Around the Fire Book & Author Blog with a HUGE announcement from D. V.

I'd been in a bit of writer quicksand. Several books that are works in progress got stuck in the messy middle. I needed a palette cleanser. What to do? Agent Carters are always fun to write, and I often drive past an old abandoned abbey outside of a town near me. When I put my fingers to the keyboard to do research, something didn't sit right with me. After mulling over the problem, I realized what was bothering me. I was taking something that had been dedicated to God and turning it into a paranormal ghost story. Now I love paranormal. I love a ghost story. But this building needed more from me.
I sank myself into research. The original place was called Red Gate Farm in the 1800s, and was owned by a man who also owned two local newspapers. My imagination took off. 
There's been a lot of tongue wagging about several topics I touch on in the story. Eminent domain is one of them. Is your property really your property? News. When does it cross over from relaying information to being a commentary? Political influence and how it shapes our lives and community, and the people it hurts.
I'm not promoting any side. Truly. Both sides are guilty of influence peddling, in my opinion. 
What I want to express is what happens to regular people when these things converge upon them. My writing is relational, not out to prove a side. About how we can make a difference in the lives of others. How faith can comfort and guide us. 
There are a lot of experiences from my past that I've folded into the story. Life on the farm. Having horses. Being involved in animal rescue with dogs and cats. I also added one of my favorite animals, goats. 
If you've been following me, you know that I've utilized my local farmers' market to a great extent this year. I've canned and frozen a lot of fresh produce. It also brought to mind things that I'd nearly forgotten from my years living on a farm.
​Now, I would like to introduce you to  

Red Gate Farm
by
D. V. Stone

​A heartwarming tale of second chances and the healing power of coming home.

​Nestled in the countryside on the outskirts of Lake Unami, Little Flower Ranch is more than just a patch of land—it’s Addie Martin’s whole world. Her dogs, goats, and horses, both rescued and boarded, know her better than most people do. A life built with grit and rooted in compassion. Until Addie’s peaceful life is thrown into turmoil by a man from her past, with a government notice that threatens to take it all away.
Henry Price never planned to come back to Red Gate Farm, but after losing his job and his sense of purpose, the old homestead near Lake Unami calls him back to the place where he grew up surrounded by love and family. But the simpler life may not be so simple when your family introduces you to a woman who has troubles of her own.  
Lake Unami has its own quiet magic, the kind that works through neighbors, animals, and special guardians. As Addie and Henry navigate old wounds and new beginnings, they’ll discover that sometimes the smallest towns hold the biggest miracles… especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

IRed Gate Farm has an ARC review from Kim Ligon. She read it and responded
This is an uplifting story of a homecoming in one of my favorite places, Lake Unami.  This story is about triumphant over the evil problems that plague you to find a second chance, to believe in divine intervention, and to find your true love in your own backyard. I loved every minute of it. Gift yourself with a smile and read this heartwarming tale! I received an ARC of this book but the opinion expressed here is my own, freely given!

As an author, having someone appreciate your story and storytelling is so gratifying. When I can touch someone's heart, I consider my job accomplished. 
I hope you will enjoy reading Red Gate Farm. It is available for pre-order at www.amazon.com/Red-Gate-Farm-heartwarming-chances-ebook/dp/B0G1PN3R7P
​I hope you enjoy reading Henry and Addie's story as much as I did writing it. If you've been following life in Lake Unami, you'll be happy to see this magical community come together.
And, as Henry's great-grandmother's needlepoint says...