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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, November 4, 2011

Cathie Dunn celebrates her book Highland Arms with a Scottish Haggis Hunt


Deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, near the famed Loch Ness, the women gather, preparing for the hunt.  It is a misty morning, too early to be up.

Highland deer
“Where’s my coffee.”
Mary staggers up.

“I haven’t had my morning cup of tea!” Lyn shivers in the cold wind.
Loch Ness


The animals huddle in the jeep, snuggled together for warmth and not even the promise of a bite of food entices them out!


Dressed in an American woman’s idea of Scottish hunting clothes, Mary gives her bosom a hearty adjustment. “Are you sure there’s really such a thing as a Wild Haggis?”

Clad in Khaki, complete with a Crocodile Hunter hat and sturdy boots, Lyn straps on a heavy backpack. “Cathie said there was and we need to capture one for tonight’s feast.”


Sharon minces up in her bright pink shirt and pants, and very feminine shoes. “Well, I’m ready but I’ve never been hunting before. Do we have to shoot something?”
“I think this is Scotland’s version of a Snipe Hunt.” Patsy grumbles. “But I do look good in this camouflage stuff.”

Lyn eyes Sharon’s attire. “Are you hunting Haggis or men?”

Cathie joins the group. She is dressed in traditional Highland clothes. “Wild Haggis is claimed to be the source of haggis, a traditional Scottish dish and we do need one for tonight’s feast. Be on the lookout for this wily creature.  The Haggis hides in the shrubs but it's partial to chocolates. It scrambles up and down the hillsides, but is always careful not to disturb Nessie.”

Loch Ness
Nervous, the women gaze at Loch Ness.

“Do you think we’ll see Nessie?” Patsy flexes her massive arms.

“I’ve got my camera!” Sharon pulls out a pink Nikon.

Article on the wild hairless haggis

Lyn grabs a book from her backpack. “I’ve been doing some research. The Wild Haggis's left and right legs are of different lengths allowing it to run quickly around the steep mountains and hillsides but only in one direction. There are two varieties, but I think we want the longer left legged Haggis. This said it’s better tasting. The two varieties coexist peacefully but are unable to interbreed in the wild because in order for the male of one variety to mate with a female of the other, he must turn to face in the same direction as his intended mate, causing him to lose his balance before he can mount her.”

Sharon gingerly picks up a crossbow attached to a large net. “Sounds like a bunch of hoo-ha to me!”

Lyn reaches into her pack again and pulls out a box of chocolates. “If it likes chocolates, I’m ready!”

A long, mournful wail echoes across the Loch!

“That’s it!” Cathie waves her arms. “The mating cry of the Wild Haggis!”

“Mating cry?”  Lyn’s brows arch.

Another long, drawn out wail!

“That way!”  Cathie takes off at a good clip.  The four other women charge behind.

The hillsides come alive with these strange creatures, running in circles around and around.  Sharon aims the crossbow and shoots.  The net flies through the air, capturing a Wild Haggis beneath it.

“I got it!” she screams.

Mary jumps astride the Wild Haggis, riding it like a bull in a cowboy bar.  “Wahoooo!”

The other women grab the net and force the Wild Haggis to ground.

“We did it!” Lyn wipes her brow. “Now to get it in the jeep!”

With much panting and groaning, the women get the animal in the jeep and head towards a medieval Scottish tower.  The Feast of Haggis is already in full swing.

Oliver opens the door. “Welcome ladies. I see you succeeded.”

“You…you mean we’re going to eat this thing!” Sharon’s eyes water.

Wild hairy haggis
            Cathie laughs. “No, ladies!  Our little friend here is our guest of honor.”

Servers scurry around, serving a starter, made up of smoked salmon and mackerel, with oatcakes. Smelling the food, the animals fly from the jeep!







Haggis, neeps, and tatties line the long tables. The already prepared haggis is presented on a silver plate, then carefully cut. Other dishes include wild boar and venison, with vegetable & tattie stew.

In the corner is a dessert table, the central of which is a Cranachan, made up of crushed oats, raspberries and whipped cream.

“Isn’t Haggis made from the innards of sheep including the heart, lungs, and liver?” Patsy shudders. “I can’t eat that!”

Oliver waves them in. “How about a little something to warm you up?  Have a wee dram or two before the main course, such as a Talisker or Laphroaig - the peaty ones. A few Scottish cask ales will follow for the main meal and then a sweet heather liqueur with  dessert. That should take the chill from your bones.” He winks.

“Well, I’m all for that.”  Mary grabs a cup and heads for the alcohol

“Me too,” Lyn chimes in.

“Make that three!”  Sharon totters forward on her spiky heels.

“I say four!” Patsy races to join them.

Cathie claps her hands with glee! “The Feast of Haggis! What could be better?”

(No haggises were harmed in the making of this Roast!)




Blurb:

Betrayed by her brother’s lies, Catriona MacKenzie is banished from her Edinburgh home to her godmother’s remote manor in the Highlands. While her father ponders her fate, Catriona’s insatiable curiosity leads her straight into trouble--and into the arms of a notorious Highlander.
Five years after an ill-fated Jacobite rebellion, Rory Cameron works as a smuggler to raise money for the cause--until Catriona uncovers a plot against him and exposes his activities. Now Rory is faced with a decision that could save their lives or destroy them both.


Excerpt:

Maybe she should run away.

Catriona didn’t trust Rory. Not now, after what happened in the cave. His sudden quiet, friendly manner scared her more than the anger he controlled but moments earlier. She was certain he’d fired the shots. Looking down, she saw his hands bore faint traces of gunpowder. Yet here he was, soothing her with whispered words, stroking her grimy hands. He pulled another cobweb from her hair and shook it off.


“Catriona,” he paused, softly wiping her tears away with his thumb. “Cat, why don’t you go upstairs and clean yourself up? When you’ve rested, this all will seem like a dream. I’m not angry with you. Don’t worry.” The smile never left his face, yet it reminded her of a cat, patiently waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting mouse. It did not reach his eyes. 
Her body continued to shake, and his thumb still caressed her cheek, trailing along her chin, tracing an imaginary line down her neck.

Catriona hardly dared breathe, the hairs at the back of her neck rose with every inch he covered. His gaze rested on her mouth. Her mouth went dry under his scrutiny. Nervously, she wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. The corners of his lips twitched, and for an instant she thought he was going to kiss her. Then he took a step back and released her.
“Until dinner, mo chridhe.” He bowed and pointed at the library door. She was free to go. Still trembling, she fumbled with the key in the lock. Darned thing! She cursed herself for locking the door. Before she knew it he was behind her, his arms circling her waist, warm fingers strong on hers as they turned the key together. His breath hot on her neck, her heart skipped a beat.

Catriona jerked away from his hands and glared at him over her shoulder. As she opened the door, he stepped back, holding his hands up, the smile of a fox still on his face.

“Until later,” he repeated.

Now she knew how a rabbit caught in a trap felt. Without uttering a word, she ran upstairs, locked herself into her room, and collapsed against the door. What had she done? Surely now he’d have to silence her. 







I live in beautiful Edinburgh with my hubby and two eccentric cats (aren’t they all?), and write historical fiction and romantic mystery. My writing doesn’t fit into a specific box. Tricky, but it makes it all the more fascinating. I have just joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association and I’m also a member of the Historical Novel Society.
In July 2010, The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract for Highland Arms, my 1720s romantic mystery about a Highland rogue on the brink of starting a rebellion, and a Lowland lady desperate to escape the clutches of her scheming brother. On 20th July 2011, I have seen my completed novel published. Hugely exciting!
Cathie Dunn 
Historical Fiction & Romantic Mystery


Web: www.cathiedunn.com
Twitter: @cathiedunn



Tame hairy haggises can be found in a variety of colors .
They tuck their legs beneath them when at rest



***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Cathie'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.

73 comments:

  1. Welcome to your party, Cathie! Who knew hunting down that haggis would be so generous. About that drink, Oliver. Hugs, sisters.

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  2. OOPS see what happens before my coffee. I meant so strenuous not generous. LOL I still want that drink, Oliver. That's it, pour the Bailey's in my coffee.

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  3. Hello, fellow Wild Haggis hunters. I see we're well into our drams already. ~hic~

    A dash of Baileys in your coffee should help, Sharon. I'll join you there. As a warm up drink, of course, after the strenuous scramble around Loch Ness. I've enjoyed the views, though.

    Oooh, doesn't Oliver look dashing in a kilt! He should be careful not to let the Wild Haggis peek underneath it. The beastie can be quite mischievous...

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  4. Pass the Baileys ladies. I've never heard of a Haggis, but Snipe hunts? Oh, yeah!

    This sounds like a wonderful book Cathie. Congrats on the sale and holding your baby!

    cmselfridge@gmail.com

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  5. See, the Haggis is so rare, nobody knows of it, Calisa. Have an oatcake!

    This bottle of Baileys is empty already. I've sent Oliver off to get another. Who needs coffee when there's Baileys to be had...

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  6. I've never seen a wild haggis, but I have seen one tinned! I think it was labeled as Can O' Haggis {tourists will buy anything} ;-)

    Read Highland Arms. Fabulous read. You restored my faith in Scottish romances!

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  7. LOL! What on earth are you all up to now?? Happy hunting, ladies!

    Have a fun party, Cathie - Highland Arms is a fab read and I still think about Rory (the hero) on a daily basis. Obviously not as often as I do Oliver, of course...

    Rachel x

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  8. Good Morning Ladies! My oh my, the party is in full swing. I'm still sweaty from the Haggis Hunt but it was exciting. (Got my camouflages dirty.) Long ago when I was young, I read Bride of the McHugh. I've been hooked on these sort of stories since and your book Cathie sounds wonderful. Good to see all the partygoers here already.

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  9. I'm still wondering about the ages old question -what do men wear under kilts? Oh Oliver . . . . . .

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  10. Oh, Scarlett, the tinned haggis is a fake! If you look carefully, you might just spot a wee, hairy beastie hiding under the table. They're forever looking for scraps.

    Now where's that praline I just put on my plate?? ~looks under table~ Uh oh!!

    I need a top up, dear Oliver! Would you like me to adjust that kilt for you??

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  11. Rachel, don't you agree Oliver would make a dashing Rory with his brooding good looks?

    Here, have a glass of heather liqueur! It'll help you breathe...

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  12. The advantage of camouflage is that it hides all dirt. So nae worries, Patsy. You're blending in nicely.

    Have you tried the Cranachan yet? Paradise for any girl with a sweet tooth! As is a handsome man in a kilt...

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  13. Waves to Cathie, Patsy, Rachel, Scarlett and Calisa, such a grand party. That handsome Highlander showed me the beautiful countryside, even tucked in a little nap. Wink

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  14. Pant, Pant. Sorry to be late ladies, I just stopped to show the the haggis that pretty Highland Pony by the gate.

    Hello dear roast-host-sisters and welcome to your party Cathie, your book sounds fantastic! Who doesn't like a good Scottish Romance! Hi Rachel, Scarlett and Carlissa. *Waves*
    Mmm Oliver, some of that Cranachan would be lovely, thank you, you dear man.

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  15. Ladies ladies, plenty of heather and Bailey's to go around. Cathie love, my heart be still, such a pretty lass. But all this beauty in one place staggers me. Rachel, Scarlett and Calisa and of course the hostesses is a bit much for a man in a kilt.

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  16. Oh, Oliver, see what you've done! I'm all a-blushing...

    Those Highland ponies make lovely hunting companions - less scrambling around on my tired legs. Now, that Rory from Highland Arms is used to hiking across rugged mountains. He wouldn't tire so easily with all that fresh air...

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  17. I'd really like to know what a neep is. What a hilarious roast, Cathie! The book sounds wonderful and your excerpt is very enticing!

    suzannegrogers@gmail.com

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  18. Thank you for joining us, Suzanne. I hope the Highland breeze didn't knock you over.

    Neeps is a much nicer name for turnips. Now, turnip wouldn't make me eat it. Neeps sounds much more tempting, especially when pronounced with Oliver's low Highland burr.

    Here's a wee dram for you. Slainte mhath!

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  19. You flatter me, Cathie love. Kisses her hand. Ah, turns to Suzanne and smiles. Another beauty, welcome.

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  20. I will have to try the Cranachan! Looks absolutely delicious! And Oliver, you look so handsome! Let's go walking on the heather on the hills!

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  21. Mary walks up to the girls carrying a Haggis in her hands. More like cuddling.
    You guys were gonna shoot one of these things. OH My goodness! I think I'm taking it home for a pet. Nibby likes it. Nibby stares at the little creature and her turn red. She would love to chase it and taste it.
    Mary ignores Nibby and puts the little creature in her bra to protect it from anyone who might want to cook it.
    I thought it was a joke I didn't know they were real. Soo cute. It looks up at her with adoring eyes. Oh Cathie don't you want one too?
    Oh Hi all! Mary notices Calisa and all the others who came over to Scotland to celebrate with Cathie.
    Everyone is dressed so oddly...

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  22. Thank you, Patsy love. Mary, dear, me thinks that not your best idea, lass, nestling the bugger in your bossom. They have sharp teeth.

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  23. No, it's so cute. AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
    Mary frantically tries to pull the creature from her bra as it starts to take a bite. OOOOWWWW! Finally it jumps out and all the animals chase it into the distance. Luckily it only nipped at my girls! Whew! It looked like a gerbil or something. How could something so cute be so nasty! Hear that? Little tiny giggles as the creature heads for the hills. Hmmm.

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  24. Sounds like the beastie had a nice treat, Mary! My, I wouldn't have dared.

    Here, have a glass of heather liqueur to calm your nerves. Wonder if Patsy left some Cranachan for us.

    I must say the camouflage dress code comes in handy. Just sit in the heather and watch the beasties emerge. There's one. Aww, look at its little beady eyes!

    ~waves to the others to join her~

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  25. Yes, you're braver than I am Mary - although I'd've had to have had one each side or it would have been too noticeabe, *sigh* I'm not as well endowed as I might be"!

    Love these Highland ponies!

    Has anyone looked at the loch lately, I'm sure I saw something large moving across it!

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  26. I put him in the middle or else it could have been much worse.
    I thought they were cute, I had no clue they were so vicious! Little rats anyways. They ought to be cooked.
    Mary eyes the water as Lyn points to the Loch. Lyn isn't that just a wave? Or is it??? Odd, what's that noise? Look the water is boiling out there!!!

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  27. Should have let me have it! Having something in my bra would be nice for change! Oooo I see the little critter's head peeking up. The big ones aren't nearly as cute. The one we caught this morning was a real beastie!

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  28. It bites, Well maybe that would make them swell, I don't know. All I know it those darn guinea pigs smell too!
    Here, Mary hands two pairs of socks to Patsy. Thy this it might help, stuff your bra with these. One on each side. Ahem.
    and can you open my bottle of Mead please.You are so strong!!!

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  29. Mead, mead? Lyn stops thinking about Nessie and the cute little haggises and grabs a glass.

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  30. Lol, you'd take a nip out of someone if you thought you might end up on a plate surrounded by neeps and tatties! :)

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  31. Mead sounds perfect after all that venison and cranachan. Goes straight to the head...

    Careful what you pop into your bras, ladies. There might be a baby Haggis hiding in those woolly socks.

    Oh, look! A head pops through the surface of the water. Is it...? Is it...?

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  32. HOLY MOLEY! What the heck is that! Lyn get outta the water. What are you doing?? Sharon, Oliver, she's gonna get eaten!! Cathie, throw her a rope? Where's my taser? I'll save her. But I'd have to get wet... Hmmm and my new hunting outfit might shrink or something. Oliver help!

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  33. Here we go ladies, a nice jug of mead then.

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  34. Hoots, maun - whit a guid party! Hope the puir wee haggis got a shifty on. All the best with Highland Arms, Cathie!

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  35. Waves to Rosemary. Motions to all to the cliffs where Nessie is rising from the ... oh my who knew

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  36. Did you see that? Never!!!

    I need mead. Oliver, please?? And while you're at it, make sure dear Rosemary has some, too.

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  37. You know I think this mead must be more potent than usual! I only had a glass, and was paddling in the loch and I coulda sworn I saw some kind of sea creature pop its head up. Must be seeing things!

    *Waves to to Rosemary* Hi Rosemary.

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  38. I don't believe it. In all the times we've look for Nesssi to rear its head, all it needed for bait was mead. Shiver me timbers, a true legend indeed. Look out, it smells the mead, run lassies, run

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  39. It wasn't the mead it was Lyn look it's after her!!! I'll save you Lyn Mary chases into the water and starts to flounder, then she remembers her hooters float! She paddles to Lyn, who is being chased by something just under the water. It has a big head we know that much. Hand on Lyn!

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  40. What is that big thing out there in the water???? It looks like...could it be....Nessie!!!! ARRGGGGGGG swim for your life Lyn. He's big enough he could eat you alive. I'll go for help - to America!!!! Be back with the Calvary!

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  41. Got the beast, oooh what was that Eagle's song. Sharon sings, you can stab it with your steely knives and forks but you just can't kill the beast!

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  42. Hi Cathie - and hello fabulous roast & toast ladies!

    Just saw your tweet Cathie - and thank goodness I did or I might have missed your wonderful Haggis Hunt - and there is nothing more cunning than a Haggis on the hills in my opinion!

    Huge congrats on the book. I too am a member of the RNA and I too live in Scotland - so I hope one day we can catch up with one another.

    Kindest regards (and do give my love to Oliver xxx)

    Janice xx

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  43. Janice, just in time. Grab a glass of mead and help us lasso the Nessie

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  44. Hi Janice! Lyn waves weakly, as she swims for her life. I'm in the RNA too, so you never know. Quick with that rope girls, he's a-catching up with me!

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  45. Enjoyed the 'Wild Haggis' story. Would love to win. We need to start the whiskey tasting soon.
    Patricia
    panthers.ravens@yahoo.com

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  46. Janice, fab to see you here. I see you know the Haggis well. We can really do with an expert hunter here, especially one from the RNA! Cheers!

    Quick, quick, we have to distract Nessie. Where's that barrel of mead? Roll it into the water, Oliver! Yes, it's floating towards the beast. The head's turning. It's sniffing the air. Yayyy, it moves away!

    ~throws Lyn a life ring~

    So glad Oliver lit a fire in the tower house. You'll be dry in no time. Hot toddy, anyone?

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  47. Thank you, Patricia! Fab of you to join us.

    So glad you're enjoying the hunt. Now for the feasting - here, have a dram. Which do you fancy first, a peaty Talisker or a light Glenfiddich? Me, I'm all for a bit of smoky peat.

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  48. Row, row, row, your boat. Ahhh!
    He has Lyn by the feet. Oh my God, it couldn't have picked a better place. Those boats make a good bite!
    Wait Lyn I won't let him bite off your toes! Mary floating by way of her hooters, jumps onto Nessie's back and starts jumping. That not working she catches the spear Sharon thew her. This things hide is tough as....eeerrrrr! I can't do it wait!!! The stun gun. Mary takes her gift from Oliver and sets the thing on high. Hold on Lyn, Mary zaps not realizing they all would get the effect. Flapping around on top of Nessie, Mary realizes that Nessie let go of Sharon. Mary pulls her up on top. Nessie begins to swim madly with both of them on top. HHHHEELLLPPP!!!

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  49. OOOH how do we get aNessie to go under for another decade! The stun gun won't work, Lyn's toes show no appeal, not Patsys strong arms nor my bubble butt. Only one thing left to try. Mary, offer up your hooters

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  50. Not again, there has to be another way. Oh, shoot, here's one Sharon, do your best!

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  51. I'm swimming as hard as I can "she pants* Hampy! Hampy? Hampy? WHERE ARE YOU! We need you. OMG - I think Nessie ate Hampy! WAAAAAHHHHHHH! Now's our chance to escape! Oh no! Not a big enough meal *she sinks into the dark water*

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  52. Congratulations on your novel, Cathie--it sounds wonderful! I'm glad "no haggises were harmed" in the creating of this sumptuous feast and I hardly know where to begin--everything looks simply scrumptious. I'm still waiting for the bagpipes--I hope I didn't miss them! Thanks so much for inviting me and I look forward to reading your novel!

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  53. Thank you so much, Sandra. Lovely of you to join us. Will you try this heather liqueur? Not sure where that piper has gone. He stood at the top of the tower earlier. The sound made the Haggises scurry!

    Now, now, what are you ladies still doing in the water? Shall we call the Navy?

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  54. I'll save you Patsy!!! Mary swims to Patsy, hold on girl! Mary grabs Patsy and pulls her up outta the deep! Here hold on to me my hooters will save us! Hampy, Hampy, Nibby swims out and on her back she carries an almost drowned Hampy to shore. Mary flounders, I got you Lyn, she pulls Lyn from Nessie by her foot and she swims up and gasps for breath. Help! Mary holds a floundering Lyn in one arm and Patsy in the other.
    Oliver's voice next to them is a lighthouse in the dark Ocean.
    Stand up ladies, the water is not even to your waists. Mary sputters and stands. Well we were drowning and where were you? Sharon sits, in a big comfy chair watching the whole thing and chuckles. What a show. Nice ride Lyn.
    Mary looks at Patsy, and Lyn and mumbles, I say she gets wet too!

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  55. Oh look, a little Haggis laughing at us. I'm gonna go take a nap...Saving lives is strenuous!

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  56. My eyes are fluttering shut. Too much yummy food and potent drink. Definitely too much fresh air and excitement!

    Just propping my feet up here for a minute or five... let the Haggises watch!

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  57. Hi Cathie,
    Great interview. I love Scottish historicals. I have visited Scotland twice, love to come again, but from Australia it is a long and expensive trip.
    My favourite place was the Highlands, the heather was out the first time we visited, it was beautiful. The Highlands have such a blood stained history, it just adds to the aura.

    Regards

    Margaret

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  58. Hello Margaret, lovely you made it here! ~waves from her comfy chaise longue by the fire~

    I love it when the heather blooms in the Highlands. Yes, the history just adds to the atmosphere. My favourite place is Glencoe. I think it's still haunted, so bleak and foreboding.

    Help yourself to the leftovers. :-)

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  59. Cathie, mind if I snooze in the lounge chair next to you. Sharon is off drying from getting thrown in the water. Patsy from almost drowning and Lyn from her fight with the beast.
    I need to rest a bit. Being heroic is tiring!

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  60. How about one last excerpt for us Cathie? One for the road??

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  61. Oh, please do join me, Mary. It's so cosy by the fire. You'll snooze in no time.

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  62. As you clearly need someone to invade your dreams, Mary, here's a wee taster of Rory, sorry, Highland Arms...

    Intrigued, any thought of detection forgotten, Catriona let her gaze drift over him, taking in his worn kilt and plaid. The light-brown linen shirt gaped open at the neck, revealing a soft sprinkling of hair on bronzed skin; his sleeves rolled up over strong, muscled arms. His bearings put him above the other men in status but his body proved him to be a man of the out-of-doors. ...

    Catriona’s mind whirled as she let her gaze wander further across his ruggedly handsome features. His open face with strong cheekbones and wide-set eyes spoke of power, a forceful character. Dark blond hair, glowing in the light of the tallow candles, was tied back at the nape of his neck. Most certainly he was not a drover. But why was he sharing their whisky?

    Sweet dreams, ladies!

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  63. Thanks, I'm exhausted, all that life saving you know...
    Please one more time! One last excerpt and then we'll see you tomorrow???

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  64. Thanks love it!!!!He sounds like my type of hero!
    Great day everyone and a better evening. I'm gonna dream really well tonite! Until tomorrow!

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  65. Oh, he's most definitely my type of hero. Well, apart from dear Oliver, of course. Sweet dreams, Mary.

    Thank you all for joining the hunt and feast. See you for a full Scottish breakfast in the morning!

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  66. In the morning?!? I'm so hungry from all that swimming, I could eat 12 Wild Haggis! It was a great party, Cathie!

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  67. The sun casts golden shadows across the loch and in the medieval tower the sound of soft snoring gently rises and drifts upon the breeze as the hostesse dream of monsters and haggises and tall, brooding men in kilts.

    Lyn's eyes flutter open and she smiles dreamily.

    Nibbie, Cuddles and Hampy lie curled up together with - how many hairy wild haggises? Cathie is already up and about and sitting by the window,gazing across at the loch.

    Oh Cathie, that Rory of yours is such a hunk. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful excerpts and for being such a fantastic guest.
    Like you, I love Glencoe and Loch Ness, but I don't think I'll go in the water again - ever!

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  68. Sharon rises, her hair still damp from the little tuggle with Nessie. She moves a little closer to the blazing fire. But upon smelling the wonderful scents wafting from the kitchen, she follows her twitching nose.
    Cup of coffee in hand, pinky daintily extended just for you Patsy, Sharon toasts Cathie. To an amazing guest and a fabulous book. Here here. Let's eat!

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  69. Good morning, ladies. ~pours herself a coffee~ Hope you'll enjoy the full Scottish breakfast after all those exertions...

    I had an absolute blast. The hunt, the feast, the watching Haggises - it was fab!

    So now, only one thing is left to do. A copy of Highland Arms makes its way through the airwaves to ...

    ... Suzanne Rogers!

    Many congrats, Suzanne! I hope you'll enjoy! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Ladies ladies, a full Scottish breakfast is served with a wink and a smile. Scones, fresh berries and cream, peaches chantilly, blueberry pancakes and whipped butter, fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon and smoked sausage, coffee and tea. A heaping platter for you, Cathie my pretty, enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Pass me a scone and then group hug! Love to everyone, and have a great weekend. Good luck and many sales Cathie!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Yes - group hug folks!

    Congratulations Suzanne,
    sounds like you're in for a great read.

    Cathie, you were such a fun guest to have and thanks for the great excerpts. wishing you mega sales.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thank you so much for having me here, ladies. I really enjoyed the fun.

    Thanks for the good wishes. I hope to return one day...

    Cathie x

    ReplyDelete

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