D.V. Stone's Blog, page 8

Around the Fire In-depth Interview with Author Kris Bock.

Please help me welcome Kris Bock to the fire. Kris, I’m so glad you’re here. I’m going to grab the kettle because I hear you enjoy a cup of tea. I’ve a box of Dragon Spiced Red Chai waiting for another chai lover. Whilst I do, will you please introduce yourself to the other guests? Tell them who are you other than your bio?
I’ve lived in New Mexico for over twenty years, three times longer than I’ve lived anywhere else. A lot of my novels are set in the Southwest.
I really had no idea what I wanted to be growing up. My mom thought I would have to be a librarian, since my main interest was reading. In high school, I got interested in photography, so I went to college for that. I quickly learned I didn’t want to be a professional photographer and switched to writing. 
I wrote my first novel, The Well of Sacrifice (a novel for ages 9 to 12, published under the name Chris Eboch ), shortly after finishing grad school, while I was looking for work as a magazine editor. The novel is set in Mayan times, inspired by a summer I spent traveling through Mexico and Central America. 
Astonishingly, I sold the book! This gave me the mistaken impression that having a writing career wasn't so hard. I have since written many novels that I haven't sold, but I've managed to make a career of writing by doing a lot of work in educational publishing.
Around 2008, I was feeling restless and wanted a change. I had mostly been reading adult romantic suspense novels, so I started writing those under the name Kris Bock. Later I switched to contemporary sweet romance and then added mysteries.

You’ve been at this a while then. What interests besides writing do you enjoy? 
Reading is my main hobby. My tastes change based on a variety of factors. Lately I’ve mainly been reading historical romance, paranormal romance, and historical mystery, plus some sci-fi, even though I don’t currently write in those genres. I think reading outside my writing genre gives me a mental break from my own writing.
I also enjoy walking and hiking, and my husband and I occasionally do some archery. We are currently pet parents to one ferret.

I’m also a reader of many different genres and living in New Mexico you must have beautiful scenery for those hikes. Who is your network or support system?
Since I started in writing for children, I’ve been a longtime member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Those authors are still my friends and colleagues, even though I’ve largely moved on to writing genre fiction for adults. My husband is also a great supporter, and my brother is an author as well. In fact, we’ve written three books together!
Douglas J Eboch wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Now we write the Teenage Adventures of Felony Melanie series, which follow the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the Rom-Com newsletter to get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. These first two chapters from the novel Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium stand alone as a short story.

I love that movie and that your brother is a co-author.  Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
For the Accidental Detective series, I was inspired by the Phryne Fisher Mysteries by Kerry Greenwood, plus senior sleuths such as Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote. I liked the way Phryne Fisher had a background that showed why she was fearless. And people seem to enjoy sleuths who are older women, who use their life experience to solve mysteries. Plus I was going to turn fifty soon and noted a lack of characters in that in-between age!
 
What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
I live in a small town, with some of my close friends only a few blocks away. We lack the big city activities, but we can walk or hike in nature and hang out at friends’ houses. The local Mineral Museum, part of the state Bureau of geology, is also fabulous! 

We have a mineral museum near us too. I enjoy going there and even down into the mine. What weird talent do you have?
I’m known for being graceful when I do challenging things like rock-climbing and swing dancing, but clumsy the rest of the time.

Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
I’ll take the tickets. If I didn’t have to pay for the flights, I might be able to afford food at my destinations! Plus I don’t have expensive restaurant tastes and rarely go out to eat.

What was your first job?
I went to high school in Juneau, Alaska and spent two summers working as a glacier guide on helicopter tours.
 
That’s beats my first job cleaning. Let’s chat about writing. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I have written quite a few series. The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series is an ongoing series with six books out so far and two more under contract. The Accidental Billionaire Cowboys sweet romance series – a complete five book series about a Texas ranching family that wins a huge lottery. The books feature four brothers and their widowed mother, each getting their own love story. 
The Furrever Friends cat cafe sweet romance series – a loosely linked series of sweet romance novels with different main characters in each book. Book 7, Pride and Prejudice at the Cat Café, is coming soon.
The Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novels  – three books so far, as mentioned above.
I also have three linked and several standalone romantic suspense novels So I like series, but I also like the variety of writing romance and mystery in different series!

You are quite prolific. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have at least ten novels that aren’t strong enough to submit or self-publish. That’s all part of the learning process.

Literary success is different to many authors, what does it look like to you?
I want to make a living as a writer. I’d rather make a better living than I’m making right now, but I haven’t had an office job in years, so I call that a success! 
 
Congratulations! It’s my goal too.
​Kris, thank you so much for sharing the fire with me today. Before you head either back to your desk or out on a hike, please leave some information about your Accidental Detective Series. In The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Kate has followed the most dangerous news stories around the world, but can she survive going home? This series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven: Injured in a bombing, war correspondent Kate Tessler returns to her hometown in Arizona to recover. Then an old friend asks her to investigate suspicious deaths at a nursing home – where Kate’s mother is in an Alzheimer’s unit. If Kate can’t uncover the truth, her mother could be next on the killer’s list.

What others are saying.
“A great start to a new series... Readers will enjoy this new cozy mystery and eagerly wait for more sleuthing with Kate and the Coffee Shop Irregulars!” ~Reading is my Superpower
Purchase from Tule Publishing or get the links to all retailers. Available as an e-book and in print.
​
Find Kris:
Website
Blog 
Instagram
Facebook 
GoodReads Author Page
BookBub
Amazon US page or Amazon UK page

Around the Fire New Book Release Spotlight with Marian Exall.

DAUGHTERS OF RIGA
by
Marian Exall
Historical Fiction
​WWII
February 28, 2024
About
As World War II sweeps over Europe, nine-year-old Danielle Loesseps escapes from Latvia under the protection of the Dutch consul. Her mother, the consul’s secretary, is left behind at the end of a momentous year which sees a heroic scheme to save refugees from the Nazis, the blossoming of a secret love, and an unhappy woman’s revenge.
The consul’s young daughter Berta Vandercam also grows up in the shadow of the war and strives to understand why her father never speaks about their time in Riga.
Memories of the Riga consulate and questions about what happened there haunt the survivors as they remake their lives in the postwar world.

www.amazon.com/Daughters-Riga-Marian-Exall-ebook/dp/B0CQ8WNHFL
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144484609

Inspiration for the story.
"I was inspired to write "Daughters of Riga" after meeting Edith Zwartendijk. Edith was twelve years old in 1940 when her father Jan saved the lives of 2,300 Jewish refugees as the Dutch consul in Kaunas, Lithuania. She remembers him working late into the night writing visas to Curacao and other far away Dutch colonies. He never spoke about his wartime activities, and his heroism went unrecognized during his lifetime. I wrote "Daughters of Riga" to honor Edith and Jan, and all the other true stories of everyday heroism and resilience from World War II—stories that will now, eighty years on, remain untold."
From the author, Heat level: PG
About the author.
​Marian Exall is an award-winning author of mysteries and historical fiction. She grew up in England, and lived in France and Belgium before emigrating to the United States where she raised a family and pursued a career as a lawyer. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest and devotes herself to writing.
Her historical novel "Daughters of Riga" will be released by the Wild Rose Press on February 28. "Daughters of Riga" won the CIBA Hemingway award for wartime fiction. Marian has also published three Sarah McKinney mysteries. The second and third books in the series (A Dangerous Descent and A Splintered Step) won CIBA Clue Awards for international mystery. 
A Splintered Step was also a semi-finalist in Screencraft’s Cinematic Books competition.  
As well as the Sarah McKinney series, Marian has published a romantic novelette set in Victorian Yorkshire and titled "The Elgin Letters."
Marian’s work has been published in anthologies: Memory into Memoir, Whatcom Writes, The Kumquat Challenge and So Much Depends Upon…. Her memoir An Azure Year won the 2017 Solas Award for Best Travel Writing in the travel + food category.
www.facebook.com/mysterymarianexall
www.marianexall.com/

Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Susan Leigh Furlong.

FORGIVEN NEVER FORGOTTEN
BY
SUSAN LEIGH FURLONG
 December 20, 2023
 Scottish Historical Romance 

Rory Campbell, falsely accused of participating in the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe killings, is sentenced to hang as a sacrificial lamb while the real agents of the slaughter escape blame. He risks everything to convince the love of his life, Joneta MacDonald, of the truth. He can never forget how completely she owns his heart.
Joneta MacDonald watches helplessly as her family is murdered by the king’s men, but forgiving Rory for his seeming participation is harder than she imagined. Can she endure the clan’s hatred of him? Can she cling to her love for a traitor despite overwhelming odds.
BUY LINKS:
Books available on my website - Https://SusanLFurlong.com
www.amazon.com/Forgiven-Never-Forgotten-Susan-Furlong/dp/1509252959/
UNIVERSAL LINKS - EBook
Booklinker - https://mybook.to/pCg1  
Books2Read - https://books2read.com/u/mBJOlR
From the author
Heat Level: PG 13 (with brief violence and brief non-explicit love scenes)

The story behind the story.
I enjoy searching through old records for true, but hard-to-believe historical events. One I ran across that inspired Forgiven Never Forgotten was the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. A small clan was slaughtered by the king’s men to persuade other clans to cooperate. Needless to say, it didn’t work, but it left the MacDonald clan grieving a loss of over 100 of its members. This set me to thinking about how someone could survive such a senseless tragedy, which led me to create Rory and Joneta’s story. 
I first explored how my hero and heroine from enemy clans could overcome clan bitterness to find their own love. Then, as a writer who must make things worse, they now had to deal with the greater betrayal, death, and murder of her extended family and his seeming blame for it. 
I also explored how different people deal with grief and loss. The brain tries to rescue the victim by either Freezing (being afraid to move on) or Flight (escaping feelings by shutting them out) or Fight (fighting back). Eventually, a victim may recover and forgive, but they will never forget. 
A quote from Mary Anna Radmacher is “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” Which, despite events out of their control, is exactly how Rory and Joneta created their own HEA destiny through determination and devotion.​ 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. 
Her love for history fuels her resilience against the sneezes and coughs that old books give her, and are now relieved by Internet research, as she delves into 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. 
Her first three books center on a family living in the Scottish Highlands in the sixteenth century. A fourth novel takes place during the American Revolution with the same family but across the pond while her fifth book takes the reader back to Scotland. All are published by The Wild Rose Press. She also has two non-fiction books published by Arcadia Press filled with over 200 photographs and tales about her hometown. 
When she is not researching and creating her stories, she writes, directs, and performs with a music and drama group.
She married and moved to her small-town boy’s home. Now, even though she was born a “big city” girl, you couldn’t get her out of here with a crowbar.
https://www.susanlfurlong.com/
twitter.com/FurlongLeigh
​www.facebook.com/SusanLeighFurlong/

Around the Fire Indepth Interview with author Gayle M. Irwin.

It's an indoor fire today! The clouds dumped a foot of snow on us here in Northern New Jersey. A week ago DH and I were in Florida. Now honestly, it wasn't really warm there, but I do have a weather idiocincrasy. If it's sixty degrees or over I'm wearing shorts. Despite the snow, (more expected later this week) I've started some indoor plants. Herbs, green onions, tomatoes, and peppers are in various stages. Come on spring! The ground hog said you'd be here early. Okay, enough of me whining. Today's guest is back with exciting news about a new release.  ​Hey Gayle while I pour us a glass of Pinot Noir, why don't you schooch up to the fire and introduce yourself? Who are you other than your bio?
Only child of parents from the Midwest who now cares for those elderly parents and a nature/animal lover who enjoys woodland strolls and walks along the river.

I'm the oldest of four and I tease my siblings that I got the beauty and the brains. I'm also and outdoor girl. What interests besides writing do you enjoy?
Nature photography, visiting America’s national parks and forests, transporting for pet rescue organizations.

Who is your network or support system? This would be any groups/authors/friends/family who contribute to your writing career.
I’m involved with three local writing groups and I have two close friends who keep me accountable with my writing and marketing.

What books or authors are your inspiration?
Elena Johnson, Victorine Lieske, Kris Bock, Eliza Boyd, Penny Zeller, Karen Drew, Danni Roan, and Toni Shilo. I enjoy reading a lot of indie romance authors as they inspire me.

I'm familiar with Kris. She's joining me Around the Fire next week and I can't wait. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? 
I live in an older, historic neighborhood, set up during the 1920s. Most houses feature large front porches, but I prefer to sit in our backyard where we have apple and elm trees for shade and the atmosphere is a bit quieter (we live near a middle school). There is also a church near an open space, and we sometimes take our dogs walking in that area. Overall, it’s a lovely neighborhood with older people, a few families, and several dogs.
 
It sounds wonderful. What is your favorite mug or teacup?
A friend of mine gave me a mug years ago that says “Rescue Dog Mom,” and I use it frequently. I was also gifted one for Christmas that says, “But God …” These are my two favorite coffee and tea mugs and the ones I use most often.

All of my pets have been rescues. Hali is our most recent. Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
My blind dog and I visiting Yellowstone National Park. Her name was Sage, and she was the catalyst for me becoming an author. She was a special dog who inspired many, both in person and in the stories I wrote about her.

Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
Unlimited international first-class tickets. There are several places in the world I’d enjoy visiting, including Switzerland, Austria, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Let's chat about your writing. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I write in a series/genre I call Pet Rescue Romance, in which I weave pet rescue and adoption into the story. I’ve just completed my first series, called Yellowstone Country, in which the setting for all seven books is the area around Yellowstone National Park (Montana and Wyoming). I’ll be starting another series in 2025. This year, I’m writing standalone books, still set in western states, but not connected by characters. I’m planning an enemies-to-lovers/billionaire book plus a holiday-themed book in 2024.

This is exciting news. Best wishes for your upcomings. Gayle, if you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Become an author sooner in life (I didn’t start until my 40s). There are many stories to tell!

Do you have any marketing tips for other authors?
In-person events (not necessarily bookstores, but events like Romance Authors & Readers and events benefiting pet rescue organizations) and Book Funnel promos and newsletter swaps, for sweet romance books.

Just this past weekend I did a signing at a winery. I love talking with readers and other authors. What is the toughest part of your artistic process?
Time management – time goes by too fast now that I’m in my mid-60s!

Cheers to that! Gayle, thanks so much for popping by the fire. Before you wade through the snow will you leave us with more information about your new book and where we can find out more?
Paws-itively Love
 by
Gayle M. Irwin
February 11, 2024
Romance, New Adult
Contemporary


Will a chance at new love open their hearts or will a family member’s revengeful plot tear them apart?

Brittany Christiansen knows heartbreak and isn’t ready to take another chance on love. Her focus is her career as a marine biologist. However, when she encounters Gary Anderson, a man she met years ago, the bricks around her heart begin to fall. Can she trust and love again?
Gary first met Brittany years ago while volunteering at a Wyoming animal sanctuary. He never forgot her although her heart belonged to someone else. When he returns to his friends’ Montana ranch, he learns Brittany is no longer romantically attached. Should he take the chance this time?
Just as they allow the armor to slip and expose their vulnerability, Gary’s unscrupulous uncle returns to Montana, seeking revenge on those who put him in jail years before. That includes Brittany’s aunt and uncle. Will the man’s ruthless tactics tear Brittany and Gary apart or will love, and the law, prevail?
Read Paws-itively Love, a sweet, contemporary pet rescue romance woven with drama and intrigue and set near Yellowstone National Park.

Grab your copy today
  https://books2read.com/u/31BDMW More about the author.
Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning Wyoming author and freelance writer who has been recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc. and the Wyoming Press Association She is a contributing writer to eight Chicken Soup for the Soul books and freelances articles to regional magazines and newspapers, including WREN (Wyoming Rural Electric News), the Casper Star Tribune, and the Douglas Budget. Gayle authors the Pet Rescue Romance – Yellowstone Country series, a collection of sweet, contemporary romance books set near Yellowstone National Park, plus stand-alone stories in the same genre. All weave pet rescue and adoption into the love story. An avid supporter of pet rescue and adoption, Gayle volunteers for various regional organizations and donates a portion of her sales to such groups. 

Follow Gayle
https://gaylemirwin.com/
https://www.facebook.com/gayle.irwin.12
https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin (author page
https://www.instagram.com/wycabinlady/
www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin
https://www.amazon.com/author/gayleirwin

Around the Fire New Release Book Spotlight with Gency Brown.

Another weekend is past and a new one begins in the Stone Household. We took a short business/pleasure trip to Florida. Don't be to jealous though, it was pretty chilly for Florida. But, after not seeing the sun in New Jersey for nearly six weeks except for intermitten peeks through the clouds, I basked. Funny story, the day we left friends staying in the same campground came to say good bye. The temp was supposed to go up to 60 degrees but it was still only 47 when they popped over. I'm running around packing and cleaning so wearing shorts and a t-shirt. When they knocked I opened the cabin door and both of them were standing there in bubble like parkas with hats and scarves. We all burst out laughing. We had to hurry home for a planned booksigning event on Saturday and Sunday at Brook Hollow Winery in Columbia NJ. It was only a small group of us. The BIG event is coming this May. I'll post information as I recieve it. So, stay tuned. Now, onto this weeks new release spotlight.   A Right Fine Life
by
Gency Brown
Released January 3, 2024
Per Author rated G
Contemporary romance with country music

Can the road to a dream take you home again?

California-born Randy Walters dreams of Country Music stardom. After years of struggling in the harsh world of the music business in Nashville, TN, and a love interest gone bad, success finally comes. Through it all, he battles guilt over deserting his widowed mother and small son. All the accolades and awards can’t fill his need for the closeness of family and comforts of home. How can he have it all?
Grab a copy today.
www.amazon.com/Right-Fine-Life-Gency-Brown-ebook/dp/B0CKXS2HGX
 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-right-fine-life-gency-brown/1144243383
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197877422-a-right-fine-life

From the author
​I come from a long line of Oklahoma storytellers. There's nothing like sitting around listening to a grandfather or an aunt share memories and dreams. The campfire being a great place to experience that, with a soda or cup of cocoa in hand. Writing documents and training manuals for work was never going to be enough for me. When I retired to New Mexico, my journey to being a published author began. A title saved for about five years on the notepad in my phone waited for the story to bloom.
 I like to write early in the day with some light music playing. I've always had a love for music so to pair the two seems to work for me. The words flowed onto the page effortlessly. Of course, they required the edits of a debut author, but I felt good about the first draft.
​I am deep into my second novel which will be different in style and story about a female writer searching for answers in her life. It involves a diverse group of characters that she meets on a writing sabbatical to the mountains in southeast Oklahoma. Yes, there are mountains in Oklahoma. Ha ha.
More about Gency
An Oklahoma native, I take a down to earth look at life and can exist comfortably on the page with the fictional characters I create. A career in retail management across America gave me a life enriched by a variety of personalities and cultures. Since retirement in the Albuquerque, NM, area those characters and stories have jumped from memory to the written page. I am a member of Southwest Writers and Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. My performances and leadership roles with music organizations such as the International Western Music Association, Oklahoma City Traditional Music Association, and Southern California Bluegrass Association, afford me an in-depth look into the world and story of a young man striving for success in music.

Follow the Author.
www.gencybrown.com
gencybrown@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086986480309
https://www.instagram.com/gencybrownauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gency-Brown/author/B0BJW52ZFC

Around the Fire with Margot Johnson and things that make us happy.

Happy Around the Campfire Day. I don't know if there is a day for this but I've taken the bull by the horns and hereby declare that day today. As I'm writing this DH and I are on a quick turnaround trip from Florida. And yes, there were several campfires since we stayed at the Perry KOA and visited with old friends. Today's fire is with author Margot Johnson. She is sharing with us the things that make her happy. Yep, one of those things is a campfire.  ​Welcome Margo. I'm going to heat up some hot chocolate while you share your recent thoughts about life.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately how good it feels to laugh, to focus on the lighter side of life, and to savor the good things around us—like sitting in front of a cozy campfire. We can all use more good news and more feel-good moments, so let’s share them.

I totally agree. I love the laugh that makes your sides hurt and exhausts you. So, what makes you feel happy?
In no particular order, here are some things that make me smile…A crackling campfire at a local lake resortFamily visitsDogs of all kinds and especially golden retrieversGames nightsGetting Wordle in two guessesFireworks on Canada DaySeeing a beautiful sunrise and sunsetThe Northern lightsUnusually warm winter weatherPopcorn and a movieA long walkSkating on an outdoor rinkDinner parties with close friendsDoing a friend a favorFlowers on Valentine’s DayHearing someone loved one of my books and took time to post a reviewA new release…my latest is coming in April. My cover unveil is coming soon. I hope you find something to smile about every day. Come and visit me at margotjohnson.ca or MargotJohnsonAuthor for happy stories and pictures. If you have one to share, please let me know.

I'm humming My Favorite things. You know the one.
Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Well, Margo sent along pictures of a few of her favorite things. Let us know in the comments what makes you laugh, smile, or just makes your day better.  Let it Snowball
by
Margot Johnson 
​ Will a mature couple find Christmas love? 
Divorced, empty nester Merilee is on a roll. Filled with scrumptious cookies and old-fashioned fun, her Christmas bus tours aim to add festive spirit to her hometown and new meaning to her lackluster life. Too bad her reserved driver slams the brakes on fun.
Widowed farmer Ross needs a little joy to combat his December blues. Behind the wheel, he wears a Santa suit but can't muster a convincing ho-ho-ho. Too many memories block his road to happiness…until irrepressible Merilee sparks a snowstorm of unexpected feelings.
In two weeks of holiday tours, Ross might drive Merilee crazy…or will romance snowball inside their lonely hearts?
Grab a copy today
www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07VHKFLQ1/allbooks More about the author
​Margot Johnson writes feel-good stories about dreams, family and romance.She is the author of five romances--the novels LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY and three novellas in the Merilee Tours series--LET IT SNOWBALL, LET IT MELT, and LET IT SIMMER. Her characters can't possibly find their happy endings...or can they?
Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard." When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!)
​She lives with her husband in the Canadian prairies.

Around the Fire New Release Book Spotlight with Margaret Izard.

Stone of Love
 Stones of Iona, Book 1
by
Margaret Izard

Steamy Paranormal Romance
 March 4, 2024 
Against all odds, is true love strong enough to save a human soul?

About 
After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird Colin MacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Laird leaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again? 
Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty in his study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, her brunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forces of the Fae. 
Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to his ancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fighting an evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving the stone or saving his love.
Grab your copy today.
linktr.ee/mizardauthor

Make sure you keep reading for an exciting
​giveaway announcement.
 
What others are saying… 
It’s a mesmerizing dance of passion and mystery, making it a must-read for anyone who craves a love story with a touch of enchantment. Literary Titan, 5 Stars, December 2024 Gold Award Winner 
The immersive narration is sweeping and filled with emotion. Outlander readers will clamor for more of Margaret’s books. N.N.Light 5++ Stars
 
The Inspiration for the Magic Stones
In early research, I read about the Stone of Destiny, or the coronation stone, traveling through Scotland and stopping at Dunstaffnage Castle, Oban, Scotland. Dunstaffnage Chapel in the Woods and the castle’s long, turbulent history laid the foundation for my series, Stones of Iona. 
When I read about the Stone of Destiny and its rumored birthplace, Iona Isle, I asked myself, what if the stone was magic? What if many stones were magic, and what would that mean? As I delved into research on Scotland, I found that many of the people’s beliefs link to its folklore. These rich stories of worlds beyond ours became essential in capturing this country, its people, and its culture and bringing them to life. 
After drafting the first three books in the seven-book series, a trip to Scotland in June 2023 provided an inspiring view of Scotland and her people. I feel even more connected to the characters and their stories after visiting locations featured in the series… Dunstaffnage Castle, Chapel in the Woods, Iona Isle, Iona Abbey, and Dunollie Castle.

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT!
Make sure and stop by my Goodreads page and enter my drawing for 3 signed copies of the book with Stone of Love bookmark, recipe card featuring a dish from the novel and an author pen. One of the winners will win my Stone of Love Book Swag Box, containing a signed book, bookmark and recipe card with author pen, Wild Rose Press 2024 Calendar, small book bag with Stone of Love logo, large book bag with Stone of Love cover, insulated wine glass with Stone of Love logo, Dublin shot glass with Stone of Love logo acid etched, stuffed animal from lore in the book.
Stone of Love (Stones of Iona) by Margaret Izard | Goodreads

From the author regarding the heat level.           
R-Restricted. This is the steamier stuff. Just let me know if it’s for the over-18 crowds.
NOTE: What reviewers say about my sexy scenes… The content is for mature audiences, but it doesn’t get in the way of the story. It is a part of the characters’ development within the story.​ Author Biography
Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

Book trailer
Stone of Love Book Trailer - YouTube
 
Margaret’s Links
Website: www.margaretizardauthor.com
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You can email me at:  info@margaretizardauthor.com

Around the Fire in-depth interview with Author, J. L. Sullivan.

Welcome to Around the Fire. One of the things about relaxing around the fire is not stressing even when things aren’t working out. Sometimes, it’s so hard to get the fire going. I carry a multitude of options to start a blaze. Kindling, fire starters, lighter fluid, and even a propane torch. You think they work in every situation. I can tell you sometimes even the torch can’t get the spark into a flame. Wet wood is notoriously hard to get and then keep going. What do you do? Perseverance and the nuclear option. I have a military-grade starter that I use for worst-case scenarios and use it sparingly in only those situations where all else fails. Why am I telling you this? Well, today’s guest and I experienced one of those times where no matter what we did, his email and my email refused to cooperate. It went on for days. Okay, no stress. Let’s use different emails. I have several. It worked, and I’m pleased to bring today’s author spotlight to you. J. L. let’s get this fire roaring with a nice warm cuppa. What’s your go-to for such a time as this?
For around the fire, there’s nothing better than a mug of hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s.

I make a mean cup of cocoa and just happen to have Bailey’s on hand. So, while I concoct the warm miracle in the cup, why don’t you introduce yourself to our other guests?
I’ve spent the past fifteen years married to a woman who inspires me by following her passion as a chef. Together, we have two amazing pre-teen daughters who teach me how to be a better parent every day while pretending they don’t love my dad jokes.

That’s what a relationship should do, isn’t it? Inspire the partner. Oh, and though I’m not a chef, I love to cook, especially over the open fire. I love dad jokes.
What interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have?

Like most writers, I love to read. When I signed with my publisher, I connected with other authors who debuted when I did. We’ve bonded over reading and critiquing each other’s work. That forced me to read outside of my usual genres, which has been an incredible experience. I’ve had the pleasure of reading novels I’d have never picked up on my own, like steamy romances. I’ve developed such respect for writers who can pen sexy scenes without sounding silly or gross. It’s an art form I’ll always envy.

Ah, the community and all the creatives in it. No matter what genre you enjoy, it’s always good to expand and learn. Who is your network or support system? This would be any groups/authors/friends/family who contribute to your writing career.
Beta readers are an essential part of my support system. I have close friends I use as my first-tier reviewers, then I go to beta readers who I may or may not know that well. I’ve also been a member of the St. Louis Writers Guild for many years, which has been an invaluable resource for connecting with beta readers and learning about the business of publishing. In fact, the guild’s annual conference is where I pitched to the publisher I ultimately signed with.

For those who are wondering, Beta readers get first looks at an author’s work. The author wants to know if the story connects to the reader. This is not editing. It’s mostly what you like, didn’t like, or became confused about in the book. J. L., who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
When I grew up, the young adult genre wasn’t as huge as it is today, so as a kid, I read Stephen King and Anne Rice (not sure what that says about me). Having a personal passion for fairy tale retellings, I recently finished King’s Fairy Tale, and at 76, he can still weave a riveting story. I’m also obsessed with Leigh Bardugo (Shadow & Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology). She has an ability to tell very complicated narratives in ways that feel effortless.

I read most of Mr. King’s earlier works, including his fantasy, Eye of the Dragon. Anne Rice’s books were also on my must-read list. She was an amazing story weaver. Let’s talk about you for a bit. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
I live in the suburbs of St. Louis. We’re just a few minutes from the city, with dozens of diverse neighborhoods. As foodies, we like to spend our free time exploring new restaurants in the city’s vibrant food scene. Recently, I had my first Afghan meal at a small family-run restaurant, and it was delicious!

Yummy! I’m pretty adventurous with my food and love trying new things. My hubby, not so much. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t focus on publishing, enjoy the writing process. The average author has written 3.24 novels before their first publication. The average page count of a young adult novel is 340 pages, so the typical published young adult author has penned an average of 1,100 pages before they ever see their book on a bookstore shelf, if they do at all. I’d tell myself early on to enjoy the process of writing, rewriting, and rewriting again. To relish learning from experts, coaching new writers, and reimagining a chapter for the twentieth time.

Good advice. How do you choose your character’s names?
I flip through directories, online and paper. White pages, yellow pages, baby name books, local newspapers, or local listings online. Nothing feels more satisfying than stumbling on a name and thinking, That’s it!

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I find reviews to be valuable feedback tools. In this business, you must be open to feedback—good and bad. I use reviews to learn what people think I’m doing well or should do differently. I don’t totally alter my style based on one review, but I file the collective feedback away as something to think about.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Speaking of how I select names for characters, sometimes I pick names that are an easter egg or a veiled reference. In From Brick & Darkness, Bax frequents a comic book store and has discussions with its owner about superheroes. So while I found the name Baxter in a directory, his last name—Allen—is an easter egg for the Flash’s identity, Barry Allen. And his love interest, Scarlet Lane, is a nod to Lois Lane.

My hubby, Pete, is my greatest cheerleader and shoulder to cry on. Does your family support your career as a writer?
Absolutely! In sixth grade, my parents gave me a word processor, so I wrote a science fiction serial. Every Friday, I’d distribute three chapters, comprised of 12 pages, to my friends. I watched way too much tv as a kid, so of course, my story had cliffhangers right before school breaks and a climax at the end of the year like a season finale. 
For our first anniversary, my wife found those pages at my parents’ house and had them bound. Let me tell you, reading today how a sixth grader wrote romantic scenes is just as embarrassing as it is funny.
​
Worst household chore?
There is only one correct answer to this question: ironing. I honestly don’t mind chores. There’s something cathartic about doing dishes or cleaning. But ironing is a thankless, horrible, miserable chore that I’ve never mastered and have no desire to.
Ironing? What’s that. I throw them back in the dryer with a damp cloth. Poof! No wrinkles. J. L., thanks for being my guest today. One last favor: before you go, can you leave some information about your book and where we can find out more about it and you?
From Brick & Darkness
by
J. L. Sullivan
Teen & Young Adult Paranormal & Urban Fantasy 
 Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy

The most powerful wishes aren't said with words.
Bax always fantasized something remarkable would happen in his life. So when a decrepit man with glowing purple eyes offers him a ring intended for his estranged father, Bax accepts.
The ring speaks to Bax in a dream, tempting him with a vision of a powerful djinn. Desperate to make his fantasies a reality, Bax unleashes a creature called Ifrit, but soon learns this djinn isn't what the ring led him to believe. Feeding off the depths of his subconscious, the sinister demon fulfills what he thinks Bax wants by manipulating, threatening, and murdering. With everyone he loves in danger and a trail of crimes pointing back at him, Bax must scramble to solve the puzzle that will banish Ifrit forever.
Get your copy today
www.amazon.com/Brick-Darkness-J-L-Sullivan-ebook/dp/B09THQ24TC
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-brick-darkness-j-l-sullivan/1141068076
books.apple.com/us/book/from-brick-darkness/id1611997560 More about the author.
J. L. Sullivan writes young adult novels inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. He began his writing journey in high school with a local newspaper before venturing into creating writing in college where he found himself lost in contemporary stories with magic summering just underneath the surface. His debut novel about a dark reimagining of an ancient myth won multiple awards following its spring 2022 release. He currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth.
He loves to connect with readers on social media or by email at contact@jlsullivan.net.

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Around the Fire New Release Book Spotlight with K.R. Gastreich

Phew! We're almost through January. I haven't seen, nor experienced the month in two years. Of course it was the snowiest and coldest since we were last in New Jersey over the winter. Hubby and I tried to keep busy but I hate going out in the cold. Some antiquing, and vintage shopping happened. We had game night with friends. I finished reading a couple of books and I'm working on two of my own. Now without further chatter by me, please enjoy today's New Release Spotlight. Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds
Soul Masters - Book One
by
K.R. Gastreich

Paranormal Romance
February 7, 2024

He wants to claim her soul. But can she capture his heart?

About
On a hike through the forest, Mayela stumbles into a terrifying world where immortals hunt souls. To survive she secures protection from a Soul Master. When he demands payment, Mayela fights back. But how can she fight the desire consuming her heart?
Every soul Nathan claims expands the power of his realm. In Mayela, he finds a rare gift that could guarantee his place among the Soul Masters. All he must do is secure her allegiance without losing his heart. And Nathan has no heart to lose. Or does he?
With eternity at stake, Mayela and Nathan ignite a transcendent passion that breaks all the rules. Among the Soul Masters, a malevolent force awakens. The final hunt is on…

Pre-order your copy today.
Amazon      BN     Bookshop A peek inside.
Then everything froze. Joni, the customers, the cars outside. All movement simply stopped. The chime on the front door sounded. My throat went dry. Somehow, I knew what was happening. I knew who had arrived, though I didn’t understand how or why.
Twisting around, I peered over the rim of the booth. Standing in the doorway was the man from my hallucinations, a creature of the dark plains. Tall and slim, broad-shouldered, dark in aspect. That same man had beheaded a snake in my kitchen. Not my kitchen, I reminded myself. The illusion of my kitchen, part of the same hallucination of an impossible world. The Hunting Grounds, he’d called it. Where we go to hunt souls.
My mind spun with the impossibility of what I was seeing. He couldn’t be real.  Yet here he was, in Joni’s shop. Except, he looked different. His hair was peppered gray instead of black. His skin seemed a shade darker. Or maybe lighter? It was like wrapping my head around a mirage, trying to remember what he looked like in my nightmares. But the simple force of his presence, the quiet luminescence of his spirit, was unmistakable. That was him.
Without so much as a glance in my direction, the man stepped into the shop and started toward the counter. Everything stirred at once. Several people looked his way. Joni let go a long, low whistle.
“Well, I’ll be!” she exclaimed. “We haven’t had anyone that drop-dead gorgeous walk in here since…Well, ever!”
She kept staring, mouth agape, as he ordered coffee. Then her face lit up, and she jumped into action, wiping down the table next to me.
“I’ve got an idea,” she said. “I think you should go for him.”
“What?” I croaked.
“He’s totally your style.”
“I don’t date men in suits.”
“What are you talking about?” She laughed. “Look at him! It’s fate. I can feel it.”
“Joni –”
“Sir!” She called. “Sir, we’ve got an empty table right over here. Next to the windows.”
Holy crap! I sank deeper into my seat. “I’m serious, Joni! Send him somewhere else.”
“Straighten up, beautiful.” She patted me on the shoulder. “Give it a shot. What’ve you got to lose?”
Then she was gone. I cast about frantically for an escape, but there was no back exit from the booth. Unless I wanted to crash through the window. Could I do that? Crash through the window?
Yeah, I could do that. But I’d have to leave my insects behind, and –
And there he was, taking the table next to me. His chair scraped against the floor. His clothes rustled as he settled in. Minutes passed while my heart pounded inside my chest. I kept my face turned, pretended to stare out the window, wondered whether it would hurt to feel the glass shatter against my skin.
Idle talk filled the coffee shop. Customers came and went, orders were taken, steam forced through frothing milk.
Still the man said nothing.
I snuck a glance in his direction. Damn, he was handsome. Heart stoppingly so. Desire tugged at my gut, a strangely familiar sense of attraction, as if we’d known each other before this moment. As if I’d been bound to him in a time before memory.
About the Author
K.R. Gastreich is a recipient of the OZMA Award for fantasy fiction and the Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency, as well as a winner of the Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest. Her fantasy novels feature high-stakes romance, gripping battles, and darkly lyrical prose. In addition to Soul Masters and The Silver Web trilogy, she has published short stories in Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping.
A proud native of the American Midwest, K.R. Gastreich lived for many years in Texas and then in Latin America before returning to the Kansas City Metro where she grew up. When not writing she enjoys hiking, camping, studying dance, and spending time with her family.
To learn about new releases and other events, visit K.R. Gastreich’s website at krgastreich.com, or follow her on Instagram @EolynChronicles.

Website: https://www.krgastreich.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EolynChronicles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063135194840
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4431702.K_R_Gastreich

Around the Fire New Book Release Spotlight with Mary Morgan.

Greetings to all! I'm coming to you from Northern New Jersey. This year spending the winter workcamping in Florida didn't pan out. We had some repairs to our camper that took longer to fix than originally anticipated. 2HOOTs is up and running but our position in had to be filled. Que Sera, Sera. Remember the adage, man proposes, God disposes? Yup. It's happened to us. So, we change gears. That's what life is about, right? Since I'll be around in February, I've signied up for Valentine's Weekend at Brook Hollow winery. The information will be at the bottom of this post. So let's get to Mary's wonderful new release. What a gorgeous cover! ​ STEINAR
The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 3
By
Mary Morgan
Viking Historical Paranormal Romance
Release date: January 10, 2024
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
 
About the book.
To save the wolf, she must renounce her love for the man. 
Descended from the mighty Somerled, Lord of the Isles, Steinar MacDougall’s supremacy over the seas is fierce. On a quest for King William, he is captured by the enemy and presented with a favorable opportunity. Yet Steinar soon realizes his greatest threat comes from the woman who hides behind the mask of a warrior, and the quest for control might send them hurdling into the abyss of the sea. 
As leader of the Serpents, Inga the Ruthless travels beyond the isles bartering for goods with her brothers. After rescuing the feared Pirate Wolf during a storm, she surrenders her trust to the man and his inner wolf in order to claim the lost treasure of Odin. Though the journey is fraught with dangers, Inga fears her heart might be the one in peril, leading her to make the ultimate sacrifice. 
Will the sea be their salvation or doom them to a watery grave?
 
Universal Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/bx6ZGP
Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/27wlHuWcpcc  
 
The Spark of Inspiration for STEINAR 
With this third book in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland series, I had mapped out the path for Steinar during my trip to Scotland several years ago. The spark began while I traveled the North Sea to the Orkney Islands. My pen dashed across the pages of my journal jotting down ideas. The setting proved to be perfect, so I concentrated on the first two books. When the time came for me to write this Viking’s story, I assumed it would be an easy task. Ha! I assumed incorrectly. 
Let me share a glimpse behind the scenes of this Viking paranormal romance story…  
From the moment I began Steinar and Inga’s love story, I was unprepared for the surprising twists, mysteries, and betrayals while I wove their tale. As an author, I like to thoroughly plot out my stories. Each chapter has a theme and a direction. Yet I found myself constantly arguing with all my characters over various shifts in plots and scenes. When I finally relented months later, the story poured out of me in waves of writing. Steinar and Inga—both sea warriors—took control and led me, the writer, on an epic sea adventure. About the Author:
Mary Morgan is an international best-selling author of award-winning historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. During her research travels with her knight in shining armor to England, Ireland, and Scotland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. 
Her passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, Mary's tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. 
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then journey back in time within the pages of her books.
 
Connect with Mary here ~
Website/Blog:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/
Amazon Author:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/  ​ The perfect way to spend the day with your sweetheart or best gal pals!
Bring a picnic lunch. Enjoy a glass or two of wine and meet local Romance Authors. Finish off the day with handmade chocolates and a great book to read at home.
Check it out at~
www.facebook.com/events/2435427516665205
or
​www.facebook.com/BrookHollowWinery
​See you there!