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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, September 25, 2015

'Out of Character' author Molly Zenk's 'Living History' island party and Giveaway

Molly has generously offered  $10 amazon gift card for the grand prize and 2 ebook copies for 2nd and 3rd place winners.  So don't forget to make a comment, with your email address, after you've read the post, to be entered for the draw!

 The sun is shining in a clear blue sky as the ferry boat docks at  Port Lucia Island, and the hostesses hurry onto the set of the faith-based reality show, 1700s Life.

 “What an exciting party this is going to be,” Lyn says. “I’ve never been on a reality television show. I can’t wait to meet the actors."

Debby pats her hair. “I wonder if they’ll need any extras?”

Mary rolls her eyes. “I don’t think they had hair like yours.”

The hostesses make their way around men with cameras and people dressed in all types of period clothing.

“They film the show as if they’re living in the seventeen hundreds,” Mac says. “Can you imagine having no modern conveniences?”

Lilly’s eyes open wide. “You mean no cell phones, computers, or television?”

“Or hair dryers or curling irons,” Debby says in horror.


“What about indoor bathrooms?” Laverne whispers. “You don’t suppose we have to use outhouses, do you?”

Mary laughs. “It’ll be fun. Just pretend you’ve stepped into a time machine.”

“Here comes Molly,” Lyn says. “And she’s with the stars of the show.”

“Hi, ladies. I’m so glad you’re here,” Molly says. “I’d like you to
meet Harmony Jones, David Hawkins and Elliot Banes.


The hostesses smile and wave.

I’d love to try on one of your costumes,” Lilly says, striking a pose. “I can picture myself playing Betsy Ross.”

Laverne pokes her in the ribs. “How about Martha Washington?”

Molly smiles. “I’m sure we could find you a part.”

The hostesses move to where the buffet is set out.


“Everything looks wonderful,” Mary says. “There’s even filet mignon.

Molly nods. “Also baked potatoes, salad, and French bread.”

 

She grins. “But if you’d like to be bad, there’s chips and dip, loaded nachos, and cheese and crackers.



Plus don’t forget the dessert table with the chocolate pudding cake and death-by-chocolate brownies. Oh, and I almost forgot the chocolate fountain with fruit.”



Mac claps her hands. “You’ve just said my favorite word, chocolate.”







     






“What’s that Oliver is setting up?” Lyn asks.



 “It’s a Soda Stream machine,” Molly replies. “You can make cherry or vanilla or many other kinds of soft drinks.”

“How fun,” Laverne exclaims. “Let’s all try one.”

The hostesses gather around the soft drinks machine and raise their glasses high.

 "Here’s a toast to Molly Zenk and her new inspirational release, Out of Character."

Today's introductory skit was written by Debby Grahll

BOOK BLURB:

PURCHASE LINK
After the loss of her brother, actress Harmony Jones struggles with daily life. Landing the lead role on the hit faith based living history show, 1700s Life, might be the perfect way to reconnect with her faith and be her big acting break.

Tired of hiding his strong faith and convictions to get secular roles, David Hawkins jumps at the chance to play the curate on 1700s Life. It's the perfect vehicle to spread God’s word.

Elliot Banes’ career needs an image makeover, so he accepts the naval hero role on 1700s Life.
Getting away from his overbearing mother is an added bonus. His true hope is to learn to speak his mind instead of always fading into the background.

When a scripted love triangle between Harmony, David, and Elliot becomes a real life love triangle, Harmony must make a difficult decision. She hoped to find her wavering faith, she didn't count on finding love as well. If that was her only obstacle, the role would be a breeze. Unfortunately, there’s an on-set spy intent on causing drama. Can Harmony see through all the lies and secrets to the truth in her heart, or will she end up falling for the wrong man?
EXCERPT:


“Hey, Patrick.” I pick up one of the pictures from the shrine. It’s a selfie of us smooshed together making duck faces. “I know you probably planned all this me living and you not stuff. Even if it was a split second decision, you’re always putting me in front of you. Why would the day of the accident be any different? I guess I should say thanks, but words seem so hollow right now. You gave your life for mine. How can I ever repay that? Mom’s going to say your death is all part of God’s plan, but I never made a plan that didn’t have you in it. I don’t know how. Maybe God can help me with that one.”

I set down the picture, lace my fingers tightly together, and close my eyes. “Dear God, hi, it’s me Harmony. I know you bring a lot of comfort to a lot of people — Mom and me included — so I wanted to ask you, how do I get through this? When does it get easier? When will I stop feeling like half of me is gone? I don’t know how to live without Patrick. I wish I didn’t have to start now. I wish this was all just some horrible nightmare that I’ll wake up from and everything will be back to normal. Me plus Patrick is normal. I don’t know any other way to be. Help me. Help me find my way. Help me to know this is all part of some master plan. I can’t accept Patrick died for nothing. I won’t accept it. Help me. Please, help me.”

I keep my eyes shut and my hands clasped together. I wait. I listen. I look deep inside my soul and hope the answer is there. Memories are there, like the time Patrick and I organized a water balloon war at Bible Summer Camp or when Mom made sure she had every “Bible edition” of popular games so we could still play them without compromising our core beliefs. As we got older, Mom let us explore and question the meaning behind those core beliefs, but we never strayed from them. Faith is a comfort, like a close friend who never leaves you. That’s how I felt about Patrick, too. He was more than a brother. He was my best friend. Sometimes I thought he knew me better than I knew myself.

“How am I ever going to live without you?”

I wait for a sign, but there’s no big revelation or clap of knowingness where the sky opens up and angels sing. There’s no voice telling me everything is going to be all right. There’s just emptiness. When I need His comfort the most, God abandons me.

So I abandon Him.


 AUTHOR BIO:

MOLLY ZENK was born in Minnesota, grew up in Florida, lived briefly in Tennessee and now lives in Colorado. She writes across many fiction genres including young adult, new adult, historical, mystery, romance, and Christian. She is married to a Mathematician who complains about there not being enough “math” in her author bio. They live in Arvada, CO with their three young daughters.

***GIVEAWAY***
To win one of Molly's prizes, 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, September 18, 2015

the Author Roast celebrates the new release, Asylum Harbor by Isla Grey - Spotlight and Giveaway


A salty breeze drifts on the light winds as the Hostesses sit around the roaring bonfire, beneath the twinkling lights, listening to laughter and the sounds of ropes and poles as they gently clank together on the boats docked at the ramps below the island beach party for the wonderful story Asylum Harbor. 





Dozens and dozens of people sat on towels and beach chairs; more walk the shore dipping toes and strolling arm and arm, or in the water jumping the low crashing waves. Children run in and out of the water, or munch on snacks as they salivate to the grilling teriyaki steaks.  There are also  shrimp cocktails for starters, baked potatoes, salads - beautifully  made and sporting a cinnamon apple ring  made from crisp, sweet, apples,

though the Orange cake with cream cheese  steals the show…




“Lyn, what is that you’re writing?” Debby elbows Lyn, who would normally fall except for those big feet that balance her perfectly no matter how hard she gets elbowed. 

“Sorry Lyn,” Debby grins. “Is my hair too big today?”

“Your hair is always too big.” Lyn, Mary, Laverne, Mac and Lilly all comment at the same time.


“Yeah, says the one who could carry a tray, not just a glass, but a tray; on her butt like Kim what’s her name.” Debby mumbles under her breath.


Lilly chuckles, “Mary beats us all, when she walks in, there is a sigh of awe that a bosom that big does not prevent her from standing up.


Mary stands even taller. “Jealous?” she asks?


LaVerne takes off her hat. “Finally the sun is low enough that I won’t have to worry about burning. 


“Yes Morticia,” Debby grins. “We are all very special in our own ways.”


“Here, here,” Mary raises her drink, a strong Rum Runner, and they all click glasses.


“What are we toasting?” Mac perks up to ask.


“Never mind now ladies. We have a job to do. We have to introduce our guest author and tell everyone how wonderful her story is. We have to supervise the books and make sure everyone can get their signed copy. Thank goodness Oliver always has a handle on the food. It looks yummy!” Lyn takes a deep breath. “Come on girls put on your flip flops and

follow me.”

The girls turn with determination and head to the table where Isla's books await avid readers. And her readers are lined up to get their signature on each book. They see things running smoothly and cheerfully approach the table to greet and introduce their guest.


“Hey, back of the line, no cutting.” A woman gives them the evil eye. “Hey, folks, cutter-inners.” She hollers. 


And the crowd begins to boil!


“Wait, we’re the hostesses.” The girls try to tell them. But they are pushed back and with hands on hips, wait distressed. Not wanting to make a scene.


“I know, let’s find Oliver and he can help us.” Lyn suggests and they head back toward the food.


Oliver gracious as ever escorts them to the head of the book table, bows, grins, and leaves. after making sure Isla has a glass of his special 'Shirley Temple' cocktail.

 
Lyn raises her voice and speaks into the microphone. “We want you to welcome our author ISLA GREY and please enjoy this terrific beach party celebration for her new romantic release Asylum Harbor.” 


Cheers and whistles fill the air. And the animated conversations and the party continues on even louder.


“Who are those women anyhow?” Someone in the crowd asks. 


“I think they snuck into line.” Another person shakes their head in answer. 


Just another Roast and Toast!
 Congratulations on your new release, Isla, welcome to the party, everyone!



BLURB 

PURCHASE LINK
Trouble is the last thing Devon Brown needs when she leaves the painful memories of her past behind and heads to Shell Island. As the Salty Dog’s new bartender, she finds herself drawn to Kerr, the Shell Island harbormaster.  But finding her happily-ever-after is difficult when dealing with an obnoxious bootlegger who supplies the bar with illegal liquor and a jealous coworker.
A standoffish loner with damaged emotions, Kerr avoids relationships like the plague.  Things change when Devon catches his eye. As a simple flirtation grows serious, the coworker and bootlegger quickly become obstacles to any future Kerr and Devon may have together. As the situation worsens, Devon realizes that even the still waters of Asylum Harbor are no refuge during a storm.


 EXCERPT
  The waves of Asylum Harbor crashed against the hull of the ferryboat that dared to cut through its churning waters. Devon Brown’s long tresses whipped in the wind as she clung to the deck’s railing and looked toward the shrouded Shell Island. Her view of the mainland wasn’t much better. The fog and mist obscured what she was leaving behind in a fitting goodbye.
     Devon strengthened her deathlike grip when the boat swayed in the heavy surf. Her palms grew sweaty. “What was I thinking?” she mumbled to herself as she strained to see the outline of the island ahead.
     Another spray of salty water made her release her hold on the railing and step away. She cautiously took another step back. Just as she began to turn around, she collided with another ferry rider. The bump was enough to send her off balance, and she spiraled down to the deck.
     “You should watch where you’re going.” The looming figure towered over her.
     Devon shook the grime from the deck off her hand and could feel the salt water seeping through the denim on her backside. She looked up, about to give him a piece of her mind, but was immediately tongue-tied as she admired the snugness of the white T-shirt he had on. “Sorry, I didn’t see you.”



AUTHOR BIO
Isla Grey is from Central Virginia and developed a love of writing at an early age.  She has tried her hand at penning poetry, screenwriting, newspaper articles and historical stories. She’s “old school” when it comes to writing and is a hoarder of more pens, post-it notes and writing journals than she’ll ever need. Isla likes to write different types of stories from romance to mystery and anything in between and loves a “happy for now but there could be some bad things coming” feel. 
When Isla’s not writing, she spends her time being called “Mom, Mama, Mommy” (well, you get the picture) by her daughter who is forever active, even in her sleep. She considers herself an unofficial “cat whisperer” and is a pet human to a plethora of cats that have taken up residence at her home over the years. Isla also enjoys reading a good biography or ghost story, traveling, even though “there’s no place like home”, good music played loud and walking. Isla loves movies and is the movie mistakes editor at Bellaonline.com where she talks about…well…movies. 
This weeks's introductory skit was written by Mary Ricksen

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

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.)