Around the Fire looks into the Inspiration for Red Gate Farm.

Where I found Red Gate Farm.
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 palate cleanser. What to do?
Agent Carter stories are always fun to write, and I often drive past an old, abandoned monastery 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 into research. Saint Paul’s Abbey was originally a place called Red Gate Farm. In the 1800s and was owned by a man who also ran 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. It also brought to mind things that I'd nearly forgotten from my years living on a farm. If you've been following me, you know that I utilized my local farmers' market. I've canned and frozen a lot of fresh produce.
As of this writing, the property surrounding it is being excavated. Many of the Christmas trees that have been grown and nurtured for the past one hundred years are gone, replaced by dirt and equipment.
The stone and brick structure built in 1924 still stands, its beauty pushing through the broken windows and overgrowth. Traditional, early 20th-century architecture shows arched windows, multiple wings, and a chapel steeple, hailing back to a time when buildings were also art.
I’ve attached a picture of St. Paul’s and my book cover that my imagination decided it would have looked like when it truly was a farm. 
Grab a copy today
​https://books2read.com/u/ml08j9

I recently treated my hubby to a train ride through the mountains near Jim Thorpe, PA. The actual town is quaint with unique shops and restaurants. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across this candy store. The resemblance to my new cover for Rainbow Sprinkles had me running inside  Rainbows End and introducing myself. Check out all the shops at www.poconomountains.com/jim-thorpe/shopping/

What I'm Reading.
As many of you know, I'm a Fantasy fan. I don't know how I missed this one 
Beguilement (The Sharing Knife, Book 1)
by Lois McMaster Bujold. So far I like it very much. I'll keep you posted.