Inside the tent the scent of lobster rolls, clam chowder, roast venison, and Biscuits, among the delicious foods. And to top it off there are the, known for their melt in your mouth, Jordon Pond House Popovers, which are impossible to ignore.
More than one nose twitches at the sight of Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream.
People are building fires close to the shore. Glasses clink as guest sip fizzy Champagne from cups. There is singing as a bunch of people surround a lone guitar player under a large awning. Children rest beside their parent, tired and ready to eat.
A few brave souls swim and play by the Ocean Frisbee with their dogs.
“Now where are they?” Exasperated, Lyn looks at the row of tents and stands stiff in her new jeans and flannel shirt and yells. “What’s taking so long ladies?” Then she mumbles, “Darn I wish I’d had a broken in pair of jeans, I wasn’t expecting a fall gathering.”
Mary pokes her head out from her tent and walks to Lyn. “I was lucky I found these, they were in my luggage and I don’t know how they got there. But, I love this top. It’s sooo, sooo, flannel like.
“It is flannel. That might be why.” Lyn chuckles and they both turn to see a bewildered Mac wave to them.
“I haven’t worn flannel pajamas in years. Why are we doing this?” Mac walks out of her tent on the beach.
Lyn and Mary both look at each other and crack up laughing.
Patsy strides up behind Mac and grins as she looks at Mac’s apparel. “I had to wear flannel pants and this shirt. My comfy, well worn in, jeans, are missing. I could swear I threw them in my suitcase.
Mary hides in back of Lyn. “You sure you threw them in your suitcase?” She mumbles.
Patsy looks at Mary closely. “Glad you couldn’t wear my shirt. You’d pop all the buttons with those massive lungs of yours.”
“Yeah, well, if you wore my shirt, you’d pop the sleeves with those Popeye muscles.” Mary shoots back.
“Lungs?” Mac questions.
“Never mind.” Lyn pats Mac on her back, then trips over her large bare feet as she turns to head toward the gathering on the beach by the huge food and drink tent.
“I need a drink! What are they serving?” Patsy asks.
“Champagne!” Mac squeals. “Better keep Mary away, you know she likes the bubbly and I heard Oliver is serving Hot Maine Mudslides for desert. You should see how he looks in flannel.
“Ah, look, here comes Stephanie Keyes, our roastee!” Lyn yells. “Come on let’s introduce her to the crowd. There are some famous people here today. They are here to get a signed copy and to celebrate to Stephanie’s success. And look, she is carrying a bag of copies of her new book, The Fallen Stars.
“No you are not eligible for the free ebook copy Lyn. You have to let a commenter win. So don’t get any ideas.”
“I already bought mine.” Mac smiles.
Patsy grabs her by the arm and they all head to party central.
“I’m getting in line to buy one right my copy right now.” Mary tells them.
“So let’s all welcome Stephanie to her celebration party and well, let’s, party on!!!”
Blurb
When all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision.
Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted.
Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart.
In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?
Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted.
Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart.
In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?
Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she's still doing the same thing, except now she gets to share those ideas with readers!
When she's not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.
Mrs. Keyes holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University and a M.Ed. from Duquesne University. She is a member of the Society For Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), as well as a featured author in the global group of writers, Love a Happy Ending.com.
Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher.
When she's not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.
Mrs. Keyes holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University and a M.Ed. from Duquesne University. She is a member of the Society For Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), as well as a featured author in the global group of writers, Love a Happy Ending.com.
Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher.
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Stephanie'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.
Thank you for this totally awesome party. It's nice to be back in Maine. Plus, I don't have the rented, mini-van, the kids, and my mother, like last summer's research trip. Wait a minute...is Oliver drinking a batch of mudslides? He'd better be leaving some for me!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like your roast, great to have you here, and 'The Fallen Stars' sounds like a wonderful book!
Good Job Oliver always arrnages far more refreshments than we need - he has to taste them to make sure they're up to standard you see! LOL!
Ha! Thank you so much. I'm glad the book sounds good. Ha! Go Oliver!
DeleteHi Stephanie, what fun, love the excerpt from your book!Lets
ReplyDeletesit here by the fire, sipping mudslides and wait until the other guests and my sister hostesses arrive.
Thanks so much! I love that idea. These mudslides are divine. Oliver really knows his way around a bar.
DeleteMorning Ladies! I love it here! What a great party. These clothes are so me! Flannel at heart. Love the cover and the blurb Stephanie. Much luck with sales. I'm off to try some blueberry ice cream. Oh Yum!
ReplyDeleteThanks do much, PL! I dig the flannel, too. :) Aw. Thank you. Fingers crossed. :).
DeleteWelcome to your spectacular party Stephanie!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't stop eating the popovers!
They are the best I've ever had. So what's in a mudslide anyhow. Before I try it, ya know? Oliver makes the best drinks of all kinds. Must be those muscles he uses to shake the cocktails with.
Pass a lobster roll and let's party!!!
Those PJ's look comfy on Mac don't they??
Hi Mary! Here is today's mudslide recipe..
Delete1 stick (4 ounces) butter
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup cocoa nibs (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt6 cups brewed coffee
1 1/4 cups store-bought chocolate syrup
1 cup Irish cream liqueur, such as Bailey's
3/4 cup vodka
1 1/2 cups sweetened whipped cream
Yes! Oliver has been a star. Pun intended. :)
Hiya chickies!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I love me a good fantasy romance and The Fallen Stars sounds like a grand adventure. Fairies can be so unpredictable.
*stares down at her glass* Don't let me drink too many of these, girls. The last time I combined the Atlantic and mudslides I almost fell off a dock and my inlaws didn't speak to me for six months. And I think I may have been banned from returning to Cape Cod, but I can't be sure.
Thanks Mac!
DeleteAwesome! Yes, I know what you mean about faeries. Try planning a wedding with them. Then when you throw in gods and goddesses all bets are off.
Yeah, these things sneak up on you. My husband just asked me to stop singing. What a party pooper...
PS: Stephanie this is your day, no relatives to care for, it's all you girl!! So grab one of those drinks and dance! This is the celebration of your terrific book!
ReplyDeleteAnd all about just you!
Patsy, stop arm wrestling with that hot guy. Try charming him instead. LOL
Will do Mary! I just told the hubby it's my party and I'll sing if I want to! Wow that guy is pretty hot, Patsy.
DeleteSo that explains all the wanted posters eh Mac?
ReplyDeleteThey are made of pure mischief, Mary. Mocha trouble!
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, how many have I had already? Because I have no idea why I'm wearing pajamas. See, it's starting already. Pass me a couple of those lobster rolls, Patsy. I need to soak up some of the alcohol.
That's it. I want pajama's too. And an electric blanket. It's cold!
DeleteLOL No wanted posters, Mary. It was dark. They didn't get a good description. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL Stephanie. Sing away, babe. Next thing you know, you'll be tumbling off a dock.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone bring water wings? I failed swim class.
DeleteHi sisters *Lyn blows kisses*. Sorry I've been quiet for a bit - I was sussing out the talent, there are some nice hunky guys around if you need to keep warm, Steph, though I have to say these bonfires are cosy!
ReplyDeleteYou do look good in your PJs Mac - fancy you being on the 'wanted ' lists!
Pass me some blueberry icecream Mary, there's a love. Hey Patsy, I rather like flannel myself, it certainly suits you too. I'm wearing one of hubby's he has loads!
|I think I'm gonna have to get your book, Steph, it sounds just my sort of story. And thanks for the recipem, it looks great, the only problem with US recipes is sussing out the quantities but I'm sure I'll work it out - and I love Baileys almost as much as mead!
Hey Lyn!
DeleteYes, I'm digging the fires too! Awesome, I hope you enjoy. I do have hunky guys in my book! I know what you mean about conversions. They can be tricky. When in doubt add more alcohol. That always works.
LOL, that sounds like a great idea, Steph.
ReplyDeleteIs that you Lyn, dancing around the fires. At least she's dressed. So what else do you do at a Maine beach party. Where are the hot guys?
ReplyDeleteThe ingredients for that drink sound good to me. Wonder what it would be like without the coffee??
Mary, I think all of the hot guys are getting some pointers from Oliver. I'd be happy to try these without coffee! Wait a minute...is that a moose off in the woods?
ReplyDeleteNo Stephanie, that's Nibbie and the side kicks. Oh, dear Lord, Foster must have heard your story included fairies. *drops her voice to a whisper* He claims he's a fairie prince.
ReplyDeleteOh God, another Faerie prince? You can't throw a stone without hitting one. That explains all of the flashing lights and the floating tent.
ReplyDeleteLOL Who knew they were so common?
ReplyDeleteHey gals, I've been off with the fairies,! Naughty Cuddles and Foster, to be exact. They were getting up to all sorts of mischief.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Hampy and Nibbie decded to stay at home - uh-oh, think I spoke too soon!
Ha! You'll have to ask them for some magick fireworks or something. Put them to work!
DeleteAh, that's what's needed is it. Sonds like a great idea. Any chance of a short excerpt from your book, Steph?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Needed a laugh today. Love the cover on this book. It's stunning.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
ccmal(at)charter(dot)net
Hi Cheryl, thanks so much for stopping by to celebrate the release of Steph's book - feel free to stay and join the fun and partake of the virtual goodies. Glad we could make you smile.
ReplyDeleteThat cover is gorgeous isn't it!
Sorry I am late again. I am a day behind. LOL. What a pretty book cover. Sound like a wonderful story. I would love to be on a beach right now.
ReplyDeleteSue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Lyn!
ReplyDeleteJust got back from shoving some Lobster roll in my face. Y-U-M! Sure you can have an excerpt. How about this? Please note a made small modification to avoid spoilers. :)
“Kellen, when are you going to tell us what’s going on, dude?” Gabe’s whispered question startled me, as did his use of my full name. He always referred to me as K.
My entire left arm had lost feeling. I looked down to see Gabe gripping it, something that I hadn’t noticed before.
“It’s a really long story. How about I catch you up when we’re not about to be killed?”
A scowl centered on Gabe’s face. Clearly, he didn’t agree.
Dillion looked up then and came over to where we had taken cover. He looked me in the eye, which was easy for him to do as I was on my knees and he stood only about three feet tall. “Kellen, you must get out of here at once,” he said.
His voice grated with an unfamiliar raspiness, not the high-pitched voice that I had gotten used to. Further inspection of his features told me that he looked older than he had when we’d first met in Faerie. Much older.
Looking over the boulder, I watched Lugh and Brigid standing, their backs to one another, guarding the C.O.D., twin birds of prey. I sat back and looked at Dillion again. “What do they want with me? Revenge? They said that I had something in my possession. What?”
Dillion ignored my questions, sounding fierce as he enunciated every word. “You need to get out of here now.”
Shaking my head, I stared at him. “We can’t just leave. We’re getting married today…”
Dillion looked to Calienta, seeming to dismiss me after my lack of action. “Calienta, take them out of here now. Cana and her clan are restrained, and I have destroyed the barrier. You are free to go.”
Searching the sky, I could tell that the barrier had been removed. We could leave and could go anywhere that Calienta chose to take us. My attention turned back to Calienta in time to see her give a single nod.
Before I could react, we were sitting in a taxicab, driving through the Piccadilly Circus section of London.
Thanks Cheryl! So glad you could make it and get a much needed laugh. These guys are a hoot and Oliver looks AWESOME in flannel.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyn and Cheryl! So glad you love the cover. Najila Qamber is a mind reader at designing book covers. <3 her!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by katsrus! So glad you like sound of The Fallen Stars. I had a blast writing it. This is the only beach party I've ever been to, but it's the best!
ReplyDeleteJust got back from the woods, got lost and just found my way back. No hot guys there. Hey, look at Mac, she has guys trailing her,, and you can't blame it on the PJ's and Patsy, she's back to arm wrestling. I keep telling her not to win. But...
ReplyDeleteLyn any luck. Any guys left for me? Or am I stuck downing lobster rolls alone again. I told you I needed a minimizer. Nibbie, go, find me a bottle of that Champagne, I'm getting drunk. They wouldn't make me a Mudslide without the coffee. So.
Stephanie, there's nothing like the beach!! And in New England!!!
ReplyDeleteMary, I think you're cut off. ;) I totally agree though. Nothing like the beach!
ReplyDeleteHiccup, no more what? I think I'd better go lie down. That bottle was gud!!!Snore, see you tomorrow.ZZzzz
ReplyDeleteLoved that excerpt.
ReplyDeleteSue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Go lie down Mary. :) Thanks Sue!
ReplyDeleteThey're lobstermen, Mary. I charmed them into taking me out to ah, um...inspect their traps. *waggles her brows* We don't have lobsters in AZ, and I need connections to keep me in fresh crustations. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh geez, intriguing excerpt, Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteHiya Kat and Cheryl. Watch out for the mudslides. They bring out the inner mischief. :-)
Hi Mac,
ReplyDeleteI bet any lobsters are pretty dried out in Phoenix. They arrive with tiny water bottles begging for some shell moisturizer.
Thanks! Glad you liked the excerpt. I like a little sarcasm and drama mixed with my fantasy :)
Lol. MY Favorite Combination.
DeleteDamn Phone Updated, NOw Wants To Use Caps For Some Reason
Ha! Gotta love software updates - NOT.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the absence,folks - chasing hot guys up the beach - er,um I mean 'wretched time difference'.
ReplyDeleteLOL Mary the guys can't take their eyes off you. If I had curves like that I certainly wouldn't want a minimiser.
Hi Sue *Waves*
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome at our parties whenever you can make it! Enjoy the refreshments and the beach!
Wow! Steph, I just loved that excerpt, thanks for posting. I just wanted to go on reading!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the software, Mac.
Thanks so much Lyn! Glad you enjoyed!
DeleteYou girls (and Oliver) rock plaid.
ReplyDeleteNice party
Thanks Shelley! Yes. Oliver really makes a statement. ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, there I was, taking a quiet stroll on the beach in Maine, when I got a whiff of something roasting in the air! My goodness, it's that AWESOME Stephanie Keyes - one of my very favourite authors!The food smells good too. A drink...? Oh, thank you Oliver, I don't mind if I do. I'll raise my glass you all of you lovely ladies and to 'The Fallen Stars'
ReplyDeleteJanice xx
Good morning. Did everyone see the sunrise on the beach? Beautiful. Mmm do I smell coffee?
ReplyDeleteSue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks Janice Horton! You're a pretty awesome author yourself! Thanks for dropping by. Isn't Oliver fantastic?
ReplyDeleteKatsrus, there is ALWAYS coffee when I'm around. It's my lifesblood. The faeries made it.
ReplyDeleteHiu Janice, lovely to see you, thanks for dropping by, great to see you again.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Sue, and Steph. I'm glad the faeries have brewed you some coffee.
Me, I prefer the Chai Tea your lovely Sharon used to send me, Oliver. Oh thanks, you are a dear!
Well I might have known who it was causing such a rumpus on the beach. Honestly, some people, partying all night, stripping off flannel shirts all over the show. Disgusti... Oooh, I must say, I quite prefer Oliver out of his flannels. Haw, haw! Love it! Hi, girls! *waving* Hope you are having a blast. Could you pass me a lobster roll and a little Oli on the side, please. ;) xx
ReplyDeleteWell Sheryl you caught me. I admit to the partying, flannel stripping, disgusting things, (not too really), etc.someone had to liven the night up! Musta been the bubbly?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great party Stephanie you rock girl!!!
Sheryl this party is totally hopping. I just need some ibuprofen and I'm good to go. :)
ReplyDeleteSheryl this party is totally hopping. I just need some ibuprofen and I'm good to go. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mar, right back at ya! I think I just saw one of my characters from The Fallen Stars walk in. It's Gabriel Stewart. "Dude!" he says, "this party is hopping! Sweet!"
ReplyDeleteHi Sheryl! *Waves madly* how good to see yo, my friend. Oh dear, I think you've got Oliver undoing all the buttons on his shirt now, he'll do anything to please a lady! Dig in, help yourself to all the virtual food and drink, there's plenty here!
ReplyDeleteOh, look - who's that fantastic looking guy - oh, it's Stephanie's Gabriel - hi Gabe! :)
Gabe says "Hey Lyn! I'm totally stoked to be here."
ReplyDeleteOooh, be still my beating hearty - I think he smiled at me! It's wonderful to have you here, Gabe!
ReplyDelete"Uh thanks," Gabe says blushing. Gun
ReplyDeleteOops - see I'm so excited I can't even spell 'heart' properly!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Linn, I included the word "gun" for no reason.
DeleteLOl! What WAS in those mudslides?
ReplyDeleteI don't know..pure mischief?
DeleteSure looks like it! Did a faerie pop some in when no one was looking?
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the faeries were involved for sure, but in the meantime, let's check out another excerpt from The Fallen Stars...
ReplyDeleteStanding alone in the woods, I watched the ocean from between the trees. The sea always had a quality about it that both terrified and intrigued me at the same time. My Gran taught me from a young age to be very respectful of nature, to never take it for granted. It could strike you down in an instant. As I looked through the foliage in the direction of where I thought Frenchman Bay might feed into the Atlantic, I sensed that churning, sleeping power now.
The wind whipped across the bay and through the trees, where it howled like a specter. A path sign that read “Compass Harbor” had been staked into the ground ahead of me. An arrow on the sign led the way.
My body moved of its own accord now. No matter how much I tried to turn around, to run toward the relative safety of the house, the only thing I could do was move forward. The trail wound through the trees and along the ocean; it would be treacherous at best to continue. Though my flashlight illuminated part of the way, there were tree roots coming up out of the ground in every direction. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t watch where I walked. The path forked up ahead. I could only move forward to…somewhere, though I had no idea where. Where was I going?
“Kellen?”
Slowly, as if in a fog, I turned in the direction from which my name had been spoken. There ahead stood William, a lantern raised up high to illuminate his face.
William had to be the absolute last person that I wanted to see. He might have murdered Thomas, or at least done something with him. The only good thing about William’s being there was that the sound of my own name shook me and I found that I had complete control over myself once more. I could also feel the howling wind on my flesh in a way that I hadn’t when I’d been led into the woods. My entire body began to shake.
“W-ill-iiiaaamm. What’re y-ooouu—” My teeth chattered uncontrollably. There wasn’t a time when I ever remembered being this cold. Even in Faerie.
“I told you not to come out here.” He grumbled this as he rifled through his bag and pulled out a flannel blanket, tossing it at me. Begrudgingly, I opened the blanket and wrapped it around myself. Continuing to rifle through his bag, William took out a thermos, shoving it roughly in my direction. “Drink this.”
The thermos top easily unscrewed and I smelled of the contents, cringing. “What is this stuff?” There is no way I’m drinking this.
“It’s a concoction that I carry with me when I’m in the woods. Basil, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cayenne, and a little vegetable juice. It prevents hypothermia.”
“I don’t have hypothermia.”
“No, but you will, wandering out here in the night, even with your coat on.”
The urge to tell him to shove his drink up his lying warlock butt tempted me. However, looking around, I realized that I had no idea where I’d ended up and even less of an idea how to get home from that point. There weren’t many options for me.
Loved this:
ReplyDeleteThe urge to tell him to shove his drink up his lying warlock butt tempted me.
LOL This was a great excerpt too.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Brilliant excerpt, Steph, loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Sue! So glad you ejoyed. Kellen has a sarcastic trait.
ReplyDeleteThanks v much, Lyn!
ReplyDelete"Hey guys," Gabe says. Kellen just showed up to the party.
ReplyDelete"Gabe," Kellen says, "Do you think it's such a hot idea partying on the beach when The Children of Danu are after us? It seems a little risky."
"Point taken K," Gabe says, turning to the group. "Bye ladies, Oliver. It's been an experience. "
Bye Gabe!
Bye Gabe and Kellen - aorry to see you go, but we understand. It's been an honour meeting you!
ReplyDelete"Lyn, it's been a pleasure," says Kellen.
ReplyDelete"Lyn, you're a righteous babe," says Gabe.
Such delightful characters - you can both come agai - any time! :)
ReplyDelete