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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, April 23, 2010

St George's day - a Merry England Celebration for Margaret Blake

 Today is 23rd April - St George's Day, and we're celebrating the Patron Saint of England.
The setting for today's Author Roast and Toast is the historic Warwick Castle, sitting on a bend of the River Avon, which is only fitting, seeing that today is also the Birthday of the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, and Stratford-Upon-Avon was, of course, his birthplace.
The Union Flag flies gaily from the highest turret and and the sun sparkles off the river. The spring daffodils nodd and dance in the breeze. The hostesses, Lyn, Mary and Sharon are squabbling as usual as they excitedly don their costumes for special guest Margaret Blake's Celebration Party. They have decided to dress as characters from Shakespeare's works. Mary twirls around in front of the mirror, admiring her lovely Juliet gown. Sharon looks amazing, dressed as Katherine in the 'Taming Of The Shrew' and Lyn fancies herself as Titania, Queen Of The Fairies!

"Move out of the way, can't you!" Lyn growls, elbowing Mary to one side. "I'd like to check my costume in the mirror before you crack it!"

"Excuse me!" Mary says, winking at Sharon, "you're so short sighted I didn't think you could see your reflection anyway!"

"Huh, I can see perfectly, I'll have you know. And if we're fault picking, at least I don't spend all day checking my wimple, and I don't hide a week's supplies of sweetmeats under my farthingale, like Sharon!" Lyn darts behind Mary to thwack her on the rump, trips over her skirt and the three of them go down in a heap,, shrieking and giggling like idiots.

Oliver, elegant in tights and ruffed shirt, is preparing the medieval banquet, in the Great Hall, overlooked by suits of armour and a mounted knight on his armour clad steed.

Flaggons of mead are laid out ready, together with wine and ale. The table groans beneath the weight of traditional English roast beef, venison, various fowl, fish and fine white bread, English Apples, strawberries and a variety of other fruit, together with bowls filled to the brim with rich, creamy syllabubs - and of course one of Oliver's special confections featuring Margaret's book.


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Later there will be a renactment of St George's legendary
victory over the dragon, with Saint George himself being played by Oliver. (There are, as yet unconfirmed, rumours that Mary will play the dragon) and Margaret will star as the beautiful Princess he saves.
 St George was a brave martyr who died for his Faith. It has been said that, in the legend, the dragon stands for wickedness and the Princess stands for God's holy truth. There will also be excerpts from some of Shakespeare's plays, and music from the finest musicians. While they feast the guests will be serenaded by the greatest lute player in all of Christendom, and many will be the tales told of brave knights and their ladies.


Junior and Cuddles, in their little jester caps are running excitedly to and fro, getting in everyone's way and stealing titbits from the table, until Oliver claps his hands and tells them to go and play in the beautiful castle gardens until the Guest of Honour arrives.

No sooner have the final touches been made than a cheer goes up and with a clatter of hooves, the Royal Cavalcade enters through the East gate. Oliver bows low and helps the Princess Margaret dismount from her beautiful black horse, which is then led away to the stables, as he escorts her to the castle. She looks radient in her velvet sidesaddle habit of rich purple, the colour that only Royalty is allowed to wear.

So before we learn more about our Guest of Honour's books - let's raise a glass to Margaret, and Good Queen Bess and let the party commence!

For your chance to win a download and a hard copy of any of Margaret's books answer this question - what were the dragon's first words when it saw St George?

As the first courses are served, Oliver reads an excerpt from:



DANGEROUS ENCHANTMENT

Kate knows she is dicing with danger. If the Lancastrian Lord who has been granted the house and land of her deceased husband discovers the truth of her stepson's birth, both their lives will be forfeit.

A romantic historical suspense of love's intrigue set in the turbulent 1480's.

EXCERPT:

She sat by the brazier, wondering what she would do. Should they steal horses and try to escape? It was ludicrous. She had no idea where to catch a boat from that would take them to Burgundy and who on the roads would be their friends? Everyone would be afraid. Miserably she looked at the burning wood. Hearing a movement she turned. The lord stood in the doorway.

Quickly she left her chair, standing to face him, trying to stop her chin from tilting and her hands from going to her waist. She had to endeavor to stop her foot from tapping. She did not like the way he looked at her. He allowed his eyes to explore every part of her, from her bound head to her velvet slippers and delayed far too long on the way between them both. He stepped deeper into the room. She said nothing. He went to the adjacent chamber and looked inside. Seeing it empty he came back.

“Where is the boy?” he asked at last.

“I do not know,” she lied. Unsure of how vulnerable Richard was feeling, Kate did not want him to have to confront Caradoc just yet.

“You will no longer be served food here. You will come to table in the hall.”

“Will I?” she asked.

“You will. If you do not, then you can starve. It is nothing to me.”

“I am sure that would be very convenient for you — to have Richard and me starve to death. You would then be able to feel comfortable in your role here, happy in these lands without seeing Richard, who will be a daily reminder that you have stolen these from him.”

He smiled the smile that was not quite a smile. “I have stolen nothing, but if that is what you think, so be it, I care not for your opinion. I do not canvas your support or your favour. You are nothing to me. But while you are under my roof…”

“Your roof?” She could not stop the words.

“My roof, lady, and do not forget it. While you are my guest you will be treated as all other guests. You will dine in the hall, or you will not dine at all.”

“Your guests are whores and I do not treat with whores,” she said, matching his insolent gaze.

“Whores earn their keep. They are not parasites.”

“Are you calling me a parasite, sir?” she demanded, unable to stop her hands going to her waist, her elbows akimbo. She was unable either to stop her foot from tapping.

“I do not see you earning your keep…unless…” He strode across the room and before she could prevent him, he had moved to pull her hands from her waist and to fasten them behind her back. Slowly he bent her backwards and leaned over her. She could feel the intimate curves of his body pressing against her skirt. She moved, conscious of fear creeping up inside her. Her movement seemed to excite him; she felt the hardness more definitely. Somehow she dredged up her courage to meet his eyes. There was something in their gleam, something that was no longer cold, but a glint that told her of his intention to… She stopped moving.

“Do you rape as well as plunder?” she asked chillingly. For a moment he met her gaze, then, with a coarse word, he flung her to one side.

“Lady,” he spat, “you would not be worth my energy. I prefer my meat hot to cold.”

Available from Whiskey Creek Press. Click here to go to their website.
and www.amazon.com

Dangerous Enchantment
The Substitute Bride
No. l best seller for January 2009
at WCP. 2010 Epic Finalist.


SHADOWS OF THE PAST
BLURB:
Alva can’t remember anything. Not even the handsome Count Luca Mazareeze, her husband.

Something had happened; there was an atmosphere of danger at the Palazzo. Although attracted to the Count, she sensed there were things he was not telling her. Too late she realizes her life is in danger but why?
http://www.halebooks.com/
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/
http://www.amazon.com/ and any good book shop or library.


I was born in Manchester, England – actually during the blitz. My Grandson wrote a story about me and told how I was “born under a table” when actually what I had told him was that I used to “hide under a table when the bombs were falling!” If ever I do write an autobiography I certainly know what to call it.

John, the love of my life and my wonderful husband, recently died. He and I lived in the United States when we were younger, however we did not know one another then, and it is just one of those small coincidences that seem to bind us together. We used to travel quite a bit and lived in St Tropez, France for a short time, which was quite amazing. Now I live in Fleetwood, Lancashire and it is the wonderful – I love being part of Lancashire once more!

I always wanted to be a writer but when I was growing up such things were not possible for me. My parents were wonderful but they were quite hard up. From being fifteen I had to go out and earn money and did lots of different jobs from window dresser, waitress and secretarial work. I ran a pub and worked in a hotel, lots of variety is highly recommended for any writer. Having such a varied career did me no harm, in fact in many ways it was a great educator.

I always wrote from being a little girl but it was John who encouraged me to do something about it and in l978 I had my first novel accepted for publication. I wrote historical and contemporary romance over a period of ten years and then opted to go into Higher education. This proved to be another remarkable experience, I can highly recommend being a student at 40, and you meet so many interesting people. It used to amuse me to see that it was the mature students that turned up for all the lectures!

I am proud to say that my historical romantic suspense The Substitute Bride made the finals at the Eppies this year.

I have one wonderful son, a fantastic daughter in law and three lovely grandchildren. They live in the States so I get to go over every year, which is marvelous.

My hobbies are walking and reading and of course writing. I like the theatre and films and television – I am a Frasier freak and just have to watch all the CSI shows. I really feel lucky to have my family and my friends. They are a wonderful support to me. They are carrying me over this lonely, heartbreaking path that I am currently on. Bless them all.

www.myspace.com/authormargaret

Spanish Lies, His Other Wife, Beloved Deceiver,
Eden's Child, No. l best seller at WCP, Fortune's Folly.
Published by Whiskey Creek Press.

Play by FoxSaver®

108 comments:

  1. Welcome to your special celebration Margaret - and a very Happy Saint George's Day.

    The flags are flying all over the realm, the sun is shining and the musicians are poised with their flutes and lutes. Oliver is at your shoulder to grant your every whim, and the guests are anxious to learn all they can about you and your wonderful books.

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  2. Happy St George's Day to everyone - and spookily, did you know that Shakespeare actually died on his birthday?

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  3. You look exquisite, in that gown, Margaret, and Oliver can hardly take his eyes off you.

    So glad you brought Eddie along too, I suspect he will have fun with Cuddles and Junior, getting up to all sorts of mischief. I do hope they don't lead him astray! (Mmm yes, Oliver, I'll have some of that syllabub for breakfast too, thank you.)

    Yes, it is a bit spooky that Shakespeare died on his birthday, isn't it! he entered and departed on England's National Saint's Day!

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  4. Eddie is a standoffish guy, thinks he is special so it might take time for him to get together with Cuddles and Junior. Hm, I don't like the way he is eyeing that pheasant. Hope he doesn't think he's getting any!

    "Yikes...Eddie!"

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  5. *grin* don't worry, Cuddles and Junior will soon get him out of his shell!

    I'm sure Oliver will have saved a little pheasant for the three of them. Don't worry about it upsetting his routine diet, all the food at the roast is not only delicious but non fattening and compatible with any dietry requirements, LOL!

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  6. I just went over to the archery, Oliver very kindly put down his tray of English ale to show me how to bend my bow correctly. I can't tell you how my heart went pitter patter at his nearness.Please don't tell him!

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  7. Oh yes, I can imagine how Oliver enjoyed showing you how to bend your bow!

    *Sigh* he has that effect on all the ladies, none of us are immune to his charms, but it seems he's taken a special shine to you, Margaret. Never fear, though, he is a perfect gentleman! The Lady Sharon has trained him well, despite his somewhat -er- unconventional manner|!

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  8. As readers will see there is a picture for another historical romantic suspense "A Saxon Tapestry" |This novel will not be available until June but I just had to share the cover, I think it lovely.

    I can't believe the handsome Oliver has taken a shine to me...I must go and seek him out...oh my goodness here he is, he has found Eddie in the fishpond, bedraggled looking thing...and I don't mean Oliver!

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  9. Happy St. George's Day, Margaret. Sounds like a fun event.

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  10. You and Oliver look so splendid. Congratulations on all your writing achievements! Am so proud of my talented friend for so many reasons.

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  11. Thanks,JOhn linger a while and pull up a bench, have some medieval food, I promise it's freshly made.

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  12. Hi Kathy, That is a great compliment because it comes from a wonderful writer of fabulous stories.
    Do linger a while longer, Kathy, I will have Oliver give you a glass of mead...I am sure you will like it.

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  13. Forgot to wish you Happy St. George's day and it's Shakepeare's birthday -- splendid literary day for reading a Margaret Blake book and drinking -- ? Mead or maybe a bloody mary?

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  14. What is mead anyway? Thank you Oliver. Doesn't he look cute?

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  15. Welcome to your celebration, Lady Margaret! You make a divine lady in your gorgeous gown. Happy St. George's Day, and I love the Merchant of Venice. Oh, yes, Oliver, I'll indulge in a glass of the mead, by all means. Margaret, allow me to pat Sir Eddie's head. I'm a real cat lover and I think I can pamper him abit.
    Enjoy your special day. Eat, drink, and be merry!

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  16. Greetings, Lady Lyn. Air kisses, dah ling! You look most elegant, despite our little scruffle earlier whilst getting ourselves in Shaksperian attire. Did I spell that right? Ooo, too wild and eerie about the death on the same day. Gives me the wee willies. Oliver, keep the mead coming, dearheart. Oh, hello, Sir Eddie. Aren't you a big ol' sweetheart. Oh, yes you are, darling. Lady Margaret, your romantic suspense is right up my alley. I do so love a good who done it. Waving at Lady Kathleen. Hugs, m'dear. What can Oliver get you? You look most elegant your own self, might I add.

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  17. Lyn waves at her fellow hostess.
    Hi Sharon, sweetie.

    Yes, Eddie's quite a cutie isn't he, after Oliver rescued him from the fishpond. (I think all the fish got away! :) )

    Hello John, Kathleen and Margaret.
    Yes, be seated all, and enjoy the feast, Oliver will be along to serve you as soon as he's dried off!

    In answer to your question, Kathleen, mead is an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and water with yeast and spices and it's absolutely delicious, although quite potent *grin*!

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  18. Kathleen - bloody mary?? Where will we get the vodka from, ha ha.

    Mead is a fermented alcholic drink made from honey and water and is delicious!

    Thank you, Sharon, Sir Eddie will enjoy the fuss, he adores to be petted and thinks it's his right to be adored!

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  19. Margaret, yes the cover of 'A Saxon Tapestry' is beautiful isn't it! Why don't you tell us a little about the story and what we have to look forward to?

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  20. *Giggle* You and I answered the question about mead together, Margaret! We're both obviously fans of the brew. I first got a taste for it in my native Wales.

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  21. The minstrals have arrived - shall we have a gavot?? (You what?).

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  22. I had my first taste in Cornwall, it is very sweet but you must not drink too much, it is very, very potent.

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  23. A Saxon Tapestry is set in England just before the defeat of Harold by the Norman William, at Hastings.
    Alfled decides to take her brother's identity after his death, feeling this will give her some protection but she is not good at playing the boy, especially with the arrival of Rolf Le Blond, a norman seigneur who has been given the house and land of her father. However, he is glad of the company of Alfled, who is intellectually his equal, but his man Ivo is jealous of their friendship and seeks a way to destroy the "boy"

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  24. *hic* It certainly is, Margaret, but delightful. Yes, Let's all enjoy a gavot - I see several noble knights waiting in line for your favour, Margaret - oops, somehow Oliver seems to have fought his way to the head of the queue!

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  25. The mead is potent but lovely and the minstrals are wonderful and Lady Sharon looks gorgeous. While we are still all upright am hoping Margaret will tell us about A Saxon Tapestry and the latest news on A Dangerous Enchantment.

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  26. Sounds quite enticing, Margaret. Another delightful page turner, to be sure. About the mead. I had a taste of it in Ireland, at the Earl's castle for our medieval dinner. Just a taste, however. Too sweet for my blood. I'm with you, Kathleen. I fancy a Bloody Mary now and again.

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  27. 'A Saxon Tapestry' sounds wonderful, Margaret. Although I write futuristic, myself I love historicals. History can be fascinating, especially when it's conveyed through the medium of an excellent romance!

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  28. Lady Kathleen - yes we had better be careful. I am off to dance another gavot with Oliver, I love it when he sweeps me off my feet!

    Dangerous Enchantment is set in the 1480's after the Battle of Bosworth. Here it was that King Richard the Third of England was killed. I have always loved Richard and wanted to show another side to his nature. To show that he just might not have been the brutal monster of Shakespeare's creation. Sorry, Will I know it's your birthday but you were writing for the Tudors and they had reason aplenty to say that Richard was an evil monster!! So Dangerous Enchantment has romance but also good publicity for Richard the Third!

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  29. Hi Lady Sharon, You look so fetching and I'm going to slip you a medieval bloody mary (don't tell the others). But something I do want to tell is that Margaret Blake's Dangerous Enchantment is on the best seller list at Whiskey Creek Press. That's how good it is.

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  30. Oliver has asked me to go for a ride in the forest - I don't think I wil be long, but you never know!
    Now where is that groom with my horse...

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  31. Dangerous Enchantment sounds even more exciting now you've told us that, Margaret, I love a story about the 'bad guy' when we learn he wasn't as black as he was painted! :)The excerpt was so tantalising too.

    Oh, I see the groom is arriving with Oliveer's destrier and your palfrey. Have a lovely ride!

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  32. Hello All,

    As usual, great party! We are celebrating the Bard's birthday here today, too!

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  33. Lyn, Sharon watch as Oliver helps Margaret onto her saddle. Congratulations on making the best sellers list, Margaret, that's fantastic news!

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  34. Hi Debra
    Happy St George's Day!

    So pleased you could join the party. Oliver's escorting the Princess Margaret for a ride in the forest at the moment, but there's load of food and mead - or ale or wine if you prefer, just help yourself.

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  35. Thank you, Lady Kathleen. The medieval Bloody Mary is most excellent. I won't utter a word to the masses. Margaret, Dangerous Enchantment sounds fantastic. I love the name by the way. Congratulations on making the bestseller's list at WCP. Greetings, Lady Debra. When Oliver comes in from his jaunt around the forest with Lady Margaret, I'll make sure he finds you a beverage of your choice.

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  36. Whew, that has left me breathless. I am back in the castle now. Eddie has come to greet me with his tail in the air. He has lost his bonnet and looks a bit guilty but after the fun I've had riding out, then I can afford to forgive him...

    I wonder if any of you realise how hard it is to ride side saddle, you must be even more skilled than the men, but of course we never tell them that, do we? We just let the lads think they are best at such things.

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  37. I thought I would just tell you about Shadows of the Past. YOu will see that on the site too. Well this is a modern novel. A romantic suspense, a different genre for me. I wrote three books in that genre - all for Robert Hale of London. Actually Hale were my very first publishers in l978 they published my first historical romance, "A Sprig of Broom" and I went on to publish seven historical romances with them, as well as four contemporary romances.

    Shadows of the Past is set on an imaginery island off Italy. I used as my source the islands of Elba and Capri, but really the imaginery island of Santa Caterina is a combination of both and then it is of my imagination too.

    The hero, the Conte Mazareeze is actually one of my most enigmatic characters. Ladies - beware!

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  38. Lady Margaret, I stand in awe of you. Congratulations on your numerous novels! What a talent, and romantic suspense books are a real favorite of mine. You must have a wonderful imagination and three cheers to your poison pen! Oliver, more mead for our lovely. Here you go, Eddie. Come let's see what Oliver has in the kitchen for you. There's a good kitty.

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  39. Mary sneaks a look in the massive celebration. She absolutely loves the dress she is wearing and can't wait to see whether she gets attention from it.
    Why did she agree to help? She usually stays out of these things. But when she heard about the threat she decided to slink about for awhile and learn what she could.
    The huge diamond, who could have stolen it and where is it hidden. Mary see's the other hostess's and Margaret. Air kisses to everyone and a special hug for Margaret. Should she ask for help from the others, or would they just be in more danger?
    What to do, oh what to do!

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  40. Greetings and air kisses, Lady Mary. You rather sound to be a damsel in distress. Diamond? Lady Sharon smiles a beguiling smile. A girl's best friend? Go away, Oliver...

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  41. Greetings Lady Mary. Intrigue, I love it and Lady Margaret is so skilled at the side saddle. I'm feeling rather adled (spelling?) from the mead. Think I'll go take a walk and look for Eddie's bonnet. Maybe Cuddles can help me.

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  42. You don't know about the diamond?
    Well you do now. I've hidden it well. Oliver, you should tell her. She needs to know before we try to find the Queen's diamond. We've been chosen to be her eyes and ears as we try to see who has the diamond. You see it's from her crown, and it's very valuable. She has tasked me with choosing my own help to find it. I guess that's you, Lyn and Sharon, with the help of Cuddles and Junior. Oliver is to protect us. So will you help or are you gonna keep stuffing strawberries in your mouth Lyn, and you Sharon, stop flirting for just a bit can you?

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  43. Thanks Lady Kathleen. How kind of you.
    Mary grabs Sharon and drags her from the food table. "I need your help, now is not the time to store up for winter." And then she grabs the glass of mead out of Sharon's hand. "Before you get drunk." Are we a team or not?
    Lady Margaret will need extra protection. These crooks mean business!

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  44. Oh my goodness, a missing diamond and crooks in the hall...is my virtue safe? Is it only the diamond they're after...goodness, I had better find a square of lace to put in my cleavage!

    You don't suppose Eddie has swallowed it?

    Eeeks - who is that man wearing a red beard????

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  45. AirLaqdy Sharon chokes on her English apple. Gulp. Help you, Lady Mary? To be or not to be...that is the question...

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  46. Quick Oliver, they are trying to take Lady Margaret. If they get her, the least of her worries will be her virtue! Yes that's one of them, look Lady Margaret is being abducted!!
    Help! They have the diamond and if they get Lady Margaret, all hell will break loose!!!!

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  47. Hark! We must save the Lady Margaret's and her virtue at all costs. Oliver, do be a lamb and fetch a swatch of lace for the lovely's cleavage. Oliver, now is not the time to be drooling. Move!

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  48. Eddie is safe he's the one who warned me. Junior talked to him and was able to get the story. He watched the evil men plan the whole thing. Oh, why are they doing this. They already have the diamond. Or do they?

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  49. OLIVER!
    Where is Lady Lyn? Lady Sharon and Lady Mary fight with Lady Margaret's attempted kidnappers. What's happening?!?!?!
    That was a good one Lady Sharon you socked him right in the nose. Lady Mary skillfully trips one and them jumps on another's back screaming BON SI !! At the top of her lungs while Sharon wacks some other thug with her purse. Lady Margaret!!

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  50. Wheeaay, take that!

    Lady Lyn, who has hurriedly changed into her Robina Hood outfit, a little more practical for climbing trees than the Faery Queen gown
    al la Titania, jumps from an ancient English Oak tree straight on to REd Beard's back. "Come on you wild colt, tell me where your men have taken the Lady Margaret, hey, you'll never buck me off! (Fortified with copious amounts of mead, Lady Lyn is feeling somewhat invincible. Come Lady Mary, Lady Sharon, my friends, to the rescue!

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  51. Duck Lady Mary! Lady Margaret, just what is the worth of this fair diamond? Lady Lyn? Lady Kathleen, is your virtue in question too? Come now, ladies, we must be strong. Let's pray to St. George for guidance as we go forth to battle

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  52. That was a close one, as the ladies tackled the evil men, Oliver rushed me away. We are now in the secret passageway,it's very dark in here...ooh, Oliver is that a spider?

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  53. Come quick, ladies of the castle. I dare not tell the lovely there are more than spiders in the dungeon. Where is my dagger. Oops, there it is beneath me petticoats. Heave ho, away we go.

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  54. Lady Mary, stop screaming like a banshey about your virtue. Sharon's cackles echo through the corridor. We all know it's a lost cause. That goes double for the fair Lady Lyn. Ha, Oliver, light the candles on the walls. Oh, hark, is that another diamond or a red herring designed to throw us off kilter

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  55. Too bad we don't all have flashlights here. That darn burning torch doesn't help much. Neither die falling down those stairs with Lyn and Sharon landing on top. Lady Margaret laughed at that one!

    The diamond we have to find the diamond. Queen Bess wants it back badly. It's the center stone on her crown and it's said to have magical powers, whoever owns it can have three wishes. The queen has not used her wishes yet. that's all we need evil doers with three free wishes!

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  56. I wouldn't talk about virtue. The townspeople think that red Tiffany lamp in your front window means you know what. I have always defended your honor. But that's gettin' old.
    But that's just not important now. the diamond has to be found or else Lady Margaret will never be out of danger.
    Let's get crackin'!!!
    The AR&T team can be an awesome force when they stop bickering.

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  57. Perish the thought! (By the way,when have you ever heard me brag, I mean moan about my virtue,Sharon dear? I'd never hear the end of it!

    Oh good, Oliver's lit the candles in the sconce's now we can see - oh no, look there, at the end of the passage! It's...it's...

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  58. Popping my head in to wave HI. Your books sound fabulous, Margaret. I'm a huge fan of English history. And your book covers...WOW, love them!

    Wishing everyone a lovely day!

    Cheers
    ~Sky

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  59. Sharon answers Lyn. You are an open book my dear, she cackles. A well read one at that.
    Lyn a bit peaved at that last comment stops in her tracks despite Skhye joining them and the fact that in the distance...
    Sharon picks up a scone and in an attempt to club Sharon, misses her when she ducks, and hits poor innocent Mary right smack in the head and she drops like an anchor.
    Now what are we gonna do? Lady Margaret exclaims?!?!

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  60. It's Sky! Hello Sky, welcome to the party, or is it a free-for-all. Well, we don't charge but you know what I mean! I thought for a moment, seeing you in the shadows, you were... anyway glad to see you.

    Yes Margaret's covers are glorious aren't they, and all her books sound great. I'm intrigued by 'Shadows of the Past.' who doesn't like an enimatic hero?

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  61. Oops sorry Mary, I didn't mean to hit you with a scone - just as well it wasn't a stone, LOL! 'Course I was aiming for sweet Sharon really!
    However, Mary dear, I would question the use of the word innocent' when applied to your dear self. Just saying!

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  62. Greetings, Lady Sky. Come with us. Don a candle and help find the diamond for the lovely before harm comes her way. Get up, Lady Mary. What's one more rock in your head. Lady Lyn, this is no time to be boasting about your virtue or lack there of. Lady Margaret, run ahead before the crooks mistake you for one of the fallen women. Ladies Lyn and Mary are branded with a letter on their backs. That's why they can't wear halters. Hee hee. The cat's out of the bag now, ladies

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  63. Enimatic, you like heroes that like enemas?
    Stranger than I thought Lyn. I like them strong and yet gentle too.

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  64. Oooh, shame on you Lady Sharon. Is it you who is spreading these false rumours? 'Tis well known that our virtue is white as the driven snow - or well trodden slush, anyway. Oh and who put poor Eddie in a bag? Junior and Cuddles were supposed to be looking after him. And how did Lady Margaret escape?

    Yes, Lady Sky, we search for a diamond, have you any idea where the thieves may have taken it?

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  65. Funny you didn't notice the one on your back that is twice the size and wait, oh my goodness, there is a picture of you up there!!!Shocking to say the least. No virtue in that shot for sure.

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  66. It's worth a fortune and the Queen has promised a large stipend for the person who brings her the True Diamond. Only one will be True.
    Lady Margaret has known about this for some time now. She has been on the trail and when I followed her She wasn't kidnapped. She was looking for the diamond with a handsome rake at her side...and I don't mean the kind for the garden.

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  67. Mary dear, you really should wear your eyeglass. That's not me up there it's - oh well, never mind. While we're squabbling about our collective virtues, the thieves are getting away with the diamond - and what's happened to Lady Margaret? Is She all right? It's nearly time for her to act as Princess and be saved from the dragon by Sir Oliver, I mean Saint George! Talking about dragons -

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  68. Hi Lady Sky - So pleased you like the covers, I love them too. They really are quite brilliant. I have had three wonderful cover artists for my books - the wonderful David Young for the Hale books, Jinger Heaston and Kendra Egert for Whiskey Creek Press. Also you might like to check out a novel I had published at Wings Press - Bitter Betrayal, sensational cover by Richard Stroud. Check into my website to see that one!

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  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  70. Ha ha, chase away ladies, and seek as you will find. I am still in the secret passage with Oliver, being fed on sweet figs and spiced wine! As to the diamond...well seek and you might find...I might even know who has it and where 'tis hid...

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  71. Laaddy Margaret! I AM STUNNED, you have always been known for your sterling reputation. I'mmm flabbergasted!

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  72. What an assortment of wonderful artis, Lady Margaret. Such talents. I am sure you will be auctioned for today, your books that is, LOL! Such royalty in our midst. Come now, lady hostesses and Lady Sky, heads will roll if we don't find the diamond. Oliver, more mead in our glasses. We want our cups to runneth over.

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  73. I too am a little shocked. Never judge a book by its cover, you say. Well, unless it's one of yours of course, from what I've read the contents are every bit as good as the stunning covers! However, I must say it takes a lot for Mary's flabber to be gasted!

    Yes, Oliver, put Lady Margaret down for one second and do what your mistress tells you. I haven't had any mead for at least five minutes!

    Come on Lady Sharon, Lady Mary. Let's leave these two to have their fun while we try to find the diamond. Dear me. Methinks Lady Margaret knows more than she lets on!

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  74. She sure does. Let's find it. We could be in good graces with the Queen? I'd hate to leave this century without fulfilling this quest!
    Off we goooooo!!! Mary falls down a steep incline and lays in a heap at the bottom. Out cold. Poor thing.
    And it's usually Lyn that's been nicknamed Grace.

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  75. Ha, ha, by the way, flabber in my gasted. Better than your nit in your wit!

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  76. Oh dear, trust Mary to go to sleep on the job! Come on dearie, wake up. If you think I'm going to waste a tankard of perfectly good mead to revive you, I'm afraid you're sorely mistaken! :) What say you, Ladies?

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  77. Now that you have taken Oliver from me, I will give you a clue as to the whereabouts of that diamond.

    Find a farthingale but not where you think a farthingale might be!

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  78. 'n not worth a tankard of mead to you!!! Mary walks away hurt to the core. They always fixed each others problems. HEHE Mary is meeting a handsome alchemist, they have plans to make a fake diamond----- to flush out the real thief...

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  79. Margaret, that's an interesting clue, Now where can I find a farthingale?

    Mary sweetie, you know I'd do anything for you - just don't ask me to part with my mead! I see you've recovered all by yourself anyway - and you and that handsome alchemist have a cunning plan?

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  80. Lady Sharon beams as she stuffs two huge diamonds inside her bra. Ha, who has the biggest hooters of them all now, fair ladies of the castle!

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  81. My my, Sharon, you seem to be putting on a little weight. Have you been imbibing on too much syllabub dear Lady?

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  82. M'dear Lady Lyn, and I use the term loosely. What can I say. Everything I eat goes straight to my hooters.

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  83. Lady Margaret, you simply must explain your clues, dearheart. More mead?

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  84. Lady Mary, did you find your missing virtue?

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  85. Why my dear the farthingale is under the skirt...but which skirt?

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  86. Oh hoity toity Madam Sharon (Lyn winks wildly to no-one in particular) actually it's not your hooters that usually expand - everyone knows about your hourglass figure dear - unfortunately all the sand's on the bottom! As for Mary's lost virtue, it would take Sherlock Holmes himself to find that - and he hasn't been created yet!

    Now about this clue of the fair Lady Margaret's - if she explained it, it wouldn't be a clue any longer, it would be a solution - which I'm working on at this very moment, it may take some time...

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  87. Actually, Lady Sharon was paying a lot of attention to her farthingale before you arrived, Lady Margaret - and I know for a certainty she hides things under it ... no wonder she puts on weight with all that sweet stuff she hides - and I'm sure she tucked a copy of Dangerous enchantment under there too!

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  88. Mary laughs at Sharon. She is fooled so easily, with swarski crystals too!
    No body likes me everybody hates me guess I'll eat some cake. Great big
    piece to sit and hide behind. Sharon thinks she has the diamonds, let's humor her, we always have to anyways. And Lyn, Lyn cares more for a drink than she does me. I'm gonna find that diamond with my friend Sean, he's a nice guy with a psychic past. He is hot and he is gonna help me. Then the Queen will know who is a jester and who is the real thing.

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  89. Lady Lyn, dear. Have you looked at your tootsies lately. You know how they grow by leaps and bounds when you tell those little wite fibs. And by the looks of those boats, you've been telling some whoppers all day. Ta ta, off to find the diamond in the rough.

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  90. Lady Margaret, you must excuse the castle ladies evil smirks. They have no proper etiquette and both flunked out of charm school. Too busy chasing their virtues, I would imagine. Your books are indeed enchanting. I can't wait to read them.

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  91. Sean has figured out where the diamond really is. He is on a mission. I will draw attention away from the holder, and no one will be the wiser! What a great plan. HEHE!!

    Sharon, Lyn, Lady Margaret and all our guests. A special guest is going to sing for us today. Let me introduce Gosh Jobin. He sings and women swoon. Even men sometimes.

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  92. I think I should be heroine in one of your books Margaret. Here is the diamond. Mary takes the silky Eddie from Sean's arms. Junior and Cuddles huddle around to see what's happened. Mary pets and gives him little kisses before handing him to Margaret.

    In a day or two you will be able to present the diamond to the Queen, seems Eddie ate it. He was wolfing down pieces of shrimp and it fell in the bowl, when the Queen was admiring his velvet cap.

    Amazing! A kitchen maid fed it to him and before she knew it, he'd swallowed it. The Queen never knew she'd lost it while petting Eddie.
    The kitchen maid found by Sean, he made a find it potion, something about toads and eye of newt. Anyways it's in the cat.
    Silence reigns for a moment, then everyone breaks into laughter and applauds. My what a great way to find a diamond. Well it's all works out in the end doesn't it. LOLLOLHAHA!! Everyone laughs well almost everyone.

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  93. Bravo, Lady Mary! You did it, old girl. Solved Lady Margaret's mystery. Three cheers go up. Poor Eddie.

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  94. Thanks, we all would have been under suspicion of stealing it so I had to find it!!
    Ain't Sean cute?
    I know Oliver, yes, you are the cutest one of all.
    Where is Lyn, she must be passed out from the mead? And Sharon, what were you doing under your skirt before>

    Margaret, everyone loves your books. Look at all the great people here to support you!!!

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  95. Eddie is not pleased at having to drink a noxious substance but alas we must get the ring and it has to come out. I think he prefers it from the end rather than the middle. Ha ha -

    And I must away, my litter has arrived, my servants stand to attention. I will visit you on the morn. Meanwhile, accept my thanks for a lovely day, gorgeous food, handsome betwitching Oliver...and a mystery solved.

    Farewell until the morn.

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  96. Well, so Mary solves the mystery of the missing diamond Mary my dear, it appears you're not as daft as you look, you can come out from behind that cake now!

    Eddie, you're a beautiful cat, I do hope you're not going to get indigestion. Let Cuddles touch you with his enchanted horn, that'll make things run smoothly LOL!

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  97. Farewell for now Lady Margaret, it has been such a pleasure having you as our guest today, and we look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

    I believe Oliver wishes to take your arm to escort you to your awaiting litter.

    In the meantime, let the festivities continue all guests are welcome until noon tomorrow!

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  98. Forgive my temporary absence earlier - I went to visit the Lady Margaret's gallery of her books

    The cover for 'Bitter Betrayal' is indeed striking, but all the covers
    are beautiful and such an imprssive array of her works. You are so talented Lady Margaret, so many wonderful romantic novels each one looks an impossible-to-put-down read. Check them all out at:

    http://www.margaretblake.co.uk/books.htm

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  99. thank goodness Eddie did not suffer any lasting effects.
    Have a wonderful evening with your family and mayhap you can stop by later to catch the stragglers who work. If you can.
    Thanks for making it all work by playing along.
    What a fine day you've had.
    We all wish you the best and are pleased you had a good time!
    Thanks for joining us on the AR&T blog!

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  100. Lady Margaret, what a fun day we've had with you here at the R&T. Thank you for being an utter delight. We wish you mega success and shall meet up with you in the morn. Have a lovely evening, m'dear.

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  101. I have returned, how quiet the hall seems. The flags flutter sadly in a gentle breeze, the goblets lay empty on a table strewn with ribbons and fol de rols.

    No sign of Oliver yet...ah I hear someone stirring...Cuddles, you wonderful enchanted creature, come let me give you a cuddle.

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  102. Cuddles flaps his wings sleepily and lays his head on Margaret's lap, his eyes closed in extasy while she gently rubs his horn.Eddie lies curled up on his back, his paws entwined in Cuddles' mane.

    Sharon, Lyn and Mary lie in a heap together on a rug in front of the smouldering log fire, their snores gently rising to the rafters of the great hall, using Junior's warm, broad back as a pillow

    Most of the revellers have left, but one or two still linger in various states of unconsciousness no doubt depened by a little too much ale and mead.

    "Your breakfast My Lady."

    Oliver appears as if out of nowhere, with a silver tray which he lays before her with a low bow.

    What a party we had! What a delightful Guest of Honour you were Margaret. What intriguing peeks into your enthralling aray of books. As we greet another day we wish you even more success and achievement in all you do.

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  103. Sharon rises to greet the day, yawning and stretching. Margaret, you're up and eating breakfast Oliver has graciously prepared for you. What a wonderful party! The best of luck with all your books. Oh, yes, Oliver. Coffee would be lovely, thank you. And perhaps some ear plugs to block out Mary and Lyn's snoring.

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  104. Thank you, everyone, for giving me such a lovely time. It was wonderful to time travel to the middle ages and to have the company of such lively souls.

    It is difficult to choose a winner, so I wrote out all the names and tossed them in the air, the first I caught was the one with Lyn's name written on it. So Lyn you win a copy of Dangerous Enchantment. YOu will need to write me privately with your address.

    Bless you all - may each of you prosper and may all your dreams come true.

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  105. Aw Margaret, thank you. 'Dangerous Enchantment' sounds such a lovely book, and I'm so looking forward to reding it. What a wonderful surprise!

    We've all loved being transported back to another era with you and hope you'll pop back now and then to join in the fun, whenever you can.

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AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
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