The hostesses emerge from the limo before a beautiful
mansion in North Carolina. The house is ablaze with light and music filters out onto the quiet street.
Mac loops her arm through Debby's, the newest hostess at AR&T. "Today's roast is going to be a great first roast for you, Debby. Susie...no, Celia. No, it's Cindy!" Mac shouts, forgetful as always. "Our guest author is named Cindy, and the book she's promoting today is a sweet, YA. So, today's roast should be relatively tame."
Debby blinks. "Tame maybe, but I'm still nervous. Heels, cocktail dresses, and a limo! Everything is so...so...formal."
Lyn tries hiding her large feet under the hem of her gown as Lilly wobbles on her heels and smooths her skirt down over her prominent back end. LaVerne dabs a bit of blush on her pale cheeks, trying to add some color before glancing back at the limo. "Hurry up, Mary, or we'll be late."
Mary tumbles out behind them, adjusting the girls inside her bodice. "Got to keep covered. Today's affair is elegant and PG rated. No half-dressed hunks and no alcohol. So you ladies try to behave."
"Us?" Lyn raises her brows. "You behave. And Lilly," she turns to Lilly who blinks owlishly, trying to look innocent. "No spiking the punch. We don't want to be a bad influence on the youth who read Cindy's books."
Lilly blinks again. "Who me? I'm going to be on my best behavior. Cindy is in my local writing chapter, and today's party is like a prom do-over."
"It's not a prom. I't a homecoming dance," LaVern clarifies. "A parade, a football game...or your American version of football. And a formal dance."
Mary snorts. "Ha! We know what football is, LaVern. Kiwi's like you and Brits like Lyn think soccer is football. But a real football game involves an egg-shaped pigskin. Not a round, soccer ball."
"Regardless," Lyn says, "our guest of honor and her hero and heroine, Andrea and Luke, are coming to the party immediately following a parade and football game, and we need to set a good example."
Mac nods in agreement. "And show them how to have a fun time without alcohol, sex, drugs, or rock and roll."
"Um, about the rock and roll," Lilly adds, "I booked a famous rock band for today's shindig, but they're a clean group, and the lead singer is swoon-worthy. He even keeps his shirt on for the entire show and some of his songs are oh-so uplifting."
Mary twirls around. "I almost feel like Cinderella going to the ball. Don't we all look like princesses?"
Lyn links her arm with Mac, who in turn, links her arm with Mary, while Lilly, LaVern, and Debby link arms beside them. "Let's head inside ladies and meet the bells of tonight's ball, Cindy and Andrea."
"I can hardly wait," Debby sighs.
The hostesses enter the house and are immediately struck by the elegant decorations and table
arrangements.
Even the courtyard outside is brightly lit for an enchanted evening under a moonlit sky.
Finger foods from the fanciest sushi to jalapeno poppers are set out on an array of tables, and a punch fountain bubbles in the corner.
Lilly snags a popper as they walk toward the center of the room where Cindy, Andrea, and Luke await. "So good to see you again, Cindy." She nods to Andrea and Luke. "And so nice to meet the two of you."
Lyn and Mary step foward. "Welcome to your roast, Cindy!"
Mac and LaVern turn toward the stage and signal the lead singer as he steps up to the mic. "Let the dancing begin!"
Cindy K. Green has worked as a middle school history & English teacher, a frozen yogurt server and a golf magazine employee. Today she's a multi-published, award-winning author, a mother, a wife, and a homeschooler too. This native Californian now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and two cats named Chloe & Kassey. Visit her website
www.cindykgreen.com & her blog cindykgreen.blogspot.com. She's on Facebook (Cindy K. Green) and Twitter (@cindykgreen) too.
www.cindykgreen.com & her blog cindykgreen.blogspot.com. She's on Facebook (Cindy K. Green) and Twitter (@cindykgreen) too.
A little background:
There are four girls who are best friends (Andrea, Amy, Angie, and Alisha). The first book is Andrea's.
Dear Lord,
I need Your help and sooner would be better than later. Wouldn't you know it, just as soon as I decide to attempt the 5-Day Bible Study Challenge, my parents start heaping on loads of pressure to get me into Julliard. My friend Amy isn’t any better, urging me to ask Luke Ryan to homecoming. As if the cute, transfer jock would actually go out with me. I mean, we’re kinda friends, and I’ve enjoyed our Geometry study sessions, but in case Amy hasn’t noticed, I’m the invisible one at Aubrey Christian Academy, and I like it that way. On top of that, I have a feeling Luke’s concealing something behind those chocolate-brown eyes of his. I know I can be self-centered and a bit melodramatic, but I really do want to seek Your will for my life. Then maybe I’ll even figure out which direction points up.
Andrea considers herself to be the least interesting of her group of friends. She isn’t smart like Amy or artistic like Angie or beautiful and popular like Alisha. She sees herself as that girl with the plain brown hair, size nine feet, and who doesn’t participate much in school activities. She’s a lot like most kids. I think the average teen can relate to her. Except she does have this exceptional talent she likes to downplay. She’s actually a wonderful pianist and her parents have all these designs to get her into a performing arts school so she can one day end up at a place like Julliard. In addition to that, Andrea has a sweet, caring spirit and this is something that Luke, our hero, notices right away. It sets her apart from every other girl at school in his eyes.
Then we have Luke, cute transfer student from California. Luke might be an all-star varsity baseball player, but he’s not like the rest of the A-list kids. He’s very down to earth and not looking for what’s popular and cool. He’s had to mature quickly. His family life is not the greatest. They’ve experienced a personal tragedy, and that’s part of the reason why he latches on to Andrea early on. He sees something in her that every one else seems to miss. She has value and when they get together they just kind of have that spark.
Here is the Blurb:
PURCHASE ON AMAZON |
I need Your help and sooner would be better than later. Wouldn't you know it, just as soon as I decide to attempt the 5-Day Bible Study Challenge, my parents start heaping on loads of pressure to get me into Julliard. My friend Amy isn’t any better, urging me to ask Luke Ryan to homecoming. As if the cute, transfer jock would actually go out with me. I mean, we’re kinda friends, and I’ve enjoyed our Geometry study sessions, but in case Amy hasn’t noticed, I’m the invisible one at Aubrey Christian Academy, and I like it that way. On top of that, I have a feeling Luke’s concealing something behind those chocolate-brown eyes of his. I know I can be self-centered and a bit melodramatic, but I really do want to seek Your will for my life. Then maybe I’ll even figure out which direction points up.
Excerpt #1:
Shoot! He’d heard everything. Everything—including the part where I’d contemplated asking him out. I could never talk to him ever again. It was over. Humiliation snaked down my back. I felt completely nauseous with my stomach churning my frustration over and over. Good thing I was already in the restroom. Well, I would just have to hide out for now because no way could I face Luke. EVER!
Even if that meant I had to miss English, even if it meant I flunked The Scarlet Letter test, even if I got detention for ditching class—it would be worth it.
Even if that meant I had to miss English, even if it meant I flunked The Scarlet Letter test, even if I got detention for ditching class—it would be worth it.
Of course, Mom would never understand why I got detention for hiding out in the bathroom, or the F, for that matter. She’d want to know the whole embarrassing story, and I’d dealt with enough mortification for one day, thank you very much.
I cracked the bathroom door open and peeked out into the hallway. No sign of Luke. Uh, I’m such an idiot. He heard and he doesn’t care what I said. Either that or he was avoiding me as if I were Chuck Willis, who wears socks with his sandals.
Excerpt#2 (At a pep rally)
I leaned in near Luke to speak to him, and he smelled really great—like something fresh and clean. He looked incredibly good in a suit and tie and I almost couldn’t speak. “I…I think I’m going to go back inside before the crowd converges.”
“Sure, OK.”
“Sure, OK.”
I’d assumed that to be the end of our conversation, but he turned his gaze to mine and smiled. “I’ll go with you.” Then he stood with me and took my hand to help me down the unsteady bleacher.
I thought I might just die then and there. Who was this guy? He was a seventeen-year-old gentleman. Did they even come like that these days? He was supposed to wear baggy shorts and have scraggly hair while he grunted rather than spoke to a girl, but instead this one had politely helped this girl down out of the football stands and planned to escort her back to her locker. Well, knock me over with a leaf blower.
***GIVEAWAY***
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 Cindy, welcome to your Roast and congratulations on your new release -'Andrea and the 5 day challenge sounds like a really enjoyable and fascinating read!
ReplyDeleteHello Ladies & thank you for having Andrea & Luke and I at the roast today. Everything looks elegant and perfect which makes me think something unforeseen is about to happen. It can't stay perfect can it?? ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL Cindy, I'm afraid you're right, anything can happen on the Roast! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's been awhile since I've been to one, but I seem to recall some catastrophic occasions. Luckily Andrea & I have Cool Hand Luke here. He'll get us through it.
ReplyDeleteIf only Luke were a bit older... lol! Hope Andrea knows what a catch he is. They sure make a cute couple.
ReplyDeleteAre there any "mean" girls at Andrea & Luke's school? Do they get their comeuppance?
ReplyDeleteThere is a mean girl who is after Luke. But he only has eyes for Andrea. She doesn't exactly get her comeuppance but she doesn't get what she wants. It's more about how Andrea handles the mean girl in her life.
ReplyDeleteHi Lilly *Waves to sister hostess* Yes,I think you make a good point there, Cindy, handling situations and people like that is one of those things that make a great hero or heroine!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Shows great maturity on Andrea's part.
DeleteHiya chickies! Hiya Cindy! Welcome to your roast, sweetie. Love the excerpts. Luke does sound like a catch, Lilly. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about Luke from adult and teen readers. They love him. So here is a reveal for you--I am currently writing a novella from Luke's perspective that takes place over Christmas break. Hoping to finish it this month and have it out for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWe're hoping you finish too. I think we have openings on the Roast in December. ;-)
DeleteSo nice to see you again, ladies. You look lovely in your gowns, and Oliver is handsome--and busy--as ever.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpts, Cindy! We have a home in Upstate SC...love the Carolinas:-) Wish you the best of luck! I'm a retired English and history high-school teacher.
Enjoy your event. This is such a wonderful group and platform--fun!!
Hiya Diane. *finger waves* We love getting dressed up. :-)
DeleteHi Diane. Love seeing you here again!
DeleteHi Diane! Thanks for coming by. One of the fun things in the book is pitting his CA sensibilities against her NC ones. They have any awesome conversation about red vs brown hot dogs for instance.
ReplyDeleteWith you on the sensibilities...in my contemporary set in the NC Blue Ridge, hero's a Florida man, heroine and NC girl. Fun to watch/listen to the contrasts in perception...
DeleteThat sounds great, Diane!
DeleteI love these roasts and toasts (and the poppers!) I'm underdressed but enjoyed it all - especially the excerpts. Hope to see some of you tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteHiya Donna. Aren't Cindy's excerpts fun? And the poppers? Yikes! Hot little devils. ;-) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHi Donna! Love my HCRW peeps!
DeleteHi Donna! Yes, I will be there tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI have visitors from Germany and will be spending the weekend spoiling my granddaughter. Hope to see Cindy and Donna and next month's HCRW meeting!
DeleteSorry to be so late. I think, Cindy, you fit right in with us roasters eh? Do I look fat in this dress? I was able to squeeze the girls in and not have any wardrobe malfunctions! So I won't be eating any poppers myself. Too hot, but I do think the food looks yummy. So how do you fit writing into a busy life Cindy?
ReplyDeleteIn between it all. Like today--doing some school, participating with you all and trying to get this book finished. And tonight I'm going to a book club that is reading my book for an Author Meet & Greet. Luckily, when I do have writing time I can write fast. It's all about balancing and scheduling.
DeleteBalance and schedule? Two things I have trouble with. I have to learn to be able to do that better. I seem to fly into whatever I do and get lost there.
DeleteTomorrow my local chapter is having a super Saturday with Angela James as the speaker. Ought to be interesting.
Hi Mac, Mary, Diane, Donna and any visitors I may have missed, with apologies! I agree with everything nonevent has said abou tLuke, Cindy, and it's great news you're working on a story from his perspective for Christmas - what a great Christmas gift that will be for his all his fans!
DeleteThanks Lyn! I just need to get some writing done.
DeleteThat sounds like a terrific meeting this month for you, Mary. We have a special speaker tomorrow too on writing a high concept best selling series with Sophie Jordan. So I'm excited!
DeleteI love authors, they are so real. Maybe it's because they can be so unreal in stories, they have nothing left but real in them! That Christmas story sounds wonderful. Anybody miss snow? We have none down here in FL
DeleteJealous, Cindy! Wish I could write fast, but I just can't seem to turn that stupid, annoying internal editor off!
DeleteI definitely don't miss the snow. I'm a California girl by birth and have lived in NC for the last nine years. We don't get a lot of snow, but the last 2 years we've had more than all the other years put together.
ReplyDeleteI want to live near Asheville, just outside of...
DeleteLove snow...for the holidays, if I'm on the slopes, or sitting in front of a toasty fire LOL. Sure don't miss driving in or sholveling it.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you in FL, Mary? I'm on the SW Gulf Coast :-)
I'm in West Palm, on the other side. I would love to move to NC, it's not too bad in winter usually. I have a sister in Waynesville. The heat kills me, but I could never have afforded a house where we lived on Long Island. So here I am...
ReplyDeleteI love snow too. Now I live in England we seem to have less of it than when I lived in my beloved native Wales. A few inches is lovely (although I do remember one year in Wales when there was a blizzard and the snow was up over the hedges, like an ice tunnel). Must be hard if you live somewhere where it causes a lot of disruption though.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day tomorrow, Mary and Cindy - meanwhile I'm going to tuck into what's left of this delightful menu you put together, Cindy. let's enjoy the rest of the evening and I'll hang around over the weekend in case we get any latecomers!
Hi everyone! What a great shindig, Cindy :) I love any excuse to dress up, so thank you! Your book sounds terrific. I'm finding I'm reading more and more YA books. I love how they take me right back to that age - the good and the bad.
ReplyDeleteIts starting to cool down in this part of the world. We had the most golden of summers, but I'm soooo looking forward to winter. I love chopping wood and getting the fire going and I tend to write more in winter. It doesn't snow here - just in the mountains across the sea. Its a glorious sight!
If anyone's looking for me, you'll find me around the buffet table and chatting to Oliver. This menu is outstanding!! (And Oliver is always something special to look at in a tuxedo)
I'm definitely a summer girl, LaVerne. If I had the money, I'd come visit you in NZ in February because it is so freaking cold here in NC that time of year!
DeleteHello LaVerne! My favorite season is Fall now that I live in NC. When I was in CA it was Spring and Summer.
DeleteI'm definitely a fan of Autumn too (or Fall, as you guys call it) :)
DeleteI would LOVE you to come visit me, Lilly. February is definitely the month to visit. Settled, hot weather, usually not a cloud in the sky. Maybe we could even house swap (figuring we had the money of course) because I'd love to experience that kind of cold at least once in my life.
Nite all, have a great evening and hug someone!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for coming to our Homecoming Party! I had to sneak out for awhile to join a Book Club where they were all reading Andrea's story. Had the best time!
ReplyDeleteA great roast thank you. Everyone looks so elegant.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi Mary! Thanks for joining in.
DeleteHi Mary P - glad you could join the party. I love dressing up too, I spend so much time outdoors with my horses and dog, in jeans and Western shirt mainly, so it's lovely to wear a 'posh frock'. It's such fun being a Roast hostess - we have such a variety of costumes and gowns! (next week we could be in mock animal skins if someone wants a 'prehistoric party'! :)
ReplyDeleteHere's to autumn/fall--absolutely my favorite season in SC!!
ReplyDeleteAlways lovely to see you, too, Lilly...and all you other wonderful, supportive ladies :-)
ReplyDeleteA hug...what a perfect way to end the day. My son just arrived, so I'm going out now to hug him!! Nothing better...
ReplyDeleteHappy hugging Diane! Thanks for coming to Cindy's party!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. We're totally re-landscaping our SC front yard, so our son came over to help. Going to be a WIP for a while...groan :-)
DeleteHi, Cindy, sorry I’m late for the party. It looks like you’ve all been having a great time! Love the book excerpt! All my best, Debby
ReplyDeleteHi Debby! Thanks for coming over. I hope you enjoyed the excerpts. :)
DeleteHi Debby *waves* to sister hostess. Great to have you here, I know you've been out of town! Cindy's latest book sounds fantastic, doesn't it!
ReplyDelete