AND THE WINNER IS.....

KATIE HINES!

Congratulations Katie! If you haven't already seen Linda's message in the comments section, can you email her at

linda@lindalaroque.com

to arrange your download.

Thanks again to everyone who took part. Without you to add your comments, poor Old Oliver would spend a long time preparing all that virtual food for nothing!

Linda La Roque and the haunted canyon

The moon shines over the rim of the canyon, where a few early stars are showing. Below, in the canyon, everything is shrouded in a veil of encroaching darkness.

Nothing disturbs the silence, except for the soft clip-clop of a mule as it makes its way along the floor of Chaco Canyon. The woman who rides it sits straight and tall in the saddle. From time to time she glances up at the Fajada Butte as if expecting to see someone, or something at its summit, watching...waiting.

Somewhere far off a wolf hows, its mournful cry, disturbing the silence. At once the rider halts, listening. Is that really a wolf - or the spirit of Nukpana, the evil one? Tonight is known throughout the Western world as 'Halloween' - All Hallows eve. A night of great significance to all who practice the dark forces. The rider has important work to do - to alert the world to the words of a 1000 year old prophesy, as told in her new book 'Flames On The Sky'. She urges the mule forward and at last reaches the large pueblo, known as 'Una Vida'. She dismounts and looks around nervously. The witch who owned it has not been near her house for many centuries - but will she appear if she senses intruders?

A shadow materializes out of the darkness of the house before her. She sees the dark form of Oliver, dressed as a shaman, a skull headed staff in one hand. He inclines his head slightly, the moon, now fully risen, revealing a wicked gleam in his eyes, which immediately glaze over with slave-like devotion as the moon scuds from behind a cloud to reveal her face. "So, Ms LaRoque, you are here, as promised. Come, my mistress and her companion await you."

Taking her hand, he leads her inside the dimly lighted pueblo, where Lyn and Sharon are waiting to greet her. As Oliver, with undisguised admiration, hands her a guava marguerita, Lyn bids Linda join them on the woven mat, where they both sit cross legged.

"Welcome Linda, I see the spirits let you pass in safety. As you see, Oliver has prepared sustenance for you after your journey." She waves a hand toward the plates of cornbread, fresh made tortillas, salsa dips, enchiladas dripping with melted cheeses, frigoles, Tameles, Poc Chuc, Pollo Pibel, stuffed picante Palbano Chilies, Guacamole dip, ceviche, and Chilies Renellos.

Nearby are flans, Sopapilla Cheesecake, Tres Leches, Churros and Mexican Wedding cookies

"Do have a cheese pastie," Sharon puts in, Oliver made them to a special recipe. We're expecting guests tonight, so he's made plenty of food to go around - she laughs a little nervously, provided of course, they're of the human variety!

Linda is a retired teacher who loves Texas, its flora and fauna, and its people. Her stories paint pictures of life, love, and learning set against the raw landscape of ranches and rural communities in Texas and the Southwest. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, her local Heart of Texas RWA where she serves as president and Davis Mountain Trail Writers. She makes her home in Central Texas with her husband their dog Molly. They have two grown children and one grandson. You can read more about Linda’s work on her website at www.lindalaroque.com/
Purchase your copy of Flames On The Sky HERE:

Blurb:
The Anasazi whispered of this evil and of the woman who could defeat it.
Fire, sky, and stone must unite to fulfill an ancient prophecy.

Madison Evans inherits a turquoise locket, travels to New Mexico, and discovers the stone dates back to the Chacoan Anasazi. When she's attacked, parks ranger Lonan Stone, of Chacoan ancestry, fears Madison's turquoise is a missing twin of the revered Fallen Skystone, an egg size piece of turquoise on display in Albuquerque. The mystical stone is missing two slivers – one’s in Madison’s necklace, the others whereabouts unknown, but if united by evil they can destroy.

Madison and Lonan are part of a 1000 year old prophecy to save Chaco Canyon. Thrust back in time, they meet a witch, solve a murder, fall in love, and imprison a 1000 year old evil spirit. Their mission complete, can these two people from different cultures blend their lives as the prophecy predicted?

Excerpt:
Madison felt as if she’d traveled to the Twilight Zone. Lilly’s claims were preposterous, but, she couldn’t deny what she’d seen on the cliff face or the dreams.

“Yes, you need to tell me about the dreams. They started at the time you received the necklace, right?”

Madison nodded. “How did you know?”

“I assumed the ancient Elders would haunt you, but when Lonan called yesterday, I knew so for a fact.” Her smile was sympathetic. “Tell me about them.”

Lilly’s eyes lit with excitement as Madison talked. When she finished, the older woman leaned back and closed her eyes.

Lonan’s brow was furrowed, his mouth pinched. “What did you mean when you said, ‘You are the one’?

She pierced him with an intent look. “Did not Madison say you were the very image of the warrior in her dream? The prophecy requires that someone from the past, which is you, son, be chosen to be Madison’s protector.”

Lilly turned to Madison. "Oh, no. I don’t think I want to hear this." She held up her hands and shook her head.

“No—”

“Yes, Madison, with hair of fire, whether you like it or not, the gods chose you, someone from the future, to find the third stone and reunite the twins with the mother stone. Together, you two will find a way to consign the evil one to the pit below Mother Earth, where he belongs.”


And now for the secret question, answer this and one lucky commentator will receive a copy of Linda's 'Flames On The Sky'. "What do you think is Oliver's worst Halloween nightmare?"

AND THE WINNER IS:

Mary Ann Miller

The winner of Katie Hines' prize is:

Congratulations Mary, please contact Katie at the email on her website:
http://www.katiehines.com

Tailgate Party with Katie Hines

Hello and welcome to The Author Roast and Toast! We are tailgating for today’s roast just outside Death Valley, gearing up for another game at Clemson University with the legendary Fighting Tigers! And if that isn’t reason enough to get you cheering, Katie Hines is with us to celebrate her soon to be released book, Guardian, a middle grade urban fantasy. The crowd is on fire, the atmosphere electric. In the distance, the steady drum roll echoes from the hill where the cadets guard Howard’s Rock. Tiger Rag plays from cars and radios to gear up the already vivacious crowd of fans. The air is singed with the tantalizing aroma of grilled burgers, hot wings, chicken and veggie shish kababs, baked beans and adrenaline!

And in the center of the chaos, Oliver stands, flipping burgers, donned in his bright orange Tiger jersey and wool cap. Adding some sauteed peppers and onions to the burgers, he turns around to the hill where the Howard Rock is proudly displayed on a pedestal and pumps his biceps before breaking out in song. Then he puts the finishing touches on his baked beans, the ones he’s entered in the contest. He casts a wicked wink to Katie, blows her a kiss and thanks her for whispering the winning ingredient in his ear.

Sharon, Lyn and Mary, festively dressed in their Tiger shirts, serve beer to Katie and her friends. Cuddles and Junior proudly flaunt their tiger mascot suits.
Unable to control himself, Cuddles charges up the hill to the legendary rock, rubs it with his horn and charges down the hill like one of the players. The fans roar with delight and scream with laughter! And amidst all the mayhem and mystique associated with the South Carolina tailgat party prior to the game, Katie tells us a bit about her upcoming release

Katie Hines has been writing snippets here and there as long as she can remember,
but became serious about writing while in her 40s. Since then, she has been a contributing feature writer and columnist for a local newspaper, has written several features
articles for another area newspaper, and wrote religious and humor articles for an online Catholic ezine. Her short story, “My Name is Bib,” was published by the Loch
Raven Review in October, 2008. Finished with her middle grade urban fantasy, “Guardian,”
Hines is currently working on another middle grade urban fantasy novel, as well as a couple of chapter books, and is extending “My Name is Bib” into a full young adult novel.

Short Blurb:
Imagine you have made a secret promise that can lead you to an incredible treasure and an ancient power. But in order to fulfill that promise, you must defeat an age-old sect determined to claim the treasure and power themselves. Coming soon in 2009 - "Guardian" a middle grade urban fantasy.

Guardian, Excerpt from Chapter 1:

“This is a secret meeting,” Drew Newman whispered as he pulled his letterman’s jacket close. He sat perched on a log beside the crackling fire at the edge of his backyard. His green eyes darted back and forth between his two friends. “You can’t tell anyone what we’re going to talk about.”

“Dude, I’m a real man. Of course I can keep a secret.” Javon Manson ground out an ember that popped from the fire and fiddled with his do-rag, shifting his muscular body as he tried to find a comfortable position on his log.

Mattie Royz shivered as a chill wind tossed her red hair into blue eyes. She pulled her windbreaker tight around her petite, slightly plump frame. “Oh my gosh, Javon, you are so lame. I’m not a ‘real man,’ but I can keep a secret, too.”

“All right.” Drew slid the marshmallow off his roasting stick and popped it in his mouth. Hearing a noise, he turned toward the trees that stood beyond the flickering light of the fire.

At that moment, a stranger carrying a sword stepped from the night’s shadows and approached the teens, a dark hood hiding the man’s face. A gust of wind brought the smell of rain and tossed his black cloak aside, revealing a pristine white tunic and a red sash belted his waist.

Drew sucked in his breath as the man walked up to him, sword held at his side.

“Stand up,” the man commanded, pointing his sword at Drew. Shaking, Drew gulped and stood, then tripped on a loose shoestring.

“Stand up,” the man said. When Drew stood, the man lifted the tip of his sword to Drew’s chin.

“Where is it?”

“Where is what?”

“Don’t trifle with me. Where is the book?”

Drew was so nervous he couldn’t think. “What book?”

“Yeah, what book,” Javon said, surprising Drew. Drew glanced at Javon and Mattie, who had come to stand beside him, nervously shifting from one foot to another.

“Shh,” Drew whispered.

“It’s a very special book,” the man prodded again. “You know which one.”

Drew wiped his sweaty hands on his Levi’s, inhaling the familiar, pungent odor of the campfire. Only one book was special. A journal. His mom’s journal. He’d touched it, and when he’d done so, it had left a peculiar scar on the back of his left hand. She’d cautioned him not to tell anyone about the book or how he’d gotten the scar. What did this man know of her book?

Katie Hines
Children's Author
http://www.katiehines.com
http://katiehines.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Hines/1442953493
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/katiehines

And now let’s have some fun! Answer the following question and Katie will reward one lucky winner with a TBA prize! But in order to be entered in the contest, you must answer the following question. The cannon ball fired and a drum roll commences:

What is Katie’s secret ingredient she whispered in Oliver’s ear to ensure his baked beans would win the contest?

AND THE WINNER IS.....

J HAILI!

Congratulations! You've won Helen's Prize download in her Highland Extravaganza!
Hope you enjoy your prize
(Sorry, no, it's not Oliver in a kilt! LOL)

Helen Hardt in the Highlands of Scotland

Thank God it’s Friday! And time for another featured guest to be sizzled at
the Author Roast and Toast. Today’s victim is the lovely and talented HELEN HARDT

And in keeping with Helen’s short novel BLOOD WOLF
The hostesses along with Oliver, Cuddles and Junior have come to the Highlands of Scotland, an area of enduringly rugged wilderness, majestic mountainsides and austere beauty.

And standing tall amidst the coppery beaches, dense woodlands and rocky landscape is Oliver’s castle.

Dressed in his signature kilt, he prepares the meal for the guests. An insatiable scent wafts through the kitchen from a pot of Cream of Cauliflower soup with caramelized onions. Lifting the lid to stir and sample, a steamy mist of culinary delights tease the palate. The organic salmon with crushed potatoes are ready for the grill, and the green beans with Arran mustard sauce is on the counter. Humming along to Danny Boy, Oliver trudges down to the wine cellar and chooses a Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages and a bottle ofDrambuie aperitif

But just outside the castle, cradled deep in the Highlands is the magical Lake of Loch Ness where mystical monsters lurk. Proceeding with caution, Cuddles gingerly dips his enchanted horn into the lake to test the waters. Junior, his partner in crime, keeps vigil…just in case the mystical monster rises from the depths.

And from the wavering Highlands, the sound of bagpipes echo, the melancholy tune evocative.Sentimental fools that they are, the hostesses, Sharon, Lyn and Mary, dab at their eyes with their lace handkerchiefs. Costumed in Scottish attire, the four
piece ensemble of chemise, bodice, pleated skirt and shawl,the hostesses anxiously await their guest.

And as the sound of bagpipes grow louder and louder,the coach appears and Helen Hardt steps out, donned in an off the shoulder green dress, velvet corset, pleated skirt and matching hat. She smiles and waves at her adoring fans. Cuddles and Junior, sporting festive green berets, frolic along in gleeful bliss while Oliver proudly escorts her to the inscribed gold plate in the courtyard.

Helen Hardt is an attorney and stay-at-home mom turned award-winning romance author. She met her real-life hero in law school, and they live in Colorado with their two teenage sons. Helen writes contemporary, historical, paranormal, and erotic romance for Ellora's Cave, The Wild Rose Press, and Aspen Mountain Press. Her non-writing interests include Harley rides with her husband, attending her sons’ sports and music performances, traveling, and Taekwondo (she’s a blackbelt.) Visit Helen at
http://www.helenhardt.com/
and

http://www.helensheroes.blogspot.com/

Blurb for Blood Wolf:

When mysterious Damian MacGowan saves Suzanne Wood from a gang of thugs in a small
Scotland town, she's beyond grateful. But his possessive need to be near her troubles her. Damian doesn't understand why he's drawn to Suzanne. He knows only that he must have her, or he will die. As the two get to know each other, love blossoms. But Damian has a secret, and an enemy, that may keep him from Suzanne forever.

Excerpt:

Suzanne’s skin erupted into tiny bumps. She did feel a connection, and it scared her. “This is insane.”

“No, it’s not. I can’t explain it, love, but I feel it. I’ve been hard since you came here. I hadn’t even met you, yet I knew you were in trouble tonight, and I came for you.” He raked his fingers through his mass of dark waves.

A bolt of lightning struck her sex. He was so gorgeous. “You don’t understand. I just got out of a messy relationship. It would be a mistake for me to...” She paused, his words sinking into her mind. “What do you mean you knew I was in trouble?”

“I felt it. I knew exactly where I had to go to find you. I smelled your fear.”

“Damian, what is it with you and smell?”

“I don’t know. I can’t explain it. But I am certain of one thing.”

“What?”

“That you’re mine.”

“Oh.” Suzanne sighed as his gaze seemed to penetrate her. She didn’t doubt that he believed the truth of his words. This beautiful man said more with his smoldering eyes than most people said with language. She couldn’t deny that she felt a bond with him. But that’s textbook, she told herself. I’m attracted to my savior. Who wouldn’t be?

Damian approached her, took her hand in his, and caressed her palm with his scabbed fingertips. “I don’t expect you to understand this when I can’t explain it to myself. But there is not a doubt in my mind that you belong with me.”

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know your hair is the color of burnt mahogany, and it feels like silk against my skin.” He sifted her tresses with his fingers, then cupped her cheek. “I know your eyes are like the night fog, with little golden sparks that pierce the thickness around my soul.” He ran his thumb across her lower lip. “I know your mouth tastes of wintergreen and fresh blueberries. I know your body feels like heaven pressed to mine. I know your beautiful name fits you. I know there’s an idiot somewhere who let you go, but I thank God for his stupidity.” He lightly traced the angle of her jaw line. “I know ye’re mine.”

Helen will be giving away a print copy of the Got Wolf anthology Volume One, which contains her short novel Blood Wolf. And in order to be entered in the drawing, you must answer the following question and leave it as a comment. Here it is and good luck!

What is your interpretation of the Loch Ness monster?

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

Yes, folks, Roni has very generously offered not one, but three prizes.

First is Heather Justesen. She can choose any of Roni's books in print OR an early release of Trouble in Texas in pdf form as soon as its ready (end of October/early November).

She is also happy to give away a free pdf of one of her books to M. Flagg and Stacy Netzel.

Congratulations ladies, we know you're going to love these great books.

Please email Roni at roni@roniadams.com to let her know your choices.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented - please come again, it might be your turn to be a prizewinner next!

THE ROAST AND TOAST WELCOMES RONI ADAMS TO A GRAND OL' TEXAS BARBEQUE AND RODEO

The three hostesses are all in a spin.

They’re expecting a very special guest at the annual Roast And Toast rodeo - Roni Adams, and are making sure they’re all dressed for the occasion.

“Sharon,” Mary calls, “hurry up, if you want me to help you pick out a Stetson to go with that elaborate, jewelled, Western outfit you are wearing. I hope you don't outdo our guest. Lyn, would you please get Cuddles out of that refrigerator. He's been stuffing ambrosia down his throat and it's getting all over his costume. I have never seen a unicorn dressed as a huge hawk before.”

Lyn grabs Cuddles by the scruff of his neck and sponges him down. “Cuddles, what are you doing? You know we’re entered in the barrel races later on, and I don't want to get my best rodeo shirt mussed up either!”

Mary turns to survey the banquet Oliver’s prepared for the guest.

Oliver has spread out the chips, and enormous bowls of various home made salsa and the hugest pot of barbeque beans ever seen.

“Good job, good job,” Mary nods approvingly, dipping a chip into salsa before Oliver swats her hand. “And holy cow, a side of beef, whole pigs, and chicken, brisket, sausage and barbeque beans - it all looks delicious.” Mary pauses to catch her breath, drooling over the feast. “Just look at that chilli, for goodness sake, that's amazing. Golden cornbread, jars of honey, southern biscuit's, what's that fry bread you say, oh, it's an Indian thing, the aroma is unbelievable.”
So Oliver how many people are you expecting? You say an entire company? Authors, old and new, editors, senior editors, friends, heck even the accountant, WOW! She has some following. I know it's because she is so nice.” Roni Adams is so friendly, she radiates. I once watched her hug every writer she met at a party; (She pauses for breath.) “Hey how about this hat Sharon? It's a wonderful shade of mauve, and matches your outfit. By the way, that vest and jacket look fabulous on you. Here Lyn let me help you with your boots, Cuddles is outside flying around, looking to warn us when Roni gets here. “ Mary turns to Sharon, unable to contain her excitement.

“The rodeo will be a blast, I love barrel racing. And Willie Nelson may show - phenomenal! Wait Junior, yes your bandana is beautiful, you look very handsome. I am assigning you to protect Roni.”

All at once Cuddles flies in, trotting round and round and pointing toward the doorway with his horn. Mary, Sharon and Lyn rush outside, and scream in unison, “Yeee Haaaarh!”. A covered wagon draws up, drawn by two matching blanket spot appaloosas. Oliver helps the guest of honour descend. Roni Adams looks gorgeous. She is wearing an unbelievable outfit. Her Western show shirt complements her figure . And would you look at those rhinestones glittering in the blazing sun. Holy heck, where’s my shades? Her leather tooled cowboy boots match her outfit perfectly, and the Stetson, set at a jaunty angle completes the ensemble. Oliver waves away the four hunks who act as bodyguards and with Junior trotting close by, escorts her to the waiting hostesses.

With a devilish wink, Oliver takes the lovely Roni by the hand and shows her to her seat from which she will have the best view of the arena and the day's events. But first things first, he presents her with an icy glass of sweet tea. Kicking his heels up in the dust, he plucks his Stetson off his head and humbly asks, “If I might be so bold as to request your autograph, Ms. Adams?” He puts his hand inside his Western shirt and produces his copy of one of her books. Holding it close to his heart which is all a flutter, he turns to Roni’s adoring fans. “Ladies and Gents, may I introduce the one and only Roni Adams!”

Roni stands and waves at the people gathered around the arena. For the moment the forthcoming barrel racing and steer wrestling events are forgotten, all eyes are on Rhonda, for it is she everyone has really come to see. Oliver waits until the cheers die down, then clears his throat and reads from the paper held in a hand he can scarcely keep from trembling with excitement.

Roni Adams currently resides in a tiny hamlet in Upstate New York. She’s been
married for 24 years and has three sons, ages 13, 19, 21. Although, she’s been writing since she was 7 and has the “wonderful” short stories to prove it, she admits that she took a long leave of absence after getting married. When she finally returned to writing, it was as if a dam had burst and stories flew out of her into the computer. She sold several short stories to publishers Dorchester and Adams Media where she was published in True Confessions, True Romance, and A Cup of Comfort for Women in Love.

She released her first novel, “Beauty and the Geek” with The Wild Rose Press in thefall of 2007 and has steadily had two to three publications out each year since that time. She loves writing cowboy stories the best and is in the middle of a six book series called “The Double B” with The Wild Rose Press.

Roni also is excited to be part of a Yellow Rose anthology set in Wayback, Texas, released in June. “I got to write a great story alongside my two buddies, Stacy Dawn and Cindy Pape. It was a lot of fun and a honor to write with such wonderful authors. “Return to Wayback”was released in June from the Yellow Rose line.

These days Roni juggles her time between writing and helping out other authors. “I’m a firm believer in the circle of writing; the experienced writers and authors have an obligation to help the newer writers as they come along and as you move through the circle. If it wasn’t for my early critique partners such as Jo Barrett, and my friends at the San Antonio Romance Author’s chapter, I never would have learned what I’ve learned and gotten his far.”
You can contact Roni at roni@roniadams.com She loves to hear from readers. Her blog is also available at www.roniadams.blogspot.com

Oliver finishes speaking and gazes with open admiration and as the applause eventually dies down he dashes to the barbeque spit and returns with a plate loaded with goodies which he lays before her, bowing deeply, adoration shining in his eyes.

"Ma'am," he says, in a voice only slightly trembling, "I hope you will have a wonderful time here and enjoy the humble refreshments I have prepared... and I believe there is a line of your loyal fans waiting to meet you."
Then the loudspeaker crackles and the the strains of 'Mommas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys' fill the air as the first event of the rodeo begins.




Here is a list of the wonderful books by Roni Adams
Beauty and the Geek - www.thewildrosepress.com under the Champagne Rose line. Available in ebook and print. Released September, 2007.

This book is a fun, sassy romance between two old friends. Louie and Becky have known each other their whole lives but when a special project throws them together will Becky discover that Louie has more to offer her than just free computer repairs?

This book received fantastic reviews from several review sites such as Night Owls which gave it five owls and Two Lips review site which gave it 4 lips. As my first full length novel to release in publication I couldn’t be more thrilled!

"To Tame A Cowgirl" - The First Book in the Double B Series. Available in print and ebook from www.thewildrosepress.com. Released June, 2008.

One stubborn cowgirl, one more stubborn cowboy, lots of chemistry and a cast of characters that will make you wish you could pull up a chair and visit. Can Buck Weston convince his long time buddy that she's the only woman he wants by his side and in his bed or will Sara marry his brother, Cord, in order to obtain control of their Cattle Enterprise that is the Double B?

“The Cowboy Comes Home” released January, 2009 available in ebook and print from www.thewildrosepress.com
The second book in the Double B Series.

Two years ago Tyler Weston took off and left not only his family, and his ranch but his childhood sweetheart Beth Sampson. Now he's back and wants to repair the damage he's done. But Beth's moved on. Tyler knows he doesn't deserve her forgiveness but his heart won't let him give up on the only woman he's ever loved.

Beth Sampson was brought to her knees when Tyler took off. Only her business as the local veterinarian and the love of her friends and family kept her going. Now Tyler's back but Beth is not about to let him have that kind of hold on her again, but why doesn't her heart listen to reason? When Tyler insists he’s here forever this time is she crazy to believe him?


“Trouble in Texas” Due out in November 2009 from www.thewildrosepress.com
Third in the Double B Series.

Blurb: A fling with Charli Boyd would be the biggest mistake small town vet, Dr. Grant Clark could make, but as Charli explains “what fun is life if you don’t make a mistake every now and then?”

This wild, very hot and sexy read follows the antics of the redheaded Charli Boyd as she attempts to convince Grant Clark that life can’t always be about work; you need to live a little too, but will it actually be “good time” Charli who ends up losing her heart this time?

Roni Adams has very kindly offered one of her books as a prize to one lucky commentator who answers the question: "What foot-stomping song would make Roni kick up her heels?"

AND THE WINNER IS.....

The winner of Ashley's Mexican Fiesta Party Prize download is:

LISA KESSLER

Congratulations Lisa - please send Ashley an e-mail at:

ashley (at) AshleyLudwig (dot) com so she can send you your prize.

Mexican Fiesta with Ashley Ludwig

Thank God It’s Friday! And time for a Mexican Fiesta at The Author Roast and Toast! Today the hostesses welcome the talented Ashley Ludwig. And to start things out with a bang amidst the gorgeous Arizona sunset, let the strolling mariachi band begin! And costumed in his sombrero, the sexy and charismatic Oliver leads the mariachi band, playing the rhythmic Viñuela. Cuddles strums the violin with his horn and Junior plucks the strings of the guitarro with his claws. Let the fiesta begin. There’s music to entertain, a taco bar with plenty of chimichangas, enchiladas and burritos. And to get this party rolling, grab a seat under the umbrella tables where Oliver has set up warm tortilla chips and spicy salsa dip. And when your mouth gets hot from all those Mexican spices, don’t cry uncle. Call Oliver and he’ll bring you one of his special margaritas! And stick around because once the sun sets, there will be fireworks. But this comes after Ashley pops the pinata!

Now with no further ado, here is the lovely Ashley Ludwig to tell us a bit about herself before Oliver escorts her to the stake!

I’m Ashley Ludwig — an inspirational romance writer, and mama of two amazing little girls, ages 5 and 3. I spend the majority of my time wrangling them (with the help
of my amazing husband — whom everyone knows is a superhero in disguise!)An Arizona
native, love uprooted me about ten years ago, and transplanted me alongside my husband
in Southern California wine country.
I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona, with a degree in Anthropology,
and a minor in History & Humanities.
I graduated with a degree in Anthropology and worked as an Archaeologist across the
American southwest for several years. I studied under some amazing archaeologists
and historians. I’ve poured wine (for a living – and for fun!), constructed silk trees, worked as
a cook, server, and caterer.

I’ve turned my passion for research and attention to historical detail to my true
love: writing inspirational and historical romances. All or Nothing and my inspirational novella, By Another Name, are now available from
White Rose Publishing, Powell’s, Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobel, IndieBooks.com, and
other online retailers.

Please visit www.ashleyludwig.com for ordering information. Drop by my Contact page,
or email ashley (at) ashleyludwig (dot) com to request a press kit, schedule an interview,
or request a title for review.

Blurb
A young widow starting over nearly dies on the perilous, winding road to Tucson,
Arizona in 1876.
An accident turns out to be a cover-up for a heinous crime at the hand of a murderous
bandit. Robbed and left for dead, all that remains for RuthAnne Newcomb is her faith,
and the talents God gave her. She needs both to endure the handsome, vengeful cavalry
captain who saved her life.

Captain Bowen Shepherd offers aid in exchange for information leading to the criminal’s
capture. El Tejano, as the bandit is known, is bound to strike again and RuthAnne
is the only living witness to his crimes. Left with nothing but her savvy and unwavering
faith, RuthAnne is forced to return to the scene and help with the intolerable soldier’s
quest. Already, the criminal is after the lone witness who can destroy him. Bowen and RuthAnne
must risk everything to unmask the bandit once and for all, before he can strike
again at the one who cost him the most. Will their newfound love, or their lives,
be the cost of bringing a murderer to justice?

Excerpt
“Mara!” Her voice choked; the raspy words burned like fire.
She searched the scene on hands and knees in the silver moonlight. Lord, not Mara.
Where is she? She’s just a girl...please!
Footsteps crunched on the gravel-filled dirt. Nowhere to hide, RuthAnne willed herself
invisible. Her hand closed around a fist-sized rock. The bandit wouldn’t take her
without a fight.
He knelt down beside her. A large, rough hand cupped her cheek in an all too familiar
way. “You’re awake. Thank God.”
With a ragged battle cry, RuthAnne lunged at her would-be attacker with the stone,
cracking him just above the shoulder. He shied away from the blow, and the lump of
granite glanced off him. With little effort, he peeled it from her fingers. “You’re
coming with me, whether you like it or not.”
The brigand picked her up like a child and marched her off to her doom. Terrified,
she fought and bucked while he carried her. Tears of frustration streamed down her
face; her hair, a mass of golden curls, tumbled loose about her as she thrashed in
his arms. RuthAnne hammered at him with ineffectual fists. He carried her so easily,
as if she were feather light, though he did pin her arms close against her body.
“I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here to help.”

All or Nothing
By Ashley Ludwig
Print ISBN 1-60154-561-4
_______________________

And as Oliver ties the lovely Ashley to the stake with silken ropes as to not pierce her tender flesh, he kisses her on each cheek. But because it’s a celebratory sizzle and far from a torture chamber, he pops a yummy chocolate covered strawberry made with raw sugar into her mouth, his eyes glazing over as he watches her devour the succulent berry and lick her fingers. Then with a parting wave and one more longing stare, he casts her wicked wink and struts off to mix margaritas for the guests.

So here is the question for Ashley’s guests. Leave your answers in a comment and Ashley will choose one winner tomorrow for a download of All or Nothing. And the question is…drum roll…
If you were RuthAnn, what romantic song would you want the brigand to serenade to you as he carts you off to some romantic getaway?

Enjoy the fiesta! And may the best serenade win!