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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, June 21, 2013

Sarah Hoss holds a Scottish Celebration for 'Dreams Of The Highlander'



Lush emerald hills covered with fragrant waves of lavender surround them.

The hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast take in the magnificent views of Scotland’s highlands. The earthy scents of nature and fresh clean air seem to buoy the spirits of the girls. Oliver, resplendent in his kilt and crisp white shirt, can be seen organizing and directing the event. Laughter and the sound of many voices let them know the party is in full swing.

Lyn inspects their outfits. Each of them is wearing a different plaid to represent the clans invited. Lilting music fills the air. The girls are dressed in typical clothing for Scottish women, except for Mac, who is wearing a bathing suit.

“Hey, why are you all dressed like that?” Mac questions quizzically. I thought you said we were going to a clam bake.” 

“No,” Lyn chuckles, “I said were meeting with the different clans, not eating
clams! Only you, sweetie.”

“Well, thank goodness we bring extra clothing just in case. You never know when you might get hit by a pie in the face, or even tossed into a punchbowl.” Mary hands Mac a fresh tartan and soon they are ready to party.

“Just look at that scenery. I can’t believe we’re in Scotland.” Patsy is so excited to see the place she can barely contain herself. “Where’s the restroom, all this excitement has me nervous and I forgot to go when we were at the airport.”

“Well, there’s just one thing I forgot to tell you.” Lyn’s grin widens as she breaks the news. “We’re in the 1700s. Which means no restroom. That last little zip when we arrived, that was a time travel event.

“You mean when the lights went out and it felt like we were sucked into a tunnel?Gosh, I thought I was just hungover.” Patsy groans.

 “I was going to tell you, but I figured one of you might chicken out.” Lyn giggles.

 “Did I hear you right?” Mary bellows as she gestures to their clothing. “I wondered why you had us dress in blankets and what’s with these shoes. There ain’t a left and a right, it’s a unilateral shoe!” Mary glances down at Lyn’s feet and as she bends over Mac screams. “Where is your underwear?”

“One doesn’t wear it with this type of clothing.” Mary answers knowingly.

 “First of all Mary, I don’t think that applies to women. Secondly, it’s gonna get awfully cold under that tartan.” Lyn laughs and shakes her head. “Leave it to you to go commando, just don’t bend over again. Please, have mercy.”  Mary cocks her head and listens. “I hear dancing music.”

“It’s a party! What did you expect?” With a wide sweep of her hand Lyn explains. “This is a croft, kinda like a farm. That dwelling is where the family who farms it lives. They are holding the party for our author.”

“Are those cows? How come they aren’t black and white?” 

Mac, Foster on her shoulder, eyes the presence of a couple of heifers and a calf in the field. “Hope they have chickens and goats too! I just love animals.”

“Me too!” Mary pats Nibbie, and watches Hampy, and Cuddles, as they hide in her long fur. “This place is perfect for the critters and of course Foster. Go ahead guys, go make friends.”

“Hopefully, that’s all they do!” Patsy watches as they run to greet the partyers. “Hampy, is pretty small.”

“Look at all that food. What is it?” Mary wonders. “Well, there’s Mead of course.” Lyn grins.

“And some really neat food too. What is that?” Patsy eyes the tables of food.


“Collops, and it smells delicious. Don’t worry it’s just beef mince,oatmeal, onions and vinegar. Really delicious,” Lyn tells her and points to the other foods.

“Fresh bread, cheeses, puddings, apple pie, fish, potatoes, chicken, it’s amazing!



They have lamb, and look even oysters. Yummy! Can’t wait to taste that aged Scotch whiskey. Mmmmm.”
 “Don’t let me leave with anyone if I get snockered will you Lyn. I never drank it before.” 


Mary sighs and then adds as she spots rugged guys in kilts exiting the dwelling. “Never mind, I’m stayin’ sober!”
Suddenly there is loud barking and a commotion. The girls run to see what’s up and find that Nibbie has chased the crofter’s cat up a tree. Hampy is clinging on for dear life. Foster has started to cast spells and we all know what that could mean. Last but not least, Cuddles is getting annoyed and bad things happen when he gets annoyed. Not to mention that the cat ran through the crofter’s wife’s, legs, on its way to the nearest tree. She happened to be carrying a large pot of cock-a-leekie soup and has fallen into it. Her legs flailing she screams at the top of her lungs and pandemonium pursues.

“Well,” Lyn sighs. “Just another roast and toast.”

Just then Sarah appears at the door of the croft, looking beautiful in an elegant green tartan gown, waving to them in greeting.

“Let’s welcome our author, Sarah Hoss and give a hand of applause to her for her terrific story, 'Dreams Of The Highlander'. It can only get better from here on out!”  With a shrug and a grin, Lyn follows the others into the medley of chaos…

Back blurb for Dreams of the Highlander.
PURCHASE LINK


Haunted by a recurring dream, Marlana Crawford ventures to Scotland in search of answers. But a careless wish lands her in the 17th century and the arms of Alexander Macpherson--a handsome, brooding, Highlander, who after losing his wife and babe during childbirth, vowed never to love again.


Surprised to find a mysterious, brown-haired beauty in his home, Alexander fights the undeniable attraction between them and is determined to figure out a way to send her packing without losing his head or his heart.

When Marlana has a chance encounter with his enemy, it changes the stakes, and Alexander is forced to face two battles, one to win Marlana's affection, the other to save her life.
***
Marlana sat, tapping her fingers on the table, wondering what she should do next. They couldn’t keep playing this game forever. She laid her head down, trying to ease the headache. Visions of home danced through her mind and tears welled in her eyes. Sighing, she brushed them away like an unwanted visitor. She had to find a way back.

She sat up, then straightened her shoulders, and went to wash dishes. She needed something to do with her hands to keep her mind from wandering.

Just as she put the last dish away, Alexander walked back in the door. A small burst of rain blew in with him and she shivered, despite the warmth of the room. The air that followed was crisp and clean and she inhaled deeply. He still wore only his kilt and stockings, but they only came up to the knee. Part of his thigh showed and she wondered to herself how he could stand to dress like that in the cold and rain?

To her horror, she hadn’t realized she had said it out loud, until he answered her.

“We Scotsmen have skin like leather. Besides, it is always raining, I’m used to it.”

He laughed and she couldn’t help but smile back, releasing a little of the tension.

He went to the table and poured some whisky. The deep amber color looked inviting. She’d had a shot once at a bar back home. It wasn’t something she would want to drink all the time, but she could handle it. “May I have some?”

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Do ye drink then?” When she nodded, he stood and fetched another glass.
He filled it about a quarter full.

“I drink on occasion, but I’m not a heavy drinker.”

“Ye may want to ...”

She tipped the glass and downed all of its contents.

“... sip it,” he finished.

Instantly, her eyes began to water, like the flood gates had been let open and she couldn’t seem to control them. Her throat burned and she could feel the fiery path all the way down to her stomach. She raised her hand to her heated cheek and wouldn’t have been surprised if flames had jumped off her face and scorched the walls. She started to cough.

Alexander came around and pounded her on the back. “Are ye all right, lass?” She was incapable of speech and shook her head. She waved her hand at him, motioning for him to go sit down.
He laughed as he went to his chair. “First, ye looked quite red. Now, ye look green. Are ye sure ye are well?”

When she finally got herself under control, she noticed she was well on her way to a great buzz with only one shot. How sad was that? Though she had a small frame, that whisky of his could take down a seasoned drunk. She had a mind to tell him, too. The whisky was warm—she would not be cold for a long time.
He poured her a little more. “Sip it,” he said with a wink. “It will be better the second time.”

She took a sip, hesitantly, and found once she got passed the initial shock, it was good. An acquired taste, for sure.

Time passed and they chatted amiably. She was getting drunk and he got entertainment. He poured her a little more, though, eyeing her as if trying to decide if this was a good idea or not.
Sarah Hoss


Sarah Hoss grew up believing she could try anything and if she set her mind to it, she would succeed. Sixteen years of dance lessons, Cheerleading, and school plays proved to her that her parent’s words rang true. Writing was no exception.

Reading the Outlander series made her fall in love with time travels and the historical places books could take her. Always a child with a vivid imagination, she realized as an adult, she could put her imagination to good use and began writing.

Marrying her very own hero, they live in Indiana in the town where she grew up. They have three beautiful children and one hyper dog.  When Sarah isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, camping, and watching her kids play sports.
http://sarahhoss.blogspot.com

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

32 comments:

  1. Good morning Sarah, welcome to your Roast. This is such a lovely setting for it and your book sounds wonderful!

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  2. Good morning. Always wanted to see Scotland. Look at the beautiful scenery. Oh and all that yummy food. I am starving. Love highlanders. Your book sounds so good.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. Hi Sue

    Welcome to the Roast, always so good to see you! Tuck in and enjoy the food!

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  4. Hey is everyone hiding out with a highlander? It's quiet.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. You're right Sue. Perhaps they've gone through another time warp! Never mind, let's eat, drink and be merry. There's plenty of food and maybe a couple of handsome highlanders will happen by!

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  6. Well from the looks of things, I shoulda skipped the padded bra. June is busting out all over!
    Welcome to a trip through time, my very favorite type of story. Who doesn't want one of these hot highlanders to take home?? Hi everyone!

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  7. Hello Hywela and Mary. Does sound very good. Hoping she will share an excerpt with us. Hopefully Sarah is not having the bad storms we are getting. Had to turn off my computer for a little bit before.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Congratulations on your book. It looks like an excellent read.

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  9. Thank you so much for having me, I'm tickled to be here today!
    Thanks
    Sarah

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  10. Welcome to your roast! And I hear the Scotch is terrific, or should I say Scott's are terrific?
    I'll try both and let you know. Oliver has outdone himself this week and he's got cute knees too!
    Glad you changed Mac...

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  11. Sara
    What a fun way to find out about your book. Love the pictures.

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  12. HI everyone! ^Waves* and hugs her sister hostess, Mary. Oooch, she says as she bonces back, you certainly didn't need that extra padding Mary, sweetie! Hi Tessa and CD - glad you like the pics, CD and congrats again on the book, Sarah.

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  13. Sarah,
    What a hoot this is. Good luck with the book,

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  14. I wanted to look extra special to those kilted hunks. I think I'm lucky I can stand up, let alone do the Highland Fling, (you know the one where you get tossed over the handsome guys shoulder, just think about what that one!).
    The girls can be a problem!

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  15. LOL Mary - I think you're certainly going to catch the attention of those kilted lads! :)

    Hi Catherine, thanks for joining us at Sarah's celebration!

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  16. Actually, I am quite proud of my endowments. I have heard several compliments, like, nice lungs, one hung low, great jugs. I take it all with a grain of salt. What's jugs have to do with it anyhow?
    Love another except? Mary begs...

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  17. What a pretty cover too. Nothing like a good looking man in a kilt.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. I just want to say that you gals made me look good in green plaid, thank you. But I don't look as good as Oliver! I think he needs to bring me another drink! *winks*

    I am so excited to have everyone join me for food and whisky! Thanks for your compliments about my book and cover. Good luck in the contest!

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  19. I have to say, Sarah, the green really does suit you, you do look lovely, and I think Oliver is blushing at your nice compliment. Let's hope he doesn't get nervous and spill it on the way!

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  20. Oh... well, I will behave then. I don't want to cause him distress in front of everyone.

    And, umm....*coughs* The bathing suit is pretty too!

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  21. LOL Sarah, you don't have to BEHAVE! :) Just enjoy yourself. Oliver will be fine, his boss, our beloved sister hostess, Sharon, trained him very well and he's not quite as shy as he sometimes makes out! ;)

    Yes, Mac did look rather good in that bathing suit, didn't she. She does tend to get a little confused at times. Good job we had a spare tartan for her!

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  22. Loved this post, Sarah. The pictures were great.

    Karen.lopp at yahoo dot com

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  23. Lyn always has a contingency plan, Sharon made her!!
    Oliver only listened to Sharon and she was very generous with still letting him charm our guests!

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  24. Hi Karen, welcome to Sarah's Scottish celebration. Make yourself at home and enjoy the refreshments (and the hunky eye-candy)






























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  25. I see a fellow I am going to speak to about this evening. What a great party and the fact that we were able to time travel here, well, incredible!
    Think I'll read this one! Love time travel, cause what an escape it is.

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  26. The sight of a bit of tartan just gladdens the heart. Ladies, you look beautiful and I do love a man in a kilt.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  27. I appreciate the fact that one would pop into 18th century Scotland sans undergarments...but, truly more discussion of what those hot highlander men wear under their kilts is totally appropriate, I believe...

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  28. BTW, your book sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  29. Lacey, I totally agree, we need to investigate further for sure. Rest assured I am on the case. Without real input I won't be able to make a good case for further discussion. Come on let's get more information from those kilted hunks by the table. I'm on it!! I promise! What a party!!!

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  30. Hi Lacy and Mary P - and sister Mary too (Just trying to differentiate between the Marys, here!) What a fascinating discussion I've been missing - I was actually deep in a philosophical conversation with that handsome hunk over there who looks just a tad like the guy on Sarah's cover!

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  31. Sorry I have been gone. I forgot what an effort it is to use the ladies room in the past. *(and I see why they put it a ways from the house)*

    Mary, I see what you are saying. There is a resemblance.

    Ladies of the roast and toast- thank you so much for having me here. The food and company is the best around! Now, since I had my fair share of whisky, I will try and wobble up to my room. Maybe Oliver can help me!

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  32. LOL Sarah, I'm sure Oliver will be thrilled to help you!

    Thanks for being such a wonderful guest of Honour - we've loved having you and wish you every success with this and future books!

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