"Snack-Sized Feasts & Fire Pit Tales: A July Fourth at Home Around the Fire

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.  

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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

And guess what else is happening with A Christmas Storm?
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. 36 Christmas and holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, A Christmas Storm, will be featured on July 11th. Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete

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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

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