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As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
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Friday, October 14, 2011

Annabel Aidan's spooky theatre party.


The foursome step into the ornate lobby of the old Pantages Theatre. Though beautiful, chills race up their spines.  Something sinister lurks here.


“This is really weird,” Mary whispers“Kind of creepy,” Lyn agrees. “Gives me chills.” Sharon wipes a finger across a dusty statuette. “Needs a good cleaning.”


“I wonder where Annabel is?” Patsy stares into the dark hallway leading to the viewing room.


A swirling mist oozes from the ceiling surrounding the nervous women. Bitter cold and dampness pervade the area. The animals squeal and scamper into hiding.


 “Does anyone but me see this?” Lyn hides her face in her hands.

 “I can’t see anything through the fog!”  Brief glimpses of Mary’s arms can be seen waving through the haze.

 The mist slowly lifts. They gaze around, shocked. The room has transformed as the old movie house might have looked in its heyday.


 “Look at us!”  Aghast, they study each other.







Sharon is an exact (almost) lookalike for Marilyn Monroe, her bubble butt concealed beneath the flowing lines of a white silk skirt that is constantly in motion.  Mary is a perfect imitation of Mae West, her voluptuous chest spilling from the sleek lines of the flapper gown. Lyn, except for the feet, is a stunning copy of slinky Jean Harlow, silver fox fur and all.


Patsy looks into an antique gilt-edged mirror. “I look like Errol Flynn in The Swashbuckler! Why is that?” 


A sepulchery voice booms from the dark viewing area. 


“Oliver! Lead the ladies in.”

It is dark in the movie hall, except for the ghostly figures flashing overhead. 




“That looks like Rudolph Valentino.” Mary points up. 


Lyn shudders. “Could that be Thelma Todd?”

 “Montgomery Clift!” Sharon exclaims.


            “Elvis is in the building!”


            A voice sounding like Judy Garland begins singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow!  The women join hands, swaying to the music.


            “I love this song,” Patsy grins.
            The movie screen flashes on. Annabel, looking like Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra appears on the monitor. She steps from the screen, floating down.  “So glad you could join my party. Say hello to my guests.”


            A cadaverous ghost begins playing a mournful dirge on the ghostly pipe organ. Floating above the seats, ghostly figures dance and sway to the music.

Oliver, resplendent in a white tuxedo, materializes and holds out his arm to the ladies. “Follow me."
   Oliver waves his arm and a banquet table appears. Plates of deviled eggs and mini crab cakes for the appetizers, crab linguini, spinach lasagna, a pasta buffet, consisting of spaghetti Bolognese, linguini with clam sauce, spaghetti carbonara, and too many to name lined the table, and for dessert, chocolate cake and warm banana pudding. 























The naughty animals are sitting in the middle of the feast—feasting!


“Would you ladies like some champagne?” Alison grins“ There’s Shirley Temples for the non-drinkers-which I know you’re not. “I always serve Shirley Temples. Oliver – if you need the recipe, I have one right here.”

She reaches beneath  her elaborate collar and hands him a piece of paper. “I always serve it as the non-alcoholic option at my shin-digs. Most people haven't had one since they were eight. But they are so tasty.”
 “Let’s party hearty,” Mary squeals. “Give me a flute of champagne.”

 Lyn is already waltzing with a ghostly partner and Sharon is eating from the bony fingers of a would-be suitor. Patsy wswings through the air on one of the curtain ties.

“I’ll save you, Nell,” she screeches.

“I do so love my parties,” Annabel smiles. “Let’s get into the spirit of the thing!”



ASSUMPTION OF RIGHT by Annabel Aidan blurb:

Witchcraft, politics, and theatre collide and combine as Morag D’Anneville and Secret Service agent Simon Keane fight to protect the Vice President of the United States -- or is it Morag who needs Simon’s protection more than the VP?

Witch and theatre professional Morag D’Anneville is annoyed when she’s assigned to dress the conservative Vice President as he makes a surprise appearance in his favorite Broadway show. Even more irritating, she has to teach Agent Simon Keane, part of the security detail, the backstage ropes in preparation.  A strong attraction flares between them which they both recognize is doomed, and Simon must also fight his superior’s prejudice that Morag’s beliefs make her a threat to the Vice President. When Morag is attacked, Simon’s loyalties are torn between protecting the man he’s sworn to protect, and protecting the woman he loves.

Champagne Books Site:

Excerpt:
The  man’s  knife  flashed  in  the  glow  of  the  streetlight.  Morag  kicked at  him  and  scrambled  away  as  he  lunged  for  her.  She  stumbled,  but  managed to  put  more  distance  between  her  and  the  attacker.  She  grabbed  the  lid  of  a trashcan to use as a shield. 

A  couple  out  for  an  evening  stroll  stopped  and  watched  the  fight, mouths  open.  They  stood  directly  in  Simon’s  line  of  fire.  “Move!”  he ordered. They turned and stared at him, at the gun, like deer in headlights. He saw  Morag  twist,  avoiding  the  attacker’s  next  thrust.  Simon  stepped  forward and shoved the couple out of the way. “Get out of here before you get hurt!” 

The woman screamed, grabbed the man’s hand, and they ran.  

“Drop the knife! Drop it or I’ll shoot!” 

The  attacker  and  Morag  continued  their  jerky  dance.  If  Simon  fired, he risked hitting her. He needed to position himself to get a clear shot.
  
She  was  trapped  between  the  garbage  cans  and  the  iron  railing.  The attacker  charged  again  and  Morag  squirmed  to  one  side.  His  knife  scraped the plastic lid. Morag grabbed the lid off another can and threw it at him, left-handed. It hit him and bounced. He took a step back. 

Simon fired.  


Purchase Links:
Champagne Books:
http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=47


Annabel Aidan Bio:
Annabel Aidan  writes romantic suspense with a hint of magic. She 
publishes under a half a dozen names in both fiction and nonfiction. She 
spent over twenty years working behind the scenes on Broadway, in film and 
television, mostly working wardrobe. Her plays are produced in New York, 
London, Edinburgh, and Australia. If you run towards her undoing buttons, 
she will tear off your clothes and flip you into something else — and then 
read your tarot cards. 

Visit her on the web at 
www.devonellingtonwork.com/annabelaidan.html and explore her worlds. 





***GIVEAWAY***
 


To win a copy of Annabel's'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.

68 comments:

  1. Hi Annabel

    Welcome to your Roast. Many congratulations on your book and wishing you much success.

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  2. Good Morning Annabel - fellow Roast Sisters! Anabel, the book sounds terrific and *she lifts a flute of champagne* to many sales!

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  3. Sharon floats in on Montgomery's arm. Hugs my sister heart throbs and a warm welcome to Annabel. I love the book, the setting, the atmosphere. Let's party!

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  4. Oliver blows kisses to the hostesses four with a wicked wink. Champagne my pretties.

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  5. This was a fun skit to write - thanks Anabel for the inspiration! Good morning Sharon and Oliver!

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  6. Annabel my lovely queen of the theater. Kisses her hand in true Valentino style. Allow me to fill your champagne flute, my pretty.

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  7. Hello Sharon sweet sister hostess - and Darling Oliver, here to serve our every whim as always!

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  8. But of course, Lyn, my sweet. Winks at Patsy, blows kisses

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  9. Hey, Oliver *she grins seductively* want to swing across the theater with me? I do a great Errol Flynn!

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  10. Annabel? Hey guys I think she's lost in that mist! Where's that champagne? I need it to handle this!
    Patsy nice outfit! LOL!
    Did you bring you sword? HeHe!
    Oliver, nice job with the food. Hand me the deviled eggs please. Mary proceeds to stuff eggs into her mouth. Sharon frowns, Lyn laughs and Patsy fights her for the tray of eggs!

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  11. Hugs, Mary, dear sister hostess, yes I wonder where Annabel went, perhaps she's gone in search of the Anthony for her Cleopatra?

    Ooh and if it turns out to be Richard Burton, I may have to fight her for hm! LOL!

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  12. Heck I still want Gerard Butler, is he here???
    Did you see him in the trailers for Voyager?
    HeCheChe!
    OOH! Something just touched me!And there's no one there!!!

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  13. I'm ready to tango, Patsy my sweet

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  14. Mary, Sharon Lyn and Patsy, y'all are Hollywood legends, my heart be still. More champagne all around, grin

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  15. I'm all atwitter at the lovely response to the party. Thanks so much for having me.

    Yes, Oliver, I'd love another glass of champagne, and my, aren't you gallant! ;)

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  16. Champagne it is my sweet Annabel

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  17. Oliver looks particularly fetching tonight (shamelessly ogling)

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  18. And we can all gather together for a round of THE MONSTER MASH! ;)

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  19. Mary slides her way into the Monster Mash, dancing merrily along until Lyn's huge feet trip her. She flies into Sharon's butt, which by the way saves her life, and the lands in a patch of poison ivy. OH Horrors! I am gonna be itching myself crazy! Oh by the way it's contagious! Mary starts to scratch and scratch, Help!!!

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  20. Wonderful party, cold champagne and a gorgeous old theater. The wait staff ain't bad, either. Congrats Annabel, much luck with the book
    Ute

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  21. Oh Annabel, excuse me for scratching, where is Cuddles when you need him. Mary accidentally rubs into Lyn who immediately starts to scratch. Sharon, innocently touches Mary's arm and the itch starts right up. Patsy stands and watches, "I ain't going near you dudettes, she backs away and into Sharon. Yup! She starts to itch and scratch too.
    "This is one potent patch of poison ivy." Patsy cries.
    "It's super scratch Ivy, it's the worst." Annabel hands on hips, can't help but laugh at the gyrating itchers.

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  22. Winks at Arabella as he hands over a flute of bubbly.

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  23. Hi Annabel - so glad we found you again. Couldn't have a party without the guest of honour.

    Oooh. that ivy's wicked!

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  24. Does anyone have an idea how to stop the itching. What's was that stuff doing in here anyways. Hey, it has four leaves and they are moving on their own. It's a psychic phenomenon!
    anyone got any idea how to stop the itching. Poor Sharon is rubbing on the walls to get her back!

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  25. Wade & Dianna stroll in with roast crashing vision in their heads. But upon viewing the gyrating, itching and undulating bodies before them - they quickly grab a flute of champagne - blows kisses to Annabel - sign the guest registrar and promptly leave before any of it rubbed off on them!

    *** Congrats Annabel - thank you for inviting us to your roast :)

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  26. Wade & Dianna, thanks for your flying visit.

    Mary, here's a tube of balm made from herbs in my garden. Will take care of that poison ivy and keep you from catching poison oak, hemlock, or anything else you might fall into!

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  27. Oh thank God Annabel! Lyn was ready to take her clothes off to itch! You avoided a catastrophe! Mary rubs the balm on all her itcy parts and sighs with relief, passing the tube to her blog sisters.
    All four of them are coated.
    WAIT, HOLD THE PHONE!
    I just turned green! I look like Shrek's wife for goodness sakes! Someone put a spell on the healing balm!!!

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  28. Whew been running like crazy - ouch, itching - running isn't helping! ARGGGGHHHH - Annabel - I need your potion!

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  29. Give her a new potion Annabel someone put a spell on the on the other one, look at us!
    Sharon is bright red, Mary is bright green and Lyn bright blue!
    Unless you wanna be a bright color. Patsy itching terribly grabs the potion and rubs it on herself, turning a bright purple.
    Oliver just cracks up laughing and Cuddles and her horn are no where to be found!
    Well Mary says, I always looked good in green...

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  30. Settle down lassies, it'll all come out in the wash. More bubbly my babies

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  31. Whew, I was concerned Sharon dear, I don't mind being green for Annabel, but I am concerned as to who put the spell on the potion. Was it a spirit?? Any ideas my friends? We have to know if it's safe or someone is after us! Annabel, how about another excerpt to throw the curser off the track????

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  32. I'm all red and no longer bear the slightest resemblence to Marilyn! Snickers when she sees her sisters and Annabel, yikes, we could raise the dead! Grin

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  33. Don't look now, Mary, but here comes the Duke to the rescue and...mmy heart be still...could it be

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  34. Allergic reaction? Anaphylaxis?

    I have an Epi Pen (expired, but still good, I'm sure) in my purse I'd be happy to offer to anyone who wants a jab. Guarantee to stop the itching and your heart.

    In exchange
    I want Oliver(in his white tux) and I (in my Vera Wang white gown) on top of that wedding cake.

    Nina Benneton

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  35. Ha ha, Lol! (itch, itch scratch!) Nice try Nina, but unfortunately Oliver's heart belongs to Sharon, and there's no way he can be dragged away from her (Believe me, we've tried! :) !)

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  36. Hmm, the potion only turns colors if you've got something delightfully wacky up your lovely little sleeves.

    Because, by stripping away the itch -- it also reveals your deepest desires -- green for nature or cash, red for passion, blue for the deep blue sea!

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  37. Hmm - I grew up by the sea - but I miss the mountains more!

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  38. The Duke enters the room riding a beautiful mustang stallion. The horse bends his knees and lets the Duke off. He sprinkles some sparkly dust on Mary and she turns normal if not better!!
    Sharon drools as Jessie James approaches her and blows his sparkly dust on her she turns normal if not better!
    Lyn, eyes Jessie's brother he approaches her and blows his sparkly dust on her and she turns normal if not better.
    Then Patsy, eyes glued to a hot young gunman. He approaches her and grabs her, kissing her passionately. He turns purple, but Patsy don't notice and they walk away hand in hand.
    Annabel, your potion works!!

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  39. Phew that's better, thank goodness for The Duke and the James Gang!

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  40. Oh I love purple passion! Even in this silly getup, I can get a guy! YAAAYYYY! Annabel, you are wonderful!

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  41. Potions mixed with love and used with love . . .draw love, even if they also solve other issues! ;)

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  42. That's so profound Annabel - and so true!

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  43. Side effects huh? Well they're really pretty colors. And as long as it will wear off, Let's turn on the strobe light and dance with the ghosts!

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  44. ...they did they mash - they did the monster mash!

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  45. It was a graveyard bash!!
    Now I am saying bye for this evening! See you in the morning, green Mary makes her exit. Smiling!

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  46. Goodnight sweet Mary, and Sharon, Patsy, and of course Annabel.

    I'm going to find a place to curl up and sleep too - I'm not going to let the ghosties worry me, I'm going to have sweet dreams of all those handsome by-gone heroes.

    Night all, catch you tomorrow, Congratulations again on your book, Annabel, wishing you many, many more sales.

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  47. Thanks for all the love, people! May the colored ghosties give you sweet dreams!

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  48. Am I fashionably late? Did I miss out on the bubbly?

    Congratulations on the book, Annabel. It sounds exciting.

    KT

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  49. So much fun. You throw the best parties.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  50. Dawn breaks and Lyn awakes, treading carefully over the sleeping bodies ranged around the lobby in various stages of repose. Her sister hostesses look so sweet when they're asleep, snoring gently. Mary lies on her back,with Nibby using her generous chest area as a pillow, Patsy turns sideways with Hampy in the crook of her well muscled elbow and now Lyn is up and about, Cuddles uses Sharon's plump rump as a cushion.

    Good Morning K T and Marybelle, there's plenty of champagne left, and food in the fridge. Help yourselves and welcome to the party!

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  51. Sharon rises to meet the day, gently nudging sweet Cuddles, rubbing his lucky horn just in case. Smiles at Lyn, Mary, Patsy and Anabel. Waves to new guests. I had the most fabulous time partying with the ghosts of old Hollywood. Thank you for a delightful party and best of luck, my dear Anabel.

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  52. Ladies ladies, in memory of old Hollywood, may I present Breakfast at Tiffany's!
    Come sit at the pretty table with white linen and antique china, fresh roses and mimosa for starters. Breakfast is Eggs Benedict, bacon, French toast, Belgium waffles, strawberries and cream, coffee and tea. Anabel, here you are, love dove.

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  53. Woke up early this morning, realized I'd forgotten my chore. Expired Epi Pen in hand, entered to jab at Sharon's plump rump, but couldn't bear to hurt Cuddles by accident.

    Went away to put on my contact lenses and returned to find, darn it, everyone's normal again!

    Wait, this crowd normal?

    NIna

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  54. Hi Nina -

    Nice to see you again - yes we all seem to be back to normal again - er or as normal as we ever are! *Grin*!

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  55. Sounds spooky in that theatre. Stepping lighty as I go. Did someone say feast??!! I am starving. LOL. Hi Annabel your books sounds wonderful.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. Hi Sue

    Nice to see you again, help yourself to virtual goodies there's plenty left, or you could have a late breakfast courtesy of Oliver.

    Don't worry about the spooks - we seem to have scared them all away. Wonder why? :)

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  57. The theatre is dark and quiet. The four AR&T hostess's have sent their guests home, happy, full, and thrilled with the party. They sit in empty seats by the back of the room.
    Oliver stands by Sharon.
    Suddenly swirls of fog begin to form in the front of the theatre on stage.
    They swirl and twirl and the frightened girls can't see a thing in the darkness of a mini tornado. Spirits roam the house and all four woman start to scream. They scream until they are taken into the swirling mass and disappear! Where did they go? Off on their next quest.
    Thanks Annabel, you an amazing author! We wish you the best of luck!

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  58. Annabel, your book sounds terrific and the array of culinary goodies was quite wonderful!

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  59. Hi Sandra,

    Thanks so much for stopping by, glad you enjoyed Annabel's party.

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