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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.
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Friday, May 6, 2011

Maeve Greyson's Highland Roast

The Hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast are roasting Maeve Grayson today and an exciting day it is turning out to be! We are here at the Castle Urquhart in Scotland. We have tents set up all around in the green fields that surround the place.

Oliver has cooked up a variety of delicious foods. He’s placed the large filets of salmon on long planks over open fires to smoke to perfection, along with roast lamb and huge prawns. Large trenchers of bread will serve as traditional platters to eat from.





 Lovely shortbread and individual cheesecakes hold luscious toppings made from strawberries and blueberries.


Chocolate covered strawberries, fresh scones, clotted cream and lemon curd sit next to mugs of mead and mulled wine. Strong tea fills the teapots.
A wonderful celebration cake adorns the table in the food tent. On it is a reproduction of Maeve’s new book


'Beyond A Highland Whisper'.

The sound of bagpipes fill the air and the hostesses are all dressed in different plaids to represent the local clans. Underneath their plaids each one wears a beautiful chemise type medieval dress. A large sign adorns the front of the food tent. It says 'No Haggis Served Here.'

Lyn, Sharon, Mary and AJ have toured the countryside and now stand beside the Loch. Waiting to get a glimpse of Nessie. 

“You know Sharon this Nessie thing is all bunk.” Lyn chuckles. “It’s just a ploy to get tourists to come and visit, spend their money and maybe run through fields of heather with their significant others.” Her hearty chuckle causes all the girls to join in the laughter.


“I know Lyn.” Sharon points out across the loch. “I’ve been here every day for a week with you guys. Mary has thrown rocks in to get Nessie’s attention. You Sharon have been feeding it scones. AJ you have been singing.”

Mary interrupts, “you call that cackling singing.”



AJ elbows Mary in the side and the air in Mary’s lungs whooshes out as she falls into Sharon. Sharon being off balance falls back into Lyn who grabs AJ’s hair to stop them all from falling into the water.  With a loud splash all four of them hit the icy water and scream at the top of their lungs.

Mary feels a tug on her dress and pulls at it as she clammers to get out of the freezing water. All but Mary start up the hill. After a few steps they turn to Mary’s hollering voice.

“Something is there. I’m telling you I saw it, it had flippers and it grabbed my dress between it’s sharp teeth. It tried to drown me." She points to her dress where a mouthsize  bite of a hole trims the bottom. “Look, there’s the marks! I saw a head of something.”
“Oh Mary dear, have you been drinking the mead, I know you wanted to try it," Sharon says. "But sweetie, there is no Loch Ness Monster. It’s all not true. Come along then.  Help me Lyn, she must have caught her dress on a rock.” Lyn and Sharon pull Mary out of the water where she stood up to her knees.  AJ mutters to herself something about nuts. “Really you guys It’s true.” She hurries up with them as she is pulled along.

Up the hill Maeve arrives with her friends. Latham has brought the MacKay scrying bowl and the girls will all want to hear a bit of the future when the moon is full tonight. As she looks down by the Loch at her hostesses she watches as all four of them go flying into the water.  She watches Mary pull her on her dress and point to the water as she tells the others what happened. Only Maeve sees the little splash In the water and the tell tale hints of something as it swims away.

“Come on up girls the guests are arriving. You’ll need to change and dry your plaids for the party! Hurry up you crazy fools!” Maeve laughs and calls the four hostess’s up the hill to join her roast.

They all greet one another and head toward the tent where spare kilts might be, to dry off. Maeve whispers into Mary’s ear as she passes. Mary screeches with delight and they all come out changed very quickly.
Soon Lyn greets their guests, and announces Maeve to the many visitors.

“Welcome, welcome everyone. Please eat, drink and be merry. For tomorrow will surely come. And it will be a weekend so you can sleep late!” Laughter erupts from the many guests. “So have fun and let’s all celebrate the wonderful new story 'Beyond A Highland Whisper' by Maeve Grayson. The only rule is NO HAGGIS ALLOWED. The little stubbly creatures have a hard enough time of it climbing up the mountains on those stubbly front legs, we shouldn’t try to eat them too!”
Lyn pointes to the big sign which reads:
The shy Highland haggis can be found at the summit of many Scottish mountains. Their right legs are longer than their left, enabling them to run around the summit in an anti-clockwise direction without falling over. However, should they attempt to run in the other direction they will roll down the hill and lie helpless in the valleys below. Here they are collected by Highland haggis gatherers and sold throughout Scotland where they are considered a great delicacy.
and everyone cracks up laughing. “Greet your guests. Maeve”


Cheers fill the air as Maeve waves to everyone. “Let the party begin.!!”

If you’d like a chance to read Maeve’s fantastic new story all you have to do is answer one question. What did Maeve whisper to Mary.?

Description of Beyond a Highland Whisper:
A beguiling Scot from the 1400’s, Latharn Mackay is cursed into a crystal orb when a seductive witch rages against his withheld love. But hope’s not lost. The woman destined for his heart can break the curse by whispering her love aloud. A few problems must be faced. Nessa is six hundred years in the future and Latharn can only visit her dreams with a silent presence. If he speaks, the curse will shatter his soul into bits. And then there’s still the matter of the sorceress. An enraged woman will have the final say…unless love proves more powerful.

Blurb:
The last time Latharn MacKay walked among his kinsman was in Scotland of 1410. Sensuous and charismatic, all the women wanted him, but none could capture his heart. Latharn's charm became his curse when a dark sorceress didn’t take rejection well. She snared his soul into a crystal globe until the one woman destined to be his love whispered his release. Now all Latharn has to do is find her and guide her to him without speaking a word.

One of the youngest archeologists in St Louis of 2010, Nessa credits one thing for this achievement: the recurring dream of a heart-stopping Highlander since the summer she turned eighteen years old. Little does she know, he's not some fantasy cooked up by her subconscious. He’s a trapped soul determined for Nessa to end his six centuries in hell. Can love prevail over the dark magic of a woman scorned?


EXCERPT

He’d never spoken to her, not a single time. The first time he’d appeared, he’d stood a few steps away as though he didn’t wish to frighten her. His gaze had swept across her body, while the faintest of smiles had pulled at one corner of his mouth. The understanding in his eyes had pushed the loneliness from her heart. He’d reached out to her with the barest touch, brushing the back of his fingers across her arm. The trust had telegraphed like electricity across her skin. At last, she’d found someone who wouldn’t humiliate her.

As she’d grown older, his repeated visits had changed, evolved into something much more. The dreams had become a subtle courting, a gentle winning of her heart. He’d found clever ways to draw her close, pursue her with a sensitive glance. Always intuitive, he appeared when she needed him. He never pushed her but never failed to respond whenever her subconscious called out. Her Highlander soothed her with his silent caress. He strengthened her with his touch.

She didn’t realize her nocturnal visitor was a true Highlander by birth until one of her history classes touched upon the turbulence of Scotland. She’d always loved his unusual garb but had never placed it until one day when she’d opened to a particular chapter in her history book. His kilted plaid fit snug about his narrow hips as though it were part of his body. His ancient claymore hung at his side as a silent warning. His hand often rested on the hilt as though he found comfort in its touch.

When he’d taken her hand and guided it over the ancient crest pinned at his shoulder, Nessa had fallen hopelessly in love with the man and all things relating to the Scot.
After that, she had been a soul possessed to find out everything she could about Scotland’s past. She’d spent months trying to find the elusive crest, in the hopes of identifying her Highlander’s clan. She’d found some that were close, but to her dismay, she’d never located an identical match. That’s when she’d decided he was just her fantasy. At least if he was only in her head, it meant he could never leave her. Her Highlander would always be hers.

Even though she’d accepted deep in her heart her Highlander couldn’t be real, Scotland remained the first love of her life. She studied its history with relentless passion, from its bloody past to its determined people, and how it had changed the course of civilization through the ages. The only drawback of her single-minded obsession, and a rather annoying side effect of her dreams, was the fact that any male met during her waking hours didn’t quite measure up against her perfect nocturnal Highlander.

Maeve’s Bio:
Maeve Greyson writes paranormal romances with a Celtic twist from her cozy little home not too far from Kentucky Lake. Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, the wind whispering through the woods inspires her characters to chatter in her ear.

Her debut novel, BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER, just released from The Wild Rose Press. She recently contracted another book with The Wild Rose Press and also finaled in the Kensington Brava and RT Book Reviews Writing With the Stars Contest with her paranormal romance, ETERNITY’S MARK.

Her writing partner, Jasper –the rat terrier/Chihuahua mix, critiques all her work. Under his sharp eye and the endless support of her husband of over thirty-one years, she hides away in their secluded wood and pours her daydreams into the keyboard.





***GIVEAWAY***


To win a copy of Maeve'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.

123 comments:

  1. Welcome to your Roast, Maeve. We hope you enjoy the food and festivities and that the weather holds for us. The sun glinting across the loch looks very promising.

    Congratulations on the release of 'Beyond A Highland Whisper', it sounds wonderful!

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  2. A huge hug, Maeve, and a hearty welcome to your celebration party. Congratulations on your debut novel! Beyond a Highland Whisper sounds fabulous and I can't wait to read it. Eat drink and enjoy your special day.

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  3. Hi Lyn sweetie, give me a hug. Isn't Scotland beautiful, and the castle is so whimsical. I'm so glad that Nessie didn't steal Mary's hooters. Speaking of Mary and AJ, where are they

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  4. What a WONDERFUL party, Ladies! Everything is so beautiful and the breeze coming in from across the Loch holds stirs the magic in the air. I am SO glad there will be no Haggis. Dreadful little beasties! I met one when I traveled in Scotland and the creature smelled HORRIBLE! ;-)

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  5. Hi Maeve! You've got a great shindig happening here today! I'm on my way to buy your book :-) Can't believe I haven't done it yet. Best wishes for a wonderful day!

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  6. I just got back from breakfast with family but would love a spot of tea beside the loch. The book looks like a fabulous read and I LOVE the cover! Congrats on the release and your win at RT.

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  7. Ooops...forgot my e-mail, in case I win...nancy@nancyleebadger.com

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  8. Hi Sandra! I'm so glad you're enjoying the party. My hostesses put out such a wonderful spread and you can't beat Scotland. *happy sigh* I hope you enjoy BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER. Latharn & Nessa are very dear to my heart.

    :-)

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  9. Hi Nancy! I'm glad you could join us. I believe there is some divine tea all ready and waiting for us on the far table. Good luck with the contest. I have a very scientific method for choosing the winner. I print the names on bits of paper, wad them up and throw them into the air. Paper wads drive Jasper insane. He attacks them with a frenzy. Whichever name Jasper latches onto is the winner!


    :-)

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  10. Welcome Sandra and Nancy, enjoy Maeve's party and the wonderful spread.

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  11. Maeve, you look positively radiant in that gown! My word, you're a vision to behold! Great party, ladies. And the chocolate covered strawberries are to die for. Here, try one - oops, I must've eaten them all...

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  12. Hi sweet sister Sharon hugs her sister hostess then turns to hug Maeve.

    *Waves* to the other guests. Hi Sandra, Nancy and AJ. Don't worry about the strawberries, AJ, luckily there are plenty more where those came from! Maeve does look a picture doesn't she, just as if she's stepped out of a Scottish legend herself!

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  13. Oh Maeve, I love your method of choosing a winner!

    Don't be too hard on the haggises, they can't help how they smell and they have a dreadful time in the haggis gathering season, hunters chase them around on purpose to make them roll down the hills.

    Their cousins, the wild hairy haggises don't smell so strongly and some people keep them as pets!

    I could never eat one!

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  14. A pet haggis? Hmm...my granddaughter's birthday is coming up. I wonder what my daughter would think if I "obtained" a wee haggis for my little sweetie? heh heh heh

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  15. AJ - if you have eaten all the chocolate covered strawberries, I will be so disappointed. I ADORE chocolate covered strawberries. Hubby uses them as bribes whenever he's either done something that will tick me off OR is wanting to do something that will tick me off.

    ;-)

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  16. Hey Maeve,
    I can't stay long as I have other engagements but couldn't miss your big event. I know your book will be fabulous!!!! I am here with your friend, Rhonda. She and I wish you the best and will be thinking about you all day! Have a great party girlfriend.

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  17. Sharon, Lyn, & AJ - Thank you all so much for the lovely compliments on my gown. *Maeve twirls in circles* See how wonderfully the skirt spins about when I turn? I have to be careful and not spin too fast though. I think I've had one cup too many of mead. *hiccup* It wouldn't be too proper if I landed flat on me arse.

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  18. Chuckle Maeve, I agree with Lyn about your clever method of choosing a winner. And you do look like a Scottish vision in a fairy tale.

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  19. Hey Maeve,
    I can't stay long as I have other engagements but couldn't miss your big event. I know your book will be fabulous!!!! I am here with your friend, Rhonda. She and I wish you the best and will be thinking about you all day! Have a great party girlfriend.

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  20. Hey Maeve,
    I can't stay long as I have other engagements but couldn't miss your big event. I know your book will be fabulous!!!! I am here with your friend, Rhonda. She and I wish you the best and will be thinking about you all day! Have a great party girlfriend.
    Von Puckett

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  21. Hi Rhonda & Von!! *waving madly* I'm so glad you ladies could stop in for a bit and enjoy the party. Didn't Sharon, Lyn, AJ and Mary do a wonderful job. What a spread!

    I hope you both have an awesome weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

    :-)

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  22. Give us a kiss, Maeve love, my sweet darling lassie. You look simply awesome. Here are some plump berries, allow me to feed you.

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  23. Sharon and Lyn, my pretties. A nice chilled wine and a hearty mead. Ladies, what can I get y'all to drink

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  24. Oh Oliver...*fanning self* You're so...so. You're just "SO" and ALL THAT IT ENTAILS! *happy sigh*

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  25. Methinks Nessie has sunk her teeth into Blogger. The wicked beastie is making the silly thing hiccup & act exceedingly unruly!

    Oliver...dear strong handsome Oliver. Would you be a dear and shoo that varmint away?

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  26. *Sigh* Either Nessie or the haggises are doing mischief, it's hiccuping for me too!

    Or perhaps it's the mead. Thank you Oliver, I will have another glass - you too Maeve?

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  27. Oh hi V & V, didn't see you there! *Waves*

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  28. Mary trudges back up the hill from the loch where she has been trying to find Nessie. She has always wanted to see the aquatic animal. However, blogger, or AT&T has been trying to keep her from it. A morning with help desks didn't aide at all. It was some divine intervention from some nice person who helped me! Now they promised to help me find Nessie too. But, all I found was this. Mary shows a brilliant multifaceted scale off of something she has found. What do you think ladies?

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  29. Maeve you look very beautiful in your kilt and I love mine.
    I need to find Nessie. It's supposed to be good luck to see her!!
    I can't wait to read your book. I hope it sells like wildfire!
    Sharon why are you pinching me?

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  30. I'd LOVE another cup of mead. *hiccup* but I'd best slow down or I won't be able to find my butt with both hands.

    Hi Mary! *waving a half-eaten chocolate-covered strawberry* Have you tried these? THEY ARE AWESOME!

    *Spies the scale Mary holds* You know, you could either make a heckuva necklace out of that thing or one bodacious frisbee?

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  31. You know what? We could have a haggis hunt and see if THAT would stop the little snufflers from messing with blogger. But I don't remember if they're in season? I know it's gotta be either duck season or wabbit season but I'm not certain about haggis.

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  32. Mary looks at the scale closely and notices writing on it. She straightens her glasses and focuses on the large scale.
    If ye find this, ye beware! 'Tis the magic of Scotland that marks this piece. Ye will hiv three wishes te use as ye will. Nay for money, nor wealth, 'tis for gud alone.
    Mary passes the piece around and everyone is amazed. What does it mean? Do I have three wishes to use for anything but money????

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  33. I don't know this seems so strange.
    Maeve do you want to help me with this. What should I wish for in Scotland? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

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  34. Lore Mary! Have ye gone daft with the mead? Wish for a well-formed Highlander...or three...*stopping to count all the women's heads*...heck, Mary, wish for an entire clan of handsome warriors!

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  35. That's a beautiful scale Mary. What you gonna wish for?

    Maeve, is there anything like this in your book?

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  36. *Maeve gives a conspiratorial wink* The crystal globe holding Latharn prisoner turns into something of a wishing stone. Nessa need only utter the right words for all her dreams to come true.

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  37. Tall glasses of mead for Maeve and Lyn, a strawberry smoothie for Mary, chardonnay for Sharon.
    Cheers to me lovelies

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  38. Jasper! Turn loose of that Haggis this very minute! The squealing critter is making my posts show up twice. *sheesh*

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  39. I have three wishes. Hmmmm. One for a handsome highlander for each of us. Immediately four of the best looking guys she'd ever seen approached the girls. Lyn giggled, Sharon grabbed the one she liked, AJ brushed at her fuzzy hair and approached one whose hair was just the same. Maeve stood regally as one gallant highlander knelt before her and offered his hand to her. Mary locked eyes with one that reminded her of Gerard Butler. "So what do we do with the other wishes girls?"

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  40. Cheers Oliver! *sips mead* Ahh...perfect as always.

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  41. I wonder what words I need to utter for my dreams to come true. Sigh.

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  42. Sharon stands in a meadow of heather and makes her three wishes. OOPS she did not wish to be scooped up by Nessie HELPPPP

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  43. Maeve tears her gaze away from the heart-stopping face of the Highland kneeling at her feet.

    Did you say something, Mary? Wishes? Two more, you say?

    Well, I can only think of two more wishes:

    1. Good health for all my friends & family

    2. Wisdom - the wisdom to appreciate all the things I've been blessed with.

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  44. Jasper! Quick! Run save Sharon from Nessie's grasp before the vile beast sinks into the depths of the loch. Brave Jasper - a frecious nine pounds of fury - jumps on Nessie's neck.

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  45. Maeveeee Sharon cries as she is dragged to parts unknown. One wish was that you read another tantalyzing excerpt.

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  46. My granddaughter told me a precious secret about wishes. She said that the key to making all your wishes come true was to believe in yourself. It made me cry when she said that.

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  47. Lyn, Mary. start swimming, sisters

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  48. Mary frantically thinks of a wish to help Sharon as she flails around in the mouth of a huge creature that suddenly grabbed her. I wish you'd drop her!!! Mary yells and Sharon falls into the water with a large splash and swims to shore. Mary shakes her head, a wasted wish. Well she'd do anything to help her hostess sister.
    You owe me a wish she tells Sharon as she wallows out of the water. Thanks a bunch Mary, couldn't you have wished me onshore?
    Ya know I thought of that Sharon but two things stopped me. One you coulda broke your neck in the fall and two if I hadda waste a wish, at least I'd get a chuckle outta it. Hold your horses. In a second two beautiful horses appear. Shoot! Mary curses... Last wish wasted, but they are beautiful horses. Not sure what kind they are Lyn, do you know? Mary takes the horses from Sharon and hands the reins to Lyn. Here's two more for you! Sharon you owe me a wish!!!

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  49. What a great roast, Maeve, and in such a gorgeous place. I have a copy of your story and look forward to reading it at first chance. Loch Ness is a fantasttic place to be - I cried when I was there and could feel all my Scottish genes rising to the surface. I felt at home...

    Good luck with lots and lots of sales! :)

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  50. Well let's give your granddaughter one of these horses Maeve?
    Jasper you put up a great fight Mary picks him up and snuggles. What a lover!

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  51. Could someone wish that blogger would behave???

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  52. Here's your wish, Sharon! Latharn & Nessa's first "real" kiss and while this might sound like the end of the story - it's but a brief moment of happiness before something not quite so pleasant happens. Enjoy!

    Nessa remained motionless under the table, afraid something would fall on her head. She just knew the building must be about ready to collapse from the violent attack it had just endured.

    Strong hands closed around her arms, and lifted her from the rubble. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring into a set of deep green eyes she’d only seen before in her dreams.

    As he tenderly stroked the curve of her cheek, Latharn groaned with satisfaction. “’Tis about time ye said the words for me, lass. I’d begun to think I’d never be free of that hell.”

    Nessa’s jaw dropped to her chest, her lips moved but no words came out. Speechless, she stared up into his face. She’d never imagined how his voice would sound. His deep Scot’s burr, the way his words rolled off his tongue—the sound set fire to her blood. The richness of his voice stroked her body, making her ache for more. Running her fingertips across the stubbled whiskers of his jaw, Nessa finally whispered, “It’s really you.”

    Latharn lowered his mouth to hers. He savored his first true taste of her lips. When her trembling hands slid up his chest, his heart swelled to near bursting. He deepened his kiss of possession. He tightened his embrace. He’d waited for this moment for centuries.

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  53. Hi Paisley! Welcome to the party. As you can see - Maeve nods to a dripping wet Sharon & Mary - we're having a wild time~!

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  54. Aw, big hug for sweet Jasper. And for Mary's wish, boggled as it was to get me ashore. Maeve, beautiful excerpt, thanks for granting my wish, sweetie. Oliver, this calls for more berries and mead.

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  55. I know, blogger is wacked out today, keeps playing hide and seek, just like Nessie

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  56. What about my wish Sharon??? I wanted to wish that AJ's hair looked good today. My boobs were normal. Your butt smaller and Lyn's feet to shrink. Darn!!!
    Well at least I got a hunk following me around. Wonder what the others will wish for??

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  57. Mary sweetie, you should kiss the Scottish soil that Nessie didn't yank your jugs. But the night is still youngd

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  58. OK so I have to ask, precisely what is a haggis

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  59. yes, true Sharon, Mary kisses the ground and as she looks up she sees Sharon's bubble butt as she waddles around. Hmmmm. She shoulda let me have the wish, I woulda shrunk that thing...
    Now Mary be nice!
    Who said that?????

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  60. It's a little pig with short legs in the front and it wears a plaid dingy everyone knows that...
    Lyn told me and since she's a member of the commonwealth she outta know!

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  61. LOL! I think the water sprites have sent the faeries to the party to whisper in our ears, Mary.

    And if that Haggis gets any closer to those strawberries, it's going to feel the sting of a well-aimed rock!

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  62. Holy hair.....why wont it dry? I think I have fish fipping around in there. Maeve, think your cat would help? Thor's being a dud.

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  63. Everyone looks wonderful. Oliver, feed me well. Had doctors poking me half the day and lawyers looking at my hair oddly the other half.

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  64. Jasper's ears perked when he saw that fish wiggling in your hair, AJ. Even though he's a dog, he's quite the talented stalk and destroy little guy. He does have a tendancy to snuffle your ears, give kisses and belch in your face but other than that, he's quite the amiable fellow.

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  65. Why do I always feel hungry when I vist this blog?? Can I have a pieve of cake pleae? Yummy, you ladies are dangerous for my weight and figure!

    Hi Maeve, you look lovely as a Scot lady. Your first book Highland Whisper is great and your second is an RT winner. Nice going lass!

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  66. Sorry Jasper my dear. But thanks for blowing in my ear. Been a while since my hair is all fuzzy, no one will even get close.

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  67. Luckily Mona - this food is light on the belly.

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  68. Hi Mona! Thank you for your sweet words. Guess what? Since we're in Scotland, the food is magical. We can eat and drink as much as we want and not suffer any ill effects! No tightened waistbands, no bloated tummy, NOTHING! Is this heaven or what?

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  69. AJ lets clean your hair out there must be enough fish for dinner?
    Mona ain't it great to eat whatever you want and not gain a pound?
    the blogger devil is still at work methinks!
    Maeve how about another short excerpt. Excite me!!!!!

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  70. What is with the gods that rule blogger anyways. Why does it keep shooting my posts down?? And what does it mean when it says no access to blog??? It's mine!!! Let me in.
    Oh, I'm here now! Yay!!!
    Oh Danny Boy the pipes the pipes are calling from glen to glen and down the mountainside. (I think)
    OH get that haggggggisss thing offa me!!!!

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  71. Lyn gallops along the shore of tbe lock and jumps down in front of the hostesses and Maeve. She waves to the guests.

    Hi everyone, sorry to disappear, but I just had to ride one of these beauties. she strokes the horse's neck affectionately.

    Thanks for wishing for these lovely horses, Mary,they're Highlands, and they're lvoely riding horses but they were originally bred to carry deer after a deer hunt.

    Oh Sharon, I think Mary's had a drop too much mead, she's just a little confused - the haggises actually have two long right legs and two short left legs, which means they can run around a mountain in a clockwise direction without falling off, but if they run the other way, they tumble down the mountain side and collected by haggis gatherers. I think it's cruel!

    Maeve, what a beautiful excerpt, I really want to read this story, kit sounds so magical!

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  72. *Hic* After reading that last post I think perhaps it's ME who has had a little too much mead. Sorry for the typos!

    Any more chocolate covered strawberries Oliver? Sweet sister hostesses? Pretty please?

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  73. Thanks for the hair fix Mary Dahling!!

    Excerpt! Excerpt!

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  74. **chases Mary around yelling**

    Haaaaagggggiiiiiissssss!

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  75. Strawberries and cream for me!! Chocolate won't hurt it either.

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  76. It's the least I could do AJ. I'll give you a little of these boobs if you want too?
    Hey, Is that Nessie climbing out of the loch chasing a haggis with it's big teeth lookin' for lunch?
    More mead Oliver, I'm glad you talked me into trying it. And come handsome highlander, just follow me around and later, you know. We'll go to the castle ruins and neck all nite!!!

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  77. At least the little bugger is offa me AJ. It smelled horrid and looked greasy! I'll take one of those strawberries for fortification ya know!

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  78. Would you believe I had a Haggis yanking me toward the loch? The wretched beastie nearly tore my skirts trying to drag me around the hill. I think it's the same one that keeps gobbling all my posts. Back vile beast! Back I say!

    Sheesh! And now for your reading pleasure is bit that shows that the road to true love is not always smooth. Sometimes it's scattered with a few pot holes. Latharn convinces Nessa that he needs to learn how to drive. Bad idea. See for yourself:

    Nessa gnawed at her lower lip as she gripped the edges of the seat. She had her fingers clenched so deep in the cushions she knew her nails were going to shred the upholstery.“Latharn, don’t you think it would be better if Brodie taught you how to drive?”

    “’Tis no’ a matter of being taught, Nessa. I but need ye to tell me the basic functions of the gadgets and knobs. I assure ye, I am not some foolish young pup who has to practice until he gets it right.” Latharn sat in the driver’s seat of the car, his brow creased with a frown as he examined the gauges and knobs. He twisted to peer down around the wheel, studying the pedals she’d pointed out at his feet.

    Nessa inhaled a deep, nerve calming breath, attempting to swallow her rising anxiety. She closed her eyes and searched for something positive about Latharn trying to learn to drive. At least this thing is an automatic. I’d end up with whiplash trying to teach him to use a clutch.

    Latharn sat bolt upright in the seat and swiveled to fix her with an icy glare. “My love, I’d like to remind ye I have been reading your mind since ye were but a lass of eighteen years of age. I am now trying to withdraw and give ye your privacy. But when ye find yourself feeling particularly sarcastic, your thoughts are much louder than your words.”

    Nessa’s cheeks heated up with this latest revelation. She narrowed her eyes and returned his glare. Her temper flared as she arched one brow and boldly spoke her mind. “Can you hear what I am thinking now, my love?”

    His eyes widened. Latharn cocked his head and smirked. “Now why would I want to do that to myself when it’s much more satisfying to do it with you?”

    Her teeth clenched, Nessa pointed to the keys. “Just start the car.”

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  79. *Giggle* Great excerpt, Maeve, I love the way the sparks fly between these two.

    Now about those haggises, they're really rather cute you know - and a little muslin bag of lavender tied round their necks makes them smell really nice. What? What's that I'm hiding under my skirts? You had to ask, didn't you!

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  80. Great party ladies. Thanks for inviting me. Everything looks fabulous. But I have a question for Maeve. What is that sexy Lathran wearing under his kilt? lol!

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  81. Hi Lily! *big wink* Latharn wears what EVERY Highlander wears 'neath his kilt --his PRIDE, woman, his pride!!

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  82. Hi Lily *Lyn waves to Lily*

    Maeve, is that ALL Latharn wears under his kilt? Are you sure? Did you check? LOL

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  83. Now now, Lyn. I mustn't give away all my secrets. Let's just say Latharn is very...um...proud *Maeve clears throat* and leave it at that! ;-)

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  84. I'm with Hywela. Someone needs to check under his kilt, Maeve. I'll volunteer! lol!

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  85. Gosh imagine how proud Lyn would be if she was a man with a kilt!!!HAHA!
    Maeve I'll save you from that haggis thingee. Mary calls Nibbie, Thor, and Cuddles. Go get 'em guys. There is the sound of three animals as they attack the haggis, it runs from Maeve over the hills and in the distance it can be seen running for it's life!
    That's what happens when you mess with our guests. Ahem. Now back to the excerpt which is great by the way. Come my highlander let's take a walk.

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  86. All we have to do is ask Nessa about under the kilt and I heard she was thinking of knitting him undies...
    HeHe!

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  87. Mary, how could you set our animals on those poor little haggises, and they thought they were safe under my skirts!

    I dunno, I think this is a case for the RSPCH (Royal Society for the Protection of Haggises).

    Highlander? Oooh yes I forgot, I got one too. Come here my lovely, I've a horse that can carry two!

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  88. Ah, just reaised the haggis our three sidekicks chased was a rogue one! *Sigh* there's always one that gives the rest a bad name.

    Loving your excerpts, this is a really fantastic debut novel, congratulations!

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  89. LOL - Mary! I once asked Nessa about Latharn's under-the-kilt wear and she'd only smile and blush.

    Maeve links arms with the strong silent Highlander hovering protectively at her side. "Care to take a stroll along the loch and skip a few stones?"

    He flashes a blinding white smile and encircles her waist with his arm.

    *happy sigh* Dontcha just LOVE Scotland?

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  90. Thanks so very much, Lyn. I've been so tickled that BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER has been so well received. I know you understand how it warms your heart when people like your story. :-)

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  91. Ahhh, survived the pizza party with the creative writing kiddos, now for my reward; party in Scotland with the coolest ladies around. Oh, and the handsomest, most debonair man alive. Oliver darlin' just cozy up with me, I would never wish for another man, even a Scot in a kilt, when you're around :).

    Congrats Maeve on all the wonderful things happening in your life, and give Jasper hugs from his , uh hum more bountifully endowed cousin, Tiny. :)

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  92. Hi gals,

    What a party you have going here. I love the tarten dresses, too.

    I think I'll have a chocolate covered strawberry. No haggis for me--yuck!

    Where did you come up with the name Lathran? I'm curious. :)

    Where are the other highland dudes in kilts?

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  93. Our books are like our children or our beloved pets, aren't they, Maeve, and as you say, it's so heartening when others like them too.

    Hi Rachel Lynne, so glad you could join us at Maeve's party. Sharon tells me Oliver will be over to bring you some refreshments, as soon as he stops blushing!

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  94. Hi Rachel! Jasper gave a big wink and a wag of his butt when I mentioned Tiny. He likes full-figured ladies. I'm glad you made it to the party. You're a brave woman risking your life at a pizza party with kidlets! I bow to you!

    :-)

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  95. Hi Karen!! Choosing a name for Latharn was a bit difficult. I "saw" him in a dream and knew his personality (charming, cunning, loyal, fierce). I couldn't put my finger on it. Then one day on the way to work, there was a mother fox walking along the side of the road with one of her kits in her mouth. I pulled over and watched her for a bit. Every time a car passed, she'd tuck the little one down between her paws and snarl at the passing cars. Finally, she picked the little one up by the scruff of the neck and disappeared into the woods. Charming, loyal, fierce & cunning. So, I googled the question, "What is a Gaelic name that means fox?" and low and behold the name "Latharn" popped up on my screen.

    :-)

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  96. AWWW they was only playing!
    Yes, I think it's time to go with my highlander and take a nice long walk. My neck need some work.
    Yes, Scotland is my dream!

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  97. What a great way to find a name for your Celtic hero, Maeve, I love it!

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  98. Ladies - it's been such a lovely gathering. I think it's time I took a stroll as well. I'm so lucky to know such talented, funny, heart-warming friends. You've made today a very special day!

    Hugs to you all!
    :-)

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  99. Hi Everyone - sorry I'm late - that silly day job makes it hard for me to visit. I do so love a man in skirts - er - I mean I love a Scot in a kilt! Book sounds terrific Maeve. And I love the food and the party scene.

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  100. Hi Maeve, Just have to say that your book sounds awesome! And it's probably a good thing no Haggis are allowed at this party because I absolutely love Haggis ;-)

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  101. Hi Patsy! I'm so glad you were able to stop by. I know exactly what you mean about those annoying day jobs. Lucky for me, the boss let me take a day off so I could enjoy partying with my friends!

    :-)

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  102. OH Alexis! Say it isn't so! You like Haggis? Really? Eeewww! You and my husband would get along wonderfully. While we visited Scotland last fall, he "discovered" Haggis and fell in love. The first word that popped into my mind when I came face to face with the wicked thing was BLECH!

    Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by the party! :-)

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  103. Did I miss it? Love you, Maeve! So proud of you!!

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  104. You are a gem, Amy! You always brighten my day. Take good care, my friend. You're never too late. The door is always open for you! :-)

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  105. Maeve,

    Interesting how you chose the name for your hero. I like it. :)

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  106. Thank you for stopping by my blog, otherwise I would have never found such a wonderful site. I love it. Although still officially on holidys, my laptop and internet access follow me. :)

    I think the title Beyond a Highland Whisper has a certain tug, strong enough to intrigue me to want to read. :)

    Lovely to meet you, and Congratulations on your release. Awesome.
    All the best,

    Suzanne :)

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  107. Oh forgot to say, I'm raising a lovely glass of wine to celebrate with you. :)

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  108. lol I'm back. To save the confusion, I meant thanks to AJ for calling into my blog. I thought it might have been a bit confusing. :) :)

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  109. Welcome my sweet friend Suzanne. You are welcome here always. Just watch the frizzy hair. It's amazing what I get caught in there.

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  110. Suzzane honey, it's late. The champagne, wine, mead , and whatever else may be hidden in my hair has been flowing freely. Confusion abounds.

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  111. Well, since I'm right here living in Scotland, I could not resist making a quick visit to your great party, Maeve. And I love that blurb and excerpt!

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  112. The morning sun send fingers of gold across the lake. Guests are beginning to stir and open the flaps of their tents to gaze at the morning

    Lyn opens her eyes and notices Cuddles fast alsleep on her feet. Sharon, AJ and Mary lie curled up nearby, their snores rising to greet the dawn chorus. Was she just dreaming about that handsome highlander then?

    She pokes her head out of the tent, enticed by the aroma of bacon and griddled eggs - gosh Sharon has Oliver trained well, bless him!

    She spies Suzanne, Karen and Amy.

    Morning Amy, morning Karen, hi Suzanne, so glad you found your way here. Don't worry about confusing us Suzanne, we're permanently confused!

    Looks like it's breakfast time at the Author Roast and Toast!

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  113. Hi Maeve,
    Great roast. Ooh isn't Oliver handsome in his kilt. While you were in the highlands, did you find out what a Scotsman wears under his kilt. I'm dying to know.
    Great excerpt too by the way.

    Cheers

    Margaret

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  114. Sharon rises to greet the day, feeling all warm and fuzzy from the touch of the highlander’s hand on hers. She opens her eyes from her dream to see Cuddles, rubbing her with his lucky horn. Ah, there’s a good lad, I guess it is time to go get breakfast. She spies Lyn, Mary and AJ, all with contented grins. Nice to know that wishes come true.
    Sharon waves a cheery hello to Patsy, Karen, Amy, Suzanne and Margaret. Maeve sits in a field of heather, a dreamy expression on her face.

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  115. Ladies, ladies, come and get it while it's hot. Bacon, sausage, eggs, waffles and pancakes. Plenty of coffee and tea, piping hot. For you, Maeve my pretty, the first serving. Give us a kiss, love.

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  116. Maeve, thank you for being such a fun and delightful guest. Beyond a Highland Whisper is sure to be a smashing success. Congratulations on the fabulous review I just read at TWRP. You got a hit, m'dear!
    HUGS

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  117. Maeve inhales the sweetness of the surrounding heather and spreads her arms wide to embrace the rising sun. Scotland. Beautiful Scotland. Land of her ancestors and who knows? Maybe even the land of a few past lives.

    Thank you Mary, AJ, Sharon, Lyn and, of course, Oliver for such a wondrous party. You've warmed my heart more than I can say and I'm lucky to have you for friends. As soon as grumpy old Jasper noses his way out from under the covers, we'll play a game of "toss the paper wad" and see who our lucky winner is.

    See you in a bit! :-)

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  118. Maeve, what a treat to see all that tartan! As long as I don't have to eat haggis (gag, blech), your party sounds perfect. Those ladies and Oliver know how to show guests a great time. Best of luck with your wonderful book.

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  119. Maeve claps hands to get everyone's attention. Our lucky winner of a copy of BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER (Choice of pdf or print copy) is...(bagpipes & drumroll please)....

    AMY!!!

    Congratulations Amy!

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  120. May everyone's wishes come true especially you Maeve! Sell a ton of books and thanks for being such a good guest! Who doesn't love a Highlander!

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  121. Hi Caroline,

    So glad you joined us to celebrate Maeve's wonderful debut book. (Seems not very many people like eating haggis, which is good news for the haggises! LOL

    Congratulations Amy!

    Maeve thank you SO much for being such a wonderful guest, we've really enjoyed having you here. Congratulations on your release and the wonderful review - and wishing you many, many sales!

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