carolynbrownbooks.com.
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