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