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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, November 7, 2014

Elaine Cantrell's party at a beautiful, haunted inn.


Mac frowns up at the 19th century Victorian style inn. “Well, at least this haunted house isn’t as scary looking as the last one we visited.”
Lilly shudders. “I don’t see any spider webs, but I’ve heard this place is haunted.”

Mary tugs at the bodice of her pretty, red party dress, adjusting the girls as she hurries up the walkway. “Oh, The Rest Thy Head Inn is definitely haunted, but the ghost is supposed to be nice.”

“There’s no such thing as a nice ghost.” LaVerne laments to Lyn’s delighted laughter.

“Elaine says the ghost is friendly, and she should know. Her new release, Rest Thy Head, takes place right here.”

“Well, I’m not sure I believe in ghosts and don’t care if a nice one decides to crash the party, as long as there’s hunky guys and food. I’m starving!” Mac swings open the large front door and grins over her shoulder, then stills at the wide-eyed stares of the other hostesses. “What?”
“I believe.” Lilly whispers and shoots a sidelong glance at LaVerne.

Swallowing, LaVerne bobs her head as Mary shuffles closer to Lyn and grabs her arm.

“So do I.” Lyn giggles nervously.

“What’s wrong with you chickies?” Mac’s brows crinkle in a frown. “You look like you’ve seen--”

“A ghost,” Lyn, Mary, Lilly and LaVerne all say as one.

Afraid to turn around, Mac meets their eyes, one by one, until Mary lifts her free hand to point a shaking finger over Mac’s shoulder.
“Really?” Mac squeaks.
Four heads bob manically. Turning her head, a chill races over Mac as she gawks at the wispy specter hovering several feet away at the foot of a grand staircase. Clothed in a filmy white gown from years gone by, the feminine apparition dips her chin and sweeps a delicate hand in an arch as if inviting the hostesses to enter the inn. Mac whimpers and tries to dig in her heels as the hostesses urge her forward, following until they all stand in the foyer.
A soft smile tugs at the beautiful ghost’s lips before she turns and floats over the first few steps then disappears.
Mary chokes on a hysterical laugh. “I think I need a drink.”
“Make that two.” Lilly pins Mac with a grin. “Do you believe that?”

Before Mac can speak around the giant lump clogging her throat, feminine laughter draws the hostesses’ attention.

Beautiful in her elegant cocktail dress, Elaine grins widely. “I’m so glad you’re here, and from the look of you, you could all use a drink.

She leads them through a wide archway into a large parlor. Party guests gather around tables laden with food. 

The hostesses marvel at the array of petit fours, ham, fruit, cucumber sandwiches, pate, creme brulée, Sallad, Bottl’d Peas, turkey, pastries, jellies, cheese, olives, pickles and soup. 

 A large fruit wedding cake sits at the center of a pastry table.
Oliver arrives, resplendent in a solid black tux, and delivers crystal glasses of wine all around. 

Holding up her glass, 

Lyn toasts their guest of honor. “Elaine, here’s to your new release.” She winks at Mac. “And nice ghosts. 




Rest Thy Head
Contemporary romance

Blurb:
PURCHASE LINK
Running away from a fiancé who betrayed her, Peyton O’Malley finds employment at a beautiful mountain inn called Rest Thy Head. She didn’t expect to live in the haunted room or to fall for the inn’s owner, a fire-scarred, war veteran who uses the inn to hide away from the world. She didn’t expect her sister to show up at Rest Thy Head either, much less her formidable mother.

Now, thanks to the aid of a friendly ghost, Peyton has a shot at true love, and so does her sister Ashley, provided the guys cooperate of course!

Excerpt:
She entered the barn, a big white structure with a center aisle and stalls on either side. Just inside the door she saw a dark-haired man dressed in jeans and a long-­sleeved, plaid shirt brushing a pretty chestnut mare.

“Hi,” she called.

The man half turned toward her; wow, he had blue eyes to die for. The blue was so intense that it reminded her of a blue diamond she’d seen at the jewelry store. Oh, and look at those shoulders. If there was one thing she loved, it was a pair of nice shoulders. Yummy. He was just yummy.

“Yeah?” he asked, his voice abrupt and snappy.

“I’m Peyton O’Malley. I’m supposed to meet Patrick for a ride.”

“He isn’t here yet. You can sit on the bench under that tree outside and wait for him there.”

Instead of leaving the barn, Peyton stepped toward the man. “What a beautiful … horse.”

The man quickly averted his face, but Peyton had seen the dreadful red scars that covered the entire left side of his face. They looked like burns.

“I told you to wait outside,” he growled, scowling at her with the good side of his face. “Get moving.”

Elaine Cantrell Bio:
Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina where she obtained a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University.  She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators and Romance Writers of America.  Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest.  When she’s not writing or teaching, she enjoys movies, quilting, reading, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments.

Find Elaine at the following locations.
http://www.elainecantrell.com
http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/elainepcantrell
http://www.twitter.com/elainecantrell
http://www.pinterest.com/elainecantrell
http://www.goodreads.com/elainecantrell
http://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Cantrell/e/B001K7V90M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1411604384&sr=1-2


***GIVEAWAY***
To win  a  $5 Amazon gift card or a download of Blue 52 Elaine's favorite of all her books, 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)

106 comments:

  1. I have never seen an Author Roast and Toast before. It was really fun to read.
    lringel3369(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome Lori. So glad you joined us. Be sure to grab some food and drink. There is so much and I don't believe for a minute it won't end up on the hips if not spread around a little.

      Delete
    2. Welcome to the Roast, Lori. So glad you could join us! We have fun here every Friday!

      Delete
  2. Congratulations on being the honoree here. It was a fun time for me, too.

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  3. Replies
    1. Hiya Gladys. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Hi Gladys and Dawn. Have the two of you met Oliver? He makes the best cocktails! And he's so easy on the eyes.

      Delete
  4. This is gonna be fun. Food looks good too! See ya at the roast!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I forgot my email addy in my excitement. LOL Cloudhuggers@aol.com

      Delete
  5. Congrats on your roasting and toasting! emmasmom69 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I want to congrats and big toasting nice pictures
    I wish you great success for your book are you going to write a serie
    Have a wonderful evening
    and again great success for all your books
    Cheers
    Mannouchka
    My email is Mannouchkalegendre@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. The food looks delicious. I have an open mind about ghosts.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good morning, Elaine, welcome to your Roast and congratulations on 'Rest Thy Head' it sounds like a brilliant read!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Lori, Gladys and Dawn, welcome to the Roast, make yourselves at home and partake of the virtual goodies.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Donna, Kaisquared (great name) Mannouchka and Mary. Thanks for stopping by, help yourselves to refreshments and enjoy Elaine's excerpt!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good morning! Thanks so much for coming to my roast and toast. Oliver and his friends have done a splendid job on the refreshments which are guaranteed not to add an ounce to your hips. Mary Preston said she has an open mind about ghosts. What does everyone else think? Are ghosts real?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Elaine, we're so pleased to have you as our special guest! As for ghosts, as a Christian, I feel I sholdn't believe in them although they can be fun to read about - but I do think buildings can absorb a lot of a person's personality or spirit. I once took a photograph in the grounds of an old house, and when it was printed there was the shadowy figure of a woman in an old fashioned gown - and my friend who was with me didn't see anything out of the ordinary when we took the photograph and neither did I.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's scary! I don't think I'd go back. What if the ghost came home with you? EEK!!!

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    2. The ghost in Rest Thy Head isn't your typical ghost. No chains, moans, or scaring people. In fact... No, I better not tell you that part. The story is better if you don't know.

      Delete
    3. Eeeek. Don't tell things like that so early in the morning, Lyn. You scared the coffee out of me. :-)

      Delete
  13. Hiya chickies! *air kisses all around*

    Welcome to your roast and congrats on your release, Elaine. Lyn is right. Rest Thy Head does sound brilliant. I love the mix of elements. I am, however, a bit of a weenie and ghost stories scare the begeezies out of me. I'll have to read this one with the lights on. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good morning Elaine. :) Food looks delicious. I believe in ghosts, from experience. Thank you for sharing this morning.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Mackenzie and Peggy. So nice to see you this morning. Mackenzie, you can read this one without worry. My ghost isn't scary. Peggy, I hear ya! Enjoy the virtual refreshments. Oliver worked very hard on this party.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! How about another little teaser? Pretty please?

      Delete
  16. Hi Mac! Actually my ghost wasn't scary either. I found out that she was the original owner of the house and had fallen on bad times and the family had to sell. Legend has it that she haunts the house and grounds because she loved it so much and couldn't bear to leave it! I didn't feel at all frightened while I was there, but I did feel a very welcoming presence!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Um Yeah, Lyn. You're insane. :-) I would have peed my pants while I was running like hell. But that's just me.

      Delete
  17. Hi Peggy, welcome to the Roast. Do tell us about your ghostly experiences!

    ReplyDelete
  18. We'll try to get Peggy to come back and talk to us. I want to hear about them too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The food looks yummy and so do a few of the guests. Love the sound of your book, Elaine and I just love the cover! Rest Thy Head reminds me of an old TV show I watched and loved as a child. Does anyone here remember The Ghost and Mrs. Muir?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember it, Lilly. I always liked watching it. I think there might be a move about it too. Please do enjoy the food. It is delicious and won't make you gain an ounce.

      Delete
    2. Wow Lilly. Blast from the past. My sibs and I used to love that show. Not scary at all.

      Delete
    3. I don't want to disappoint anyone, but my ghost isn't scary either.

      Delete
  20. I have to admit, I don't like ghosts. Not of any kind! I wonder where the hot ones go? I loved the movie the Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but I don't remember a TV show. Where was I??? Nice day ladies, love my red dress, I just wish you all would get me clothes that don't choke the girls so badly...
    This story is right up my alley though, can't wait to read it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm scared of them, Mary, and your red dress is perfect for a party.

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    2. Hiya Mary. Umm, sorry, sweetie,but unfortunately there is no such thing as a dress that won't choke those girls of yours.

      Delete
  21. Hi Mary *Hugs to you and my other sister hostesses*. I remember the film 'The Ghost and Mrs Muir; too, and I think I read the book, but although I know there was a series I can't recall seeing it- it was a lovely story though and not at all scary!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Peyton, my heroine in Rest Thy Head was a runaway bride. She left her groom at the altar (with good reason). Does anyone know a real runaway bride? I don't think I do.

    ReplyDelete
  23. No runaway brides that I know of. More like marry me or else buddy. Now, here's a question for those who are married. Knowing what you know now. Would you have runaway then? LOL I've thought of it, but then they do something nice and...
    How about this, anyone know a runaway groom??? Or do they never get that far?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think maybe I'd do it all over again even though he does drive me crazy sometimes. All in all, he's a keeper.

      Delete
    2. Oh geez, Mary. On my wedding day, as the march started, my dad turned me toward the open door of the church and said, "If you're not sure, now's your chance. I'll handle the fallout." I cried all the way down the aisle, but I didn't run. I've questioned that decision at least once a week for 31 yrs. :-)

      Delete
  24. I thoroughly enjoyed Rest Thy Head! As far as ghosts go though, I have never had any experience with them and certainly never want to!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have had two experiences, both of which scared the hell outta me. I asked for a sign and I got one! And I never want to experience anything like that again...Someone put their hand on my shoulder, I could see the finger indentations. AAHHH!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am definitely a skeptic about ghosts, but I remember that my mother truly believed in them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe she had some experiences with them.

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    2. I am skeptical too, though those two times, make me wonder if I am crazy or not. It's awful odd to have something happen to scare you, but time makes you again wonder. Not that I want anymore of those experiences. I don't!!!!! I had night terrors as a kid and scared easily...It didn't help that I slept alone downstairs. Ah, the memories, ugh

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    3. I don't think you're crazy. I think you probably real had a ghostly experience.

      Delete
  27. Who else has had experiences? And, how's about another excerpt for us??? Lyn just stepped on my foot with her massive foot. Lilly, big butts are in, Mac, remember me? LaVerne did you bring Jazzy, they say dogs see ghosts. TT how about you? Bark if the answer is yes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good, cause my butt is NOT small!

      Delete
    2. TT is cowering in a corner. So, yep. I think she sees her. lol!

      Delete
    3. Okay, I'll come clean. My house has a ghost, but it wasn't always there. When it first came, I all at once for no reason was scared in the bedroom at night, and I never had been before. I had no idea why until one night I woke up to the sound of pages turning in the magazine I left on the dresser. That was a bad experience, but then the closet door started shaking and rattling. Yes, my dog does see them. He sits and follows something with his eyes, something I can't see.

      Delete
    4. Hi everyone! Elaine - I'm scared and fascinated by ghosts in equal measures! Jazzy is here and definitely sees the ghost! But her laziness means she's sprawled on the floor, only her eyes following it :)

      I've had a few scary moments with ghosts, but not so much now I'm older. The last was when my son was a few months old and it was the night my mother-in-law died. My husband was at the hospice with the rest of his family to be with her, and suddenly my son woke up screaming in his bassinet. Screaming. I've never heard such a sound. When I went in to pick him up, a toy he was given started playing its tune - but it was only activated by being rolled. It was still. Then my husband rang to tell me his mother had just passed away. At least I knew the ghost, but it was still a frightening experience!

      Delete
  28. The whole idea of ghosts really frightens me. I don't like to think that there could be some spirit watching what I do without my being aware of it!

    ygamble at bellaliant dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL Elaine!! Eew! Never even considered that!!

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    2. And it would freak the ghost out too!!! LOL

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    3. That would scare any ghost right out at my house. :-) I've never seen one but we joke about our dog seeing something and chasing it. Every once in a while he does laps around the dining room table for no reason. Always goes in the same direction like he's following something.

      Delete
  29. The only Runaway Bride I know of is Julia Roberts. lol! Loved that movie, btw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So did I. Of course she's such a fun actress I always like her movies.

      Delete
  30. I really enjoyed reading this. I had never seen an author roast and toast. It was very interesting. Congratulations Elaine on the release.

    a_schroeder_iowa@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Angie. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book.

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    2. we welcome authors to join us for their own roasts!

      Delete
  31. This is wonderful, and OMG, I am so hungry now! lol Nice job. Congrats on the release, Elaine! Great job, Mac. :-)

    ~raises a glass to Sharon~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Give me some of the petit fours. Thanks for coming.

      Delete
  32. Elaine you are really having a great party. People love your book and they love ghosts. Kudos to you for a great story! Now where is that tape to prevent wardrobe mishaps, these girls are floppin' like fish!! LaVerne where are you? Lyn, how's Choccy? He's her new poochkie!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love Rest Thy Head. ....excellent story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mary. Everyone seems to like it if you judge by the reviews, and of course as an author I'm tickled pink about it.

      Delete
  34. Elaine, this is a great party and you and your lovely ghost...em, guest seem to have attracted a fun following. Anyway you can share another excerpt of your story without giving anything vital away?

    ReplyDelete
  35. "Pretty please," the peanut gallery yells, "excerpt!!!"
    A tease if you will :0)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hmm, Mary, I can't help it if you put your feet under mine!:) My new little rescue dog just barked at nothing (well nothing I could see) do you think he was seeing a ghost? I have to say I never really thought this house was haunted, but often something will fall off a shelf with no-one near it for no apparent reason, and things disappear and reappear in a different place (like a watch or sunglasses). I think we may have a mizchievous ghost although I always think we brought a little witch from Wales, because the same thing happened when I lived there - perhaps it's me who's haunted? Aaargh!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ooh yes please - another excerpt would be great and might take our mind off ghosts.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Your wish is my command, ladies. In this excerpt you get a hint of both Peyton and Jake's attitude after they first met.

    She and Jake had started to load the truck when Peyton
    heard music. Looking around, she saw an ice cream truck making
    its way down the street. “I love ice cream. Come on, Jake, let’s get
    one.”

    She grabbed his hand before she thought what she had done,
    but she had grabbed his scarred side. He jerked away from her as if
    she’d burned him and fished in his pocket. He handed her ten
    dollars and turned his back. “Get whatever you want.”

    Oh, poor Jake. Peyton’s heart burned for him. She had a
    sudden urge to put her arms around him and whisper in his ear
    that he was okay now. Afghanistan was behind him, and he was
    home where he belonged, home where no one cared if he had scars
    or not.

    She bought an ice cream sandwich for both of them and
    rejoined Jake. “Here you go. One ice cream sandwich.”

    Surprise replaced the scowl on his face. “You got one for
    me?”

    “Sure. Didn’t you want it?”

    He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so. You surprised me, that’s all.
    Are you ready to go?”

    Peyton licked the side of the vanilla ice cream between the
    chocolate layers. “Yep. I’m ready. This is yummy. You better eat
    yours before it melts.”

    Jake looked at her and laughed. Before Peyton knew what he
    intended he swiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb.
    “You’ve got chocolate on your mouth, little girl.”

    Peyton’s heart picked up speed. Had this been a quick
    glimpse of the real Jake?

    ReplyDelete
  39. There is pain that man's heart and I have a feeling she is just what he needs!
    Great insight into character for both of them.
    Good job, my kinda story. Thanks, and Oliver has a drink and a wink for you.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'll take both of them, and you're perfectly right. Jake's in serious pain. Due to his scars he doesn't think he deserves a beautiful woman like Peyton.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great party, Elaine! I'll just nibble on the turkey, since I have several pounds yet to lose. And I'll stay on the main floor where there are lots of people. Solid people, not apparitions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for coming, Patty. The turkey's great, and yes, I prefer solid people too even though I have dealt with the apparitions.

      Delete
  42. Whew! Here I am. Sorry - I got mistaken for a ghost by one of the guests at the party and they fainted. It took a little while to assure them I wasn't!

    I am loving those excerpts!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Perhaps one more ghostly excerpt.

    He bolted up the stairs two at a time and used his key to
    enter Peyton’s room. He saw her bag near the door, but he didn’t
    see a note anywhere. He was about to go downstairs to wait for the
    police when something moved in the shadows in the far corner of
    the room.

    “Peyton?”

    He saw the air shimmer and swirl, and with something close
    to wonder he watched it coalesce into a lithe, feminine form
    wearing a pretty summer dress. His heart beat so fast he actually
    put his hand on his chest, but he held his ground anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  44. There is nothing sexier than a wounded warrior. Love, love, love the excerpt and I think I have a little crush on Jake!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh Elaine, thanks so much for the extra excerpts - I really want to read this now, Jake sound like such a great hero - I love heros with wounded hearts! I'm with Lilly, I thin k I hve a crush on him too!

    Hi LaVerne and all the other guests who've recently joined us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jake did his job as a marine, and now that he's home, he'll have to play the hero one more time because ... Dang it. If I finish this sentence you'll know something that nobody saw coming. I never mention it because I want it to be a surprise, and I think it is. I don't think anyone who's read the book has guessed why Jake had to play hero again.

      Delete
  46. LOL Elaine, you are a tease! Now we just have to buy the book - right?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oooh what a cliffhanger! You love torturing us with your tortured hero don't you Elaine!:)
    Thanks for this. I'm well and truly hooked!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'd like to thank the four hostesses for the roast and toast. I always enjoy coming here. I put some names in a hat, and I came up with Theresa Cypher. Congrats, Theresa. You're the winner of the $ gift card, and Lori R. you get a copy of Blue 52.I hope you enjoy it. For my other guests, I'm going on a blog tour later this month so if you didn't win anything today, check out the tour. You can find my schedule at http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-tour-rest-thy-head-by-elaine.html and also at http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/10/blurb-blitz-tour-rest-thy-head-by.html

    ReplyDelete
  49. Congratulations Theresa and Lori - and thank you elaine for being such an amazing and fun guest of honour!

    ReplyDelete

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