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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, December 18, 2009

Kathleen O'Conner at the Breakers

Landscapes Comments
Kathleen O'Conner gazed into the huge mirror on the wall of the luxury bathing facilities in her lovely room in the Breaker's. The historic hotel in West Palm Beach was the perfect place for her wonderful party hosted by Lyn, Sharon, and Mary. Her beautiful maroon, Lotta Stensson, silk-handkerchief sundress, sets off her light blonde hair. Her skin silky smooth and her body relaxed, she remembered the wonderful spa treatment she'd had today. A finishing touchup to her lipstick, my gosh the makeover woman who had worked on her today found the best shades of eye liner. She loved her strappy Pelle Moda sandals, they made her feel like a queen. Her Amalfi swimsuit hugged her body beneath her dress. She was ready and she looked hot!

Pleased with her appearance she walked out the doors to the balcony and sat in a comfortable lounge chair. Oliver would come for her when it was time, she didn't understand all the security, but she was appreciate of the two hunks who guarded her door. Maybe she'd invite them in for a drink. In any case, she looked her best and she was ready, her hat and the shoulder throw she carried, shimmer just like her dress.

WITCHYS WIKKED GRAPHIX

Meanwhile Junior and Cuddles, given free run of the lobby, elevator and stairs, watch guests of Kathleen's head out the Porte Cichera and head toward the main pool area. All of the cabanas are taken over for the huge gathering. A large flock of wild green parrots line the trees, squawking loudly. In the largest cabana Oliver listens to Sharon direct the placement of a huge Christmas centerpiece. He's decorated a small tree and placed it in front of the cabana where Kathleen will greet her quests.Merry Christmas Comments

"Mary you are gonna drop that," Lyn bellows.

"No I am not,"annoyed at Lyn who has been bossing her around all day, Mary is determined to prove her wrong. "If this cake falls it will not be my fault." Mary gives Lyn a smirk over her shoulder, just as Oliver rushed past. "Look at all the guest, the pool area and the Porte Cochera where all the food is has a gazillion people milling about." Expertly he takes the beautifully decorated cake into his hands an places it next to his flower arrangement on the desert table. He smiles and turns to Mary and Lyn. "We're almost ready to get Kathleen!"

Oliver is so excited he can't contain it. Today he is dressed in his traditional butler uniform with a couple of exceptions, beneath his vest his naked pecs flexed as he gestures toward the food. "Look at the cookies I made for her and the cake, it's one of the best I have ever baked!"

Merry Christmas Comments
Mary ducks and thinks she's made it, she really thought that this week she would be clean and ready in her own sundress. That was before Oliver knocked her over in his exuberance. Yes, right into the punchbowl.

"You think this is funny," Mary asks Lyn, who is now laughing so hard she can't catch her breath. Sharon helps Mary out of the punchbowl and whispers, "don't do it!" Too late she can only watch as Mary dumps the rest of the punchbowl on Lyn.

The surprise on Lyn's face is astonishing. She stands and puts her hands on her hips and begins to count. "One, two," before she hits three Mary is gone like a shot, headed to her room to change and hoping to outrun Lyn.
Lyn gazes toward Sharon who is swallowing laughter. "We'll be right back, thank goodness we bring a change or two of clothing. I really liked this outfit too." Lyn walks away, trying to maintain her dignity whilst dripping purple punch in her wake.

Sharon turns to face Oliver. Before she can open her mouth he is gone like a shot, yelling over his shoulder. "I'm going to greet Kathleen and her guards."

Sharon shakes her head and gazes at the food, she rearranges the place where she put the conch fritters, she hoped they weren't too spicy. Trays of cheese, among them the Dubliner that Kathleen loves so much. Mango, Papaya, Starfruit, oranges, avocados, stone crab, spiny lobster, the cold and hot dishes made her mouth water, oh my, Key Lime Pie. She'd never seen shrimp as big as the rock shrimp on the table. She opened the cover to smell the intoxicating scent of grilled dolphin. No not like Flipper, please.

In the distance Sharon watches as Lyn throws Mary into the water as she passes her on the way to their room to change.
Landscapes Comments
Glub, glub, snort, choke, Mary emerges from the undertow and chases Lyn down the beach. A laugh that tinkled in her ears makes her look up and there is Kathleen. She's seen Lyn and Mary and shakes her head as she chuckles. Mary waves to her and heads after Lyn, her yelling fading in the distance. "We'll be right there!"

Sharon watches as Kathleen approaches the main Cabana. In her arms, her beloved Westie. Guests, family and friends, greet her as she passes. Sharon walks up to her and kisses her on each cheek. "Welcome Kathleen, welcome to your roast!. Lyn and Mary will be here shortly. " A roar and loud applause follow Sharon's words and Kathleen finally speaks.

"Hello everyone, I am so pleased that you are here to celebrate the release of my new story. This is so wonderful, please everyone. Relax, eat, swim, have a wonderful time." Sharon hands her a glass of ice cold coke. With a bit of Cuddles magic added in. "Bless your little horn sweetie," she pats Cuddles and then Junior. You two are such good boys." Both magic pets are on their best behavior, so Sharon cuddles them both. Mary and Lyn are standing sopping wet behind the well trained animals. "Seems the girls can't behave." Her comments bring a shrug from Mary as she sticks out her tongue at Sharon, while Lyn crosses her arms to sulk.

"Thank you Sharon. Please everyone toast with me! To happiness and good books!"WITCHYS WIKKED GRAPHIX
"Here, here," the audience shouted loudly, "Here, here!"

Kathleen is a graduate of the Iowa Writer's Workshop, recipient of a James Michener fellowship and the Connecticut writing Awards. Her short stories have appeared in Woman's World, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Seventeen Magazine, St Anthony's Messenger and Liguorian. Her novels are: A Private Matter (a Whiskey Creek Press Dec. 09 release), Men of Paradise, (The Wild Rose Press) and No Doubt, (Whiskey Creek Press).

http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/kathleenoconnor.html

Excerpt from Men of Paradise (where two strangers inherit joint custody of an untrainable Westie named Dudley)

What was Ina thinking?” Lauren said to the equally outraged dog. “This isn’t good for you; it’s terrible for David, and uncomfortable for me.” She eased into a plastic lawn chair and had just stretched out when a grey Chevy Blazer breezed into the driveway.

“You can bite him,” she whispered to Dud as an athletic looking man in jeans, faded blue shirt, and black sport coat approached the porch. His skin was bronze and his hair long and silky. Lauren was sure she had seen someone this good looking before == maybe on the big screen in a chilly movie theater. In her experience guys with GQ looks like his were always morons.

He opened the screen door and crooned, “Hey, baby! How are you doing?”

“Doing all right,” Lauren answered before realizing he was talking to the dog. She blushed and folded her hands behind her back.

Dudley, the traitor, inched forward to sniff the stranger’s cowboy boots. Yuma Hawk whipped out a bone as big as a bow tie. The dog snared it, then gulped it down.

Already he is outspending me on dog treats. Lauren stood frozen while Hawk switched the high-beam smile from the dog to her, and advanced with an exte
nded hand. “Good to finally meet you, Lauren. You’re a bit younger than I expected.”


Congratulations Kathleen, on your latest book 'A Private Matter', released on 16th December.

Synopsis

Mitch Gallagher is obsessed with finding the killer of David Forjane. The young detective believes the murder’s proximity to the victim’s workplace is the key clue. Tess McConnell, a new hire, at the same corporation complicates the detective’s job though.

Unaware Gallagher is a recent widower, she comes on too strong and then feels terribly rejected when the grieving detective doesn’t respond. To get even, she ignores Gallagher and initiates some amateur sleuthing of her own. The detective suffers during this ‘cold shoulder’ treatment and eventually discovers he is more ready for a relationship than he realized. And it will take the efforts of both these characters to solve a murder where the killer left no clues.

Excerpt:

December 18

David Forjane threw his briefcase in the back seat of his new red Saturn. It was a sporty enough car, but did not quite make the statement he desired. He was two years away from the blue BMW. Life was always a waiting game.

He peeled out of the garage anxious to get a mile away from the concrete fortress that was the Rayex Chemical Company. Something about the building affected radio reception, and he was now ready to hear the silky-voiced Samantha of WKAC. Always his companion for the commute home, she spun records for the heartsick and lovesick. He enjoyed their dim patter. Yesterday he heard his girlfriend call in and request a tune for David; a song called Gone. He could not quite believe it. It was his Peggy, of the repetitive conversation and robotic sex, doing something interesting and original. When Marta Johns serenaded him with, I’m beginning to see you’re growing bored with me, David answered, “Oh Peggy, I’ve been bored with you for a long time.”

He looked into the rear view mirror and was surprised to see the departmental loaner car barreling up behind. He thought he recognized the driver, but not the passenger. The twosome was going like hell and about to pass on the left. David reached down to turn on the radio.

A single bullet slammed through his brain before his hand reached the dial.

Wow! What an excerpt...

Kathleen's question for today's prize is easy. If I said I had a rag doll, what kind of pet do I have?
And why the odd name? Kathleen is giving away two prizes to two of today's commenters!


Merry Christmas Comments

116 comments:

  1. Good morning everyone. Lovely here at the Breakers and Oliver looks so fetching.
    I'll be giving 2 prizes today -- a copy of each of my mysteries (A Private Matter and No Doubt).

    It's raining here in Florida but Oliver is still in the pool. He's looking a little blue. I'm sending Dudley to fetch him out.

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  2. A warm welcome, Kathleen! Raining in sunny Florida? Say it isn't so! But you know what? We are going to have the best time despite it. And perhaps we can all take Oliver's example and just have some splashing good time in the water. Hmm. But come to think of it, might not be a good idea to send in Dudley. Hello, there, cutie. Yes, of course I remember you! Kathleen, how about some coffee or a coke? What a lovely dress, so very festive! And all this food, my goodness. We will have a poolside banquet. Congratulations on your latest release. I just love a mystery and this one has me drawn in, hook, line and sinker.

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  3. Thanks, Sharon. A Private Matter is the edgiest of my novels.

    Coffee is great and we've thrown a caftan over Oliver to warm him up. Think we'll have to get our own drinks for awhile.

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  4. I just noticed that Oliver has my book cover on the cake. What a sweetie!

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  5. I am having the waiters sey up huge tents so people can stay out of the rain if they want. Junior and Cuddles are out in the water. Oliver is back awaiting your drink order Kathleen. Did you see Donald Trump is here?!

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  6. There's Mary. And changing your dress won't matter. With all this rain, you're sopping wet again. Kathleen, so happy Oliver saw to your coffee. Did you say the Donald is here, Mary??? My goodness, Kathleen. He must be here to buy your books. Maybe he'll ask you to do a book signing on one of his broadcasts.

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  7. Hi Kathleen, Great excerpts from a smashing book. I really love this book, and of course it features Ymmu Yuma and YOU know how I feel about him.

    Eddie wants to come to the hotel, he thinks there's all kinds of fun and frolicks going on down in rainy Florida...ah hum, though always a downside, they are just dogs having a good time. Cats just never get invited to this upmarket kind of thing. Still - Eddie yawns and seem to say."Think I'll get back in my igloo, it's sunny Lancashire but about as cold as charity."

    Lots and lots and lots of luck with your fabulous latest novel, Kathleen.

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  8. Poor Donald. The rain did bad things to his hair.

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  9. Wow, that excerpt's a grabber, Kathleen! Congrats on your release.
    And what a party! You look smashing, btw. :)

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  10. Margaret,

    Hi! Eddie is welcome to come. Cuddles is a cat too. Maybe they can pal up and make snarky comments about the dogs.

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  11. Thanks, Cate. I'm hoping my haute coutere doesn't look too bedraggled in the rain. Surely the sun will be out soon.

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  12. Don't worry Donald has more hairpieces. Look the moviestars are arriving. Is that Brad Pitt alone and looking for an autographed book!

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  13. stay under the tents .Sharon got me wet and left@ All animals are welcome today!

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  14. No, not looking for a book. There are so many animals here he thought he was an SPCA fundraiser. Oliver got him a drink anyway.

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  15. Sharon waves madly to Margaret and Cate. Grab some food or Oliver for a drink. Or, heck, just grab Oliver. He's game when he's not doting on Kathleen. Margaret, I'm a huge cat lover so Eddie is most welcome. There's a good kitty. Brad is here? Oops, did The Donald's hairpiece just whip into the pool. Oh dear, the animals are diving in after it...and don't look now... SPLASH. There goes Donald!

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  16. My character Yuma Hawk looks a bit like Oliver -- if Oliver were Native American and a bit taller. Like Oliver he is good with dogs and they do seem to be getting out of hand. Dudley thought about nipping Donald Trump. What a lawsuit that would have been,

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  17. I simply must grab a piece of that shrimp...or three or five. Hmmmm. My favorite part of Florida is the seafood and the sun. Gawks at sky and grabs Mary for a sun dance. Chuckles explode across the Breakers.

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  18. Hi Jennifer,

    We are having fun here in the rain.

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  19. So Kathleen, whist we wait for the sun to appear, tell us about the writing of your racy suspense. What inspired you to write it and how long did it take to solve all the mysteries?

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  20. I think the cats got into the shrimp platter, Sharon but Oliver promises to fetch another. How about some crab-stuffed tomato?

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  21. Be back in a flash, ladies. Oliver has just informed me he forgot to add a secret ingredient to his shrimp sauce. Hee hee. It's not a secret any longer since he told me what it is. Be back and keep the party rolling! Here come more stars and celebrities!

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  22. I wrote A Private Matter after reading about a driveby shooting in the paper. That crime was unsolvable but only because they didn't have my character, Detective Mitch Gallagher, on the force.

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  23. In my mystery, No Doubt, Detective Sunny Cloud's life is the stuff of Country & Western songs. He's shot up, fed up and his woman is gone. He has one last murder to investigate. Unfortunately his main suspect is a fellow cop's mother.

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  24. Did you invite the detective to the party? Wait look Donald id chasing his hair down the beach!

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  25. The cuddly creatures are in the ocean, Look the little Westie is chasing Cuddles, they're playing with, yup, Donald's hair.

    More stars are arriving. Hunks@ Lok Gerald Butler! Mary swoons, just missing the punchbowl.

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  26. Puff puff I'm back and the secret ingredient has been added. Kathleen, you have me completely drawn in. Now, Dudley, don't look at me with those hurt doggie eyes. You know I adore you, but I've already read Men of Paradise and loved every minute of it. Feeds the pup a treat. Run along and play with Cuddles and Junior and Eddie. Now, I must get my hands on this racy suspense, Kathleen. You have me hooked with all these delicious teasers.

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  27. Gerald Butler and cats - I am just hopping on a plane, hold the party for me.

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  28. Welcome, Jennifer. Stick around for some real fun. Kathleen, what a novel idea for A Private Matter, picking your brain from a true life crime that wasn't solved. And I love the name Mitch Gallagher! Sounds hot!

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  29. Margaret,

    So glad you've popped by. Eddie is already here. Sharon, Detective Mitch Gallager is hot and young and edgy. Detective Sunny Cloud is older, hotter and maybe less edgy. He is also an underwear model for Balencia Briefs and I'm afraid Oliver is getting a bit jealous. Opps, Sorry!

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  30. Love hot hero's!
    Gerald is winking at me. oh my I think I'm melting.I'll fight you over Gerald Margaret.
    So you know about cats?

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  31. Must pop out for a bit with The Donald -- maybe he wants to discuss movie deal. Would like Gerald to play Mitch. See you later.

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  32. Hi ladies, congratulations on your new release, Kathleen, and it's lovely to see Dudley here as well. I'm sorry I wont't be able to take part in the party as I'm in wild west Wales at the moment, and it's very festive, with forecasts of snow! I did want t pop in and say hi though, and I'm glad you like the cake, I actually helped Oliver make it, he's teaching me some things about cake making I never guessed!

    Well, I hope the rain soon passes over and you have a fantastic party. I'll leave Cuddles here with strict instructions to be good - ha ha, as if, that's a bit like asking Oliver not to flirt with the Guest of Honour! He's already tried to bring that hairpiece back to life with is horn - he mistook 'hair' for 'hare! LOL

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  33. Big wave to Lyn in Wild West Wales! Bet you're having so much fun and snow in the forecast! Wow, is it pink like in your book? Yes, we are having fun with Kathleenand the critters here in Florida. The rain will let up soon, just you wait and see. Great job with the graphics, as usual, Lyn. And kudos to Mary for her creativity. Kathleen has us all hooked and drawn into A Private Matter. Oops, must freshen up. Here come the studs!

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  34. No you did not see Donald's
    hairpiece move its not alive!

    Can you stop this rain Cuddles?

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  35. Hey to Lyn in Wales!
    Stop kissing ne for just a minute Gerald, Is that Robert Downey?

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  36. Hi Lyn, Thank you for stopping in during your holiday. The cake is delicious.

    I thought Donald wanted to talk movie deal but he just wanted me to negotiate with Dudley about getting his hair piece back but alas Dudley thought it was a mouse and thoroughly strangled it.

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  37. Look Ron Howard the director!Coming this way. Should we tackle him?

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  38. Definitely. Let's think about who we will cast for the characters in our books

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  39. Ron Howard. You know I can't help but think of him as little Opie. Shhh...here he comes and me thinks he wouldn't like the little boy image that never left him. Hee hee

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  40. You are right. We must not call him Opie or ask after Aunt Bee. We will just respectfully ask for movie deals with Gerald Butler in the cast.

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  41. Smart thining, Kathleen. And as long as Barney Fife doesn't show up, it's all systems go!

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  42. Hi, Phew that was a quick flat - I see Eddie dining on shrimp, I'll never get him back to Fleetwood now.

    Mary does anyone really know what goes on in little felines heads? Arent they like women, made to be loved and not understood?

    You can have Gerald, I give him to you reluctantly but you see secretely I'm hanging out with Sunny Cloud and he has on his Balencia briefs.

    Hey, isn't that Richard Armitage passing by - oops sorry gals, I'm off, got to run. "Catch you later Sunny!"

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  43. That was a quick flight - all these delicious guys are making my fingers wander over the wrong keys!

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  44. Oh Margaret that's wonderful "Made to be loved but not understood."

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  45. I wondered about that flat, Margaret.

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  46. Hey, Mary. Surely you don't think the Duke would make a come back for the party, do you? Caus if so, this would be the first bash he's missed since we began the roast. Did you invite the late John Wayne, Kathleen? He's a real ghost rider and comes in by storm, sometimes with the James Gang. The fun never ends.

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  47. I am going to take Dudley for a walk. I'll be back. He's needs to walk off all those goodies.

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  48. Sharon there are so many guests. Didn't we hire for security?
    I hope that the are keeping watch on Kathleen the Oceans 11 and 12 crew warned me. Nora Roberts has hired a hit man to grab all your books before Ron sees them!

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  49. Hey, where in the heck is Oliver? Oh dear God, don't look now, but he's pumping his biceps in front of all the movie producers in his briefs, hoping to be snagged as a model or wait, is that Hugh? He wants to be in the center of a magazine!!

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  50. Sharon did you notice what's on the back of Oliver's drawers?
    It's a sign that says kiss me please.
    The producers are getting a kick outta him.
    Sadly the Duke won't be here today.
    There is only our magic here today.
    So no ghosts will show.
    I'm not sure who else will show. But Kathleen has drawn quite a crowd.
    Listen Josh Groban is going to sing for you. You Bring Me Up!
    Gosh I hope so!

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  51. Hi Kathleen,
    So glad I made it. The best part was the punch dunk! I'm heading for the desserts to get a piece of Oliver--ah, Oliver's cake before its gone.
    Barbara edwards

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  52. Kathleen, that was just supposed to be a hello kiss from Johnny Depp. Boy can you hold your breath a long time!

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  53. Hi Barbara,

    Thanks for stopping by. Glad you liked the punch. I myself am ready for a peppermint martini. What with hiding from Nora Roberts' assassins and the Johnny Depp kiss me nerves are frazzled. Maybe I should have peppermint tea. Aw heck I'm getting the martini as soon as Oliver gets your cake.

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  54. Josh is gonna sing? Elbows everyone. Get out the way, Oliver. BTW, don't look so smug. You're losing your drawers and all the producers are snickering at what Cuddles and Junior stuck on your seat with their magic. Now heave ho...Josh Josh waiting for me. Wave to Barbara.

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  55. Holy heck. I got a little too excited. I mean Josh is waiting. And a big wave to Barbara. Geez!

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  56. What a lovely voice Josh has. I'll get Oliver a caftan and then maybe he'll fix our martinis unless you want cosmopolitans. That sounds good too.

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  57. Whenever he sings it makes me cry. Sob,sob, it's so beautiful!
    don't worry about the killers. You see Junior out there dragging a buy by the seat of his pants. Then Cuddles touches his horn to them and they are tied up. So they're on it.
    But Johnny is still waiting in the Cabana. He, my gosh, he want another lip lock with Kathleen. Drink that martini quick girl. Josh singing and kissing Johnny. Mary swoons and falls to the ground really envious!

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  58. Mary, drink this martini and you'll perk up. Sharon trips over her and spills Kathleen's peppermint martini all over her. Johnny grins and comes swooping in to steal another smooch from Kathleen. It's pretty wild around here. Oliver, more drinks, please...and make them strong!!

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  59. Mary sobs as she sings with Josh, You bring me upppppp, whoops let me drink this martini, chocolate you say?
    Mmmmmmm. good, hic, very good, Kathleen, WOW!!!!! Practicing a scene for a new book huh?

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  60. Say you guys, no one has answered my question about the rag doll animal!
    Maybe no one knows? What kind of animal is it and why is it called that?

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  61. Maybe we need to have some coffee and ponder the question because I do want to give some prizes away.

    This Johnny Depp guy is so needy. Mary could you help me out with him. Never mind Oliver just shoved him in the pool.

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  62. there goes Johnny. Hmmmm. He seems so quiet. Not now though he's all wet and griping as he walks away.
    Yes, can anyone answer the question?
    This is a virtual party, I can sober up if I need to anytime. So give me the martini and someone, this is such an easy one.
    Whose singing after Josh Sharon?

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  63. Rag doll animal? Hmmm. let me ponder that one with my virtual whiskey and soda. Gulp. hic. Hmmm. By George, I got it. It's a snake, no bones you know. hic

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  64. Kathleen, how is your pepperment martini? Are you ready for a refresher?

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  65. Is it the gingham dog and the calico cat?

    I'm doing great with the martini and might have another slice of cake.

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  66. We three can get up and sing. Are you game, girls? Just like the Golden Girls. Whose who The producers might be looking for a sequel after all these years and this is Florida, maybe not Miami where it was shot, but here's hoping. Sharon holds up her cocktail and toast Mary and Kathleen. Let's go for it...

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  67. I game Sharon. We will just pretend we are the Rockettes.

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  68. Catch your breath girls - The Fonz is playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan in Liverpool UK. Gosh but he still looks so cute.

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  69. Mary clears her throat and a horrible croaking noise she calls singing comes out. And I used to sing well before the vocal cords were damaged. Now I sound awful. How about I humm?

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  70. Humming is fine. It's those leg lifts that make the Rockettes special. We can do that.

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  71. Kathleen - didn't the lovely Mitch figure in another novel? I seem to remember meeting him when he was having trouble with his Mom.

    But he really comes alive in Private Matter - he sort of leaps off the page at you ( I wish!).

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  72. Humming is fine. It's those leg lifts that make the Rockettes special. We can do that.

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  73. I don't think we'll let Johnny Depp play Mitch but he's in both mysteries -- A Private Matter and No Doubt. Mitch not Johnny

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  74. Hi Kathleen,
    Ooooh, I do so want to be at the Breakers with you. Sorry about the punch bowl. Must have been horribly sweet. I hope Oliver took good care to wipe you down! (grin, smirk.) Your books sound like fun.

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  75. LOL, this blog is starting to sound like Briar Rose's cottage in SLEEPING BEAUTY. :) Hi Kathleen. That excerpt is amazing. Thanks for sharing with your fairy godmothers! Who wouldn't want to hang out in the forest with Oliver afoot?

    Huge prize: a cache of Time Guardian treasure. To enter, join me at:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skhyemoncrief/

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS & Fa la-la-la-la-lah la-lah lah laaaaaaaaaaah!

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  76. Hi Patrice,

    Thanks for stopping by. I've changed a couple times what with the rain and the punch bowl but it's been fun.

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  77. Welcome Patrice, you are here, virtually, just like us. You are close to the Breakers stay awhile.

    Kicking like the Rockettes, I will stand in the back and hope I don't fall down, kicking, I'm drunk here, how can I kick.

    Sharon kicks to show Mary and kicks her in the butt by mistake. Mary and her martini take another dive into the punchbowl. Mary lifts her head, Kathleen you are warm with your guess, but you are not supposed to be guessing!
    Where's the Fonz when you need him. Now I have to change again. Darn

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  78. Maybe if we sing loud enough and disturb the peace, we'll get arrested and be patted down by the hot detectives in Kathleen's books. I'm game. Sounds like a plan!

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  79. Thanks Skye. I'm heading over to check out the treasures.

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  80. Skhye, you don't sing bad for a sick person. Those notes you hit were high!!
    Do you know what kind of animal a rag doll is?

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  81. Oh my God, is that, no it can't be, the Keystone cops here to make us be quiet?
    Help!! Oliver help!!

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  82. Skyhe,

    I just signed up for your Yahoo group. Fun!

    And to think you could get arrested for singing off key. Let's hide in the pool.

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  83. Hi Patrice and Skhye. Come on in and stay a while. Oooh it's the cops and they've come to arrest us. I have chills of pleasure.

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  84. Sorry to give so many hints Mary but I want some prize winners and I have to step out for a bit.

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  85. Goodness, what an excerpt. Now I'm intrigued.

    Oh, and will someone please remind Oliver I am married!

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  86. Oliver loves married or unmarried women. He's not prejudice.
    Drop those hints Kathleen, I can't believe no one knows this!!!!
    Ohhh! officer,is that searching really necessary. I have nothing on me honest, just a bad singing voice. What you say that's grounds for arrest at the Breakers?

    That's it Cuddles, use your horn and send them away please!

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  87. Hi Tiffany,

    Thanks for stopping by. We asked Oliver to behave. We've asked before, of course but you never know.

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  88. No one has answered Mary's question about the rag doll animal!
    What kind of animal is it and why is it called that?

    It's worth a guess.

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  89. It's okay, Sharon. We posted bail for you. Though those officers were kind of cute.

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  90. Beautiful palm tree picture! Congrats on the new release, Kathleen. Great excerpt!

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  91. But that's just it, Kathleen. I was hoping to be put in the slammer so I could be questioned in lock up with one of your hot detectives. Hi Tiffany and Emma. Glad to have you here. And I'll have a chat with Oliver, not that it will do much good. I'm the last person he listens to, despite the fact I sign his paycheck. Oh Oliver, about that auction!!

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  92. No one knows! Can you believe it Kathleen!
    This is such an easy one I thought. I was making it too easy when I wrote it.
    My cousin has three, they are huge animals!

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  93. Please take a guess about the rag animal because there are prizes.

    I'm giving away brand new shiny e-copies of A Private Matter and No Doubt. I just bought them yesterday from Whiskey Creek Press to give away today.

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  94. Sharon there is a cop standing right behind you and he has his pistol in your back, (I think it's his pistol)
    Stick um up Sharon, you're gonna be frisked now. Stop smiling will you.

    Emma grab a martini and join the fun!! So nice to see you here.

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  95. Hi Emma Lai,

    Congratulations on your new release too.

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  96. We have time. You don't post the winners till tomorrow. But darn those books look good. Shoot I'd look it up to win one!
    Come on, don't one of you ding a lings know?

    Sharon stop pushing me.

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  97. Actually I didn't know the answer myself but I put rag doll in a search engine and it brought up pictures and they are cute.

    Dudley is jealous they are so cute.

    Clue: definitely furry

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  98. I want one they are such lovable looking, floppy thing.
    And some of them grow just too huge to carry. OOps, come on people!

    Oliver is standing behind you Kathleen, and I can actually hear your sighs as he massages your sore tense neck, my goodness you're purring.

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  99. Feels great Oliver. I am purring. All that writing does get to the neck muscles.

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  100. Don't worry, Kathleen. They come around after work and well into the night some time. You can come back in the afternoon and choose a winner. And if no one answers, which they some times do not, just pick winners from a drawing. That'll work. and who wouldn't be thrilled with one of your great books. Eeee I know the answer. Sharon winces as Mary kicks her and she flies into the cake, face first. I wasn't going to spill the beans, she hisses.

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  101. You've had that coming all day. Lyn always acts out to impress you. You laugh when she chases me.
    Mary takes a bit of frosting from the cake on Sharon's face.
    Sharon nooo, don't do it, Sharon holds a huge key lime pie in her hands and she is looking at Mary, directly at Mary!

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  102. And she shoots and scores and shoots the high five and runs for her life, Mary screaming she's gonna get even.

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  103. Mary and Sharon, It's been so fun spending the day with you both. I'll be checking back later and if no one answers Mary's question then I'll just get out the old fedora and put names in there.

    It's been very magical being here. What a lot of experiences I've had and don't look now but the Tiki torches are coming out, Jimmy Buffet has arrived and we are switching from martinis to margaritas -- hold the salt. Cheers!

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  104. It's been fun having you. My goodness look at all the famous people who thought enough of you to show up today!
    Good luck with the stories.

    Sharon, you can't get away from me. Oliver winks and nods his head behind him. Sharon is behind Oliver. Mary slowly walks that way, "Oliver can you help me find a rag to wipe my face?" Oliver bends to the nearest table to grab a clean towel. Ah! Ha! there she is Mary shouts. She picks up a delicious banana cream pie, touches her finger to the sweet concoction, MMMMmmmmm! Off like a shot she grabs Sharon and lands the pie directly at her, Mary struts about the room. I did it, she dances, I got her, I did it, I got her!!! HHHaaa, HHHaaa, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!!! Mary ducks and Sharon's plate of deviled eggs flys by and hits Oliver, strike one!!!

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  105. Sharon spits a banana out of her mouth and bids Kathleen farewell. Kathleen, it has been a blast having you on our roast. Best of luck with sales and Happy Holidays to you and sweet Dudley. As for you, Mary Ricksen, you'd better run for your life, girl. I'll getcha next week, got my word!!

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  106. Bring it on.
    We won't be here next week and by the time we come back from our holiday you will have forgotten.
    So Mary sticks her tongue out at Sharon and picks an egg off of Oliver and pops it into his mouth. Oliver smiles through the eggs.
    Sharon however is steaming. I think. Sharon, yikes I should have thrown a different pie at you, this one is good.

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  107. Steaming? Mwa? Sharon laughs loud enough to wake the deceased Duke. Sharon doesn't get mad...she gets even...

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  108. Hey Oliver, I'll pay you extra to tell me if she has something planned for me that I might not like. What do you say? She'll never know.
    Junior you can read her mind, what is she planning. Cuddles come back here.

    Bring it on baby!!

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  109. I made it!!! Better late than never, but worked late tonight - Friday, go figure. I want to go Florida - send me a ticket. I don't care if it's raining. Congratulations and many sales

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  110. Thanks P.L. and thanks for stopping by.

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