D

D
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.
***********************************************************

Friday, August 5, 2016

A Romany celebration for Seeking Patience

“What the heck are you wearing?” LaVerne eyes Mary’s apparel with disdain.

“What is wrong with you?” Lyn’s audible sigh and grim smirk speak volumes.

As Mary gazes down at her floor length dark robe, the scarf covering her hair, wrapped haphazardly around her head reminiscent of a lopsided, colorful cake. And the garish makeup makes her look like a crazy person. Mary grins. “Well, my mother told me that the gypsies would kidnap me, and that I should try to fit in and escape when I could. They liked red haired little girls and my mother had bright red hair. Her mother warned her too, to be careful in areas known to have gypsy people living. They would snatch you up and make you one of their own.”

Lilly cannot help but to laugh. Debby joins in and soon the only one not laughing is Mary, who, wide eyed, smiles and blushes. Which makes the girls laugh all the harder at her.

“Listen sweetie, you are not a child and you don’t have red hair. I do. That only scratches the surface of the problem you pose in that getup. Couldn’t you just dress like the Rom here do?” Lyn points to the women in camp who wear long skirts and and blouses,
some colorful, some plainer homespun clothing. “Just take off the huge cape and you look fine underneath. Though we might have to chisel the makeup off. They didn’t have makeup like that in Regency times. Also, I hope you won’t call them gypsies, it’s disrespectful. ”

“I always research a bit when we go to these book celebrations. We know that the guests and the wonderful Josie Riviera will dress in the book’s time period.” Lilly’s nose twitches when she gets started.


Mary shrugs off the long cloak and mutters under her breath, "You guys have no imagination. someone might want to kidnap me. It's possible, really."

They enter the Romany camp Oliver, swashbuckling as ever, pats her on the back and gives her a huge smile.


“What is that roasting on the open fires?” LaVerne wonders aloud.


“That ladies, is roasted hedgehog.” A handsome, dark skinned, brooding man, with lots of black hair and almost black eyes passes the ladies each a glass of ratafia (Courtesty of Lady Blackwell) charming them with his flashing grin; he
calls out to Josie. “Josie your guests are here.”

“Bring them over by my fire.” A voice answers from one of the many blazes in the camp.

As the girls approach Josie’s caravan, the sounds of celebration fill the camp, and music brings lots of dancing.  The joy of the Rom’s free spirit is felt by all.

“Welcome ladies, are you ready to attend your first Romany celebration?” Josie hugs each one of them and offers seats around her fire.”



“We want to congratulate you on a wonderful story. And I can’t wait
to meet Luca and Lady Patience. But, in the meantime we’ve brought you a huge English pound cake decorated with clotted cream. I must say Josie, you drew me into that story with your writing. And we are thrilled to be here with you today.” Mary explains with a huge smile and obvious glee.

“Is she for real?” Lyn mutters and grunts when LaVerne elbows her. “I mean one minute she is crazy acting and the next more normal than imaginable.” Lyn whispers to LaVerne.

The girls join in the party and the Author Roast and Toast  helps welcome a terrific new book to readers. And love conquers all once again…


(This Roast was written by Mary Ricksen)

SEEKING PATIENCE BLURB

Do people prove their worth by strength , or by character?
Half-Romany, half-English lord, he lives a perilous Gypsy life … until a sweet English rose saves his life, and perhaps his soul. Widowed by a cruel husband, she's given up all hope of love. Brought together in peril, they dare to reach for a brighter future together.

Luca Boldor, Romany leader, lives a nomad’s life in Regency England with his Gypsy caravan. Believing his noble father abandoned him at birth, he refuses to acknowledge his English blood, or live a settled life. But when a vicious attack by a rival leaves him bleeding on an English lady's doorstep, he has no choice but to accept her help. Her gentle faith stirs his heart in a way he has long denied.

Lady Patience Blakwell, widowed countess, lives in near poverty. Her husband's heir uses threats to keep her from demanding her rightful inheritance. With a few faithful servants, she exists quietly in the country, only her faith keeping her strong … until the day a bold, handsome Gypsy collapses in her hall. He's unlike any man she's ever known, and she'll confront any subterfuge to keep him safe.

But when a secret from Lady Patience's past emerges, Luca must face his own past, or lose her and all hope of love. Will this strong man humble himself to open his heart for his lady?

Travel back to Regency England for this sweet, inspirational romance—get your copy of Seeking Patience today

https://amzn.com/B01H42QM5I
Apple:

BIO
Author Josie Riviera writes Historical, Inspirational, and Sweet Romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their empty nest with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and an old house forever needing renovations.


Amazon Bestselling Author

 Click on her website for a free book:
                                               https://josieriviera.wordpress.com



***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Josie'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.)