We've been at home for a bit and not camping. Normally, most of our trips are in the Spring and Fall. But that doesn't mean no campfires. 4th of July we spent around our fire pit with friends and family. Everyone brought some snackish foods to share. I made nachos, pasta salad, strawberry cream cheese pie, and a peach crumble. One of our friends took a look at the table and said, "I thought it was snacks?" Well, in our circle this is snacks. There was pulled pork, yum, by Bev who also made drumsticks. Black magic cake from Sue is always a family favorite. We all wished my neighbor, Bob, a very happy 93rd birthday. If theres a fire in the pit Bob is in one of the chairs. There were a lot of other happenings in my life. Here are a few highlights.

​I had a blast at the Warren County Bicentennial Fair in Warren County, NJ. Pete joined me for this event. There were so many people to talk to, and I sold out of Sea Hunter and nearly out of Agent Carter. 
There's a lot of controversy going on about author events in the book world. I won't get into that here, but let me tell you, local events are the best. This was a HUGE event, as in everything, there are hiccups here and there, and one of the tents never came from the company. Nonetheless, the organizers and volunteers overcame the problem and get an A+ from me. Shout-outs to Karen, who turned me on to the event, my new author friend Alexandra Rusch, and especially Pete. My DH, who with his outgoing and people skills brought many visitors to my table.  

It was exciting to receive this email!
I am happy to inform you that your short story, A Christmas Storm, has placed 2nd in the Contemporary category of the 2025 National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST) Contest.
books2read.com/u/47B1NE

Also this month, it's a Happy Book Birthday to Rainbow Sprinkles, a contemporary romance with Ice cream, a small town, guardian angels, and dogs.
Amazon Review
What a delightful story about finding love the second time around. Adding to the sweet love story were delightful secondary characters, including the hounds. Since I'm from NJ, I too love the best breakfast sandwich around, Taylor Ham, egg and cheese on a hard roll. This book is a wonderful summer read, with a cherry on top. Looking forward to other reads by DV Stone.
http://books2read.com/u/38QEoa

Welcome back to Around the Fire. Last week, I told you a bit about N. N. Light's Christmas in July Fete. This week, I'm happy to bring you one of the authors who will always hold a special place in my heart. A while ago, a group of authors from different genres and styles had a chat group. One day, someone said we should write a series together. Crazy, right? Well, seven books later, the Mortar & Pestle series was released. Darlene is one of those authors. Now, I've heard horror stories about such alliances, but let me tell you, we all had so much fun. No battle lines were drawn. Everyone had a say and a job. To tell you the truth, Sea Hunter, my contribution, is one of my best-selling books. If you're interested, I'll post a little about this series at the end. 
Now, grab a cup of cocoa, sit in front of the AC, and read about this wonderful, One Sweet Christmas from Darlene.

ONE SWEET CHRISTMAS
By
Darlene Fredette

More than a few pieces of chocolate are essential to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.
About the Story
Candice Cane agreed to sign the divorce papers under one condition, for four days, Jackson Frost must play Santa Claus in her chocolate shop. However, her Christmas miracle would crumble if Jackson knew the truth.
Property developer, Jackson Frost, wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. The temptation of delectable chocolate and a second chance might lure him to stay.
A peek inside
A tiny piece of her hoped his family was behind his visit, but she suspected—and dreaded—his reason was more complex and involved. “You traveled all this way and have no intention of seeing your family? What is wrong with you? Has the big city air caused you to lose your mind?”
“That is a possibility. Because for the life of me, I don’t remember getting married.”
His statement sliced through her, unearthing scars she never wanted to revisit. Candice stepped backward.
Jackson withdrew a document from inside his coat pocket. He unfolded the certificate and waved it in the air. “Recognize this?”
Candice snatched away the paper. A weight pressed heavily on her chest, stalling a breath. Scanning the words, she held onto the counter for support.
A loud timer buzzed from the kitchen, startling both Candice and Jackson.
Candice raced toward the kitchen. “Fudge.”
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/One-Sweet-Christmas-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0F8RC2YSF
Free on KU for a limited time!
YouTube Teaser
https://youtu.be/N-Ikjv_Zd5s​

A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS42PKHZ
Throughout time, people have sought their heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive.
Carved with ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters.
Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.
Go on the adventure of The Mortar & Pestle series with international authors of different genres and vast backgrounds who came together and offer this exciting, often humorous series. From world traveling to teachers, bloggers, magazine editors, and award winners, there’s something for everyone in this series.
AND
If you are intrigued enough to want more, sign up for my newsletter and get a free ebook sampler of all the stories.
mailchi.mp/bb4a75d3c449/mortar-pestle-free-sample-book

​Welcome back to Around the Fire, where stories are shared, friendships sparked, and creativity kindled. I’m your host, D. V. Stone, and whether you’re here for a love of books, the writer’s journey, the call of the campfire, or the simple joy of conversation, you’ve found your people.
Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Author M. Flagg to the fire. Her words linger like embers, and her storytelling invites us to lean closer and listen. So grab your favorite mug, settle into your comfiest chair, and join the conversation as we explore the heart of her writing, the road that brought her here, and the sparks that keep her creating.
!UPDATE!
Night of the Crescent Moon won Second Place in the NEST awards (National Excellence in Story Telling) through the Central Region Oklahoma Writers in the Paranormal category. 

M. Flagg gives an insider's look into her life and writing.
There was a time when I had lots of hobbies like baking, crocheting, needlepoint, arts and crafts, etc. I was also raising two children and working full time. Now that I’m retired, not that I’m a boring person, but… I write. I don’t shop for stuff I don’t need. I rarely bake, except for the holidays (my cream puffs, cheesecakes or cookies are a must-bring). I write and I read. I edit, fix, and reimagine. And let’s not forget promotion. It’s a must.
So. My days are different, and I love it. I earned it. My adventures now consist of book signing in any state I can drive to, from Maine to Maryland. I have an affectionate Maine Coon. He craves my attention, and I’m very happy to give it. The kids are grown and making lives of their own. So. There are the ‘me’ years with enough time to stop and reflect, to experience and enjoy.
I write for many reasons. It’s a way to heal, to reflect, as well as to entertain. Granted, my genre is paranormal. But fantasy has chunks of reality thrown in, and all those experiences, travels, uncomfortable moments, and the ones full of joy somehow find their way onto the page. I may not be able to run around with pep in my step, but my mind is sharp. What a blessing!
Today’s book for your consideration is Night of the Crescent Moon, the BookFest Spring 2025 First Place Award winner for Paranormal Romance. I’m still thrilled to type these words. It was, in a way, a sense of validation, an accomplishment I never dreamed to achieve. Here’s one review I’m particularly happy to share:
“The descriptions are vivid, multisensory, and lavish, creating a world rich with intense action set amongst mystical lore, powerful hierarchies, and intricately penned relationship dynamics. The author’s ability to craft compelling characters is evident from the first moment that we meet the mighty and sensitive Martine, and I was with her through her whole journey to save others from dark deeds. The stakes are high when Lukas arrives on the scene, and the converging plotlines of action, danger, and relationship drama all balance well to ensure the mood is always shifting and there’s never a dull moment. The author’s confident command of scenes and chapters makes sure that events always lead to the next suspenseful twists, which ensures that readers are fully immersed in the journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption from cover to cover. Overall, I’d certainly recommend Night of the Crescent Moon by M. Flagg for fantasy fans everywhere to enjoy.”  READERS REVIEW – K.C. Finn – FIVE STARS

Night of the Crescent Moon
by
M. Flagg
 
Some wounds never heal.
Martine, a good witch and ER nurse must enlist Lukas, a mystical warrior to save her patient who is under the spell of a dark witch from the Second Realm. But Martine pushed Lukas out of her life years ago, and he is the only person who can help save her patient. Martine is torn when Lukas agrees to return to the realm that holds terrifying memories for him. Even though many assist Lukas, Martine’s ask is complicated and dangerous. Can he save her patient from a fate worse than death? More importantly, can Martine open her heart to Lukas, or this time, shut him out forever? 
Grab a copy here
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Crescent-Moon-Champion-Chronicles/dp/1509256881
 
Check out the author here
https://mflagg-author.com/
www.instagram.com/mickeyflagg/
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077462468784 
x.com/flagg_michele
www.amazon.com/stores/M.-Flagg/author/B002G9S1SQ

Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s ninth annual Christmas in July Fête.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, A Christmas Storm, will be featured on 7/11. Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Here are the details

• There are 36 Christmas and holiday-themed books featured
• A chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
• Open internationally. 
• Runs July 1 – 31, 2025
• Drawing will be held on August 1, 2025

Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750332

'"Study the past if you would define the future": 
This saying, often attributed to Confucius, suggests that by understanding the past, one can make better decisions about the future. 
When me and hubby travel usually on our itinerary is visiting historical places. This year we were Upstate NY and spent the day at Fort Ticonderoga. The fort nearly disappeared into history but for the past century has been under restoration by public and private donations and work. It’s funny how our focus is so different. I tend to lean toward certain aspects and Pete very different ones. Often, we split up and then look for each other if we find something that we think the other would like. I gravitate toward the way people lived, especially cooking, so immediately was drawn to the working cooking over the open fire. Doors also fascinate me. Who walked through them? What were they doing or going to do? 
Recently, we visited friends who had purchased an old house in the nearest town to us. The house is amazing. Cira. early 1900s. There were a lot of quirks that I loved but what kept catching my attention was the stairway by the front door. The first steps were worn into the shapes of the feet who for over 100 years climbed up and down them. Cool, right? 
History, according to Merrium Webster that I cherry picked are   

• Chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes 
• ​Events of the past 
• Previous treatment, handling, or experience 

I understand the significant events, but I really am interested in the insignificant. I think we lose a lot when we only look at the big things. But I think most often the small things are the ones that make a difference. I found this story while researching. 
Napoleon and the Bunnies: 
A large rabbit hunt organized by Napoleon nearly ended in disaster when the rabbits, instead of fleeing, attacked his party. This comical event, though not historically significant, highlights how unexpected circumstances can arise from seemingly small things. I’ll bet the group never looked at rabbits the same way. 
Did you ever hear about the Christmas Truce of 1914? 
Shouted messages grew between the foxholes from the British and German soldiers. The next day the two sides met in no man's land. Gifts were exchanged and photographs taken. Some even played impromptu games of football. The two sides also worked together to bury casualties. I bet these men were never the same. And wonder how much harder it was to then go back to the big picture of shooting one another.  
"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past" ~ Thomas Jefferson suggested that while history can be informative, it is more important to focus on the potential of the future. 
What history can we make in the little, seemingly insignificant things? Through things like kindness, gentleness, self control? By reaching out to clasp hands and not smack them. I wonder, if enough of us take care of the small things could somehow the big things resolve?

D. V. reviews 5 Stars
The Masterpiece: A Novel (A Redemptive, Character-Driven, Contemporary Christian Fiction Romance Novel)
I've been a long time fan of Francine Rivers since the Mark of the Lion series, but confess it's been a while since I've read one of her books, but I'm so glad I did.
This is not your fluffy kind of Hallmark type story. It's gritty and takes you on a tough trail of two people who have not only baggage but entire history of luggage to fill a storage unit. They are certainly not perfect people. But Rivers takes the reader on a tale of love, redemption, and forgiveness. No spoilers but I'll tell you there is a very terrifying scene that changes the direction of one of the characters.
Grace and Roman are both deep and interesting characters, and you wonder how they can make it past a history of hate, addictions, crime, and choices that have ongoing consequenses. 
Secondary characters round out the stories showing how friends can help or hurt. 
I highly reccomend this book to anyone who struggles with faith, hope, and love.

​And if you haven't read them yet, the series is on sale for a limited time.  
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B4CBD46Q
When the supernatural strikes, there's only one team ready to uncover the truth. Agent Sam Carter and the experts at G.A.S.P. dive into eerie encounters, chilling hauntings, and cryptic puzzles—armed with sharp minds, unbreakable bonds, and just a touch of bravado. Mysteries beware… the hunt is on!

I've been pretty quiet on line. Does that mean I'm not doing anything? Nope. I've been pretty busy. May was a month of celebrations for me. The 14th was my 31st anniversary. We camped outside Saratoga Springs at The Rustic Barn in Corinth NY.  rusticbarncampground.com/​ this was our second time there and enjoyed meeting our fellow campers. For our anniversary we had dinner at the Thirsty Owl Saratoga. They have one of my favorite wines called Snow Owl. Originally found them at the Finger Lakes Wine Festival then on one of our trips went to the actual winery. It wasn't until this year that I realized they had a bistro and wine room in Saratoga. www.thirstyowlsaratoga.com/ 
History is one of our favorite things and this year we went to Fort Ticondaroga. I took this picture from Mount Defiance and learned that the medication I'm now on has enabled me to hike up hills now without starting asthma. Hooray.

May 30th was the 37th anniversary of my 29th birthday. You do the math.  Pete and I went to a local RV show in Tannersville PA. No, we're not looking to replace 2Hoots but its fun to look at whats out there. If the day comes when we are in the market there are several things I would want. The newer models have more windows. I'd definitly like that. Also I have a split sink now. I'd go with the one larger sink. I wasn't a fan of the gray of the past few years and warmer colors are coming back in style. Oh, and steps. Newer models have heavier, sturdier stairs. Here's one of the things both Pete and I really like. It's a patio on the back. ​

Like much of the northeast, we've been in a cycle of rain and wind that seems like it's been forever. I had to break out my boots and raincoat. The bright side is how lush the yard is. 

One of the questions often asked is, "Are you still writing?" Yes I am. Many years ago I wrote a book called Kingdom at a Crossroad. It has been dormant since 2016. That's nearly 10 years. I've pulled it out occasionally intending to work on it but other projects called to me. This past winter was a little rough. I did publish a book with short stories called 911 What's Your Emergency and The Wild Rose Press released my novella A Christmas Storm. That said my full size novels just weren't working. I was in a rut. Then earlier this year Kingdom came back out. The manuscript is huge 150K. The second book in the planned series is Breaking of a Bond. I've been writing and editing the two of them in tandem and though it's daunting it's working. They are a long way from completion but my original excitement at being an author is back. Maybe my next blog will be on how I'm getting through this. Creating a fantasy world and it making sense in a series is a challenge. Here's a little teaser of art work I've created. 

I know that many of you are still wondering about the other series. When is the next Impact book? When is the next Shield-Mates book? Are you going to write more about Zhara and Jack? I haven't forgotten these stories and characters but Haana, Kieran, Tuilelaith, and Sarnait are all staring at me. And they have swords. 
​Since 2017 I've published 12 books. Yikes! I'll get there. I promise.

Ugh. February was tough. Many of us got so much snow and especially ice. One night, as my friend Judy Kentrus said, it sounded like it was raining ice cubes. We shut the curtains because I was afraid the windows would shatter. The wind was blowing ice off the trees at a howling speed. I created this meme to show my DONE mood. Unfortunately, because of the ice, my book signing at Brook Hollow Winery was a no go. That said, May is right around the corner! Check it out at
https://www.adayofwineromanceandmore.com/#/
Also, on April Fools' Day, I'll be doing a takeover on Facebook. Time for fun and games as well as dare I say pranks?

​Do you have a Sweet tooth? How about a hankering for a "Sweet" romance?https://books.bookfunnel.com/sweetromancedelights/t1np72rj85
Looking for a full sweet romance book that includes the enemies-to-lovers trope. Any subgenre of romance is welcome, as long as your book does not go over 2 flames according to the romance.io steam rating:
https://www.romance.io/steamrating
Check out all these titles at
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sweetromancedelights/t1np72rj85

Today's guest comes to us from across the pond. 

​Thanks for joining us today,  Mary. It's always nice to get to know a fellow Wild Rose Press Author. Other than writing is there A skill you always wanted to learn?
My father was Polish but like many Polish servicemen with no family left after WW2, he refused to teach his children the language – he wanted nothing more to do with the country.
I was desperate to speak Polish – not being able to do so was like having a part of me missing – and I grasped every opportunity to learn the foreign languages available in school, determined to somehow speak as well as people of those nationalities. Only many years later did I get the chance to learn Polish. It was bittersweet: I’d finally done it but in no way could I achieve the near perfection I craved.

My Daughter in Law is polish. I'd hoped she'd teach my grandchildren to speak the language. Would you rather go back into history or forward into the future?
It’s tempting to say I’d go back in history – there are so many fascinating things we know about, and the future is uncertain and quite frightening at times. But I can go back any day just using my imagination and recreate an earlier time – and generally, I don’t do that, so I think I’d choose the future. Basically, I’m curious about where it’s all leading.

What's your favourite way to unwind"
Getting lost in the novel I’m writing is relaxing. Other writing, presentations and the like, is work. I have a lovely writing room with a stained-glass window, so no view.
Otherwise, I read several hours a day and also indulge in my passion for making beautiful jackets which I can wear for giving presentations.

Do you have a speciality dish
I love to cook, especially when I have visitors. Setting is important for me, which means I don’t just try to get a feeling for the area and the people. I do a lot of additional research, and being an enthusiastic cook, that includes food. These dishes become specialities for a while.
Researching for Then Time Stands Still, I came across the wonderful Chicken Chilindrón from northern Spain. The chilindrón sauce can be paired with any meat but there’s a wonderful mushroom version. 
Champiñones al Chilindrón 
It’s a nice simple dish and takes about 30 minutes to make.
Now I’m writing a book set in France, so I expect my speciality is going to change.

My first car was a 1969 Toyota Corona. What was your first vehicle?
As a student, I worked for a year to buy my first car: chambermaid (holidays), cleaner to a very aristocratic lady fallen on hard times (Saturdays) and even 5 am starts preparing newspapers for delivery in a local newsagent’s (not good). 
The car was a symbol of freedom and immediately, I started to explore the country around where I lived. That desire to travel never left me. I loved my 20-year- old  car, a Morris Traveller, famously described by an American woman as a timber-framed car.

Again, Mary, thank you for spending time with me. Can you tell us about your latest books?
​​

​www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Mary-Georgina-De-Grey/author/B0BWS42CJV
Then the Earth Moved.
Talented designer Isla Bruni is keen to widen her experience before setting up her own interiors business, so she accepts an exchange with a top studio located in an Italian hilltop town. She doesn’t trust Italian men—after all, hasn’t she had good reason? But irresistible, sexy entrepreneur Edmondo Benedetti turns her carefully ordered life upside down. How can she realize her ambitions without sacrificing love? Only when she’s thrust into danger does she begin to understand what is important. The past is the past. Yet if secrets buried there resurface, could they destroy her future?
Then Time Stands Still
English archaeologist Dr. Amancia Harding has looked after her family for five years. Now it’s time to take care of herself, and leading a team on a dig in Spain is the perfect way to propel her career forward. Her good intentions are threatened when she meets vineyard owner Max Serrano. Damaged by war in Ukraine and a tragic event in his past, Max has given up on relationships and taken refuge in making wine, but the attraction he feels to Amancia forces him to confront painful issues. There’s also the gulf between their two cultures to consider if a relationship is to have any chance of success. Ambitious and fiery in character, can either accept that compromise is sometimes necessary to find happiness?

Ripped Genes 
​Tri-Star Investigations 
By
Lawrence E. Rothstein

January 13, 2025
Mystery

Back Cover

Marko Korb is a fat, egotistical, and brilliant detective, Bosnian Jew, and a veteran of the war with Serbia. His associate, Kelan Su, is a Chinese-American woman who does most of the investigative legwork. She is a former Chicago police officer, licensed attorney, and martial arts expert. Desmond St. Clair, chef, tech expert, and former British SAS commando, joins the duo.
Alan Scanlon, a medical scientist, head of the Shabel Institute, fraudulently patented and restricted research on the gene for the rare genetic disease, feraxia. Golda Merino, the mother of a child with feraxia and head of a group that supported Scanlon’s research, is charged with Scanlon’s murder.
The Tri-Star Investigations trio work with Attorney Cheryl Dain defending Golda. The detectives must discover the killer while negotiating Chicago’s underworld and politics.
Get your copy today.
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1509259406
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ripped-genes-lawrence-e-rothstein/1146455159
Rothsteinsmysteries.com

Back in the 80s, I worked for a developmental center for the developmentally disabled. It was there that I decided to become an Emergency Medical Technician. For several years I worked in the clinic and did transports. During this time, I also joined the volunteers at my local ambulance company.
We see on television the excitement of responding to traumas. I remember my first accident call, my first stabbing, my first OD. Memories of my chief at the time pushing down the helmet visor as I watched in awe of the first Medavac take off. But what is ingrained in me are the other calls. Comforting family and friends. Holding the husband who lost his wife. Not knowing what to say or do for the parent whose child was lost in an accident.
There were regulars like Millie in my short story 911 What’s Your Emergency. The lonely souls who just needed human contact. There were times I rolled my eyes when we received the call and responded to false alarms. There were times I was humbled when, on the second, seventh, or seventeenth response, there was an actual emergency.
And don’t forget, like in my second short story, A Very Special Valentine, that the responders are also human beings with real lives, problems, joys, and sorrows. 
I hope you enjoy these peeks behind the curtain.

911 What's Your Emergency
by
D. V. Stone
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSG2MBHQ
Small town/ First Responder/ Romance

If you ever wondered about the life of a First Responder, D. V. Stone pulls back the curtain. Two short stories follow the life of Shay McDowell
Story One Making a Difference
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, EMT Shea McDowell faces a long night. One emergency follows another until she and her partner Joanna can finally call it quits. Yet, the sense of accomplishment from a job well done always triumphs over exhaustion.
A Very Special Valentine
After a bitter divorce, Shay wonders if she will ever grow old with someone. So climb aboard for some romance.
These short stories are a part of the Impact Series, which includes Rock House Grill and Jazz House, a contemporary romantic suspense series. The original story appeared in Australia Burns but has been edited.