Arlene J Culliner is offering an e-book download of 'A Swan's Sweet Song to the person who brings along the most original guest, so don't forget to leave a comment and introduce your guest.
The trickle of water reaches them as, Debbie, LaVerne, Lyn, Lilly, Mac and Mary, as they near their destination. A flute can occasionally be heard as they walk along the lovely river they find. Sparkles reflect, as sun touches the glistening rush of water, reflecting off shiny rocks that line the bottom. The surrounding trees rustle with the gentle wind and carries that distant flute to their eager ears.
Spiced red lentils with cucumber yogurt |
“Wonder if there’s gold in there?” Mary chuckles.
“You’ve been watching too many reruns of Yukon Gold.” Lilly suggests. “There might be a fae or two in these woods though. It feels so magical.”
Spicy vegetable pie |
Fruit flan |
Spicy blackbean-burger wrap |
“You never know who’s gonna show today.” Lyn adjusts her saucy hat with a feather sticking out. They pause and look at the festive, yet woodsy decorations. Every conifer in the area has been decorated with berries, and popcorn strings, for the event. “Oliver has outdone himself with the food as usual; the entire menu is fruit and vegetable dominant, on the spicy side.” She elbows Mary as Mary’s mouth forms the question. “Why not just call it vegetarian?”
Fruit plates |
Soft wholemeal dinner rolls |
“Spiced red lentils with cucumber yogurt, grilled
Spicy corn fritters |
Fruit kebabs |
“You forget the cakes, with lots of buttery icing.” Mac grabs Debbie’s hand as she raises it for her attempted finger swipe of said icing.
“And her book cover is on top. A Swan’s Sweet Song,
Oliver actually fitted it on top.” Lilly grins and behind Debbie gets her finger into the icing. “Mmmmmm."
"And Lyn made a huge fruit filled trifle, it looks delicious.”
“Holy, Moley! Is that a pig Oliver is petting?” Mary’s mouth drops and the girls all look at a large pig on a leash.
“That’s the Plummers and their pet pig. Don’t say a word.” Lilly threatens. “The one shooing raccoons is Mrs. Brown, I think; don’t ask about that either. Just blend in and smile.”
“Great idea,” Debby inhales, “Watch out ladies, don’t want to step in anything.”
“Shush!” LaVerne instructs them. “Just enjoy the scenery and help me welcome our Author J. Arlene Culiner To her woodland retreat roast.
(This week's introductory 'skit' was written by Mary Ricksen)
A Swan’s Sweet Song
A Contemporary Romance from The Wild Rose Press
The instant Sherry Valentine and Carston Hewlett meet, there’s desire and fascination in the air…but they’re complete opposites.
Smart-talking Sherry fought her way up from poverty to stardom as a country music singer. Now, she’s ever in the limelight, ever surrounded by clamoring fans, male admirers and paparazzi, and her spangled cowboy boots carry her all across the country, from one brightly lit stage to the next.
A renowned but reclusive playwright, Carston cherishes his freedom, the silence of his home in the woods and his solitary country walks. Any long-term commitment is obviously out of the question: how about a quick and passionate fling?
But when their names are linked in the scandal press, Sherry’s plans to become an actress are revealed. Is their budding relationship doomed?
Perhaps she could
avoid meeting Carston Hewlett again and circumvent disaster. And why worry? She
had a concert to do, interviews to give, and contacts to make so her name
stayed in the forefront. And when this festival was over, she’d climb back into
the bus with Charlie and her boys and ride away. Perhaps head for the new
career she’d been dreaming about—because, according to Charlie, there was
serious talk of a role in a television series...
Yes, she had enough on her
agenda. No room for a temporary fling. A fling at a conference like this? That
had become so commonplace, it was positively banal. And, at
this stage of
her life, it
would also be undignified.
“There he is now,” said Charlie, ripping
into her thoughts.
“Right over there. On the left. You see?”
Of course, she saw. How could she miss him? Tall, mighty easy on the eye, he leaned, glass in hand, against a plaster pillar,
listening to the dozen people surrounding him.
“Don’t make plans,” she warned
Charlie. Yet she couldn’t avoid looking in Carston’s
direction again and noticed he didn’t
seem to be enjoying himself. Oh, he nodded politely
at what was being said, but his eyes had that vague glazed
look that comes just before sinking to the floor with boredom.
But didn’t he look delicious
in that brown silk shirt and elegant tweed jacket; look how those
jeans hugged his long legs. He was just the way she’d always imagined
a successful playwright should be: cool, intelligent, strong, and sexy.
As if aware she’d been watching
him, Carston turned slightly, caught her eye. She tried forcing
herself to look away. And failed.
For an eternity, their gaze held over the space
separating them. Then detaching himself from the surrounding group, he headed
in her direction.
She commanded herself to pretend indifference, but her pulse accelerated, and her heart thumped a sensual jungle beat. Was this supposed
to be pleasure? Something
closer to pure panic.
She swallowed, tried to summon up some zen-like calm…then
realized she didn’t have any available. She needed
help. Fast.
“Charlie?” she gasped. Looked
around. Damn! Where had that man gone now that she needed him? The only thing left to do was run. Except she was incapable of movement. Fool. The reprimand didn’t get
escape muscles into moving order.
Why come over here anyway?
What would they talk about? They had nothing,
absolutely nothing, in common. She had to stop staring
at him like this.
Here he was now, tiny inches away, his jaw a hard definite
line, his body that tight,
sinewy stretch she’d thought
about too many times during
the night. But it was the expression in his eyes, warm eyes, humorous
eyes, that confirmed her instinct:
the immediate, deep reaction was mutual. Try as hard as they could to avoid it, something
would happen. It was inevitable.
And for once, she, Sherry Valentine,
a woman with a smart answer, a flippant remark for everything, everyone, and every occasion, was tongue-tied.
BIO
Born in New York, raised in Toronto, J. Arlene Culiner has spent most of her life in England,
http://www.j-arleneculiner.com
j-arleneculiner.over-blog.com
https://twitter.com/j-arleneculiner
https://www.facebook.com/pages/J-Arlene-Culiner
Buy links:
http://authl.it/B00RVPIS88
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com
http://prod-www.kobobooks.com
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Arlene's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
(Don't forget to say who you're bringing as a guest - the more original the better!)
(Don't forget to say who you're bringing as a guest - the more original the better!)
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)
Hi Arlene, what a lovely setting you've chosen for your Roast, I love rivers and woods! 'A Swan's Sweet Song' sounds like a great story, and the excerpt had me hooked.
ReplyDeleteSince I always think of woods as being rather magical, I've brought my little unicorn, Cuddles along, I hope he'll be good and not get up to any mischief!
Unicorns are always welcome, Hywela Lyn. A Welsh-speaking unicorn by any chance? This meal is too wonderful. Oliver, I love you.
DeleteHi Arlene! I'm in total agreement with Lyn. I adore the outdoors. Tell me - what is the difference between 'woods' and 'the bush' or 'forest'. That's what we call it here in NZ, but the woods sounds so much more romantic! :)
ReplyDeleteOh! This spread is fantastic!! If my hubby wasn't such a carnivore, I could so eat this every day. I'm going to sneak some of this home in a doggy bag - literally. My sidekick, Jazzy the greyhound will help me get it home :)
Good question, La Verne. For me, a forest is deep and dark and secret. A wood is light and lovely, with mushrooms and and beautiful clearings filled with sun. And the bush, well there's not much bush in my world. I've never experienced that. You'll have to describe it.
DeleteLove tis outdoor setting and the premise of your book. I'll grab a quick bite before dashing off. I got called into the day job today, but I'll rush back to our woodsy celebration as soon as I can!
ReplyDeleteQuick bite to start with, Liily Gayle. Then really tuck in when you get off work. By that time, the leaves will be dappled with late sun, and it will be pretty romantic feeling.
DeleteHi, Arlene, I agree with the girls, love the setting! I used to take long walks in the woods, which always made me hungry! Glad you have lots of tempting goodies. Have to admit, I snuck a taste of that yummy cake.
ReplyDeleteThe cake is too wonderful. You weren't the only one who snuck in a taste, Debby. (I tried to hide my own greedy serving.)
DeleteHi sister hostesses! I took my doggy for a walk in the woods this morning, the cowslips are just peeking through, and it won't be long until we have bluebells!
ReplyDeleteAnd wild garlic too, Hywela Lyn. Nothing like that lovely lily to make the mouth water.
DeleteAbsolutely, I love the scent of wild garlic!
DeleteAnd the taste of it too. I had it crushed with hot chilli peppers once: a remarkable sauce.
DeleteDashed back to the party for lunch. Everthing looks yummy. How about another excerpt before I have to get back to work?
ReplyDeleteHere's your excerpt, Lilly Gayle.
DeletePerhaps she could avoid meeting Carston Hewlett again and circumvent disaster. And why worry? She had a concert to do, interviews to give, and contacts to make so her name stayed in the forefront. And when this festival was over, she’d climb back into the bus with Charlie and her boys and ride away. Perhaps head for the new career she’d been dreaming about—because, according to Charlie, there was serious talk of a role in a television series...
Yes, she had enough on her agenda. No room for a temporary fling. A fling at a conference like this? That had become so commonplace, it was positively banal. And, at this stage of her life, it would also be undignified.
“There he is now,” said Charlie, ripping into her thoughts. “Right over there. On the left. You see?”
Of course, she saw. How could she miss him? Tall, mighty easy on the eye, he leaned, glass in hand, against a plaster pillar, listening to the dozen people surrounding him.
“Don’t make plans,” she warned Charlie. Yet she couldn’t avoid looking in Carston’s direction again and noticed he didn’t seem to be enjoying himself. Oh, he nodded politely at what was being said, but his eyes had that vague glazed look that comes just before sinking to the floor with boredom. But didn’t he look delicious in that brown silk shirt and elegant tweed jacket; look how those jeans hugged his long legs. He was just the way she’d always imagined a successful playwright should be: cool, intelligent, strong, and sexy.
As if aware she’d been watching him, Carston turned slightly, caught her eye. She tried forcing herself to look away. And failed. For an eternity, their gaze held over the space separating them. Then detaching himself from the surrounding group, he headed in her direction.
She commanded herself to pretend indifference, but her pulse accelerated, and her heart thumped a sensual jungle beat. Was this supposed to be pleasure? Something closer to pure panic. She swallowed, tried to summon up some zen-like calm…then realized she didn’t have any available. She needed help. Fast.
“Charlie?” she gasped. Looked around. Damn! Where had that man gone now that she needed him? The only thing left to do was run. Except she was incapable of movement. Fool. The reprimand didn’t get escape muscles into moving order.
Why come over here anyway? What would they talk about? They had nothing, absolutely nothing, in common. She had to stop staring at him like this.
Here he was now, tiny inches away, his jaw a hard definite line, his body that tight, sinewy stretch she’d thought about too many times during the night. But it was the expression in his eyes, warm eyes, humorous eyes, that confirmed her instinct: the immediate, deep reaction was mutual. Try as hard as they could to avoid it, something would happen. It was inevitable.
And for once, she, Sherry Valentine, a woman with a smart answer, a flippant remark for everything, everyone, and every occasion, was tongue-tied.
Oh I love that excerpt! Thanks so much for sharing, Arlene!
DeleteOh, lovely. I like this! Thanks so much for sharing.
DeleteYou are so very welcome;
DeleteI am on a hunt to find our author. Maybe she got taken by a highwayman!!
ReplyDeleteBefore I go, I'll have some cake with you Debby!
Sigh. The delay is due to something far less romantic. No highwayman. Sigh. Just a dead car battery, and then a car that won't start when the engine's warm. And I was 280 kilometres away from this picnic. And miserable. Sorry for the delay, Mary. But here I am. digging into the lovely food (these lentils!) and having a wonderful time.
DeleteSuch a relief that's it was nothing more than a dead car battery! We were starting to get worried!
DeleteCar troubles suck. Glad you made it. Sorry we started the party without you, but the food was just too delicious....and I was hungry after a 10 hour shift on the day job.
DeleteDead battery AND something even more evil; I don't know what, yet. I'll know Monday. The thing just doesn't go once the motor is warm. Sigh. but I made it to the party and met you all anyway. Super.
DeleteOh, no, Arlene! Car troubles are the worst! Do you know, I was kinda liking the sound of a handsome highwayman having taken you off on his horse into the woods. That could be all kinds of fun :) A dead battery (and other awful things) certainly does not! Glad to have you with us now, *hugs*
DeleteGeez, have I missed anything? I was off chasing Foster. Woods with a fae feel are irresistible for him. He spotted a patch of mushrooms and insisted a fairie mound was close by. We've been thrashing through shrubs for the past hour. Are there any branches in my hair?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Arlene. Your story sounds like fun!
Branches and ferns. A few flowers too. Looks rather...well...compromising, Mackenzie. You must be having fun!
DeleteHmmm, sure it was only Foster you were off in the woods with, Mac? ;)
DeleteYou had better hurry Mary, the cake is going fast! No gbranches Mac, but I think there's some fairie dust on your nose.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Debby. Fairie dust? Fairie mounds? Oh, be careful everyone. The wicked witch in her gingerbread hut might not be far away.
DeleteI'll fight for cake. Who wants to arm wrestle?? That's not fairie dust on Mac's nose. It's powdered sugar from all the cookies she ate...
ReplyDeleteThe truth will out, Mary. But I saw how many black bean burger wraps you devoured. Don't think I don't notice things like that.
DeleteHello again, sister hostesses, mmm, Mary did you leave me any cake? Cuddles and I went off in search of our author too, but no luck, did you find any trace Mary? Oh I hope she hasn't been kidnapped by woodelves - they may demand a ransom in chocolate!
ReplyDeleteI do wish those woodelves would have come to rescue me in my car that wouldn't move. But tell me, Hywela Lyn, do woodelves mess about with such modern things as broken down cars 280 kilometres from the fairie picnic site? But what a pleasure to see everyone here, laughing and talking and eating. And what a wonderful imaginative cook Oliver is. This is glorious.
DeleteYou can't trust those pesky little woodelves, Arlene, they've come right up to date with modern technology. They even sneak into our computers from time to time and create havoc! Oliver says thank you so much for the compliment, so glad he was able to do your book justice with the food!
DeleteMy hero and heroine loved the food too. In fact, my hero has been learning all about vegetarian cooking, just to charm Sherry, my heroine. Oliver should give him a few lessons.
DeleteWell I gotta be honest. The cake is gone. When I saw how much Debby had eaten, ( I was shocked let me tell you), I gave Nibby, the little demon, the rest of the cake to go find out author. She took Cuddles, Foster, TT, Jazzy and Tigger too. They are out looking and eating cake as they search. I know it's like the looney posse? But, Foster is riding the cat, she gave her cake to him. Cat's don't like cake.
ReplyDeleteOh really? I know cats that will eat pretty well anything. And they certainly hate mice too. Which is just as well, because that table over there, the one with all the Mad Hatter's guests, has some pretty strange, fuzzy-looking characters;
DeleteYou know how I am when it comes to cake, Mary, I can't be trusted, LOL! I hope Arlene isn't lost in the woods. Let me know if you find her. I have to go. Having dinner with friends. Arlene, best of luck with the book!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time Debby!
DeleteCome back later, Debby. Just in case those friends of yours don't feed you well enough.
DeleteHmm, Mary and Debby ate all the cake did they? *Evil cackle* I'll get you my lovelies!
ReplyDeleteAh well, I'll have to make do with trifle and fruit flan - and I'll have a sweet white wine, if you please, Oliver. Thanks!
Oliver. Here you are! A dry white wine and...please...I have to give you a big, wonderful kiss for this brilliant menu. I love you, Oliver.
DeleteYou know I think you made Oliver blush! :)
DeleteGood! I love men who blush.
DeleteGuess we won't be getting another excerpt then.....And no cake.
ReplyDeleteYou see? Don't ever sulk, Lilly. The excerpt is here. I'm here. The food is lovely. As for the cake, well, good things don't last forever. Especially when they taste wonderful.
DeleteYes,. Arlene wasn't lost after all, Lilly - and her excerpt is a few comments above, it's great, well worth a read!
DeleteSorry about the cake - I missed out on that too, but there's plenty of flan and other yummy things left.
"I still want more cake." *Lilly grabs another fruit kebab and goes for a walk with her little dog TT who keeps chasing after Foster.*
DeleteI'm still going for those lentils with cucumber yogurt. Wonderful.
DeleteArlene, you sound like a kindred spirit and I'm eager to read your book. My youngest daughter is a vegetarian and both daughters are animal rescuers. We don't kill anything except mosquitos. (I'm allergic to them.) We kill wasps that get into our home because the rest of the family is violently allergic to their sting. Other than that, we have a live and let live policy. Love the party food and would enjoy a recipe for cucumber yogurt. Sounds refreshing. Probably would be good with grilled portobellos or hummus. Bet wishes for A SWAN'S SWEET SONG..
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline, so glad you could come to the party. I'm a bit like you and carry spiders and creepy crawlies into the garden, I hate killing anything, even if it does have lots of legs!
ReplyDeleteA Swan's Sweet Song sounds great, doesn't it, and the cover is beautiufl!
Yes, mosquitoes are hard to deal with in a humane way. However, better to avoid wasps than kill them. We need them as much as we need bees. Thye feed the birds, they pollinate — and that's particularly important now that bees are rarer than ever. Like your daughters, I have rescue animals too: two dogs and two cats at the moment. The cats have to stay indoors because the garden is a bird reserve. No problem. They still have lots of room. The dogs however, just located a swamp in the area. They are right beside me and smell like — a stinky swamp; Just the way to ruin a barbecue in the woods. Thanks for the best wishes too.
DeleteI love the cover too, Hywela Lyn. My hero and heroine spend so much time walking in the woods, that it sets the mood perfectly.
DeleteThere's a wood not far from where I live where I often take my dog for 'walkies'. It looks quite similar to the one on your cover, and on the other side of the trees is...not a river but a canal. There are often barges going down it and there's a bridge that leads onto the tow path. Can't beat the combination of woods and water!
DeleteOh, my doggie is a rescue too. and we also have an adopted feral cat who lives with our two horses, although unfortunately we don't have our own land so have to travel to them each day. Couldn't be without my animals!
DeleteLife without animals? Impossible. And I envy you those horses!
DeleteGreat food but I feel strangely hungry. I hope we'll hear a little country singing since the heroine is a country music star. Good luck with A Swan's Sweet Song. I love the cover too. Would love to go walking there too.
ReplyDeleteJust lick the screen?
DeleteWill that work, Oliver?
DeleteHi Anonymous - thanks for stopping by. Yes, perhaps we could have a little country music? I'm a big fan myself!
DeleteDon't need to lick the screen, actually, Arlene. Oliver always makes tons and there's always plenty for virtual visitors!
I love the picture of the cake with the book cover. It's a real book party cake. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally. Thanks B.
DeleteGlad you like the cake B - we aim to please! :) Oliver spent ages hunting for the right recipe for this one!
DeleteThe roast was lovely and the food amazing. My pygmy goat Zuzu was a little mischievous but I caught her before she jumped onto came. The silly girl just loves to jump up high and investigate everything.
ReplyDeleteHi Terri, thanks so much for stopping by and bringing Zusu. A mischievous goat and an equally mischievous little uncorn - not a wise combination methinks! :)
DeleteHi Terri. Didn't you see Zuzu playing with Cuddles the unicorn? Not a sight I'm likely to forget! That's when some of the fresh fruit mysteriously vanished...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! And the food...I am vegetarian and love spicy...felt like I was definitely in a magical land! Good luck with the book.
ReplyDeleteGlad you came along for the magic, Joanna. And yes, vegetarian and spicy is wonderful. Why do so many people think vegetarian has to be bland?
DeleteHi Joanna, so glad you could join the party. Glad you enjoyed the food. A Swan's Sweet Song sounds like a wonderful book, doesn't it!
ReplyDeleteLadies--and gent(s), you all have had a terrific time today. I know you're out of cake, but since I'm supposed to be dieting, that's all good. The excerpt is delightful. Best of luck with the book. And did I read that you protect snakes? Oh, me! You're certainly a brave one!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. All the food at this picnic is calorie free!
DeleteI promise you, Barbara, snakes just want to be left alone. They don't want to go into battle or harm humans. They only attack if cornered. In fact, they are rather shy creatures. When you see one in a field or a garden or on the terrace, it's just basking peacefully, or its on its way from one spot to the next. People don't understand that. They panic, then kill the poor things. We NEED snakes. They eat all the vermin most people don't want. And other creatures feed on them—birds and coyotes, for example. The next time you see a snake, keep still, watch it, admire the beauty of its movements, the colours of its scales. Appreciate. Then wish it safe travels.
Hi Barbara, so glad you could join us. As Arlene says, the food here is all completely fat free, additive free and calorie free! :)
ReplyDeleteAs for snakes, I agree, like most wild creatures they just want to be left alone, and if not disturbed will usually just go peacefully on their way.
What a great spread. Although my companion Gert might be looking around for something else to snack on. She's a bit of a demon and they are somewhat carnivorous. I love the premise of the book too. Thanks for the goodies all around.
ReplyDelete(Hi Debra. Should we let her snack on a few guests?)
DeleteHi Debra, welcome to the party. Excuse me if I give your companion Gert a wide berth! :)
ReplyDeleteShe'll have hurt feelings, no?
ReplyDelete