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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 24, 2010

Elaine Cantrell, Hollywood, and A Fantastic Book Signing Gala!

The excitement in the air is palpable. Mary and Lyn arrive at the party and book signing for Elaine Cantrell. It follows the Hollywood premiere of Michael Douglas' new sequel, Wall Street-Money Never Sleeps. Their limousine is right behind Elaine's which follows Michael Douglas, as he arrives with his beautiful wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is dressed in a black floor length gown with spaghetti straps and looks lovely as usual. They move up the red carpet with an army of guards around them.

Elaine steps out and looks fantastic in her shimmering smoke blue floor length evening gown by Versace. Her eyes are as big as saucers as she takes in the stars who are all around her. After the premiere, a wonderful book signing has been arranged at one of the after premiere parties. Her handsome escort gently escorts her as she glides into the party.

"It's amazing Lyn. Just look at the tons of people here to celebrate with Elaine." Mary loves her long emerald,empire waist, green gown. It accentuates her assets. She is wearing contacts to match and can barely see in them.


"Just don't break your neck, you know those contacts are not prescription. I can't believe you are wearing them." Lyn is beautiful in her own long maroon gown. Swarski crystals glisten as she stands on heels much too tight and much too high for her.

"You should talk, you can barely stand." Mary chuckles and grabs Lyn's arm. "Come on, Sharon wouldn't want us to argue today. Her quest keeps her from being with us. But don't kid yourself, she has eyes everywhere."



The huge room where the signing party is taking place is so Hollywood.

Beautiful dresses, suits, tuxedos, clothing made by the greatest designers fill the place. The evening decor is enchanting. Faery like lights cover the ceiling, reminiscent of fireflies. Tables are covered with crystal, china and silver.

There is a pastel and white theme all around the room and the clusters of palms, schaefflera trees, and different sized ferns give the feeling of being outdoors in a fantastic garden.

 Oliver,  nods approvingly. His instructions have been followed to the letter.

There are so many kinds of foods. Fresh fruit compliments the many dishes, and there is sherbert to cleanse the palate.

Endive and smoked trout with papaya relish, mini chicken and three cheese quesadillas with coriander fused sour cream, Parmesan pear crisps with Forme d’Ambert blue cheese, Moo shu wraps of orange beef rolled with celery, green onion and red bell peppers, Straws of applewood-smoked bacon-wrapped asparagus, Grape tomato, fresh basil and seasoned mozzarella (on toothpicks),




and for desert the richest of Chocolate lava cakes with creamy french vanilla ice cream, and fresh strawberries, just to name a few mouthwatering dishes that are to be served this evening. Flutes of champagne are carried on trays and handed to guest after guest.

After the book signing, there will be dancing and socializing all nite long.


The girls find their table near Elaine's and waste no time in welcoming her and wishing her luck on her new release, Return Engagement.

"Lyn, do the honors will you dear friend." Mary is a bit shy, believe it or not. She is also nervous, everything has to go well tonight, but there is suspense in the air.
Lyn clinks her silver spoon against her glass to get everyone's attention.

"Attention. Attention everyone!!
We are here to welcome and introduce our guests." She nods to the celebrities all around the room. Brad Pitt cannot help a whistle and gets a pat from Angelina Jolie. "Elaine Cantrell is signing her new book as I speak." Then, "let the dancing and celebrating begin!" she exclaims with a thrill in her voice

Loud applause follows as Elaine starts to sign her book for the long line that immediately forms around her book table.

"This is gonna be a hollywood blockbuster party Lyn!" Mary excitedly tells Lyn, but when she turns, Lyn has already taken her place in line and is flirting shamelessly with the guy behind her.Mary raises her glass and Lyn winks back! Let the roast begin!!

Excerpt: Return Engagement This takes place after Richard and Elizabeth have met on a California beach ten years after his father broke them up.

Richard tugged on her hand. “Let’s sit down and watch the moon awhile.”

Elizabeth willingly sank into the damp sand and cuddled close beside him. My gosh, the man had muscles she hadn’t known even existed!

“Richard, about this evening…”

“Elizabeth, about Alex…”

“You go first,” Elizabeth urged. Her shoulders marginally relaxed. She wasn’t looking forward to telling him she couldn’t see him again.

“All right, I will.” Richard turned slightly, an almost angry look on his face. “What the hell do you think you’re doing getting yourself engaged to Alex Crawford? It’s obvious to a blind man that you don’t love him. You’ve been teasing me and flirting with me all evening. You’ve even kissed me.” He stirred up the butterflies in her stomach when he gently caressed her shoulder. “Right now your body language makes me think if I wanted to take this snuggling any further you’d be willing.”

“Wha…” Elizabeth sputtered.

“You don’t strike me as the type of woman who’d pick a man for a night of sex and then go back to her fiancĂ© like nothing had happened. If that’s true I don’t think you love Alex as much as you think you do. The question is: what are you going to do about it?”

Elizabeth moaned and hid her face in her hands. Richard expected this surprise meeting to lead to something more than a hot dog on the beach, a casual meeting between two old…friends. I’ve done enough damage for one evening; I’m going home before I cause any more trouble. I’ve betrayed Alex and given Richard hope for a relationship with me when there is no hope.

She tried to jump up, but Richard grabbed her and held her close. “The wind is cold, and you can think just as well, no better, in my arms.”

Elizabeth gave up the effort to get away from him. There was no way she could argue with those hard, muscled arms. “Yeah, right. Being in your arms clarifies everything! I’m so confused I don’t know if I’m coming or going,” she cried. “I do love Alex. I do! That’s why I agreed to marry him, but with you I feel like a different person.

“I know I shouldn’t have flirted with you and kissed you, but I couldn’t help myself.” Her eyes misted with tears. “I didn’t want to help myself. It’s like it was ten years ago only better because now nobody can accuse me of corrupting a minor. You asked me what I’m going to do, but to tell you the truth, I don’t know. The only thing I’m sure of is that I don’t think I can stand it if you walk away again.”

Elizabeth threw her hands over her burning face again. “What kind of woman am I? I haven’t seen you in ten years, yet here I am leading you on and encouraging you to… What’s wrong with me!”


Purchase 'Return Engagement'
Biography: Elaine Cantrell

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writer’s of America and EPIC authors.

Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books. At present she teaches high school social studies. She spends her spare time collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with her grandchildren.

http://www.elainecantrell.com/
http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/


82 comments:

  1. Mary and Lyn, I just love my dress! You were right when you advised me to get it. And you girls look beautiful too. I'm taking a break from book signing to dance with Brad Pitt. I hope his wife won't get mad!

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  2. I'll raise a toast to the new book...and to Mr. Pitt's wife being available for a moment. :)

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  3. Just thought I would drop by to dance with my favorite author!

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  4. Good morning Elaine, welcome to your Special Roast.

    Yes you look absolutely breathtaking in that dress, it really suits you. Enjoy your dance with Brad, dont worry about Angelina - we'll get Oliver to distract her for a while! LOL!

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  5. Hi Steve and Herman - thanks so much for dropping by. Looks like the dance cards are filling up fast! :)

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  6. Herman and Steve, thank you for coming to my big night. I'm so proud of Return Engagement I could just pop!

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  7. Lyn, I hate that Sharon can't make it, but I've posted some things on my blog for her. Everyone please stop by to read an excerpt from Sharon's new book. It was released today.

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  8. Now that was different. You look lovely in your dress, Elaine.

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  9. Thank you, John. If I do say so, blue is my color.

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  10. Elaine, thank you so much, I know Sharon will appreciate it. Her sister says she is a little better after the tests on Wednesday and will hopefully be out of ICU today.

    Today is your day though - so tell us a little more about 'Return Engagement.' I loved the excerpt and I want to know why Elizabeth's father broke up her relationship with Richard.

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  11. Hello John

    Thanks for joining us at Elaine's party, I do hope you're enjoying the refreshments.

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  12. My dress is lovely too! Lyn helped me pick it out. I think it's a bit too tight on top though.
    Ah what a wonderful party. Everyone just glitters with the thrill of this book release. Hi everyone, a toast to Elaine's success!

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  13. Wow! Look at Elaine!
    Brad Pitt just did a dip as they danced her hair almost touched the floor. And the kiss on her hand as the dance finished. Hubba Hubba!!
    Lyn, be careful on those shoes, you look awfully wobby there. HeHe. No I promise not to trip you. But that's the only promise I'll make for now.
    Angela is dancing with Oliver, I'm gonna go hit on, I mean talk to, Brad. He looked great as a Roman didn't he?

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  14. Hello Mary sweet sister hostess

    I'm not sure you ought to get between Elaine and Brad at the moment! ;) Yes, Brad did look great as a - urm - actually I thought it was a Greek! Never mind, you do look great in that dress Mary, as long as you don't lean forward you should be fine!:)

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  15. Why did Senator Lovinggood break up Richard and Elizabeth? The senator plans to make Richard the President of the US. He needs a woman from an old, wealthy family by his side, a woman who will help Richard get elected. Elizabeth comes from nothing. She's a famous actress now, but the senator doesn't think she'll help Richard get elected to office.

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  16. It might have been a Greek! I was so interested in the muscles, I forget.
    Elaine, you look so pretty and that dress. Wow! You are a knockout tonite. Wait is that Gerard Butler, yes!!!! He is asking you to dance. Wait while I pass out. Swoon?

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  17. Mary, don't worry about your dress. Just tug on it every now and then.

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  18. I keep pulling, they keep popping. Well at least I can walk. Poor Lyn with those clodhoppers, she should never have worn those six inch heals with her huge, I mean her nice feet.
    Don't say anything, she looks down and sees normal feet. I don't want her to fixate on them.
    So when you are done with Gerard, can I have him? Who do you have in your sights as your next partner to dance with? OOH OOOHH! Josh Hollaway and Josh Grobin is singing a slow one. Dare I?---

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  19. wow i can't believe I'm getting a chance to hob-nob with all you stars. Elaine- again the book sound fab :)

    meandi09@yahoo.com

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  20. Gerard Butler!!!! Pick me up off the floor.

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  21. Hi Jennifer,so glad you could be with us at Elaine's party!

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  22. Save Josh Holloway for me! As soon as Gerard and I are done I want to dance with him. It's my big night!

    He's...he's....he's...I'm speechless.

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  23. Jennifer, would you like to dance with Gerard? He's so light on his feet. But on the other hand, Brad Pitt can do a mean dip. My head is still swirling a bit.

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  24. What a fantastic storyline, Elaine, can't wait to read mor - how about another excerpt - when you've finished with Gerard, that is!

    (You know, I think Mary's just a little jealous of my little dainty feet, bless her. But you notice I never make personal comments about her enhanced chest, do I!)

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  25. Ha! I thought you didn't make comments. These babies are all me.
    So are those "dainty"(BRAAAHAHa) feet. Watch out when you dance, can't have you crushing feet now can we?
    Elaine, they all want to dance with you. You're the celebrity tonite!
    Look at them, all lined up to dance with you!!!

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  26. Elaine,
    A party fit for a Queen and I am raising my glass to toast you wishing you great success with your new book!
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

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  27. Elaine is dancing with Johnny Depp, he is so smooth. Look at her she is having the time of her life Lyn!
    And the book table is almost empty. There were 500 books there!
    She is rockin'!

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  28. I am so wanting to steal Elaine's dress! And the food, wow - this is one heck of a shindig!!!

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  29. this party is fabulous and I have had a great time; no time for dancing for me as I was so enthralled with the food, decorations and the attendees. I'll never forget this party.

    Kudos to Elaine for her book which sounds wonderful.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

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  30. I welcome everyone today. There are lots of stars to dance the nite away with. Look, George Clooney is headed your way Elaine, and is that Traci dancing with Val Kilmer? Sigh...

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  31. Hi Tamara, Traci and Donna (Lyn Waves madly, so glad you could make the party!

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  32. Did I say hello to Jennifer - hi Jennifer - and Robyn! Sorry, I think the champagne is getting to me, just a little! :)

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  33. Thanks for coming, ladies. There are so many stars here; just take your pick. I ... excuse me! I just saw Robert Pattinson come in. I gotta talk to him.

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  34. Elaine, Congratulations on your release. This Book Signing Gala is fantastic. The dresses, the food, the music, the men...oooh la la! Enjoy the night - then get to work on your next book...We are all waiting with bated breath!

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  35. Look!!! Elaine is tripping the light fantastic with none other then, Antonio Banderas! Boy Elaine, you can dance!!
    I'm pulling up my top, again, and going for Leonardo!!
    He's matured very nicely I think!!
    Lyn, take off your shoes and dance!!!

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  36. Ssshhhh, don't tell Lyn about her feet, she's very sensitive. They're lovely feet, just massive. She's very sensitive about it and denies the foot right in front of her face. As long as she doesn't step on any one feet, we don't have to worry about any lawsuits.

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  37. Come to Dance with the best looking woman in the world.

    Love you

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  38. Oh dear, poor Mary, she thinks people really believe that fabulous figure is real!

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  39. Hi Wallace - yes Elaine looks stunning doesn't she! (Talking about 'stunning' isn't her cover gorgeous too!

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  40. You mean it's not???
    Shoot me!
    Just don't step on me.

    Come on Elaine. Give us another excerpt!

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  41. Another excerpt? You betcha. Just let me dance with that lovely Wallace first. He isn't a movie start, but I really like his looks.

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  42. Excerpt: Return Engagement

    Prologue:

    “Stop it!” Elizabeth cried. She scrambled off the bed and put as much distance as possible between them. “It’s over, Richard! No, don’t shake your head at me. I mean it.” Her face blazed with color. “We have to end this, or I’ll be exactly what the tabloids called me. I can’t, I won’t, live with that.”

    Chest heaving, Richard struggled for self-control as he faced Elizabeth across the bed, distracted by her beautiful blue eyes and disheveled dark hair. What did the sleazy, tabloid press matter? They loved each other; why did she panic over a few nasty stories?

    “Honey, you’re an actress,” he soothed, his voice velvety soft and persuasive. “The tabloids won’t leave you alone no matter what you do. Half the stuff they print is lies anyway. Why are you letting them scare you?”

    She stared at him with eyes stretched wide. “You’re seventeen years old! In California you’re still a minor and I’m an adult. They have a right to accuse me of cradle robbing! Don’t you know how many people agree with them?” Her voice dropped. “And that includes my mother and your parents. They’re so mad at us it scares me.”

    Richard ignored the fact that his father’s reaction had scared him too. “You talk like you’re fifty,” he scoffed, “but you’re only five years older than me. You know it doesn’t matter.”

    He lunged for her hand, but Elizabeth danced away from him.

    “It may matter to your career. Have you forgotten Senator Lovinggood’s plans for you? You dad wants you to be the president one day, but a scandal like this could ruin your chances before you even get started.”

    Richard impatiently shook his head. “Don’t you get it? You’re more important to me than any career in the world! Without you I don’t care what happens to me. We fell in love with each other the first time we met in the studio. Why would you even consider letting five lousy years ruin things for us?”

    Elizabeth dropped her head and bit her lip to hold back her tears. “I know what I have to do, but why does it have to hurt so much?” she whispered. She raised her eyes to his. “I love you, Richard, but we can’t keep our hands off each other. It’s only a matter of time until we do sleep together.” She made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob. “If we do sleep together I’ll deserve everything they’ve said about me. Please, please go.”

    For a moment the issue hung in the balance, but with an exclamation of surrender Richard bent and scooped his shirt from the floor. “I’ll call you.”

    Her eyes filled with tears. “No, please don’t. It’s over; don’t you see?”

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  43. My beautiful cover for Return Engagement was designed by Gemini Judson who not only is a cover artist but also an author in her own right.

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  44. Oh, what a great excerpt. I hope Elizabeth hangs in there. Can't be long till he's of age!!!
    Sounds like a wonderful, heartfelt story...
    I can't wait to read it.

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  45. Matthew McConaughey, my heart be still.
    Wonder if the deodorant story is true or not?

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  46. Mary, I guess you'll find out about the deodorant story.

    Unfortunately, it'll be another ten years before they get back together

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  47. What a poignant excerpt Elaine, it's so touching and sad. And the cover is so beautiful!

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  48. Thank you, Lyn. If only Richard's father didn't dislike Elizabeth so much.

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  49. Skip the asparagus and smoked trout. I need chocolate lava cake. Dancing with all these movie stars has made me hungry.

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  50. Yes - parents eh! They can ruin a person's love life! Seriously though I wonder how many soul mates have been split up by their parents' disapproval. I do hope Richard and Elizabeth get together in the end.

    As fopr the chocolate lava cake, do you know Oliver was up all night, making little individual ones with your cover on!

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  51. If you've read Return Engagement you know that Elizabeth is a fabulous cook. Here's her recipe for chocolate cake. I bet it's as good as this great lava cake.

    Elizabeth Lane's Chocolate Cake

    2 cups flour
    4 TBSP cocoa
    2 cups sugar
    1/2 cup buttermilk
    1 stick butter
    1 tsp soda
    ½ cup cooking oil
    2 eggs
    1 cup water
    1 tsp vanilla

    Sift flour and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Place butter, oil, water, and cocoa into a saucepan and bring to a rapid boil. When mixture boils, remove from heat and pour over sugar and flour mixture. Mix well with spoon and add buttermilk, soda, eggs and vanilla. Beat lightly and pour into greased and floured 13 X 9 X 1 ½ inch pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

    Wet Chocolate Frosting
    1 stick butter
    4TBSP cocoa
    6 TBSP evaporated milk
    1 box powdered sugar

    Place butter, cocoa, and milk in saucepan. When mixture comes to a boil remove from heat and add 1 box powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over cake while hot.

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  52. Lyn, don't tell Oliver I said Elizabeth's cake was as good as the lava cake, and yes, I did notice the the covers on them. Great touch!

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  53. Great excerpt Elaine!
    Gosh, they better get together!
    Let them eat cake. But, it has to be chocolate for sure!

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  54. Ooh, thanks for posting Elizbeth's recipe here, Elaine, I just LOVE chocolate cake - and I won't say a word to upset Oliver! :)

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  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. Lyn, look at Oliver gobbling up the cake she brought! Caught in the act!
    Sounds yummy too...

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  57. Guess who just bought my book!!!
    James Bond, er, I mean Daniel Craig. He snatched it right from under Matt Damon's nose.

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  58. Matt Damon's begging for me to post another excerpt so here goes. This is when Elizabeth meets Richard on the beach after a ten year separation.

    A tall, blond man standing near the back of the crowd caught her eye. She faltered and stumbled, catching hold of Cathy’s arm to stay upright in the sand. No, it couldn’t be! Richard! They hadn’t seen each other in ten years, but yes, it was Richard. She’d know him anywhere. His blue eyes still mesmerized her as he watched her progress across the beach. Irrelevantly, she remembered that when he was aroused his eyes always darkened.

    Her heart took off in a wild gallop. He had matured since she last saw him. His shoulders had broadened, and the well defined muscles in his chest rippled under his tee shirt. His stomach appeared flat and hard, and his legs looked shapely and well formed. The expression on his face spoke of a fiery, passionate nature. Her face flushed as it occurred to her that if she faced him across a bed today as she had done ten years ago, the outcome might be very different. He didn’t look like a man she’d want to turn down.

    Uh oh. She had started to shake. Would she be able to do her scene or not? She hoped so, but seeing Richard had brought the past vividly to life.

    A dull ache, long familiar, reminded her how much it hurt to break up with him. He really was too young for me, but somehow it didn’t matter at all. We were compatible in every way. No wonder I fell head over heels in love with him.

    Her lips tightened. She had never told him what happened right before their final date, but she remembered it as well as if it had happened only yesterday.

    “Hello, Miss Lane. May I come in?”

    “Of course, Senator Lovinggood. It’s nice to see you. Please, come in and have a seat.”

    “That’s all right. I won’t be staying long. I stopped by to tell you that I don’t want you to see my son anymore.”

    “Senator…”

    “Please, hear me out, Miss Lane.”

    “Go on.”

    The senator’s cold eyes bored into hers. “Richard is only seventeen, but you are twenty-two. Presumably, you are more experienced than he is. Truthfully, I blame his infatuation for you on his inexperience. Don’t take advantage of an impressionable boy, Miss Lane. Richard isn’t a toy to be used for your pleasure and then discarded. He’s being groomed for important work in the future, but if he keeps seeing you he has very little chance of winning any political office. If you care about him let him go.”

    Even now she swallowed against the anger that still burned her. I was so angry I thought I might have a stroke, she thought. How dare he come to my home and try to intimidate me! Her eyes took on a faraway expression. I decided on the spot I’d never agree to the senator’s demands. I thought that seeing me wouldn’t ruin Richard’s future career. The senator only wanted to frighten me away.

    She and Cathy had reached the set now. Elizabeth pasted a brilliant smile on her face, but inside where it counted she was bleeding. I changed my mind when Richard and I ended up in my bedroom kissing, touching, and undressing. I knew then that Senator Lovinggood was right. If Richard and I continued our relationship, the press would crucify both of us. While it would probably help my career, it would only hurt him. Scandal titillates the public and enhances a star’s reputa-tion, but it’s the kiss of death for a politician.

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. Matt Damon's begging for me to post another excerpt so here goes. This is when Elizabeth meets Richard on the beach after a ten year separation.

    A tall, blond man standing near the back of the crowd caught her eye. She faltered and stumbled, catching hold of Cathy’s arm to stay upright in the sand. No, it couldn’t be! Richard! They hadn’t seen each other in ten years, but yes, it was Richard. She’d know him anywhere. His blue eyes still mesmerized her as he watched her progress across the beach. Irrelevantly, she remembered that when he was aroused his eyes always darkened.

    Her heart took off in a wild gallop. He had matured since she last saw him. His shoulders had broadened, and the well defined muscles in his chest rippled under his tee shirt. His stomach appeared flat and hard, and his legs looked shapely and well formed. The expression on his face spoke of a fiery, passionate nature. Her face flushed as it occurred to her that if she faced him across a bed today as she had done ten years ago, the outcome might be very different. He didn’t look like a man she’d want to turn down.

    Uh oh. She had started to shake. Would she be able to do her scene or not? She hoped so, but seeing Richard had brought the past vividly to life.

    A dull ache, long familiar, reminded her how much it hurt to break up with him. He really was too young for me, but somehow it didn’t matter at all. We were compatible in every way. No wonder I fell head over heels in love with him.

    Her lips tightened. She had never told him what happened right before their final date, but she remembered it as well as if it had happened only yesterday.

    “Hello, Miss Lane. May I come in?”

    “Of course, Senator Lovinggood. It’s nice to see you. Please, come in and have a seat.”

    “That’s all right. I won’t be staying long. I stopped by to tell you that I don’t want you to see my son anymore.”

    “Senator…”

    “Please, hear me out, Miss Lane.”

    “Go on.”

    The senator’s cold eyes bored into hers. “Richard is only seventeen, but you are twenty-two. Presumably, you are more experienced than he is. Truthfully, I blame his infatuation for you on his inexperience. Don’t take advantage of an impressionable boy, Miss Lane. Richard isn’t a toy to be used for your pleasure and then discarded. He’s being groomed for important work in the future, but if he keeps seeing you he has very little chance of winning any political office. If you care about him let him go.”

    Even now she swallowed against the anger that still burned her. I was so angry I thought I might have a stroke, she thought. How dare he come to my home and try to intimidate me! Her eyes took on a faraway expression. I decided on the spot I’d never agree to the senator’s demands. I thought that seeing me wouldn’t ruin Richard’s future career. The senator only wanted to frighten me away.

    She and Cathy had reached the set now. Elizabeth pasted a brilliant smile on her face, but inside where it counted she was bleeding. I changed my mind when Richard and I ended up in my bedroom kissing, touching, and undressing. I knew then that Senator Lovinggood was right. If Richard and I continued our relationship, the press would crucify both of us. While it would probably help my career, it would only hurt him. Scandal titillates the public and enhances a star’s reputa-tion, but it’s the kiss of death for a politician.

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  61. Sorry for the double post. Oliver bumped me.

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  62. Everyone & everything looks so amazing. Cheers to all my favorite authors.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  63. Oh look! Richard Gere has an armful, he knows you are a pretty woman!
    If Oliver teases you, just click on the garbage can and throw your double post away! Removed by author.
    They'll all wonder what they missed.

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  64. Thanks for telling me how to get rid of it. I should have guessed but didn't.

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  65. Uh oh. I deleted the wrong post! I think I'd better leave well enough alone.

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  66. too much Champagne? HeHe!
    No problem. It's a good post!
    Hey, isn't that, yes it is, a young Paul Newman? Or a clone! Go dance girl! You have the perfect dress to twirl in!

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  67. *hic* Oliver, what IS this champagne? You sure it's not my good Welsh Mead?

    Never mind folks, we're here to hve fun and dance the night away!

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  68. It's the finest of Champagne, you know Oliver.
    I just have been drinking sparkling cider, so I can have all the handsomest stars while every one else is drunk. TeHe! Well, I think Elaine is faking, she hardly had any. Hmmmmm.

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  69. Off to have dinner with one of the movie stars, can anyone guess whom it is???? See ya later. Mary removes the scarf she's been wearing and stands up proud! It's all me!

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  70. Mary's right. I'm bubbling with happiness (and meeting movie stars) not champagne.

    Why, yes, I'd be glad to dance with you Orlando.

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  71. Well gonna dance on till I drop. Talk to you all tomorrow. Come on Gerard, don't be lingering, we have things to do!
    Elaine you rocked the blog universe today! I hope you sell a ton of books and get great promo from being such a good sport! Go girl!

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  72. Sigh. What a wonderful day. I'll dream sweet dreams tonight.

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  73. Wow! What A night that was - that really was a night!

    (Oh hang on a minute, that was a song wasn't it?)

    Lyn rolls out of bed and lands on the floor with a thunk. She fishes around until she finds her tiny shoes and slips them onto her little feet. Mary is still asleep, snoring gently. She tiptoes out of the room and into the dining hall where Elaine is already having breakfast, looking as bright and fresh as the frshly cut roses Oliver has laid on the table before her.

    Good morning Elaine, I hope you had wonderful dreams. Thank you for being such an awesome guest, we had so much fun and I've nevere seen so many celebrities in one place. You were absolutely the belle of the ball! I hope you've sold tons of books, 'Return Engagement' sounds like a brilliant read!

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  74. Hi Elaine,
    I loved the excerpts. I definitely have to read Return Engagement.Looks like you had a smashing time at your party. I didn't see Antonio Bandaras's name mentioned. He's so gorgeous.Congrats on the new release Elaine.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

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  75. Hi Carol

    Thanks for joing us at Elaine's Party. (Hint - next time you come, if you want to bring your favourite hunk with you, you're very welcome.)

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  76. 2nd attempt - this is what I hate about blogs. They never put in what you write and you have to try over and over and over again.
    Oh well - I wanted to congratulate you on getting to walk the red carpet. What an honor. You are one of authors I've known via internet for sometime now. Brad Pitt is from Springfield, Mo. where I go to the doctors all the time at. I actually got to see his limo once when I was in Springfield. He passed right by us in traffic.
    Best of everything.
    I'd like to win.
    jrs362 at hotmail dot com

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  77. Hi there - yes Blogger can be a pain at times! Thanks for stopping by! Wow - you've (Well, traffic lanes, anyway!) LOL!

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