D

D
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.
***********************************************************

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Rosemary's winner is...

KILLARNEY


Congratulations!    Rosemary will contact you as soon as she gets her computer fixed!

Sharon, Mary and Lyn appear on-stage, holding hands, to take a bow
They hug each other and wave before leaving the stage.

"Just another Roast and Toast!"

Thanks to Rosemary for being such a fantastic Guest of Honour, and to everyone who commented and made this Roast such fun.  We really appreciate all the great comments.


Join us again on 1st July
when we'll be roasting  Caroline Clemmons at:



    Friday, June 24, 2011

    Romy Gemmell throws a Regency Ball at the Author Roast and Toast.


    The sun shines through the trees, dappling the wide driveway with dancing shadows. Inside the large country house, the girls are excitedly giggling and shoving and pushing as they each try to hog the long mirror in the large upstairs bedroom. Soon their very special guest Rosemary Gemmell, author of  the gripping novel 'Dangerous Deceit' will be arriving all the way from Scotland, for the banquet in her honour.  After the feasting there will be a ball and all the elegent ladies and their escorts  for miles around, have been invited. Longways dance, Cotillion  and Quadrille, the girls have been practicing their steps for weeks.

    "You're in luck again Lyn ," Mary grins, trying to adjust the bodice of her empire line gown, over her hugely inflated hooters. "Your long dress will hide your huge feet nicely."

    "My feet aren't big," Lyn retorts, it's your imagination. At least with this outfit you don't have to make me wear oversize shoes that I nearly walk out of."

    "Now, now, sisters," Sharon says soothingly, no squabbling.  We want everything to be just right for when Romy arrives. Don't forget your fans!"

    She smoothes her beautiful flowing gown over her shapely bubble butt and they make their way down the wide staircase to the dining room. 

    "Fans?" Mary asks..  "Do we have fans?  I thought they were coming to see Rosemary, not us."

    Lyn nudges her with an elbow and Sharon grabs her from behind as she almost falls flat on her face on the last step.  "Don't be silly, I meant these pretty lace fans.  Good job I remembered to bring them."
     
    Through the open door of the withdrawing room, a table with a white damask cloth holds several piles of Rosemary's book.

    Oliver, looking the image of Mr Darcy, in a gold waistcoat, wine coloured coat, white shirt and breeches, and long black riding boots, is putting the finishing touches to the tables. 





    What a feast he has prepared! Vases of fresh flowers decorate the huge dining table, which  groans beneath the weight of  tourines of White soup (veal broth), Pigeon Pie, Oysters, creamy, lemon Syllabub, Seed cake, almond Ratafia Cake, Madeira Wine, Negus a mulled wine, and  Ratafia a sweet golden cordial, much loved by Jane Austen herself.




    The sharp clip clop of hooves sends Lyn racing to the long narrow windows, looking out over the long drive.

    "She's here, she's here!" she yells, jumping up and down and forgetting she's supposed to be acting like a Regency lady.
    The hostesses rush outside as the phaeton drawn by a pair of matched black horses comes to a halt in front of the house. 

    Rosemary looks exquisite in her Rose Pink empire line gown and matching bonnet.Oliver helps her down from the carriage, raising her hand to his lips and presenting her with a bouquet of white roses and forgetmenots. The hostesses hug her and escort her into the house, chirping away like the sparrows in the hedgerows.


    Let Rosemary's banquet and ball commence and while we partake of the feast, a servant reads the blurb and an excerpt from 'Dangerous Deceit.'     

     Regency novel, Dangerous Deceit


    BLURB

    Spirited Lydia Hetherington is uninterested in marriage, until her brother's friend, Lord Marcus Sheldon, rides into her life to unseat her from her horse and unsettle her heart. An undercover spy for the government, Sheldon is equally unsettled. Lydia gradually finds her emotions stirred by Lord Sheldon. But what is his relationship with the beautiful Lady Smythe and his part in an old scandal? Spies, villains and a tangled web of deception bring danger, until a traitor is unmasked. 

    EXCERPT
     
    “I believe you have lost something, Miss Hetherington.”

    Lydia’s eyes widened as she watched Lord Sheldon lazily hold out his hand. He was holding a gold ribbon such as Agnes had threaded in her hair earlier that evening! She put her hand to her head and realized, belatedly, that her hair had started to come undone at the back. The ribbon must have caught on the bush where she’d hidden. She couldn’t think what to say for a moment until she saw the challenge in his stare.

    “I fear you must be following me, my lord. I was unaware that the ribbon had come loose as I took a turn around the garden. I wonder that you should know to whom it belongs.” She held out her hand. “Thank you for returning it.”

    She saw his shoulders stiffen and was sure he knew perfectly well that she’d seen him with the Frenchman.

    Then Lydia saw the speculation in his grey eyes replaced by amusement as he walked towards her. “Allow me, Miss Hetherington.”
    Before she guessed what he intended, his hands were on her upper arms and for a moment he was looking into her eyes. Then he gently turned her away from him. Next minute, he was expertly threading the ribbon through her hair.

    Lydia held her breath as she felt his fingers brush against her head. It was as if something was making her skin tingle. Too soon, he had secured the ribbon. Yet still his fingers lingered for a moment against her hair and she hoped he could not hear the loud beating of her heart. She tried to persuade herself that it was only because of her near discovery at eavesdropping. But she was far too aware of the nearness of his tall frame and the intimacy of the moment, and most especially the effect it was having on her.

    Then he was turning her around once more to face him. He stepped back at once and bowed. “I trust you will be more careful where you walk in future, Miss Hetherington.”

    Hoping she appeared more composed than she felt, Lydia replied as firmly as possible. “Thank you, my lord. It is my good fortune that you are so comfortable with a lady’s hair style and so solicitous of my well being.”

    Lydia returned his stare, determined not to betray how bereft she’d felt as he stepped away from her. There was no doubt that he’d seen her in the garden and was warning her. But against what, she wondered.



    Rosemary Gemmell is a freelance Writer and her short stories and articles have been published in a variety of magazines in the UK, US and online.Her first novel, Dangerous Deceit, romantic intrigue in Regency England, was published by Champagne Books in Canada, May 2011.
    Her first children's novel for 10-14 years, Summer of the Eagles,  is being published by MuseItUp Publishing in Canada next spring!


    http://www.ros-readingandwriting.blogspot.com 



    ***GIVEAWAY***
    To win a copy of Rosemary's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
    Contest ends tomorrow and everyone who comments is elligible.

    Saturday, June 18, 2011

    ROSEANNE'S WINNER IS...

    ROSEMARY GEMMELL
    Congratulations  Rosemary please contact Roseanne for  your prize at
    rodow62 at yahoo dot com

    Sharon, Mary and Lyn appear on-stage, holding hands, to take a bow
    They hug each other and wave before leaving the stage.

    "Just another Roast and Toast!"

    Thanks to everyone who commented and made this Roast such fun.  We really appreciate all the great comments.


    Join us again on 24th June

    when we'll be roasting  Rosemary Gemmell herself at:



      Friday, June 17, 2011

      Double the Trouble, Rosanne Dowell - a Cinderalla June Wedding June 17th



      Star light
      Star bright
      The first star I see tonight
      PhotobucketI wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight     
                                          
      In a land where dreams come true and billowy white clouds aimlessly drift, a  fairy tale castle  graces an azure blue sky.  The castle is as pretty as a white wedding cake. Gleaming white steps spiral to a three-story Queen Anne  with silver turrets and pearl gingerbread. A gentle breeze swooshes through the China  berry trees, stirring  the sweet perfume of wild orchids, roses and lilacs. From inside, music floats on a hush of sultry summer air as the hostesses prepare for the Cinderella wedding.

      We are pleased and honored to welcome back the delightful Roseanne Dowell to celebrate the release of her book DOUBLE TROUBLE.

      Looking roguish in white tails, Oliver stands in the glass foyer of the elegant ballroom to greet guests. With a wink and a smile, he hands each lady a cluster of wild flowers. The hall is elegant. Jasmine-scented candelabras flicker off floor to ceiling windows draped in satin curtains. Water trickles down a cascading waterfall, and a marble staircase ascends to the balcony like a stairway to Heaven.

      The cherry wood dance floor sparkles beneath the crystal chandelier. Silver buckets of lilies grace either side of a stone fireplace and  floating candles decorate the center of  each long table. The hostesses, donned in sweeping formal gowns, fuss to ensure all is perfect for the June Cinderella wedding.

      Looking elegant, Lyn bustles about, pleats  of her shimmering bronze gown swishing as she sets out the appetizers. She winks at Sharon, who looks ravishing in royal blue. “Oh, sweetie, how romantic, and I for one, can’t  wait to try on the glass slipper when the prince arrives!”

      Sharon smiles and hikes up her fluted skirt. She, like each of her sisters, is clad in only one glass slipper. “Oh, honey, me neither. It’s mine because I wished upon a star so bright.”



      Mary adjusts her diamond pendant in the center of her ample cleavage, then brushes a non existing wrinkle from her stunning gown of emerald green. “You wicked step sisters only wish. Don’t be ridiculous. Y’all know the prince only has eyes for Roseanne. It’s her glass slipper."

      With a gleam in her eye, AJ, looking chic in sizzling scarlet, tames down her wild hair in the beveled mirror. 


      “We’ll see sisters. Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest of them all.” 

      As the brass quartet plays, the sisters set out the feast Oliver has prepared. Cuddles, Nibby and Thor kick up their heels on the enchanted dance floor.




      Appetizers spin on Lazy Susan trays
      Peeled, Boiled Gulf of Mexico Shrimp with Tail-On, with cocktail sauce, crab Claws, Smoked Mussels, Fresh Shucked Oysters on the Half Shell, Caviar, and for the main course:
      Raspberry Chicken, thinly Sliced Tenderloin, Wild Rice Pilaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Puree, Vegetable Medley, Rolls and Butter, which will be followed by a dessert of, among other things, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Raspberry Brownies
       
      Sitting pretty on a glass pedestal next to a champagne fountain where orange blossom martinis flow free, a beautiful seven-tier white wedding cake with a glittering Cinderella slipper sits.




      With a blowing  of trumpets, the guest of honor arrives. A horse drawn white satin carriage with lace curtains glides to a halt.



      Oliver rushes to escort  Roseanne into the ball. With a sweeping bow, he kisses her and presents her with a bouquet of wild orchids.


      Looking drop dead gorgeous in a flowing white gown with full bustle and glittering crystal beading, Roseanne, elegantly donned with a diamond tiara, blows kisses to her adoring fans.



      DOUBLE THE TROUBLE
      Blurb

      Kate Wesley left Twinsburg, Ohio five years ago after her fiancé jilted her. Now she’s back, happy and content with her single life. She doesn’t need men to fulfill her dreams, she has her florist shop.


      Widower, Mark Westfield wasn’t interested in women. He had twin five year olds to raise, and they took all his time and energy. But Kate sparked something in him he hadn’t expected to feel again.


      Adam Shaffer left Kate two days before the wedding. Left a note and took off to Las Vegas. Biggest mistake of his life. But now they were both back, and he aimed to get Kate back. 


      Two murders, two men, one with five-year old twin daughters, complicate life for Kate Wesley. When the identical twin sister of one of the murder victims arrives in town more confusion erupts. Can Kate sort through this mess that has suddenly become her life?


      EXCERPT
      A shadow passed over the doorway, and Kate realized she wasn’t alone. She looked up.

      Adam stood in the doorway, the same cocky grin on his face. “Now that’s settled, how are you, Kate?”

      Kate couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t he take a hint? “What do you want, Adam?” She didn’t care if she sounded angry. He deserved angry.

      Adam came into the work room and stood in front of her. “You look great.”

      Kate looked away. So did he, but darned if she’d tell him. He looked too damn good. What was the saying? Fool her once, shame on him, fool her twice, shame on her. Nope, she didn’t need him or anyone like him.

       “So what do you want? I gave you all the information on Emma. Shouldn’t you be out investigating?” She picked up a flower and set it in a vase. Her heart beat so hard, it surprised her that he didn’t hear it.

      “Look, I know you’re still upset about the wedding, but give me a chance to make it up to you. How about dinner tonight?”

      “I’m busy.” Still upset? The man has no idea. Like we should pick up where we left off? He’s got to be kidding.

      “Tomorrow then?”

      “I’m busy tomorrow, too. Look, Adam, just go, okay. I don’t want to have dinner with you. Not tonight, not tomorrow, not ever.”

      “Come on, babe, don’t be like that.” Adam moved a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t blame you for being angry. But damn, it’s been five years.” He ran his finger along her cheek. “The least you could do is give me a chance to explain. Not that I’m sure I could. I’m not sure, even now, why I took off. Cold feet, I guess.”

      Kate trembled at his touch. A spark of something familiar tumbled in her stomach. She pushed his hand away. Try as she might, her anger shattered.

      “How dare you walk in here like nothing happened? Like we’re going to pick up where we left off?” Kate spoke through clenched teeth. What she really wanted to do was lash out and hurt him the way he hurt her, but a customer might come in and screaming wasn’t going to help anyway.

      Adam stared at her, a look of confusion in his dark eyes. He just didn’t get it. He really didn’t see anything wrong with what he did. Took the coward’s way out and left her to deal with canceling all the wedding plans. What a jerk. “Look, just go.” She turned back to her work and picked up a vase to fill her next order.

      Adam ran his hand through his dark, wavy hair. Hair she used to love to run her fingers through. She could almost feel the soft, silkiness of even now.

      “Give me a break, Kate. Let me make it up to you.”

      Part of her wanted to give in, and part of her wanted to throw something at him. Stay strong, get rid of him. No way was she picking up where they left off.

      The bell rang again, and before she had a chance to react, Mark stormed in. Kate’s stomach did a flip at the sight of him. What was wrong with her, reacting to these men this way? For five years men had no affect on her.

      Now in the course of an hour, the two of them managed to get under her skin, causing feelings deep within she hadn’t experienced in years. Feelings she didn’t want to feel.

      Mark stared at them for a second. “I don’t know what the two of you have going, but why aren’t you out looking for my sister?”

      Kate shuddered at the angry tone of Mark’s voice. “There’s nothing going on between us, Mr. Westfield. I just suggested the very same thing to Detective Shaffer,” she said just as angry. “Now if the two of you will continue this outside, I have work to do.”

      “I’ll call you later, Kate.” Adam acted as if everything between them was settled.
      Par for the course. Wasn’t that always how it was? She got mad, spoke her mind, and that was it. Over and done with.

      Nothing changed.

      Adam went on doing the same things he always did. Didn’t matter if it upset her. Poker every Friday night with his friends, no matter how angry she got.

      How they had managed to plan the wedding was beyond her.  Not that he did any of the planning. Adam didn’t even want to see the hall or listen to the band.

       No wonder he didn’t have any qualms about canceling the wedding. He didn’t do any of the work for it. Obviously, he wasn’t ready to get married. So why had he asked her? Asked her, heck, he had insisted. Even when she suggested they wait a year or so. He at least owed her an explanation. But did she really want to hear it?

      Double the Trouble was released in March 2011 from MuseIt Up Publishing
      http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/
      If you'd like to know more about Roseanne, check her 
      website: http://www.roseannedowell.com/ or
      her blog http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com/


      ***GIVEAWAY***
      To win a copy of Rosanne's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
      Contest ends tomorrow and everyone who comments is elligible.

      AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

      AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
      authorroast@btinternet.com
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