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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, September 11, 2009

Amber Leigh Williams flies in for a roasting

Before we get on to the fun today, let's just pause for a moment in thought and contemplation.


In memory of 9/11 To all the angels and heroes that lost their lives on this horrific day in history, we salute you.

*****************


The scene is set, the runway is clear as a small plane comes in to land.

The pilot jumps gracefully down from the cockpit of the vintage P-38, removes her goggles and turning, smiles radiantly. The person everyone has been waiting for, is here at last.

Amber Leigh Williams, talented author of 'Forever Amore' has bravely volunteered to go undercover and find out for herself what goes on at the 'Author Roast & Toast'. Such courage. One can only wonder if she realises what she has let herself in for.

Oliver bows deeply and opens the door of the waiting limousine. (Well Sharon pays him enough, sometimes a butler just has to expect to do two jobs!)

With a shriek of brakes the car stops outside the secret location and screeches to a halt (Oliver is not the most careful of drivers it has to be said. ) As the hostesses rush up to greet their guest, followed by a rather excited dog and a cheeky unicorn, Oliver gets out of the car and bounds toward Sharon who nudges him sharply and whispers something that sounds like - 'remember the auction'. Blushing at his own forgetfulness, Oliver holds the door open for Amber and winks as she gracefully exits. With a regal nod she thanks him - but it is only then she realises he is dressed in a full 'Biggles' outfit!

Once inside, Sharon rings for Oliver to bring in tea and cakes and Amber makes herself at home, reclining elegantly on the comfortable chaise longue. Wordlessly she hands over her credentials. They read as follows:

'Amber Leigh Williams is a multi-published author, a member of Romance Writers of America, and monthly contributor to Romance Writers United's Write Right newsletter. Her western romance Blackest Heart placed first in the 2009 More Than Magic Novella category. She works in a bookstore and lives with her husband and three labs on the Gulf Coast. Visit Amber on the web at www.amberleighwilliams.com
The hostesses 'um' and 'ah' in admiration and continue to read the blurb of her latest book, 'Forever Amore'.

Was their love destined to last forever … Engaged in a brutal dogfight, dashing American Lieutenant Charles Tyler crashes his broken plane into the Italian countryside. He prays for divine intervention—and is certain he’s found an angel from the very moment he looks up at Lucille Renaldi’s lovely face. Yet how can he be with her when his sense of duty tells him to stay away? … or become another casualty of war? Lucille’s attraction to the American is forbidden, her obligation to her family’s safety overwhelming. At great peril the Renaldis carry Charles from the crash site and disguise him as just another worker in their vineyard. Hidden there inside the ugliness of World War II is the beauty of a growing love, and a danger that could end their lives any day—when all they want is … forever.

Oliver re-enters, a silver tray balanced gracefully on one hand, which he places on a small table before the hostesses and their guests. He seems unable to take his eyes off Amber, and backs slowly out of the room, blowing a kiss. He hovers at the door until a word from Sharon has him shutting it behind him with obvious reluctance. The others pour over the words before them:

Excerpt: His lips brushed her cheek, tender. “Listen.” His voice carried a sensual, guttural rust that caused a stir within despite herself. “I want to help. If this is what it takes …” As he trailed off, her lips parted as she finished his thought.. “You would do that?” “If it was what you really wanted,” he assured her. “If it was what you needed to take your mind off whatever it is that’s driven you to tears. As I said, I can’t stand to see you in pain.” She shook her head. “I can’t use you. I won’t.” “I’m not anywhere near the man you deserve, but if it’s me you trust, you have me. All you have to do is say so. I’d save you any day, and not just because you saved me.” The right answer hovered on her tongue—refusal. But something forestalled it. She shouldn’t consider. She shouldn’t want—not this way. But what other way was there? Especially now that her time was running out and the cage door was so quickly closing on her? She wanted Charles Tyler. This might be her only chance to experience a woman’s true pleasure. A man’s true loving. “Dio,” she breathed, unable to meet his gaze. She glanced around the cemetery once, afraid of the ghosts listening on the edges.
Purchase Link:
http://www.blacklyonpublishing.com/Forever%20Amore.html


Title: Forever Amore
Author: Amber Leigh Williams
ISBN: 978-1-934912-19-5
Price: $16.95 paperback
Price: $8.00 Ebook (PDF format)
Pages: 250 paperback
Released: September 1, 2009!

The formalities are not quite over. In order for you to win a copy of this wonderful book, Amber requires an answer to the following question which she has painstakingly managed to decode:

"What was Biggles doing when the wine ran out?"

197 comments:

  1. Hey Oliver, I'll have the usual PGTips this morning. Junior stop panting, everyone will be here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Welcome Amber! Sharon rushes in, waves at Mary and pats Junior on the head. There's a good lad. She looks around. Where are Lyn and Cuddles? Oliver, do stop panting over Amber and bring coffee, tea and PGTips. Amber, what will you have to drink? Oliver! Stop drooling! The auction, remember the auction? Read my lips!

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  3. Let's arrange the chairs so I can sit next to Amber Junior and stop sniffing the food!Oh there's Sharon.
    You hoo, hey Sharon. Mary gives Sharon a hug.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Where did Amber go. OOOOOllllliiiiivvveeeeerrr!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lyn and Cuddles gallop in and Lyn dismounts a bit breathlessly. Welcome Amber. Hi Mary, Hi Sharon. She hugs them both and pats Junior, then turns to Amber.We're so thrilled to have you here today, Amber, I hope Oliver is looking after you, properly, oh dear, I see that glazed look in his eyes again!

    Cuddles, where are you going? Cuddles bring Mary's identity back immediately!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sharon rolls her eyes and gives up trying to teach Oliver to behave himself. She rushes over and returns Mary's hug. Junior, go let know Oliver what you're thinking. Oops, my bad. We don't want to know what you boys are thinking. LOL

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mary jumps up (the advil is working)
    Takes a huge leap to be the first to greet Amber. But the bar is in the way and she knocks down the coffee pot. Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  8. "Tiptoe through the tulips..."

    Oops! Wait, am I at the wrong party? Why is everyone dressed in aviation garb and wearing hideous goggles?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sharon greets Lyn and Cuddles with hugs. She agrees about Oliver's being in love again. Oh he of fickle heart!
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh my goodness didn't they tell Miss Mae?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Miss Mae, I do hope you've brought some of your famous recipe, we can't start without that!

    Well, this aviation gear was actually Oliver's idea, he started it by dressing up as Biggles - seemed to think he looked like the hero in Amber's book - as if!! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  12. Junior, stop sniffing my sequined flask! There are NO bones in there!

    Cuddles, bring back my ukulele!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lyn tuts in exasperation.

    Really Cuddles, just as Oliver was about to pour my Earl Grey and hand me some choccy bickies!

    Gets up and races after Cuddles!

    Bring back Miss Mae's Ukelele at once!

    As usual, one word from her and Cuddles does as he likes!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amber has rather a glazed look in her eyes, doesn't she? Oh, is she awake? Say something, Amber!

    I can revive you with some incredibly tasty lemonade, you know.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wait I think that Amber's plane was hijacked!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You don't think it has anything to do with the incredibly good looking Oliver in that Biggles outfit, do you
    Miss Mae? Quick, I think I need some of that lemonade too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Help everyone! A spy has taken Amber and lift a droid. Not a clone. What's happening?

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think we all need a good swig to get things moving!

    Oh, there's my ukulele...now let's all sing, "Mary had a little dog..."

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ahw heck, pass the recipe please Miss Mae. No one believes me!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Miss Mae bends down and sings loudly in Amber's ear: "Wake up, little Amber! Wake up!"

    ReplyDelete
  21. and every where that Mary went, his sooty foot he put.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm telling you she's been abducted!
    Can Oliver look for her, the droid doesn't talk! I'm worried.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm worried too. I don't understand it. She was fine, sitting on the chaise longue with Oliver bowiung to her every whim - you know it wouldn't surprise me if Oliver's whisked her away somewhere when we weren't looking - although come to think of it I haven't seen Cuddles for a while either!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm getting Junior's catamaran. cpme on boy let's go to the magic isle and look for her. Anyone coming?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oliver! What did I tell you about dragging the pretty authors into the woods! Don't you dare tell me you didn't do it when I can see the glazed look in your eyes. Sharon puts on her bonoculars and only sees Cuddles and Junior...and what's that...Miss Mae handing out the recipe! Shiver me timbers! No wonder our guest of honor and guests are all gone missing!
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  26. Miss Mae throws up her hands...This can't be Amber, probably an alien replicator that hasn't learned to impersonate too well.

    Oliver, lug my chest of iced lemonade, will you? We'll proceed with this party at Grandpappy Beauregard's plantation!

    Come along Junior and Cuddles. We'll leave this...um...being...right where it is.

    Strumming ukulele, singing, "Working nine to five..."

    All trail out skipping and hopping in glee...

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wait for me... wait for me Miss Mae, I'm coming. (Just had to send Cuddles off in search of the real Amber Leigh Williams, it's about time he earned his special unicorn mash!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'll lppk for her and meet up with you all later.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Come on Oliver! You heard Miss Mae. This party's being moved for the time being where we can all relax on the plantation and slug back some reci...I mean...lemonade.
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh, man, I hope you guys find Amber! I don't think that droid or clone or whatever it was could come close to writing up to Amber's standards! Forever Amore sounds so good! I loved her Wayback novella Blackest Heart, and am looking forward to her next two stories in this wonderful Wild Rose Press series!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you so much Stacey, yes the search goes on. You're welcome to join us if you like, Oliver will supply copious supplies of Miss Mae's recipe, er lemonade!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hey ladies, thanks for having me. Oliver, might I say the uniform is too...cute ;)

    I'll have a pina colada. Be generous with the rum there, Biggles. And did I hear something about an auction? Pray, do tell!

    ReplyDelete
  33. AMBER! Wow, thank goodness you're all right. We thought you'd been kidnapped! What's that Oliver, you saved her from the bad guys and brought her back!

    (Well at least he did bring you back Amber, knowing Oliver he might have wanted to keep you all to himself!)

    Ah well Oliver, perhaps Sharon won't auction you to the highest bidder after all, although it sounds as if Amber might be one of the bidders if she does!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh my goodness, Stacey. Thank you so much! I'm so happy the sequels will be released next year.

    And, might I say, I LOVE the attire, Oliver. I feel like Amelia Earnhardt. And you do make a very good Charles...though if it came down to choosing... Ooo, tough call there.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hywela says, "What's that Oliver, you saved her from the bad guys and brought her back! (Well at least he did bring you back Amber, knowing Oliver he might have wanted to keep you all to himself!)"

    *cough, cough* Yes...ah, well... Let's just say I'm no damsel in distress ;)

    ReplyDelete
  36. LOL Yes, well knowing Oliver and his charms, perhaps we'd better not go there! *grin*.

    Goodness, your reckon he'd make a good Charles? There'll be absolutely no living with him now, you have no idea how conceited he gets, just ask Sharon!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh dear, Hywela. His Biggles pants are pretty tight, aren't they? And now his head's so inflated, the buttons on the neckline of his uniform are starting to pop! Duck! They'll bean someone!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh Crumbs! Quick Cuddles, gather up those buttons so we can sew them back on his tunic. Calm down Oliver, honestly, you're not really that good looking.

    Cuddles, perhaps you'd better go in search of the others and bring them back if they're not too sozzled - er I mean if they're not too full of lemonade. We really need Sharon to keep Oliver in order!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I think they are a bit sozzled...ah, I mean, full, Hywela. Full. See there, outside? They're pointing at the key, saying, "De plane! De plane!"

    Aha, and THAT'S what Biggles was doing with the wine!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Amber is here! And she's safe. Oliver rushes or shall I say gushes to her with a pina colada and lots of rum. He winks and sings his own version of "Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum!" Grin
    Looks like Oliver is madly in love again. Watch out Amber!
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'll ring up the DH now and ask if he'd mind Oliver taking the spare bedroom...as long as he brings the tight Biggles uniform and goggles!

    And speaking of rum, might I say he'd make a fine Jack Sparrow. Maybe on my next visit? Huh? Huh, huh? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  42. *grin* have you actually sampled any of Miss Mae's famous 'recipe' lemonade yet, Amber?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oliver for Jack Sparrow?

    Oh crumbs, Amber, don't give him any more ideas! (sigh)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Yes, feeling even thirstier after the pina colada. The lemonade's very spiked. Ah...I mean, sweet. Of course. *ahem*

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh... Oh my... I'm feeling very tipsy. If this is how Amelia felt went she flew off the radar, it's really no wonder she disappeared.

    Oliver, you've got your damsel in distress now!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oliver rushes to Amber's side and commences to give her the kiss of life.

    Lyn watches in horror

    OLIVER, desist, she exclaims, we'll have none of that here, you hear!

    However, Amber seems to be enjoying it...

    ReplyDelete
  47. Junior stop barking, we're back. Oliver could you get a biscuit for Junior he's giving me a headache. He can't wait to meet Amber.
    Junior!!! No stop sniffing under skirts, I keep telling you that.
    And get outta my head. You're the one who decided to go to the pound and give out treats. It's not my fault we missed Amber's grand entrance.
    Is the clone gone? It disintegrated when Amber came in?
    Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oliver Amber! Oh my! Lyn, Mary, Cuddles and Junior. Dare we leave them alone? Does Miss Mae know what her recipe is doing? What's that? No Oliver, you cannot get your butler costumes two sizes too small!
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  49. That...was... *sigh, straigthens goggles* More, lemonade! Please!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lyn thumbs furiously through her medical manual. Sighs, turns it upside down...

    Hmmm, it doesn't say anything here about the kiss of life having the sort of effect it seems to have had on Amber. No, wait, silly me, this is a veterinary manual, not a human one!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Chants: "I'm a married woman, I'm a married woman, I'm a married woman, I'm a married woman....."

    No, Lyn, it's not working!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh flip! Oliver, stop looking so pleased with yourself, you are not the best looking man in the Universe! (Sighs softly to herself, not quite, but it's close!)

    Cuddles come here and touch Amber with your enchanted horn, see if we can't get her back to normal again!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh, Cuddles! Gravity's working again, thank you! No more lemonade for me, I'm afraid. *pointedly does not look at Oliver*

    ReplyDelete
  54. Phew! I'm glad that worked, Cuddles.

    Amber, I think you oughto have a nice calming cup of Rosie Lee. Oliver stop strutting around and pour Amber a nice cup of tea - and remember what Sharon said about the auction!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Lyn, yes. Tea. I am a bit of a lightweight, it seems. Between the rum and the lemonade and *cough, throws Oliver a glance*...well, I've reached my limit.

    How bout another excerpts, ladies?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Junior stop drinking all of Miss Mae's recipe. Save some for the others.

    ReplyDelete
  57. My, look at Junior go! He has a much stronger constitution than I do! *sips tea*

    ReplyDelete
  58. Here's your cup of tea, Amber. Sharon rushes over and pokes Oliver in the back. Auction! Rolls her eyes at Amber. I keep threatening to sell him to the highest bidder if he doesn't remember his manners. He loses them at least twice a week. Sharon whispers. But he is hot, yes? Wink!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Ah, yes, Sharon. I know a good fighter pilot who could teach Oliver a thing or two. They don't do pants that tight in the real Air Force.

    *whispering so Oliver doesn't hear* Yes, he's too darn cute for his own good. Where did you find him?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Wow. What a flurry and a flutter of activity over here. I heard the commotion across the cosmos and hither have I come carried on the back of a large eagle.
    Hail Amber, the most talented and all her attendants! And Oliver, whom we may have to put in time out. With ummmm, someone, to keep an eye on him.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Quick give Beth something to drink Oliver. Her eagle is rather large, Junior wants a ride.
    Why are you passing out parachutes Oliver?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hell Beth make yourself at home and ask Oliver to pour you some of MM's recipe. *Sigh* He's even more impossible today, I think it's all that tight leather!

    Don't you think Amber looks exquisite in her flying togs though!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Oh crumbs,

    I think Cuddles fancies your Eagle Beth, but the trouble is he's looking at Cuddles as if he's weighing him up for his next meal!

    Quick Junior, separate them before there's a catastrophe (I'd hate that poor eagle to get indigesiton!)

    ReplyDelete
  64. *waving* Hi, Beth! Thanks for stopping by. We are causing a stir, aren't we? Oooo, perhaps YOU could go to the corner with Oliver? I'm sure someone as accomplished as yourself could keep him in line *wink*

    No, no, no. I draw the line at parachutes...unless this is a reenactment of that scene from Pearl Harbor with Josh Hartnett. Then it's a whole nother story...

    ReplyDelete
  65. Good one, Beth! Time out indeed. Ah...who would like to volunteer to do time with the strapping young lad? Amber where did I find him? LOL Sharon turns from Oliver and whispers. I killed off his cousin Charles in my romantic suspense in a moment of...shall we say passion. And then I felt so bad I brought him back in the wonderful world of fiction as the new and improved cousin Oliver. He's from the Fifteenth century when men were romantic heros. He's a bit confused with all this role playing in the modern world of today. Women get him all a flutter and he forgets his armor of yesteryear.
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  66. Why thanks, Lyn! I do love a good pair of togs!

    Oh no, Eagle! Don't eat Cuddles! He saved me from the kiss of life!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Sharon: ah, yes. Now I understand the hair. Sounds like a wonderful story! I love RS!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thank goodness Amber Oliver comes up with some strange ideas.
    Why he's taken Beth into the corner. Has anyone warned her?

    Eeeek, the eagle has cuddles!
    Junior jumps up and bites the eagle on it's foot. Cuddles escapes and runs to Lyn looking for comfort. He shoulda used his horn to save himself.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Congratulations on the new release, Amber!

    Helen
    www.helensheroes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Wow, that's some eagle, Beth. What kind is he? Whewwww. I'm afraid of birds, ever since The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. I had this fear one would swoop down and get me. Oooooh nooooo here it comes. Quick, Beth, tell him to heal! Oh he's got me and is taking me in the skyyyyyyyy!!!!!

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thank you, Helen! Thanks for stopping by, dear! I'd give you my lemonade but it's really quite dangerous.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Helen, how nice to see you. This weeks hunk is so nice looking. Oliver has competition.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hell Helen, let me pour you a glass of lemonade, Oliver seems -er - somewhat occupied at the moment!

    Come and sit here next to Amber, it's OK, it's not compulsory to wear flying gear!

    ReplyDelete
  74. OLIVER! Stop cuddling with Beth and save Sharon!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Here, Helen. You can wear my aviator goggles. They look great on you!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Oh my God! Junior quick help Sharon.

    Junior grabs the end of Sharon's dress. Someone help me pull Sharon back!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Oliver suddenly realises the danger Sharon is in - but before he can act, the intrepid Amber leaps onto Cuddles back and they soar away into the sky in pursuit of the eagle, still clutching Sharon in its talons...

    ReplyDelete
  78. Oliver, Cuddles, the eagle has Amber! And Junior is hanging by his teeth from her dress!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Junior leaps up and with a final jerk, tugs Sharon free of the eagle's clutches. Cuddles makes circles in the sky, around the eagle, who thinks he's playing, and forgets all about Sharon. The two swoop and soar in the sky and peace reigns once more - for now!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Oh my goodness! It's really high up here. I'm know I'm supposed to be all tough aviatrix...but I have a thing about heights...

    Oliver, parachute?

    ReplyDelete
  81. I mean the eagle has Sharon. Oh no, he's trying to grab Amber off of Cuddles back with his huge talons.

    ReplyDelete
  82. What about Junior, he's still attached to Sharon's dress?

    ReplyDelete
  83. Sharon, didn't you say that Oliver's from the 15th century? Where's his sword? We could really use a romantic white knight right about now...

    ReplyDelete
  84. Peace? What are you talking about? Junior is hanging from Sharon's dress up there. Amber is screaming for a parachute and Cuddles is doing rollovers.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Amber you have a point there (Cringes at own awful pun)

    Don't worry, just cling onto Cuddles'mane, he'll take care of you.

    Cuddles, stop larking around, that eagle could be dangerous.

    Oh, Junior still has hold of Sharon and they're both falling back to earth/

    Quuuu-iii-ck- Oliver, CATCH!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Must think happy thoughts. *frantically begins singing "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"*

    ReplyDelete
  87. Congratulations on your latest release, Amber. Sounds like an exciting plot, including real characters with plenty of depth. Those are a combination for a best seller.

    Fantastic introduction, Hywela. You know how to roll out the red carpet.

    You girls be careful. With an eagle, a droid, a flirtatious butler, mischievous unicorn, and an over-friendly dog, anything can go wrong. Not to mention Miss Mae's famous recipe.

    Ya'll have a wonderful roast.

    Laurie (Laurean Brooks)

    ReplyDelete
  88. Oliver leaps from the sky in a parachute, smacks the eagle and they all plumet to earth with what sounds an awfully lot like a sonic boom. TIMBER!! The Eagle has Landed. Amber is freed and rushes to gain her composure by slugging back her limonade. Sharon, trying to slap down her dress (scowls and grabs the recipe. Then she smiles and greets Helen, keeping a safe distance from the eagle.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Thanks so much for the kind words, Laurie,great to see you! Whew, you came in just when things are at their height I think!

    Oliver, where are your manners, some lemonade for Laurie, please. Oh, I seem you were refilling Amber's glass, we'll let you off then.

    Um, Laurie's waiting...!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Junior, good doggie, you tried to save Sharon. You can have a small drink of recipe to revitalize you.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Laurie, thanks for stopping by! You'll have to excuse mine and Sharon's windblown hair. Oh, no! I seem to have lost my goggles. And the recipe...yes, I could use more after that.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I think Cuddles did more than try, he saved Sharon from being bird food!

    For once he and Cuddles were almost good!

    ReplyDelete
  93. The eagle is out of control. I've released him skyward and acquired that creature Harry Potter flies around on. Better navigation. Just can't run out of raw meat.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Beth, ah yes, B-U-tiful hippogriff. What's his name?

    ReplyDelete
  95. Whew, that was a close one. Sharon waves at Laurie as she's leaving. Well what's ay we all have some refreshments. Lunch anyone? Oh Oliver, do bring out the buffet. Oliver, having a hidden fear of birds that are bigger than he, eyes the eagle skeptically. Then he brings out the roast beef, thinly sliced, ham and turkey, croissants, fresh fruit and enough chocolates to make any woman weep. He grins and bows and fills a plate for Amber, the guest of honor. Then he winks, apparently waiting for some type of response.

    ReplyDelete
  96. *butters a croissant and holds it out to Oliver* Open wide!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Sorry *hic* I think I may have had too much of this darned lemonade.

    I meant Junior saved Sharon, of course!

    From the way Oliver's staring at you again, Amber, I reckon he thinks the windblown look suits you.

    Cuddles, go and find Amber's goggles!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Ahh Oliver, that ain't the eagle he went home. Watch this one bites!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Sharon, thank you for lunch! It's lovely!

    Lyn, I believe I'm getting used to the recipe.

    *hic*

    Or, perhaps not...

    ReplyDelete
  100. Oh Amber DON@T encourage him!

    Too late, now he's even more in love with you!

    ReplyDelete
  101. *shrugs* What? He looked hungry... *winks at Oliver*

    ReplyDelete
  102. Sharon, composed after a generous slug of recipe, hugs Junior and Cuddles for their heroics. Then with a sigh, she hugs Oliver who did after all, risk his life and handsome limb by attacking the eagle from a parachute. Maybe we'll let the auction pass this week. Sharon winks and grabs a croissant and some strawberries and cream. Mmmmmm. Amber, I dare say we do indeed have the windblown look! Beth, you seem to have the same problem controlling your eagle as I do Oliver. What should we do about this problem? Hmmmm. More recipe so we can solve the problems of the world?

    ReplyDelete
  103. Buckbeak is his name, I believe. Free rides for Amber and guests. Oliver will navigate.

    ReplyDelete
  104. I seem to have fallen behind in the conversation. Chocolate is the answer to the world's ills.

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  105. Junior trots in with a big box of truffles, all flavors, for everyone to try. Please pass them around Oliver would you?

    ReplyDelete
  106. Oliver, you know that huge box of luxury Belgian chocolates you've just presented to Amber? Well how about getting another box for us over here please! (We need something to soak up the recipe)

    ReplyDelete
  107. Ah, no sooner said than done! Thank you Oliver.

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  108. A whole box of Belgian chocolate all to myself?!?!

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  109. Yes, it's Oliver's way of trying to make you Luuurve him! Don't worry, just take them home with you - we're fine, we have this huge box of truffles Junior just brought in!

    ReplyDelete
  110. Charles thought this would be a good time to drop in! Take it away, lieutenant:

    “What …” She paused, trying to catch her breath. “What are you doing here?”
    “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    She didn’t think she could stand another round of emotional battering. “I was selfish. I wanted the escape of you. I wanted to know what it would be like to lay with a man I want to be with.”
    “Not that,” he said, turning her face up to his. “Why didn’t you tell me it was arranged? Why didn’t you say you never wanted him?”
    “After the way you looked at me after—” Tears burned the backs of her eyes, remembering. “I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe.”
    “How can you be going along with this?” he demanded. “Your father… You have to talk to your father. Can’t he see that you’re miserable?”
    “It doesn’t matter,” she cried. “They’re sending me away to Switzerland so I won’t cause anymore controversy when the Gestapo arrives.”
    The muscles in his jaw jumped as they hardened in fury. “They’re shipping you away because of me.”
    The door to the kitchen swung open. Before Francesca could enter, Lucille gripped Charles’s arm and yanked him into the seclusion of the deep pantry. Neither breathed as they listened to the heavy cook’s footsteps moving around the room. When Francesca started to hum productively, Lucille pulled him farther
    into the pantry to the back wall stacked from high ceiling to stone floor with a well-stocked wine rack.
    “You can’t be seen here,” she whispered, gripping his lapel. “As soon as she leaves again, you must go back to the cottage.”
    “I’ll talk to your father myself if I have to,” he hissed.
    “Charles, I forbid you,” she said, voice trembling now. “You won’t accomplish anything, and he’ll send you away tonight.”

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  111. Mmmmm chocolate and another excerpt.

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  112. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  113. Oh, fantastic excerpt Amber, and Charles is just so - oooh - well Oliver has competition, is all I can say!

    Sorry folks, I'm going to have to leave the party just for a while. I'll try not to be too long though.

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  114. Ok, Lyn! Charles and the chocolates will be waiting ;)

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  115. Leave Cuddles we'll watch him.
    Junior wants to play with him.

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  116. Here, Cuddles, stay with Mary, and the others - and don't steal anything!

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  117. Cuddles, I don't think those truffles are good for you.

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  118. Oof...too many sweets. How bout a ride on Beth's hippogriff?

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  119. So Amber sit down and lets relax. You've been running around all day.
    Sit and try some of this lobster salad, we have shrimp and some wonderful hordeorves. Please try some. So what do you have in mind for your next book.
    Oliver stop it, you're googoo eyes at Amber are making me sick. You're such a tease.

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  120. Mm...yes, the lobster is divine.

    I'm taking a break from writing at the moment to do some revision work. I just finished my second paranormal. I'm picking that series back up in November for NaNo. Anybody else doing NaNo?

    No, Oliver, no more recipe for me.

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  121. I'm just trying to finish my current WIP and if it's still November by then I'll call it Nano.

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  122. Hey Amber. Great second excerpt! I have to admit to not knowing what that is either? Do dish?

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  123. Is it anything like Robin Williams alien? Nanu, nanu?

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  124. Good strategy, Beth! And Mary, NaNo stand for "National Novel Writing Month." You commit to writing 50,000 words in November. They have a website: http://www.nanowrimo.com

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  125. I don't think there is a NaNo winner. You do get your name put on a list of all the others who made it to 50K by month's end. Good question.

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  126. Lyn slinks in, trying not to look guilty and not saying where she's been. Heck a girl has to have some secrets!

    I'm doing NaNo too, for my sins!

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  127. Oh I think you get a special little on-line badge with 'winner' on it, if you complete the 50,000 words!

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  128. I couldn't guarantee 50,000 words, no way.
    Junior give me back my recipe, I need that!

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  129. No-one says they have to make sense, LOL!

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  130. Don't forget folks, time's rolling on and there's just under an hour left for you to get your answers in.

    Cuddles, bring me that piece of paper at once. Thank you. Right, in case you missed it (it's right at the end of Amber's intro) It's this:

    What was Oliver - I mean Biggles - doing when the wine ran out?

    The person who posts the best answer, chosen by amber, will be the winner.

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  131. We can have Amber decide later. Sometimes people comment after they get home from work. You never know.

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  132. Yes, I wasn't expecting her to do it now. Amber, if you can let me know tomorrow, I'll post the winner as soon as we know.

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  133. Oh how nice to be here to see you Amber and I want to hear all about what you have been doing..well at least the things you can tell in public. ha Oh and yes..dear Oliver..may I have two pina coladas..one for each hand and would you please feed me one of those pretzels..ah yes now this is wonderful..go on Amber tell me some good newsy tidbits. Oh yesss.

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  134. Hello Susan, yes sit next to Amber and she can fill you in on all the scandal - er I mean events. I see Oliver's looking after you. :)

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  135. Ah Susan, I'm so glad to see you, I was wondering if we were on another planet.
    Maybe it's Cuddles and Junior running all over chasing an eagle, and some weird other creature. As they whiz by, you just have to be careful.
    So you got gossip? Oliver doesn't talk much, he doesn't tell tales, just whispers sweet nothings. He's a man of action.

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  136. Oliver is at the ready, winking at Susan, two pina coladas in hand. He swoons as he stares from Amber to Susan. Life just keeps getting better and better and he loves being the apple of the female eye.
    Sharon

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  137. Sharon grins. Did I mention he loves gossip, girls?

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  138. Thanks for dropping in, Susan! It's great to see you. I'll after another pina colada, too, Oliver.

    Well, since even Oliver likes gossip, I'll let you all in on some really exclusive news. The third book in my Wayback trilogy just got contracted by TWRP! It's the second sequel to Blackest Heart, which Stacey mentioned earlier. I'm really happy about that.

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  139. Yea!! Congratulations, Amber. Sharon rushes to hug her. Oliver, beside himself and all aglow, rushes out with a giant pina colada and is so excited he trips and spills it. Oooops!

    Sharon

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  140. Congratulations Amber, that's fantastic news.

    Thank you so much for being our guest today, it's been wonderful having you here. Don't forget to let us know who your prizewinner is, tomorrow. As Mary said, earlier folks, if you weren't able to come to the party today, leave a comment between now and 9.AM tomorrow, and you'll be entered. Help yourselves to the goodies Oliver's prepared for you - oh and look there's still some of MM's special recipe!

    Before Amber can reply, Oliver, still with his Biggles outfit grasps Amber about the waist and rushes off to the waiting limousine, murmuring sweet nothings and whispers "come fly with me and take me to places I've never been..."

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  141. That's not gossip Amber. Gossip is Lyn had toilet paper on her shoe this morning, wasn't that funny. Or Sharon broke a bottle of Jean Nate on herself and she smells like a $3.- lollipop.
    Cuddles has a large piece of spinach in his teeth.
    Junior is two timing his girl friend.
    Mary is on the high side of sober, she's falling down and tripping all over the place. Too much recipe?
    And don't get me started on Oliver.
    When Mr. Biggles ran out of wine he screamed like a little girl until the waitress brought him another. Geez men.

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  142. Hey wait, I thought she was gonna stay for a bit?
    Or come back to comment?

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  143. Holy cow! Well, I guess I'm off with Oliver. I'll bring him back...maybe ;)

    I'll drop back in tomorrow morning and announce the winner!

    Ladies of the Roast, I enjoyed guesting so much today you have a follower for life! Best wishes!!!

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  144. Lyn watches them disappear into the distance.

    Well, I'm sure Amber won't mind me leaving a message here, since it looks like I'm left to do the tidying up. She's going to have her own back on me tomorrow and will be interviewing moi at
    The Roses of Prose Blog

    http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

    Join us there (If Oliver gets her back in time, that is!)

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  145. Of course, I can stay and chat! No problem. And gossip...hm...I'll think of something good here in a minute...

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  146. For Lyn it's late. Leave Cuddles he can stay the nite with Junior.
    Unless, you have other plans.

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  147. Lyn, I'm looking forward to the interview tomorrow! It's going to be grrreat!

    (BTW - for those wondering, I'm chatting by cell phone from the limo ;)

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  148. Ok - good gossip. Erm...well, my sister in law just had a baby girl this morning, her third child. Um, I recently had a mental breakdown over the end of my 2nd paranormal. (Read ALL about it at The Cozy Page.) And tomorrow when I drive to Mobile for my monthly RWA meeting, I hope I don't have another one crossing the bayway. Lots and lots of water then...a tunnel. *shudders*

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  149. Cool, I am still sitting here drinking the leftover recipe and feeling lonely.

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  150. Isn't modern technology wonderful, Amber! Just tell that Oliver to keep his eyes on the road though!

    Congratulations to your sister in law on the new baby girl, something else to celebrate, great news!

    Take care when you're driving tomorrow, and I can't wait to be interviewed with you. I imagine it will be a bit more controlled than your time with US today *grin*!

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  151. We're secretly very much fun over at The Roses of Prose. Though I've never done anything as fun as a Roast before so... You ladies take the cake ;)

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  152. I'm still here Mary. We'll just finish off the rest of the recipe and dish. Oh, Amber, big congrats on being an aunt! A sweet baby girl to boot! Thanks so much for being our special guest today. You were great and loads of fun! Best of luck, my dear. So, Mary, what is your deep dark secret gossip you want to share? Do dish. Go away, Oliver. You have the night off with Amber!

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  153. This is such a fun blog. You guys have one heck of an imagination

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  154. Ring..rrriiinnnngg. Hello, Amber, your sister just had a baby, congratulations.
    Sorry about the breakdown, I though it should be a happy time. I'll go look at the info. on the cozy page.
    I'm skipping my meeting this month. Tunnels and water. Ugh. Now that's better gossip.

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  155. I'm still here too Mary, no need to be lonely, looks like we're all working overtime! *grin*.


    "...you ladies take the cake."

    Well thanks Amber, but only if Oliver doesn't snatch it away first!
    Ha,ha!

    By the way, is Oliver still driving? It seems to be taking you a long time to get where you're going! Not that we're complaining of course, it's great to still be able to talk to you, after Oliver snatching you away like that!

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  156. Well hello Kathye, fantastic to see you, join the party!

    Imagination LOL! I guess that's why we write!

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  157. My gossip, hmmmmmm.
    I have a relative who lives in Vermont, he is the longest spitter at the local fair. We are so happy for him.

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  158. Hi Kathye! Nice to see you. Have a swig.

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  159. Kathye - that's my mom's name. I love all Kathys *grin*

    Wait, wait, wait - Oliver eats cake? But he's so buff! Like protein-shakes-and-eggs-whites-only buff!!! Hats off to metabolism, huh?

    And...we've stopped at a lake of some sorts. I believe he's going for a swim.

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  160. Unfortunately, I have to be off for some time with la famille and the new babe. I'll be sure to pop in later and then again tomorrow for the announcement!

    Aw, Oliver...is that a tear? *handing him my goggles* There you are. To remember me by :)

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  161. Yep, he still has a problem with the muddy pig contest. And he can't climb the greased poll.
    But he can yodel!!

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  162. Bye Amber! It's been fun having you.
    Be well, hug the baby!
    Have a great evening. I'm gonna check back later, just cause I'm wondering...
    And I can't yodel.

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  163. Me neither - to the yodeling. I'll hug the baby and see y'all later!

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  164. Bye for now Amber - Oliver you be sure to drive her safely to her family - no detours!

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  165. Hi MaryAnn

    Glad you enjoy your visits - I think there are still some chocolates left - maybe someother goodies under the cloth there!

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  166. Yes, thanks so much for coming.
    Maybe we need to start at 10:00 and go to 5:00 people are just getting home. And Junior has stashed a bottle of you know what, and a huge box of Hoffman's chocolate. Try a strawberry they're wonderful Mary Anne.

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  167. I'm not sure what Biggles was doing. I think he winks. He was driving the car, escorted her out. Heck if I know. All I know is he's hot.
    Patrice

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  168. Hi, Amber!!! Just wanted to drop in and offer my congrats on all your wonderful writing success!

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  169. Hello Patrice and Cynthia

    Thanks for dropping in - yes Oliver is certainly hot - good job deep down, despite all the flirting, he's really a gentleman (I hope)

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  170. I just got home from work, too late to answer Mr. Biggles - shoot

    Pasy

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  171. Don't worry Patsy - we left this one open until tomorrow!

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  172. Oh Algy. Oh Amber. Oh Oliver. He was only proposing a toast, but Ginger's really too young.

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  173. Thanks to all who visited joined the Roast yesterday! Between the goggles, the kiss of life, dogs, unicorns, eagles, and hippogriffs, it was an absolute blast!

    OK, now for the giveaway winner. I really could not choose so I drew a name out of a hat! The winner of a Forever Amore (and Charles!) download is...(drumroll please, Oliver!)...

    Squee! It's Helen Hardt! Congrats, hon!

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  174. Oh my Amber! Your guests are still rolling in. Hello to Kathye, Maryann, Patsy, Sheila, Patrice and Cynthia! Oliver get drinks and more chocolate treats. And BTW all. Oliver can spit and yodel at the same time. I ought to know. LOL

    Sharon

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  175. Congratulations Helen, I think you're in for a treat!

    Oliver can spit AND yodel at the same time? No...no Oliver, thank you. I didn't really want a demonstration! At least you brought Amber back safely, that's something to be grateful for I suppose!

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  176. Oh, Oliver... can you pass me the fan? I'm a little heated after that excerpt.

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  177. Hi Catherine, how lovely to see you here.

    Yes, that's a great excerpt isn't it - Oh Oliver, Catherine didn't mean an ELECTRIC fan!

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  178. Just stop in to say, "Hi." and see what a roast was... looks like everyone had a blast... congrats Amber

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  179. Thanks for dropping in Christine, yes we have a lot of fun here - we'll do it all again next week!

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  180. So sorry I missed this! What great fun. Best of luck with your release, Amber - sounds like a fantastic read.

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  181. Hello Cate, so nice to have you dop in, sorry you couldn't have been here in 'real time' but hope you had a chuckle at the comments!

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  182. Thanks for stopping by everyone, it was fun. Drop by next Friday.

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