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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, March 28, 2014

Pamela Thibodeaux's cowboy style Barbeque and Giveaway

Who doesn't love a barbeque?  We're delighted to have Pamela Thibodeaux as our special guest this week - don't forget to watch her trailer and leave a comment to be in the running for this week's draw



“There’s gonna be cowboys, right?” Pink fringe dances from the arm of her fitted blouse as Mary adjusts her
cowgirl hat.

“There’d better be cowboys.” Mac sucks in her belly. “As much as I love you all, I didn’t squeeze into thesejeans for you chickies.”

AJ aims her phone and snaps a picture. Mac and Melissa grin and preen.

Lilly hurries toward the barn in the distance. Gravel crunches beneath the boots of the other hostesses as they scramble after her. “Pamela Thibodeaux is our guest this week and she wanted a cowgirl party. You can’t have a cowgirl party without cowboys.” 

Lyn reaches the barn door first and tugs it open. “Oh, wow. Wow, wow, wow! Would you look at that!”



The hostesses squeeze in close to peer into the interior of the barn. A good, old fashioned ranch gathering is in progress with enough food to feed the county.






Ribs, sausage, pork steaks and brisket, potato salad, baked beans, green salad and
 Texas toast fill the long food tables.

Others hold chips and dips as well as homemade cakes, pies and cookies.



Slack jawed, the hostesses’ gazes follow Pamela as she crosses the sawdust covered floor. At least a dozen men in hats, wranglers and boots are bellied up to the makeshift bar. Pamela squeezes into the center of the hunky group.


“I think I need a marguerita.” Mary starts forward. 

Melissa elbows AJ, Lilly and Lyn aside to follow. “Make mine a double.”

Mac grins and hurries to catch up. “Pamela, my friend. This is going to be some party!”


Lori’s Redemption is available @
Amazon, B&N DeeperShopping & Smashwords!
Here is the blurb for Lori’s Redemption:
Lori Strickland (introduced in Tempered Fire) has always been known as her father's "wild child" with no desire to change until she meets ex-bull-rider-turned-preacher Rafe Judson. Her attempts to change her wanton ways come to naught until she realizes redemption only comes with true repentance. Can the notorious bad girl find redemption & win the cowboy preacher’s heart?


Excerpt:
Rafe Judson made his way to the arena with a smile on his lips, a song in his heart, and the same old limp in his stride. An ex-bull-rider, he still loved everything about the rodeo…the scents—the hay, the horseflesh, the sweat—the excitement, the crowds. As a minister, he didn’t enjoy the accidents or the deaths. He could do without a lot of the language, too.

Remember where you came from old boy.The thought brought with it a quick stab of conviction.I remember, Lord.Wasn’t so long ago he'd cussed and caroused along with the other cowboys. But all that changed with the accident that ended his career as a champion rodeo rider, but opened a whole new world to him, a world filled with faith and optimism.

Far cry from the cynical, bitter cowboy he once was. 

AUTHOR BIO

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana and the CEO of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine, an online publication designed to connect readers with authors of Christian/clean/wholesome books. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, "Inspirational with an Edge!" and reviewed as "steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message."


Bayou Writers Group: http://bayouwritersgroup.com



*GIVEAWAY***


Pam will give away at least 1 copy of Lori’s Redemption and (if participation warrants) a copy of Tempered Fire.

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)

Friday, March 21, 2014

JoAnne Myers throws the swankiest party in Town! Fun and a Giveaway at the Author Roast


The hostesses pile out of the limousine in their designer gowns
and stare up at the elegant mansion in Columbus, Ohio.

"Wow!" Lilly gushes. "I can't believe we've been invited to the governor's mansion for JoAnne's roast."

Mac whistles. "This is going to be such a blast. I hear the governor is an old family friend of JoAnne's. And he has nothing but nice things to say about her and her new release, Wicked Intentions."

AJ taps on her phone. "Wicked Intentions is actually a collection of paranormal short stories. The title alone sends a little shiver down my spine."

"Put that phone away," Melissa admonishes. "It doesn't go with your dress at all."

AJ hugs her phone before slipping it into an elegant, beaded handbag.

"I think this might be one of the fanciest shindigs we've ever hosted." Lyn looks down at her big feet and smiles. "I'm glad I wore my sparkly shoes."

Mary snickers. "I can't believe you found such elegant slippers in such a behemoth size."

"Speaking of behemoth," Lilly mumbles to AJ,
"Mary's 'girls' look about ready to spill over the top of that low-cut gown."

Mary proudly sticks out her chest. "Hey, I have Beyonce's upper body proportions and you have her lower portions, Lilly. I can't believe you found such a slimming dress for that big booty of yours."

"Be nice, ladies," Melissa says. "We're supposed to be on our best behavior tonight. JoAnne requested an elegant party and the governor has graciously offered the use of his mansion. So, let's get in there and get this party started!"

Once inside the mansion,  JoAnne Myers, the guest of honor rushes forward wearing an elegant blue gown with a pearl necklace and matching earrings. She kisses the hostesses on their cheeks and smiles. "Thank you all for hosting me and for allowing the governor to have the roast here. The Ball Room is elaborately
decorated in shades of blues, pinks, and lavenders and Guns and Roses will be singing all my favorite songs. Oh, and Kelly Clarkson, Harry Connick Jr., Belinda Carlisle and Tony Braxton are here too."

Lilly, AJ, Mac, Melissa, and Mary turn to Lyn with wide, questioning eyes. Lyn shrugs. "Hey, don't look at me. The governor is the one with the connections."


"I want him to host my next party," Melissa says as the hostesses follow JoAnne  into a large reception area. There, she mingles with her guests, often telling silly jokes before Criss Angel and David Blain entertain the crowd with  magic.

Then everyone sits down to eat a meal catered by Rachel Ray. The menu consists of exotic fruit, cheesy  potato soup, lemon pepper fish, grilled chicken in  mushrooms, filet mignon and porterhouse steaks. There is also several kinds of potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans, and broccoli with cheese.

And for dessert, there is German chocolate cake, cherry, apple, silk  chocolate, and coconut cream pies and cheesecake with or without fresh strawberries, Boston cream pie, and Tiramisu.


As people finish their meals, Oliver and a host of handsome bartenders monitor the two full  bars, mixing and serving pina coladas, margaritas, and strawberry daiquiris.

Then the Governor raises his glass in  a toast to JoAnne. Everyone claps and then Lyn raises her glass.

"Welcome to another fun-filled roast. Let the party begin!"

Author Bio:
I hail from the famous Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio. I have worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I also canvass paint.
When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams.
My books along with my original canvass artwork can be viewed and purchased here: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
 Intentions

by JoAnne Myers

Blood Ties
Audra Roper has disturbing visions about her twin sister's disappearance, suspecting her brother-in-law Doug of Lisa's death.

Police officer Tyler Pettit tries to help, but when the law fails, Audra assumes Lisa's identity, plays amateur detective and discovers a bloody scene. All isn't what it seems as her life becomes a roller coaster of danger, heartbreak and intrigue.

Dark Visions
When Carrie Reynolds starts having nightmares on her twenty-sixth birthday, she believes her "dark visions" can solve the twenty-year disappearance of her father.

The Apartment
When young newlyweds Bill and Gayle move into their new apartment, their lives are plagued with sightings of evil ghosts that threaten their marriage and lives.

The Legend of Lake Manor
For psychic Cassandra Lopez, coming to haunted Lake Manor was like a mission. The Manor and its employees needed her help in ridding the home of specters, most trying to kill and one willing to stay for love's sake.

Summer Wind
When twenty-nine year-old Ginger Duncan discovers the old mansion Summer Wind, she is mysteriously drawn to it. Immediately the hauntings have a negative and profound effect on the family.

The Haunting of Barb Marie
Even as a child, Barb Marie saw dead people which terrified her parents. With no one to talk to about her gift/curse, Barb keeps the secret to herself. This takes an unhealthy toll on her childhood and two marriages. Who are these people that haunt her home now?

The Truth Behind the Lies-Laying the Norfolk Ghost to Rest
Solving the brutal murder of American born Ruthie Geil becomes a gauntlet of attacks and more murders for Federal Police Inspector Ian Christian. Between the victim's family, ex-lovers and ghostly occurrences on Norfolk Island, the killer is closer than anyone realizes.


Excerpt

Blood Ties

“Wake up, sleepy head,” said a cheerful Kyle Roper to his snoring sister Audra. Living next door with a key to her place, he often visited unannounced...like this morning.

Audra stirred in her canopy bed, then slowly opened one bloodshot eye. “Is it morning already?” she asked, releasing a Wild Turkey and Coca Cola scented yawn.

“Wooo...weee...” said Kyle as he waved the noxious fumes away from his face. “I’m glad you’re on vacation so you can sleep late. What time did you bad girls leave the bar?”

“One hour after closing,” she said rolling onto her back and pushing her long chocolate-colored hair from her mascara-streaked face. “I feel like crap.”

“Maybe sooo…but if you’re gonna take Mom to the hairdressers, ya got less then an hour to shower and make it on time.”
“Eight a.m. is too early to be getting a perm. What’s wrong with that sweet mom of ours?”
“She’s an early bird, unlike a pair of twins I know,” he said pulling back the covers to reveal his sister’s Asian inspired silk pajamas. “I gotta go. I’ll call ya later.” He then left the room as Audra reluctantly rose from her bed.

Immediately she felt a severe pain in her abdomen and cried out, alerting her brother just before he reached the front door. He raced to her side and found her kneeling on the floor, holding her stomach with both hands. “Audra, what’s wrong?” He lifted her petite body onto the bed. “Do you need an ambulance?”
Her face twisted in agony. Each word was a struggle to release. “Lisa! Lisa!” She sobbed, horrifying her big brother.

“What about Lisa?” He shook her to get a response.

“Lisa,” she whispered before fainting. Kyle was shaking with the realization his other sister needed help. He grabbed the nearby telephone from the side table and frantically dialed Lisa’s number.

On the third ring, his brother-in-law Doug Smalley answered. “Hello,” he said with a grumpy tone.

“Doug, I need to talk to Lisa,” Kyle said with urgency.

There was a moment of silence. “Do you know what time it is? She’s asleep. She didn’t get in till after four. She’s dead to the world.”

“Well then...tell her ta call me or Audra as soon as she gets up,” said Kyle. “Don’t forget, Doug.”

“When could I ever forget my in-laws?” The line went dead.

“Bastard!” said Kyle before returning the receiver to its base.

At that moment, Audra regained consciousness. “I need to call Lisa.”

“Don’t bother. I already did, and she’s asleep.”

“Your stomach feeling better? How’s your head?” he asked, sitting down on the bed next to her
.
“Can you get me two aspirins from the bathroom medicine cabinet?” Her older brother obliged. He returned shortly with the tablets and a glass of water. Audra swallowed the pills and liquid then said, “Something has happened. I can feel it. Like when we were kids and Lisa or me got hurt…”

“And one twin felt the other twin’s pain?” he said, finishing the explanation.

“Yes! It was just like that...but much worse.”

“Doug promised to tell Lisa I called.”

“So you didn’t talk directly to Lisa?”


“No, but you and I both know it’s not just alcohol Lisa is prob’ly on.”
Audra rebelled at her brother’s accusations against their sister. “So you believe Doug’s lies about Lisa using drugs?”

“Don’t forget I had a drug addiction once. I know the signs of a heroin addict. When Lisa calls you, make it clear to her that she needs to get help if she wants custody of the kids in the divorce.”
“If Lisa loses those kids, she’ll just die.”

“And that’s exactly why she must get help. I gotta go,” he said, kissing Audra on the cheek and leaving.
After hearing the front door shut, she remembered her previous obligation. “Oh crap! Mom!” She jumped off the bed and into the shower.

http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Intentions-JoAnne-Myers-ebook/dp/B00GNRUF40/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384531716&sr=1-1&keywords=wicked+intentions+myers



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

Monday, March 17, 2014

Georgie's Winner is...

SUE B

Congratulations,SUE, your prize is on its way.

Thanks to Georgie Tyler for being such a wonderful a guest of honour, and to everyone who commented and made this Roast such fun.

The hostesses appear on-stage, holding hands, to take a bow

They hug each other and wave before leaving the stage.

"Just another Author Roast and Toast!"


Join us again on 21st March when our Guest of Honour will be JoAnne Myers           


Friday, March 14, 2014

I'm Too Frumpy For My Gym by Melissa Snark


I go to the gym three or four days a week because A) I want to stay fit, and B) the kid center provides Miss Bear and I with a much needed break from one another.

Most of the people at my gym are pretty normal, but then there's another group. Fashionistas who carry Coach purses onto the cardio floor, who wear coordinated athletic outfits by name brand designers. These ladies look like they showered, applied makeup, arranged their perfectly coifed hair before their workout.

As a rule, I prefer to mind my own business. I use the elliptical machine. I wear headphones. I obey the rules of exercise equipment and elevators--  Don't look left or right. Stare straight ahead. Don't look at or speak to your neighbor.

Imagine my astonishment when a hand tapped my elbow. Startled, I glanced over at the occupant of the other elliptical machine, a young Asian lady who appeared to be one of the aforementioned Fashion Fitness Warriors. She spoke to me, so I removed my head phones.

"Your hair is very frizzy," she said. "I am a hair stylist. I just wanted to let you know that your hair stylist can provide you with a conditioning treatment that will make your hair very smooth."

"Um, thanks," I said. Then, for unknown reasons, I felt compelled to explain. "I don't shower before I work out, so I wake up and put my very frizzy hair into a ponytail."

"Your hair stylist can help you," she said with the serious air of an oncologist referring a cancer patient to chemo.

Right. I don't have a hair stylist. I refrained from telling her that the only time I've even had my hair trimmed in the last four years was the prior November, and only then for my sister's wedding.

"You have very pretty hair. Pretty color," she said. I think at this point she felt compelled to do some damage control for my poor ego. "Is your color natural?"

"I have children," I said, which is really the same as saying, Duh. My natural color is gray.

"Call your hair stylist right away," she said.  "She can help with the frizz."

"Uh, thanks?"

With a bright smile of encouragement, she concluded her workout and went on her merry way, content in the knowledge that she had done her best to save her fellow frumpy human being.



 Originally posted on The Snarkology on March 4, 2013.



Melissa Snark is a paranormal and romance author with a particular interest in werewolf and Norse mythology. Her Loki's Wolves series combines elements of both in a contemporary fantasy setting. She lives in Northern California with her husband, three children and glaring of cats.

Talking about cats, Melissa is offering a copy of her story ' A Cat's Tale' to one lucky commenter (see below) It is also available at Amazon, HERE

Connect with Melissa:
Email:  melissasnark at gmail dot com
Twitter: @MelissaSnark
***GIVEAWAY***



To win a copy of Melissa's story 'A Cat's Tale

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)

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
authorroast@btinternet.com
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE OUR GUEST? DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR NEW RELEASE OR EVEN AN OLDER ONE?IF YOU FANCY BEING GUEST OF HONOUR AT ONE OF OUR PARTIES JUST EMAIL US AT THE ADDRESS in 'OLIVER'S RULES'!(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 'G' RATED BLOG SO NOTHING HIGHER THAN THIS RATING, PLEASE.)