'"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.

Welcome to my fire, Mickey!
Thanks for having me today, D.V. Many blessings to you.
Thank you. Why don't you tell us about yourself? Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Passaic and Clifton, New Jersey. My father had a florist shop on Dayton Avenue in Passaic, right up the street from the famous Botany Mills. The street was very busy and we lived in an apartment behind the store. When I was eight, my father moved his shop one block up to Dayton Avenue in Clifton. Many of the other businesses made the move, too, so my neighbors were the same! We lived behind the shop in an apartment there as well. In fact, I didn’t live in a house until my third year of college, which was in a suburban area. I grew up accustomed to the sounds of trucks and traffic, so living in the stillness of a quiet town was a big adjustment. 

Well we were nearly neighbors. I was born in Brooklyn but then we moved to Whitehouse Station NJ. What was your first car? How old were you when you got it? Was it a gift or did you buy it yourself? 
My first car was a revved up black Mercury that didn’t have heat. One of my older cousins was a car racer. He rebuilt the engine, which accelerated very fast like the beast it was meant to be. This was the early 1970s and my parents paid well under a hundred dollars for it. I was eighteen at the time, so I had my own wheels to go back and forth to college. That one was a gift. The first car I bought myself in 1974 was a mint-green Gremlin. Yes. You heard me right. It looked like chocolate chip mint ice cream with brown strips down the sides.  
 
Mwa! I had a 72 Pinto wagon with wood sides. Do you have pets? Who was your “heart” pet?
We’ve had many wonderful pets through the years, including a truly lovable mutt named Chopin, Pucky, a sweet whippet and Betty, a very comical basset hound. Currently, I have a 25-pound rescued Maine Coon. I call him Sweetie Pie, even though he’s such a big-boy man-cat. He is the most affectionate and cuddly cat I’ve ever had, and the current pet of my heart. So much so that I gave him a spot in one of my novels. 

(I've added his picture below. He's adorable.) What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind? If it has a window what would you look out on?
The way I like to relax and unwind is by reading or doing a huge jigsaw puzzle. I love puzzles.  I also find relaxation in watching old movies. The place I unwind is at the back of my home in a three-season room that overlooks a forest. It is also where I write all my novels. The forest is tranquil and inspiring—as well as stunning. With windows facing the backyard, I’ve seen only one bear in all the years I’ve lived here. Besides a variety of birds, I’ve had deer and buck, a very old groundhog, rabbits and raccoons, as well as fox and beaver come to visit.  
It sounds lovely. Do you like to bake or cook? What is your specialty dish? Who taught you to cook? 
I like to do both! My pasta sauce has been a favorite among family and friends, especially the way I make the meatballs. Through the years, my children often skipped the pasta part and used a nice chunk of Italian bread to sop up the sauce with meatballs in a bowl. Although I watched my mother cook, I taught myself to make sauce, stews and soups. And I love to bake! There was a time when holiday baking included twelve different types of cookies and, of course, a gingerbread house. My nephews still fight over the cream puffs I bring to holiday celebrations. Now, besides the cream puffs, a creamy cheesecake, Italian Christmas cookies, and nut crescents are my specialties. My sister won’t let me into her home at the holidays if one or two of the above are not with me. 
I'm coming to your next Christmas. It sounds delish! Mickey thanks for spending some time around the fire with me. I'd love it if you'd tell us a little about your latest book.

​Sweetie Pie! Isn't he a handsome fellow!

​Happy New Year to you and yours. This past year has been a whirlwind for me. It had its ups and downs, but here we are in 2025, and it's a time of new beginnings. 
In Forest Gump, was it Long Leg Lenore or Cunning Carla who said,
"Don't you just love New Year's? You get to start all over. Everybody gets a second chance."
I believe every day we get a second chance to be as Benjamin Franklin said.
​

The winter is really rocking and rolling this week into next. It was 60 degrees a few days ago and now we are on the look out for some snow. The midwest and south need to keep their head down too- or at least wear a hat. ​Until next month.

Today is release day for A Christmas Storm. Instead of telling you more about the story, I thought I'd fill out my own Around the Fire interview. I've taken ten questions  and a bonus one that I offer to others to choose from and give you some insight into me for a little meet and greet.  

1. Which is your favorite childhood memory? Sitting in the apple tree reading. No one ever looked up. Riding my horse down the street of town with my best friend. We were the only ones out.
2. Is there a skill you’ve always wanted to learn? Did you attain it? If not, what stopped you? I always wanted to play music. My brain doesn’t let me learn to read music. I did play guitar.
3. What was your first car? How old were you when you got it? Was it a gift, or did you buy it yourself? My first set of wheels was a 1969 Toyota Corona. I bought it for $400 with my own money.
4. Would you rather go back in history or go into the future? When - and why? I’m all about looking forward. I’d love to be on the Star Ship Enterprise boldly going.
5. Do you have pets? Who was your “heart” pet? Hali is our dog now. She’s about 12ish. She was adopted from our local shelter. We’ve always had dogs and cats. At this stage in life where we travel we decided no more cats. Heart pet? I still have dreams about Jervis. He was a little black and white mix who was my last “puppy” adoption. He was very sick when we got him and had seizures. He was not the smartest dog, but he had my heart.
6. What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind? When it’s not outdoor weather, I feel like my mother when I say it’s my chair next to my husband. We enjoy watching Jeopardy and then spending the evening reading. During the nice weather, it’s outside around a fire with a glass of wine or tea and reading.
7. Do you like to bake or cook? What is your specialty dish? Who taught you to cook? I love to cook. I experiment with different types, from Tex-Mex to Southern to whatever is in the fridge and pantry. I usually look at a recipe, close the book, and then go to it with what I have. I love baking bread. We rarely buy from the store anymore.
8. I’m listening to Big Band music. What are you listening to?
9. What is your fantasy place to visit? I would love to visit The Shire before everything went downhill. From the planting, growing, and cooking to the round Hobbit holes, I can imagine living peacefully with gentlefolk.

     10. You forgot the costume party on your calendar. What can you pull out of your closet to dress as? My                   dear husband has an M&M collection. In it is a Green M&M costume. I’d grab it and put on my wedding              hat. Ta Da! Done.

What would be one lie and two truths about yourself?

1. I got engaged while in prison.
2. I’ve repelled off the side of a three-story building.
3. I took a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Leave a comment or email me your answer I'll choose a random name and send you an ebook of A Christmas Storm. Which by the way did I mention releases today? I did? Well here's the information in case you missed it.

A Christmas Storm ~ A Contemporary rural family tale of coming home.
by
D. V. Stone
books2read.com/u/47B1NE
​​
​In the spirit of Dickens, a delightfully sweet holiday story about family love and the opportunity for second chances.
An early storm is brewing in Upstate New York, and military wife Lacey Prescott is caught unprepared when it turns into a blizzard. Defeated by her own lack of preparation and the recall of her husband’s Christmas holiday leave, her joy in the season is replaced by bitterness and anger.
In an unexpected turn of events, Lieutenant Matthew Prescott’s leave is reinstated. But the journey home is not an easy one since a Nor’easter stands between him and his family.
Amidst the storm’s fury, Lacey gets a glimpse of the past, present, and possible future, while Matt gets assistance from a mysterious stranger.
In a heartwarming story of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected kindness of strangers, the possibility of a Christmas reunion brings a sense of hope with a message of love and support from friends and family that embodies the true spirit of Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by.