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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, August 15, 2014

Cate Masters and the hostesses at Lavender Hill Inn



http://shewalkssoftly.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/second-empire_03.jpg“Wow, this place is beautiful.” Lyn being a lover of Victorian houses gushes with delight.

“I always wanted a place like this.” Lilly grins and fluffs her period gown. “I look so good in pink, don’t I.” 

“This light blue makes my complexion glow.” Mac smiles and does a twirl.

“Who’s idea was it to put me in yellow. I look like a huge canary.” Mary groans as she tries to adjust the corset that was forced, literally, onto her ample body.

“I can’t wait to see what Oliver looks like. He says this place has a great reputation.” Lyn fastens her last button on her deep purple gown. “High necked for sure,” she struggles.


“I hope they have other food besides Lavender everything.” Mary complains.

lavender cupcakes“Shush!” Mac covers Mary’s mouth with her fan. “This is the Lavender Hill Inn after all. And they have lots of other things, like finger sandwiches and pastries. But someone told me that the Lavender Sorbet it to die for, as well as the Lavender cake and the Lavender lemonade. Why they even make Lavender Margaritas.” Mac drools and wipes her lips with an embroidered hankie.

“I have a place to keep that for you.” Mary grins and looks down at her ample décolletage.
Mac, Lyn and Lilly look at Mary and crack up laughing.
Mary flips her hair and leaves the room to look at the door that doesn’t go anywhere.  
A knock on the door and as soft voice from outside asks, “Can I come in ladies?”

Cate Masters, talented author,  stands in the doorway and enters, as Lyn welcomes her into the room. 

“This place is amazing. They have done a terrific renovation.” Lyn smiles.

“I agree.” Cate, looking stunning, in a beautiful lavender colored gown, grins. “After all Jocelyn is a talented person, and a bit of magic helps. Shall we go down now? You all look wonderful.” 

“Mary seems to have wandered off. Maybe the door opened for her and she is in another dimension.” Lyn chuckles. 

The three ladies sans Mary, leave the lovely bedroom with it’s wonderful Pineapple posted bed.

“Oliver has been such a help with the food. Shall we go down to brunch?” Cate leads them down the hall.
“Look at that.” Lyn exclaims as she notices the yellow fabric that peeks from the side of the door to nowhere. “It can’t be. That door doesn’t open does it?”

“No,” Cate looks at the three of them with alarm. “That’s not supposed to happen. Mary are you there?” She taps on the door. A soft moan is heard behind the closed doorway. “Must be the magic.”

Lyn takes Cate’s arm and leads the others down the nearest 
stairway. “Don’t worry, she does this stuff all the time, she’ll show up eventually and find her way to the Sorbet. Never fear. We’re used this. She can’t help herself.”

Cate glances back at the door and shakes her head. “Just another Roast and Toast huh?”

“Yup,” Lyn chuckles. “Let me at those Lavender Margaritas. The day has just started and already the magic has started.

“Let me tell you about magic,” Cate laughs. “Jocelyn has ancestors that reek of it. Maybe she can find Mary.”

“Nah, don’t bother, she’ll show. She always does.” Mac tells her. “She likes cake too much not to show up. Shall we?” Mac takes Cate's other arm and they descend the stairs of the wonderful Lavender Inn.

The hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast, welcome the amazing Cate Masters to her roast for her book, Goddess Awakened. Let’s give her a warm welcome!


Blurb

With a little help from a goddess, battling evil is a piece of cake for Jocelyn Gibson.

A descendant of the goddess Iris, Jocelyn Gibson may have forgotten about the realm of magic, but it hasn’t forgotten her. When Eric Hendricks is targeted by a demon, Joss must step in to battle the evil and save the town’s awkward, but endearing, vet…who also happens to be the man she loves.

Joss’s new inn, a culinary career specializing in cooking with lavender and a new love all make for a fine recipe of disaster. She needs to embrace her inner goddess and harness the powers she never knew she had before it’s too late.

    Goddess, Awakened
    The Goddess Connection, Book 1
    Fantasy/paranormal romance novel
    About 89,700 words

The Goddess Connection Series

Every woman should embrace her inner goddess. What’s your connection?

In each novel of The Goddess Connection series, the heroine is somehow connected to a goddess. Her lifelong quirks will become strengths once she finds her true place in the world, and accepts herself for who she really is.

And in each, the heroine is encouraged to embrace her inner goddess. And the hero treats her like one! As it should be for every woman.
Mini excerpt for GODDESS, AWAKENED

In starting her life over, Joss had expected some resistance, even some trouble, but not this. The bedroom floor boards trembled beneath her golden-slippered feet. Tendrils of an unseen power curled upward from deep within the ground, tingling through her toes. She paused to steady herself, then continued to put the finishing touches on her costume. The tremors grew into rumbles and their hum seeped beneath her skin. When their tiny wisps twined through her mind, she clenched her hands. Enough. Go away.

Thick as starlight on a clear summer’s eve, sweet as the lavender blossoms she had yet to plant, energy whooshed up through the cracks of the worn wood and out into the October night.

She gripped the bureau until it passed, the vibrations rolling over her in lessening waves. Bubbly, effervescent waves. “Third time tonight, Taz.” Each departure took longer, and more of the essence remained.

When the dog whined, she stroked his fur. “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt you.

Even if tonight the waves were palpable enough to make her hairs stand on end. Oh, no, please.

Nothing could ruin tonight. More than a party, this event would determine her future. And after three years of grief, she’d never allow anything to trap her in its clutches again.

The sting remained with Joss long after Eric fled the inn. Deep-rooted pain emanated from him when he’d first entered, and his palm against her arm sent an electric shock straight to her bones. The poor man. Grief kept him its prisoner. Joss understood how easy it was to fall into that dark trap. The way he’d held her, he sought escape. Comfort.

He awakened deep-seated sensations in her. In the few moments with him, she’d felt more alive than she had in three years.

So strange. Normally, one look allowed her to see the person inside. With Eric Hendricks, her receptivity went into overload. His soul, pent up for years, stirred to life and churned up love, fear, joy, hopelessness, yearning, jumbled and shifting faster than light. He displayed great strength in his firm stance and gentle touch. Beneath a hard veneer of sheer pain, one other trait came through clearly—purity of spirit, and integrity enough for many men.

The arrival of more guests drew Joss to the foyer again. Another matronly witch and an older man wearing a checked flannel shirt, jeans, and boots stepped inside, followed by a princess and a boy in a fabric turtle shell.

Joss recognized the girl as one of the riders whose horse was boarded at the inn’s stable. After greeting them and pointing them toward refreshments, she returned to Lydia. “Sorry about Dr. Hendricks.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s wonderful you have so many guests.” Lydia fingered the flowers in the vase on the table.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFTaRAQZ2X4/U9F2g1OH6XI/AAAAAAAAaZk/3TEiAlv8mo4/s1600/lavender_fields.jpgOne woman stood in the archway to the front room, her bright-eyed glare directed at Joss. Wearing a short white shift adorned with large red hearts, the woman held a wand topped with a glittering red heart.

Confused by the woman’s malevolence, Joss approached and fought to overcome the negativity oozing from her. “Did you try some of the booscotti?”

The woman tilted up her chin. “I’m not hungry, Mrs. Gibson,” came her familiar nasal reply.

Recognition finally hit. Of course—the girl who worked at the diner in town. “Sheree?”

At her curt nod, Joss forced a smile. “I love your costume.”

Sheree’s gaze darted her length. “Likewise.”

What could be her problem? The woman wielded her wand like a weapon, ready to strike. “Please have a drink and make yourself at home.”

"Thank you.” Her narrowed eyes swept the room as if suspecting an ambush, and then she moved stiffly away.

Joss crossed the room to Lydia. “That was weird.

Lydia whispered, “Be careful of her.”

“Sheree? I can’t imagine why.” Could she be nervous the inn would take away some of the diner’s business? Though Joss would have liked to think it was the cause of her strange behavior, Sheree’s vibes told Joss otherwise. Business had nothing to do with it. The waitress directed her bad juju at Joss personally. Had Joss unintentionally insulted Sheree? She’d barely met the woman.

Leaning close, her aunt spoke sternly, “I warned you to watch for others who seek the power of this place.”

Sheree? Her aunt must be mistaken. The woman’s terrible attitude resulted from something. Maybe an imagined slight? Joss would find a way to put Sheree at ease.

More guests entered, and Joss excused herself. She left Lydia deeply inhaling the air. Joss couldn’t deny the charged atmosphere was one of the reasons she’d bought the place. Not to tap into any lines of power for herself, but maybe to enhance the lavender field she planned. Joss needed the garden to thrive so the inn would as well.

About the Author
Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

Contact Details

Website: http://catemasters.blogspot.com

Email: cate.masters@gmail.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cate-Masters/89969413736?fref=ts/89969413736?ref=ts

Twitter:  @CateMasters

***GIVEAWAY***

Treat Yourself Like A Goddess Giveaway!
Yardley of London soap bar
Lavender-scented gel beads
Lavender foam bath
Cedar bar
Hand-crafted earrings
Let Your Goddess Shine star bracelet
Beaded travel mirror for the
 goddess on the go
All in a book-shaped Believe, Love, Dream box

Displaying CateMasters-goddessgiveawaybox.jpg

Displaying CateMasters-goddessgoodies.jpg

To win this gorgeous lavender, book shaped gift box 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)

50 comments:

  1. Welcome to the Roast, Cate. It's wonderful to have you as our special guest. Your book sounds like a really great reat and we wish you many many sales.

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  2. Good morning everyone. What a beautiful cover. Sounds like a wonderful book. That house is so pretty. We have some houses that look like that in Stoughton where I live. Love the old houses.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I love all things Victorian and I love the smell of lavender. But eating it? Hmmm. Maybe I should get that good looking vet, Eric to suggest something for me to try first. Think Joss will get mad and use some of that goddesy magic on me? lol!

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  4. Good morning, ladies! You all look stunning! Oliver, lavender suits you very well too. :)

    Thanks so much for having me at the Roast and Toast! That Victorian is exactly how I imagined Lavender Hill Inn. Oh, and all those lavender dishes - yum! Don't worry though, Mary, there are plenty of other dishes without lavender if you prefer :)

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  5. Thanks Katsrus! I love that cover too. :) I wish I lived in a house like that *sigh*

    I've never tried any dishes with lavender either Lilly, but I'm going to have to now, lol.

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  6. Fantastic interview and love all the pics. The field of lavender makes me think of a great scene in Goddess Awakened. Cant wait for the next book to come out. Happy writing, Cate.

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  7. Lovely cover! Congratulations! Now, to get lavender cake. Yum. :-)

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    Replies
    1. I agree, echoshea - about the cover and the cake :)

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  8. Lavender sorbet, yum! Your writing is gorgeous. Lines like, "Tendrils of an unseen power curled upward from deep within the ground, tingling through her toes. She paused to steady herself, then continued to put the finishing touches on her costume. The tremors grew into rumbles and their hum seeped beneath her skin. When their tiny wisps twined through her mind, she clenched her hands" are pure poetry! You are so talented!

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    Replies
    1. Lavender sorbet's perfect for summer, Meg! Thanks sweetie

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  9. I have always loved old Victorian homes. My grandmother used to have one and I loved the staircase and door to nowhere. Why did they do that one has to wonder. I found myself on the other side of that door and popped up down stairs. Must be Jocelyn's magic?? Never tasted anything made with lavender myself, is it flowery??

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  10. I'm feeling very purplish. I love lavender and am still getting used to food made with lavender.

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    Replies
    1. You've tried it then Susan? How is it? Please tell us! :)

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  11. One of my grade school friends had a house like that Mary - hidden staircases that popped into unexpected places. So fun!
    I'm not sure if it's flowery, but my impression is that lavender has a distinct but subtle flavor. I'm going to have to make one of the recipes sometime to find out!

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  12. Good morning, chickies! Congrats on a fabulous looking book, Cate, I hope you enjoy your roast!

    I'm with you, Lilly. The thought of purple food makes me a little queasy.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Mackenzie! Yes, it's always great being roasted - and toasted! lol
      Like I tell my grandboys, you never know what you like until you try it ;) I hope that doesn't backfire on me someday...

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    2. LOL Cate. Oh, yeah. That kind of advice can be used against you by enterprising young minds. :-)

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  13. Well, purple food is black raspberry ice cream and I love that,So, I'd try it, not sure I'd like it, but trying new things is always fun...
    Can I take the fan out of my bra yet?

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    Replies
    1. LOL yes you may, Mary. But do try and behave yourself... Yeah, I know, that's impossible. :-)

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    2. Mm, black raspberry ice cream - you're making me hungry Mary!

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  14. Well Mac, purple food doesn't really tempt me, but I remember a little purple drink I had in college that was pretty darn good. Hmmm. I wonder if Oliver could whip us up a batch of purple passion--with or without the lavender. lol!

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  15. H everyone! I'm back! Got a bit sidetracked exploring this old Victorian. I love lavender and purple is my favourite colour. I think using lavender in food is great - it's only another type of herb after all, and it's not only fragrant but makes the food look pretty as well!

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    Replies
    1. Don't forget it attracts the fae too! It's brings good luck, supposedly. It's amazing the uses people found for it, everything from disinfectant to sleep aid. I wish I had a field of it.

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  16. It's my favorite color too Lyn. My bedroom is lavender and my DH hates it. Too bad for the poor guy huh? It's really amazing how well some of these herbs can help with medical, I always wanted to learn more. Beth Trissel knows a ton about them, even wrote a book about it. We still use some of them in medicine even today.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Mary, I found a recipe for a lovely lavender footbath. Perfect for relaxing with a book! :)

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  17. You and I are truly sisters in spirt Mary! I tend to buy lavender bed linen and Dave's OK with it.

    Cate, I love the idea of lavender as a fey attractor. I have some growing in a tub, but it doesn't seem to like growing in my flower beds much.

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    Replies
    1. I have little luck with small flowers except in containers too Lyn. I think my green thumb went kaput, lol

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  18. Love the smell of lavender, esp. the lavender bedtime lotion my daughter puts on my granddaughter. Think I'm going to get me some and see if it helps me sleep. It would sure make me smell sweet. lol!

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    Replies
    1. I love to use the lavender baby lotion on the grandboys. I don't believe it helps them to sleep any better though!

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  19. Lilly, I imagine you always smell sweet - but I love the smell of lavender. And thinking of its uses, I use to rub it onto my spooky mare's face to calm her, before I got on. Not sure it worked as she stillwent hyper if something spooked her, but at least she smelt nice and I think it helped keep the flies away too. (And it's great near rose bushes to help control greenfly.)

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    Replies
    1. Mm, I bet the bees make good honey from it too!

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    2. Mmm - I don't think I've ever eaten lavender honey as such - but I bet it's delicious!

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  20. Cate - did I tell you how much I enjoyed your excerpt? The book sounds wonderful and is definitely on my wish list. I'm really drawn to Eric - I feel I want to find him and give him a hug!

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    1. Aw thank you Lyn! Eric's love of animals makes him lovable. :) And if that's not enough to tempt you, take a peek at who I would cast as him, and the others: http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2014/07/casting-call-goddess-awakened.html

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  21. Aw, man who loves animals gets my vote! And what a fantastic cast you have on your blog! Wouldn't it be great to have your book filmed using the cast you chose yourself!

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    Replies
    1. Like a dream come true! All I need is Steven Spielberg to step in and take over, lol

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  22. You got me there, I am an animal lover. Great excerpt Cate. It is a dream come true.
    I think Eric is my kinda character and to me it's all about character... Great day Cate, see you tomorrow, going to take a nice nap in those lavender sented sheets from my closet. I leave a sachet in there and so all the towels and sheets smell wonderful!

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    Replies
    1. This book is extra special to me because of the animals - many of them represent pets I've owned. Taz the dog is a mix of my dog Benji and my childhood dog Tippy who lost a leg after being hit by a car. We owned the horse Triple Power for years, a wonderful experience for my daughter Abbey.
      Hope you slept well in your lavender-scented sheets!

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    2. I need to read this book even more now - like Mary, I'm crazy about animals, and have two horses and two 'feral' stable cats. Still grieving the recent loss of my beloved Jack Russell Bouncer.

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  23. Lavender to grow well needs special conditions, I could not grow it here in Florida either, even in a bed...Whew, need that fan...

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  24. Mary, you must NOT try growing lavender in bed - it may make the sheets smell nice, but it will be very uncomfortabe to sleep in!

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  25. Lyn, there are days when I don't smell so sweet...or feel to sweet for that matter. lol! But I do love the smell of lavender and think lavender honey would be awesome. I too love your excerpt, Cate and Mary, I think we should try rubbing some lavender oil on Eric, cause he's mighty fine looking. lol!

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    Replies
    1. Aw thanks Lilly! Great idea! A lavender rubdown of Eric would be anything but calming, lol

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  26. Thank you again, ladies, for throwing such a lovely party! Sorry if demons frightened other would-be guests away, lol. All the more margaritas for us *hic*

    Sue B., you're the winner of the Treat Yourself Like a Goddess giveaway! I'll email you for your mailing address.

    Have a wonderful week, everyone!

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  27. I can't believe it! This is so awesome! You made my day too. Replied to your email. Thank you so much!
    Sue B

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  28. Congratulations Sue and thanks again to Cate, you've been an amazing guest of honour and we wish you tons of sales with 'Goddess Awakened'!

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