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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, March 6, 2015

Mysti Parker celebrates The Roche Hotel

“Umm, are you sure you’ve got the right address, Lyn?” Mary eyes the building the taxi-cab has dropped the hostesses outside of, then swivels back around. “It hardly looks like a place to be celebrating in – more like commiserating. Just look at it!” Stretching a hand towards the brickwork, they all watch as a particularly worn piece crumbles under her palm.

“Appearances can be deceiving, haven’t you heard, sweetie.” Mac strides forward and pulls Mary’s hand away, tugging her towards the entrance after the others. “I’ve heard the new owners have the old building undergoing renovations.”
“Well, I for one can’t wait to see inside.” LaVerne gestures at the signage as she pulls the door open. “My mother’s maiden name was Roche. It must be all class.” She stops suddenly a few steps inside the lobby and covers her mouth, a strange strangled sound coming from it.
Lyn, close on her heels stumbles into her back. “Oof! Watch out, LaV…oh, my lord.”
“What is it?” the rest of the hostesses’ chorus together then as one their eyes widen.
“Wow,” Lilly finally pipes up. “It kinda smacks you between the eyes, doesn’t it?”
“Mmm. I’m not sure if I’d call it classy…but I like it,” grins Mac.
They all gaze appreciatively at the large nude statue of David which greets them, his groin area covered by what looks suspiciously like a scarf. Mary runs a hand over the defined abs then starts to lift the material.
Lyn smacks her hand and clears her throat, nodding towards the reception area. A couple walk towards them, gracious smiles on their faces.
“Welcome to The Roche Hotel. I’m Susan Smythe and this is my husband, Richard. We’re so excited to be celebrating the release of Mysti Parker’s serial book. The fact it’s set in our beloved hotel just thrills us!” Her gaze drifts past Mary’s shoulder to the statue and she frowns. “Oh, that woman!” Shaking her head, Susan strides up to the statue and pulls off the scarf. “I swear I’m removing some form of material from David at least a dozen times a day. Michelangelo created him to be enjoyed.”
“What woman is that?”
“Mrs. Roach, the wife of the previous owner of the hotel.” Richard answers Mac and removes the scarf from his wife’s hand. “She just has to know what’s going on and add her two cents worth to the changes we make.” He turns back to his wife. “I’ll find and return this to her if you like. Jane and Mysti are looking forward to meeting the ladies if you want to take them through to the party room.”


“Of course. Follow me, everyone. Jane has done a beautiful job of decorating the room and pulling everything together. We were blessed the day she walked into our lives. I don’t know what we’d do without her.”


The hostesses file into a large room already filling up with guests. The decorations are muted and classy in silvers and cream, the centrepiece on the serving table a large but simple arrangement of white flowers and greenery, adding to the elegance of the space. A large, buffet warmer filled with what looks like chicken fried rice, eggrolls and an assortment of Chinese food stand ready. Standing before a large ornate fireplace on the other side of the room in conversation with another woman is Mysti. She catches Lyn’s eye and waved them over, a big smile on her face.


“Hi ladies! I’m so excited you’re here at last! This is Jane Seymour.”


While introductions are made and hugs exchanged, Oliver glides over, a tray of glasses filled with delicious looking punch in his hands. They relieve him of his burden with murmurs of appreciation.


“Henry will be here soon with some amazing donuts from Hermann’s Bakery if the Chinese food is not to your taste,” Jane offers. “I swear you’ve never tasted donuts like them. They are incredible.”



“Are you sure the fact its Henry delivering them isn’t the reason they’re so delicious,” teases Mysti and Jane’s cheeks turn pink as they all laugh good-naturedly.

LaVerne lifts her glass to her lips and takes a large gulp. “Wowzers!” Her face scrunches up and she shudders. “That is strong stuff! I wasn’t expecting that.”

Curious, Lilly takes a more cautious sip, her mouth pursing up in an indrawn whistle after downing it.

“Oh, no,” groans Jane. “Will you excuse me please, ladies. It seems the housekeeper, Mrs. Gonsalves is at it again. Last time she spiked the punch, Mrs. Roche got tipsy. She may have got a little bit too friendly with the male stripper who was here.” She rolled her eyes at the interested faces. “That’s another story you can read about in the book released today.”
“Well! You were right, Mac,” Mary exclaims with a big grin as they watch Jane rush off to the kitchen. “Appearances can be deceiving. This place sounds like my kind of place to party after all!” She holds her glass of spiked punch up in a toast and the others follow with giggles. “To Mysti and the quirky characters of The Roche Hotel. Congratulations on a wonderful read and may you entertain a million readers with laughter."

(Today's skit was written  by La Verne)

Blurb :



After her husband ditches her for a blonde actress wannabe, Jane Seymour needs a job that pays the rent. The struggling Roche Hotel needs a miracle. With the former owner’s wife butting her nose into the renovations and new owners who are in way over their heads, Jane may be the answer to their prayers. Sure, she can handle The Roche Hotel’s quirky staff. But, can this skittish divorcee keep it all together when handsome Henry the Donut Guy makes his first delivery? This collection of serial fiction stories is a Tudorific romantic comedy that will leave you laughing out loud and hungry for more.




EXCERPT
 My eyelids feel so heavy...

“Ahem.”

I’m startled awake and bump my coffee with my elbow. A brown pool of cold Folgers and congealed half-n-half flows across the audit sheets. “Crap.”

The man at the front desk laughs. “Sorry to startle you.”

“It’s fine,” I say, not bothering to look at him because I’m searching for paper towels instead. Finding none, I grab my sweater from the back of the chair and blot the papers.

“Need some tissues?” he asks.

“No, I’m fine.” Embarrassed for being such a klutz in front of a guest, I keep my head down and drag my sleepy self to the front desk. Finally, I look up and am met with a stunningly handsome smile. “Oh, how can I help you?”

“Where’s Jerry?” He holds up a small paper bag. There’s a stack of white boxes beside him.

“I don’t know. Would you like me to page him?”

“No need. I’ll just leave these here. Custard-filled. He loves those.”

I notice his shirt, embroidered with Hermann’s Bakery in a simple script font on the right pocket. His hair is a dusty brown and has that trendy bed-head look which I usually consider lazy, but on him, it’s rather adorable. He’s clean-shaven and reasonably tall.

His eyes crinkle when he smiles again. “I’m Henry. You new here?”

“Yes, it’s my first night.” I point to the temporary name tag with my name written in black sharpie. “I’m Jane.”

“Nice to meet you. They call me the ‘Donut Guy’.”

He offers his hand, and I take it. His grip is warm and strong, and jump-starts a few sleepy neurons. Henry. And Jane Seymour. The third wife of Henry VIII, as legend says, was reportedly the love of his life. Why does my mind have to venture there, of all places? I’m not ready to heal my broken heart over Nick with Henry the Donut Guy, no matter how Tudorific our names are.

I let go of his hand and take the paper bag. “I’ll be sure to give these to Jerry.”

“Would you like one?”

“I probably shouldn’t…” My stomach rumbles in disagreement.

“They’re complimentary. The hotel orders more than enough, trust me.”

“Oh, then I’ll take a donut with chocolate icing if you have one.”

“Sure do.”

He opens one of the boxes and holds it within my reach. I pick up a donut and take a bite. Still warm and melt-in-your-mouth good.

  “Mmm, this is delicious.”

Henry closes the box and takes a tissue from the Kleenex dispenser beside the wall. Why hadn’t I noticed those before I sacrificed my poor sweater? He reaches across the front desk and wipes the corner of my mouth. Warmth crawls up my cheeks.

“You had a little icing there,” he says with that knee-weakening smile.

Bio:

Mysti Parker is a wife, mother, and shameless chocoholic. While her first love is romance, including five published books and an award-winning historical coming this summer, she enjoys writing flash fiction (the weirder the better) and children’s stories. When she’s not writing, Mysti works as a freelance editor, serves as a mentor in a 7-week writing course (F2K) and reviews books for SQ Mag, an online speculative fiction magazine. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband, three children and too many pets.



***GIVEAWAY***


*An audiobook download of The Roche Hotel, narrated by the fantastic Angie Hickman. You can hear a sample here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Roche-Hotel-Season-One/dp/B00SW21IWM


  To win $5 Dunkin Donuts e-Gift Card or audiobook*  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)

75 comments:

  1. Good morning all. Welcome to your roast Mysti. After reading that excerpt, I definitely want a doughnut. The messier the better. Now, where's that hunk, Henry?

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  2. Good morning Lilly, These doughnuts are delicious arent't they - almost as delicious as Henry himself! I agree, that is such a mothwatering excerpt!

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  3. Hello Mysti, a great party and book. All the best for you today.

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  4. Hi Jo-Anne, so glad you could join us for Mysti's party!

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  5. Hi JoAnne, Lyn, and Lilly! Isn't this a lovely party? I'm going for a BIG glass of that punch so I can flirt with Henry :) Think Jane will get jealous?

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  6. Wooo!! That punch is way over the top before I've had my coffee! Welcome to your roast, Mysti, and congrats on your release. The series sounds like a hoot.

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  7. Thanks Mackenzie--the punch does have quite a kick. I'll try some of those eggrolls next. Maybe I'll get crazy and try the wassabi dip! ;)

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  8. Am I supposed to be slurring my words this early? Mac, pass me an eggroll. Any dim sim? It helps keep the bosom up and I love the stuff. I toast Mysti on my kinda story. Looking forward to readin' it! Yee Hah! This is some good punch.

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    Replies
    1. Dim sim? What the hell is that? Are you trying to confuse me again, Mary?

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  9. Jane isn't looking, flirt while she's busy. Henry is pretty hot...

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  10. Why is it that my vet bills are more than my own bills? And they always smile when they hand you that really high bill; then ask is I want to pay cash for a 10percent discount!
    I think a visit to the Roche motel is just what I needed. Pass the dang punch! Doesn't Henry have any available friends? Or are they all taken? Lyn, give me back my book. You'll have to pay for your own copy...

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  11. Girls, girls, don't fight. Plenty of Henry to go around in Kindle and audiobook. They tell me there's no limits to how many can be purchased. Imagine that--it's kinda like unlimited clones of Henry. And no calorie donuts.

    Oh, man, there goes the dang malfunctioning Muzak in the lobby again. We'll have to speak up to hear each other over "Baby Got Back". I'll stare at Henry's backside while he's putting out the donuts.

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    Replies
    1. LOL Did you hear that, girls? Henry clones and Baby Got Back! Let's get this party rockin'!

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  12. Lol, clones of Henry AND unlimited copies of 'The Roch Hotel' what fun! Hi Mysti, sorry I wasn't around when you arrived - I was helping Oliver in the kitchen (and the fact that Henry popped in with some more doughnuts is purely co-incidental!)

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  13. Man, it's quiet in here. Might as well go for thirds on that punch. What's with people ignoring invitations to parties with spiked punch and hot donut guys?

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  14. I wond4er where they all are? Place should be heaving with Oliver AND Henry on the menu! Mind if I join you for some more of that punch?

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  15. Hi Mysti! I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to listening to the ebook (which I already have!) I guess if you pick me I'll have to twist my own arm to go for the donuts! It was fun seeing the pics that accompany the Hotel and Henry!

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    1. Hi Laurie--thank you for stopping in. Hubby and I were talking last night about donuts. We decided that fresh, hot Krispy Kremes are NOT a donut, but a food group unto themselves. Like chocolate. And should never be avoided ;)

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    2. Ooh sound absolutely delicious!

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  16. Hi Mysti! Enjoy the blurb and some donuts!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sapphire--I'm definitely enjoying Henry. That man can cut a rug!! And that booty...Hey Mrs. Gonsalves--how about another round of punch?

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  17. Ooh, two new guests, hi Laurie and Sapphire. So glad you could come to Mysti's party! Have some doughnuts and punch!

    Glad you liked the book Laurie, I need to treat myself to it too!

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  18. All that spiked punch and chocolate donuts have me zonked. And the Muzak is now playing "Unchained Melody". Jane and I are curling up with Henry on this nice, fluffy sofa until someone else shows up.

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  19. Hi everyone!
    Mysti, I'm already half in love with your characters, but this punch has me in danger in telling them to their face! :) I think I'd better have more food to absorb the alcohol. Jane was right - these donuts are the best!

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    1. There's always the male stripper to distract you from saying something dumb. Lilly, Lyn, Mary and Elizabeth are crowded around him so you can't see. Elbow 'em and don't forget the dollar.

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  20. Hey, Lilly! Stop hogging all the donuts!

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  21. Replies
    1. Why thank you. He's quite the specimen. Now he's modeling the latest in tie-dye scarf loincloth fashion. That Mrs. Roche--where is that old gal?

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  22. Any chocolate glazed donuts left?

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    1. Uh, yeah--one with your name on it in white icing right there. See? Henry's been saving it for you. How about some punch? I think someone also brought 'special' brownies--Mary was that you?

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    2. If they were delivered and by a young hippie looking guy, don't eat them...I made the cheesecake, know what I mean. LOL

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    3. A young hippie looking guy? Oh dear. Um...what's wrong with the brownies?

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    4. What was your inspiration for The Roche Hotel?

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  23. While I'm half-sober and half-awake, anyone have any questions about The Roche Hotel and how it all started?

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  24. Doooooonnnnuuuuttt! Yes, Mysti, where did you get the idea for the donuts, I mean, The Roche Hotel? ;)

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    Replies
    1. So glad you asked! Many of the episodes come from actual experiences I had working as a front desk clerk in a mid-priced hotel in Louisville, KY right after I got married in 1997. One day a couple years back, the idea of The Roche Hotel sprang to mind, and I started writing flash fiction episodes to share with my online flash fiction group. I finally wrote enough to start compiling them into seasons, and there ya go!

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  25. Richard can also take your song requests for the Muzak. Can't guarantee that it will play the right song, but he'll punch some buttons and see what happens.

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  26. Mysti,

    I enjoyed to meet old friends from Roche Hotel on your blog. I love them all.

    You Rock, Lady,

    Avva

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Aviva! You helped greatly with the renovations. We'll be back into season two before long :)

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  27. I feel like doughnut overload, please another excerpt to end the terrible suspense. Something grabbing! And then we can all applaud and celebrate with another doughnut!

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    Replies
    1. Ohh, hmm another excerpt...let me ask Jane what she thinks...

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  28. I gotta say my friend you have been a terrific guest and spoken all your commenters. Now if they buy the book, and tell two people about it, multiplied--imagine how many you will sell. Let alone whomever wins the book! Thanks for having a roast with us, you are a good sport and a lively visitor! Let's do your next book too...

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    Replies
    1. Wouldn't that be a kicker? Maybe we should have an open bar next time to draw a bigger crowd. It's been fun--Henry and Jane tell me they'd love to do it again with Season 2.

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  29. Hello Mysti, compared to the naked David statue, the hunky waiter seems over dressed. Have fun. joannemyers@frontier.com

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    Replies
    1. True, but did you see the male stripper in the breakfast area? Mrs. Roche just slipped a dollar in his spandex. All right, who gave her that red solo cup with spiked punch?

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  30. Waving to Mysti.
    Enjoyed the excerpts. If I win the prize, bring Bryan and come join me.

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  31. Hi Jo-Anne, I think you'e succeeded in making Oliver blush!

    *Waves* to everyone I missed saying hello to! Hi Jeff, welcome to Mysti's party!
    Well Mysti, guests and sister hostesses,it's gone midnight here so I'm going to grab just one more doughnut and hit the hay. I'll pop back tomorrow to help with the washing up and make sure any lingering guests or late arrivals are kept fed and watered.
    Goodnight all.

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    Replies
    1. We're just kicking into 7pm here, so I'll stay up for a while and keep Mrs. Roche at bay. Thanks so much for such a lovely party!

      Delete
  32. Per Mary's request, here'a a short peek at Episode 5, "Business is Dead":

    “There’s a dead body in room 12.”

    “What?” I hope I’ve heard Jerry wrong, but dead body doesn’t loan itself to misinterpretation. Not at 4:13 AM, and not with three cups worth of caffeine in my veins.

    “Sort of half-in, half-out,” he says through his Sasquatch facial hair. “His legs are in the hallway, and his head’s in the room. Better call 911.”

    Jerry’s serious. Without a moment’s hesitation, I pick up the phone and do just that. I call the Smythes next. Richard is silent for a few seconds, then says, “I’m on my way.”

    I hang up the phone and shiver. I’ve been here all of two weeks, and now someone’s died on my shift? Of course, it has to be the guy who came in with the escorts last night. Will I be blamed for letting hookers in the hotel? Maybe they were too much for him. Whatever the case, I am not at all prepared for this catastrophe. I studied the hotel handbook. There was plenty on first aid, CPR, and other such interventions, but there was no mention of what to do when you find guests already dead.

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  33. I'm a big fan of audiobooks and Angie Hickman is a great narrator. She narrated Delicate Thorns, which I am listening to now. Thanks for the chance to win another book narrated by her.

    nrlymrtl at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Hiya! I'm so glad I found Angie--she's the perfect voice for Jane! You'll love her in this one. Grab some punch. I saw Mrs. Gonsalves pour a little extra rum in there. :)

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    2. nrlymrtl, I'm blushing! Thanks for the kudos; I've been blessed with some great collaborations. Definitely give Roche Hotel a listen -- I can guarantee that Mysti's writing will give you some giggles!

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    3. Hiya Angie--Henry's on his way over to give you a big bear hug. He thought you made Jane sound super hot ;) Here's a Tic-Tac.

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  34. I love audiobooks...and donuts!
    ddbugwiney@gmail.com

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    1. Hiya Deedra--thanks for coming to the party! Lots of eggrolls left, and Henry's got a batch of fresh donuts. OMG, he's shirtless...oh wait, no that's the male stripper. Darn it, Henry--unbutton that Hermann's Bakery shirt!

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  35. Looks like everyone's passing out from the run-laden punch. I'll bugger on off and check back later to see if any stragglers walked in and tried to steal our wallets.

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  36. Hey Mysti, I'd like two eggrolls and...wait a second...no more punch?! I'll take a voucher for that bar next door to the Hotel instead. What's it called again? :)

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    Replies
    1. s'okay punch gone. Brung Kahlua -- good donut dunkin'. I share.

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    2. Uh-oh, I found a paper bag with a bottle inside...who wants mojitos?

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  37. Okay girls - can someone please enlighten me. What on earth are mojitos?!? Is it because I'm a Kiwi I've no idea what they are? :)

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  38. Good morning all! Not just you La Verne, I have no idea what mojitos are either - they sound a bit like a 'hip' relation to moskitos!

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  39. Lime juice, rum, simple syrup, sparkling water, and muddled mint leaves. Num.

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  40. Anyone else have a light headache this morning? I really think it's from smiling too much -- couldn't have *anything* to do with Mrs. Gonsalves's rum or the Kahlua or the mojitos . . .

    Great party!

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  41. Mmm, sounds good Mysti! Hi Angie, I agree, I've a bit of a headache too, and I'm sure it's from smiling too much! Nothing else could account for it! :)

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  42. I was just thinking how yummy a cream filled donut would be about now.

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    1. Jane likes it when Henry licks the chocolate icing from her lips :) Now I bet it sounds even yummier...

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  43. Hi Lil Miss Molly - have a peek in the fridge - I think you'll find a hidden stash in there!

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  44. Thank you for the giveaway!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie, thanks for coming. There are a few donuts and egg rolls left, but you might have to fight Jane for those.

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  45. Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us at Mysti's party! Good luck!

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  46. Sorry I missed a great party. Sounds like a really great book. Enjoyed the excerpt. Great book cover too.
    Sue B

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  47. Ok, girls, Who won the night with Henry? Oh....no that wasn't the prize, was it? Ok, so who won the audiobook and donuts?

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