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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, January 14, 2011

Rachel Lynne - 'Ring Of Lies'

Hello and welcome to the Author Roast and Toast! Today we are at The Cosmic Cafe in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, smack dab in the middle of the St. Patrick’s Day parade to celebrate Rachel Lynne’s
RING OF LIES: A Jewel of the Night mystery by The Wild Rose Press. So come on in for a little flashback to the 60s, served up with a hearty helping of good ol’ Southern hospitality.

Sharon, Mary and Lyn, waitresses at the Cosmic Cafe, prepare for the St. Patrick’s Day party. In keeping with the theme of the psychedelic coffee shop, they are costumed in typical 60s attire.

Mary, thinking she looks oh so cool in her tied-dyed shirt and bell bottom jeans, raises her forefinger and middle finger to Sharon and Lyn when they enter the café. “Peace, my sisters.”

“Knock it off,” Sharon snorts as she struts it through the door. Flaunting her bubble butt in an emerald green mini skirt, Kiss me I’m Irish t-shirt and stylish go go boots adorned in psychedelic shamrocks that glow in the dark, she is ready to party down. She tosses a bag to Mary and grins. “Since y’all insist on wearing that ridiculously too tight tie-dyed shirt to show off your latest boob job, the least y’all can do on this most sacred of days is wear a wig and party hat. Lands sake, show some respect!”
Lyn, sporting a Proud to be Irish t-shirt, a grass green mini skirt and four inch Leprechaun earrings, taps one of her size twelve Nancy Sinatra knock off go go boots and breaks into song.

“OOH what y’all want, ooh, baby I got, oo what y’all need, ooh, baby, do y’all know I got it, ooh, all I’m askin’ oo, is a little respect!”

Sharon, in the spirit of sisterly sportsmanship, jumps up on the table and shakes her bootie and belts it out for all she’s worth. “R E S P E C T, find out what it means to me,
R E S P E C T ”

Mary, unable to help herself, joins Lyn on the floor and sings it while shaking it up, jugs jiggling up a blue streak.

“OOH what y’all want, ooh, baby I got, ooh what y’all need, ooh, baby, do y’all know I got it, oo,h all I’m askin’ oo, is a little respect!”

Reaching an ear-splitting crescendo that shatters a few lava lamps on nearby tables, Sharon shakes her bootie in exaggerated fashion, Mary jiggles her jugs so they bounce like red rubber balls while Lyn kicks up her twinkle toes like a prima ballerina as they screech in unison

“R E S P E C T, find out what it means to me, R E S P E C T ”

“Whew, that was fun,” Sharon leaps from the table. “But we best get this place ready for Rachel’s St. Patty’s party, she’ll be here any minute and we got miles to go. Come on, y’all, step on it.”

“Sock it to me,” Mary jiggles her jugs one more time for good measure. “But you’re the one that shattered all the lava lamps with that marshmallow of a lard butt, sister, so don’t y’all go pointing any fingers, hear. And Lyn added to it with her clodhoppers of river boats.”


“Sisters, sisters,” Lyn places her hand on her hip and huffs, “What happened to all that respect, y’all!”

Just then, Oliver, donning a huge leprechaun hat over a bright green afro wig, appears with a broom, singing his lungs out

“R E S P E C T” he pumps his biceps. “Is all I’m askin’ for!”

An hour later, The Cosmic Café is back on track.

Day-glow yellow walls are decorated with florescent green shamrocks. The Cosmic Café certainly lives up to its name from the deep green concrete floors to the black ceiling glowing with about a million stars. Miniature battery operated lava lamps grace tables while the sound of  The Beatles' songs fills the cafe.

Popular and famous local dishes smell incredible from Oliver’s kitchen. Low Country Boil, Shrimp and Grits, Pork BBQ, She Crab Soup.

An appetizer table is filled with Southern favorites like cheese straws, chicken salad canapes served open faced with a thin slice of cucumber on the top, and sausage Balls.


Desserts with a Southern flare tease the senses on the dessert table:

'Nana' Pudding  (or Banana pud), Pound Cake, Key Lime Cookies and Pralines

A scrumptious Southern style Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese frosting sits atop a white marble pedestal.

A bar is set up with a tray of Mint Juleps, Planter’s punch and icy pitchers of sweet tea

When a brass band announces the arrival of Rachel arriving on a float on River Street, Sharon, Mary, Lyn and Oliver gather at the window to watch as she is escorted in by The Godfather.

Looking like a regal Southern Belle in a mint green cocktail gown, lace gloves and pretty sun bonnet, she blows kisses to her fans.

“Oh, look!” Mary grabs her sisters and screams, “It’s the Godfather!”
Lyn squeals, "By the way, Sharon, what was in that bag you hurled at Mary earlier!”

Sharon yanks three flaming orange afro wigs out of the parcel and grins. “Wigs to make us look like The Supremes, and can y’all think of a better time to be incognito than when the Godfather’s heading our way fast, quick, put them on!”

By the time Rachel and The Godfather walked through the door, the hostesses are donned in Afro wigs and shimmery mini dresses and belting it out with gusto

Ain’t no mountain high enough!


Here’s something written by Rachel. Enjoy. For a chance to win a pdf of Ring of Lies, answer
The following


What would you do if the Godfather was after you?



Ring of Lies is set in Savannah, Georgia (where I live) and it takes place in the weeks surrounding our annual St. Patrick's Day festivities
and culminates with a run for your life scene during the parade.
Savannah has the second largest St.Pat's parade in the US. That surprises most people but we beat out both Chicago and Boston for number of attendees. NYC is the most attended. We see upwards of 150,000 people here in the week leading up to

                                                                         St.Pat's and it is filled with, well drunks. Lots of partying -think Mardi Gras.

There is also the true Irish contigent here so we have the Greening of the Fountains (almost all of
Savannah's Squares have fountains plus the one at Forsyth Park (featured on my cover) is huge and is the big draw for the ceremony.) 

The Hibernian society dress in these green sports' jackets and they walk around the fountain pouring in green vegetable dye. There are also Irish festivals and parties where the focus is on culture/tradition/lineage but the draw to visitors is the 'Mardi Gras' atmosphere.
We have shops all over Savannah that sell St. Pat's gear: one shop on River Street specializes in funny hats and wigs, it is comical . You'll see people walking around with leprechaun type hats or big afro wigs in bright orange and greens, no idea what that has to do with St. Pat's but they seem to enjoy it!

Rachel Lynne
Escape the ordinary...

Ring of Lies, December 22, 2010 from The Wild Rose Press


Website link: http://www.rachellynneauthor.com/
Blog link: http://wwwrachellynneauthor.blogspot.com/

RING OF LIES

A café owner and an ex-cop must unravel the mystery surrounding a hot blue diamond in order to stop a cold blooded killer.

Blurb:

After a childhood lived on the road with a free-spirited aunt, all café owner Ivy Michaels wants is a normal and uneventful life, but when her aunt is found floating in the Savannah River, Ivy inherits an heirloom blue diamond and a killer bent on keeping the past buried. Dom Riordan is an ex-cop obsessed with finding his mother's killer. A chance meeting, and a glimpse of evidence he's been seeking, convinces him that Ivy Michaels is the key to solving the crime. Dom devises a plan to date Ivy and ferret out the truth but he didn't count on losing his heart. As a ruthless killer closes in on Ivy, Dom will risk everything to keep her safe.

EXCERPT:

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. I’m Ivy Michaels …”

The air rushed from his lungs as if he’d been sucker punched. His heart raced and he gasped for breath as he stared, transfixed by the large blue diamond glittering on her finger.

“Mr. Riordan? Are you okay?” Her eyes were wide and filled with concern. He’d been right, he noted absently, her eyes were blue; as vivid a blue as the damn ring on her finger.

He met her eyes and nodded while his mind raced. He needed a moment alone. He needed time to think, to get control and figure out what the hell was going on. “Could I,” he cleared his throat and tried again. “Could I get a glass of water?”

“Of course! I’ll be right back!” She ran across the room and disappeared through the swinging kitchen door.

He took a deep breath and struggled to control the violent emotions roaring through him. He’d know that ring anywhere. It was etched into his memory, burned into his retinas. The damn thing even haunted his dreams. He’d searched for it; spent the better part of his two years as a detective trying to find even a hint of its whereabouts and now, the thing just turned up, out of the blue and on the finger of James Brogan’s mistress. It couldn’t be a coincidence. Dominic Riordan was nobody’s fool and he didn’t believe in coincidence, fate, or dumb luck.
 









60 comments:

  1. Good Morning Ladies - my, doesn't everyone look "green." Hee hee. Rachel, the book sounds wonderful. Congratulations and many sales (see I can get here early!)

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  2. Welcome to your Roast, Rachel, May I say how pretty you look in your Southern Outfit!

    Let Oliver fetch you a mint julep while we wait for the guests to arrive!

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  3. hi Patsy, welcome to Rachel's Roast. Lovely to see you. Green is good, yes?

    Now, what do you fancy in the way of refreshments?

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  4. Hi Ladies, I can't believe I found my white go go boots. My micro mini doesn't fit anymore but it's too cold to wear it anyway. I just stopped by for the party. I already have Ring of Lies and it's a great read!

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  5. Hi Gale, lovely to see you, and those boots are fantastic!

    Don't worry about the micro mini not fitting - on the roast, we all magically regain slender, youthful figures. You look great!

    Come and join the madness, Oliver will be with you in a moment to offer you refreshments.

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  6. This is awesome, ladies! And I just love that trailer, Rachel! I don't need the book (already have it!) but to answer the question... RUN!

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  7. Great parrrrtyyyyy!!! Why are the walls moving. Hey, what happened to my tie dyed shirt? How did I end up in a green afro wig and a mini skirt. By the way Sharon, your butt looks huge in that tutu mini you are wearing. And Lyn, those shoes would look much cuter if you could fit into them. Yeah, I know, your tiny feet. Mary breaks into hysterical laughter and cannot stop!

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  8. Top o' the mornin' to ye, ladies! And may I say ya'll do look delightful. The green afros are inspired and Rachel, you ARE a perfect Southern Belle in that green gown. You remind me of Scarlet, my favorite Southern Belle! May the Luck of the Irish bless your new book, Ring of Lies, my dear! Now, if you'd introduce me to your handsome escort, I'd be delighted to make his acquaintance.

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  9. What is wrong with me. I cant stop saying whatever comes to my head. Oliver you look so funny. Mary breaks into another fit of laughter. Then goes off looking for her tie dyed shirt. She loves it!

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  10. Mary, Mary dear, you really shouldn't have so much mint julip so early in the day!

    Welcome to the Roast Denise, yes that's fantastic trailer, isn't it! And I was thinking how much Rachel reminded me of Scarlet O'Hara, myself!

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  11. Good answer, Calisa! Welcome to Rachel's special day, and do get Oliver to get some refreshments for you!

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  12. Whew! Riding on a float is thirsty work ... Oliver sugar, be a darling and fetch me a julep?
    Ladies, I'm so glad you could join me today! Irish eyes are surely smiling at all the thought Lyn, Mary, and Sharon put into this shindig.
    I thank you for the belle compliment Lyn and Denise but I gotta tell ya, this corset is killing me!!

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  13. That was Lyn's idea. With your lovely figure I thought it looked fine without the corset. But...
    What a great party!!!
    Will your H/H be here today Rachel. I'd love to meet them!!

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  14. Oliver rushes up with a mint julip and plonks a kiss on Rachel's cheek.

    I'm not surprised you're thirsty, Lyn says, guiding her to the best table in the cafe. And you certainly do look lovely - as for the corset, no pain, no gain, as they say!

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  15. Well I think I'm going out to see all the people in their green afro wigs. Maybe I'll meet a hot guy?!?
    Sharon chuckles and shakes her big butt in time to the music.
    Lyn, an avid Beatle lover. sits next to the DJ trying to get him to play. Yellow Submarine. Mary accidentally trips over Lyn's huge foot. She goes flying into the punch bowl. Nose dripping punch she shakes her head and goes to change. Although she has a hard time getting past Sharon's big butt as she stands in the doorway. Rachel if you can another excerpt? And tell us where you got the idea for this great tale?!!?

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  16. Ooh yes another excerpt please Rachel. Rachel - oh I see her and te Godfather in a clinch over there by the fountain. Not to worry, Ireckon she'll be back when she gets hungry.

    We all live in a yellow submarine
    Yellow Submarine, Yellow submarine
    We all live in a Yellow sumarine
    a nd our friends are all aboard -
    Mary pops a couple of sausage balls in Lyn's mouth and hurries off,with her hands over her ears.

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  17. My goodness poor Lyn sings like a frog with a cold.
    Any other requests? Play it again Oliver!
    Gosh you have a cute butt Oliver, especially in that outfit.

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  18. Ladies! The Godfather tied me up, well not literally you understand ... but I'm back now and just in time for the sing along! Lyn, do you know Here Comes the Sun?
    When my heroine Ivy and her beau, Dom, go out for their first date they stroll along River Street and watch the ships go by. But te husky baritone of Thomas Claxton singing George Harrison's wonderful song draw them into the No Quarter Saloon. Thomas, that scamp, is great friends with Ivy so when he sees her walk through the door he changes the words a bit to welcome her. All together now, Here comes the sun, do do do do, here comes the sun, ... and Ivy's here so, it's all right!

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  19. Ivy has said it's all right if I let ya'll have a glimpse of their first date.
    They've just decided to call it a night.
    I hope you enjoy it!

    She swallowed hard and wrestled with the voice in her head that insisted on pointing out what she already knew. They’d only known each other a few hours and she’d be a fool to rush in, especially with her track record. But her heart said Dom was different. He understood a childhood of loneliness and isolation. He’d felt the pain and vulnerability that came from losing a parent; they connected. She trusted him. He made her feel safe and cherished. It was time to take a chance. Pushing the last of her doubts aside, Ivy leaned closer and moistened her lips. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation as he lowered his lips to hers.
    She swayed as he nibbled at her lower lip and traced its fullness with the tip of his tongue. A shiver that owed nothing to the cold ran through her and she parted her lips then gasped as his tongue swept inside, exploring and mating with hers. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to the sensations coursing through her.
    Dom pulled his lips from hers and trailed a line of kisses across her cheek and whispered in her ear. “I’ve wanted to do that all night.”
    She gave a breathless laugh. “Then why didn’t you?”
    He groaned and took her lips again, crushing her to him and fondling her backside. Ivy squirmed and returned his kiss, lost to all rational thought.
    “Now ain’t this nice…”
    The snide remark from behind her was like a slap in the face, shocking Ivy from her stupor. She felt Dom stiffen as he raised his head and looked over her shoulder.

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  21. Hey y'all, I'm here to party down, lard butt and all!
    Rachel, conggratulations on Ring of Lies, sounds like a winning jewel! I have a jewel too, Charade of Hearts, who knew so many stories could evolve from a blue diamond, huh. I love your storyline and excerpts. Best of luck. Big hug to y'all and me sweet sisters, wink wink. Oliver, how bout a julep, sugar!

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  22. Well the princess finally makes an appearance. What were you doing, OH!
    Mary notices the hot guy standing behind Sharon. (She woulda noticed sooner but the butt was in the way)Mary eyes the tutu mini skirt Sharon is wearing. You forgot to put your glasses on when you dressed today. But the T shirt! Thumbs up!
    Who is that??????

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  23. Lyn hugs Sharon - hello sister hostess.

    Well come on, don't keep us in suspenders, who IS that guy?

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  24. Hi there handsome, so you wanna date our Sharon?

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  25. Rachel - I LUUURVE 'Here comes the sun', what a lovely idea to incorporate it into your story!

    And another great excerpt - ooh, fancy leaving us with a cliffhanger like that! :)

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  26. I so agree! Love that song. Brings back memories...

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  27. I heard that every one of the Jewel series is great! Congratulations ladies,well done!
    And I loved the excerpt!!!

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  28. Hey Ladies (and Oliver)! I can't stay long but wanted to swing in ang give you all a round of cyberhugs. Look like you're havin' a blast!

    Rachel, I'm seeing some fantastic excerpts. Ring of Lies sounds like a fabulous read. Wishing you many, many sales!

    Hmmm, what would I do if The Godfather was after me? Probably stay low and try to get lost in the crowd. Meanwhile take a pic of him with my cell and send it to the police with info explaining situation & that I need help ASAP!

    K, must be off. Have fun! :)))

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  29. Rachel stumbles but is saved from hitting the floor by grabbing hold of Sharon's er um .... generous bum!
    Oliver hurries to her side. She waves him away. "No, no Oliver, I'm quite all right, perhaps a few too many of your delicious juleps--on second thought it's likely just the corset squeezing the breath out of me. You know, , the more I consider the matter I'm sure it's the corset's fault. A lady would never become inebriated!"
    Sharon dear, you look wonderful. Your curves fill out that mini to perfection!
    Hey, does anyone want to play a party game? How about Charades? Oooh, speaking of Charades, I've a copy of Sharon's Jewel of the Night submission sitting on my reader right now! Charade of Hearts will be my reward for finishing another writing project! I'm sooo looking forward to losing myself in the exotic, WARM, island setting of Charade of Hearts. Savannah is entirely too cold right now."

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  30. Hey, y'all, if you got it, flaunt it just like my gal pal Big Bertha!
    Sky, great answer about the Godfather! Mary and Lyn, y'all know what I say bout showing a little
    R E S P E C T
    find out what it means to me!
    Rachel, I love it down south in Savannah and after being and working here at the Cosmic, can't wait to read all about Ivy's escapades! Thanks for getting COH, my sister jewel!

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  31. I heard from one of the Godfather's body guards a big secret indeed. The reason he is holding Rachel is he wants her for his son to marry!
    The guy is hot, hot, hot, but he is thinking of staying a bachelor. So the godfather heard that you were here and grabbed you. His son refuses to marry, so dad has taken it in his own hands. What will Rachel do?
    Help!!

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  32. Lyn waves at Sky - hello Sky, thanks for dropping by.

    Crumbs Mary, is that right?

    Why is it the Duke and Jesse James never come by when they're needed?

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  33. We have to save her!!!If she wants to be saved that is.

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  34. I know I'm late to the party but I wanted to pop in on my way home from work and raise a glass to the future success of Rachel's RING OF LIES! Great excerpt and fantastic party, everyone. May the luck o'the Irish be ever with ye!

    :-)

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  35. Hi Maeve

    Welcome to Rachel's party! Do have some mint jelep and what do you fancy in the way of snacks - there's plenty here!

    Meanwhile, I guess Mary and I had better see if we can rescue Rachel!

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  36. Hmmm, do I want to be rescued? LOL, I'd better say HELP! I need somebody, Help! Not just anybody, He e elp!
    'cuz you never know if my husband will show up!
    Sky, thanks for stopping in, I hope you had enough to eat--you must have been starved after that long flight from Pompeii!
    Maeve, great to see you, lass! Have you been "tied" up with your sexy highlander again?

    Mary, you'll have to excuse my rudeness in not answering your question earlier. I should mention that juleps er corsets fuddle my brain.
    I got the idea for Ring of Lies as soon as I saw the submission call for the Jewel of the Night series: that blue diamond element snagged my attention and wouldn't let go.
    Why? Well, because I have a blue diamond and it belonged to my aunt. Now where she got it is another tale ...

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  37. Phew, Rachel, so glad you're safe.
    I'm sure Mary will forgive you, after all, it's been 'A Hard Day's Night' LOL.

    I think the 'Jewel Of The Night'is a wonderful series. I've already read Sharon's 'Charade Of Hearts' and I definitely want to read @Ring Of Lies too! How lovely that you actually have a blue diamond, I've never even seen one, but I bet they're beautiful!

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  38. They are beautiful. I did some research on blue diamonds before starting Ring of Lies and found it interesting that they are extremely rare in nature. The industry also calls all colored diamonds, Fancy. Because blues are so rarely found naturally, most seen today are irradiated, mine included unfortunately! The natural blues are hundreds of thousands of dollars but you can get an irradiated blue for less than a thousand.
    The price for irradiated blues isn't set by the color but what grade of stone they start out with. Diamonds are graded A, B, etc. and the cut, clarity, etc. is also evaluated. Irradiation isn't usually done on a flawless top quality diamond but they aren't the dregs either. Most have some sort of flaw that won't be seen by the naked eye if they irradiate.

    LOL,my husband is forever telling me that I'm a fount of useless info. What can I say, I'm a research junky!

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  39. So the one you have is an antique? Or no? Whatever, I wouldn't mind one. But, only will it happen in my dreams! Good nite, see you all tomorrow. I'll bring the egg mcmuffin thingees, Lyn can brew the coffee. Sharon the chai tea if you will! Nite all!

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  40. Hi everybody. What a fun day you had. I am parched & kind of hungry and everything sure looks good. And I love your book cover and it sounds really good too. I've got some funky St Pats jewerly and a green shirt and really to go.
    Sue B

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  41. Hi Sue! Welcome to the party! Mary, bless her heart, imbibed a bit freely and um, well to be blunt she's passed out in the corner-don't let her fool you with that talk about bed!
    It looks like the juleps will need replenishing but, never fear, Oliver makes a wicked Planter's punch. Of course, we could abstain and pour a glass of Sweet Tea ... nah, where's the fun in that?
    May I infer by your username that I am in the company of another cat lover?
    If so, I must tell you that I am known as The Cat Lady. I only have two at the moment,(though I have shared my home with as many as 12 at one time),and one of them I 'sort of' stole from the neighbor. But in my defense Mr. Sims likes us better; we let him inside and give him canned food and catnip!
    LOL, I love my furbabies.
    Ivy, my heroine in Ring of Lies, also loves the babies of the feline purrsuasion. She has a Flame Point Himalayan Persian with eyes as blue as her diamond ring and the disposition of Satn (no, not a typo-I'm superstitious, it's the Irish in me) himself; well, with everyone but Ivy. The furball's name is Sgt. Pepper (Ivy's a Beatles Fan :) and he just has issues, especially with men; he will be the "top dog" around Ivy, thank you very much!
    Sgt. Pepper is based on my darling, but demonic, Himalayan, Sebastian. He passed away in 2000 but his memory lives on. Believe me, the memory of those teeth and claws is impossible to forget! He had 'issues' too :).
    I hope you enjoy Ring of Lies ... perhaps you'll even win the door prize tomorrow!

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  42. Yep they call me cat crazy cause every room in my house is filled with cat stuff. And I also have 4 furbabies. 2 are 13(Squeaky & BearBear), 1 is 10(Charlie), & 1 is 3~Cashew(he is a nut for sure~spent 1/2 hr pushing around a bag~he hides underneath it). Himalayans are so pretty. Mine are just housecats except for Cashew is half bengal & half abysinian(spell?). This morning I am need of lots of coffee. LOL. Do you have any sweets? I think that is neat you have your kitties in your stories.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  43. Mary and Lyn, for crying out loud! I know you pounded down a few too many of Oliver’s mint juleps, but we do not all live in a Yellow Submarine, so sober up and stop trying to hide from the Godfather! He knows y’all taking turns hiding it in your hooters and shoes, so give it up, sisters!

    Hi to Sue and Maeve, have a julep! Rachel, I’m so jealous that y’all have a blue diamond! WOW that is too awesome! And isn’t it the truth about getting lost in research. While doing mine for COH, I got totally caught up in the Hope Diamond!
    Thanks for being such a delightful and fun guest and wishing you mega sales with ROL! Can’t wait to read it!

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  44. Lyn stretches and rises to greet the day. What's that noise? Is it thunder. No, it's just Mary and Sharon snoring softly. Softly! Tee hee, they can be heard right across the pond!

    Now, where are my boots? Ah there they are - what's this - oh, good job I didn't put my foot into that boot - ooh and the other one. There are moggies asleep in my boots! (Just as well Sharon and Mary make me wear these huge shoes and boots about six sizes too big for me!)

    These must be Rachel and Sue's furbabies! Aw, sleep on kitties, barefoot's OK!

    I'm an animal nut, I love all of them, big and small. My sister Chris in Wales is a 'cat lady' too. She takes in waifs and strays. Last count she had eight!

    It's lovely to be able to 'immortalise' a beloved animal in your book isn't it, Rachel. I did that with Sal, my old mare, who passed over the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago. She now runs across the Elysian Fields,forever young, with the Muse of Dance, Terpsichore.

    Anyway, I hear Oliver in the kitchen. Anyone for breakfast?
    If you have a sweet tooth Sue, I'm sure he can find something for you.

    After breakfast we'll lay out the refreshment table again so if there are any late comers they can join in the party!

    You've been a wonderful guest of honour, Rachel, and I hope Ring of Lies is a knockout success for you.

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  45. Ladies, sorry I'm late, but you know how tough the crowds are at party time. I can't wait to read your book, Rachel. Sounds great!

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  46. Hey! Give me a hand, will ya? I closed the place down last night-night owl, that's me! I needed a little pick me up this morning, and Oliver worked so hard yesterday, so I stopped in at the Fresh Market, (did I mention that I'm addicted to The Fresh Market?)and picked up Croissants, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin, and Cinnamon Muffins. These bags are getting heavy! Oh, Oliver, you're such a doll-now, this bag has fresh pineapple, Pink Lady Apples (the very best apples!) D'Anjou pears, hmmm, I picked up a couple of kinds of cheese ... they're here somewhere, ah, I think the clerk said this is Camembert? This one is some kind of Irish cheese my sister-in-law loves, I don't know what the name of it is but it tastes kind of like Parmesan; dry, but then I don't really like cheese that much. Here Lyn, how about sicing some of this stuff?
    Do you think mary can handle cutting the pineapple up, or will the gargantuan boobs get in the way?
    I'm going to run into the kitchen and make us all some hot cocoa, it's the same recipe that Ivy used to make Dom a cup after their 'adventure' was all wrapped up: poor Dom, Ivy never has coffee in the house! Back in a few with mugs for all ... I'll just put the recipe up here on the counter, ya'll can take a look and drool over the ingredients while I'm cooking!

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  47. Ivy’s Hot Cocoa
    1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa (Dutch processed)
    ½ cup sugar
    ½ cup cold water
    1 quart milk (I use non-fat ;)
    2 cinnamon sticks (broken into 3 inch pieces)
    Garnish: whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon mixture

    Directions:
    Swirl very cold water around in a large saucepan until the metal is cold; dry off the outside but just give the pan a good shake to empty the water from inside. I know, you’re saying,"what?"
    Anytime you make something that will involve heating milk to a scald,(creme brulee, bechamel, etc) coat your pan with cold water first. A film will form on the bottom of the pan but unless you aren’t watching carefully and let it boil, the water will keep the milk from scorching and your clean-up will be easier :)!
    Now, on to the cocoa:
    1. In that large, cold saucepan, heat the milk. You want to see small bubbles form on the surface, but DON’T boil it! Remove the pan from the heat, add cinnamon sticks; put the lid on the pan and let the milk and cinnamon steep.
    2. While the milk steeps, put the water, sugar, and cocoa in a small saucepan and bring to a boil for 1 minute: whisking constantly. (Hint: sift the cocoa into the pan-less likely to get lumps)
    3. Turn the heat to moderate and whisk the chocolate mixture into the milk mixture (remove cinnamon sticks first).
    4. Whisk the hot cocoa and bring it back to a suitable drinking temperature: Just Don’t Boil It :)!
    5. Pour into mugs, garnish with whipped cream (lots of whipped cream) and grate a little nutmeg on top: I like to sprinkle more cinnamon too!
    ** You can put marshmallows in it; if you must. (I don’t care for marshmallows ;)

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  48. Hi Caroline - welcome, you're just in time for breakfast, or should that be 'brunch'? Anywya, lovely to see you as always.

    Rachel, you have been busy! Ooh, hot chocolate and croissants, lovely - cinnamon muffins and Pink Lady apples too! I don't drink coffee, but I love hot chocolate - and I'm another one not keen on cheese, except for Caerphilly or cream cheese, and sometimes cottage.

    I think I'd better slice the Pinepples. Those two look lovely, but they are rather round and plump, and Mary - well let's just say we wouldn't want any accidents! :)

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  49. Mmm, that sojnds delicious Rachel. I've never thought of putting cinnamon sticks in hot chocolate, but I bet it gives a lovely warm flavour!

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  50. Lyn - got stuck in the work load, but if it's not too late, how about some green beer?

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  51. Welcome back Patsy. Here you go, one green beer. (I'm enjoying Ivy's hot chocolate recipe, myself!)

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  52. LOL Lyn! No trips to hospital this morning so we'll keep Mary away from the chef's knife!
    Hi Caroline (I love that name btw, it's destined for one of my heroines, I feel it!)
    Sue, I had a little grey kitten (he looked like a Russian blue: so silky) named BearBear. That cat was so spoiled! He was the runt of Mama's second litter and I babied him. When we first got married, my husband and I lived in Virginia in this old log cabin that had been built as part of Roosevelt's Conservation Core. The cabin had real log and chink (I think that's what it's called) walls, no central heat, and the bathroom was an afterthought! Anyway, snakes were everywhere so my husband got me Mama cat-great hunters, cats. Since I'd never been around anyone or anything pregnant he let Mama have kittens: one litter was the plan but ... she had two before I took her to the vet! BearBear was the last kitten to be born from that second litter and his arrival made 12 cats total. They were inside/outside cats but mostly lived on the large front porch. I had houses out there for them and they'd all pile up ... so cute. Anyway, every morning I'd feed them canned cat food and they knew the routine so they'd bang on the door if I didn't get up at the usual time. I would dish out the food inside and then take it out (because otherwise I'd get mobbed!) and while I was fixing the food I'd hear this pitiful meow and picking at the front window screen. BearBear was hanging from all fours begging for food! I'd look out and all the other cats were sitting around him in a circle: it was like they'd told him, "you get up there and beg, you're the baby, she'll hurry up 'cuz it's you!"
    LOL, love my kitties; I have a dog too, Tiny is some kind of mix but she resembles a Corgi, though she's not brave like them. This dog is the biggest coward, (any loud noise has her under my feet or curled up on the bed with her head buried under my pillow! The only time she is brave is when my female cat, Smokey aka Moto, gets into it with Mr. Sims (the cat I 'borrowed' from the neighbor). One hiss from Smokes and Tiny is charging into the fray: she puts her body between the two cats! Craziest thing I've ever seen. She doesn't do anything to the cats but she won't let them fight. For her efforts she was rewarded with a permanent bald spot on her head; which cat's claws took out that bit of hair I don't know but I assume it was Smokey and she's the one whom Tiny is trying to defend! Ungrateful bit o' fur!
    Lyn, I love knowing you put your mare in the Terpsichore story! That whole series is on my TBR. I saw a post a while back where someone else is raving about them! I can't wait!

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  53. Snort, honk, sniffle, What am I doing in the corner on the floor?
    And who put that pinch me sign on my back? Good thing I found it.
    Ohh! Pineapple! Love it, fruit in the morning, well afternoon.
    You are all just jealous of my hooters!!! Na,na,na,na,na. I got boobs and you don't!!!
    Why's everybody always pickin' on me?

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  54. LOL, I have no idea, 'Charlie Brown'!
    I've had such a great time at my party. You ladies rock! My friends are probably tired of me telling them, "go see A.R.&T, you'll laugh your butt off!" They should be singing my praises for the recommendation -- I'm just trying to help them lose weight ;)

    The Cosmic Cafe is a bit messy ... please tell me Oliver has a crew for clean-up? That's always the worst part of a party, ya know?

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  55. Rachel, I loved hearing about your animal family - they add so much to ones life don't they. I also included one of my other horses, Harri in 'Dancing With Fate'. T'pau wants to know when it'll be her turn! (Yes I saw that review of the Muse series too, it's great to know people are still enjoying it.)

    We're all animal lovers here on the Roast, even Oliver, who can charm the birds out of the trees! Talking about the lad himself, Sharon only really allows him to moonlight on Fridays, so he's already overstayed his allowance. That means Mary and me will have to clean up the mess here, and entertain any latecomers.

    Mary, come on, hoist your hooters, sweetie, we've work to do! This place looks like there's been a wild party!

    Thanks again for being such a great sport, Rachel, and for spreading the word about the Roast. I'm definitely putting Ring Of Lies on my TBR list, can't wait to read it!

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  56. Morning Lyn! I'll help you clean ... I'm always the last to leave a party :), comes from my catering days I guess.
    I'm starting Starquest next week: can't wait! I'm reading Nicole Hadaway's historical horro Release right now; it's so goood, have you read it?
    Vampires assisting the Polish Resistance during WWII -- just awesome! Nicole writes in a style that reminds me of Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Peters, Dorothy Sayres. Very smooth and classy, like the 40's time period her character's live in. I'm a sucker (no vampire pun intended!) for anything 1940's. I grew up hanging out with my Grandmother and we'd watch Fred and Ginger dance and sing, Cary Grant--they don't make men like that any more :(, William Powell, Myrna Loy, I love classic movies! We'd also listen to Glenn Miller, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman ... I was born in the wrong time, I just know it!
    My Grandma was a Rosie the Riveter gal during the war. She worked on airplanes at Goodyear and the first piece of furniture she ever bought was a cedar chest: I have it now! When I was a kid I'd search through it for hours; she kept a bunch of old letters and clothes in it, lol, just what a cedar chest is supposed to be-a treasure chest!
    Well, guess I'd better get back to sweeping the floors ...

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  57. Sorry, I tend to stumble in days later...must be all that volcanic ash...or the time-travel...or the Vampires over my shoulder...who knows!

    Either way, had to say one thing....Rachel, you're going to see romance in a whole new way after reading Starquest. It is absolutely wonderful!!! (Sorry all) but very few authors capture description and take you 'out there' into space, engulfing all that MUST exist, like Lyn. (LOVE astronomy!) And the romantic element in Starquest? SO GOOD! Touching actually.

    It's so great to catch someone who hasn't read SQ, it's kinda like Christmas morn mid-January!!!

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  58. Aw Sky, my sweet friend, thank you SO much *Blush*. Coming from such a hugely talented author as yourself, that means so much. I hope you enjoy Starquest as much as Sky says, Rachel, it will always be 'The book of my Heart' and I'm going to read 'Ring Of Lies' as soon as I get rid of some of my 'backlog'!

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  59. It all sounds so fun, Congratulations.

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  60. Hi Terri, thanks so much for stopping by. There's still a little food left in the fridge!

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