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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, May 9, 2014

Debby Grahl parties in an old Victorian - there's a Giveaway but will there be ghosts?



“I love old houses. Don’t you just love these old houses?” Mary sighs as she studies the large Victorian at the end of the walkway.

Arm linked with Mary’s, Lyn nods. “It’s called character. They sure don’t build them like this anymore.”

Wide-eyed, Lilly’s gaze roams over the intricate trim. “Can you imagine painting it? What a nightmare!” 

Melissa pushes through the group to head up the walk. “Speaking of nightmares, from what I understand, it’s haunted.” 

“It’s pink.” Mac smirks and hurries behind her. “No self-respecting ghost is going to haunt a pink house.” 

The other hostesses scramble to follow. AJ snaps pictures with her trusty phone. “They would if they’re nice ghosts.” 

“Nice ghosts.” Mac’s steps slow to a stop and she blinks up at the stately building. “I think that’s an oxymoron.” 

Lilly, Mary, Lyn and AJ grab her arms and drag her forward. AJ bumps hips with Mac and grins. “Don’t be a weenie. We’ll eat lots of food and I’m sure there’ll be cake. Oliver will get you a nice glass of wine. It’ll be fine.” 

Lyn bends forward to waggle her brows at Lilly and Mary. “Where have we heard that before?” 

Melissa tosses a grin over one shoulder as she climbs the stairs to the door. “The ghosts are exactly why Debbie Grahl chose this place to celebrate the release of her book, THE SILVER CRESCENT. An old
Victorian, ghosts and a lost treasure. It’s the perfect spot.”

Grabbing hold of the doorknob, she swings open the door. “Come on, ladies. It’s time for another adventure.”

Please welcome this week's Guest of Honour, Debbie Grahl




THE SILVER CRESCENT 

BLURB:

Max Holt impulsively buys a crumbling Victorian mansion in Cedar Bend, Michigan, intent on restoring it as a
Purchase at AMAZON
restaurant and inn. Aware of its reputation for being haunted, he adds to the mystique by building a garden path of old tombstones, one of which belongs to a former owner of the house, Cyrus Mosby.


A visit by the spirit of her great-great-grandmother convinces Elise Baxter that the family legend of a fortune in silver, stolen from a murdered ancestor more than a century ago, must be true. Clues gleaned from old diaries and letters lead her to Cedar Bend and Max, whose inn may hold the key to her treasure.
An instant attraction between Max and Elise leads him to believe she may just be the girl of his dreams. But when he discovers her true interest in him and his inn, memories of a past betrayal threaten their tense, turbulent relationship. Elise, finding herself falling in love with Max, fears her deception may cost her more than she is willing to lose.
Persuaded the stolen silver is hidden somewhere in the
inn, and captivated by the idea of a real treasure hunt, Max and Elise put their differences aside and begin the search following clues left by the resident ghosts, Cyrus


and Virginia, as they try to solve the mystery of the Silver Crescent…But unknown to them there are others, driven by greed, who will stop at nothing to find the treasure for themselves.

AUTHOR BIO

Debby Grahl lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David, and their cat, Tigger.


Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach and a glass of wine at sunset.
Her favorite places to visit are New Orleans, Boston, Captiva Island in Florida, the Cotswolds of England and her home state of Michigan.
She is a history buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and, of course, romance.
Visually impaired from childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books.
Debby belongs to RWA, Florida Romance Writers, Hearts Across History and Lowcountry Romance Writers.


***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Debby'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)

67 comments:

  1. Hi Debbie, welcome to your Roast. Your book sounds like a thrilling read. I'm going to wander around this lovely old Victorian house with a copy of your book in one hand and a piece of cake in the other, and explore. See you later.

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  2. Hello, everyone, I'm Debby and I'm so excited to be here. I see the ladies have gathered their nerve and are ready to enter Max's inn. I'm sure the resident ghosts, Cyrus and Virginia, are happy to welcome them.
    But before we begin the party, I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I grew up in Michigan and now live on Hilton Head Island, SC, with my husband David and our cat Tigger.
    I lost the ability to read in my twenties due to vision loss, but I always enjoyed making up my own stories. Now, thanks to computers and screen reading software, I can put my stories into print.
    After I had signed contracts with two publishers only to have them go out of business, The Silver Crescent finally found a happy home with The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House.
    The story is a romance, mystery, and treasure hunt all rolled into one with a couple of ghosts thrown in to help Max and Elise discover the secret of The Silver Crescent.
    Now, let's join the ladies and see what fun they have in store for us!

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  3. Welcome to the roast, Debby! I love everything Victorian and I love your blurb. Your book sounds like something right up my alley! Ooh, and look at all this food. Someone hand me something friuty with rum to wash it all down.

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  4. Hi, Lilly, a little rum and lemon cake, yum! Perhaps we can get my Oliver from the book and your Oliver to bring us some.

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  5. Oh yeah. You can never have enough Olivers...especially when they are smart, handsome, and sexy! lol!

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  6. Hi Deb! I do love Victorian houses! Now if I see a ghost, you will have to pick me off the floor. That could be a feat. The girls make me a bit top heavy. There might be a ghost to interest me if he could be corporal and was very handsome. Otherwise, AHHHH

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  7. Victorian houses are such fun! I went and visited one recently, and imagined a mystery taking place there with a heroine in peril, an escape onto the roof, the whole bit! There's just something about those old houses that makes the imagination run free.

    Debby, your story sounds mighty exciting -- treasure, bad guys, ghosts and all. :)

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  8. Hi Barbara - thanks for stopping by, do help yourself to refreshments. *Waves* hi sister hostersses, I've had a gopd look round this old house, I was a bit spooky upstairs so I called out for Oliver, and two of them appeared! Wow, what's a girl to do, I couldn't send either of them away, now could I LOL!
    By the way, doesn't Debby's book sound great, and what a gorgeous cover!

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  9. Hi, Mary, Cyrus is a friendly ghost, like Casper, but a lot older. LOL! It’s Garrison you have to look out for. He’s handsome as sin, but just as dangerous.
    By the way, it’s lunch time and that pasta looks great. Let’s have some! Oh, and a glass of wine, red please.

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  10. If a ghost appeared to me, he'd have to wait till I wake up after passing out cold. I am afraid, I am afraid of ghosts. Even good ones. Hey, until they appear you can't be sure. I had an experience once that scared the poop outta me! And it wasn't evil, just to shocking for me to not wonder if it was bad or good. And I ran screaming just in case!

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  11. Wow, sounds like a fabulous read...I love a good haunt...and with a gorgeous house tossed in, a treasure hunt...man how exciting...can't wait to read it.

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  12. Hi, Barbara, My uncle’s house was built in the 1800s and really has a ghost. I love the old place and it was the inspiration for this book. We’ve actually heard the ghosts walking up and down the stairs and they like to slam the screen door. But I have to say I’ve never really seen one and I hope it stays that way.

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  13. This book sounds wonderful! I do love ghost stories, because I have one of my own. grin. Your cover rocks! mmarvellab@aol.com

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    1. Thanks, Mary, I’ve had a lot of compliments on the cover. It was done by a graphic designer out of Finland. Ghosts are fun to write about. You can do so much with them. Even though my husband doesn't believe in them, I do because I've experienced them.

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  14. Hi, Debjulienne, thanks for stopping by. I like reading about haunted houses as well. Although, if I read one before I go to bed, I end up sleeping with the lights on!

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  15. This sounds great, Deb - and I love your party!

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    1. Hey, Traci, thanks for stopping by!

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  16. My grandparents' house and uncle's house were supposedly haunted. Not sure if I really saw a ghost or if I was just really impressionable as a 12 year old, but I have had spiritual visitors in dreams. or maybe I'm just a vivid dreamer. lol! I'm not ruling out anything! With that in mind, can you share a ghostly excerpt from your story, Debby? One that features the handsome but dangerous, Garrison?

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  17. Garrison is a bad ghost, here he is.

    Once the men had left the library, Virginia did as Martin had suggested and sailed down from the painting. With narrowed eyes and her mouth a thin line, she turned to face Cyrus, now seated behind his desk.
    “That was a close call. I didn’t know if Max would feel my warning.”
    “By the look on his face, I’d say you got through loud and clear.”
    “What shall I do if he tries to remove my portrait?”
    Cyrus shook his head. “I don’t think he will. And if he does, we’ll have to stop him.”
    Virginia rubbed her temples. “And what about the outdoor display Garrison put on?”
    Cyrus frowned. “I’m surprised he’s strong enough to conjure something like that.”
    “I’m afraid if he keeps scaring them, they’ll leave, and our future will be doomed.”
    He shook his head. “I have a feeling they’re tougher than that. We’ll just have to double our effort to subdue him.”
    At that moment, one of the long French windows blew open and Garrison strolled in.
    “Did I hear my name?” He sat down in one of the high-backed chairs, propped his foot across his knee, and smirked.
    Cyrus leaned forward and folded his arms on his desk. “You may be enjoying yourself with your little games, but your amusement will be short-lived. Trust me, you will not win.”
    Garrison’s smirk turned to a grin as he reached into his pocket, removed a phantom cigar and lit it. “Are you sure about that, Cyrus old man?” His eyes glowed with hatred. “Who holds the power may soon change.” He let out a stream of tobacco smoke and disappeared.
    Her face stricken with fear, Virginia turned to Cyrus.
    He floated across his desk and took her in his arms. “It will be all right, my dear, don’t worry.”
    She laid her head on his shoulder. “Cyrus, he can’t have meant what I think. If so, it’s too horrible to imagine.”
    He stroked her back. “Hush, now. We must do the best we can to help them along.”
    “Yes, and we must keep them safe.”
    Cyrus nodded.
    “Perhaps we need something besides the crescents?” Virginia asked.
    “Let’s give them a little longer. If they don’t figure it out, I have another idea.”
    When they heard voices in the hallway, Virginia gave Cyrus a quick kiss and reentered her portrait.


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  18. Lyn waves to the new guests, Hi Mary, DebJulienne and Traci, and anyone I've missed.
    Wow, that's a powerful excerpt Debbie, thanks so much. The more I hear of your book, the more I want to read it

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  19. Thanks, Lyn! Welcome back. We’ve been having a great time.

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  20. You got me hooked Debby great excerpt! I think if I saw a ghost and it saw me...I'd probably pee my pants. Hearing noises in old houses is okay, seeing people, I'm not as courageous as I'd like to be. We visited that place in New Orleans, that Heather took us to, you went didn't you Debby? It was an old mortuary. Now, if I'd seen something, it woulda ended the convention for me. LOL

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  21. Mary, I know what you mean. That place gave me the creeps as well.

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  22. I don't think I've ever actually seen a ghost, but when I lived in Wales I kept my horses in the grounds in front of an old Georgian mansion which was said to be haunted. I also attended a writing weekend at another mansion about thirty miles away from there, and took pictures of the gardens. When I had them printed, there was a shadowy figure of a lady in the shrubbery, in a long, old fashioned dress and it looked like mist swirled around her - but it was a lovely sunny day and I didn't see anything unusual when I took the photo!!

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    1. Creepy! You need to use that in a future book, Lyn. Gives me the shivers! Someone quick, hand me another drink so I can chase away the chill!

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    2. Yes, there is a story behind that particular ghost too - she lost all her money and had to leave the house but came back to it after her death because she loved it so much. Rather sad, but there is a story there to be told.

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  23. Wow, Lyn, what a great story! I had an incident while my husband and I were in
    New Orleans. We went on a guided tour of the old cemeteries. One held the burial tomb of the voodoo queen Marie LaVeau. The closer we got to her tomb the stranger I felt. By the time we were in front I felt very queasy and lightheaded to the point we had to leave the tour. So I’m convinced I was zapped by Marie. Now my husband will tell people it was heat stroke, but I don’t get heat stroke and besides it wasn’t hot.

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  24. Wow! I have to say I have had two paranormal experiences. I was very upset and living in my great grandfathers house with my grandfather and Aunt. I don't remember now what it was, probably over my DH who I have dated and been with since we were 18. He cheated on me when we were 19 and I was broken hearted, he paid dearly. LOL Anyhow, I was talking to my grandmother and crying, wishing I knew she could hear me. Well I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked down at myself to see the imprints of a hand resting on me. I passed right out!! Scared me to death, and it was just a gentle thing. I still think it might have been her, but learned, be careful what you wish for. Ghosts of any kind can scare you to death!!!

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  25. Gosh Debby and Mary, great stories, both.

    Mmmm are we going to stay overnight in this lovely old house? I'ts getting dark, and I know the house is pink - but perhaps ghosts like pink...

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    1. Well it depends if they are girls or boys, geez. LOL

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  26. If everyone would like to stay the night in Max’s inn, Cyrus and Virginia are old enough to chaperone us all. And I’m sure if we asked, both Oliver’s would be happy to prepare a scrumptious dinner for us.

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    1. They're already done. And the food looks great. There are pictures of it on the blog and I love pasta!! The cake ain't bad looking either!!

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  27. LOL Mary - I never thought of that! :) Not that I don't fancy spending the night in an old house with the possibility of ghostly encounters - but Debby that offer sounds like one we couldn't refuse - and I am getting hungry again! ;)

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  28. I used to take pictures in that same house. And orbs were in every single one! I thought it was my camera, but every camera used showed them in that place. I didn't even have a clue till years later watching those paranormal investigators. I wonder how many people have seen things and don't even talk about it?

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  29. ooh, that's interesting Mary. You're right, it's so easy to dismiss something we can't quite fathom or be afraid to mention it.

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  30. Mary, is the house still standing?

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  31. Was that the supper bell? Or something creepy that goes bump in the night? OLIVER! Where are you? We need a handsome men body guard...or two. :-)

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    1. Um, male body guard...not men. But hey, as long as they are TBS--tall, built and sexy. lol!

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  32. Bonnie VanakMay 9, 2014 at 8:44 PM
    Great cover, Debby! Sounds like a fascinating read! Bonnie

    (Reposted from incorrect thread)

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  33. Lilly, I forgot to warn you, things often do go bump in Max’s inn. And watch if you look in a mirror, you don’t know who might be looking back.

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  34. Sorry I'm popping in so late, chickies. Internet on the beach is sketchy at best and was non-existent today. Congrats, Debby. This story sounds so intriguing, even to a weenie like me.

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  35. Hi, Bonnie, thanks for stopping by!

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  36. Nice cover
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  37. Hi, Mackenzie, it's never too late to join the party!

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  38. The house is still standing. But, I see there are some ghost hunter visitors and finally the hot hunks arrive!!!
    See, ya'all (is that correct?LOL) tomorrow. I'm glad this is a big house!!!! Lots of rooms and wonder if there are any doors that go nowhere?? I've seen them in old Victorians, I want to live in a house like that, just cause they look so awesome.

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    1. Technically, Mary, it's y'all...as in you all. Trust me. I'm from NC- ROFL!

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  39. Ladies thank you for a wonderful party, but I'm going to have to say goodnight. I'll see everyone tomorrow. Happy dreams!

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  40. A love story, a ghost story and treasure hunt all in one. Sounds intriguing Debby!

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    1. Hi, Kristin, thanks for joining the party.

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  41. Good morning - mmm is that the smell of bacon cooking in the kitchen. The sun streams through the window, banishing the shadows and we all survived the night with no ghostly encountrers (as far as I know, anyway,) Good morning Kristin, you're right this sounds such an intriguing story. Got to put it on my wish list!

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  42. Sounds like a wonderful ghost story. I look forward to reading it, Debby! Congratulations on the new release.

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    1. Thanks, Dorothy, I’m glad you could stop by. Everyone, Dorothy is a member of the Low Country/Romance Writers, the writing group I belong to here in SC.

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  43. Great cover,
    Debbie. Looking forward to reading it. Pearl Wolf

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    1. Hi, Pearl, good to hear from you!

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  44. Good morning everyone! I slept so good in Max’s inn only the smell of Oliver cooking breakfast got me up. I think I heard Elis and Max talking about beginning the search for the missing treasure, perhaps we can join in.

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  45. Hi Dorothy, Kirstin and Pearl *waves*.

    Hey Debby, a treasure hunt sounds like a wonderful idea. Are there any clues in your book, I wonder?

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  46. Mary walks out yawning. Is it morning? I think I dreamed of a Victorian gentleman who was really a rogue. My kinda guy. Sign, story of my life, born too late!

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  47. Missing treasure, can we keep it if we find it???

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  48. If everyone is ready, here’s a little clue Cyrus and Virginia wanted to share.
    As the little group stood by Cyrus’s tombstone, the shadows of dusk fell and a cold wind wrapped its icy fingers around them. They shivered from the sudden chill and huddled closer together.
    “I don’t like this,” Kathy said. “It’s creepy.”
    “That makes two of us,” Oliver replied. “Maxwell, please remind us why we’re standing here reliving your horror hallucination?”
    “I wanted to show you what I found here last night. Look, there it is.” Max pointed.
    Carved into the stone, a silvery crescent shape was visible.
    “What is it supposed to be?” Jack asked.
    “It looks like a crescent moon,” Kathy replied.
    “I don’t know what it means,” Max said. “I just know it wasn’t there when I placed the stone.”
    “Are you sure?” Jack ran his finger along the curve of the crescent.
    “Yes. Elise has a photograph she took yesterday of the tombstone and the crescent isn’t there. Besides, when I saw it last night after the flash, it looked freshly carved and it was glowing silver.”
    “Like the bed,” Elise whispered.
    “Whose bed?” Oliver asked.
    “Oops.” Elise bit her lower lip and gazed at Max.
    “Ah, w-well,” Max stuttered. “It was while we were in the attic and, well, you see . . .”
    “We came across a bed with the same kind of symbol,” Elise added.
    Moments passed in silence as three pairs of eyes studied Max and Elise, then Jack cleared his throat and said, “I think we’ve seen all there is to see out here. So I say we all go back in.”
    “Great idea,” Kathy said. “It’s getting colder, and where did this fog come from?”
    Oliver pointed. “What the hell is that?”
    Their mouths agape, they watched, rooted to the spot, as the fog formed into a black mass, began to swirl, then headed directly toward them.

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  49. I can't wait to read this!! I'd have peed my pants at the swirl!

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  50. Wow, what a fantastic excerpt! I've got to read this!

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  51. Once again, ladies, thanks’ for a great party! I’ll say goodnight with a quote from Elise.
    “The inn looks great, the food was superb, and the entertainment was . . . um . . . out of this world.”
    xoxoxo

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  52. LOL Debby, Romance That's 'Out Of This World' is my author 'tagline'! :) You've been a fantastic guest and we've absolutely loved having you and hearing all about 'The Silver Crescent'. Thank you so much for letting us host your party.

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  53. Ladies, from Max, Elise, and the rest of the gang from The Silver Crescent, thank you so much for asking us to join in on all the fun! We had a great time and it was so nice meeting all of you! If you’re ever in the neighborhood, you all have an open invitation to spend the night at the inn.

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  54. Thank you so much, Max, Elise and everyone, that's so kind of you, and we loved meeting you and your lovely author.

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