Welcome, D.V! I'm so happy you’re dishing the pie with me! The first question I always ask my guests is: Do you like desserts?
D.V: I do like desserts, and much to the horror of many people, I’m not a huge fan of chocolate. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hater, but I prefer vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, and other spices.
Monique: I can identify. When it comes to chocolate, I can take or leave it, but caramel, toffee, fudge, or lemon will get me every time. What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us?
D.V: One of my go-to recipes is called Lightning Cake. Thus named because you can make it fast. Here’s the recipe.
1 cup flour
milk
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Directions
To one cup of flour, add baking powder and sugar. Break 2 eggs in one cup measure and fill the balance of the cup with milk. Stir together. Add oil and vanilla. Bake in a greased 7 x 11 pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
The cake isn’t too sweet, which I like. I usually add a dollop of some kind of jam to the top. I particularly enjoy fig.
Monique: That's quick and simple.
D.V: Now that’s the recipe, but I often go rogue with it. Last time I added cinnamon and instant coffee. Sometimes cocoa powder. It’s your kitchen, have fun.
Monique: Very versatile. Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast, D.V? If so, what was it?
D.V: Of course! Apple, blueberry, lemon blueberry. It’s fruit. Sometimes in the morning, a little sweet is exactly what you need.
Monique: Haha…fruit is part of our five-a-day 😊. Are you married?
D.V: Oh, you may be sorry you asked this one. I am married.
Monique: How long have you been together?
D.V: Thirty-one years.
Monique: How did you meet your husband?
D.V: We met in a women’s state prison. I’d been there about five years when he was hired as a correction officer.
Monique: Gasp! You were in prison??
D.V: Okay, I’ll let you off the hook. I was an emergency medical technician for the medical department.
Monique: Good one! Loved the hook. How did your husband propose?
D.V: We actually were engaged in the prison. I was out on the grounds for a call. My radio kept yapping at me about when I was coming back. Dude, when I’m done. So annoying, and I got angry. Afterward, I head back to my office and marched through the connecting door to the charge nurse. She stopped me and pushed me back into my office and closed the door. Pete was behind it and had my ring hanging from a balloon. The prison was in lockdown until he could get to lineup. That’s what all the calls were for. We often mess with people when we meet and drop the bomb of me being in prison, and let it marinate a bit before we let them off the hook.
Monique: You made me chuckle. I love your sense of humour. What do you love most about your husband?
D.V: Pete is a man after God’s own heart, in my opinion. He loves sharing about Jesus. He is part of our missions team at church and goes on short-term missions often. Due to some health problems, I’ve not participated in recent years, but this year I’ll be joining him in distributing Thanksgiving baskets to a community in West Virginia that has a high poverty level.
Monique: That’s amazing, and very heartwarming, D.V. I pray for your good health. Where would you be more at home? The countryside, suburbia, the city, or beach?
D.V: Even though I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and lived on and off there in my younger years, I am now a country girl through and through. I lived on a dairy farm for a while, and then lived in a small town, but since marrying Pete, I have lived in a rural part of NJ. Yes, we have rural parts. A lake is in front of my house, and a state forest is behind. If you have ever heard of the Appalachian Trail, it’s less than a mile away. We’re regularly visited by foxes, bears, bobcats, and too many deer to count.
Monique: That sounds so peaceful! Which type of music do you like?
D.V: Music is almost always on in my house or car. I reference it in some of my books. I have very eclectic tastes. Classic rock, Jazz, Big Band, and Prime Country are on my secular list. Hymns in a more modern style that still have the original words are on repeat, as well as Praise and Worship.
Monique: It was so lovely getting to know a little about you, D.V. Would you tell us a bit about your book?
A Christmas Storm
D.V Stone
In the spirit of Dickens, a delightfully sweet holiday story about family love and the opportunity for second chances.
An early storm is brewing in Upstate New York, and military wife Lacey Prescott is
caught unprepared when it turns into a blizzard. Defeated by her own lack of preparation and the recall of her husband’s Christmas holiday leave, her joy in the season is replaced by bitterness and anger.
In an unexpected turn of events, Lieutenant Matthew Prescott’s leave is reinstated. But the journey home is not an easy one since a Nor’easter stands between him and his family.
Amidst the storm’s fury, Lacey gets a glimpse of the past, present, and possible future, while Matt gets assistance from a mysterious stranger.
In a heartwarming story of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected kindness of strangers, the possibility of a Christmas reunion brings a sense of hope with a message of love and support from friends and family that embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
D. V. Stone is known for her engaging and captivating storytelling, often weaving elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure into her novels. Her official website, dvstoneauthor.com, serves as a central hub for fans and new readers alike to explore her literary works, learn about upcoming book releases, and gain insights into her creative process. The site typically features detailed book descriptions, author blogs, and exclusive content such as interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at her writing journey. Additionally, visitors can find information on where to purchase her books, sign up for newsletters, and connect with DV Stone on social media. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to her stories, dvstoneauthor.com offers a comprehensive and inviting space to immerse yourself in the world of DV Stone’s imagination.
Hali, her rescue dog, always reminds her to let readers know, “Woof, woof.” Which loosely translates to “support your local animal rescue.”
You can learn more about D. V. by following her on Social Media.
