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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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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Our own hostesses Mary Ricksen's 'Burned into time' and Mac Crowne's 'The Billionnaire's Con'

We're doing things a little differently this week.
  Our hostesses Mary and Mac, both have new releases, so Mary decided to take us all for a trip to New York to celebrate, and so, because it's Thanksgiving this weekend, we're partying on Wednesday this week instead of our usual Friday Roast - but we'll be open for comments for the rest of the week. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and we hope you enjoy our Release Party for Mary and Mac

 “Come on ladies, you are so slow, I want to get to the top so you can see. Hurray up Mac, thank goodness Patsy reminded you to come. No, I am not insinuating you’re addlepated, just a bit, well, forgetful. You did remember to wear clothes?” 

Mary chuckles and ducks at Mac’s swing. “ I know there are a lot of steps, but it’s amazing up there.” Mary urges the hostesses to climb the many stairs of the Statue of Liberty, in New York harbor. “Luckily it’s clear today. We should be able to see for miles. “I still don’t have a clue why we’re here. 

“What has this statue got to do with your book?” Lyn points out. Huffing and puffing, the girls make their way up to the head of the huge gift from France. 

“Well, my story involves immigrants and their families. They are the ones who made our country what it is today. Besides, it’s cool up here.” Mary leads her buddies up to the crown on the top of the huge figurine. “Now just look at that.” 

 “It’s downright fantastic.” Patsy flexes her Popeye, biceps and grins. “It’s… it’s, unbelievable.” Lyn exclaims. “This thing is huge.”  The girls lock arms as they view the water and the tons of boats coming and going. 

“Yup, all but one of my grandparents came over and this was the first sight they saw. My Polish grandmother told me she felt awe and a thrill came over her. After the long, trying, voyage on a ship where she felt so scared and lost. The sight of the golden torch thrilled her. She knew that her life would change, and hoped they would have more food then they’d had for a long time. She hoped she wouldn’t have to wait on any more lines for two day old bread. Her parents promised her a better life and they’d taken the ultimate step. They left Poland because things were awful them, to find opportunity, and the hope and excitement she felt gave her a thrill.” Mary sighs “Gosh, I miss her. She loved me unconditionally. And she was the one person who always did.” 

“Anyhow, think about all the people who came here. They read the welcome, they felt the patriotism, and they were finally home.” Mary points to the Empire State Building. “People came here to find what they didn’t have elsewhere.”  

 Lyn scans the view all around her. “Can we go to the park? I hear there are horses and we can take a carriage to see parts of the city.” 

“Sure, and then we can try the cool stuff they sell at those cart things. From hot dogs, gyros, and roasted chestnuts, to sweet Italian Ices, they got it all,” Patsy smiles.
 
“I want to see the museums and the art galleries, and oh, oh…pizza! Nobody makes it better than New Yorkers.” Mac smiles, and starts to drool. 

“Mmmmmm. I’d like a garbage pie!”

“Not me,” Lyn grimaces. “I’m not eatin’ no garbage pie.” 

“It’s not made of garbage Lyn, “Mary chuckles. “It just has everything on it. I’ll tell them no anchovies for you.” Lyn twirls a lock of red curls between her fingers. “I still don’t get why we’re here.” 

“I think I know.” Patsy grins and points to her head. “Just use your noddle. It’s because the Hero is from Scotland.” 

“AAHHHHH,” they all get it now.

Then Mac spots the cake Oliver's baked for them with her cover on it, along with Mary. "Oh look,I'd almost forgotten my book came out this week as well!"

The hostesses shake their heads and grin. “I’m just glad that I had relatives who took a chance and came here.” Mary goes on, and gathers her friends in a group hug. 

“Makes me homesick for Wales,” Lyn sighs. “I’m gonna take you all there so you can get the feel of the place. But, I won’t soon forget this experience. We live in a wonderful world. Now if we can get the men to stop with the war stuff, we’d have a perfect place for all of us to live in.” 

So, we dedicate this post to the whole world. To freedom!  And a little bit of romance, no matter when or where it happens. You just never know! 


Congratulations on your new releases, Mary and Mac


BURNED INTO TIME

A horrific car accident, a Celtic ring and destiny, send a young woman on a journey to the past. In a desperate search for her lost sister, she follows the instructions left her in a bank vault from a hundred years ago.

Little did she know the ring would save her life and change it in ways she could never imagine. Does she have the strength to live through her nightmare and find her destiny?
Can she face her sister now that things have changed so drastically? Only time will tell…






THE BILLIONAIRE'S CON

Meggy Calhoun has too much on her plate to explore the shocking revelations in her birth mother’s letter. The success of Boston’s hottest new restaurant rests squarely on her shoulders, and her fascination with her hunky new tenant promises to take up all of her free time.
Trevor Bryce Christos would do anything to protect the woman who raised him; including seducing a beautiful con artist disguised as a chef, and bent on cashing in on his family’s wealth.
Under the microscope of small town interest, Meggy’s and Trevor’s opposing agendas soon have the townsfolk choosing sides, and betting on who will be the first to surrender the field, and their heart

 Available at:http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/p/ebook-store.html

and Amazon



***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Mary's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
 
Mac is also holding a contest with a copy of her book and a Gift Cert as prizes - visit her blog BEFORE 5 PM, 21ST NOVEMBER to enter:
http://mackenziecrowne.com/wp/release-day-open-house-multiple-book-and-10-amazon-gc-giveaway/ 

15 comments:

  1. Good morning all.

    Gosh, a trifecta of pleasure. A new release, one of my favorite cities, AND time with three awesome chickies. It just doesn't get better than that!

    Bells and whistles congrats on Burned Into Time, Mary. The blurb gave me chills. It sounds like an incredible adventure!

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  2. Hi Mac

    It's my first visit to New York, what an amazing city!

    I've read Mary's book and it's a fantastic story. Congratulations on the release of 'The Billionaire's Con'. Can't wait to read it, sounds like a brilliant read too!

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  3. Looking forward to reading your new book Mac! Good luck and thanks Lyn!
    Have a great Thanksgiving!!

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  4. Hey Ladies, the food looks terrific and congratulations on the releases! WAHOOOOO!

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  5. I could really go some garbage pie now. Never heard of it before, but YUM!!

    Amazing stories.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  6. What an inspiring post - I was gripped with the excitement of seeing The Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline through the eyes of those arriving in America to start a new life - all those hopes and dreams and possibilities!

    Congratulations Ladies on your book launches and wishing you a great roasting of success!

    Janice xx

    PS. I was delighted to win last weeks's draw for Paula Martins new release 'Her Only Option' and can't wait to read it. xx

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  7. Congratulations Mary and Mac! *waves to Patsy* hello sister hostess!

    Hi Mary and Janice, thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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  8. Well darn it I missed the party. Should of read the email better. Had turkey dinner on the brain. LOL Both of your books sound wonderful. Look at all the wonderful I missed too.
    Sue B

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  9. Hi Sue - you haven't actually missed the party, we're keeping it going until Sunday being as it's Thanksgiving weekend, and as you see there's masses of food if you're not too full of turkey!

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  10. LOL I am always hungry. I would love to see both New York and Wales. I have so many places I would love to see.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Oh me too - I'd love to see the Grand Canyon and the pyramids!

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  12. This New Yorker was impressed by the virtual tour of NYC! This blog is one of my favorites to visit.

    Burned Into Time hooked me from the start. I hope I win a copy if not I'll just have to buy one to make good and sure my TBR list remains impossibly long to get through.

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  13. Thanks for all the comments. I love NY!

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  14. Hi Howard, thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments.Glad you enjoyed our virtual tour!

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  15. Hi Howard, thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments.Glad you enjoyed our virtual tour!

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