The hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast are throwing a party! Paula Martin has requested a birthday party for a five year old's birthday. Chuck E Cheese's here we come!!!
"Why do I have to wear the dog costume? Jasper T Jowls, whose idea was this anyhow?" Mary grumbles as she pulls her costume up for the umpteenth time.
Lyn glares at Mary. "Everyone is wearing costumes to this party. Oliver is dressed as Pasqualey and the food is amazing. Look at the adorable kids.Now girls this is a party for a five year old, however if you would both please try not to act like one."
Mary and Patsy eye one another at Lyn's comments and both crack up laughing. "Lighten up Lyn, I mean Chuck E, It's a party for goodness sakes. And Patsy, you are a chicken, don't look at the wings like that, it's - it's, seriously odd!" 
"Okay,Okay. I'll behave. Hey did you know we are gonna have to put on a show? Mary nudges Lyn. "So what do we have to do?"
Patsy smacks Lyn on the hand as she reaches for a hot dog. "You should be eating cheese, mice don't eat hot dogs."
"Well this one does." Lyn laughs and stuffs the rest of her hot dog in her mouth with a grin.  |
"Hey, isn't that Paula?" Patsy points at Paula, dressed in five year old style as a lovely fairy Princess. She smiles and waves to them. Mary mumbles something about nice costumes and ugly costumes. 
"Hey, ladies." Paula grins. "I love the costumes you picked for the animals. Hampy makes a cute miniature teddy bear, and Nibby and Cuddles are letting the kids ride them outside. Love the horn you put on Nibby. The kids are loving the idea they are riding on Unicorns."
Paula smiles and twirls around in her dress. "This is so much fun! And look at the size of that birthday cake." Paula laughs. Oliver in his costume twirls his moustache and gives a charming bow to Paula. He gestures at the Birthday cake he has just brought out. It's a massive creation of sweet confection. Oliver at his best.
"Don't even go there Mary!" Lyn calls out as she watches Mary's eyes light up at the sight of the huge cake in front of her.
"Too late." Patsy chuckles. "You did arrange for a second cake right." "Of course, we've learned from past experience.
"Oh MY! I knew it." Lyn sighs as Mary trips several kids on her way to the cake. With a shove a large kid pushes her into the cake.
"We're gonna need them to bring out the other cake eh Paula?" Lyn and Patsy help Mary out of the cake while Paula holds her stomach laughing. Wiping a bit of frosting from Mary's cheek she grins. "Just another roast and toast."
Lets all welcome Paula Martin and her new release 'Changing The Future'. Pass the cupcakes!!!
CHANGING THE FUTURE
BLURB
Lisa Marshall is stunned when celebrated
volcanologist Paul Hamilton comes back into her life at the college where she
now teaches. Despite their acrimonious break-up several years earlier, they
soon realise the magnetic attraction between them is stronger than ever.
However, the past is still part of the present, not least when Paul discovers
Lisa has a young son. They can’t change that past, but will it take a volcanic
eruption to help them change the future?
EXCERPT
Lisa followed her
friend’s glance to the two figures on the path leading diagonally across the
lawn towards the Charlton Building. Even from a distance, their colleague Fiona
Hall was unmistakable; immaculate as always, in a tight-fitting green skirt and
jacket.
As her gaze moved
to the man walking with Fiona, she frowned. There was something familiar about
the tall, slim figure—the way he walked, and the way he tilted his head as he
listened to Fiona.
Don’t be stupid,
she told herself, but still couldn’t take her eyes off him. As the gap between
them lessened, her blood started to run cold. It wasn’t—it couldn’t possibly
be…
The man lifted
his hand to flick back a stray strand of light brown hair from his forehead and
she knew it was Paul.
For an insane
moment, she wanted to run towards him, be scooped up in his arms again, see the
laughter in his blue eyes, feel his soft and sensual mouth against hers.
Stunned by her
reaction, by feelings she thought she’d totally suppressed, she stopped
abruptly. Another thirty seconds and they’d come face-to-face. Total panic made
her heart thump against her ribs.
“I-I’ve just
remembered—er, I need some—some class lists.” Without waiting for Millie to
reply, she turned and quickened her pace back towards the Old House.
Dimly she heard
Millie call out something about coffees in the cafeteria. The whole world had
receded and she was aware only of the painful pounding in her chest. Shock
mixed with incredulity. Paul here at Hillside? Her mind simply refused to
believe what her eyes had seen.
When she reached
the Old House, she went straight to the ladies’ room. To her relief, no one
else was there. She didn’t dare think, didn’t dare allow herself to feel
anything. Not until she’d managed to control the trembling which was shaking
her whole body.
She glanced at
her reflection in the mirror. The blood had drained from her face and her brown
eyes looked back at her with shock and panic. “Oh God,” she breathed. “Oh, dear
God…”
Had she really
seen Paul Hamilton again? Paul in person, not just on television? She
deliberately hadn’t watched his Power of
the Planet series which had brought him international fame, but then he’d
started appearing regularly on TV. Not only on science programmes, but
sometimes even on prime-time news, especially when the Icelandic ash cloud had
disrupted air travel the previous year. He’d become a well-known expert on
volcanic activity. Whenever she saw him on the screen, she had to steel herself
against remembering the man she’d once loved so deeply.
She rested her
hands on the edge of the washbasin and took a few deep breaths. Maybe she’d
imagined it, maybe it hadn’t been him at all, simply someone who looked like
him. Walked like him, tilted his head in the same way, pushed back his hair
with the same mannerism.
Her shoulders
sagged. No, of course it was Paul.
Bringing hands up
to her cheeks, she shook her head as she tried to think. Why on earth was he
here in the Lake District? It was light years away from their apartment in
North London, her job with the BBC and Paul’s high-profile research at London
University. Light years, too, from the life of love and laughter they’d once
shared, until it had all gone wrong.
She bit her lower
lip as memories constricted her throat. Then she swallowed hard, took a deep
breath, and squared her shoulders. She could handle this, she really could.
There was
absolutely no reason for her to be nervous. He
was the one who’d accused her of having an affair and then left her. She
had nothing to be ashamed of. Except… A cold finger of fear ran down her spine.
Except she’d never told him about his son.
Paula Martin had some early publishing
success with short stories and four contemporary romance novels, but then had a
break from writing while she brought up a young family and also pursued her
career as a history teacher for twenty-five years. She has recently returned to
writing fiction, after retiring from teaching. and has had three romance novels
published, ‘His Leading Lady’ in June 2011, ‘Fragrance of Violets in February 2012’
and ‘Changing the Future’ in May 2012. Another novel will be published in
November 2012 and she is currently working on a fifth.
She lives near Manchester in North-West
England, and has two daughters and two grandsons. Apart from writing, she
enjoys visiting new places and has travelled extensively in Britain, mainland
Europe, the Middle East, America and Canada. Her favourite places are the
English Lake District and Ireland. She’s also interested in musical theatre and
tracing her family history.
Website: http://paulamartinromances@webs.com
Group Blog
(with 3 other writers): http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com
Find her books on the Whiskey Creek Press
website http://whiskeycreekpress.com/authors/Paula_Martin.shtml
Also on Amazon and Bookstrand.
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Paula'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 eligible.
84 comments:
Good Morning Paula, sister Hostesses! Chuck E Cheese, I was just here in December for my granddaughter's 5th birthday. Didn't have to dress up though, thankfully! Fun party! I'm off to the bowling lanes to try my luck! Gotta build up those prize tickets!
Ooh, so the party's started! Your costumes are fab, ladies, and thanks for giving me the fairy princess outfit.
(Hands out balloons to all the guests)
Gorgeous dress, Paula and what a party! Best wishes! (To all)
Welcome to your party, Paula, I must say you have the best costume! :) Congratulations on your latest book, wishing you many, many sales.
Hi, Patsy, is Mary still in the ball pit?
Hi Nancy, so pleased to see you at Paula's party!
Hi Everyone
Let's celebrate Paula's book by embracing our inner child! :)
It's always fun to be kid-like. Think I'll go and join Mary in the ball pit (always wanted to play there). Or shall we play musical chairs?
I wanna play in the ball pit! :)
Pushes Lyn into ball pit!
Yikes! I'll get you Paula - oooof, Lyn flounders in a wave of coloured balls and starts giggling helplessly.
What a great idea, ladies! I love your pretty fairy dress, Paula - watch what you do with that wand!
Hi Rosemary - thanks for visiting, now I'm wondering just what I can do with my wand LOL
Chuck E Cheese! Chuck E Cheese! Chuck E Cheese! Yay! I want to play games and eat some pizza. Party, party, PARTY! Hi everyone~waving in between jumping in the ball pit. Weeeeeee. Hi Paula loved the excerpt. Great cover too.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Paula, Hywela, Mary and all you party people. Shades of CTR Latte Lounge Forum. Seems like old home week, only this is more fun. I just stopped by to say I've read Paula's new book and it is her best ever. I think I'll pass on the games and have some yummy dessert and have a chat with that equally yummy Oliver. Carry on.
Into the ball pit - where is Mary and Lyn? ACCKKKK - what is that in the ball pit? I've read about these kinds of things. I'm out to go to the basketball toss - not that I can hit the hoop, but with these arms, I should be able to throw pretty well! Paula, I like your fairy princess costume - very stunning
Whooof! Here I am1 Submerged beneath the balls. Hi, Rosemary, Sue and Linda!
Hmm, can't find Mary - perhaps she's underneath all these balls! Watch out, I'm going back in!
How about another excerpt, Paula?
Many thanks, Sue - are you still in the ball pit? And have you found Mary in there?
Many thanks for your kind words, Linda! Hope you're enjoying the party food - and no, you can't take Oliver home with you!
Patsy - you'll do better than me with the hoop, I'm sure. Maybe I'll just have to wave my magic wand instead!
While Lyn and Mary try to climb out of the ball pit, I'll go and find another excerpt - though we may have to distract all the other kids so they don't read it ;-)
Oh no I am trying to play the games so I can get a prize! LOL. And I think I saw some ice cream too.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Here we go:
Without a word, he took the book from her hands and put it on the bookcase, his eyes never leaving her face. For a long moment, he gazed at her, and then leant forward, cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.
Her instinctive reaction was to push him away, and she brought her hands up to his shoulders, but her mind suddenly stopped working.
His mouth was soft, his tongue tenderly explored her lower lip and she couldn’t think. She was aware only of the surge of need, quivering down her spine, igniting every nerve ending, and flooding her with warmth.
Helplessly, she parted her lips and his tongue slid inside, still infinitely tender, probing, seeking and finding hers. Her head swam, her knees started to give way and a small gasp escaped from her throat. His arms tightened around her, pulling her firmly against him. Their tongues met in a sensual entwining which melted every bone in her body. She let her head fall back when his mouth moved across her cheek to her earlobe, alternately nibbling and kissing. His tongue trailed a line down her neck and she writhed at the delicious sensations which heated her skin.
She gripped his shoulders and made no resistance when he moved one hand to stroke her shoulder and then her upper arm. As his hand folded around her breast and his thumb and finger caressed the hard nub of her nipple through her thin blouse, a hot flame shot through her. Her body arched against his and she felt the warm dampness between her legs.
Desire ran riot through her. She yearned for him, longed to see the look in his eyes as he made love to her, to hear his breathless gasp of her name when he reached the edge and then to lose herself completely with him in the ecstasy of completion.
“God, I want you,” he whispered, his mouth still nuzzling her neck.
Reality returned like a pistol shot. Panic-stricken, she pushed him away. “What the hell are we doing?”
(Shall I now waft you with my magic wand??)
Ooooh Paula, what a sizzling hot excerpt - wow! I asked Oliver to distract the kiddies with some icecream, but after that it's me who needs the icecream Over here, please Oliver!
Loved the excerpt!. More please!
Sue b
When is it gonna stop with the thunder. My connection is up and down like the stock market!
By the way I have been stuck in the ball pit since dawn. Lyn you nearly smothered me.
Do I have dog breath??
Did I miss the pizza?
Bowling too! I stink at that.
Mary stands at last. Finally outta the ball pit. Hey what did I miss, Lyn thanks for pulling me otta there. Gosh your feet look huge in those shoes.
Owww, Mary finds herself back in the ball pit.
WOW! Hot excerpt! My ice cream is melting - Oh nooooooo! Oh well, I'm off to win more tickets. I want the sparkly fairy wand so I can be cool like Paula.
*at the ballpit*
Lyn! Mary! Where are you????
Nanananana! You make rude remarks about my shoes, Mary Ricksen and I Scweem and scweem until I'm sick! You can just stay in the ball pool now!
Oh yes Patsy, a wand would be nice, but at least you get to wear a dress!
This new book of yours sounds absolutely brilliant, Paula!
Pulls Mary out of ball pit, hands Lyn and Patsy some more ice-cream - and goes off to find another except for Sue...
Yayyyyy! More ice cream. Thanks Paula!
What set her off? I didn't make those hoofers of yours.
Besides you have great balance with them!
Imagine having to lean over just to walk!
I think I may be stuck in here awhile Patsy. I got Lyn mad again. Does it bother you if I say your arms make the hulk look weak???
I even let her be the Chuck E.! Mary waddles around the ball pit. Jowls hanging as she looks though the mesh.
I'll use the mommy voice if I have to. Ruff, ruff.
Paula! Help!! I can't get out. I promise to behave. I will act like an adult, I will act like an adult. Well, how about a teen?
Waves my magic fairy wand and Mary levitates out of the ball pit...
Hope someone got a photo of that!
Here's another teaser for you:
After Luke had gone, Paul looked at her again. “I’ll get us some drinks. Same as usual?”
She shook her head as she sat down. “No. I have to drive when we get back to Kenton, so just a mineral water, please.”
To her surprise, he sat down next to her, looked at her for a long moment, then spoke very quietly. “You can tell me to go to hell if you want, and I’ll understand if you do, but what would you say if I said you don’t have to drive tonight?”
She frowned, not understanding, and then caught her breath as comprehension started to dawn. Her heart missed a beat. “Go on,” she whispered.
“I’ve booked a room here, but it’s entirely your decision.”
Their eyes held and tension simmered between them for a few seconds. Lisa’s mouth went dry as a thrill of heady excitement ricocheted through her body like an electric shock. She allowed her instinctive reaction to make up her mind for her.
“I’m just thinking that maybe—” She savoured every word, her eyes never leaving his “—maybe something like this ought to be a joint decision?”
She let her face relax into a quick, impish grin. Paul looked startled for a split second, and then took the cue from her.
“In that case,” he replied, just as carefully as she’d done, “my vote is yes.”
She drew in a deep breath and smiled. “So is mine.”
When he reached to grip her hand tightly, his touch sent hot rivers of fire coursing through her. His intense gaze fuelled them into raging infernos of electrifying anticipation.
He gave her a quick smile. “I’d like to suggest we go up to the room right now, but I suppose we’ll have to be sociable first, so I’ll get us those drinks.”
Lisa’s heart thudded as she watched him cross the room to the bar. The emotion of the moment had dictated her decision; common sense and realism now waged a battle with the wave of desire which flowed through her and heated her skin. But she didn’t want to be sensible and realistic, or to define all the tangled thoughts in her mind. Maybe it was reckless, maybe she’d live to regret it. Tonight, however, she wanted to put herself into a limbo where there was no past and no future to think about. Only the present and being with Paul again.
I think my ice cream is melting and my computer screen is fogging after those two excepts. Hot. Those both sure kept my attention.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
OOh, that was one hot excerpt. I think I may need some more ithe cweem - I mean Ice cream!
Thanks, Sue and Lyn :-)
GO FOR IT LISA! You only live once!
I need more tickets - my list of prizes is growing!
I take it as a compliment that my arms make Hulk look weak!
Did Mary get stuck in the ball pit again?
Finally, after I got outta the ball pit. Someone pushed me into the kitchen made me put on a hair net and knead pizza dough. I just escaped and they tried to kick me out. Said no dogs allowed. It was only the fact that some five year old told them I was a service dog, that they let me back in.
Someone called the pound and I just made it back inside in time!!!
Did you call the pound on me Lyn? I heard chuckling!!!
I forgot to tell you about the pizza mixer. Someone pushed me in that huge metal thing that they cook in. Well it was full of pepsi! The only reason I didn't drown is that my hooters were floating. Saved my life. Did you know they floated???
Sharon always told me they would save my life someday. Well she must be laughing now up in heaven!!!
You know there are times your muscular arms are really useful, Patsy. We're so proud of you.
Well Paula, now we know what happened to Mary. Me? Call the pound? As if? ;)
All I can say is, "I'll get you my pretty!" Just like the WW in the Wizard of Oz, I'll get you!
Giggling now at the thought of Mary swimming around in pepsi!
And that's a VERY pseudo-innocent look on your face, Lyn!
Ph yes, Paula, that's me, innocent as a little lamb, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth!
Thank goodness for your hooters. As you say, dear Sharon must be smiling up there!
And Sharon will be laughing at your innocent little face, too, Lyn!
She may look innocent, but have you read her books?? Huh? Some of that stuff must come from somewhere eh??
Conflict like that don't come easy!
She has a little tiny devil on her shoulder methinks! A laughing one at that!
That's made me imagine the Lincoln Cathedral Imp, Mary
http://yhoo.it/Ks6uSL
A little grinning devil!
This pizza tastes like cardboard - no...wait! It is a piece of cardboard! I'm eating a sign! ACCKKKKK
Lyn returns from her tenth ice cream, with chocolate cream all over her chops!
You talking about me Mary sweetie? That's not a devil on my shoulder it's a little Welsh fairy, innocent as a rose, like me, eh Cariad?
Poor Patsy, here, have an ice cream cornet to take away the taste!
Oooh dear, I feel a little queezy. D'you think there was something wrong with that last cornet I had?
Patsy are you wearing your glasses, that looks like a pizza box you're imbibing! What the heck is a cornet??? Sounds like it was bad,whatever it was.
Lyn, probably let her Imp, (she says Faery I say Imp. :0) LOL,), at the food.
She's tricky that one!
Where is a good Butler when you need one?
I wonder if we need the Imp buster??
Hey, you did say innocent??
BBRRRAAAAA HAHAHAHAH!!!!!
Sorry, just couldn't help myself.
I shall be a good girl and disregard those remarks, Mary! 'Coourse I'se innocent, I'se a good girl I is! *hic*!
You don't know what a cornet is? Gosh what do they teach you in America these days? LOL. Take a look at the picture next to the one of the cupcakes (I don't think I ate them all!)
Ha-ha Patsy - you're eating the box! Silly girl, open it first!
LOLOL - we know what cornets are, don't we, Lyn? These Americans - (shakes head in despair) - they don't know the joy of that last inch of the cornet, do they?
Wikopedia says it's a musical instrument of some kind. Huh?
You mean the ice cream cone? Is that a continental thing?
Where you getting the drinks from Lyn. Don't let the kiddies see you. Patsy, you didn't spike the adult punch did you??
Lyn where'd you get that flask?
And why aren't you sharing??
You're so right Paula - and the skill involved in making the icream go all the way down to the end bit!
Drinks? Drinks? Oh, there's plenty of lemonade around. What did you think Mary? Just because I had an itty bitty little attack of hiccups!
You mean you don't have ice cream cornets in the States? You poor things, I didn't realise, not even when I was over there. So that's why they serve ice cream in tubs?
ME! Of course not, this is a kiddie place - my granddaughter might be here. Tannis, Tannis, are you in there!
Why didn't someone tell me you had to take the pizza out of the box - I feel so foolish! And the taste was disgusting - needed more sauce!
Well I am missing all the fun. Had to take a nap after eating all that pizza and ice cream. Ha, ha.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Okay, so let the Americans think they are cones, but we'll always call 'em cornets!
Think all the kiddies have gone to bed now so Oliver! Bring us some REAL drinks please!
+If I were you Patsy I'd have a sub instead.
And we call them cones, although they do have tubs of the stuff, and I know people who could probably stuff one down. I prefer, as you might know, hot fudge and marshmallow sauce, nuts, whipped cream, Mmmm. sliced bananas, maybe some strawberry sauce and hey how about a banana split. Do you poor people over there have those!!
Now that is the way to have ice cream. Three different types too. Tubs are usually for a few people.
But how about hot dog eating contests have those?
the kids are gone!!! Yay, I'm removing the headpiece to this thing I think I have an allergy is my face swelled up or have I changed species?
I'll have the champagne punch please.
Oh, Paula, long as the kids are gone can we order up a couple of hot guys with the wand you got???
Let's dance. Ever seen a mouse dancing eh??
Waves wand - and yay - I can magic whoever you want here!
I'll have Hugh Jackman please - could be fun in the ball pit with him?
Now it's getting fun. I'll take a variety myself!!!
Sigh, Gerard Butler has invited me out to dinner. I think he thinks I really have a dog body. Oh well, whatever works. See you all later after I get back from. Hey, where we going anyways Ger?
Mmmm. Mary you're making me hungry, all that whipped cream adn fudge and marshmallow sauce, mmmm! Have to admit you do have nice icecream over there, I can still taste that delicious fudge and chocolate sundae I had with you - so you DO have cornets, even if you call 'em cones!
OK, if the kiddiewinkles have gone bye byes, Oliver - you did bring some mead didn't you, just a small flaggon, er I mean glass, if you please.
Oh Paula, if you could wave your wand once more, Richard Armitage would be nice, once I go off my head - I mean get my head off, get out of this costume - well you know what I mean!
Hello Ladies,
Sorry I'm late to the party, I've been out and about all day today.
Paula, congrats on your latest. I can't wait to read it.
Ladies, a lovely party, as always.
And Oliver, it's been too long you handsome thing you...come and give us a big smooch!
DebraStJohn
Hi Debra, so glad you could stop by for Paula's party. Don't worry about being late - the grownups are starting to have fun!
Good job Oliver's 'tash is fake, eh?
Whilst we wait for Richard. Pass the mead. I wanna try it!
See you after breakfast come on Gerard let's trip the light fantastic as soon as you finish your banana split.
'Night all, Richard and I are off to -er- look at the stars.#
Here's the mead Mary, careful now, it's potent stuff!
If anyone else turns up, feel free to party on, there's plenty of food and while the kiddies sleep, the adults can play!
Now the fun truly begins. I'll have a beer - what's on tap?
Hi all. This is a funky site. I arrived via Paula's link. I enjoyed the cupcakes especially and the extract from Paula's book was pretty sweet too.
Sure I'll wait and make sure I don't win it before I buy it, lol!
den.covey@gmail.com
Cheers!
Denise
Hi Denise, thanks for stopping by - yes,Paula's book sounds as hot as chilli peppers doesn't it! :) We all had to eat icecream to cool down, but we can't wait to read the book now!
Do have another cupcake there are plenty more!
Good morning. Going to be a hot one today. Going to need some lemonade and a good book. LOL.
Sue B
Morning Sue - I think you're absolutely right!
Sorry I missed the breakfast continuation of the party, but hope Gerard and Richard kept you - er- entertained?
Debra and Denise - thnks so much for joining the fun
Debra, you can put Oliver down now!!
Hope you enjoyed the cupcakes, Denise!
Sue, back here for breakfast, I see! Passes lemonade over - and wishes we could say the same about the weather here in the UK!
LOL Paula, you hit the nail on the head there! It was lovely when I got up first thing this morning, but since then it's rapidly deteriorated!
Thanks Paula for a wonderful and fun weekend with us all!
Come on Gerard time to go now!! I'll help you clean up later Oliver!
Patsy and Lyn you rock!
Paula sell a ton of books!!
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