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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, January 24, 2014

Kathryn Knight's Gull Harbour party and Giveaway

“Can you see them coming? Your idea to have them come three hours late was terrific, that way they won’t have the chance to embarrass us, well me, in any way! Everyone will have had a few glasses of punch by the time they walk in and…well , it was just a brilliant idea.” Kathryn Knight grins as she nods to Rae Monet, her cover artist for Gull Harbor

She’s planned the whole thing to a 'T'. The hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast are not going to ruin Kathryn's chances of winning the coveted, You GottaRead Cover contest.


"How many of them are there? Three, seven, six, any idea?” Kathryn picks up her champagne punch and savours a sip of the bubbly decadence. She smiles at her book cover birthday cake and coffee ice cream, along with those yummy iced cupcakes shaped like ghosts, covered with rich buttery icing, and heart shaped cookies make her mouth water.


Streamers of lovely pastels, birthday hats, all the trimming of a wonderful party that had been going on for hours filled the huge living room in full swing. The important ceremonies already long over, so most of the guest would welcome the hostess’s and their quirks. 
One with the phone glued to her, one with feet the size of... never mind that now.

Oh, and Oliver! She eyes him as he winks across the room at her, his sensuous smile flashed her back to Rae. “Let them in and give them all a nice glass of wine, by the time they realize what happened people will all be leaving. And this time, one of the authors on this terrific roast, gets back at all those hostesses in one fell swoop - all in the nicest possible way, of course.

Kathryn strolls over and opens the front door, her face beaming with pride over her great cover. “Welcome ladies, to the Author Roast and Toast, you’ve done a wonderful job with the food and decorations, but why are you so late?”

To vote for Kathryn's cover,  it's just a click.  It's at 
You Gotta Read. (Number 13)
Title: Gull Harbor
Author: Kathryn Knight
Cover Artist: Rae Monet
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
                                                                  BUY LINK
BLURB
http://yougottaread.com/category/cover-contest/ 

SILVER LAKE BUY LINK ~GULL HARBOR BUY LINK
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.

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 and was a Finalist in the 2013 RomCon Reader's Crown Awards.  Her second novel, Gull Harbor, released in February of 2013 and remained on the Kindle Bestseller list for 19 consecutive weeks.  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:
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Kathryn'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.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)

43 comments:

  1. Morning everyone! The sun is just starting to rise here and I'm stopping in early to say howdy and congrats to Kathryn on her gorgeous cover and fab story! Whoo Hoo! I have this book on my Kindle but unfortunately haven't had the chance to start it yet! It really sounds absolutely awesome! I love that blurb!

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  2. Hello sister hostess, yes, Kathryn's story sounds great doesn't it - well let's tuck in. I fancy some Birthday cake and champagne punch! Congratulations Katherine, Belated Happy Birthday for 13th January and we're so pleased to see you here today!

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  3. Katherine, it was your birthday on Jan 13? How'd I miss that? I'm the 16th! Course, you're probably waaaay younger than me. lol HAPPY BIRTHDAY FELLOW CAPRICORN! Whoot!

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  4. And belated Happy Birthday to you too, AJ!

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  5. I actually tried to forget this one, Lyn. My kids would hear none of it. LOL

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  6. Good morning! Happy Friday! Yeah, it's a weekend. (Almost).

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  7. LOL, AJ. It's only a number and you don't actually look your 21 years! :)

    Hi Melissa, Happy Friday to you too!

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  8. Late? How am I late? I'm usually so punctual. Was there a mix up on the time? Did I miss a second excerpt? Can you share one now, Katheryn? How about one that will raise the hairs on the back of my neck? Oh, and BTW, belated happy birthday to Kathryn and AJ! While I wait for that excerpt, I'm going to raise a glass of champagne in celebration!

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  9. The ladies have done it again--great party, gals! Good luck with the book, Kathryn.

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  10. Hi ladies! Huh, I left a comment earlier and it disappeared...I must have done something wrong, as I work early on Friday and mornings are not my best time! All that champagne probably didn't help, either ;)

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  11. I can't imagine how the time got mixed up, lol, but I'm sure it's Oliver's fault. Yep, AJ, I'm a fellow Cap! Good luck on YOUR cover in the contest, as well...I wish the Rose entries were spaced out on separate months so we could all throw our support behind each other! I'd love to share a spooky excerpt, I'll see what I can find :D

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    1. I wish that too! I hate having to pic a "favorite" rose!

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  12. I blame the time zones! Oliver says he's innocent! :)

    Another excerpt would be great, this sounds such an intriguing and exciting book!

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  13. Here we go, one of Claire's first nights in the haunted house:

    Claire’s eyes snapped open in the darkness. A noise had pulled her from a fitful sleep. She held her breath, her fingers curled around the edge of the sheet.

    There it was again: the creak of step. It was followed a moment later by another, and her heart jumped erratically in her chest. She eased herself up to sitting, wincing as her sunburned skin met the cold iron rungs of the headboard. All she could do was wait, so she tried to imagine a relaxing scenario. She pictured herself on the beach earlier that afternoon, pushing her toes into the frothy surf as the sun beat down on her shoulders.

    The creaking footsteps ascended slowly, and she fought the primal instinct to flee. The sooner the spirit communicated with her, the sooner she could help it rest in peace. She’d taught herself to open her mind to the connection, after spending most of her childhood trying to block the terrifying messages. Just stay focused, she reminded herself as she pulled air deep into her lungs.

    A door swung open across the hall. Muted sobbing echoed through the house, and Claire pushed herself out of bed. Adrenaline poured into her veins, but she forced herself to walk cautiously across the room. The sobs grew louder, and she padded into the hallway.

    The door to the storage room slammed shut with a bang, and she scrambled backwards, a scream tearing from her lips. Her head hit the wall as she lodged herself protectively into a corner. She struggled to stay calm, rubbing her scalp with a trembling hand.

    The choked cries continued, and Claire took a deep breath and approached the door again. The doorknob was freezing, but it turned easily under her damp palm.

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    1. Wow! Definitely hair raising! Yep, this book just moved up toward the top of my TBR list for sure!

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  14. Oh wow! That is a seriously creepy excerpt! Thanks so much for sharing, Kathryne.

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  15. Hi Andrea - sorry I didn't see you there! *waves*

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  16. Love the excerpt! Off to share!

    sandywolters(dot)author(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Hi Sandy, thanks so much for stopping by - and sharing! :) Have a piece of virtual birthday cake before you go!

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  18. Thanks all, I do love sending shivers up the reader's spine! Shares are much appreciated, Sandy! I think I need some cake, too.

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  19. EEEEK! Kathryn that was seriously so scary! I was right there with her and couldn't seem to breathe right. LOL Fantastic job pulling me into that scene. Okay, I've GOT to read this book!!!!

    Who needs more champagne? I do to steel my nerves a little.

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  20. Hey, someone let me in!! Mary bangs on the door and runs around to see in the window. Let me in!!!! I'd like a glass of the bubbly too!

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  21. The answer is always Yes to more champagne :D And thanks, glad you enjoyed it...I love being a little scared when I know in the back of my head I'm *really* safe under the covers, reading.

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  22. Mary, why do you always manage to get yourself in trouble? You were knocking on the wrong door. Here you go, come in through the French Windows and read Kathryn's last excerpt - it's really scary!

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  23. Hi Sandy and Andi. *hic--Lilly takes another swallow of champagne and giggles* That rhymes! Welcome to the party ladies. Come have a drink with us. *Lilly looks around the room* I see Mary finally made it inside, but has anyone seen Rebecca? I know we invited her. Come join us, Becky and have a glass of champagne to celebrate Kathryn's book.

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  24. That was scary!! Is that Rebecca swinging from that chandelier up there?? Tell us where you came up with the idea for this book Kathryn...

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  25. *hiccups* Well, I have a love of ghost stories, but my main issue with many of them is that the ghost can easily write clues, like on a mirror or a wall (so why don't they just write down what they need to convey? - makes no sense) - so I'm always coming up with ideas on how to make a ghost story more realistic - barriers to communication between a spirit and the living. So I thought of a medium, usually able to communicate easily, but there's a reason she can't with this ghost...can't give that part away :) And I love reunion romances, so the hero and heroine have a complicated history on top of her haunting mystery. All my favorite ingredients, in a quaint beachside town!

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  26. Sounds wonderful Kathryn. I have so many books on my TBR list but I'll have to add this one to it. I think an author being able to make the paranormal elements seem logical is what sets the really good ones apart from the others!

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  27. Loved this post so much I went and voted and stayed to comment! Happy Birthday celebration - am adding your book to my TBR right now ;-)

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  28. Wow, thanks everyone! The R&T is always so much fun. I hope you ladies enjoy Gull Harbor!

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  29. With a terrific book, you can never go wrong! Now pass the sugary stuff, I got a craving for cake. And I have none at home. How about cutting that book cake, what's in it? What, only cookies left?? Who

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  30. ate all the good stuff. Any champagne punch left?

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  31. I kept a piece of cake just for you Mary. Not sure if it's wise to have any more champagne punch though.

    Hi Katie, so glad you came and commented, do stay to have some of Katherine's Birthday cake. We kept a few pieces back, just in case!

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  32. Very sneaky, Katherine. LOL I've never read a roast without those wonderful hosts. Happy Birthday! I have my copy of Gull Harbor and good luck at the cover contest.

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  33. Sounds like I missed a fun party while I was at work. Any bubbly or cake left for me?

    Kathryn, I enjoy a bit of edge-of-seat fear, but not I-will-never-turn-out-the-lights-again fear. Although if Oliver were with me, I might reconsider;-)

    Which category of fear does Gull Harbor fall into?

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  34. I saved you a huge glass of champagne, Monica. *Lilly turns to see Mary pouring Champagne into a glass and handing it to Monica...but it's not a Champagne glass**

    No! That's not a glass, Mary! That's a fish bowl. And it still has a gold fish in it. Put it down, Monica. Put it down!

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    1. Close call. I don't even like fish! How about serving the champagne in Cinderella's slipper instead. I have it right here in my pocket.

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  35. Oliver! More champagne, in the slipper please! Let's see, I think Gull Harbor fits into the edge-of-seat fear...especially since there's that HEA to look forward too :D

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  36. LOL that was a close call for Bubbles the goldfish! :) Hi Callsa and Monica, don't worry Monica, our parties tend to go on all over the weekends as long as the guests stamina lasts out :)

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  37. Make mine a mimosa this morning. Have to get some nutrients for breakfast.

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  38. I hope Oliver gave you your mimosa and blew you a kiss to go with it Monica - I'm afraid we hostesses were all asleep - a little too much champagne punch I think. I hope you've been enjoying the party - we're all so intrigued by Kathryn's book, definitely on our TBR lists I think!

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  39. Thanks Hywela, and ALL the ladies of the R&T, it's always such fun here. I appreciate your having me and promoting GULL HARBOR!

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  40. You've very welcome, Kathryn, we've loved having you. Good luck with your cover, and wishing you even greater success with your books!

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