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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, October 29, 2010

Sandra Sookoo's Halloween Celebration


Candle Pictures, Images and Photos
"You rang?" A tall, serious, white haired gentlemen, with bolts on either side of his neck and highly reminiscent of Frankenstein's monster, drawls.

candle Pictures, Images and Photos"Every time he says that I can't help but crack up laughing Lyn." Mary dressed as a tavern wench keeps pulling the front of her dress up. "I swear you get these get ups on purpose to make me look... Huge!"

Lyn's cackle fills the air as she adjusts the fake nose she wears and straightens her witches hat. "Yeah, well who ordered the warts and fake nose? Huh, answer that will you."

Mary smiles and pulls the warts and nose off off Lyn. "Hey, it was just a joke ya know. Besides they can tell it's you no matter what." Her index finger aimed at Lyn's humongous shoes. "Yeah, yeah, we buy them big. Sure, whatever you say. You look beautiful. You have to admit that costume is rather sexy on you."

"Where is Sharon, do you know which costume she picked?"

Lyn shakes her head. "I have no idea. Wait, that has to be her with the mask over her eyes, she has a friend who collects them and she has all kinds of them. And look she is dressed as a vampire!" Lyn rushes to Sharon with Mary on her huge heels.

 "Sharon you look divine! That slinky costume is just beguiling!" Mary hugs Sharon after Lyn and looks down over Sharon's shoulder. "Did they pad the butt or is that really yours?"

Sharon smacks Mary's hand as she reaches to touch Sharon's backside and then gives her the look.

"It's all me girl and men love it. So there." She laughs because she knows Mary is just teasing, and to get her back she reminds her to pull up her top. They all crack up.

"Mam," Oliver interrupts. "Sandra and company have arrived."

www.CherryCodes.comThe three hostesses run to the front door of the huge mansion the party is being held at. Guaranteed to be haunted, possessed by demons, over run with gremlins and other annoying creatures, and sure to scare the devil out of someone for sure.

The cobwebs are pushed out of the way, three black cats screech as Lyn steps on all three of them with one foot.
 
A spider falls into Mary's cleavage and so Sharon is the first one of them that makes it to the door.


 Oliver stands to the side with his arm out to stop them and holding back a chuckle.

 And in walks Sandra. She looks just fantastic!!! All three have made it to the door to oogle her costume. She is dressed as Venus. She has a magical allure about her and even the girls are affected.

www.CherryCodes.com"You can't help but to be attracted to her. She has a geis on her and it enhances her own natural beauty. Here's a potion to help. Or you'd never leave her side after you hugged her."  They each swallow a bit and look at Sandra. She is beautiful beyond words. But now they can hug her and not be one of the twenty or so costumed followers she has picked up on her way here.



After they greet one another Lyn shows Sandra the food around the room.In each available corner platters of finger foods abound. From chips and hot and mild dips, to fine cheeses and crackers, small finger sandwiches,  eggs and  chicken fingers fill the tables which line the room.

Ghost, witch and pumpkin decorated cookies still warm from the oven, mini angel food and devils food cakes, plus other strange things, like blood pudding are all over.

Sandra smiles and nods her head. 




"Hello everyone." The chatter silences as many haloweened costumes people stand listening intently to Sharon as she speaks. Ghosts, princesses, pirates, Queens, Kings, and even a nun, are among the numerous costumes.



"Please welcome our friend Sandra Sookoo. This is her Halloween party, please eat hearty, drink the wonderful Pomegranate martinis and party on! Don't forget to buy your copy of  one of her books, Hunters Moon Magic, it's a must read. She plans to give away several prizes, good luck to you all. What fun! We are gonna have a scavenger hunt, a corn maze to navigate and then Oliver has a surprise test of his own."

Oliver winks at Sharon. "So everyone, please enjoy yourselves and Sandra, welcome to your party" The crowd roars and glasses are clinked to the toast for Author Sandra Sookoo!


Book Title:  Hunter’s Moon Magic (blurb and excerpt)


Blurb:  Judith Goode, wrongly accused of witchcraft during the trials in 1600 Massachusetts, casts a spell on the black velvet dress she intended to wear for her lover’s return.  If she can’t realize true love then she wants to ensure that any woman who wears the dress will but fate has other plans.

Even though Judith is now in ghost form, her quest to unite her soul with her lover’s burns strong.  The enchanted dress has survived for two hundred years and is now in the hands of Carolina Cox who wears it to a masquerade where she meets Paul Brown.  Love blooms and is realized yet life’s problems prevent a perfect match.

Disheartened through the years, Judith gives the attempt one last time in modern day Indianapolis by putting the dress in the hands of Jacob Howson, one of her last living ancestors.  He’s a computer programmer looking for love and finds it by literally running into Lexy Brown at a dry cleaner.

www.CherryCodes.comSometimes the love worth waiting for can be found under the light of a Hunter’s Moon.


Excerpt from Chapter OneOctober 29, 1692 Ipswich, Massachusetts

Brilliant moonlight streamed through the window, competing with the weak glow from the candle on the worktable. Judith Goode snipped off the last thread and placed the scissors into a basket near her elbow.

Finished.

Standing, she shook out the length of black velvet pleased with how the dress had turned out. A round full skirt fell to the floor in elegant waves with faint glimmers of silver thread gleamed in the folds. The bodice was a masterpiece of scooped neck trimmed with runic symbols in the same silver thread, designed to catch an admiring gaze.

Needlework perfection.

Black satin ribbons crisscrossing under the neckline would lend the dress structure and matched the tiny stain bows on the tops of the fluttered, capped sleeves.

The ideal gown to wear for a romantic tryst, especially since the fabric had been given to her from her lover when he had returned to port from his last trip.

Unfortunately, she would never be allowed to wear the dress--unless they hanged her in it.

Hearing an angry assortment of voices just outside her modest cottage, Judith folded the gown and placed it into a reed basket. The tinkle of breaking glass sounded, followed by a scuffle and several loud shouts for the ‘Devil’s Follower. They’d branded her a witch, and she didn’t correct them.

It wouldn’t have mattered.

She was different from the others in the village. A healer, and not disposed to spending hours on her knees in the church, Judith was automatically dubbed a follower of the occult.

The gray streak down the middle of her black hair didn’t help matters. Nor did her affinity for bathing naked at the shore on the nights of the full moon for no other reason than she admired the silvery light.

To these people, if you looked and talked differently from them, you must be evil--bad--not worthy of redemption and no amount of explanation would change their narrow minds. She’d tried twice before to plead her case. Now luck had abandoned her.

Judith wanted no part of the religious bigotry, their interpretation of salvation for the sake of public cleansing and a way to gain land and property.

Their way was not the only way to live a life.

Outside, shouts from men and women alike drew closer. Her breath quickening, Judith opened a carved trinket box on her worktable and withdrew a small sachet of cloth. A secret smile curved her lips. If she couldn’t wear the gown, at least she could ensure the women who did would have a happy life. Tucking the sachet between the folds of the dress, Judith nodded in satisfaction. The herbs were good and would not fail.

A few sprigs of basil for love, a couple dried fruits of the cayenne pepper plant for the fire of the sprit, chamomile flower heads for relaxation and protection, and cinnamon sticks to lure a male; Judith knew the basic ingredients for a love spell would have far reaching implications as much as the words she muttered over the fabric.

“May the women who wear this dress find their true love. May desire overcome them in such a way they cannot deny its call. May the women whose lives touch this dress be happy throughout all eternity with the men of their dreams, the mates of their hearts, and the keeper of their souls.”

After she recited her spell, Judith’s attention wandered to her absent lover. He’d been away, along with her brother, on a fishing ship for months and this time when he returned, she and Percy planned to be married. After three years of courtship and clandestine meetings, he’d offhandedly asked for her hand one evening over dinner. Judith agreed and the small, private ceremony was planned. Now, a few days shy of their reunion, the elders of the village were hell bent on ferreting out witches.

Not that they would even know a real witch if they bumped into one at the market. Hysteria reined in the small towns and anyone they couldn’t understand was immediately suspect.

Above everything else, Judith vowed never to reveal Percy’s name to the elders for fear an appointment with the gallows would await him, too. The only reason she embraced her destiny with calm was she knew Percy would live to tell her tale. A twinge of regret tickled her stomach. They’d talked at length of this very occurrence. It was always a risk, but she wished she could see him one last time.

With a sigh, she gave the plush velvet one last loving stroke then scattered a few red clover flowers for good luck and two dried hibiscus flowers for attracting love on the top. A folded quilt completed the contents of the basket and hid the gown from view.

It was all she could do.

A prayer that the frock would find its way into good hands escaped her lips shortly before an insistent pounding rained on her front door. With a gasp, Judith scooped up the basket and padded across the simple wooden planks of the floor to her kitchen window. Releasing the catch, she swung the casement out. “Hide it well, Jenny. Make certain my brother receives it and cares for it. Someday, somehow, Percy and I will be reunited, even if it takes two lifetimes to accomplish.”

Photobucket“Yes, ma’am.”

The melodious whisper of her apprentice seeped in from the darkness beyond. “You needn’t worry. I will take care of it. Godspeed”

Another round of hammering on the door brought Judith’s attention to matters at hand. She wiped her sweaty palms on her humble white apron.

Her heart raced in time to the blows.

She swung the window closed and pulled the curtains.

Then, with a deep breath, she tied the strings of her bonnet beneath her chin, crossed to the door, and unlatched the locks.

Time to usher in her fate. Judith straightened her spine. She would not meet death with tears.

Publisher’s website: 





www.CherryCodes.comBlurb and excerpt for Changing Tides (a Strange Hollow tale):

Blurb: Born of water.  Neadra is an Undine, yet the thought of being in any body of water besides her bathtub terrifies her.  In Strange Hollow, she lives on the side a the mountain, content and out of harm’s way, even as she yearns to be understood for her fears and loved in spite of them.

Drawn to water.  Caelan, a water dragon from the wilds of Ireland, has been shunned by his clan for his inability to shift and terrorize.  Lonely for too long, he meets Neadra one moonlit night and becomes enchanted by her kindness and her unique beauty, but how could anyone love him if he has no heroic ability whatsoever?

Threatened by water.  When late spring rains, coupled with warm temperatures, melt much of the snow pack on Mt. Mitchell, a flood sweeps through the outskirts of Strange Hollow, putting Neadra’s life in danger.  Caelan fights his way to get to her, pulling out the hero he never thought he could be while she, in turn, works through her fears to find him.  Only through acceptance of the world around them and of each other will they find the life they’ve always wanted.

Excerpt
Neadra sighed and dipped her feet a bit deeper into the chilly water. She perched at the very edge of Shady Lake, alone with only the moon and the lake for company. The romance of the area wasn’t lost on her.

A thick wood line shrouded the far side of the lake, serving as a barrier between the business end of Strange Hollow and the small network of farms and homes of the flatlands. She’d heard that any resident wishing to buy property in the outlying areas must be prepared to defend said real estate against interlopers who didn’t hold true with the laws of the town. Every homeowner outside the downtown area received two acres of land along with their house with specific instructions not to sub-let the acreage.

It seemed the founder of Strange Hollow didn’t want the beauty of the town marred by endless subdivisions, fast food joints and strip malls. Working alongside nature. As it should be.
Slowly wriggling her toes, she stared at the dark stretch of water. So much potential. So much fear. She pulled her long skirt up her legs and slid forward until the water lapped over her calves.
I can’t do this.

Ignoring the task at hand, Neadra let her mind ponder her state of singleness. Since she’d been a very little girl it had been drilled into her that water sprites only mated within their species. What happened to a woman who, by necessity, had to live away from her community and family? Because of her fear, she’d been forced to make her home in a tool shed near the sea, much to the derision of her family.It also meant she appeared damaged and broken in the eyes of potential mate material. Not to mention, she lacked the gills inherent to her species, making living on land essential. She was decidedly too odd to fit into the aquatic community.

She blew out a shaky breath. Time marched on while her biological clock ticked down the years, bringing panic with it. In two months, she’d pass her thirty-first birthday, not young anymore and nearing the danger zone on the reproductive scale.

My life is so messed up.

Watching the moon’s reflection on the lake surface, two glowing blue objects caught her attention. Neadra narrowed her eyes, straining forward. It was too early in the season for amphibian life and the orbs were too large to belong to a snake or fish. In the space of a heartbeat, they vanished. Relief swept through her body. She didn’t want to encounter some of the more fierce wildlife rumored to live around the mountain.

As suddenly as they disappeared, the blue objects came back into view, almost staring at her with weird, electric light. She shivered and pulled her feet beneath her, out of the water. Were they eyes? How was it possible? If an Undine didn’t want to be seen, no one except another water sprite could see them--unless she failed at the camouflage aspect of her culture as well. She’d never had an opportunity to test the theory.
The eyes came closer, confirming the fact the objects belonged to something. Her pulse steadily increased until it drummed out a frantic rhythm. Too fascinated to move, she watched as it closed the distance, only ten feet from the shore and her.

Threads of nameless anticipation slid over her skin, invoking goose bumps, but she felt no fear. Five feet of dark water separated her from whatever lurked beneath the surface. Her throat went dry as she wondered what kind of being it was.

With the smooth movements of someone accustomed to spending time in and around water, the placid scene shimmered. The top of a male head appeared, bobbed for an instant, his gaze never breaking eye contact with her, and he swam forward. The closer he got, the more of his body was revealed until he stood, dripping, on the shore near her.

For a few seconds, Neadra forgot how to breathe as she stared at the naked form of the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. She gasped and realized beautiful was not nearly an appropriate way to describe this particular male. He was at least six feet tall, and she had to tip her head back in order to properly take him all in. Black, coarse hair sprinkled his winter-pale skin, and as he lifted his hands to slick his thick, black hair from his face, the muscles in his broad chest rippled.

Unable to breathe without sounding like a dog in heat, Neadra licked her lips as her gaze moved from his clean-shaven, square jaw, over wide shoulders, thick from daily gym visits or hard labor, and down along his torso, following the sensual black ribbon of hair past washboard abs to his partially rampant arousal.

“Wow.” She’d barely forced the word out when her sex contracted with a strong aching need and she had to squeeze her thighs together to stave off the sensations. Quickly snapping her gaze to his face, she sought to distract herself from his body--except his brilliant eyes caused havoc with her insides. She felt an insane desire to trace the strong lines of his face, run her fingers over his jaw, and feel his lips against hers. “Wow.”

The man smiled. The ordinary action lit his face into a softer version, twinkling his eyes and causing gentle creases to appear at the sides of his mouth and across his forehead, as if he indulged in grinning often. “It’s not often I get such a reaction from the ladies, especially not one as pretty as you. I’m Caelan Burke.”
Neadra melted a tiny bit further at the slight Irish accent in his baritone voice.

“Hi.” At a disadvantage from her position on the ground, not to mention the tempting distraction of his naughty bits at eye level, she struggled to her feet. The small pebbles that made up the shore cut into the soles, but she barely noticed as she held out her hand. “My name is Neadra."

When she moved forward to shake the hand he offered, her toes tangled into the hem of her long skirt and she stumbled, taking a few unsteady steps backward and teetering into the lake with a resounding splash.

Publisher’s website:  http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com
Strange Hollow site:  http://www.strangehollow.com




 BIO
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction.  Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances.  She loves to blend genres and spice them up and often times will add humor as well.   
After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, she's gone on to grow her unique writing style.  She's a regular contributor for the Paranormal Romantic's blog and has a great time keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog.

PhotobucketWhen not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel.  Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World.  It's where dreams come true and the soul can play.  That suits her just fine.
Writing is her ultimate dream job.
You can write to Sandra at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website at http:///www.sandrasookoo.com or look her up on Facebook and Twitter.



zwani.com myspace graphic commentsDamaged Cargo (a S.F.romance)--Available now from Purple Sword Publications.
Hunter's Moon Magic--Available now from Liquid Silver Books.


On the web:  Website, Facebook page, Twitter, Believing is Seeing blog, or the Paranormal Romantics blog

111 comments:

  1. How perfectly lovely! You've outdone yourselves in decorating!

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  2. And I love the food! And the costumes! Wow, very impressed and I hope we'll be dancing The Monster Mash later :-)

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  3. Great post! You have so many wonderful books that are on my TBR pile!

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  4. Sandra, welcome to your bewitching Halloween costume party. I love your costume, you look divine and I am so drawn in by Hunter's MOON, A perfect read for the season. Mingle and party and allow Oliver to mix you one of his special martinis...if you dare...

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  5. Sandra you look marvelous! We three are proud to welcome you to your Halloween party roast! May the day bring you lots of fun and comments. And most of all, people who want your book!
    Sharon darling,(kiss, kiss,)on each cheek. (I love doing that). Lyn has stepped on two black cats tails with her ahem, tiny feet, do you think she has called bad luck to herself?
    I'd hate to see her scared by a ghost! TeeHee! I expect to hear a lot of screaming today Sandra! But Oliver will protect us. If he doesn't run like a frightened kid himself!

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  6. Thanks for coming Emily! I hope you enjoy them :-)

    Sharon--how wonderful that you've come by. Mind the drinks, Oliver has a tendency to mix them strong :-)

    Mary--Mind the cats! You don't want to get darling Oliver upset...

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  7. Hi there, Emily, come in and grab some yummy food. Oliver is behind the bar and will mix your favorite poison. Enjoy.

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  8. Sandi! =) Love how they've decorated the place.....I've got 2 of your books in my TBR pile - hopefully next week - love your writing! =)

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  9. Did you see that? That darn Lyn tried to put a spider down my bodice!
    Then when I threw it at her she stomped it with her clodhoppers, I mean feet.
    I hate spiders!!!!
    Sandra how are you? How do you like your Venus costume? A goddess should sell a lot of books don't you think?
    Watch out for those martinis. The blood red ones, they are like brainblockers!

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  10. Mary, come here for a hug. I cannot tell you how great it feels to be back as one of the hostesses three, and when Lyn gets here, we can all rejoice like old times.

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  11. Sharon, (bear hug and cheek kisses, then another bear hug). We missed you like crazy. Don't ever go on a quest like that again. Not without us there with you!
    You are the life of the party and everyone is thrilled you have returned safely. Sandra has chosen a great place for her party!
    Come sit and talk with us before Oliver starts blasting Monster Mash.
    What a great day!!!

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  12. LOL Sandra, if Oliver is making the drinks too strong, you have me to blame as he works for me and I taught him how to mix the poison. LOL

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  13. I'm happy to help roast one of the hardest working writers I know.

    Especially since there's cake!

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  14. Hi Carrie, welcome to Sandra's party. Have a drink and food.

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  15. Welcome, welcome, everyone!
    Watch out for the ghosts this place is a ghosthunters dream!
    What costume is that Emily?
    Can you all guess what I am?

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  16. Oh and I forgot! The question for today is. What would you do if you saw a ghost? Whhoooooo!

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  17. Gail, we always have cake at our parties. Dig in.

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  18. sandra, congratulations on all your books.
    What a fantastic Halloween celebration. Gorgeous pictures. Mary, Lyn and Sharon you sure know how to throw a party. I love the pictures.

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  19. This is another amazing party - loved the 'finger' sandwiches, lolol

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  20. How about the deviled eggs everyone?
    I made them myself with a secret recipe.
    Thank for stopping by friends, enjoy the party and wish Sandra luck!

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  21. Mona and Traci, you say the sweetest things, and here comes Oliver with some blood red martinis. I can guess what you are, Mary...a street walker

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  22. Mary, Lyn and Sharon what a fabulous party atmosphere you've created here, I love the pics.
    Sandra, your blurb and excerpt pulled me in, and persuded me to add yet another of your books to my tbr pile :-)
    Hope you all have a wonderful party and w.end.

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  23. I'm a tavern wench Sharon... Ahem not a street walker. However, I do admit that they might as well be one in the same I guess.
    At least I don't bite!

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  24. Puff pant...hi ladies, sorry to be late - I crashed my broomstick into a hill - didn't hurt me or the black kitty but it didn't do the broomstick any good! (And before you say anything, no, it wasn't too much mead, I can take my drink, *Hic!*

    Sandra, welcome to your party, you look absolutely gorgeous and what fantastic excerpts.

    Isn't it wonderful to see our Sharon back with us - group hug sisters - and Sandra!

    Carrie, Traci, Emily, Gail, Mona and Sherri, how lovely to see you, make yourselves at home and let OLiver wait on you hand and foot while you enjoy Sandra's books.

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  25. How about the three kitties whose tails you stepped on. Huh?
    I told you that you should get lessons for that broom. You need to balance your feet too!

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  26. Lyn, gather round for a group hug and let
    's toast Sandra and her books.
    Come in and party with us, Sherry. Just watch out for Lyn and Mary. They hide spiders

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  27. Hello Mary, sweetie - yes I apologised to the kitties, they're OK, they hardly felt a thing! Yes, It's difficult to balance a broomstick with such small feet, they're not big enough to act as brakes when we're landing either. Never mind, I'll just have to save up for a new one!

    Carrie, so sorry, I think I missed saying hello to you. So glad you could join us for Sandra's special Halloween party.

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  28. Yes group hug. Watch out Sharon there is a ghoul trying to flirt with you. And Lyn BRAHAHAHA tiny feet, HAHA. Sorry, too much caffeine this morning.
    Hello everyone!!! What a great roast. I feel like changing my costume. When Lyn put the spider down the front of my top, it gave me the ickies. What should I change to??? Mmmmmmm.

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  29. Oh and Lyn here's a broom stick for you, I have spares. Heck we can all take a ride if anyone wants to!

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  30. Holy cow! I go out and run errands and come back to a huge influx at the party! Welcome all!

    Hi Carrie! So glad you could drop by. Mind the fangs and fur.

    Mary--I think my costume is utterly fab! Kinda liking the attention today :-) Oliver's doing a great job keeping the drinks flowing

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  31. Sharon--Oliver is just fine. Any minute now he'll start passing around those cute little cakes. And can I just take a moment to say how great it is to see you back here? It's not a party until you come!

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  32. Hi Mona! Hi Tracey! Thanks for coming. Hope you'll stay awhile and mingle :-)

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  33. Thanks Gail. I do work hard but that only means I can party hard once everything is done :-)

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  34. Thanks Sherry! I hope you enjoy it :-)

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  35. ANNOUNCEMENT!! Oliver, please turn the music down.
    *clinking my fork against my glass*

    Oliver's spinning the list of names...

    The winner of the first random book swag pack is Gail Hart!!

    Send me your mailing address and I'll get your envelope full of goodies out to you next week.
    sandra.sookoo@comcast.net

    Next prize drawing will be around 3:00 p.m. EST

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  36. Girls, so good to be back with all this love. Mary, excuse me for taking you for a street walker, but with your enhansed hooters hanging out, who knew
    Lyn, your feet look cute in those curled up toes, kinda like the witch on Wizard of Oz. haha

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  37. All right, how woke up the bats? Watch out Mary, they're taking aim at your hair :-)

    Sharon, look out! Your broom's on fire!

    Lyn--babe, I hate to tell you but you've got a cobweb stuck to your dress

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  38. AAAHHHHH my hair!!!
    Help!!! OOOOOLLLIIIVVVVVEEERRRRRRRRR!
    I hate bats!
    Mary runs screaming around the room. Help!!! Anyone!!!
    Now the girls are getting upset and threatening to fall out! Pull up that blouse and run!

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  39. Hi Sandra! Great party. I know sooner or later I will get to my TBR pile and your books.

    I would like to make a complaint. Your tweets always make me hungry. Can you please stop telling us what you're cooking. lol!

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  40. Thank you so much, Sandra, it's great to be back here at the roast and toast with you all. Great party and you look fabulous, Venus. WHAT, my broomstick is on fire

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  41. LOL Sorry Paranormal Queen! I always tell folks on Twitter--I'm all about three things: writing, cooking and Disney :-)

    Apparently, the smoke from Sharon's broomstick made the bats a little loopy and they've all landed in the punch bowl, much to Oliver's consternation.

    I think it's time to really kick the party into high gear--which is good since a group of hunky werewolves have just entered the joint...

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  42. Lyn grabs hold of a nearby wall hanging and smothers the flames. There you go Sharon, your broomsticks fine now. Just singed a bit. What's that? A cobseb on my dress! Oooh, naughty spiders. Go and find some other place to spin your webs, Mary's having problems with her cleavage, go spin a modesty panel for her! Stop screaming Mary, you'll frighten the ghosts! Here let me grab the bats, I quite like the little critters. Here bats, good batties!

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  43. Hi Paranormal Queen. Glad you could join the party.

    There there Oliver, don't fret, I've scooped out the bats from the punch for you, wouldn't want them to drown would we!

    Sandra, That white werewolf you hooked up with is magnificent isn't he! Glad he brought the rest of his pack along. Now let's see, eeenie meenie, miny - mo!

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  44. You expect people to drink that punch after bats have been in it?
    Sharon what at you doing with a broom when you are dressed as a vampire. Oh, it's the one you always carry. Sorry. HEHE
    Now, bring on those werewolves I am ready for a hunky one!
    Thanks for the hankie handsome. Yes I'll put it in my cleveage.
    No I don't need any help. But it may help keep the bugs and stuff away from me chest. I mean, well you know what I mean.

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  45. Man those shifters are handsome.
    Must be part of the whole thing. Are they all this hot? Lyn, you've got a tremendous dating history. Ever dated a werewolf?

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  46. The white werewolf is quite delicious :-) You can't get a good look at his muscles with his costume though...

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  47. LOL Mary! The werewolves have decided to play spin the bottle lol

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  48. YIPPEE! I'm in for spin the bottle with those hot werewolves any day!

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  49. Sandra, continued success with your career.

    Lyn, Mary, and Sharon--so nice to have all three of you (four counting Oliver) together at the roast again!

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  50. I've neverr dated a werewolf before - think I may have had a fling with a wereunicorn once though! :)

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  51. Hi Caroline. lovely to see you at Sandra's Halloween Celebration.

    Yes, it's fantastic for us to be all together again, we've missed sharon so much and so, obviously, have all her friends!

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  52. Thanks Caroline! I'm having the time of my life :-)

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  53. Oooh, Lyn, do tell about the wereunicorn!

    Drinks all around. I'll bet this story is good and satisfying ;-)

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  54. Yes do tell us Lyn!
    How far did you go? I've heard you have a reputation. Sharon, why did you kick me? Okay, sorry Lyn.

    It means the world to Lyn and me, (I?) to have our Sharon back. We sure missed her! Besides she makes me behave. Otherwise I shutter to think...

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  55. Sandra< I think it's time for a another short excerpt if you can. And are your H/H here at the party. I'd love to meet them. It'll keep me outta trouble.

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  56. Here's another excerpt from Hunter's Moon Magic. This is a bit farther along in the storyline:

    Carolina removed several bundles of letters, a few battered journals, the damaged quilt, then two dresses of blue wool with enough fabric in the skirts to make a new wardrobe for a child. It still smelled like her great aunt. A mixture of roses and mint.

    “Anything is possible.” Her fingers closed over the rough fabric of burlap. “I wonder what this is.” She pulled the bundle out of the trunk and caught her sister’s gaze. “Nothing else in this trunk is wrapped. Why is this item tucked away with obvious care?”

    “Let’s see what it is first.”

    Terrill eyed the package as if it would suddenly fly about the room. “I always thought our aunt could have been a witch if she had the inclination.”

    “That is a ridiculous notion. She was odd, yes, but not a witch. However, if the rumors about our lineage are to believed, we might have been related to a handful of witches a few hundred years ago. I wonder if that’s what Hilda was interested in uncovering.”

    Slowly, Carolina removed the burlap, only to encounter a length of gray linen. Excitement climbed her spine as she unwound the newest obstruction. Once the fabric fell away, she sucked in a breath. “Oh my. The stitchery alone is beautiful.”

    “Caro! Let me see, too.” Terrill stood, reaching for the object in her sister’s arms.

    “No, I found it. It’s mine.”

    Scrambling to her feet, fierce protection welled in Carolina’s chest regarding the mystery bundle. She sighed. “I’m sorry.” Shaking out the black velvet, her fingers tingled and her excitement increased when she ascertained it was a gown. “It is a wonderful piece.”

    Terrill’s eyes grew wide. “I have never seen anything quite like it.” She clasped her hands. “You must wear it tonight.”

    Carolina stroked a hand over the beribboned bodice, tracing the silver stitches with a fingertip. “I do not think it would fit. This was made for a taller, slimmer woman.”

    “Nonsense.” Terrill grinned and reached for the gown, laughing when Carolina minced away. “Say you’ll wear it. If it doesn’t fit quite right, you will merely need to wear a corset, much as you hate the contraptions.”

    She looked around the cluttered attic, all the while hugging the gown to her chest. “If we can find a veil, like old-fashioned widow’s weeds, I’ll wear the dress, but you will have to help me with the fastenings. There must be nearly a hundred tiny hooks, not to mention the jet buttons.”

    “Only if you tell me every delicious detail at the end of the night. I have a feeling that gown will mark a turning point in your life.”

    Want more of this book? Ah, you'll need to buy it! lol

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  57. Oooh, look who just walked in! It's Caelan, the hero from Changing Tides!

    And he's fine fine specimen of manhood. Just look at those baby blues :-) You might be wondering what he is, exactly. He's a water dragon, but he can't shift. Hobbies are farming, animals and swimming naked under the moon...

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  58. Wow what an excerpt! I never got to find any beautiful dress!
    And oh my goodness, a weredragon?
    Does he ever look like one or is he always a man in form?

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  59. He's always in man form but he constantly has to listen to his internal dragon lol

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  60. Oh Sandra, what a bewitching excerpt! I just have to put 'Hunters Moon Magic' on my wish list!

    As for the wereunicorn, it's like this. um, on second thoughts, I really can'[t kiss and tell!

    Ooh whol's that gorgeous man who's just walked in, Caelan, what a hunk!

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  61. Werewolves and water dragons, oh my. Sandra, this party's rockin' and so is your excerpt
    Hi Caroline, great to be back.

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  62. And what is that costume he's wearing, oh, oh, who is the woman who just walked in???

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  63. ATTENTION! PRIZE DRAWING ALERT!

    Oliver is drawing another name for our next book swag giveaway...

    Paranormal Queen, you're the next winner!

    Send over your mailing address to me at sandra.sookoo@comcast.net

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  64. Next prize drawing will be conducted around 6:00 EST

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  65. You lucky prizewinners! People never remember to check back. Oliver always posts the winners so don't worry Sandra if they don't answer we'll try to find where they went and with what demon they went there with!

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  66. Congratulations to the winners! I think you're in for a rare treat!

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  67. Oooh, speaking of demons, have you all read my novella Demons & Stilettos are a Girl's Best Friend? Now that's one demon I wouldn't want to mess around with. Gregg might be handsome and ride a motorcycle, but don't make him angry...

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  68. Oh! My! A hot guy on a motorcycle with an attitude. What woman wouldn't want to date him for a bit!
    Is he taken? Seems all these werewolves are involved and just flirting! Bring on the vampires!

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  69. Greg, demon and he rides a bike toboot...grrrrrrrrrr...let me at him. Elbows, sisters.

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  70. Okay, let's really kick this party up a notch.

    Oliver's brought out pitchers of Bloody Marys.

    There's plenty of food.

    Que the Monster Mash and Thriller

    Let's limbo, everyone! Can some of the zombies link arms for a limbo pole? Thank you.

    What's that? Yup, let's turn the lights down and I think I see some tall, dark and fangy guys in the corners, watching.

    Let's see what secrets everyone's really keeping tonight.

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  71. Great party, ladies. Love those costumes.

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  72. Good show, Oliver. Dim those lights and hand over one of those Bloody Maries...don't look now but I'm dancing with the stars, er zombies. Come, Sandra, let's boogie down.

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  73. weehay, guess what, I've just been riding pilion with this hot guy on a motorbike! It's years since I did that!

    OK Sandra, what fun to limbo to the monster mash, there's nothing like a bit of limbo dancing to keep one supple!

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  74. What a lovely roast and all the ladies look divine! Hmm...I wonder if Sandra's geis could be applied to books so readers can't resist them? I know HER books sound irresistable! Best of luck, Sandra and HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all. :-)

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  75. Hi Maeve - oh you're so right, if only we could all apply that geis to our books!

    Happy Halloween to you too - and don't Sandra's books sound amazing!

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  76. Hello Elaine - didn't see you there in the shadows! Glad you like the costumes, it's such fun to dress up!

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  77. They did the mash, they did the monster mash!
    Mary dances around and tries to go under the limbo bar. But something is wrong, darn!
    I can't do like Lyn and Sharon, they are bottom heavy I am top heavy, oh well. I'll watch.
    Hubba, Mmmm, Hubba, come over here Fangs, no you there with the muscles, not too much, not too little, just right. Let's talk...

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  78. Hi Elaine and Maeve! Thanks for coming!

    Wow, look at Sharon and Lyn partying like it's 1999 LOL Oh...that might be because there's a guy in the corner looking alot like Prince...I mean the artist formerly known as...no wait, that's actually a real live prince!

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  79. Maeve we're rockin' tonite!

    Go sister, go!
    Lyn, Mary, Sandra and Sharon all do high kicks. Oops, I have to find Lyn's shoe, it went over my head and hit that guy over there. Look he's bringing it back, it's, it's, no the Duke!!!

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  80. Chuckle - do you think the Prince will come on and try my shoe on my tiny foot - like in the Cinderella story?

    Mary - you know I had a sneaking feeling the Duke was going to show up here!

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  81. What a lovely site! Happy to have been invited o your roast. Don't get too close to the fire.



    PJ Dean

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  82. Hi PJ! Thanks for coming!

    Oh no, look at that. Sharon's gettin' frisky with the vamp and Mary, upon finding her shoe doesn't fit, is throwing a tiny tantrum. lol

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  83. No it was Sharon's shoe and it should fit it's enormous to go over her huge, (she thinks they are small don't blow her bubble please), clodhoppers. I have my turn with the spider down my bodice. Sharon now she can limbo. She limboed off with some vamp that just came in! Go Sharon go!
    Yes Lyn, just like Cinderella!

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  84. The Duke is always invited. He is doing the limbo over there with those other guys. Is that Jesse James?
    No, they are all just people in costume, I think...

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  85. Ladies,

    Sorry I'm late, it was a busy day at work. Sandra you look lovely...absolutely divine, and as for the other gals, I like the, um, biggness of your costumes.

    Hey, Oliver darling *wink*...how are you doing?

    Great party as always. Happy Halloween!

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  86. Hi PJ - welcome to Sandra's roast! Have you seen her video by the way, it's grat! Make yourself at home and dig into the goodies! Plenty of blood pudding left!

    Mary sweetie, I think you must have had too much mead - it's actually my shoe, not Sharon's. Only someone with feet as small as mine could wear it! :) Not that I'm saying anything of Sharon's is big - she's beautifully proportioned, just like you dear.

    Yes Dukie, you go and dance with Mary. Just give my shoe to the Prince, he'll put it on for me!

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  87. Hey Debra! Nice of you to join in on the fun :-)

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  88. Debra, welcome! No worries, you know our parties go on until the last guest has collapsed in a heap -er - I mean danced until they've dropped and fallen asleep where they stopped!

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  89. ANNOUNCEMENT!!

    Last envelope full of book swag and other items goes to...

    ...Maeve!

    Please email your mailing address to me. sandra.sookoo@comcast.net.

    Oh no! There werewolves have absconded with the beautiful roasted turkeys Oliver slaved over for our dinner.

    Would you like one more excerpt?

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  90. Don't worry Sandra, Oliver always keeps plenty of extra food in the refrigerators for latecomers, and I think he made extra knowing the werewolves would be around!

    Congratulations Maeve - and to the other winners today. Oh yes, we'd love another excerpt please!

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  91. Oh Lyn, I love you no matter what size your feet are. You are beautiful and so is Sharon and Sandra!
    Ah here comes a prince, and he is carrying your 'tiny' little, shoe in both hands, (it must be heavy made of glass and all). Oh wait are you a good witch or a bad witch?

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  92. LOL, I love you too Mary, sweet sister hostess, and I'll forgive you for making out my feet are big. After all it's difficult to see over your chest isn't it, but I think you're beautiful too! Of course Sandra outshines us all tonight, she postitively shimmers!
    Can't wait for the next excerpt!

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  93. How about it Sandra. And Lyn my ahem, chest is as proportionally bit as your feet, so there!
    That's the best I've got! Hahahaha!
    What a great day. It's scary, I've seen ghosts and danced with vamps. Can you beat that. AAAANNNDDDD the three sisters are back again!
    Wooooo Whooo!
    Get ready to party till dawn, or 9pm whichever comes first. (grin)
    Well I'm old, but not on this blog I'm not!

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  94. Sharon waves to Maeve, Debra and PJ while doing the limbo and dances straight into the ghost of the DUKE

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  95. Sorry for the delay. Had major computer issues.

    And now Blogger's having issues and won't let me post my last excerpt. Sorry everyone but you can read any of my excerpts on my website http://www.sandrasookoo.com

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  96. Aw that's a real shame Sandra. Never mind we can all hop on our broomsticks and fly away to your site to check out the excerpt. Come back though, there's plenty of food left and Oliver's laying out mattresses to sleep on!

    Sandra, you've been an amazing guest, it's been wonderful 'roasting' you and sharing your books and Halloween fun. Wishing you loads of success and copious sales!

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  97. Let's party until it's 1999 in honor of Prince. This Halloween bash will rock all weekend long.

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  98. I'm with you Sharon, Party on dude. How was that, was I cool or what!
    I am gonna have another of Oliver's virgin margaritas and go back to dancing. The Duke always shows up, after all he is a ghost. Though he has been in corporal form before for us. Let's find Tarzan, he's a partier. There must be one with all these costumes!
    Lyn have fun with the werewolf you just picked up. Remember to write home.

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  99. Thanks everyone for coming. As always it's been a fabulous time :-) I'll have my hubby draw out the Grand Prize name tomorrow morning :-)

    Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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  100. You were fantastic Sandra, don't forget to check in the am. before you choose. Some comments usually come in the morning. We are a partying group here.
    You have truly graced our blog with your presence!
    Don't stop dancing!

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  101. What would I do if I saw a ghost? Well, thank it for arriving-considering I'm the one who summoned it. And for the sole purpose of finding Judith Goode's gown. Sounds like something I'd love to wear.
    Pssst...Sandra Sookoo, Sharon, and Lyn-watch, I have a Halloween trick to play on Mary.

    Well, hello Mary! I brought you some yummy treats. My hand shoots out, offering Mary a cauldron topped with lollipop chocolate spiders. Two wrist flicks, and one magickal chant later, my chocolate spiders start crawling. Quickly inching their way to the top of the cauldron, some crawled out, and are making their way across Mary's gown.

    Mary runs away screaming like 100 banshees; slapping her gown like a mad woman.Oh, don't worry! Let me wash down this martini, and I'll change them back to chocolates.

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  102. Night all - it's 1 am this side of the pond! Great to see you Witchy, what halloween party would be complete without Witchy woman?

    Chocolate spiders? Yum!

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  103. Hi Sandra. Sorry so late. Was a working day. Looks like it was a great party too. Just coming to show you some love.
    Sue B

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  104. Thanks for coming Witchy Woman!

    Hi Sue! So glad you could make it :-) (I emailed you. Did you get it?)

    I'm feeling warm and fuzzy that so many came by :-)

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  105. Mary's screams wake Sharon from sound slumber. Why it's Witchy Woman chasing her with more creepy crawlers. Lyn and Sandra cackl hysterically. Sharon snorts and waves to Elaine and Sue as they scamper into the kitchen for Oliver's breakfast. Sandra, thank you for being such a fun guest. HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL.

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  106. This was great, loved the blurbs and the scary mansion party.

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  107. Good morning and Happy Halloween Eve!

    The Grand Prize winner (book swag plus a PDF copy of Hunter's Moon Magic) is...

    ...

    ...Debra St. John! Please send me your mailing address to sandra.sookoo@comcast.net

    Thanks so much for coming everyone!

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  108. Hello Patsy, so glad you could join us at Sandra's party.

    Congratulations Debra, and all Sandra's winners. Sharon will get Oliver to post an official winners announcement when he's finisherd the washing up! LOL!

    Thank you so much to everyone who visited whether you left a comment or not. We hope you all had fun.

    Once again, thank you so much Sandra, for being such a wonderful guest of honour and for your generous prizes. We've loved having you and wish you even more success with your books.

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE.

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  109. Hi Sandra. Did reply to your email. Hope you got it. Thanks for the party and congrats to the winner.
    Sue B

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  110. Well Witchy Woman and her spiders got me. I ran all the way to Jacksonville, from West Palm Beach. I just got back and I had to say this.
    "You had a great roast Sandra!!!"
    And what fun!

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