Why hello! You've got me today. Just you and me. Cozy, huh? What shall we chat about. The big holidays for me are over an I hope you had an excellent one. We celebrate Christmas at my house.
We took several trips to nearby towns to see the lights. Many of you know my husband Pete does an amazing display both indoors and out and we wanted to see what other were up to. People are so creative. From tradition wreaths and candles in the windows, to lighting displays and blowups. Even tech is getting fancier. We both enjoyed it so much not to mention Hali looked through the window too.
On Christmas morning for years we've hosted a brunch for any family, friends and neighbors who want to pop in. Pete mans the omelet bar. On the eve we prep all the food. A flat of eggs gets whipped up in the Kitchen-Aid. Peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese are the choices. Bob our neighbor like his with everything. He also contributed one of my favorite things. An almond stolen from a local bakery. This year I made a bread pudding. Others bring things too. From a tasty quiche to sausage stuffed mushrooms and homemade cookies. 
At around noon, the last of the first wave had gone on to other places and people and we started prepping for the second wave. Dinner with my son and his family and Pete's brother and daughter. I will say (yep, I'm bragging) my mashed potatoes and stuffing came out fabulous. Usually there are a lot of leftovers. Not this year. What was your favorite holiday eat?
Afterward, we all played UNO by the correct rule of Take 2s and 4s and being able to add on to it with other. At one point I believe my niece had to pick twelve cards from the pile. When I lived in Brooklyn playing cards was the thing. along with my aunt, uncle and cousins we often played not only UNO but Pinochle long into the night. Now on to New Year's Day.
What family traditions carry on in your home?  

​
​Just before Christmas I received a great present. Both Rock House Grill and Jazz House were award recipients from the Mid-Atlantic Authors Society.

​​ Writing and blogging continued through the holidays as well. Starting in January, I'll have information about a new independent, multi author series I'm working on. It's quite exciting and I can't wait. My book is the middle and will be released on March 16th. If you signup for my newsletter I'll be sending out a link to get a free series sample download. 

 



      Well that's it for 2022. I plan on spending NYE like this➡️ 
      See you next year.

Happy Between! Between what? Christmas and New Year. I hope you had a great past one and wishing you all a fabulous next. Today's guest and I had to overcome some technical issues. We had a communications breakdown. She kept sending me her information and it ended up somewhere in cyber limbo. But perseverance paid off and I'm so glad, otherwise I wouldn't be able to share these pictures. But yay! Don't you love the fur babies? 

Thanks for sticking with me, Chloe. While I pour some beverages to sip around the fire, why don't you tell our other visitors who you are other than your bio?
I’m a wife, mother, and veteran, a former physician who decided to pursue my lifelong dream of writing novels.

Well that's not interesting at all. LOL! First, thank you for your service. And I'm glad you followed your dream otherwise we may not have met. Tell me, what interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have?
I’m a pilot, and that helped make the flying scenes in Fly Boy realistic. I’m also an avid gardener and fixer-upper.

Oh, I love gardening and being a pilot must be amazing. The view from above is stunning.  Everybody needs somebody sometime-(Song reference in the comments will get you a prize) So tell us who your network or support system is? 
I have a wonderful husband, and a fantastic group of author friends who help critique my books.

I count on my DH, Peter. He's my biggest cheerleader. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
I love romance and suspense as my favorite things to read, but I must say that I find Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad books to have surprising depth: they are short and simple, but tackle big issues honestly, in very few words.

Do you have any fun or outrageous talent?
I’m a decent mason/concrete worker, and also a beekeeper.

DH's brother has bees. I'm fascinated watching them. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
I retired to a little house in the woods. Every day, I romp with the dogs through the woods down to the river. I love the peace and quiet, and the seasonal changes in the forest.

Oh, that sounds wonderful. Do you have a particular object like a piece of jewelry or a keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?
I have the pull-tab from a can of “smoke”—the colored stuff the military uses for signaling—which I got at Airborne School when I was in the military. It reminds me of that summer’s highs and lows during a very challenging time.

What weird talent do you have?
I can fix anything in a pinch with duct tape and baling wire. I once escaped floodwaters by making a snorkel for the tailpipe of the minivan out of hardware cloth, a dog food bag, and duct tape.

You're MacGyver!  Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
The tickets, hands down! I love to travel and often write about places I’ve been.

Did you ever win something? 
Yes, twice, both early author triumphs. I won a Snapsy the Alligator book as first prize for a 100-word competition on agent Janet Reid’s site, and a huge box of chocolates from New Zealand in another writing competition.

What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?
I was scuba diving once, and ran across a huge, shimmering ball of fish ten feet across. They were all swirling in a tight pattern, flashing in the sunlight that filtered down.

How do you select the names of your characters?
Occasionally for the symbolism, but one “secret” is that most of my characters, whether good or villains, are named in honor of my regular reviewers (with their permission).

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I belong to the online writer’s group Scribophile. It’s a fantastic place to get eyes on early drafts, and I’ve met so many wonderful people there.

Chloe, thanks for being such a good sport. I'm so happy you joined me today. Before you fly out of here please let us know where we can find out more about you and your books.

Fly Boy
by
CHLOE HOLIDAY 
Travis burned her once, but now Tricia must choose: Flame him, or forgive and forget? Maybe he’s changed. But … what if all the rumors are true?

About the story
Photographer Tricia Carlisle inherits her beloved grandmother’s orchard and leaves Chicago for her Texas roots, steeling herself to be immune to the charms of the small town—and those of Travis Walker, who stood her up on prom night seven years ago. Worse, she arrives only to find Nana’s place is in foreclosure. To have any hope of saving it, Tricia has no choice but to sell down assets—including her grandfather's crop duster. 
Travis Walker loses his last true friend when Nana Carlisle passes. Will his handshake deal to buy her crop duster survive now that Tricia is taking over? She’s cash-strapped and probably still hates his guts. He needs that plane—it’s his ticket out of this small town that sees him as a crook—but it’s on Tricia’s radar now. 
​
Fly Boy is a steamy, stand-alone second-chance novella in the All-American Boy Series. It's set in Deacon, Texas—home to sexy country boys and sassy, tough women. Warm, lazy afternoons in a hammock and swimming holes in a shady creek. Hot, heavenly Tex-Mex and even hotter kisses. 
Come on down, y’all!

Get your copy today
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/ad570414-7296-11ec-8ec3-273d38c177af
https://tinyurl.com/ycy7nzre
https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Boy-All-American-ebook/dp/B09Q52GY99/
https://www.audible.com/pd/Fly-Boy-Audiobook/B09XHZ9MNL?asin=B09XHZ9MNL 
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalaudiobooklinks/9d1583be-b792-11ec-9357-a3a673c5c883 


Review by author Kim Grebert on Goodreads:
“Chloe Holiday’s newest book, Fly Boy, is my favorite—so far. It’s a standalone, set in Texas, with down home charm, sweetness, and steamy bits. While this is a romance, the stakes are high for Tricia and Travis as they struggle with their hearts and livelihoods.
What I love about Holiday’s books are her strong and feisty female characters. They persevere no matter what. The men aren’t bad either! Her characters stay with me long after I finish reading. In Fly Boy, Nana Carlisle and several other secondary characters are as bold and memorable as Tricia and Travis.
For this book, Holiday did her homework regarding the setting, flying, and firefighting. The impending threat of a wildfire serves as an ever-present threat to everyone. Her beautifully crisp and vivid writing brings everything alive and had me on the edge of my seat the last few chapters.
I won’t say more, except that I really enjoyed this book and spending time with Holiday’s newest characters.”

More about the author
I write the things I love to read: steamy, fun stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, smart women and men who aren’t jerks. I like to read about friendships, either close women or a good bromance. I want all the feels: the thrill of a smoldering gaze or the barest brush of fingertips, the shocked gasp at the underhanded villain, the angst of heartbreak, the joy of reunion, and of course, happily ever after!

Follow Chloe here
https://www.chloehol
www.bookbub.com/books/fly-boy-the-all-american-boy-series-by-chloe-holidayiday.com/ 
https://www.bookbub.com/books/fly-boy-the-all-american-boy-series-by-chloe-holiday
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60642096-fly-boy
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19579299.Chloe_Holiday
https://www.facebook.com/Chloe-Holiday-Writer-102345001394478
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chloe-holiday
https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0875SGW6J 
https://instagram.com/chloeholidaywriter

Anyone remember the song, It's the Final Countdown? Well here we are with only four sleeps and a wake up until Christmas Day here in Northern NJ. The weather has been cold, snow, warm, rain, some sun, mostly clouds. In other words typical. I'm going to take just a moment to brag and then we'll get right to today's guest. I woke up just the other morning to learn both Rock House Grill and Jazz House won third place in the Mid-Atlantic Author's Society contest. Yay! Okay, I promised so please help me welcome Darlene Deluca to the fire

Hi, Darlene thanks so much for joining us today. I'm going to make us a hot chocolate while you introduce yourself by sharing who you are other than your bio?
I’m a mom and a wife, a volunteer, an INTJ and a middle child. I’m a Kansas University grad and therefore, a Jayhawk fan. I value education and personal freedoms. 

What interests besides writing do you enjoy? 
I read a little bit of everything but probably enjoy women’s fiction the most. A lot of today’s romances are a little too steamy for me. I like people stories about relationships. My book club often gets me out of my comfort zone because we take turns choosing books, and they can be any genre! I also do a little gardening and sometimes dabble at watercolors. The hobby I’m probably best known for is making cut-out sugar cookies for holidays and special occasions.

Who is your network or support system? 
I have a couple of writer’s groups I belong to where I get advice and encouragement. I belong to The Wild Rose Press group of authors who are awesome about sharing and helping with questions and issues. Of course, I have a core group of friends I can count on to read and review my books and cheer me on!

I agree about the TWRWP group. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
My inspiration goes back a ways. Probably the two authors who’ve most influenced my writing are Barbara Delinsky and Judith McNaught.

Do you have any fun or outrageous talent?
Hmm. I suppose my cookies would qualify. For most holidays and seasons, plus big events like the Chiefs going to the Super Bowl, I make cut-out frosted sugar cookies. It’s a fun creative outlet—with much quicker gratification than writing a novel!

That's true. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special? 
I live in a Kansas City suburb, so I have easy access to big city events and places, such as museums and sports, but also a smaller community for neighborhoods and schools. I’m within walking distance of shops and restaurants on a nice day.

It sounds wonderful. What's your favorite childhood book? Did any particular writing inspire you to become an author?
Oh, this is tough. I was an early bookworm! I absolutely loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder series. I still have my paperback set that was one of my best Christmas presents ever. It is still near and dear to me. I read Pipi Longstocking and Harriet the Spy over and over. When I was a little older, I loved Trixie Belden. The characters in the Trixie Belden books seemed so real to me. I suppose my early preference for sweet romances came from Laura and Almanzo and Trixie and Jim.

If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be? 
Some pastries/desserts that I fell in love with and are no longer available. There used to be a place called Napoleon’s Bakery that made amazing vanilla pinwheels. Perfect flaky pastry combined with sweet, vanilla custard. I can’t even describe how yummy they were! I would love to find a place that could recreate them. Also, a special kind of carrot cake. This was from a little local bistro. Absolutely the best carrot cake ever – not the sickeningly sweet frosting some carrot cakes have. This cream cheese filling had chunks of pineapple. The top of the cake was drizzled with warm caramel sauce and walnuts. The restaurant closed six or seven years ago. How I miss it!! (yes, I may have a sweet tooth—or two)

Oh, my! I now have a craving. We use to have a place called Worthington's Bakery near us. Long time residents still bemoan it's closing. Do you play board games? What games do you like?
Not as much these days, but my husband and I used to have some couples who we played Spades with. That’s a fun card game. For board games, I love Monopoly and Scrabble. But when I play Scrabble, I play to come up with the best words—not points! I really like an older gamed called Masterpiece, too. Played it as a kid, but it was never very popular. It was so fun as an adult to go to the Art Institute of Chicago and see the paintings from that game. We often play Trivial Pursuit at holiday gatherings. I enjoy it, but I’m not very good at it. I just don’t remember names and dates and…trivia. And it takes my brain too long to retrieve data from the past!

To bad you live so far, we love games. Spade and Hearts are some favorites  What website or app doesn’t exist, but you really wish it did?
I saw a funny meme the other day that was a play on the old “liar, liar, pants on fire” chant that made me laugh. Wouldn’t it be great if there was app that would alert you when someone was lying?! Kind of like Frodo’s sword, Sting, turning blue around Orcs or Pinocchio’s nose growing? I’d love an app for that!

Or Wonder Woman's rope, lol. What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?
I was in a sand storm once in Palm Springs. It was crazy how fast the air filled and absolutely oblitered any sight distance. We were driving, and it was really scary to suddenly not be able to see anything! I’ve seen a couple of natural “wonders,” including Niagara Falls and Old Faithful geyser. Niagara Falls is mezmerising. I could stand and watch the water cascade long after others become bored. Old Faithful is such an odd thing. Such a strange phenomenon that it is so regular in its spouting for so many years.

We visited the Falls about two years ago. I was awestruck. About your writing, how do you select the names of your characters?
First, I figure out how old they are and then I research the popular names for the year they would’ve been born. I might look through an old phone book for last name possibilities. And then I try to make sure there is variety in the book. It’s amazing how many times I think I have the names down and then realize they all start with the same letter or some other issue. Once, I tried to name a kid Jason. Then I realized I had already named someone else Jason. So I changed that name to Jarrett. For some reason, I had settled on a “J.” So I go along for a while and then realize the last name is Gerard!! Sheesh. He could not be Jarrett Gerard! He became Evan. Of course, I tend to choose names I like for my heroes and heroines and ones I’m not as fond of for antagonists. It’s funny how names catch on. I named my main character in my women’s fiction series Claire, and then it seemed like half the books out that year all had a Claire in them!

Darlene, thank you so much for stopping by the fire and chatting. Before you head off will you leave us with a bit of information about your latest book and where we can find out more?

​

​A blizzard at Tall Pines mountain lodge puts Melanie Beck within arm’s reach of an old high school crush and in danger of losing both her idyllic Christmas and her heart.

Christmas at Tall Pines
by
Darlene Deluca
sweet contemporary romance
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2022
Melanie Beck is searching for an idyllic Christmas like the ones her small family used to have. Traveling solo and still grieving the loss of her parents, she’s counting on cozy Tall Pines Lodge tucked into the mountains of Utah to provide the elusive holiday feels with merry music, stunning decorations and traditional Christmas feast in a beautiful frosty setting. But a blizzard turns the winter wonderland into a hazard, and a chance encounter with a now-famous high school crush has her reeling with emotions she’s never quite gotten over.
Tyler Shaw, a Hollywood heartthrob and silver screen star, is so over a grueling film schedule and persistent paparazzi. In disguise and using a fake name, he comes to Tall Pines to escape the spotlight and get some much-needed rest. He’s hoping the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing at the nearby slopes will give him the reboot he’s looking for. Instead, he’s stuck at the lodge and is shocked to run into an old high school friend that he left behind more than a decade ago. He’s even more surprised to discover how much he’s missed
her.
As their past and present collide, can an old flame ignite some Christmas magic?

Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine
This story was a delightful read. The setting, though storming, was charming inside
the lodge from the decorations to the music and holiday cheer, as well as the fireside
warmth. Melanie and Tyler have great chemistry. The storyline is realistic with a budding
romance colliding with being in the spotlight. A bit of family drama adds interest to the
read. A great read to get into the holiday spirit. This book would make a good Sunday
evening holiday movie special. Grab a cup of hot cider and get cozy by the fire with this
heartwarming story. 

A peek inside
“Also, if you’re having an affair, keep that away from the camera.” His agent cleared his
throat and hesitated a beat. “But if this woman is someone special, we can use that to our
advantage. What’s the story?”
Tyler’s heart somersaulted.
This woman. He’d talked to Aiden about women before, mostly to enlist his help when
things went the way of a three-ring circus in the media. All of a sudden, the topic felt more
personal, private. He should’ve hung up ten minutes ago.
“I… She’s…” Damn, what story did he wanted to tell? Of course, she was someone special.
Funny how crystal clear that was looking in the rearview mirror. Even in high school she’d been
in a league of her own. The missed years weighed heavily on his mind. He had a feeling those
years represented missed opportunities.
A low chuckle came across the line, and he wanted to kick himself for stammering around
like an idiot.
“Well, well,” Aiden drawled. “This is an interesting development. Who is she?”
“We were friends in high school.”
“Uh-huh. And what are you now?”
Good question. And one he wasn’t sure how to answer. Friends? Potential lovers? A couple?
As he considered the possibilities, his pulse skyrocketed.
“Don’t hold out on me, Shaw. I need to know what I’m dealing with.”
He let his glance wander to Annie’s book, and he lifted it from the table. Turning it over, he
stared at her smiling face. Blood rushed to his head. He could definitely see himself spending
more time with Annie. She was someone he’d be proud to be seen with in public, and someone
he could relax with away from the prying public eyes.
But he would not be “using her to his advantage.”
“Aiden,” he warned. “Leave her out of this.”

Get your copy today
​https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK1TP381/
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1174660
https://books.apple.com/us/book/christmas-at-tall-pines/id6443949366
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/christmas-at-tall-pines
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-at-tall-pines-darlene-deluca/1142549099

More about the author
Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that explores
relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart.
Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life
situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings
of friendship, love and self-discovery, and will leave readers either cheering or sighing with a
satisfied smile as they turn the final page.
The Kansas City author enjoys getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and a warm, sunny beach.

Follow Darlene
https://darlenedeluca.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6879809.Darlene_Deluca
https://www.pinterest.com/darlenedelucaau/boards/
https://www.instagram.com/darlenedelucaauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/Darlene-Deluca-282385088481413/
https://twitter.com/darlene_deluca1

Desperate Hope
by
Susan Leigh Furlong
His new country needed him. He needed her more.

   Revolutionary War soldier, Gavin Cullane, has desperate choices to make. He vows never to give up the fight for American freedom, but his role as colonial liaison between the Americans and the British brands him a seeming traitor to his own country. When he discovers the woman he loves is part of George Washington’s secret spy chain, his only choice is to expose his own lies so she can escape.
   Tansy Carter risks her life to send messages to George Washington from the captured city of
New York. When she is discovered, she must flee the city, and trusting her life to the traitor,
Cullane, is the desperate chance she must take.
   Will their freedom come at the cost of their love?
Get your copy today
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0BGX9WXZK/
https://books2read.com/u/bzVKjz

What others are saying
Between the Pages – Still Moments Magazine Rating 5 Stars.
This historical romance was a compelling read. The author blended actual events of history with fictional
aspects, developing a seamless plot. Opening the story with a band – literally during America’s
Revolutionary War, the pages combine action, courage, and emotion. These elements propel the story
further in the book without pausing. The characters shine, from the leads of Gavin and Tansy to Tansy’s
family and other cast members the author introduces along the way. The scenes with the children were
enjoyable as was the character, Brian. There were many points of view in this story and some changes
happened without a break, but it didn’t deter the read. The plan the characters build to survive comes
with many twists, and they take the reader on a visual journey and the kindness of humanity. If you’re a
fan of historicals, I recommend grabbing a copy of this book.

Jean Warren (Sister Friends Book Club)
Prior to its release date, I was given a chance to read Desperate Hope, Susan Leigh Furlong's latest
book.  This is the rousing story of a family of Continental spies during the Revolutionary War in occupied
New York.  Desperate Hope is well-researched, with likable characters and an intriguing plot.  I am a fan
of historical fiction and Susan is one of the best in this genre.  You will be swept up in the time period and
dangers her characters face and the bravery and loyalty they exhibit in the telling of their story.

About the Author 
Susan Leigh Furlong knew she had a special connection with words since she was a child. When she was 9 years old, she wrote and directed her first play for the neighborhood children.
Susan’s love for history fuels her resilience against the sneezes and coughs that old books give her as she delves into research for unique historical events to inspire her historical fiction romance novels. Susan captures her readers’ imagination with a highly enthralling style, chronological events, and smoothly flowing narratives that keep one’s eyes glued on her novels from the first page to the last.
Susan has written two non-fiction books and three novels set in sixteenth century Scotland as well as several short stories published in national magazines. Her most recent release is Desperate Hope, a novel set during the American Revolution. When Susan is not combing through history piecing together her next novel, she writes, directs, and performs with a music and drama group.

Follow the Author
Facebook.com/SusanLeighFurlong
Twitter@FurlongLeigh
www.SusanLFurlong.com
[email protected]

Happy mid-December. Here in Northern New Jersey we've had out first accumulating snow. We picked up about 3 inches over the weekend. I spent the entire day in my jammies reading. If you want to know what I read, pop over to my review page www.dvstoneauthor.com/d-vs-reviews.html after you spend sometime with today's guest. Brenda is going to take it from here.

​How open-minded are you? Years ago, standing with other parents in the lobby of a hotel waiting to be assigned a young Austrian boy who we would house for a week during a hockey tournament, I glanced over the group. A blue-eyed cutie stared at me, and our gazes locked. I had the wildest sensation I knew this child for eons. When they drew names, he was assigned to our home. Coincidence? I think not. We’ve been close friends from afar for decades. We always have been and always will be. The universe tells me so. 
I’ve always been captivated by what the sixties subculture tagged mind expansion. The concepts of déjà vu, aura reading, intuition, empathic visions or sensations, dream meanings, clairsentience, and other forms of communication—gaining knowledge outside common experience—fascinate me. 
There are people who apparently possess a sixth sense. Ordinary people who don’t consider themselves particularly gifted have moments of empathic enlightenment. Decades ago, when I lived in Germany, I had to go to the hospital for minor surgery. My mother, in Arizona, knew without being told. She called my husband to find out what was wrong with me. 
The setting of my latest series is Joshua, Arizona, and is modeled after a real-life town called Jerome. This town hangs on the side of a mountain, roads stacked like stadium seating, with a view of the green valleys and red rock mesas miles away. I’ve been intrigued by this old mining town for decades. I combined that interest with my love of the mind-expanding concepts of the sixties to create The MacKenzie Chronicles. 
Living in present-day Joshua, Arizona—an 1800s mining community-turned-ghost-town, reborn hippie haven, and now tourist town clinging to the side of Spirit Mountain, the MacKenzie family saga unfolds in each book. Although not the main theme of the series, their mystical tendencies and their openness to accept what can’t be explained helps to solve mysteries and adds to the suspense. 
Have you had any other-worldly experiences? Have you experienced déjà vu?

Hi everyone! Hope you are all having a great December. We're all so busy! Yesterday was Pete's birthday and there's several more coming up. April must be a busy month 😇. Christmas is right around the corner. We'll be hosting that day starting with an open-house brunch and then on to dinner with family. If you want to see more holiday antics follow me on Facebook  www.facebook.com/d.v.stone.author 
Today's guest may sound familiar to you. We did a new release spotlight on her book birthday but I wanted to have her back so we could chat. Please help me welcome Avis Adams to the fire. 

Avis while I pour us a hot chocolate why don't you get started. Most authors have the “official” biography. Tell our other visitors who you are besides that.
I am a person in constant transition. I’m always trying to reinvent myself, and as I get older, that takes on new meaning, but writing will always be part of who I am. Where I live and who I surround myself with changes, but my besties know who they are and will always have the key to my heart.
 
What interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have?
I love to bead. Right now, I’m making beaded bookmarkers for one of my writer’s groups. I have two, and one meets face-to-face. We exchange gifts every year, and my beading box has come out of mothballs, and I’m enjoying an old hobby once again.
 
My husband is my greatest cheerleader and supporter. Who is your network or support system?
I have two writer’s groups, and my family and friends. Most people who know me know how important writing is to me, and I get a lot of love and encouragement from them all. From my critique groups, I get a lovely combination of “I really this, but I have notes.” (Wink to Carl Lee!)
 
Who or what books or authors inspire you?
E.B. White, Pat Conroy, Maya Angelou, E.M. Forrester, James Baldwin, just to name a few. I read all genres and love so many writers that it’s hard to choose.
 
Do you have any fun or outrageous talent?
I’ve been told I’m a talented English teacher, and I really love it. I can’t believe I get paid to teach, and since Covid, this fall was the first quarter in three years that I’ve been in a classroom. I didn’t realize how much I missed, but the students were so responsive and great. It really was wonderful to get back into the class and do something that comes so naturally to me.

What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them unique?
I live on a small farm in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, so it’s not like I can walk out my door and wave to Mr. Rogers. I am on property that has been in my family for several generations. I’m surrounded by relatives, so I get company when I need or want it. I love having the best of both worlds, private time and social time. My Garden is a favorite haunt of mine, and Flaming Geyser Park is five minutes from my house, and I do my morning puppy walks there. I post a morning Facebook weather report every morning from the park. 
 
I used to be a Minnesota farm girl! What is your favorite mug, teacup or T-shirt?
My favorite mug is not microwave-safe. It has line after line of banned or challenged book titles from top to bottom, but they are blacked out. When you pour hot water into the mug, the titles appear. Very clever and satisfying to see them revealed every time I have a cup of tea. Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author.
 
Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
No contest—unlimited international first-class tickets! I had the opportunity to fly home from London on a business class upgrade, and it had a bed with a comforter and pillow! I slept for over six hours on that flight! It was amazing. Imagine what first class would be like? Oh yeah, baby! First class, all the way!
 
Where did you get started? What was your first job?
My first job was as a photographer’s assistant when I was a teen. My 4-H leader took photos at big horse shows, and he asked me to go along with him and his wife and help get the horse’s attention for good headshots and run errands. The hardest part for me was not to get too distracted by all the beautiful horses. Yeah. I loved that job.

About the Author
Born in Washington where she still resides, Avis M. Adams fosters a deep love for the Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest. She loves to hike the local and national parks and learning the history of the region. The lush plants and scenery of Western Washington feature heavily in both her poetry and novels.
After earning an MA in English Literature, she began teaching and currently teaches English at a Green River College. She gives readings at local venues and teaches at writing conferences in the Puget Sound area. She writes everyday, has published a book of poems.
https://www.amazon.com/Avis-M-Adams/e/B07VJWWPPR
avis-m-adams.com/
www.facebook.com/avismadams
​https://www.instagram.com/amadams53/
​https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22062648.Avis_M_Adams

This book is one of The Wild Rose Press's CHRISTMAS COOKIES SERIES
A collection of 81 short romantic stories where Christmas Cookies of all types play a role.
www.amazon.com/dp/B09DB5B7KL​

Thank you for stopping by! I'm so excited to release Kisa. She's the second book in my Shield-Mates series and my seventh published work. I enjoyed writing about her. She's quite complicated as most middle children can be. Often she's underestimated because of her appearance. She's small and cute. If you remember in Felice, her sister refers to her as a fluffy white house cat just to tease her like sisters often do. But Kisa is so much more. One of my favorite scenes is with her father...
“They will underestimate you because of your appearance. At first, it will be a trial, but in time, you will know how to wield that to your benefit.”
“I understand.” A sly smile grew. Kisa and her cat loved a good game.
“Sweet and gentle is what they will think, especially injudicious people.” He pointed at her. “Do not let them see that smile until it is time.”
As the holder of the magic of Dar, he felt the Lynx, who lived in Kisa, purr and rise just below the surface. Her cat enjoyed his praise, too. 
As you read her story, you'll see she is honorable, a diplomat, and a fantastic strategist. She's also passionate, loving, and the caretaker to not only her family but her country. But like everyone she's often frustrated, angry and wants to run her own life.  She also has a bit of a mischievous streak. I hope you enjoy reading Kisa. And if you have Kindle Unlimited, then she won't cost you a bit.
www.amazon.com/Kisa-Shield-Mates-Dar-D-V-Stone-ebook/dp/B0BHFBLYLJ

If you haven't read Felice yet, I'm extending the sale for a few more days. 
www.amazon.com/Felice-Shield-Mates-Dar-D-V-Stone-ebook/dp/B06XRJGCDF

And coming in 2023 books three and four of the Shield-Mates series
Orsolo
Rhian