BLOGGING WITH BEVERLEY: Meet D.V. Stone and her New Release

Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Gloriana Hi, my name is Gloriana Jones. My parents were hippies, and Grandmas, Gloria and Anna, were two old fashioned for them. Try going through school named Gloriana.

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Gloriana I’m a Jersey girl through and through. I love the shore (in New Jersey we don’t call them beaches) and the mountains. I love Taylor Egg and Cheese sandwiches and not pumping my own gas.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Gloriana: Even though issues in my life are timeless, my story takes place in the here and now—Present-day Lake Unami in Northern NJ.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Gloriana: You know when you’re young, you have dreams. You fall in love, get married, and look forward to growing old together? I fell in love, and my husband Frank and I were nearing retirement and we had dreams. We were going to open an Ice Cream parlor. Frank would say, We could bring joy and smiles to people. But then my husband died. I tried so hard to keep the dream alive, but…

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Gloriana: Short term— to keep Rainbow Sprinkles running. Business has been tough. Bad weather and storms have put a damper on the ice cream business. Long term—may be to find joy in life again? Sometimes I get lonely.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Gloriana: Well, the spring and summer weather has been less than ideal for a seasonal business. If I don’t make enough to sustain me over the winter, I’m not sure what I’ll do. And, well, to be honest, I’ve recently met someone. His name is Nathan. We met during one of the recent storms. He’s charming and handsome too. Frank’s been gone a long time, but I’m experiencing guilt. And can we talk about insecurity? At this stage in life, everything is not where it used to be. Plus, he lives in a different state. Ah, who am I kidding? We had a moment, but the moment doesn’t have a chance.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Gloriana: Keep on keeping on. You know what I mean. Since meeting Frank, the weather has improved. Did I mention he’s a business consultant? I’m also looking into full-time employment to get me through the winter.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Gloriana: Yes, I’m a retired corrections sergeant, it’s a hard job. That’s where Frank and I met. My best friends and the only family I have are the people I’ve worked with through the years. They love and support me. They came up to Lake Unami recently and brightened my entire week. It’s important to have that kind of support.

Thanks for interviewing me today. If you’re ever near Lake Unami, stop in, and I’ll make you Rainbow Sprinkles signature treat. A salted caramel sundae with rainbow sprinkles.

Blurb for Rainbow Sprinkles

Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream. A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he's lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop. With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?

Excerpt for Rainbow Sprinkles

“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”

“No, you're welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”

Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I'll be right back.”

When he disappeared into the hallway, and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”

Buy links for Rainbow Sprinkles

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBook’s Google Books

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