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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, July 5, 2013

Kathryn Knight's spooky 4th July and Gull Harbor celebration

THIS WEEK YOU HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF KATHERINE'S BOOK, TO GIVE FOLKS WHO WERE AWAY LAST WEEK THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT AND JOIN IN THE FUN.  DON'T WORRY, IF YOU COMMENTED LAST WEEK, YOU'LL BE INCLUDED IN THE DRAW THIS WEEK, BUT WHY NOT COME AND VISIT AGAIN, THE MORE THE MERRIER!

 
            
The four hostesses slog across the rocky stretch of beach, rain pelting their plastic orange rain coats. Cape Cod in the summer, right after the 4th of July Celebration which drew thousands.  This was the site of such a celebration, but the partygoers have long since left.  All that remained was the quirky weather. 

Cuddles and Foster hide beneath their owners’ hats, disgruntled by the bad conditions.  Nibbie yips with excitement as she races down the beach, joyfully chasing seagulls.
“This is truly not my idea of a good time,” Mac grumbles as she pushes back the hood of her rain coat. “If I’m going to be on a beach, I want lots of sun, lotion and a mai tai to wile away the time.”


“Oh quit your whining,” Mary says.  “Listen to this.  I found this in the café where we had breakfast.” She thumbs through a pamphlet and then begins reading. “Spend a day exploring the unique art galleries and meet the folks who create things for a living. Experience the fun of golfing, boating, kayaking, surfing, sport fishing, hiking, biking or sailing. Be fascinated by whale watching, seal watching, bird watching or people watching. Marvel at the smell of the salt air, the sunset, or the sunrise. Hop on a ferry and create wonderful memories by visiting the charming islands of Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Lyn exclaims. “So why are we outside in all this rain so dang early in the morning?”

“There’s a sign over that that says the pier is thataway,” Patsy points to a faded sign, almost obscured by the rain. “This place looks to me like a nasty sandbox next to murky water.”

“Kathryn is picking us up and we’re going on a tour of Gull Harbor. I for one am looking forward to it.” Mary motions them forward.  She leads the way down the beach to a sturdy pier. “I think that’s her coming in now.”

“Get on board,” Kathryn hails them. “Time’s awasting.” 

Along with a small crowd of tourists, the women wander down the pier clutching each other for balance. Kathryn helps them onto the craft, making sure each is given a life preserver.

“I’m wearing mine all the time,” Lyn snaps the vest shut. “I must look like a whale in this thing. I know it puts 20 pounds on me.”

“You look great,” Kathryn says. “Just like a real seaman.” She guides them around the tour boat, proudly pointing out aspects of the small ship. “After we get out in the harbor, our own personal medium is going to conduct a séance in the lower deck. She thinks there’s a ghost on board,” she adds with a grin.

“I hope she had some good thoughts about the weather.” Patsy stares out to sea, watching as more dark clouds roll in. Hampy peeks from her pocket, gets a face full of rain and dives back down. “Is it dangerous to be out on the water during a storm?”  

Kathryn helps tie down a flapping tarp. “Sylvia the medium said the portents are good. She’s in the cabin seeing if she can summon the spirits. If the weather holds, we’ll be all right.”

“If the weather holds?” Mac settles on a bench near the cabin. “I don’t like the sound of that one.”

“If the weather gets worse,” Kathryn laughs. “We’ll come back in. Captain wouldn’t want to lose his paying clients.”

“Are we paying for this,” Mary hisses to Patsy.

Patsy shrugs, shaking her head. “You made the arrangements, not me.”

With the handsome Captain at the helm, the tour boat backs away from the pier. 




"There’s lobster rolls inside if you’re hungry, along with crab cakes, fried oysters, and cake for dessert with strawberries and blueberries lined up to look like a flag.  Oliver made several for the party yesterday and figured he’d bring the leftovers along.





The storm worsens. The water heaves and bucks. The boat lists aft almost taking on water at the stern. The women yelp in fear.

“Hang on ladies,” the Captain calls. “Just a little choppy out here. It’ll get better the farther out we go.”

Another wave hits the boat and it rocks tossing the women from side to side. Ahead, a buoy bobs in the water, bell clanging as it tilts from the smashing waves. A high wave almost knocks it over.

“Ladies,” Captain shouts over the sound of the storm. “I think it’s time we head in.”

“None too soon.” Mac grabs Lyn as the boat tilts again, keeping her from going over the side.

Mary snatches Cuddles from Lyn’s hood as a gust of wind almost whips the tiny creature from her head. “I…I think I’m getting sick.” She leans over the side and tosses.

Captain is fighting the storm with the ease of a skilled seaman. 

“We’ll head back to Gull Harbor. There’s a hotel there and lots of red, white and blue martinis to soothe your troubled stomachs. Or if you’re really adventurous, try one of the Cape Codders.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Patsy swipes seawater from her face.

“I agree,” Lyn yells.

“Me three,” Mac clutches the cabin, hanging on for dear life.

Mary only groans.

“We made it,” Kathryn ties the boat off. “Now let’s go get warm. We can hold the séance in the hotel.  I hear there’s lots of lonely ghosts lingering in that place.”

“How about a stiff drink?” Mac staggers to the shore. “Maybe two!”


The hostesses hope you all had a wonderful July 4th - and con gratulations to Kathryn on the Release of GULL HARBOR!


Blurb:

When Claire Linden’s job sends her to the sleepy town of Gull Harbor, she never expects to encounter her ex-boyfriend. As a medium, the prospect of tackling a haunted house is less daunting than seeing Max Baron again. Throughout their passionate college relationship, he promised to love her forever. Then, without explanation, he abandoned her on graduation day.

Max never intended to break Claire's heart—a cruel ultimatum forced him to disappear from her life. While he's shocked to find her in Gull Harbor, he isn't surprised by the bitter resentment she feels for him...or the fiery attraction that remains between them.

Claire is determined to rid her temporary home of its aggressive ghost, but Max soon realizes she's facing a danger beyond the paranormal. When Claire risks everything to help a desperate spirit, Max must race to save her—before another tragedy tears them apart forever.

Excerpt:

            She shook her head vigorously.  “I can’t spend your money to do my job.  That makes no sense.”

“It’s not about that, Claire.  It’s about keeping you safe.”  He closed the distance between them, setting off alarm bells in the back of her mind.

Squaring her shoulders, she took a deep breath.  “I realize you’re trying to help me, and I appreciate that. But what gives you the right to worry about my safety?”

“I don’t need the right.”  He stood over her, and she took a step backwards, bumping up against his desk. His words shouldn’t have sounded menacing, but for some reason, they did.  She nodded weakly.

“I am going to keep you safe, Claire,” he said, his eyes flashing.  He reached out and stroked her arm.

A shiver ran through her, and she gripped the edge of the desk for support.  “Okay,” she breathed.  Every nerve in her body was calling for him.  She closed her eyes as his hands moved up to cradle her head.
His mouth seized hers, and her lips responded urgently.  She lost herself in the kiss, her fingers weaving themselves around his neck and tangling in his hair.  His hands moved to her waist, and she gasped as he hoisted her up on the desk

BIO
As a child, Kathryn Knight kept her parents on a constant quest to find enough reading material to last her through each week. An early fondness for books about horses later gave way to a lasting preference for both love stories and ghost stories; as a writer, the paranormal romance genre is a perfect fit. Silver Lake, Kathryn's first novel, released in August of 2012 from The Wild Rose Press.  Her second novel, Gull Harbor, is available exclusively for Kindle until the official release date in June.  She is currently working on a YA paranormal romance. She lives in New England with her husband, her sons, and a number of rescued animals.  

You can also connect with Kathryn here.
SILVER LAKE ~ BUY LINK
GULL HARBOR ~ BUY LINK
Facebook Author Page
Website
Twitter
Blog



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

62 comments:

  1. What a perfect story hostesses - love it! Thanks so much for having me today. I hope everyone had a nice holiday :)

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  2. Hi Kathryn welcome to your party. Con gratulations on your book and we wish you much success with it - also hope you had a great day yesterday too!

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  3. Thanks Hywela Lyn! Great to be here.

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  4. Well thank God we got outta that rain. My hair is sticking to my head like glue. Where's the towels? Wine for goodness sake I need something to warm me. Oh, thanks Lyn, WOW...ugh, ahh whiskey??
    Here Kathryn try this. It burns but it warms too!

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  5. *Mac shoves the last bit of a pilfered lobster roll into her mouth and blows air kisses*

    Morning, chickies. Where are those stiff drinks you mentioned? Kathryn, your book sounds like a fun filled, spooky ride. I need libations!

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  6. Hey, that was my lobster roll Mac! Here have some of this nice whiskey. It'll do the trick, just hold you nose, swallow, and prepare for the burn!
    Then, I understand, after a few more, you will no be afraid of anything. And no matter what I say you will think it's funny. Hehe.
    Kathryn,have a sip? Never tried this stuff before, and after today, probably never again.

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  7. Late again. I forgot it was Friday. LOL. Really enjoyed the excerpt.Beautiful cover. Going to have to ad this to my reading. Not sure if I will do well on the boat. I get seasick. Now I like the rain weather as long as it's not a bad storm. I bet it is pretty there.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Thank Goodness Sue, we are on land. Here have some of the fantastic food Oliver has arranged. And maybe a bit of libation to help you survive the weather! Always nice to hear you comment sweetie!

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  9. Hi Sue thanks for joining us! I'll try a bit of whiskey to warm up, thanks lovely hostesses. *holds nose and swigs*. Whoa! Well I'm ready for a ghost hunt now.

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  10. Ghost hunt?!? I didn't know about that!
    I am terrified of ghosts! AAAAHHHH! Who touched me?

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  11. Help, all I said was - 'I ain't afraid of no ghost call in he ghost busters' and then I felt a cold hand on the back of my neck and then... and then ... I woke up. Perhaps I indulged in a few too many martinis!

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  12. Hi Sue *waves* You're right, that's a beautiful and atmospheric cover isn't it. Can't wait to read the book - but I must read Silver Lake first, it's waiting for me on my Kindle!

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  13. Martinis, we been drinking whiskey!
    I just got touched by something and no one was there. If I see a ghost, I'll have an apoplexy! Here, have another drink, Lyn. What else can you do besides scream.

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  14. LOL Mary dear, you may have been drinking whiskey, never touch the stuff myself - I'm on red blue and white maritin- er white blue and r - er red, white and *Hic* - anyway they were martinis!

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  15. Did you say ghost hunt? I am ready as long as I don't have to be last. LOL.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. LOL Sue, you can go first with pleasure, I'm not sure about this ghost hunt, it's getting dark and eerie and - ooh what was that? Did you see a shadow over there in the corner?

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  17. Ghost hunt? Holy crap! Mary, don't ever make me drink whiskey again. I've been passed out in a broom closet for six hours! And I'm hungry again. Off to find more of those lobster rolls. Can't get enough of those crustacean sandwiches!

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  18. Would that be the same broom closet I passed out in Mac? Crumbs, what's in those red, white and blue martinis?

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  19. Would that be the same broom closet I passed out in Mac? Crumbs, what's in those red, white and blue martinis?

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  20. Did anyone see that shadow dart by? Ahhhh

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  21. Mary runs screaming into Mac and Lyn, who just came out of the closet.
    "GHOSTS!"

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  22. You saw it too Kathryn? It wasn't just the alcohol? Aaaargh - help where's all the handsome hunks when you need one?

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  23. Oliver's hiding in that closet too- does he count?

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  24. Maybe I will have to have one of those Martinis if I have to be first. LOL. O I did! I did see a shadow!
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. OMG - I fell off the boat, I've been swimming every since trying to catch you. *she wrings out her wet hair* But I finally got here. Congratulations on the release, Kathryn and many sales! Where's the beer?

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  26. The food looks great. Loving the post & comments here today.

    GULL HARBOR does look amazing.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  27. Thanks Mary and PL! The Roast & Toast is so much fun :)

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  28. Another great party, Ladies. I'm glad you invited me. The food looks wonderful, not to mention Kathryn's novel. What an interesting concept.Love the excerpt.Sounds like a best-seller to me.

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  29. Thanks so much Evelyn - I am keeping my fingers crossed!

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  30. Today is a beautiful day in Gull Harbor! Where are the hot guys??? I'm sober and ready...

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  31. Good afternoon. I think someone locked me in that closet. I couldn't get out. And I thought I felt something watching me too. It was scary. oh there's food left. Mmm I am always hungry.
    Sue B

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  32. Hi Evelyn - lovely to see you here.Hi again Sue, there are certainly some very spooky goings on here!

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  33. Morning all. *air kisses* Welcome back, Kathryn. So glad to see there are still plenty of lobster rolls. :-)

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  34. Well good morning everyone. What a great day!
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. Oh no dissapearing comments for me. LOL. Good morning everyone. What a great day!
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. Good morning. What a beautiful day!
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. Good morning. What a beautiful day!
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  38. Good morning sister hostess *hugs all round* and Good Morning Kathryn - yipee, it's not every day we get to have double helpings! :)

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  39. This was fun. Haven't been to Martha's Vineyard in a lot of years, it was nice to go back. ; ) Just dropped by to say I absolutely loved Gull Harbor, so don't include me in the giveaway.

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  40. Hi Sue *waves* sorry about your disappearing comments - Blogger strikes again! They're back now,anyway!

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  41. Hi ladies, so glad there's food left...but how about the martinis? Oliver!!!!

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  42. Pass the lobster rolls!! Yee Hah! the party continues and look I think, yes it is! The James Gang are here!! Jessie give us a kiss! Would you like to share my roll? HeHeHe

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  43. Martinis are always good, especially delivered by Oliver, but I think Sue has had enough. She's repeating herself. :-)

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  44. No more for you Sue! Mary whispers, "here have another."

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  45. You're Such A Trouble Make, Mary. My Kind Of Girl!

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  46. You're Such A Trouble Make, Mary. My Kind Of Girl!

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  47. Mac, have you met the James Gang, this is Frank, he thinks you're hot...
    And I love to add spice to any mix. LOL
    If you like Frank you'd better hurray before he gets a look at Kathryn, and she takes him for a roll. A lobster roll of course.

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  48. Haha! of course ;)

    Now Mac is repeating herself too. What's in these? *tips glass*

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  49. I don't know, but pass the drink over this way! I could use a little something to make me repeat myself too!

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  50. Hi Kathryn, I hope Oliver is taking good care of you! Mary,dear, how did I guess you'd invite the James gang?

    Hi JL - so glad you could join the party. Don't be shy, stay awhile.

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  51. Oh no now I have 4 of the same comments in a row. ROFL. I was wondering why it wasn't taking my comment. Think I could use a drink. LOL.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. Frank's a sweetie, if you can get over the bank robber stuff.
    Ask Lyn,hehehe

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  53. Poor Sue - plenty of Red white and blue martini's - I'll get Oliver to send some over to you.

    Mary, dear, I'm sure I don't know what you mean, *blush*!

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  54. By the way Kathryn, I'm looking forward to reading Silver Lake. I'm sure Gull Harbor will be a wonderful read too - I just need a few years to catch up with all my TBR pile! :)

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  55. Hi JL, our new Rose! I'm with you, Hywela, I am sooo behind in my reading. And writing. And promo. Not enough hours in the day!

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  56. Man Overboard! Or Woman Overboard! I've been dragged behind the boat all day *pant* *pant* but...I finally climbed aboard! Didn't anyone see me! It was so scary out there!

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  57. We thought you were water skiing! You know, without the skis ;) *hands PL a towel and a martini*

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  58. Absolutely Kathryn, why don't they invent a 48 hour day!

    Oh Patsy, and there we were thinking you were having fun! Well at least the weather's taken a turn for the better, you'll feel fine once that Martini hits!

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