I have a confession. I doom scroll. That means I find myself scrolling through videos much longer than I should. I find most TV and movies no longer capture my attention, and I find myself reading and scrolling interchangeably. The videos that capture my attention, in no particular order, are

• Owls'
• Goats
• Homesteading
• Cooking
• And Families reuniting.

Red Gate Farm has many of these themes in it.
Scenes from my life. Conversations around the fire. People I've met. I hope as you read it you will be able to identify with my characters and their struggles but mostly their triumphs. 

​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.

I hope you will enjoy reading Red Gate Farm. It is available for pre-order at 
books2read.com/u/ml08j9
​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.
Albert's advice below isn't just for Addie. It's something I need to remind myself of from time to time.

Welcome back to Around the Fire. I'm putting this blog together while sitting in my 5th Wheel camper in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Lancaster County is one of our favorite destinations. Mill Bridge Village campground is open all year.  It's been chilly and windy, but it's November after all. Today, I even spotted a few rogue snowflakes. We talked about it on our drive here. This is a comfortable place for us. We've been coming here for years and visiting some regular stops and finding new favorites. On Saturday, Clocktower Cheese Shoppe, along with Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall, was first. We never know what we'll discover as we traverse the back roads. After you leave the main roads, it's like stepping back in time. Harvest is nearly over. Crops are in the barns. Fields are being prepped for next spring. It's a different world between the hubbub of modern, and everything slows down. Tomorrow, my family is coming to town and we're going to see Noah at the Sight and Sound Theater. Talk about a different era. 
Speaking of time, today's guest is talking about her time-travel romance. Beth's feline friends, Rajah and Charlie, and I hope you enjoy.

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  

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...

In 1847, Winnie and her family are traveling west to start a new life in the Oregon territory. While many in their wagon train fret over river crossings, disease, and encounters with Native tribes, she relishes the unexpected freedom of life on the trail. Threatened by storms, wild animals, and outlaws, Winnie must rely on the bonds she’s made and all she’s learned in order for them to make it to Oregon alive. She also must decide if she is ready to risk forming an attachment to Hal, the cowhand who has a knack for showing up just when help is needed, or whether she will emulate Mae, the free-spirited daughter of their trail guide.
https://wildrosepress.com/product/along-the-trail/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL1C55WW/thewildrosepr-20
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/along%20the%20trail%20kaci%20curtis
https://bookshop.org/p/books/along-the-trail/acddcf8eab8a6041
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781509263165​

"Kaci loves to camp, hike, and spend time with her family outside. They recently spent two years living on the island of Guam, where they frequently snorkeled, hiked, explored tide pools, and visited historical sites from World War Two. 

Back in the states, she loves to visit National Parks and other natural landscapes. Her favorite hiking trail is one with tall trees, mountain views, and no crowds. She loves books, coffee shops, hot drinks, rescuing animals, and showing her kids the wonders of nature, even if they're just outside the back door.
She hopes that her book about the American Frontier will inspire others to protect the few wild places that remain, and to support the amazing wildlife who's habitats are threatened by human development."  

Author Bio
​Kaci Curtis is a military spouse, and mom of two. She was raised in Kansas City, MO, only minutes away from the town of Independence, where the Westward Trails began. She loves hiking, camping, reading while sipping coffee, all things National Parks, thunderstorms, gardening, and book club.
    Socials:
Website: kacicurtisauthor.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KCurtisWriter
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kacicurtisauthor

Welcome back! I'm excited you joined me. This month, I had the pleasure of joining other New Jersey Romance Writers at Barnes & Noble in Ledgewood, NJ. The staff were amazing and made us feel at home. They are pros at setting up and breaking down an area. What a joy is was to see so many people coming through the door. Brick and mortar bookstores need to hang out signs declaring "We're Back, Baby." 
According to www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/modern-bookstore-revival there is a resurgence of shops growing an emerging. Even indie publishing is finally getting the respect from retail stores that it deserves. So break out and search for stores in your area. Look and see the vast beauty of covers. Pick up and feel the pleasure of flipping pages. Smell the wondrous scents of paper. Okay, I've waxed poetic enough. Let's get to today's guest, who is also a member of the Wild Rose Press garden of authors. Karina is sharing her newest release and a bit about her journey to becoming an author.

 Welcome Karina. Tell us how you got here.
 
​From a young age, I wanted to become an author, but since I can only type with one hand, I didn’t know if I could meet such a goal. Like every aspiring author, my professional pursuits required the same resilience my physical ones did, but it too paid off. My debut novel, Husband in Hiding, was accepted for publication in 2015. Since then, five more of my novels have been published, including Undercover Babymoon, set to be released by The Wild Rose Press later in 2024. 
Want to know more?
Head over to karinabartow.com/my-story/ for an inspiring story of determination and perseverance. ​

Undeveloped Memories
by 
Karina Bartow
Unseen loves can be the deepest
Women Slueths
Released September 10, 2025
​
We assume we know everything there is to know about those who raised us…until we discover that we don’t!
Lorelei Carmichael returns home to check up on her aging uncle, but another investigation awaits her. An undeveloped roll of film, abandoned by her photographer uncle, beckons her attention. Also a photographer, she develops the images and discovers an Alaskan journey he never disclosed, alongside a woman and child.
When an opportunity provides her the chance to peek into the past, she retraces his footsteps through the Alaskan countryside. Will she figure out the whole picture of this unfinished love story? And might the trail of breadcrumbs lead her to capture a love of her own?  
 
Grab your copy today!
https://wildrosepress.com/product/undeveloped-memories/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF5FRS3N/
https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=9781509262908
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/undeveloped-memories-karina-bartow/1147667550?ean=9781509262908  

What others are saying
Primarily, this is a story about family, and about the sacrifices we may or may not be willing to make for family. Another theme is that of understanding. Lorelei is on a voyage of discovery, both for herself and her uncle. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story as it opens up some really interesting questions, chiefly, how much of someone’s past we feel we should be privy to, as well as understanding the motivations a loved one might have for keeping something concealed. On top of that, there is the ethical dilemma of delving into someone’s past without their consent.
The Alaskan earthquake served as a sobering backdrop to the story, linking the past to the present. These passages documenting the pain, heartache and trauma associated with living through a natural disaster, were sensitively discussed, and cleverly interwoven with Lorelei’s story so that it mirrored her own feelings of pain, heartache and trauma. This was the first time that I had heard of the Alaskan earthquake, and the story did inspire me to read up on it. So much research must have gone into the writing of this book, yet the story never feels heavy under the weight of descriptions. Instead, scenes come to life, making them easy to imagine.
The story, which was beautifully written, unraveled in a really interesting way. All the characters were engaging, and the story kept me hooked from beginning to end, so much so that I read it in one sitting!
The connection between Lorelei and Uncle Reed was endearing and poignant. Lorelei really appreciated all that her uncle had given up to raise her and her brother, even if she never truly grasped all that entailed until later life. I loved the interactions between Lorelei and Harley. The mix of sibling annoyance and affection was so accurate and genuine and had me smiling.
If you enjoy gentle, romantic mysteries set in a beautiful location, with the legacy of a poignant historical event woven through it, with characters you can really get behind, I can’t recommend Undeveloped Memories highly enough.
~Reviewer Sammi Cox 

More about the author.
Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. Her debut novel, "Husband in Hiding," came out in 2015, followed by "Forgetting My Way Back to You," in 2018 and "Brother of Interest" in 2022. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!

https://karinabartow.com/​
https://www.facebook.com/karinabartowauthor
https://www.instagram.com/karina.bartow/
https://x.com/KarinaBartow
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15045283.Karina_Bartow

I wasn't sure what to open with today, but after checking out the date, I found October 15th, 1951, one of my favorite comedians had the debut of her show. I Love Lucy. It ran until May 6, 1957, with 180 half-hour episodes. I'm sure many of you remember this show fondly. My favorite, okay, one of my favorite scenes was where Lucy was trying to tell Ricky she was pregnant. Desi sang "We're Having a Baby (My Baby and Me)"; it was also the first time a pregnant woman was seen on television. We've come a long way, baby. 
Back in 2019, Pete and I camped near Jamestown, NY, and visited the Lucy ~ Desi Museum. You can check it out here at lucydesi.com/ Speaking of camping, my guest today is also a camper, and I can't wait for you to meet her. Take it away, Pam.

​Thank you, DV, for letting me hang out around the fire with you! I just love, Love, LOVE glamping 😊 In fact, I write about my adventures on my travel blog Bathroom-Blues.com. I hope you’ll check it out. Meanwhile, here is a picture of me and my (rescued) dog, Bandit, at his first National Park.
Summer is over, Fall is right around the corner, and the holiday season is barreling down upon us so what better time to introduce you to my collection of holiday-centered short stories, A Hint of Holiday Romance?
AHOHR brings you sweet stories of couples who, whether married or looking for love, find romance during various holidays throughout the year.
NN Lights Book Heaven gave A Hint of Holiday Romance 5+ stars saying, “Each story takes place during a holiday, and the couple is realistic, emotional, and enjoyable to read. This collection of romantic stories is meant to be savored each month while also read and reread.”

Why I Wrote A Hint of Holiday Romance Stories: As a novel writer, short stories are a welcome diversion, but also a challenge. To tell a complete story in so few words can sometimes frustrate one who thrives on the detail and description found in a novel.
Some of these were written with a particular women’s magazine in mind. Others were for the publisher I was with earlier in my career. A few were released years ago to my newsletter audience only, and a couple have never been published by any means.
 ALL were written for fun and the experience. A friend of mine said I write excellent short stories. I hope I’ve done well enough in these to entice you to want to read my longer works.

Love is celebrated in all seasons and every holiday. Christmas trees have become “Holiday Trees,” hence our cover. These stories each revolve around a specific holiday, and love is always in the air…
 
Winter Madness: Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?
Choices: Can Cammie and Kip rediscover each other after one night of his Home is where the Heart is Tour or is she destined to unrequited love?
Love Unmasked: Will Kelli and Cody find love when the masks come off?
Casi’s CPA: Will her new CPA be the one to fill Casi’s bankrupt heart to overflowing?
Lilies for Sandi: Can two hearts broken by unfulfilled dreams find healing, wholeness, and restoration?
Cathy’s Angel: Can a confirmed bachelor and the mother of four find love amid normal daily chaos?
Detained for Love: Will love set her free when Maddy Albright is detained by Officer Jacob Roberts for a traffic violation?
Ferryn’s Quest: Will Ferryn’s search for the man in her dreams cost her the love of her life?
 Kaylyn’s Flowers: Will a storm on All Hallows Eve give Kaylyn and Jake a chance at love?
 Old Flame, New Love: Will Lindsay’s old flame, Stephen (who’s in the middle of a divorce), be her new chance at love?
Love Field: Will Katie spend the holidays alone again or will the romantic name of an airport bring her and her soul mate together?
  
*Note: Some of these stories were previously published by White Rose Publishing/Pelican Book Group - All Rights Reverted to Author. Some were published in a personal newsletter to a limited audience. Others have never been published.*
Get your copies today at
https://www.amazon.com/Hint-Holiday-Romance-Collection-Stories-ebook/dp/B0F195S5FV
https://amzn.to/4iiS4G2)
https://www.amazon.com/Hint-Holiday-Romance-Collection-Stories/dp/B0F1LPKDRY
https://amzn.to/3DMd0WZ)
All Other Online Retailers:
https://books2read.com/AHintofHolidayRomance

Welcome back to Around the Fire. After the rain came the chill we've all been waiting for. That's okay. It makes for great firepits and campfires. This weekend I'll be joining today's guest along with  Jessica Lauryn and Kimberley Ash, fellow New Jersey Romance Writers at the Barnes and Noble in Ledgewood, NJ, from 12-3. Pete has promised to take me to Anderson Farms for pumpkin ice cream on the way home. Yay, me! I'm a vanilla girl but pumkin is for sure in the top 5. What's your favorite? And speaking of favorites let's get to one of Around the Fire's favorite guests. Tell us Roni, what's the inspiration behind your newest release?

Inspiration...  Hmmm...
When I finished writing "Lightning Strikes the Billionaire" one of my paranormal romance series books, the heroine's sister, who had a minor role in the book, had broken up with her boyfriend.  I knew I wanted to give her a happy ending someday.  
And since my Hanukkah stories have been popular with readers, I decided to write about her finding love during the holiday season.  I decided to make my hero Russian, since many Jewish people have left Russia to seek freedom in the USA.

I love when characters take the story and run with it. Will you share a bit more?

One Hot Hanukkah Kindle Edition
by
Roni Denholtz

Contemporary Holiday Romance  

Melissa Wallenberg’s heart was broken several years ago when she caught her boyfriend cheating on her. Then she had an unfulfilling relationship with another guy whom everyone expected her to marry.
Now she feels all she wants is a hot holiday fling. When she meets handsome Sergei Rubenov, he seems like the ideal man to fulfill her desires.
But Sergei is searching for the woman of his dreams, a woman to spend his life with. And he’s becoming convinced that Melissa could be “the one.”

www.amazon.com/One-Hot-Hanukkah-Roni-Denholtz-ebook/dp/B0FPDM2G33

About the author
​Roni Paitchel Denholtz is the award-winning author of 12 romance novels, 9 children’s books and dozens of short stories, articles and poems. Her work has appeared in such magazines as Complete Woman, Baby Talk, Modern Romances, and For the Bride. Her children’s books are published by January Productions, and one book, “Jenny Gets Glasses” was named to the list of Top Favorites of First Graders in a nationwide study by the Reading is Fundamental Group. Her traditional romances are published by Avalon Books and “Marquis in a Minute,” won the NJ Golden Leaf award for best regency romance in 2007. Many of her books have been nominated for awards such as the National Readers’ Choice Award. Her newest books are a series of contemporaries with paranormal elements: The Lightning Strikes Series!

https://ronidenholtz.com/
www.instagram.com/denholtzroni/

For a peek at the entire series, head to...
​amzn.to/4nHD0o0

Happy October! Did I just say October?
Holy Moley, the summer went fast. Even though here in Northwest New Jersey, we had an extended one. September is usually transitional, but the days remained warm, though the evenings were cool. We enjoyed many fires. So many that my fire pit is now kaput. I have it propped up on bricks. And it’s been busy! I’m using a lot of exclamation points, aren’t I? Oh, well. We didn’t camp much this summer, but still spent time in nature. And I’m excited that next month I’ll be in one of my favorite places, Lancaster. My daughter-in-law got us tickets to see Noah at the Sight and Sound Theater. We’ve seen many productions there, and it’s always a treat. The poor camp host managed to fix my chaos about switching days and also storing the camper while we make a quick trip to West Virginia. For several years, our church has provided Thanksgiving meals to families who need a little bit of help. This year, over 200 families signed up. A group will go down and hand out baskets with all the fixings. It’s a blessing to spread the blessing. Sometimes it’s only a smile or a kind word that can make the difference in someone’s life. I’d love to hear how you all are blest while blessing others.
In the meantime, I’d love for you to meet today’s guest. She’s sharing how, as writers, the story can hijack itself and take you down a different path than the one you’ve outlined. as well as writing thoughts for her next story. 
Take it away, Sheila

​“People ask where I get my ideas. Usually, an image inspires me. Before writing The Gardener’s Secret, I watched a young woman walking a feisty, overactive dog. From my car’s window, I noticed she had trouble staying on the sidewalk and keeping him from wrapping his leash around her legs. It occurred to me if he tripped her, she might need help getting up. I visualized introducing a handsome hero into the scene, because writing a romance was my original plan. But the romance quickly turned into a suspense when I imagined him hiding a secret. To veer away from the romance angle, and to focus on his secret, I turned the hero into a retired gardener with a grandson.”
​
“Although the Internet provides authors a way to research millions of topics, nothing beats drawing upon a stockpile of personal experiences. Since I’ve been a professional artist who’s dealt with clients and galleries for over forty years, I wanted to use my accumulated knowledge for the next book.”

Runaway Artist
by
Sheila Hansberger
 Small Town Romance 
 Suspense
Contemporary Romance

Backcover:
Talented artist Brooke Arnelletta knows she’s going places. She just never dreamed her journey would include running away. Behind the upscale gallery where she serves as a summer intern, she’s the lone witness to a stabbing. When police can’t find evidence to support the crime, Brooke begins to wonder if her creative imagination was working overtime. Days later, clues finally emerge, turning the alleged murder into a reality. Brooke must face a decision—risk the killer returning to silence her...or disappear into thin air. Can she remain hidden until an arrest is made? Or will evil find her first?
 
EXCERPT:
My mind kept replaying the previous night’s happenings on a continuous loop, urging me to re-examine the incident. As soon as I gathered enough courage to go home…a sketch pad would be my therapist, and I’d draw every detail. My sketches might not solve the murder, but they might point the police in the right direction.
 
BUY LINK for e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMGY5ZV6/
Review
“Mixed with the terror of evasion and constant alarms, our young artist finds a real warmth in her mountain hideaway community of supporting characters. Hansberger ratchets up the tension in this compelling setting of a life lived in elegant extravagance but now coping with basic survival.”--Nelda Stuck, retired Arts & Entertainment Editor, Redlands Daily Facts

About the Author
Sheila Hansberger, a Signature member of Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society, is an award-winning artist and author who resides in California. She worked as a graphic designer for a printing firm before beginning her fine art career. For the past 40+ years, Sheila’s watercolors have been in demand with galleries and clients. Her paintings can be found in private homes and public collections within corporations, museums, and various institutions across the USA.
Other than occasional magazine articles or press releases, Hansberger’s writings took a back seat to her artwork. A five-year stint as Newsletter Editor for the National Watercolor Society reminded her how much she loved the written word. She then joined two national writer’s groups and attended meetings, podcasts, and conferences to hone her skills. A First-Place win in a nationwide contest brought her to the attention of a publisher. In 2024, The Wild Rose Press published her debut suspense, The Gardener’s Secret. Her next novel, Runaway Artist, also a suspense, was released in August 2025, and is available in digital and paperback formats on Amazon. 
​
​For more information
Website: www.s-hansberger.com
Facebook: Sheila Hansberger, Artist and Author
Instagram: Sheila Hansberger (@sheilahansberger) • Instagram photos and videos

It's 92 days until Christmas. It's hard to believe with the extended summer-like weather here in Northern NJ. We sit on the deck, and yes, it does cool down at night, so we light the firepit and listen to the crickets and the chittering and trilling of the Easter Screech Owl who has taken up residence in the woods across the street from me. Saturday night, after a wonderful day at the Hoboken Public Library chatting with readers and authors, we came home, and our neighbors joined us for coffee and coffeecake around the fire. Do we ever solve the problems of the world? Nope. But we dream aloud. Speaking of dreaming, let me introduce today's guest, who doesn't have sugarplums dancing, but a life of hopes and dreams. Welcome, Liz.

​There are dreams I’ve had that didn’t come to pass. They had to do with being thin and having good hair, with being able to sing and dance, with traveling where and when I wanted to. Some of them were about business—at different times, I dreamed of having a bookstore complete with a cafe, a tearoom complete with a gift shop full of affordable things, a Victorian B&B on a lake, and a quilt shop.
In truth, I have absolutely no business having a business. My mind doesn’t work that way. But still … those dreams wandered around in my head and my heart. They still do.
So I write about them. More than once for most of them, and I do a really good job with those businesses. They all succeed, and readers all want to go to them—me included! It was fun naming them. Ones I recall are Tea on Twilight, Cup & Cozy, Keeper Shelf, A Soft Place to Fall, and in A New Kind of Hope, my Christmas novella, Silver Threads & Golden Needles. (Ask me how often that song played in my head while I was writing.)
Fee and Jed’s story was first published as part of a Dickens Holiday Romance anthology. When I wanted a Christmas story this year but ran out of time to write one, I remembered both the couple and Fee’s quilt shop. And I wanted to go back. I hope you’ll pay a visit, too.

A New Kind of Hope
 by 
Liz Flaherty
Fee and Jed were best friends who fell in love, but that was high school. Life and families and other loves had happened since that dear and distant time. They’re friends again, comfortable with each other and having so much fun at Christmas time in Dickens. They’re not still in love, but…wait…could it be happening again?
 
A peek between the covers. 
They walked downtown, their booted feet crunching on the snow. Jed held her hand much of the time, but released it so often to take pictures that they finally gave up the effort.
“Was it this much fun when we were kids?” he asked as they listened to the high school choir sing a couple songs before going on. “My folks liked coming downtown for this, but I don’t remember us doing it, do you?”
“We didn’t do it. We were too cool. And even when we did, you were taking pictures and I was with girlfriends pretending not to notice guys.”
“Good point.” He put the cover over his camera lens and slipped his arm around her, pulling her in close and holding her gaze. “So? Are you noticing now?”
“Noticing what?” She fluttered her lashes and grinned at him, wondering if there’d ever been a day that he was around that she hadn’t noticed him. And longed for him. And wondered what it would feel like to be as close physically as they were mentally. She’d wondered a whole lot about being close emotionally, too, but she didn’t want to think about that. Not yet, at least.
She wanted to think about the warmth of him at her side, about her heart racing, and about the touch of his finger where it just barely stroked her cheek.
They walked on, talking to old friends and new acquaintances. They stood and watched and laughed uproariously at the snowman-building contest across from the Common.
At a certain time, as if someone had whistled them into silence, the crowd grew quiet and watchful. They waited for the announcements that preceded the tree-lighting, looking around as other lighting in the area dimmed and went dark. Squeals of both fear and excitement came from children. Even the Christmas music that seemed to come from all directions became quiet and promising.
Then the tree lit, thousands of bulbs waking and glowing on the huge fir tree that had held the place of pride on the Common for more years than most anyone in town could remember. Following the universal breath of “ahhhh … ” came cheers and applause.
“Do you need to stop by the store?” asked Jed, as they walked away from the milling crowd.”
“No. Actually, I was invited not to.”
“You want to stop at Marley’s for a drink? It’s a good night for something mulled.”
She waited for just a few beats, her nerves zinging almost painfully. She felt herself blushing—she fully expected she’d be blushing in her coffin—and reached for his hands, holding them and looking down as if something about their joined fingers was completely fascinating.
“I have some cider at home,” she said, “in a slow cooker on the counter with mulling spices in it. And popcorn. And a fireplace even if it doesn’t work. We could pretend. And we could call out for pizza if we were hungry, too. You could—” She stopped, uncertain how to go on. How could a person be thirty-eight years old and scared to ask a man— “You could stay for a while.”
He drew his hands away and lifted them to her face, holding her cheeks so that she had to meet his eyes. Oh, that mesmerizing storm cloud gaze. She couldn’t have looked away if her life depended on it.
Even if she’d wanted to.
“For breakfast?”
She smiled back into his eyes, smoothing their crinkling edges with her fingers. She wasn’t calm when she answered. But she was certain.
“Yes.”

 
Grab your copy today because remember it's only 92 days.
Amazon: https://a.co/d/2DiAbVy
Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/u/bogDg0

More about the author.
Liz Flaherty wanted to shake off the dust of central Indiana farm country and move to the city, get rich, wear designer clothes, and write books.
Well, she writes books.
She lives five miles from where she grew up, only now she relishes the sights and sounds and scents of the fields around her, doesn’t care much about clothes, and thinks being rich would probably have been overrated anyway.  She’s spent the past several years enjoying not working a day job, making terrible crafts, and writing stories in which the people aren’t young, brilliant, or even beautiful. She’s decided (and has to re-decide nearly every day) that the definition of success is having a good time. Along with her husband of lo, these many years, kids, grands, friends, and the occasional cat, she’s doing just that.
You can find her all over the place, but this is easiest:  https://linktr.ee/LizFlaherty
​She’d love to hear from you!