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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, February 27, 2015

Andrea Downing author of 'Dances of the Heart' invites you to a barbeque celebration for her book

  
  
  "These Texas style barbecue roasts never get old," Mary says
as she adjusts "the girls" so they'll stop trying to pop out of the top of the plaid western shirt she's wearing tucked into curve-hugging jeans. "They're always a hit with our guests."

Lyn raises a brow. "You might as well hang it up, Mary. In that fitted shirt, you're going to show cleavage. Just don't let "the girls" pop out. This is a family-style barbecue and pig roast."

Lilly scrunches her face. "In eastern North Caroline, barbecue means pig -- as in a pig-picking with a vinegar based sauce. So, saying pig roast and barbecue is a bit redundant, isn't it?"

"I heard the BBQ sauce they're using today is a tangy, savory tomato paste kind of thing," LaVerne says as she brushes her hands over her western style denim skirt. "It sounded delicious
when Mac was describing it earlier."

  Mac looks up from admiring a new pair of snakeskin cowgirl boots. "Lilly, you're not in Kansas anymore...or North Carolina. This is Texas, and BBQ or bar-b-que is any kind of party where the food is cooked outside. The pig is on the cooker, roasting over hot coals and waiting to be brushed with a thick, red sauce that's hot, sweet, and oh so tasty. There's also a huge side of beef being slow cooked over an open pit."
  
   Lilly pushes her newly acquired lady stetson back off her forehead and smiles. "Ah, now you're talking. That sounds like an earthen roast to me. And from the music coming from the barn, it sounds like the country western band knows some good ole' Southern rock, which is fine by me. I've only recently acquired a taste for country music."

LaVerne smirks. "Lilly, Southern rock is country music."
          
"Not back in my day, it wasn't! My grandparents listened to country music."

"I listened to country music," Mary says with a huff. "And I am NOT old enough to be your grandmother. Now move that big booty out of the way so we can catch up with Andi and her guests."

"Oh, look!" Lyn brushes past the other hostesses and heads for the barn. "Carrie and Ray are already here, but Paige looks like she's still waiting for someone to show up."


   "She's probably waiting for Jake," Mac says. "I think she has a thing for him."
  
LaVerne claps her hands together and smiles. "This is going to be so much fun.
 Andi's book has two couples falling in love. It's like twice the fun and twice the romance."

"That's why there's twice the food." Mac nods toward the long tables set up on either side of the barn door. Plywood propped on cinder-blocks and covered with red and white checkered table cloths are over-flowing with food. The aromas waft toward the hostesses, and Mac's stomach rumbles. "Oliver really out-did himself this time. There are potatoes made every way imaginable, pinto beans, chili, corn on the cob! I'm getting hungry just smelling it."

Lilly nudges Mary. "That's what her stomach said, quite loudly I might add."

"My stomach's growling too." Lyn rubs her belly. "I hope I don't eat too much."

"Well, if we do," Mary adds, "we can dance it off with some of those hot guys standing by the barn."
  
"I don't think they're waiting for us." Mac casts an appreciative gaze toward the cowboys hanging around the open barn doors drinking from red Solo cups. "But I'm sure hoping they'll dance with us."

Mary giggles. "They better be ready for some all night dancing because I got my boogie shoes on."

"Those are boots," LaVern says on a laugh.

Mary lifts her chin. "Boogie boots."

"Then what are we waiting for, ladies? Let's get this party started!" Lyn herds the hostesses forward like a shepherd tending a straying flock. And the hostess do like to stray.

Mac and Lilly spy a handsome cowboy by the keg and start to wander over. Mac stops before they reach it and grabs Lilly's arm. "Um, maybe we better stay with the group and welcome our guests first. I'm sure Oliver won't let the keg run dry before we get there."
  
"If he does, we can always have a margarita." Lilly looks and Mac and winks. "And I hear Oliver bought the expensive tequila."

  I am so having a margarita!"

Lilly and Mac rush to catch up with the other hostess. LaVerne gives them a knowing look. "Don't worry. Oliver is on his way with an assortment of drinks now."

"And Andi is right behind him," Mac adds. "Let's go welcome our guests."

LaVerne smiles. "And then we'll have a margarita."

(This weeks introductory skit was written by: Lilly Gayle  )

BLURB
  Successful, workaholic author Carrie Bennett lives through her writing, but can’t succeed at writing a man into her life. Furthermore, her equally successful but cynical daughter, Paige, proves
inconsolable after the death of her fiancé.

Hard-drinking rancher Ray Ryder can find humor in just about anything—except the loss of his oldest son. His younger s
on, Jake, recently returned from Iraq, now keeps a secret that could shatter his deceased brother’s good name.

On one sultry night in Texas, relationships blossom when the four meet, starting a series of events that move from the dancehalls of Hill Country to the beach parties of East Hampton, and from the penthouses of New York to the backstreets of a Mexican border town. But the hurts of the past are hard to leave behind, especially when old adversaries threaten the fragile ties that bind family to family…and lover to lover.

EXCERPT

 “You know how to Texas Two-Step?” he asked.

 “No,” she said, laughter just below the surface.

 “Well, sweetheart, you have come to the right place. Or at least got yourself the right man. By the time I finish with you, you’ll be the best dang stepper on the floor.”

Carrie looked around. “There isn’t anyone else on the floor at the moment, Ray.”

 “Well, heck, I know that. That’s perfect for learning.”

 As soon as his hand closed around hers, the leather of his palm a strange glove over her own fingers, a sudden frisson of connection ran through her she hadn’t known in a very long while. He moved her to face him squarely on, a small smile tipping the edges of his mouth, the dark, impenetrable eyes shining with his captured prize.

 “Just follow me,” he said as his right hand went to her back. A cover of a Vince Gill ballad started, the mournful tune setting a moderate tempo. “Perfect.” He held her right hand high and applied slight pressure to move her backwards. “Fast fast slow slow, fast fast slow slow.”

Carrie felt a light bulb go on. She got it. It was good. It was fun. And she relaxed in his embrace. He was an excellent teacher, a fabulous leader on the dance floor. Would wonders never cease?

 “You’re doing well. You’re doing fine,” he assured her. “We’re gonna try a little promenade now, and then a twirl, so get ready.”

Carrie couldn’t stop herself from smiling, anticipation bubbling for just a second. And then out of the corner of her eye she caught Ty watching them, beer half-raised in salute and a smirk plastered on his face. A moment’s hesitation and she missed the step.

 “What happened there?” asked Ray, oblivious to the effect the on-looker had on her.
Other couples were finally joining them on the dance floor, but despite the company, Carrie’s discomfort increased. “That boy, that Ty,” she told him. “He was watching us. It made me feel…uneasy.”

Ray scanned the sidelines, but Ty had gone, nowhere to be seen. “Oh, don’t pay him any mind. He’s harmless enough.”



  

BIO
Born in New York, Andrea Downing returned in 2008 from the UK where she lived for most of her life. Having traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and Latin America, she now divides her time between NYC and the east end of Long Is., punctuated by frequent journeys out west---the area of the USA she loves best. Her first book, Loveland, was a finalist for the 2012 RONE Award for Best American Historical. Her 2013 short story, Lawless Love, was also a finalist for the RONE Award as well as the International Digital Awards. A novella, Dearest Darling, part of The Wild Rose Press Love Letters series, came out Oct., 2014. ​ 
 Dances of the Heart, a women's fiction novel came out Feb. 2015. All are published by The Wild Rose Press..
Buy n  ow at Amazon        
     Amazon     and The Wild Rose Press    
Amazon     

                                                                 

***GIVEAWAY***
 To win a copy of Andrea 's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)

43 comments:

  1. Hi Andi, welcome to your Roast. I've never been to Texas but I do love a barbecue and I'm a massive fan of Western stories!

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    1. Howdy Lyn! We're all real glad to be here with you gals again, and the BBQ sure looks pretty dang good. Thanks for such a fine spread, ladies.

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  2. Good morning all. What a great party and what a great premise. Who doesn't love a good cowboy romance and this looks like to romances in one. So Andi, tell me. Which couple in this book was the most fun to write.

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    1. Oh, Lilly, that's a really tough question and I don't want to show favoritism while they're all standing listening here. All four characters have their own problems and their own joys. I'm off to the gym so maybe I'll think about it and let you know when I come back. With all the BBQ food I gotta work some of it off!

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  3. Yeeha! BBQ and romance. My favorite, and it's a two-fer! Hell yeah! Welcome to your roast, Andi!

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    1. Thanks Mac. I had to rustle up Carrie and Ray this morning--and I hope Jake eventually shows up. Whoa--hand me one of those 'ritas please. Looks like they're made with a really good, 100% agave tequila!

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  4. "Oliver uses only the best ingredients." *Lilly's eyes follow him as he passes out margaritas to the guests.* "Isn't he delicious? Um, the drinks! I mean the drinks. Aren't they delicious?"

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    1. Oh, Lilly--EVERYTHING's delicious! This is the best party ever. And don't forget Carrie throws some pretty amazing parties. You can read about her Hampton's Fourth of July party in my book!

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    2. Lilly, where's my Margaritas. I can't just have one. I also love reading Cowboy romances. Andrea, Dances Of The Heart sounds like an enjoyable read. I loved Western dancing when I was younger. Hi to all the Roast and Toast Authors.

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  5. Yippiekiokyay! Howdy! Am I getting close? Where's the hot guys? Didn't Jake bring his buds? I say we try the moonshine...

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    Replies
    1. Moonshine over Tequila? No way! The margaritas are just too good…but, then again, maybe the boys prefer the stuff...

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  6. That's what I'm talkin' about, Andrea...Texas treats and hot Texas men! And 'hi' again to all you lovely, loyal AR&T ladies. :-)
    Doing a fundraiser-book signing tonight for Wounded Warrior Anglers, so I'm off to get all my ducks in a row--I hope!--and won't have time to return. Just wanted to stop by, let you know I'm thinking of you.
    But I wish you a great event and much continued success, Andrea--and hugs to you all!

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    1. Oh, Diane--what a great fundraiser. Best of luck. DANCES is actually dedicated to two young warriors and there's quite a bit of 'military' in the book. Have a great evening.

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    2. I need to check out that fund raiser, Diane. My oldest daughter lives in Germany and she used to work for for the army and she was involved with the Wounded Warrior Project, scheduling trips and high adrenalin activities. It's a great organization.

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  7. Oh, my gosh. It's nearly noon and the perfect time to drop by your party. Pass me a margarita while I settle down to read this excerpt. But then, I'll just want tor read the rest immediately. Diane, fellow guest, have a successful signing for your WWA. Wish I were close enough to drop by. Andrea, best of luck with your latest. And ladies and Oliver, you throw one heck of a party. Cheers!

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    1. Well, always good to see you Barb, and so glad you could stop by. Enjoy that 'rita; in fact, have two! The sun is over the yardarm somewhere.

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    2. Welcome to the Roast Barbara. Grab a drink. Or a dance partner. Or both!

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  8. How about a glass of champagne to celebrate the book? Oliver, glasses for everyone and a toast! "Sell a million!!"
    Has Jake brought any hot friends along today? What is a yardarm anyhow??

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    1. I see Jake's pals, Graham and Toby over there. All good looking guys for sure. And a glass of champers is a great idea--though maybe I shouldn't mix with the 'Ritas. As for the yardarm, Mary--it's nautical, one of those bits of wood that holds sails somehow. Ask Carrie, she'll be able to explain.

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  9. Here's to 'Dances Of The Heart'! Wishing you many, many sales - and what a gorgeous cover, anything with horses gets my vote!

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    1. Thanks Lyn! Or should I say, "Dioch'?

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    2. I was just looking at those horses and thinking the same thing!

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    3. Well, Ray, of course, breeds Arabs on his ranch and Carrie and Paige used to own horses. You should see Ray's Arabs, though.

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    4. I love Arabs! I bred my old mare to a purebred Arabian several years ago and had a lovely, gentle natured filly from the mating.

      I gotta read this book now - not only hunky guys and romanc, but Arabian horses too!

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  10. Yeeha!! Howdy everyone! *Gasps for breath* I've just made my way off the dance floor. What fun that was! I've never been to a Texas BBQ before - it sure beats the pants off our typical Kiwi one. The food! The music! The dancing! I love it.

    Congratulations, Andrea on the release of Dances of the Heart. What a fabulous-sounding book! I LOVE that excerpt! Any man that can effortlessly teach me to dance and look good doing it has my vote of hot hero material :) But there are TWO romances in this story - wow! How on earth did you manage to decide on which excerpt to concentrate on? Perhaps you could share a short one on the other couple?

    If you're looking for me ladies, I've just spied some of Jake's pals in the corner. I'm off to drag them out onto the dance floor :)

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    1. OK, LaVerne, just for you: a little teaser on Paige & Jake:
      If she heard the words, ‘Welcome home, Jake’ or ‘Good to see you’ one more time, Paige would stomp on their Texas Swing feet and walk out. Everyone knew everyone else and, while he made brave attempts to keep introducing her, the curious glances she received did nothing to make her feel welcome.
      “Sorry ’bout that,” he offered after another brief reunion. “I was out last night and thought I’d more or less seen most of my friends.”
      “Well, you obviously have more friends than you know.” She stood, uncomfortable under the gaze of his ozone blue eyes, and shifted around to look through the crowd. “I guess I’m something of a curiosity, a novelty, huh?”
      “Well…”
      “Do they expect to see you with someone else? Did you leave a girlfriend behind?”
      “Nope. No girlfriend.”
      Jake put his elbows back on the bar before he took a swig of his drink. Her gaze ran over his lean, muscular body and found it difficult to believe one of the local belles hadn’t scooped him up. ‘Lanky’ was a word made for this Texan, and when the black hair
      grew in, he’d be downright irresistible.
      But not to her; he wasn’t Steven, and a sudden yearning flowed through her veins like poison from a snakebite

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  11. Oooh what a tantalising excerpt, Andi, can't wait to read this!

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  12. All of you are looking good in your Western shirts!

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    1. Yes! and what about the boots? I see a number of Luchese here, snakeskin no less

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    2. Boots and blue jeans are much more comfortable than hooped skirts and crinolines. lol.

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  13. I wish Jake had a twin. Ahh the imagery is just wonderful...Sigh, think he likes big boobs? I mean his twin. If he had one :)

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    1. Uh…have you ever met a guy who didn't? I mean….

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  14. Ooh! Count me in! I am intrigued by this one!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Glad you're intrigued--and welcome to the party. Here, have a 'Rita!

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  15. Hi Rebecca - I'm with you on the boots - I just love cowboy boots!

    Hi Melanie, so glad you could come to the party!

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    1. Hey Lyn: how do cowboy boots go down in Cymru these days?

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  16. Forgot to enter email rbooth43atyahoo.com

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  17. Oh, nighty night y'all. I see Lyn's gone off to bed in Wales there some time ago and here on the US east coast I'm ready to pack it in. I'll come by to pick up the pieces tomorrow. Can't even figure out where LaVerne might be….awake tomorrow? Thanks for a great party ladies. We've enjoyed it immensely!

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  18. Hehehe, Andrea. Yep - I'm still awake while you're all off to bed. I'm in New Zealand, so when its 8pm here on Saturday night, its 2am Saturday morning NY time. Not sure how that figures out in the parts of America where you are. Your country sure is large! It boggles my mind! (Not that that is so hard to do, lol)
    But never fear, late night owls - I'll keep the party going on behalf of the rest of the hostesses. It means I've got my pick of the company to entertain me, ;) Oh, Oliver.....

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  19. LaVerne, we were partying long before you ever got up. lol~

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    Replies
    1. Phew! That was some party girls! I think Carrie and Ray have left but I'm still around--of course!

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