As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.
This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
Sarah's winner is...
KAREN LOPP
Congratulations Karen, your prize is on its way.
Thanks to Sarah for being such a delightful guest of honour, and to everyone who commented and made this Roast such fun.
The hostesses appear on-stage, holding hands, to take a bow
They hug each other and wave before leaving the stage.
"Just another Roast and Toast!"
Join us again on Friday, 28th June when our Guest will be
SHEREEN VEDAM
at 7:30 PM 1 comment:
Sarah Hoss holds a Scottish Celebration for 'Dreams Of The Highlander'
Lush emerald hills covered with fragrant waves of lavender surround them.
The hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast take in the magnificent views of Scotland's highlands. The earthy scents of nature and fresh clean air seem to buoy the spirits of the girls. Oliver, resplendent in his kilt and crisp white shirt, can be seen organizing and directing the event. Laughter and the sound of many voices let them know the party is in full swing.
Lyn inspects their outfits. Each of them is wearing a different plaid to represent the clans invited. Lilting music fills the air. The girls are dressed in typical clothing for Scottish women, except for Mac, who is wearing a bathing suit.
"Hey, why are you all dressed like that?" Mac questions quizzically. I thought you said we were going to a clam bake."
"No," Lyn chuckles, "I said were meeting with the different clans, not eating
clams! Only you, sweetie."
"Well, thank goodness we bring extra clothing just in case. You never know when you might get hit by a pie in the face, or even tossed into a punchbowl." Mary hands Mac a fresh tartan and soon they are ready to party.
"Just look at that scenery. I can't believe we're in Scotland." Patsy is so excited to see the place she can barely contain herself. "Where's the restroom, all this excitement has me nervous and I forgot to go when we were at the airport."
"Well, there's just one thing I forgot to tell you." Lyn's grin widens as she breaks the news. "We're in the 1700s. Which means no restroom. That last little zip when we arrived, that was a time travel event.
"You mean when the lights went out and it felt like we were sucked into a tunnel?Gosh, I thought I was just hungover." Patsy groans.
"I was going to tell you, but I figured one of you might chicken out." Lyn giggles.
"Did I hear you right?" Mary bellows as she gestures to their clothing. "I wondered why you had us dress in blankets and what's with these shoes. There ain't a left and a right, it's a unilateral shoe!" Mary glances down at Lyn's feet and as she bends over Mac screams. "Where is your underwear?"
"One doesn't wear it with this type of clothing." Mary answers knowingly.
"First of all Mary, I don't think that applies to women. Secondly, it's gonna get awfully cold under that tartan." Lyn laughs and shakes her head. "Leave it to you to go commando, just don't bend over again. Please, have mercy." Mary cocks her head and listens. "I hear dancing music."
"It's a party! What did you expect?" With a wide sweep of her hand Lyn explains. "This is a croft, kinda like a farm. That dwelling is where the family who farms it lives. They are holding the party for our author."
"Are those cows? How come they aren't black and white?"
Mac, Foster on her shoulder, eyes the presence of a couple of heifers and a calf in the field. "Hope they have chickens and goats too! I just love animals."
"Me too!" Mary pats Nibbie, and watches Hampy, and Cuddles, as they hide in her long fur. "This place is perfect for the critters and of course Foster. Go ahead guys, go make friends."
"Hopefully, that's all they do!" Patsy watches as they run to greet the partyers. "Hampy, is pretty small."
"Look at all that food. What is it?" Mary wonders. "Well, there's Mead of course." Lyn grins.
"And some really neat food too. What is that?" Patsy eyes the tables of food.
"Collops, and it smells delicious. Don't worry it's just beef mince,oatmeal, onions and vinegar. Really delicious," Lyn tells her and points to the other foods.
"Fresh bread, cheeses, puddings, apple pie, fish, potatoes, chicken, it's amazing!
They have lamb, and look even oysters. Yummy! Can't wait to taste that aged Scotch whiskey. Mmmmm."
"Don't let me leave with anyone if I get snockered will you Lyn. I never drank it before."
Mary sighs and then adds as she spots rugged guys in kilts exiting the dwelling. "Never mind, I'm stayin' sober!"
Suddenly there is loud barking and a commotion. The girls run to see what's up and find that Nibbie has chased the crofter's cat up a tree. Hampy is clinging on for dear life. Foster has started to cast spells and we all know what that could mean. Last but not least, Cuddles is getting annoyed and bad things happen when he gets annoyed. Not to mention that the cat ran through the crofter's wife's, legs, on its way to the nearest tree. She happened to be carrying a large pot of cock-a-leekie soup and has fallen into it. Her legs flailing she screams at the top of her lungs and pandemonium pursues.
"Well," Lyn sighs. "Just another roast and toast."
Just then Sarah appears at the door of the croft, looking beautiful in an elegant green tartan gown, waving to them in greeting.
"Let's welcome our author, Sarah Hoss and give a hand of applause to her for her terrific story, 'Dreams Of The Highlander'. It can only get better from here on out!" With a shrug and a grin, Lyn follows the others into the medley of chaos…
Back blurb for Dreams of the Highlander.
Haunted by a recurring dream, Marlana Crawford ventures to Scotland in search of answers. But a careless wish lands her in the 17th century and the arms of Alexander Macpherson--a handsome, brooding, Highlander, who after losing his wife and babe during childbirth, vowed never to love again.
Surprised to find a mysterious, brown-haired beauty in his home, Alexander fights the undeniable attraction between them and is determined to figure out a way to send her packing without losing his head or his heart.
When Marlana has a chance encounter with his enemy, it changes the stakes, and Alexander is forced to face two battles, one to win Marlana's affection, the other to save her life.
Marlana sat, tapping her fingers on the table, wondering what she should do next. They couldn't keep playing this game forever. She laid her head down, trying to ease the headache. Visions of home danced through her mind and tears welled in her eyes. Sighing, she brushed them away like an unwanted visitor. She had to find a way back.
She sat up, then straightened her shoulders, and went to wash dishes. She needed something to do with her hands to keep her mind from wandering.
Just as she put the last dish away, Alexander walked back in the door. A small burst of rain blew in with him and she shivered, despite the warmth of the room. The air that followed was crisp and clean and she inhaled deeply. He still wore only his kilt and stockings, but they only came up to the knee. Part of his thigh showed and she wondered to herself how he could stand to dress like that in the cold and rain?
To her horror, she hadn't realized she had said it out loud, until he answered her.
"We Scotsmen have skin like leather. Besides, it is always raining, I'm used to it."
He laughed and she couldn't help but smile back, releasing a little of the tension.
He went to the table and poured some whisky. The deep amber color looked inviting. She'd had a shot once at a bar back home. It wasn't something she would want to drink all the time, but she could handle it. "May I have some?"
He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Do ye drink then?" When she nodded, he stood and fetched another glass.
He filled it about a quarter full.
"I drink on occasion, but I'm not a heavy drinker."
"Ye may want to ..."
She tipped the glass and downed all of its contents.
"... sip it," he finished.
Instantly, her eyes began to water, like the flood gates had been let open and she couldn't seem to control them. Her throat burned and she could feel the fiery path all the way down to her stomach. She raised her hand to her heated cheek and wouldn't have been surprised if flames had jumped off her face and scorched the walls. She started to cough.
Alexander came around and pounded her on the back. "Are ye all right, lass?" She was incapable of speech and shook her head. She waved her hand at him, motioning for him to go sit down.
He laughed as he went to his chair. "First, ye looked quite red. Now, ye look green. Are ye sure ye are well?"
When she finally got herself under control, she noticed she was well on her way to a great buzz with only one shot. How sad was that? Though she had a small frame, that whisky of his could take down a seasoned drunk. She had a mind to tell him, too. The whisky was warm—she would not be cold for a long time.
He poured her a little more. "Sip it," he said with a wink. "It will be better the second time."
She took a sip, hesitantly, and found once she got passed the initial shock, it was good. An acquired taste, for sure.
Time passed and they chatted amiably. She was getting drunk and he got entertainment. He poured her a little more, though, eyeing her as if trying to decide if this was a good idea or not.
Sarah Hoss grew up believing she could try anything and if she set her mind to it, she would succeed. Sixteen years of dance lessons, Cheerleading, and school plays proved to her that her parent's words rang true. Writing was no exception.
Reading the Outlander series made her fall in love with time travels and the historical places books could take her. Always a child with a vivid imagination, she realized as an adult, she could put her imagination to good use and began writing.
Marrying her very own hero, they live in Indiana in the town where she grew up. They have three beautiful children and one hyper dog. When Sarah isn't writing, she enjoys gardening, camping, and watching her kids play sports.
http://sarahhoss.blogspot.com
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Sarah's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
at 8:00 AM 32 comments:
Labels: 'Dreams of The Highlander', croft, hostesses, romance novel, Sarah Hoss, scotland, Time Travel
AJ's Winner is...
Maeve Greyson
Congratulations Maeve, we know you're in for a real treat!
Thanks toA J for being such a brilliant guest of honour, and to everyone who commented and made this party such fun.
The hostesses appear on-stage, holding hands, to take a bow. They hug each other and wave before leaving the stage.
join us again on Friday, 20th June, when our Guest will be SARAH HOSS
o comments is eligible.
She's got Dibs - A J invites the hostesses to partake in a glittering cocktail party
"This is just amazing," Mary whirls, flaring the silky black skirt of her Christian Dior dress.
"Wasn't it grand of AJ to send these outfits over?" Lyn fluffs the ruffled neckline of her Calvin Klein below-the-knee length dress. "I'd never be able to afford one like this on my income."
"You and me both," Patsy agrees. She runs her hands down the slinky off-the shoulder cocktail dress. "The label in this one says Anna Sui—whoever that is. I feel so…svelte."
"You look svelte," Mac laughs as she admires herself in a full length hall mirror, one of many in the entrance of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. "We all look svelte." She arches back to see behind. "My tag says Fendi."
"This is going to be one heck of a cocktail party if we're dressing like this." Mary's brows scrunch together in thought. "I wonder why they call them cocktail parties?"
"I can think of a few good responses to that one." Mac grins. "But I'll keep them to myself for now."
Lyn's gaze follows a male figure clothed in a black tuxedo. "I just love a man who can dress up and look good."
Mary sighs, eyes following the disappearing male. "He does look great but personally, nothing is more thrilling to me than a guy in uniform."
"I'd have to go with the muscular beach bum in a thong bikini," Patsy admits, dimples flashing.
"As long as he's walking, talking and packing, you'd be happy," Mac says dryly. "I've never known you to be particular as long as he's breathing."
"Ladies," AJ steps from the lounge and waves. "Don't stand in the hall. Come on in."
They follow AJ, gawking at the sophisticated and beautiful crowd. Men in tuxedos and women literally glitter with expensive jewels beneath the lavish many-tiered candelabra.
"This is right out of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!" Lyn stops by a waterfall cascading down the wall. "I wonder how they do this?"
"Maybe it's all an illusion," Patsy leans into see better. "But I can feel a light spray hitting my nose."
"Oh, it's real," AJ says. "Just to be sure, I stuck my hand in it before everyone showed up."
"How can you afford all this?" Lyn follows stumbles on the spike heels. "I didn't know you made this kind of money."
"Me?" AJ shakes her head laughing. "Not even. My friend Tessa is the events planner and all the famous dress designers are just wild to have their creations on display at these parties." She whispers conspiratorially. "The man who's hosting the event is worth half a billion dollars easy."
"Oh my," Mary fans herself. "I just know I'll say or do something stupid."
"How about an alcoholic libation to loosen you up." AJ motions to a passing waiter who just happens to look exactly like Oliver. "Bring the ladies a nice drink, something really refreshing. Tessa is so creative and there's a variety of flavored martinis. Everything from pomegranite to chocolate to key lime to the Waikiki Martini which is flavored with pineapple. For the more adventurous, there's spicy martinis with jalapeno stuffed olives."
"Oh, I don't want one of them," Mac reaches for a key lime cocktail. "My stomach would be groaning the rest of the evening if I even thought of drinking one."
"Well," AJ's brows arch and she taps her lips. "We don't want you getting sick, not with the spread Tessa has planned. Just for starters, she's put together mushroom ravioli, stuffed peppers with goat cheese, tuna nicoise crustini, grilled scallops wrapped in proscuitto, shrimp cocktail, bacon-
wrapped dates, crab canapes, carmelized onion tartlettes, and I can't even remember all the rest."
"Oh!" Lyn groans dramatically. "There goes the old diet."
"Why are you dieting?" Mac asks. "You look great just the way you are."
Even if you are dieting," AJ laughs as she leads them to a buffet table. "When you see what's for dinner, the diet will go right down the drain."
Tables covered with lacy off-white cloths line the wall, laden with extravagant creations never before seen by the women. Hors d'oeuvres on one table, dinner items including steamed lobster, oysters on the half shell, pheasant under glass, and filet mignon in the center, and, finally, a long table of scrumptious looking desserts including everyone's favorite--chocolate triple layer cake with fresh fruit on the side including fist-sized strawberries.
"Oh YUM," Patsy gasps. "I could graze here all night."
"And so you shall." AJ glances around the crowd. "There he is!" She almost dances with excitement. "Look while you can! That's a walking, talking billionaire."
The four women strain to see. Elegant and controlled, he strolls through the assembly, shaking hands, kissing cheeks and for every beautiful woman he nears, he graces them with a light caress.
AJ mutters for their ears alone. "I hear he's somewhat of a gigolo."
"Gigolo or not, he's about the most thrilling thing I've ever seen," Mac murmurs.
He stops in front of them. "Ladies," he smiles a million dollar smile. "Welcome to my party."
SHE'S GOT DIBS
Book blurb:
True love does not exist…or so event planner Tessa Adams learns the day she gets jilted—twenty-four hours prior to walking down the aisle. One-night stands are much easier, and with sexy philanthropists like David Brenner, how can she resist? Now if she could just get rid of him. Had she known the biggest event of her career would be working for David's father, she would have cut and run. Instead, she's unwittingly become a part of his parents' plan to destroy his life-long dreams.
Will sacrificing her love protect him or be the ultimate betrayal? Wealthy and gorgeous, David Brenner seemingly holds the world in the palm of his hand—his generous heart and infectious smile are just two in an endless stream of attractive qualities. But the one thing he wants, he can't have—a repeat of the passionate night he spent in the arms of a skittish Tessa Adams. His family's far-reaching power threatens to crush their dreams. To prove his love, he would risk everything…but will the return of her ex-fiancé be their final undoing?
"Dibs." He extended his hand.
Frowning, she accepted his greeting. "Dibs on what?
"No." He chuckled. "That's my name. Or well, actually, my nickname. Either way, it's what everyone calls me."
"O-o-okay..." The guy definitely had the smolder covered...and those incredible ice-blue eyes. Yikes!
"And you are?"
"Oh, Tessa Adams." She laughed.
"And everyone calls you...?"
Her frown returned. "Tessa."
"Oh." He scanned her face. "No nickname, huh?"
"Not that I recall at the moment."
He pressed his full lips together as if restraining a smile, eyes twinkling with merriment, and handed her the notepad. "Here's your confirmation number. The room's at the Waldorf Towers over on Park."
Two suites at the Waldorf? In this mess? What was he, a wizard? "Wow, great. Thanks so much for the help."
"Glad to be of service." He retrieved his briefcase and started down the corridor, abruptly stopped, and peered at her over the perfect slant of his shoulder. "And don't worry, Tessa, I'll think of a good nickname for you."
She offered him a blank stare. "Hey, knock yourself out."
Mischief danced along his lips before a grin broke free and he continued down the hallway.
"What a whack job," she muttered.
Award-winning author and editor, AJ Nuest, lives in a small farming community in NW Indiana with her loving husband, two beautiful children, and a bevy of spoiled pets. She and the cat are currently vying for dictatorship.
She's Got Dibs, won 1st Place in the Contemporary Category, Heartland Romance Authors, Show Me the Spark! Contest, 2010.
Website: http://ajnuest.com
Blog: http://ajbooks.blogspot.com
Email: ajnuest@yahoo.com
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.nuest
Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.nuest#!/pages/Tattered-Pages/259835887466
Twitter: @AJNuest
She's Got Dibs Pinterest Page: http://pinterest.com/ajnuest/shes-got-dibs/
To win a copy of a A J's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Labels: A J Nuest, Author Roast, Contemporary romance novel, hostesses, She's go Dibs, wealthy philanthropist
AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
authorroast@btinternet.com
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE OUR GUEST? DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR NEW RELEASE OR EVEN AN OLDER ONE?IF YOU FANCY BEING GUEST OF HONOUR AT ONE OF OUR PARTIES JUST EMAIL US AT THE ADDRESS in 'OLIVER'S RULES'!(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 'G' RATED BLOG SO NOTHING HIGHER THAN THIS RATING, PLEASE.)
Please grab this button to share on your website
Welcome to the Roast! This is a fun and interactive blog designed to promote our special guest. Illustrated by Hywela Lyn and written by Mary Ricksen, LaVerne Clark, Debby Grahl and Lilly Gayle
A Beastly Scandal, Shereen Vedam 's Fairytale Regency Roast
Pulled by a matching team of four spirited steeds, a gleaming barouche rumbles over the uneven road. Low branches of towering evergreens f...
MEET THE HOSTESSES
LaVerne Clark
LaVerne is a Kiwi (New Zealander - not the flight-less bird or strange, hairy fruit!) writing stories of romance, fantasy and suspense. She's a keen reader and loves to relax with a good book when she's not plotting murder and mayhem; or running around after her two children, rescued greyhound and husband.
Jazzy is her rescued greyhound and sidekick, who likes nothing better than 'chilling out'
LaVerne's WEBSITE
LaVerne's BLOG
PURCHASE HER BOOKS FROM HER PUBLISHER, THE WILD ROSE PRESS
Lilly Gayle
Lilly Gayle is a wife, mother of two grown daughters, and a breast cancer survivor. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and little dog, T.T. When not working as an x-ray technologist and mammographer, Lilly writes paranormal and historical romances.
Lilly grew up watching western, science fiction, and paranormal movies and television with her father. Her mother and both grandmothers taught her a love and respect for history, and she credits her love for reading and passion for writing to three wonderful teachers.
Visit her at www.lillygayle.com
Embrace the Darkness- Book Two in the Darkness Series. Available NOW
Back list available on Amazon.
Facebook Author Page Website/blog Twitter Publisher THE WILD ROSE PRESS
TT - Lily's female maltipoo with underbite!
Debby Grahl
Debby Grahl lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David, and their cat, Tigger. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach and a glass of wine at sunset. Her favorite places to visit are New Orleans, New York City, Captiva Island in Florida, the Cotswolds of England, and her home state of Michigan. She is a history buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and, of course, romance. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books.
Her first published romance, The Silver Crescent, was released by The Writer's Coffee Shop in January, 2014. The Paranormal Romance Guild awarded it 5 stars and First Place in the 2014 PRG Reviewers Choice awards in General Romance. Her latest book, Rue Toulouse, a contemporary romance set in New Orleans, came out January, 2015. Debby belongs to Romance Writers of America, Florida Romance Writers, Hearts Across History, and Lowcountry Romance Writers.
Her 'sidekick' is Tigger the amazing shadow striped cat
Debby's website:
http://www.debbygrahl.com
twitter.com/DebbyGrahl
https://www.facebook.com/debbygrahlauthor?ref=br_rs
Debby's Books on Amazon
Hywela Lyn (Lyn)
Hywela Lyn is Welsh - and proud of it, although currently exiled in England. She is all over the internet like a rash, but is most active on blogs and Facebook. Her immediate family consists of one long-suffering husband, two horses, a slightly manic but lovable rescued terrier and a feral cat. She writes futuristic and fantasy romance and is Published by the WILD ROSE PRESS and can be contacted at Lyn@hywelalyn.co.uk
When not writing or blogging she enjoys reading (while eating copious amounts of chocolate) and enjoying the outdoors with her horses and dog.
She is aided and abetted on the Roast by her sidekick the loveable but mischievous magical unicorn, Cuddles.
http://hywelalyn.blogspot.com
http://hywelalyn.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/Hywelalyn
Mary Ricksen
Mary loves Vermont and North Carolina in the mountains. Rows of corn and cherry trees were playgrounds in the summer. She loves animals, horses, cows, and critters who live in the wild. Small town life is her future haven after big city madness. She made up her mind that someday she'd be back in the country, even in just in her books. Love, happiness, a little bit of magic, and a hunky hero with a happily-ever-after ending is her favorite thing to read or to write. Especially if they are time travel!
Nibbie - Mary's sidekick - the lovable 'demon dog'
MARY'S WEBSITE
Purchase her books from her Publisher's SITE, The Wild Rose Press
This Blog is dedicated to the memory of our much missed and loved sister hostess, Sharon Donovan
Sharon was published with The Wild Rose Press, White Rose Publishing, Whimsical Publications and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Her WEBSITE and BLOG
Purchase her books HERE
We are excited about her latest story 'Kiss Of Death' which Sharon was working on before she passed away.
'Oliver'©SDonovan2011
Picture©iStockphoto.com/Nikada
(All pictures of Oliver on this blog and Sharon's Blog and website are copyright and may not be reproduced or copied in any form)
These are Sharon's own words to describe her best loved creation, her 'Man Friday ', Oliver
"Oliver is her butler, cabana boy and biggest nuisance. Although he has been trained in some of the best culinary schools in Europe, once he started working for Sharon, he lost all etiquette. Oliver is always ready to stir or shake up the perfect martini for you, flirt shamelessly with the pretty women authors and to fall in love at the drop of a hat. He will rudely stare, drool, pant, demand autographs, the whole time flexing his biceps while wildly winking."
See The hostesses' Tribute Post to Sharon
*MARTINI MENU - SHAKEN OR STIRRED BY OLIVER WITH A SMILE!
Cherry Bomb Martini
Cosmopolitan Martini
Dirty Martini
Green Apple Martini
James bond Martini
Lemon Drop Martini
Mango Passion Martini
Martini Rouge
Metropolitan Martini
Orange Blossom Martini
Pear Martini
Peppermint Martini
Pomegranate Martini
Sexy Devil Martini
Sour Apple Martini
White Chocolate Martini
<br />The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.<br />
Thanks Coffee Time Romance
Thanks Deirdra Eden-Coppel
From Hywela Lyn
From Sharon Donovan
Sarah Hoss holds a Scottish Celebration for 'Drea...
She's got Dibs - A J invites the hostesses to part...
Lilly Gayle Congratulations Lilly, we know you'...
Powered By Invesp
Sharon Donovan
Rebecca Ryals Russell
P L Parker
Linda Conrad
Lady Victoria Kelly
It's Not All Gravy (Mariann Miller)
Hywela Lyn (Romance That's 'Out Of This World
A J Best
Author Roast and Toast Hostesses. Awesome Inc. theme. Theme images by molotovcoketail. Powered by Blogger.