I had the pleasure of interviewing D.V. Stone about her recent sweet romance release, Sophia's Magic Beans, a small-town romance with guardian angels, bookstore owners, and of course, a happy ending.

What's the story behind Sophia's Magic Beans?

Thank you for sharing your space with me today. When my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, called for submissions to their Jelly Beans and Spring Things series, I knew I would return to Lake Unami, where my other novella, Rainbow Sprinkles, took place. My imaginary lake community is a magical place where guardian angels help the residents with life and love.

What research did you do for Calliope, in particular her candy store and the struggles of running small business?

In my past, I owned Heavenly Brew, which appears in several of my books. It was a specialty coffee and tea shop that included retail and Christian books. Another business for me was a small restaurant and ice cream shop. I’ve also managed retail spaces for others. I’ve also been a single mom.

I live in a fairly rural area, so there are limited opportunities. Still, one of my favorite small businesses is Broad Street Books in a nearby town. They are a used book store. When we travel in our camper, we look for small towns to investigate. Cafes, bookstores, antique stores, and other places are big on our agenda.

Luke clearly considers integrity to be one of his core values, yet acting on it seems to have gotten him into trouble. What’s your advice for people struggling to uphold their values in today’s world?

It can be challenging in this rapidly changing world. For many, there is no such thing as truth. Because of my faith, I know where to go in times of trouble. Years ago, another business owner advised us that “everyone” skims off the top. Meaning taking money before reporting it for taxes. Also, to hire people “under the table.” As Christians, my husband and I couldn’t do that. We struggled, and the tax burden was enormous. We nearly lost everything before we were able to sell the business.

On your website, you mention hope as one of the ways we can get through life and love. What books have inspired hope for you?

Two books come immediately to mind. The first is The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Betsie, Corrie’s sister, thanked God for fleas in the midst of horrific circumstances. Can you imagine? Fleas hurt. But the fleas kept the prison guards out of the barrack they were housed in and protected them.

The second book is Hinds' Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard. It’s an allegory where Much-Afraid traveled to the High Places with her companions, Suffering and Sorrow. The difficulties that accompanied them but how keeping your eyes turned to those High Places transformed all three.

These stories touch my heart and have changed much of how I look at life. I know that I’m only a passer through. Hebrews 13 tells us, For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.

As an author of so many titles, you must have learned a lot over the years. What would you say is the most recent thing you’ve learned, and how does it compare with the lessons from earlier in your career?

When I began my writing journey, I knew nothing. Seriously. I’m not college educated, but what I am is an avid reader and curious about, well, everything. My first book is still a work in progress. The novel had all the mistakes I’ve learned to not make, like showing, not telling.

Grammar still eludes me, and my editors must sigh when they see an email from me. Lol! The most recent things I’m learning about are Keywords, Categories, and AI. I don’t use artificial intelligence to write, but I watched a video that really amazed me.

7. Finally, what’s your advice for writers who want to use their work to make a difference in the world?

Words have power. Use them wisely.

My husband and I were talking last night about how people communicate or don’t. One of the things we spoke of was telling the truth with love. So often, our words and actions conflict with our messages.

Write a story. Don’t preach. I’m not a Christian Writer; I am a writer who is a Christian. There is a difference. That means who I am, and my values often find their way into a story without being religious. It can be as simple as a group saying grace at dinner.

Think of it this way. If you are an avid health person, tell your story, from an encouraging point of view. Be careful about not slamming others. I read a book once that bothered me because of some unkind comments about an overweight person’s physical appearance. Imagine if you were the overweight person reading this story.

Keep your characters real. No one likes someone perfect. Sheldon Cooper is an ideal example. He’s usually correct in whatever comes out of his mouth or plans, but how angry it can make others.

Tell your story, but remember, not everyone will like you or your words.

Sophia's Magic Beans by D.V. Stone

Calliope Novak’s candy store made it through the shutdowns, but she still struggles with everyday costs. She juggles chores, work, and making time for Sophia—her six-year-old. Personal life? Non-existent.

Luke O’Brian confronts his boss and mentor after discovering his law firm’s involvement with a crooked politician and is reminded of the non-disclosure agreement he’d signed. He can’t break it without evidence—evidence that he can’t access after he’s escorted out of the building by security. Devastated, he reluctantly returns to his hometown to regroup.

Lake Unami in Northern New Jersey is a magical place. Rainbows and unexplained coincidences seem more normal than not. Guardian angels, bookstore owners, and an endearing cast of characters all come together to bring happiness and love to Calliope, Sophia, and Luke.

Sophia's Magic Beans on Amazon
Sophia's Magic Beans on Goodreads

About D.V. Stone

D.V. Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre, traditionally and independently published author. She writes books people want to read. When not behind the wheel of 2Hoots—a 41-foot long 13.2 feet high 5th Wheel camper, she rambles around town in Northern New Jersey in a white Camaro. She also loves travel and history.

D.V. is a wife to an amazing husband, mother to one son, and not your average grandma to three beautiful grands. A woman of faith, she believes and trusts in God.

She is also a contributing columnist with Still Moments magazine.

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