D

D
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.
***********************************************************

Friday, June 17, 2011

Double the Trouble, Rosanne Dowell - a Cinderalla June Wedding June 17th



Star light
Star bright
The first star I see tonight
PhotobucketI wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight     
                                    
In a land where dreams come true and billowy white clouds aimlessly drift, a  fairy tale castle  graces an azure blue sky.  The castle is as pretty as a white wedding cake. Gleaming white steps spiral to a three-story Queen Anne  with silver turrets and pearl gingerbread. A gentle breeze swooshes through the China  berry trees, stirring  the sweet perfume of wild orchids, roses and lilacs. From inside, music floats on a hush of sultry summer air as the hostesses prepare for the Cinderella wedding.

We are pleased and honored to welcome back the delightful Roseanne Dowell to celebrate the release of her book DOUBLE TROUBLE.

Looking roguish in white tails, Oliver stands in the glass foyer of the elegant ballroom to greet guests. With a wink and a smile, he hands each lady a cluster of wild flowers. The hall is elegant. Jasmine-scented candelabras flicker off floor to ceiling windows draped in satin curtains. Water trickles down a cascading waterfall, and a marble staircase ascends to the balcony like a stairway to Heaven.

The cherry wood dance floor sparkles beneath the crystal chandelier. Silver buckets of lilies grace either side of a stone fireplace and  floating candles decorate the center of  each long table. The hostesses, donned in sweeping formal gowns, fuss to ensure all is perfect for the June Cinderella wedding.

Looking elegant, Lyn bustles about, pleats  of her shimmering bronze gown swishing as she sets out the appetizers. She winks at Sharon, who looks ravishing in royal blue. “Oh, sweetie, how romantic, and I for one, can’t  wait to try on the glass slipper when the prince arrives!”

Sharon smiles and hikes up her fluted skirt. She, like each of her sisters, is clad in only one glass slipper. “Oh, honey, me neither. It’s mine because I wished upon a star so bright.”



Mary adjusts her diamond pendant in the center of her ample cleavage, then brushes a non existing wrinkle from her stunning gown of emerald green. “You wicked step sisters only wish. Don’t be ridiculous. Y’all know the prince only has eyes for Roseanne. It’s her glass slipper."

With a gleam in her eye, AJ, looking chic in sizzling scarlet, tames down her wild hair in the beveled mirror. 


“We’ll see sisters. Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest of them all.” 

As the brass quartet plays, the sisters set out the feast Oliver has prepared. Cuddles, Nibby and Thor kick up their heels on the enchanted dance floor.




Appetizers spin on Lazy Susan trays
Peeled, Boiled Gulf of Mexico Shrimp with Tail-On, with cocktail sauce, crab Claws, Smoked Mussels, Fresh Shucked Oysters on the Half Shell, Caviar, and for the main course:
Raspberry Chicken, thinly Sliced Tenderloin, Wild Rice Pilaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Puree, Vegetable Medley, Rolls and Butter, which will be followed by a dessert of, among other things, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Raspberry Brownies
 
Sitting pretty on a glass pedestal next to a champagne fountain where orange blossom martinis flow free, a beautiful seven-tier white wedding cake with a glittering Cinderella slipper sits.




With a blowing  of trumpets, the guest of honor arrives. A horse drawn white satin carriage with lace curtains glides to a halt.



Oliver rushes to escort  Roseanne into the ball. With a sweeping bow, he kisses her and presents her with a bouquet of wild orchids.


Looking drop dead gorgeous in a flowing white gown with full bustle and glittering crystal beading, Roseanne, elegantly donned with a diamond tiara, blows kisses to her adoring fans.



DOUBLE THE TROUBLE
Blurb

Kate Wesley left Twinsburg, Ohio five years ago after her fiancé jilted her. Now she’s back, happy and content with her single life. She doesn’t need men to fulfill her dreams, she has her florist shop.


Widower, Mark Westfield wasn’t interested in women. He had twin five year olds to raise, and they took all his time and energy. But Kate sparked something in him he hadn’t expected to feel again.


Adam Shaffer left Kate two days before the wedding. Left a note and took off to Las Vegas. Biggest mistake of his life. But now they were both back, and he aimed to get Kate back. 


Two murders, two men, one with five-year old twin daughters, complicate life for Kate Wesley. When the identical twin sister of one of the murder victims arrives in town more confusion erupts. Can Kate sort through this mess that has suddenly become her life?


EXCERPT
A shadow passed over the doorway, and Kate realized she wasn’t alone. She looked up.

Adam stood in the doorway, the same cocky grin on his face. “Now that’s settled, how are you, Kate?”

Kate couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t he take a hint? “What do you want, Adam?” She didn’t care if she sounded angry. He deserved angry.

Adam came into the work room and stood in front of her. “You look great.”

Kate looked away. So did he, but darned if she’d tell him. He looked too damn good. What was the saying? Fool her once, shame on him, fool her twice, shame on her. Nope, she didn’t need him or anyone like him.

 “So what do you want? I gave you all the information on Emma. Shouldn’t you be out investigating?” She picked up a flower and set it in a vase. Her heart beat so hard, it surprised her that he didn’t hear it.

“Look, I know you’re still upset about the wedding, but give me a chance to make it up to you. How about dinner tonight?”

“I’m busy.” Still upset? The man has no idea. Like we should pick up where we left off? He’s got to be kidding.

“Tomorrow then?”

“I’m busy tomorrow, too. Look, Adam, just go, okay. I don’t want to have dinner with you. Not tonight, not tomorrow, not ever.”

“Come on, babe, don’t be like that.” Adam moved a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t blame you for being angry. But damn, it’s been five years.” He ran his finger along her cheek. “The least you could do is give me a chance to explain. Not that I’m sure I could. I’m not sure, even now, why I took off. Cold feet, I guess.”

Kate trembled at his touch. A spark of something familiar tumbled in her stomach. She pushed his hand away. Try as she might, her anger shattered.

“How dare you walk in here like nothing happened? Like we’re going to pick up where we left off?” Kate spoke through clenched teeth. What she really wanted to do was lash out and hurt him the way he hurt her, but a customer might come in and screaming wasn’t going to help anyway.

Adam stared at her, a look of confusion in his dark eyes. He just didn’t get it. He really didn’t see anything wrong with what he did. Took the coward’s way out and left her to deal with canceling all the wedding plans. What a jerk. “Look, just go.” She turned back to her work and picked up a vase to fill her next order.

Adam ran his hand through his dark, wavy hair. Hair she used to love to run her fingers through. She could almost feel the soft, silkiness of even now.

“Give me a break, Kate. Let me make it up to you.”

Part of her wanted to give in, and part of her wanted to throw something at him. Stay strong, get rid of him. No way was she picking up where they left off.

The bell rang again, and before she had a chance to react, Mark stormed in. Kate’s stomach did a flip at the sight of him. What was wrong with her, reacting to these men this way? For five years men had no affect on her.

Now in the course of an hour, the two of them managed to get under her skin, causing feelings deep within she hadn’t experienced in years. Feelings she didn’t want to feel.

Mark stared at them for a second. “I don’t know what the two of you have going, but why aren’t you out looking for my sister?”

Kate shuddered at the angry tone of Mark’s voice. “There’s nothing going on between us, Mr. Westfield. I just suggested the very same thing to Detective Shaffer,” she said just as angry. “Now if the two of you will continue this outside, I have work to do.”

“I’ll call you later, Kate.” Adam acted as if everything between them was settled.
Par for the course. Wasn’t that always how it was? She got mad, spoke her mind, and that was it. Over and done with.

Nothing changed.

Adam went on doing the same things he always did. Didn’t matter if it upset her. Poker every Friday night with his friends, no matter how angry she got.

How they had managed to plan the wedding was beyond her.  Not that he did any of the planning. Adam didn’t even want to see the hall or listen to the band.

 No wonder he didn’t have any qualms about canceling the wedding. He didn’t do any of the work for it. Obviously, he wasn’t ready to get married. So why had he asked her? Asked her, heck, he had insisted. Even when she suggested they wait a year or so. He at least owed her an explanation. But did she really want to hear it?

Double the Trouble was released in March 2011 from MuseIt Up Publishing
http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/
If you'd like to know more about Roseanne, check her 
website: http://www.roseannedowell.com/ or
her blog http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com/


***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Rosanne's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends tomorrow and everyone who comments is elligible.

164 comments:

  1. Good Morning Roseanne, congratulations on double The Trouble', it sounds like a brilliant read. I hope you enjoy your 'Cinderella wedding' party, do have a glass of champagne while we're waiting - or perhaps an Orange Blossom Martini?

    ReplyDelete
  2. What an elegant wedding you have put together. I'll take the orange blossom martini. Oliver outdid himself.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good Morning Everyone - and I must say, everyone looks terrific! Beautiful gowns. (sigh) I'll just stand by the buffet and drool over everything. I'd like some of the orange blossom martini stuff...and some of these chocolate covered strawberries...and maybe something else.
    The book sounds terrific.
    Oliver - you look hot!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oliver always looks hot and he can cook too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good morning Roseanne

    May I say how lovely you're looking, hope Oliver is taking good care of you. Loved the excerpt from 'Double The Trouble!'

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Patsy

    welcome to Roseanne's celebration party. If you'd like to checkout the blue room you'll find a wardrobe full of ball gowns, and there's bound to be one there to suit you.

    *Sigh* you're right Oliver does look hot - and cool at the same time, considering all the baking and cooking he's been doing! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  7. WOW!! Awesome blurb and it does wet the appetite to want to devour more. If I don't win a copy I amd definetly going to purchase. Thank you for inviting me to read the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you, Sharon. Good luck. I think you need to leave your email address in case you win. Aren't the ball gowns gorgeous?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, by the way. My novella, A Second Chance just released today from MuseItUp Publishing. It's about divorcee, Christine Rollins, who just put her life back together and her ex shows up and asks for a second chance.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is so beautiful! An elegant platform for an even more elegant writer. Ro, you had my heart in the beginning with your style and generosity. Both of these attributes are on prominent display in all you do. Okay...there is that cemetery obsession. I'm gonna have to coerce you into writing about a sexy vampire. Somehow I know you'd still deliver a prince with horse and carriage. Thank you also to the hostess for sharing this lovely person with the world today. Hugz...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello and welcome to your party, Roseanne! My goodness you look gorgeous and oh so radiant, and is it any wonder. Congratulations on both Double the Trouble and A Second Chance. Oliver, swoon, this calls for champagne along with the martini. Grin

    ReplyDelete
  12. Air kisses sisters, Lyn and AJ. You girls look elegant but did you see the notwe Roseanne sneaked in, such a pity that Nibby got arrested again and that she had to run off to bail him out once more. Sigh, she looked so pretty in emerald and was so looking forward to the wedding.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you, Karen. Not sure about the vampires. Give me a ghost any old day. (nice ones of course) You, my dear, have gone over the top to help us Muse authors. I can't wait for your roast.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Welcome to the magic, Patsy and Sharon. Yes Roseanne's book is a must read and indeed Oliver is one hot dude. Wink. Here he comes now to make us all swoon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just had an awful experience. My laptop quit working. Just like that, pftt the screen went blank. Thought I was going to have to go on hubby's pc to finish this. But something told me to check the plug. Yep, that was it. One of the dogs managed to unplug it. Phew. it really scared me. Oliver another martini please!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sharon, who got arrested and who went to bail him out? I hope whoever makes it back in time.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I think I need some food to go with this martini. There's certainly enough of it. Everything looks so good.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Welcome Karen. I agree that our lovely guest of honor is all that you say and more. Thank you for the kind kudos. We four sister hostesses truly love making a day shine for one of our authors and can't wait to host you.
    Grin about the vamp idea

    ReplyDelete
  19. Karen's book comes out in Sept. I hope she's already reserved her date.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lyn blows air kisses to her sister hostess. Hello Sharon dear, you look gorgeous in that blue gown, and it was a good idea to have so many fluted folds, hide your bubble butt nicely, LOL!

    Hello the other Sharon - *waves* to Sharon Sullian-Craver good to see you, do help yourself to food and drink, there's plenty for all!

    Karen thank you so much - ditto what Sharon said - it's always a pleasure to host such a charming and respected guest as Roseanne.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kisses beautiful Roseanne, my heart be still. Here is an orange blossom martini and we'll just put the bottle of bubbly on ice on the table. Here is a platter of appetizers, allow me to feed you a chocolate strawberry.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Karen we'd love to Roast you. We only have three dates left in September, the 9th, 23rd and 30th, so if you'd like to have your very own celebration let us know as soon as you can!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh by the way, Sharon said she'll be back in a flash. It was our Mary that went to bail out her naughty puppy Nibby. The little demon stole the glass slipper.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ah, Oliver, not only are you hot and sexy, you're considerate too. The appetizers are excellent. The strawberry delicious as only you can make it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Roseanne - it was a not from Mary. Her dog Nibbie is such a naughty girl, Mary reckons she has demon eyes and it goes with her nature, although she's very lovable (well so is our Mary - loveable I mean!) Anyway, last week Nibbi got in trouble with the law and Mary went to try and bale her out and ended up behind bars herself. The Duke managed to sort that out and get her released, but she's still trying to get Nibby baled. Let's hope she makes it by next week!

    Talking about doggies, had to smile at yours unplugging your laptop - my little dog Bouncer has a habit of leaning up against my husband's pc tower and switching it off, much to his annoyance!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ladies ladies, y'all look so fetching on this enchanted evening. A chilled chardonnay for when my lovely Sharon returns, a smoothie for Mary my pretty, a nice glass of mead for my darling Lyn, a orange blossom martini for my sweet AJ, another for my pet Patsy, one for my stunning Sharon, and for my sweet Karen. And a nice platter of shrimp and oysters

    ReplyDelete
  27. The glass slipper - oh no - naughty little guy. I hope they recovered it.
    Hywela, you've got to love these little mutts. I have two and they take to running around like maniacs and one of them must have gone behind the couch and pulled the plug. I'm glad that's all it was. I sure can't afford another laptop. I've really gotten spoiled with it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oliver, my sweet. Why don't you sit down and join us for a bit. You've been running around waiting on everyone all morning. Pass the shrimp - it's one of my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh YES PLEASE!!! I love your parties and I am humbled by the opportunity. My book launches in October and September 30th would be the absolute bestest... *hiccup* could I have orange blossom martinis as well? Sincerely, thank you. Since I could never be more beautiful than Ro, can she be included? There's no one I'd rather celebrate with...

    ReplyDelete
  30. My pleasure and my fetish, my pretty Roseanne. Allow me to feed you a shrimp, an oyster and a chocolate berry and a flute of champagne.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dear, dear Oliver, you are such a treasure, Sharon is so lucky to have you *sigh.* You never fail to remember my favourtie mead!

    You say Nibbie stole the glass slipper as well as the trouble she got into last week? No wonder she's in doggie jail. I must admit I noticed it was missing but thought it was Cuddles getting up to mischief again. I wonder where Nibbie hid it. Cuddles - you and Thor see if you can find it for us!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Karen - you're booked for the 30th! We'll send you an email with the details. Of course Roseanne can join you - it's your party so you can have whoever you like to share it with you.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Karen, my sweet. I wouldn't miss it for the world. You better believe I'll be there.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oliver, I'm definitely swooning. You're one of a kind.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Yeah! Love parties. Ro, there has to be one those lucious guys in Double the Trouble who didn't get the girl otherwise this party would be about something different. Can you invite him today? Would love to meet him. Does he drink orange blossom martinis? I know... No spoilers. Oh well..

    ReplyDelete
  36. We're going to have the pleasure of hosting Roseanne again on 15th July to celebrate 'Another Day' and ''May I have this dance' Gosh you're so prolific, Roseanne, and congrats on the relese of 'A SECOND CHANCE'. Care to give us a taster of it?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Roseanne - what a beautiful wedding party. The gowns, the food, the cake, that carriage, and Oliver of course!

    All the best with your new books. Hope you come and join me at my roast and toast next week!

    ros_gemmell@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ahhh. Another party! Okay Ros, don't forget to send out the beautiful invites that Ro sent. This party is so much fun with all this food and drinks and drinks (not a typo). Shoot, I went a half mile over on the treadmill. Now THAT'S a good time.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ah, I'd love to invite him, but then I'd be giving the story away. Instead, I'll post another excerpt.


    Kate sat down and tried to compose herself. Darn she hated this feeling. Why this reaction to Adam? The anger didn’t surprise her. But the feeling in her stomach, the
    ache in her heart. She wasn’t still attracted to him.
    No, of course she wasn’t. It was just the shock of seeing him again so unexpectedly. A detective, now that was a surprise. In her wildest imagination, Kate couldn’t picture Adam as a cop. Of course, he had gone to law school, so maybe it
    wasn’t as far-fetched as it sounded. Although cops didn’t make the money lawyers did.
    On the other hand, cops didn’t put in the long hours lawyers did either. Adam had said he wanted to work with troubled teens, which seemed like a joke back then.
    Dealing with troubled teens just wasn’t how she saw Adam. Not then, not now.
    Maybe he had changed. Maybe she didn’t really know him, or maybe she
    misjudged him.
    Before she had a chance to think further about it, the bell rang. Kate just barely stood up when Mark suddenly came through the doorway. That man moved as quick and stealthily as a cat. Now what did he come to bother her about? She’d about had enough of men today. Especially Mark and Adam.
    He picked up a single long-stemmed rose from her work table. “How much?”
    “Huh?”
    “How much for the rose?”
    “Oh, uh, just the single rose or with baby’s breath?”
    “Just like this.”
    “Three fifty. Are you sure you don’t want baby’s breath?”
    “Yep.” He pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed her a five dollar bill.”
    Kate took the money from his hand and their fingers brushed. A spark ignited in her like an electric shock. His lips moved in just a hint of a smile.
    “I’ll get your change.” She hurried to the register in the other room. Anything to put some distance between them.

    Mark followed her. “Keep it.” He held the rose out toward her. “Peace offering. I
    apologize for my earlier behavior.” He knew he had acted like a jerk. It wasn’t her fault Emma was missing. Hell, he just met her, and already she got under his skin. Something about her—the way she wore her hair, the look on her face, especially now, even her
    eyes. The way they sparkled with gold when she was angry or puzzled, like now. He wasn’t sure what drew him back here. He just knew he had to apologize for acting like a
    jerk.

    Kate went to get the change. She had to move away from him. Clear her head. She returned and handed him his change. The twinkle in his eyes held her captive. She tried
    to look away, sighed and smiled. She couldn’t help it. He looked so boyish, so sheepish.
    Lord, a man could only complicate her life, and something told her this man was going to complicate it good. Nothing was going to stop it. She knew nothing about him, other than he was Emma’s brother, had a quick temper, and eyes that went from icy to warm in an instant.
    And he seemed to have a sensitive side. At least he admitted when he was wrong and apologized. Taking the rose from him, she sniffed its rich fragrance and put it in a
    vase.
    “There’s really no need, Mr. Westfield.”
    “But there is, Ms. Wesley, I acted like a jerk.”
    “Thank you, apology accepted.”
    Besides, he could be married. She didn’t need this. Not now, not ever. But something about Mark made her wonder what it would be like to talk to him, to share her day with him. She shrugged off the feeling. Was she nuts? What was wrong with
    her thinking this way after all this time?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oliver smiles and graciously accepts the compliment. Why, thank you my sweet, my pleasure to be at your beck and call.
    It's my delight to be amidst all this beauty in one room.

    ReplyDelete
  41. A taste of A Second Chance. Hmmm Okay, let me think on that one for a bit.
    Ros, thanks for coming. Of course, I'll join you next week. I love these parties.
    By the way, have I chosen a theme and food for July. I just can't seem to remember. Probably one martini too many.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Okay let see. A Second Chance - blurb - Fifty-eight year old, Christine’s family and friends are always trying to play matchmaker, much to her chagrin. When she returns home from a vacation over the Christmas holiday, her daughter introduces her to a sexy, handsome, man. A man, she’s much too attracted to. One she tries to resist, but eventually gives in, and begins to see him on a regular basis. At least she does until her ex husband appears on the scene and wants a second chance at their marriage.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Karen, you can have whatever magic you wish for on your special day. We can't wait to make it sparkle and shine

    ReplyDelete
  44. Uh-oh...Kate is in trouble...and the word trouble just came to me before I remembered the title...great job Ro.

    Um, Oliver? My adorable little shy pug (snort) just ran under my bed because of all the excitement here today. Can you come over and help me get her out? *lashes fluttering*

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great excerpt Roseanne, who doesn't love a hero who comes bearing gifts of roses!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi Rosemary, how perfectly lovely to have you in the hall. Do come sit and have some bubbly. with us while we listen to Roseanne enchant us with more of her talented writing. We look forward to hosting you next week.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Okay, here goes. An excerpt from A Second Chance

    The next morning when Christine woke up, Steven’s irritating grin flashed before her
    eyes. She swore she could almost feel his touch and the flames he ignited in her. What kind of
    hypnotic hold did he have on her? How could a man she just met cause such a reaction? She
    dressed, drank a quick cup of coffee, and hurried to pick up Jenna and Richard for school,
    pushing him out of her mind.
    On the way to school, Jenna reminded her about their weekly Tuesday dinner.
    “Oh not tonight, I have so much catching up to do.” Christine tried not to hurt Jenna’s
    feelings.
    “But you have to come, Grandma, you’ve been gone for ten days. We missed you.” Jenna
    and Richard ganged up and refused to take no for an answer.
    “Okay, okay.” Christine pulled into St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School parking lot
    and laughed. Maybe Steven wouldn’t be there, she thought. Entering the office, she dismissed
    him from her mind again.
    “Hey, how was your trip?” Kelly, the church secretary and her best friend, greeted her.
    “Bet you’re glad to be back.”
    “I’m thrilled to be back. You know how I hate traveling, especially flying.” Christine
    hung her coat in the closet, poured coffee, and prepared for the hectic day ahead. The first day
    back after any break always felt like the first day of school. The bell rang, and Christine braced
    herself for the excited students that soon filled the halls.
    “Ms. Rollin, I forgot my gym suit, can I call my mom,” a young voice asked.
    “And so the day begins.” Christine sat back and waited for things to calm down.
    Students with an array of “I forgot,” or “I need to buy,” and other various problems filled
    the office. Christine barely had time to breathe.
    Fifteen minutes later, with order restored, she sat back, sipped her coffee, and tried to
    relax for a minute. A shadow at the door caught her attention. A familiar face stared at her,
    smiling, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
    “What?” Startled at seeing Steven, her cheeks burned.
    He held up two brown bags. “Jenna’s and Richard’s lunches.”
    “Oh.” She stood from her desk and took them from him. “Thank you.”
    “No problem.” His gaze locked on hers, and he made no attempt to leave.
    She turned away, bit her lip, and tried to still her trembling hands.
    “See you at dinner tonight.” It sounded like a dare.
    Before she had a chance to reply, the outer door closed, and he disappeared. Flustered
    and fuming at the man’s audacity, she turned, only to meet Kelly’s open-mouthed stare.
    “Who was that?” Kelly hurried toward the door and looked out as if trying to catch
    another glimpse of him.
    “That,” Christine whispered, “is Uncle Steven.” She put the lunches on the shelf,
    knowing Kelly wouldn’t let her rest until she heard the whole story. Taking a sip of coffee, she
    stalled for time and then explained.
    “Wow, I think he likes you, Chris. Those sexy eyes and that smile.” Kelly gave her a
    sideways glance. “You are going to see him again?”
    “Since he’s staying next door...” Christine shrugged. With all the efforts to bring them
    together, he’d be impossible to avoid. Something inside warned her he was trouble.
    Big trouble.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you Sharon. What lovely people you all are. I don't think I've ever had this much cyber fun. Simply fab...

    ReplyDelete
  49. Karen, you shameless flirt. You be careful with Oliver. He's a sensitive soul.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lyn, darling girl, my butt is my pride and joy. I purposely asked our designer to enhance it with pleated ruffles. Pity your boat won't fit the glass slipper. Wink

    ReplyDelete
  51. That's why I encouraged you to reserve a date, Karen. Everyone here is just too fabulous. I encourage all our Muse authors to join in and reserve a date. So far I've only seen a couple. I'm glad Ros is doing this next week.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sharon and Lyn, you both look spectacular. No nastiness now. This is a celebration. Let's all have a martini or glass of champagne and celebrate.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you Sharon! Hello Karen!

    Great excerpts, Roseanne - I'm impressed with your output!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you for the perfectly chilled charddonay, Oliver. News flash from our Mary. The Duke has arrived to rescue her and Nibby and assures us she will be back next week. Lyn, is that the glass slipper back on the cake? Good job Cuddles

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thanks, Ros. I appreciate that. So tell me, what's your theme for next week?

    ReplyDelete
  56. What an intriguing blog, Roseanne, all your books sound so good and - well romantic! :)

    Don't think we've had the menu for your Roast in July, we'll send you a reminder if not, so that Oliver can start preparations.
    *Waves to Rosemary* Hi Roma, yes, your turn next week and Sharon says we're really looking forward to it. In the meantime, let's eat, drink and be merry and toast Rosanne's 'Double Trouble!'

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm so happy to hear the Duke came to the rescue. Sorry Mary couldn't be here. OH the slipper is back. Wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  58. So glad you're enjoying the party, Karen. Treadmill eh - no wonder you're looking so svelt!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Yes, I'm a hopeless romantic. LOL Karen does look great, doesn't she. I'm jealous. I need to lose about.....well let's just say a lot of weight.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Dearest Sharon, would I cast aspersions at your beautiful bubble butt? Just hope we have some chairs big enough to accommodate it and the all the ruffles! (Poor girl, she doesn't realise how enormous her butt really is - and the other hostesses are so jealous of my tiny feet and make me wear huge shoes to make them look big.)

    Don't worry Roseanne,we hostess sisters always bicker and tease but we love each other to bits really!

    Thank goodness The Duke's gong to rescue Mary, he does love getting her out of trouble!

    At least the glass slipper's back!
    Phew - it's priceless you know!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I remember how you girls love to bicker. If I recall at my Christmas in July party last year, one of you pushed another into the lake.Thank goodness it was a hot day. What a great time we all had.

    ReplyDelete
  62. You ladies all look so fit and trim in your shimmering beaded silks. No worries about our food. Oliver sprinkles it with plenty of virtual magic so it is delicious and heavenly minus calories.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Ooops, poor Lyn is delusional about her feet. Y'all know what they say about
    DENIAL

    ReplyDelete
  64. I think you misunderstood about the treadmill... I went a half mile over TO the treadmill. I turned it into a mini-bar years ago. The darn thing just sat there for goodness sakes, wanted me to do all the work...useless thing.

    I love the Duke, love the humor, love this artist. And I really want that slipper.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Ah, Karen, you still look terrific. I need a treadmill. Or, if I ate everyday like I'm eating here, I'd be much better off. Oliver's food is so tasty and no calories. What more could a girl ask for?

    ReplyDelete
  66. You're so right about the
    calorie free food Roseanne, as I keep saying, Sharon is SO lucky to have a butler like Oliver and it's really sweet of her to let him 'moonlight' over here on a Friday.

    Ah, I understand about the treadmill now, Karen. Personally I don't see the fun in working that hard and not getting anywhere. If I exercise I like to see a bit of the countryside (that's what horses are for). Sadly riding develops one's thigh muscles too, LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Uh...what more could a girl ask for? Oliver and that darn slipper!

    ReplyDelete
  68. LOL Roseanne, right you are. Bickering is part of our magical charm. Grin. How well I recall the fun of your Christmas in July party. We talked about it for weeks. Great new teasers from your book, btw, a must read for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  69. LOL Karen, tread mills are over rated while bars are under rated and a place one never has to push oneself to hang out at. grin

    ReplyDelete
  70. Much as I like looking at them, horse and I don't get along too well. One stepped on my foot once and another tried to throw me. I got off as quickly as I could. Then the darned thing bared his teeth at me. Oh, actually it was a her. She didn't like me one little bit. And I was a whole lot thinner then, so it wasn't my weight she didn't like.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Yeah, treadmills just aren't fun at all. I love to walk, but I don't do enough of it.

    ReplyDelete
  72. You know what they say about getting right back on, Roseanne. I was thrown by my first wildly spirited horse Dancer. A friend convinced, ok, bribed me to get on again. I did and learned how to control the parameters. Sadly, that was a lifetime ago but how I loved riding wild and free with the wind in my face.

    ReplyDelete
  73. No way was I getting back on that horse. We were with six other people and one by one they passed me, as well as the two guides. The horse turned around and headed back to the barn. He kept going along the fence, I'm sure to knock me off. Once the guide saw I was in trouble she came along and got control of the horse. I jumped off and walked back (not that we were far from the barn) I stood and watched as a man and his daughter (she had a pony) came along. The horse did the same thing to the man, and you could tell he was an experienced rider. He finally brought the horse back and tied him up. I think he was tired and just wanted to go back to the barn. He obviously didn't want to ride. I just stood and waited for the group to finish their ride.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Aw that's sad Roseanne, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. Not that I haven't had nasty falls myself, I have, but there's this thing called horsylitis. If it infects you when you're young you're afflicted for ever. I still love horses to pieces and wouldn't be without my two for anything, even though they keep me poor! At least that horse drawing the Cinderella carriage is nice and gentle, although I admit I wouldn't want to put my foot under his hoof - horses are not usually naty - just naturally clumsy!

    ReplyDelete
  75. The one that stepped on my toe was clumsy. My girlfriend owned and we were there watching her muck out the stall. I obviously got in the way. LOL That was really the only horse I was around until the ordeal with the other. Heck I was in my thirties when that happened. I've not had the opportunity to be near a horse again.
    Oh the ones that drive the carriage are great.I'll take a cyber horse any day. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  76. ...and you could always have a virtual ride on Cuddles, it's not many people get to ride a unicorn, except in a fairy tale!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I've smiled more today my friends. You are all a BLAST! Ro, you know how to have a good time. Thank you for this wonderful introduction to such an incredible experience. Love the forum...Author Roast & Toast indeed. Today is the day to live the fantasy you bring with such richness. *curtsy* to a job well done and dreams fulfilled.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Poor YOU Roseanne, pity you had such a bad go of it with an obvious hard to handle horse. The guides, I think, ought to question their guests per how experienced a rider. is before putting a novice on a wild cat. The guys did that to me with Dancer, but then again, by their bloodshot eyes, think they were high on more than clean country air. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  79. Karen, we are so pleased and honored that you are with us today and are adding so much life to Roseanne's elegant party. Thank YOU

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love unicorns. Yes a ride on him would be fun. You can tell by looking at him how gentle he is.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Roseanne, do share more about your enchanting characters and how you create them, pretty please

    ReplyDelete
  82. Thanks, Karen. I'm so glad you joined us and I'm glad you've reserved your own party. This group is so much fun. I think they're acting a bit reserved today because everyone is in formal wear. Next time they can let their hair down. I've decided on a theme for July. Dog Days of Summer Picnic. From the formal to the very informal. I've just about worked out the menu and I'll be sending it off shortly. It's going to be a blast.

    ReplyDelete
  83. OK Girls, one more heads up on our Mary. The Duke said he must take charge so Nibby learns how to obey. He's riding them off to his dude ranch. One thing, though. They demanded Mary's hooters for ransom. I said to go for it cause she's easy.

    ReplyDelete
  84. That's the funny thing about it. They did ask and supposedly that was the genlest horse. Only the three guys in the group knew how to ride, so the three of us women were given the less spirited animals. It was later in the afternoon and I think the horse was tired. I was never going to be a horsewoman anyway, so that's okay. It was a long time ago. Now I just admire them from afar. They certainly are a powerful beast. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  85. Oh my goodness, I forget everyone doesn't know how I came up with the idea for this story. It was supposed to be part of a triology - about 3 sisters - It didn't turn out that way, but that's okay. So... to start at the beginning. I love cemeteries. Why? I have no idea. But I'm drawn to them. Ever since I was a teenager and we used to walk in the cemetery (okay, we necked in it also, but that's beside the point) That was before anyone had a car of course. But seriously, they fascinate me. I love to walk along and look at the headstones. The older the better. Anyway, I'm fortunate and my husband indulges this strange hobby and whenever I see an old cemetery and we have time we stop. So... I heard about the Locust Grove Cemetery in Hudson Ohio. Naturally, I had to go there. This cemetery is right off the main road and if you don't see the sign or know what you're looking for, you'll pass by it. Which we did twice before we stopped at a traffic light and saw the sign. So we pull in the very long driveway and to the back is a very small cemetery. On two sides, it's bordered by a senior complex (independent, assisted and nursing home combined) on the fourth side is the back of stores. As we walked around the cemetery an idea popped into my head. What if someone got killed here. Most of the graves were from almost a century ago. How long before someone found the body. Well, needless to say, by the time we got home a story had developed. I already knew about Kate from my previous stories and it just seemed natural she'd be the heroine.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Great book. I finished it last night, so I don't need to enter the contest. Just thought I'd say hi and let people know that they need to buy the book even if they don't win it. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hi Rochelle, Nice to see you here. I'm glad you enjoyed my book. When are you booking your roast? It's great fun.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Hi Rochelle, so kind of you to come by and give kudos to Roseanne's book. Oliver will be back shortly to wait on you. We look forward to your roastt with us.

    ReplyDelete
  89. You got it Roseanne. Your enchanted party here in the ballroom is far too magical to act up too much. But as we hostesses all have a wee bit o' the ol' blarney in us, an occassional rib is in order. Snicker. Speaking of which, look over yonder at Lyn trying ever so eloquently to stuff her boat into the glass slipper. AS IF

    ReplyDelete
  90. I love old cemeteries too and use them for atmosphere in many of my books. How wonderful that you and hubby share a love of them. I think it would please the spirits to know that they inspire you to write about them so they can live on in infamy.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Hi Rochelle, great to see you, I hope Oliver's plied you with plenty of food and drink.

    Karen thank you so much, I'm so glad you're enoying the party and we're really looking forward to yours!

    Sharon, did you say the Duke's taken Mary and Nibbie back to his ranch - and is ransoming her hooters? She won't be the same without them will she *grin* Crumbs what if we have to ride off to rescue the hooters! We'll have to make sure Roseanne rides Cuddles!

    ReplyDelete
  92. She'd better be careful, it can break. It is glass after all. Did I notice some finger prints in the cake also? I thought I saw a smudge of frosting on someone's face (not mentioning any names of course) Isn't there supposed to be a band? I think some dancing is in order.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I have a couple of spirtely old spirits in a book coming out next year called Shadow in the Attic. I also used a ghost in a book that's no longer available - I'm rewriting and it will be published again. Hubby, daughter, son in law, granddaughter and her hubby and I went on a ghost hunt at night at a cemetery. Hubby took some pix and there's a couple with a couple of good orbs. One right over our heads.

    ReplyDelete
  94. MMM would love to go on a ghost or witch hunt in a cemetery, hey, now there's an idea for a future roast.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hey Rosanne, what a great post. Love the horse and carriage :~) Wishing you great success and lots of sales.

    Hugs
    nancy

    ReplyDelete
  96. Here comes the band, Roseanne, get your glass slippers on.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Oh my gosh, why didn't I think of that. I'll put that in my memory bank for one of my future books, hmmm maybe shadows in the attic, but that's like a year away. Maybe Connection of the Minds, which comes out in September. I love the idea.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Rosanne, what a fascinating story of how you came by your ideas for your books - can't say I share your fascination for graveyards, thogh I admit they're very atmospheric.

    Did someone say dancing - yes, here's the band, I mean the orchestra! Don't look at me in that tone of voice sweet sister Sharon, I was just checking the glass slipper to make sure Nibby hasn't left any teeth marks!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Okay, time for another excerpt. Last one for the day. Can't give away too much of the book.

    “Well, have you given any thought to my offer? Or have you been too busy with
    Mr. Big Bucks?”
    “Excuse me?” Kate narrowed her eyes and looked at him. The nerve of this man.
    Even if she had been spending time with Mark, which she had no intention of doing, it
    was certainly none of his business.
    “To give me a chance to make it up to you.”
    “There’s nothing to make up. Actually you did me a favor.” Let him stew on that
    for a while.
    Adam put his hand to his chest. “Ouch, that hurts. Look, Kate, I know it was a
    cowardly thing to do, writing you that note, leaving you holding the bag to deal with
    everything. I....”
    “You owed me an explanation, but that doesn’t matter anymore, Adam. It’s over,
    let’s just forget it.”
    Just hearing him admit it was cowardly was satisfying. Maybe he had changed. The
    old Adam would have found a way to blame her. She didn’t need to hear the
    explanation now. It didn’t matter anymore.
    “I don’t have an explanation. Cold feet I guess. Part of me wanted to get married,
    part of me didn’t. I was afraid if we got married, I’d never realize my dream.”
    “So you ran off. And have you realized your dream, Adam?” Not that it mattered,
    but curiosity got the better of her.
    “Yes, well, actually I’m in the process of it anyway. I’ve started a group for
    troubled teens. It’s small right now, but growing. How about a cup of coffee, and I’ll
    tell you about it?”
    Kate looked at her watch. Almost eight o’clock, and she hadn’t had dinner yet.
    What the heck, a cup of coffee sounded good. What could it hurt? After all, she said she
    didn’t hold any grudges, why not prove it?
    “Only if I can have a sandwich too, I haven’t had dinner yet.”
    Adam grinned. The same grin she used to love, but it didn’t do anything to her
    now.
    Did it?
    The little flutter in her stomach was hunger pangs.
    Wasn’t it?
    She grabbed her coat off the coat rack. Adam took it and held it for her. His hand
    brushed her hair and lingered just a bit too long on her shoulder. Another flutter passed
    through her stomach. They went to Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub. It seemed to be the place
    to go.
    “So tell me about your group,” Kate said once the waitress took their order.
    “There’s not much to tell, really. Like I said it’s a small group. Kids who don’t
    have anyone to talk to, you know the kind. Their parents both work, give them
    everything but attention. Never listen to them. It’s sad, really. They have all the material
    things they want, but no one cares about them. Why parents don’t understand what kids
    really need is beyond me.”
    Kate nodded. She’d seen it herself, even in a community as small as Clyde. Kids
    getting into trouble because they wanted attention. Funny thing about kids, they’d do
    just about anything for attention, even it was bad.
    “I admire your dedication. I think it’s great. But what made you want to help kids. I
    mean when you told me about it before... well, to be honest, I just couldn’t picture it.”
    “You never did take me serious. Maybe that’s why I got cold feet. I wanted
    someone who understood me. Understood my dreams, and you laughed at me. Oh yeah,
    you tried to make it up. But I could tell you didn’t believe me. Believe in me. No one
    had back then. That’s part of the reason I split. I had to prove I could do it. Had to show
    everyone I wasn’t a goof off. Had to prove it to myself.”
    The look on his face tore through her. She remembered when he first told her about
    his dream, laughing at him. “I’m sorry, Adam, but come on, you were a goof off, a
    jokester. Nothing about your character suggested you wanted to help kids. I didn’t mean
    to laugh, but it sounded so unlike you. You could have been a lawyer making big bucks,
    but you blew it. Besides, you blamed everyone else for anything that went wrong. It was
    never your fault.”
    Okay, she said it now. All those years of thinking it, and finally it came out. Hurt
    feelings or not, it was true.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Hi Nancy, glad to see you here. Isn't the setting great? When are you doing a roast? I encourage everyone to do it. It's such fun.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Oh my, I need my dancing slippers, not my glass slippers. I'd break the heel and cut my foot. I love a good band.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Welcome my sweet Rochelle, a nice orange blossom martini for you, and another for my pet Karen. More mead for Lyn and a chardonnay for Sharon. And nice chilled martinis for rosemary, Sharon and Patsy, my pretties. Now before you lovelies start dancing, Roseanne my sweet petite, come with me whilst I cut the cake.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Oh yes, we can't forget to cut the cake. It's so beautiful, I almost hate to ruin it.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Here we go then, Nancy love, an orange blossom martini and some samples of all. Enjoy

    ReplyDelete
  105. Wow, what a great excerpt Roseanne, that's one of the 'perks' of the Roast getting 'sneak previews'! :)

    Ooh, did someone say 'cake'?

    ReplyDelete
  106. Sorry to be so late, Thor got jealous of me looking at Oliver and tried to climb up my beautiful red dress. So, had to change a bit after lying down to rest. What an ordeal.

    Rosanne - your book sounds absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing it and this beautiful Cinderella wedding with us!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Oliver, may I please have a tall Lynchburg Lemonade?

    ReplyDelete
  108. Swoon...Oliver. Please, can I touch your muscle? Um, sorry...I mean muscles?

    You guys are just nuts and I quote: "They demanded Mary's hooters for ransom. I said to go for it cause she's easy." LMAO...

    ReplyDelete
  109. Of course we are crazy! That was one of the requirements when we took the job.

    **starts rubbing the glass slipper with her hair**

    Who put champagne in here?

    ReplyDelete
  110. Ah, AJ, our dear sister hostess. Now the party's complete (apart from our sweety Mary that is,) Not too much of that champagne now, you know it give syou the hiccups!

    ReplyDelete
  111. I don't want champagne - I just had to dry the slipper before I tried it on. I'm not sure which one of these handsome men were drinking out of the slipper, but ewww....

    I want a Lynchburg Lemonade to quench my thirst.

    ReplyDelete
  112. AJ, here we go then, my sweet, a nice Lynchburg lemonade. Who else is in need of a cocktail

    ReplyDelete
  113. Karen, you are shameless. Leave poor Oliver alone (he's mine!!) LOL Poor Mary. She has more problems with those hooters.

    ReplyDelete
  114. Hey everyone, they're playing Shout, Come on, let's dance.
    Well..............
    You know you make me want to (SHOUT)
    Kick my heals up and (SHOUT)
    Throw my hands up and (SHOUT)
    Throw my head back and (SHOUT)
    Come on now (SHOUT)
    Don't forget to say you will (SHOUT)
    Don't forget to say-ay-ay-ay-ay-yeah (SHOUT)

    ReplyDelete
  115. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  116. Thank you Oliver my dear....you are the sweetest man.... **places butterfly kisses on his cheek**

    ReplyDelete
  117. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss0RBCzaBK8

    ReplyDelete
  118. Shout, let your hair down, shout- wheee let's all dance *hic* how much mead did I drink, never mind let's just danc!

    ReplyDelete
  119. Shout, let your hair down, shout- wheee let's all dance *hic* how much mead did I drink, never mind let's just danc!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Hugs AJ so glad you made it. Mary will be so upset she missed a great party but she is fulfilling a fantasy...to bring a dead man back to life. GRIN

    ReplyDelete
  121. Oliver, drinks all around. We're going to need them after we dance.

    ReplyDelete
  122. A dead man back to life. Wait a minute. Isn't that like a ghost or something?

    ReplyDelete
  123. Here goes nothing Ro and remember...you asked for it.
    ME ME ME
    You know you make me wanna SHOUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
    hey, look at all the wine glasses shatter, oops and the crystal chandelier... oh no not the glass slipper to boot

    ReplyDelete
  124. I've got it! I've got it! It just came to me. Can I schedule Oct. 28th. I'm going to do a Halloween Party in the cemetery. I'll be promoting my book Connection of the Minds, which will be released in Sept.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Oh no, the glass slipper shattered into a million pieces. Now we'll never know who it fit.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Sniffle sniffle Ro about the slipper, ah well, we still have each other and the bar is still open, race you

    ReplyDelete
  127. So about Mary and the dead man. She has this wild fascination with the DUKE and swears she can bring a dead man back to life with her enormous hooters. WICKED GRIN

    ReplyDelete
  128. You have another book coming out in October? (shhh, my birthday month) I'm in awe, how can you write so many? Wish I was half as prolific!

    The 28th it is - we can all wear scary masks and trick or treat! Everyone's invited!

    ReplyDelete
  129. Sounds like a graveyard smash. Our Lyn is in charge of bookings so when she comes off the dance floor we'll ccheck. Fingers crossed

    ReplyDelete
  130. Sharon jumps up and down, shattering more glasses. Hugs Roseanne, YES it's a Graveyard Smash. Must invite WITCHY WOMAN for sure

    ReplyDelete
  131. Oh yes, we can't have a halloween party for Roseanne without Witchy Woman!

    Watch that broken glass - Cuddles, here boy, can you mend it with your enchanted horn?

    ReplyDelete
  132. Loved the creative post with all the visuals. Too fun. The book sounds inticing. Great excerpt

    ReplyDelete
  133. Hi Ciara

    Welcome to the Roseanne's party. So glad you enjoyed her excerpt - and the post. Come and partake of the virtual food and drink. Some people party all night - others just crash for a few hours!

    ReplyDelete
  134. Welcome Ciara, so glad that you stopped in to party with us. Roseanne's books are all intriguing reads. Stay a while and enjoy some delicious food. Allow me to pour you a martini from the fountain

    ReplyDelete
  135. The little unicorn flies across and touches the shattered crystal pieces with his silver horn. Immediately they fly back together and he carefully lips it up with his horn and places it back on the purple velvet cushion.

    It's getting late and the chandeliers are lit, casting a warm glow over the Cinderella wedding party.

    The servants will show the sleepy revellers to their guestrooms - there may still be guests riding on the road to the castle, so the hostesses and Oliver will be here to welcome any latecomers tomorrow!

    If you want to stay up and keep on dancing - party on!

    ReplyDelete
  136. Congratulations on Double the Trouble Roseanne, it sounds very intriguing. Wonder why Adam insisted they get married then left. I'll have to buy the book and find out.

    ReplyDelete
  137. I thought they ransomed the hooters.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Actually, no, it's coming out in Sept. but I do have another coming out in Dec. I wrote most of these many years ago. Just had to refine thenm and submit.

    ReplyDelete
  139. And of course the ghosts. I'm sure if Karen shows up there will be some vampires too.

    ReplyDelete
  140. Oh yes, please Cuddles see if you can fix it.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Hi Ciara, glad you could join us. And thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  142. This has been quite a day. Such fun. I'm going to hang around for a while and keep dancing. It's been ages since I've danced. Thank you for having me.

    ReplyDelete
  143. Hi, Sue, welcome to my party. Glad you enjoyed the excerpts.

    ReplyDelete
  144. You rock Roseanne, you have enough stamina to charm any handsome Prince! You just keep dancing, lady!

    As for Mary's hooters, Lol, I think she has several 'spares' stashed away! :)

    ReplyDelete
  145. Not sure how much more stamina I have. Suddenly the batteries are running down. I'll keep checking back and I'll come in tomorrow evening to announce the winner of the book.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Hey, roseanne, and all you wonderful people who threw this great party for her. I'll try one of those martinis, oh, oh, and chocolate strawberries. yum. excuse me while i nibble. I just had to stop by, but don't put me into the drawing. I already have a copy of that great book.

    ReplyDelete
  147. Hey, Larraine, great to see you. I'm glad you stopped by. Help yourself there's plenty of food.

    ReplyDelete
  148. This is great wedding the Brides dress is gorgeous. And I love the Horse & carriage.

    I might have to get Oliver to put my wedding together. That's if that day ever comes. Oliver all I can say is where have you been all my life!

    Double Trouble sounds like a wonderful book. Everyone enjoy the Cinderalla Wedding.

    Teresa K.
    tcwgrlup41(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. Oliver? Oh you darling man, there you are. Are they all asleep? Hmm, glad to see you donned your best tux. Did you bring that slipper? You did? Good man. Great idea to substitute it for that fake one. *snicker* they thought it got broken. Ooooh yes. I knew it would fit. I noticed the fine white horse and carriage was ready. We'd better hurry though because the flight to Vegas leaves soon. *little girl giggle* Won't they all be surprised?

    *humming* Going to the Chapel and we're...gonna get ma-a-a-aired. Going to the Chapel and we're... *room goes quiet*

    ReplyDelete
  150. Sharon awakes, still wearing only one glass slipper. Na, a tear falls from her eye as she waves to the new arrivals, Lorion and Teresa, it wasn't a fit, she shows her petite little foot. Maybe it will fit Lyn. A cackle erupts that shatters a few more wine goblets. Lyn can huff and puff until she's blue in the face about her delusions of her tiny feet, but no way can she sttuff her barge of a boat into the glass slipper. WHEN DONKEYS FLY

    ReplyDelete
  151. Dawn breaks over the castle, bathing the snow white turrets in a haze of pink and gold.

    Inside the castle all is peaceful. Lyn slides out of the large four poster bed and looks across to where her sister hostesses lie, snoring gently.

    she grins and makes her way down the grand staircase.

    what's this? What did you say Karen? Did I hear you mutter something about running off with Oliver? Tutt Tutt. Sorry to burst your bubble sweet thing, but don't you know his heart belongs to Sharon? He's her devoted butler and companion, and however much he may flirt, she owns him body and soul;) Besides, he has to fix breakfast for Roseanne and the guests before she makes him go back to the 'day job'! LOL

    Lyn ducks as Karen giggles guiltily and throws the glass slipper at her. Can't blame a girl for trying, I suppose. How many of these darned slippes are there anyway?

    Ah well it looks like it's just another typical day - at the Author Roast and Toast!

    *Waves at Larrien and Teresa*

    ReplyDelete
  152. Roseanne, my goodness, what can I say other than parting is such sorrow. Another tear, sniffle sniffle. But you're booked to come back and we can't wait. You are such a delight and we all had a ball at your June Cinderella Wedding. Best of luck with Double the Trouble.
    Until next time, love and hugs

    ReplyDelete
  153. Ladies and Gents, breakfast is served with a smile. For your pleasure, French Toast with freshly tapped maple syrup, crisp bacon and sausage, sweet strawberries and cream, piping hot coffee tea and hot cocoa. Roseann, my pretty, here we go, love. Oliver winks at Karen as he hums a verse of Oh What a Night.

    ReplyDelete
  154. Roseanne,
    Sorry I got here late, but how sweet of Oliver to serve breakfast! He is just the most perfect host and your gown was so gorgeous, the food I missed looked amazing and that cake!! Sounds like it was a great party. I will have to try to book my own. They do such a beautiful job here.:) Congratulations on such a successful Roast and Toast.

    ReplyDelete
  155. Good Morning Lionmother, you're just in time for breakfast, and I'm sure there are plenty of leftovers in the fridge and freezer if you fancy something from yesterday's banquet. (It's a very up-to-date fairy tale castle, all 'mod cons'!)

    If you'd like to book a date for your own party, just look up Oliver's rules in the side bar on the Blog, and drop us an email at the address given. We're fully booked until the end of August, and most of September as well, so get your request in soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  156. What a beautiful Cinderella wedding! All you ladies look so pretty. And Oliver so handsome. My, my what a feast. Roseanne your book sounds fabulous. Looking forward to reading it.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  157. You all are Hilarious!! Ro? You were so beautiful. *sigh* Thank you for sharing such a special day. *catches Olivers wink, hides a smile and thinks to herself* what a delightful place and delightful people. I will certainly be back here...

    ReplyDelete
  158. Hello Sue

    One of our 'regulars' *smile*.

    Aren't Roseanne's excerpts enticing though!

    *blush* thanks for your kind comment!

    ReplyDelete
  159. *Blush again* thank you so much Karen. Yes, Rosanne was beautiful and such fun and it's been such a joy to have her as our special guest.

    You've been tremendous fun too and we look forward to your next visit - and to your own Roast when you'll be our victim - er - I mean special guest - yourself! :)

    ReplyDelete
  160. Thanks, Teresa. We all had a wonderful time.

    ReplyDelete
  161. Oh breakfast. Good I'm famished. This has been such a wonderful time and I thank all my guests for joining me. I'll be back to share a special time with them too. And of course I'll see the rest of you in July at our special picnic. I hope everyone will join me.

    ReplyDelete
  162. I was going to wait until later to draw a name, but just found out we have plans for later. So...I put everyone's name in a hat and hubby picked. The winner is Rosemary Gemmell
    Congratulations, Rosemary. Please contact me so I can send you the book.
    Again, thanks to Sharon,Oliver, Hywela Lyn and everyone here at Author Roast and Toast. It was such a fabulous time. See you all next month.

    ReplyDelete
  163. Roseanne, you've been an absolute delight and we've loved having you as our guest and look forward to the next time for your picnic party.

    Congratulations Rosemary, you're in for a treat!

    ReplyDelete
  164. Congrats Rosemary. Thanks for all the fun.
    Sue B

    ReplyDelete

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
authorroast@btinternet.com
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE OUR GUEST? DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR NEW RELEASE OR EVEN AN OLDER ONE?IF YOU FANCY BEING GUEST OF HONOUR AT ONE OF OUR PARTIES JUST EMAIL US AT THE ADDRESS in 'OLIVER'S RULES'!(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 'G' RATED BLOG SO NOTHING HIGHER THAN THIS RATING, PLEASE.)