Cate Masters's Blog, page 21

October 8, 2014

Lola Karns stirs up a frighteningly good Halloween!



Cate: Please welcome Lola Karns to my special Halloween celebration. Lola, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Lola: I’m Lola Karns and I write contemporary romances, featuring food and families.


Cate: What do you love most about Halloween?
Lola: Decorating the outside of the house. The kids and I spend months planning, although I somehow I never seem to keep the pink flamingos alive long enough to last through October. (exhibit A – Pinkie is nervous)


Cate: Love Pinkie's costume! Do you have a favorite memory of a Halloween past?
Lola: About 7 years ago, I woke up to a back spasm and a wet bed at around 3 am, October 31st. By 10:30 am, I met my son, who played a trick by arriving early, but is a treat in my life. I brought a pumpkin sleeper to the hospital. My boy was the only infant in the nursery wearing a costume.


Cate: Aww, so cute. Have you ever had an unusual experience you couldn’t explain?
Lola: If something strange happens, I blame a cat, even if one isn’t around.


Cate: Lol, great idea. What frightens you the most?
Lola: Other than something happening to my children? I’d have to say caves.


Cate: Sometimes it's no fun having an overactive imagination, I agree. And nothing good ever lives in a cave! Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own?
Lola: I went on a walking ghost tour of Edinburgh, Scotland, which was so much fun. The cobblestone alleys are creepy at night. I’ve never branched out on my own, per se, but in high school some friends and visited a few of the haunted cemeteries around Chicago.


Cate: Any favorite Halloween recipes you’d care to share?
Lola: Because I usually have extra frosting from birthday cakes, I make graham cracker-frosting sandwiches. Yum.


Cate: Sounds good to me :) Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.
Lola:  Bad Traveler is hot contemporary with Decadent Publishing. It’s available at
Amazon           Decadent Pub
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bad-traveler-lola-karns/1120169567?ean=2940150394759
All Romance ebooks  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-badtraveler-1602838-177.html


Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt?
Lola: Sure - Recipes are a way of life for Gwen Jones. Take one single mother, her infant daughter and a business plan for a small town bakery. Combine with an eventful cross-country flight, chance encounter with her college crush and a dash of motion sickness. Stir in a few nuts, or family members, and large quantities of chocolate. Will this recipe be an oven oops, or as delicious as her alma matter’s newest coach?
Having survived an attack in Afghanistan that cost him a leg and a wife, Kyle Collins developed a strategy to find meaning in life. He may be an assistant basketball coach but he refuses to sit on the sidelines. When the runs into the woman whose lips are as unforgettable as her brownies, Kyle decides to spice up Gwen’s recipes.
When a secret ingredient is thrown into the mix, can their recipe for a happily-ever-after rise to the occasion, or will it end up a hot mess?


Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Lola:  Three factors came together for Bad Traveler.
1. There is nothing fun about flying cross country with an infant. I have been the screaming baby section and run through airports with car seats precariously dangling from the stroller. I have pretended turbulence is “super-fun bouncy ride in the sky” even though I’m more scared than the kids.
2. Living near the home of Seal Team 6, I grew more aware of issues facing veterans as they returned home from war. A series of reports in the Virginian-Pilot piqued my curiosity.
3. The bakery near me closed. I decided to invent one, which is much easier than opening a real one.


Cate: Anything else you’d like to share?
Lola: Thanks for inviting me to your blog. These were fun questions and I can’t wait to read the other responses.


Cate: Thanks so much for partying with us! And for the giveaway! (Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, peeps)
Lola: One lucky commenter will receive an ebook copy of Bad Traveler.







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Published on October 08, 2014 22:00

October 7, 2014

Lucy Felthouse is in da Halloween house!


Cate: Woot! Lucy Felthouse is in da Halloween house, all the way from the U.K.! Welcome, Lucy, and please tell us a little bit about yourself. Lucy: I’m Lucy Felthouse and I’m from England. I write erotica and erotic romance in a variety of genres and pairings. I don’t write full-time, I squeeze in around running my business, Writer Marketing Services (http://www.writermarketing.co.uk) which is where I do PR, marketing and web design for writers—basically, I eat, breathe and sleep books! ;)
Cate: Living the life! Sounds wonderful. What do you love most about Halloween? Lucy: Going to a spooky local event of some description. It’s not such a big deal in the UK as the US, but it seems we’re quite fond of storytelling events and the like, which is good for me!
Cate: What frightens you the most? Lucy: Oh, that’s easy. Death!
Cate: Oh, then you should read Death Is A Bitch. You'll change your mind. :) Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own? Lucy: Yes, I’ve been on a few ghost walks in some of the UK’s cities, like York, Chester and London. I haven’t spotted anything yet, though.
Cate: Any favorite Halloween recipes you’d care to share? Lucy: I don’t do cooking, but luckily for me, my other half does. He makes a mean pumpkin pie. Yum!
Cate: Lucky you! Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Lucy: Timeless Desire is a revised and extended version of a previously published story, Love Through Time.
Here’s the blurb:
Emily arrives at Westbury Hall with a job to do. She’s to clean and conserve all of the books in their impressive library, preserving them for future generations. Not long into her stay at the house, she bumps into the night guard, George. She’d expected an old, balding guy with a comb over, so the hunky chap she actually meets is a very pleasant surprise. The introductions complete, George leaves Emily in peace to get on with her job. But when a falling photograph sets off a chain reaction of ghostly events, Emily and George are thrown together in order to find out who—or what—is causing them. Their investigation uncovers a tragic past, a lost love, and a stunning secret.
You can grab your copy here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/timeless-desire/
Cate: Care to share an excerpt? Lucy: Sure. Here’s an excerpt:
Emily received some strange looks and frowns from the people she passed as she walked across the graveled drive towards the front entrance of Westbury Hall. She could appreciate their confusion. It was closing time for the stately home and the last of the visitors were being politely ushered out of the building, yet she was heading inside. What’s more, she’d been invited. She had a job to do.
An elderly lady stood in the porch smiling and nodding as she held the door open for those departing the property. Most of them seemed in no hurry to leave, stopping to make comments to the woman, thanking her for a lovely visit and so on. Emily waited patiently, allowing the patrons to leave before attempting to get in. When the staff member—most likely a volunteer, Emily thought—caught sight of her, she gave her a polite nod of acknowledgment.
Finally, the last of Westbury Hall’s visitors moved out, leaving Emily free to enter. Climbing the single stone step to the threshold of the front porch, she took the hand that had already been offered to her.
Shaking Emily’s hand with a surprising firmness, the woman said, “You must be Miss Stone.” Her smart appearance and the intelligence in her eyes indicated that despite her advancing age, she was far from past it, “I’m Mrs. Thompson, house supervisor.”
“I am,” replied Emily, dropping her hand back to her side, “but please, call me Emily. It’s lovely to meet you. So, house supervisor? Do you live on site?” Not a volunteer, then, but a paid member of staff.
Indicating Emily should step inside the entrance hall, Mrs. Thompson proceeded to close and lock the porch and front doors of the house, securing them in.
“I do,” the older woman said, turning back to face Emily, “I have rooms in a separate building just off the back of this one. So you needn’t worry about me disturbing you.”
“Oh no,” said Emily, worried she’d inadvertently rubbed Mrs.  Thompson up the wrong way, “I didn’t mean that. I was just curious, that’s all. You’re more than welcome to see me at work, Mrs. Thompson, although I’m afraid you won’t see anything terribly exciting.”
Mrs. Thompson smiled now, the warmth reaching her eyes. Emily almost sagged with relief. She’d yet to see the extent of the work she had to do, but she’d been told it was no easy task, so she could be here for some time. The last thing she needed was to upset any of the staff.
“Oh, you’d be surprised, my dear. This is a fascinating old place. Of course, all these old houses have history, but Westbury Hall’s is particularly rich.”
Emily smiled. The woman’s enthusiasm was infectious. “Well then,” she replied, “I can’t wait to learn more about it. I hope you’ll feed me some historical tidbits throughout the time I’m here?”
Mrs. Thompson gave an enigmatic smile. Then, startling Emily somewhat, she turned smartly on her heel and walked deeper into the house. “Come, my dear, I won’t hold you up any longer. I’ll show you to the library, where you’ll soon start uncovering Westbury’s illustrious history for yourself.”
Author Bio Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women's Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9
Cate: Whew! You are a busy woman! Thanks so much for being part of the Halloween fun. :)

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Published on October 07, 2014 22:00

October 6, 2014

Special Halloween treat from Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson!


 You're in for a real treat! 
The authors of The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow 
are here with a short story and scary interview! *trembles* 
Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter! 
 And visit them on their blog at http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
FERRY BLACKWELL STRIKES AGAIN

“No way!” Georgie exclaimed. “Mom told you to stop making up stories.”
“It's true. I saw Ferry Blackwell,” Macy said. “He had a head like a melon.”
“You did not. Get your stuff and let’s go. We’re gonna be late.” Georgie walked out the door, and Macy followed, wishing her big brother would believe her this time. She didlike to make up stories and their mom had asked her to knock it off, but this wasn’t a story. She had spotted Ferry Blackwell, she was sure of it.
 ***

Shifting from one foot to the other, Macy stared down the school driveway. All the buses had left; everyone was gone. Georgie was late. She had tried to call him on her cell phone, but there was no answer. Her mom was at work, but Macy knew interrupting her would guarantee a whole evening of arguing. Slipping the phone into her back pocket, she decided to walk home.

As the pavement twisted and turned she found herself thinking about Ferry Blackwell again. Last week she had started reading a book about the history of her town, Devilsville. It hadn’t been very interesting, except for one phrase, which was handwritten on page thirty-three. It said: In the woods of Devilsville, you’re sure to find a gory thrill. When the bakerman wants to eat, hide your hands and cover your feet. With a head melon-sized and fire burning in his eyes, he’ll harvest your fingers and your toes, then hide the rest so no one knows. Murdered by an angry town, he swore revenge when they shot him down. So watch your children, but never tell- if Ferry Blackwell comes back from hell. 

Macy knew the words by heart. She had looked through a few other books, but found nothing else about Ferry Blackwell. Then, the other day, she saw him. There had been an odd rustling behind the bushes in her backyard, and when she went over to investigate, someone was there. It looked like a man, but with a huge head. He had flashed a mad, toothy grin at her, and then disappeared. Her mother had come running out when she heard Macy’s rants of terror.

“Macy! What did I tell you about scaring people with your stories?” her mother had yelled. Macy knew that no one was ever going to believe her, and why should they? After all, she did have a long history of making things up, which had opened more than one can of worms for her parents to deal with. Things like, Ginny Wader, in the third grade, refusing to touch door handles ever again or Georgie wearing a helmet wherever he went for a year. The list was long, she mused. Her thoughts were suddenly cut short. Just ahead, at the bottom of the hill, a school bus was stopped in the middle of the road. Macy cautiously walked up to it and climbed the steps. Other than the backpacks strewn about on the seats it appeared empty.

“Hello?” she asked quietly. “Is anyone here?” Macy slowly made her way down the aisle. Midway, something caught her eye and when she turned to get a closer look, her mouth dropped open in horror. On the seat to her left was a bloody pile of shoes and socks, and what looked like fingernails tossed into the gruesome heap.

BANG! Something hit the side of the bus. “What was that?” she whispered. BANG! Again, the bus shook and teetered. Macy reacted fast. She ran up the aisle and grabbed the door handle. Just as it was about to latch, long fingers pried it back open. Two red, veined eyes zeroed in on their target. Terror forced the air out of her lungs, and she screamed.
***

Macy was flat on her back when she woke. She was chained to the floor, and her feet were bare. A painful stinging in her fingers and toes sliced through her body. Where was she? What had happened?
“Who else is here?” she questioned the darkness.
“Shhhh,” a panicked voice ordered.
“Who’s there?” she said again.
“Stop talking, you idiot. He’ll hear you.” It was a terrified sounding boy.
“Why’s it so dark?” Macy continued. She had no intention of shutting up.
“I think we’re in a basement,” another voice chimed in.
Suddenly it dawned on her where they must be. It had to be the abandoned house on Hull Street. She and Georgie would come here when things around the house got too serious. It was their hiding spot, and she knew it well. Even the moldy, abandoned smells were familiar. “How many people are here?” she asked.
"I’m here, Marcus Beltane,” came a nervous voice.
“Me too, I’m Jen Andrews.”
The voices started to pick up, “Justin Deluca, Melanie Grism...” There seemed to be about ten kids sitting in the dark with her; all scared, and all, she was certain, without their fingernails and toenails. 
 The creaking of a door silenced the murmuring. A light flickered on, cutting through the blackness. Macy squinted her eyes open a bit and stared up at the ceiling, watching as a shadow with an enormous melon shaped head moved across the room. Its heavy footfalls came to a halt. Suddenly, a cackling voice bellowed out, “Looky here, girls and boys, forget your mommies and your toys. The fun and games will soon begin; to scare me back is how you win. But should you lose, you’ll pay a price, your fingers and toes I’ll surly dice. Just try to leave! It won’t do you well. For I’m back from hell. I’m the Bakerman, Ferry Blackwell.” His howling laugh sounded insane, like a hyena calling out to its prey. He did an odd little jig. Then, in an instant, he was gone.
“Okay, this is really happening,” Macy said, more to herself than anyone else. She took a deep breath, then continued, “He said something about winning, didn’t he?"“Yeah, he said, to scare me back is how you win,” a trembling voice squeaked. “He also said that he was a bakerman. What’s he going to do? Cook us into bread or something?”
“I think that’s exactly what he’s going to do,” Macy responded, remembering what she had read. “But, it sounds like if we scare him back, we win. Which, I guess, means we get to live.” 
“How are we supposed to scare him? He’s a demon who makes bread out of kids’ fingers and toes. I mean, what’s scarier than that?” Macy recognized the voice of Jen Andrews.
“I know, but...” Her mind was whirring. Then, it hit her. She remembered the cell phone in her pocket. The door opened. Macy threw caution to the wind and whispered just audibly, “I have a plan.”

***

 Her heart thudded in her chest as a shadow moved into the room. “So kiddies, who’s it going to be? Who wants to be the first to try to scare me?” His voice sounded crazy. 
Macy mustered up all of her strength and called out, “I’ll go first, you don’t scare me. You’re going to be caught any minute.” She kept her breathing even as Ferry Blackwell loomed above her, searching her face with his terrifying eyes. He was so close that she could smell his putrid, stinking breath.“You wait and see! I’ll show you just how scary I can be!” He pulled her up by her hair and dragged her to a chopping block in the center of the room. Grabbing her left arm, he slapped her hand down on it.
She focused her mind on the weight in her back pocket, hoping beyond hope she hadn’t been knocked out for more than thirty minutes. The reminder alarm on her phone had been set to go off at exactly 4PM, and it had to be about that time. Macy glared up at Ferry Blackwell and said, “Everyone in town already knows where we are. Kids today have GPS trackers implanted in our bodies that tells our parents exactly where we are at all times. You’ll see, the town’s people will be here any moment to shoot you down and send you back to hell, Ferry Blackwell.”
He looked bemused, as he replied, “Clever girl! You know my name! Now, let’s begin our little game. Terribly funny to think you’ll be saved- when for a century, fingers and toes I’ve craved!” He raised a sharp blade above his head, poised to strike. Macy squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself. Please go off alarm, she prayed, believing that this would, at the very least, buy her more time. As if on cue, a loud beeping blared out from her pocket. Ferry leered at her, unsure. Just then, in a brilliant moment of pure luck, another cell phone rang out, perhaps a concerned parent. Another one went off with a mechanical jingle. The timing couldn’t have been better. Suddenly, there was a frantic banging on a door. The demon spun around wildly, looking terrified. “No, no, not to hell. Hide, I must and never tell,” he bellowed and dropped the blade. It landed with a clink just as Ferry Blackwell shot into the air and burst into flames, disappearing in a black puff of smoke.
No one breathed. Somewhere above, Georgie’s worried voice called out, “Macy, are you in here?”


INTERVIEW WITH FERRY BLACKWELL

Cate:What do you love most about Halloween?
Ferry Blackwell:Halloween's a joke, that's what I say! It’s better in hell on that boring day. I can't even scare, so there's nothing to win- the people want horror and are likely to sin. I'd rather lay low and bide my time, when the moment's right, I'll get what's mine. 

Cate:Do you have a favorite memory of a Halloween past?
Ferry Blackwell: There was this one time, now let me see- I remember a Halloween treat that I baked just for me. I'd gathered my wits, then sought the ingredients, hoping to find a few fresh, young deviants. Mostly I needed fingers and toes, so I snatched them right up, despite all their woes. I sliced and diced, and baked my bread, even shared it graciously with those not yet dead. 

Cate:Have you ever had an unusual experience you can't explain?
Ferry Blackwell:I am an unusual experience you can't explain! You won't see me coming, and then you'll know pain. (Stands up, does a quick jig, then sits down again- grinning). 

Cate:What frightens you the most?
Ferry Blackwell:The time I told you about the treat, that Halloween was not so sweet. You see, though the bread did taste grand, the people found me, guns in hand. I was scared when they shot me down, but I swore I'd be back to haunt their town. Now here I am, as you can tell- Ferry Blackwell's back from hell! (Cackling laugh) 

Cate:Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own?
Ferry Blackwell:Bah! Ghosts are for babies! They can't even speak. Nothing scary about them, they're flimsy and weak.
Cate:Any favorite Halloween recipes you'd care to share?
Ferry Blackwell:Lookie here! I'll grant your wish- Toe Finger Bread's my signature dish! It's so scrumptious, you'll surely agree. Next time I bake it, I shall slice some for thee.

Ferry Blackwell: Now that's the end, I've had enough. Talking to people can really be tuff. I’ve something in mind if you like a good scare- enter to win, but remember, beware! Mwahahaha…


Ferry's Toe and Finger Bread
Fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter Ferry Blackwell's giveaway for your chance to win a mysterious spooky book prize pack!  (Open to US and International)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jessica Haight Jessica Haight is a true New Englander, with a deep desire to be near the ocean and a love of the four seasons. She enjoys drawing while standing up and cultivating magic in her garden. She easily floats away in the pages of a good story and is still waiting for her owl from Hogwarts.Jessica lives in Connecticut with her charming fiancé, James; their dog, Jack; their cat, Bill; and a very entitled bunny named Alice.
Stephanie Robinson
Stephanie Robinson lives with her husband in a quiet town, though it is not as quaint as Ashpot. After teaching fifth grade for almost fifteen years, she is now enjoying her role as a school media specialist. One of the many benefits of her job is that she learns something new every day.
When Stephanie isn't isn’t working, she spends her time creating stories, getting lost in books, and traveling to new places.


Short SynopsisThe Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Follow along with Fairday and her friends, as spooky meets lovely in this twisting tale of dark secrets and hidden pasts.Middle Grade Book Blog: Fairday's Blog YA/ Adult Book Blog: Author Tracker DMS website: fairdaysfiles.com 

Scheduled to hit bookstores everywhere in December of 2015! Brought to you by Krista Vitola at Delacorte/ Random House



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Published on October 06, 2014 22:00

October 5, 2014

Landra Graf shares spooky tales!


Cate: Please welcome Landra Graf to my special Halloween celebration. Landra, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Landra: Thank you for having me Cate! I'm excited to be here. I'm not very good at talking about myself, but I'll give it a whirl. I'm a writer, first and foremost. Outside of that, I'm a reviewer for a couple of reading blogs, Smitten by Books, and Indie Books R Us, and a mother to two spawn. I love a good happily ever after read, and truly believe that books are a balm for the soul. It's nice to get lost in someone else's life for a little while and forget the worries of your own.
Cate: You're crazy busy! Especially now that you're co-hosting Scream for a Cure. Check it out, peeps - this special event is for a wonderful cause, and it all starts today!What do you love most about Halloween? Landra: I love the costumes, the movies, and the natural fear and the desire to be scared that the holiday invokes.
Cate: Do you have a favorite memory of a Halloween past? Landra: Tons of favorite memories, but probably the best one was conducting two episodes of my paranormal web show in two haunted house attractions. The web show experience was a few years ago, but I enjoyed interviewing attendees and then actually have my own walk through experience filmed.
Cate: I'll have to look that up! :) Have you had any other unusual experiences you couldn’t explain? Landra: My husband is a paranormal investigator, so yes. I've heard things that can't be explained, experienced a few scary things. I'll tell you the worst one. My husband was living in a super old house, old as in wooden, winding staircase to the second floor and an old wooden door with thick, patterned glass you couldn't see through. The company he worked for at the time operated an office on the first floor, and he lived on the second floor. Now remember that door, it was at the top of the stairs and could be shut and locked, since the upstairs was essentially a 2 bedroom apartment, with a 3rd room converted into a kitchen. The creepy part, if you didn't put a bible against the door, every night someone/thing would walk up the stairs and start turning the doorknob to get in. At first I didn't believe, until I was there alone on New Year's Eve and saw the thing turn left, turn right, and start to jiggle.
Cate: What a cool job! And scary story. What frightens you the most? Landra: I've experienced the paranormal and the scary part is how you protect your little ones against something you can't see, can't touch. I won't dive into discussions of beliefs because there are a lot of them. I will say my faith is my biggest weapon, but it's still a scary thought.
Cate: Agreed. Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own? Landra: The second one, yes. Like I mentioned before, my husband is the founder of Supernatural Truth Investigations. He's got an upcoming two-team investigation in a few weeks in a small town. They will be investigating a school and a couple of other buildings. I haven't been on an investigation in a while, but I still help out in review sessions. It's amazing the things they catch on digital voice recorders.
Cate: Any favorite Halloween recipes you’d care to share? Landra: I'm a fan of everything Halloween, but one of my favorite recipes: Ghost Oreo Balls. I encourage you to look it up on Pinterest or anywhere online. There's a lot of fun to be had with Ghost Oreo Balls.
Cate: Sounds fun! :) Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Landra: Currently with one book out through Decadent Publishing called What You Need. My second book, a self-publishing venture, With This Kilt, I Thee Wed comes out October 14th. Only problem is both of these tasty treats are erotic romance.
Cate: Love that cover! Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Landra: They’re not your traditional highlanders.
Rafe Gordon, Laird of Nairn, is searching for release from the nightmare of his wife’s passing. When Elsie, his daughter’s new governess, brings with her the temptation of passion and a less-than-perfect-past, Rafe must decide if love truly can conquer all.

Innes Gordon is looking for a good time. When that good time turns out to be the childhood-friend-turned-kept-woman Catriona, he finds himself torn between claiming her ‘til death do us part’ or simply sharing her with his twin.

Hamish Gordon is seeking a woman all his own. While his family’s home is invaded with nuptial ceremonies, Hamish is sent to patrol his older brother’s hunting grounds in search of a thief. Discovering his prey yields the biggest surprise — and Athdara needs his help as much as he needs hers.
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme? Landra: My own experiences. I've enjoyed my time investigating and hosting a show all about the paranormal. The ghosts, evps, and other strange phenomena seem to get more interest around Halloween and I'm always happy to discuss.
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Landra: Yes, paranormal investigation for me and my husband is not about finding evidence, it's about helping people. When you experience something strange it can be hard to tell others for fear they'll think you're crazy or worse. My husband's team typically only takes on residential cases for this fact alone, people need someone to talk to, to investigate their claims without judgment.
Cate: Woot! Landra has a giveaway for you! Be sure to leave your email address with your comment. Landra: One lucky commenter will win a copy of my upcoming release: With This Kilt, I Thee Bed. 
Cate: Thanks so much for partying with us, Landra!

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Published on October 05, 2014 22:00

October 4, 2014

Ella Grey's flown Across The Pond to spook your Halloween!


Cate: Please welcome Ella Grey to my special Halloween celebration. Ella, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Ella: Hey Cate, I'm a multi-genre writer from the UK. I live with my partner, our son and have a little demonic fur ball, otherwise known as Dab. I primarily write paranormal romance but I've also done light BDSM, contemporary romance, steampunk and young adult.
Cate: Welcome! What do you love most about Halloween? Ella: I love dressing up, it's by far my favorite thing to do but in all honesty I've never been very good at it. There was one year, when I was a ghost and that involved a white sheet. In my defence I was twelve. Thankfully I've gotten a lot better at it with helping my son get ready these days.
Cate: Do you have a favorite memory of a Halloween past? Ella: I think I was twelve or fourteen, my dad made up some games for us to play. He never liked us trick or treating and sometimes that bothered me but that night was awesome. He devised a flying carpet, we ducked for apples and lots of other fun things.
Cate: Have you ever had an unusual experience you couldn’t explain? Ella: At the time I didn't know what it was called. It was only later that I found out it was a waking nightmare or a lurid dream. One night I 'woke up' and I couldn't move, like there was a heavy weight on my chest and someone was looking down at me but I couldn't see them. That experience really freaked me out.
Cate: Yikes! *shivers* What frightens you the most? Ella: You know the Final Destination films? Yeah I find those pretty frightening. I went to the cinemas to watch the second film and spent the majority of it hiding behind my fingers. Also most horror films. I prefer to read the horror genre, not watch it. I'm a wuss. 
Cate: I do not watch scary movies. Ever. lol Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own? Ella: I've never been on one but I do live in a very old town, which has a very rich history. It's hard to walk passed anything that there isn't some rumor about. In the market square it was said a witch was burnt and her heart exploded from her chest and hit the building opposite her. You can still see it today. There's also an alleyway called the Devil's Alley, they say when the moon shines on the floor you can see the silvery shimmer of a foot imprint.
Cate: Any favorite Halloween recipes you’d care to share? Ella: I'm planning on doing Halloween cupcakes with the little monster this year. I'll be posting the results on Facebook.
Cate: Can't wait to see them! Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Ella: Guarding Mari is the second installment in my Black Paw Pack series. It tells the story of Daniel Greyborn and Mari Stonewall, characters who were introduced in Saving Kat. It can be found on the Decadent Publishing's site and all other eBook stores.
Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Ella: Here's an excerpt.  Dammit. If he left her he might as well sign her death certificate himself. The rogue wouldn’t be getting far. He’d been hit with a car, had his guts on the wrong side of his body, and now a well-placed pen pierced his eye. His body needed time to heal that much damage. Internal wounds took longer to heal, if at all. Crouching next to her, he searched for her pulse at her throat. “Can you hear me?” The doctor’s eyes fluttered open, a pale grey that looked unfocused. Daniel tried his best to ignore the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. A growing pool of blood spread out beneath her. There hadn’t been a weapon, but the rogue used something to gut her, a claw? “It hurts.” She whimpered. “Did he have a knife?” A pointless question, but he had to be sure. “He punched a hole through Malcolm’s chest with his bare hands.” It obviously took her a lot of effort to push out the words. “He doesn’t need a weapon.” Her eyes fluttered shut again. “Wake up.” The words came out harsher than he wanted, but falling asleep right now was the worst thing she could do. She opened her eyes. “Can you tell me your name?” “Mari." “Okay, Mari. This is going to hurt, but I need to pick you up and carry you upstairs.” The doctor nodded and bit her bottom lip as he lifted her. “It’ll be okay. I just need you to hold on.” “I’m not making any promises.” Daniel cradled her against his chest, not worried about the blood that seeped into his clothes. No, Ryback wouldn’t have her as well.
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme? Ella: I always wanted to tell this story. I actually wrote the first half of Guarding Mari before Saving Kat, the first in the series was released. The story was supposed to be a challenge, it's a lot more physical and features a serial killer. Which was an interesting idea for me. I'd created this world of wolves and witches and whilst Saving Kat was emotional roller-coaster, I still feel sorry for what I put the characters through, this one was a different. I still think that this is one of the best stories I've written. As a writer I believe we're always growing, we get better.
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Ella: I'm currently writing a standalone story but The Black Paw Pack still needs to be finished, I've hinted at a story for William and Jess but my characters are being reluctant.
Cate: Calling all shifter lovers! Ella has a giveaway! Ella: Tell me what your favourite shifter and you could win a copy of Saving Kat, if you've read that Guarding Mari.
You can find my blog at http://www.ellagrey.wordpressand at http://www.facebook.com/ellagrey83
Cate: Thanks for partying with us, Ella! Happy Halloween!  
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Published on October 04, 2014 22:00

October 3, 2014

Jessica E. Subject's taking your Halloween out of this world!



Cate: Wait... is that a bird? A UFO? Yes, and it's transporting author Jessica E. Subject to my special Halloween celebration! So glad to have you, Jessica! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Jessica: Hi Cate, thank you so much for having me over for another fun Halloween celebration! For your readers who don’t know me, I write science fiction romance as well as some contemporary. I like reading and writing about flying through space, life on other planets, and sexy aliens and clones. I have many titles published with Decadent Publishing, as well as some self-published titles. I am also the publisher for the Decadent newsletter, as well as the Audio book Coordinator there.
Outside of the publishing industry, I am married with two kids and a dog we call Georgia Bear because of her size. My favorite dogs growing up were Belle from Belle and Sebastian, and Barkley from Sesame Street. Well, I have them both rolled into one dog.
I also enjoy walking and doing yoga to destress.

Cate: You must use a time warp to accomplish all that, lol. What do you love most about Halloween?
Jessica: I love seeing all the different costumes the kids dress up in. And I love giving them candy. LOL Plus, Halloween falls during my favorite time of the year.

Cate: Me too :) Have you ever had an unusual experience you couldn’t explain?
Jessica: Yes! Many years ago, when I still lived with my parents, I was sitting on my bed doing my homework. My mom’s cat, Endora, was sitting beside me. Suddenly, we saw something run under my bed. I assumed it was one of our other cats. Endora jumped off the bed at the same time as me, to see what was under the bed. There was nothing there.

Cate: Excellent name for a cat! And spooky story *shudders* What frightens you the most?
Jessica: The dark. Because one never knows what might be hiding in the dark. There could be aliens, monsters, or bugs. *shivers* I’m not as bad as I was when I was a child, or when we lived on a farm surrounded by corn fields (thank you to M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs), but I still have my moments.

Cate: lol, I understand completely. Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own? 
Jessica: No, but I used to walk around the church I went to as a kid when there were only a few people there. Usually during the week, as my dad was custodian there. I swear there were ghosts around, but I never actually saw one.

Cate: Any favorite Halloween recipes you’d care to share?
Jessica: This one is for Halloween Fudge, which came from Kraft Canada.



2 pkg. (170 g each) White Chocolate squares, chopped3/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milkyellow and red food colouring (10 drops yellow and 2 drops red)12 Halloween-sized chocolate treats, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)1 Tbsp. Halloween-colored sprinkles
Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Microwave white chocolate and milk in microwaveable bowl on MEDIUM 2 to 3 min. or until chocolate is almost melted; stir until completely melted. Stir in food colourings until well blended.
Spread half the white chocolate mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate treats. Immediately top with remaining white chocolate mixture and sprinkles.
Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.
Use foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into squares.
Store in tightly sealed container in refrigerator for up to three weeks. Do not freeze. 

Cate: Sounds devilishly good. :) Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.
Jessica: My latest release that is not a box set is HIS ALIEN VIRGIN. It’s a New Adult science fiction romance that is part of Decadent’s 1Night Stand line. In the story, Skylar escapes from the orphanage she lives in before she is sold off to the space pirate who owns her contract. She comes to Earth and sets up a 1Night Stand, hoping to find love the way her brothers (from Satin Sheets in Space) did. Little does she know, her date is someone she knows.

Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt?
Jessica: Here’s an excerpt: 
Time to go. Run! She dashed around a corner and down the empty corridor, toward the dark-as-space shipyard. Her heart pounded like a fist against her ribs. She’d never stolen anything in her life, but she had to leave, refused to remain in the hellhole a second longer.

She peeked outside, searching for a lookout, anyone who could stop her from reaching her destination. All clear. Though she wouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief until she’d left the atmosphere, landed on a new planet. For only then would she be free. If her brothers ever found out she’d escaped and broken her contract, they’d hunt her down, tie her up, and drag her back to Rebed—soil she never wanted to set foot on again. Yet, if she made it to the other side of the galaxy, she could blend in and never look back.

Spying her target, a star cruiser belonging to her brothers, she raced across the tarmac. After deserting her on the planet star cycles ago, Galan and Volan had finally come to visit, bringing their new wife, Danyka, to meet her. Skylar’s mother had married a blue-skinned humanoid with two sons. But when their parents died in a shuttle crash, she’d been left in the care of her teenage stepbrothers. She understood they weren’t mature enough to care for a child, but she’d been old enough to take care of herself. It hadn’t been necessary to drop her off on Rebed.

She slapped her palm on the scanner, shaking in anticipation. Please, let my print still be on file. So much time had passed since she’d flown in the vessel. Had her brothers changed the codes or erased her data once they’d abandoned her? Tapping her foot, she waited for a green light, for the door to open. Something.

She glanced behind her. Come on. Hurry!

Seconds, maybe minutes passed without a response. Sweat washed over her. She fought to catch her breath and tears stung the backs of her eyes. Please! Once the sun rose, she’d be twenty-one star cycles, legal to be presented to the disgusting creep who’d bought her contract, the exact person she wanted to escape.

A whoosh echoed to her left. With a startled jump, she stared in the direction of the sound. The door. She placed her hand over her chest. Thank the gods. 

Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Jessica: In many ways, I wanted to revisit the characters from Satin Sheets in Space, but His Alien Virgin is very my a friends to lovers story. It’s one of my favorite themes.

Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? 
Jessica: If you are over 18, be sure to check out my FREE erotic Halloween story, called Last Minute Customers. You can find the links where it is available here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/free-reads/


Cate: Thanks for partying with us Jessica! Hope you have a spooktacular Halloween. :)
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Published on October 03, 2014 22:00

October 2, 2014

Kathy Bosman spices up Halloween!



Cate: Please welcome Kathy Bosman to my special Halloween celebration. Kathy, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kathy: I write sweet, contemporary romance usually set in Africa. I live in South Africa, am married to the love of my life and have three kids – well, two teenagers and an eleven-year-old. I homeschool them while I write.

Cate: Very cool. :) What do you love most about Halloween?
Kathy: I like all the decorations and fun snacks you can make. South Africans don’t celebrate it much yet – it’s growing here.

Cate: Do you have a favorite memory of a Halloween past?
Kathy: Because it’s only become a “thing” here in recent years, I’d say last year we had the most fun – making Halloween dough figures in school.

Cate: Have you ever had an unusual experience you couldn’t explain?
Kathy: Quite a few things I think would pass more for miracles than coincidences. My husband had one creepy experience – as a young single man, when he and his mom were praying separately in their rooms once, two pictures fell off the walls. Thankfully, nothing like that has happened to me because I would have freaked.

Cate: Yikes! What frightens you the most?
Kathy: I think being totally alone – having no one in the world to love.

Cate: Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own?
Kathy: Nope. Sounds interesting.

Cate: Any favorite Halloween recipes you’d care to share?
Kathy: This is what we made last year but it’s not edible: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/410390584765333070/ 

Cate: Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.
Kathy: His Halloween Kisses was written on the spur of the moment – I just decided one day I wanted to write a fun Halloween romance, and within a few months, it had been sent to the publisher.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/His-Halloween-Kisses-Kathy-Bosman-ebook/dp/B00NLW3O20
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-halloween-kiss-kathy-bosman/1120353198?ean=2940150741317
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/477020
Wattpad (first chapter free): http://www.wattpad.com/71304785-his-halloween-kisses-by-kathy-bosman?utm_source=email-uploaded_story


Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt?
Kathy: Ali’s never been so scared. She’s housesitting for a colleague on Halloween night, but the lights have gone out, and terrible noises and crashes send her imagination into overdrive. When her brother’s friend comes to her rescue, he kisses her in the dark three times. Once back in the light, Ali is embarrassed at allowing him to kiss her. Byron tries to ignore his strong attraction for Ali, especially seeing he’s not ready for a relationship. When Ali finds out why, she runs away, but life has other plans. What can bring them together? Fate, faith, or the memory of his Halloween kisses?

ExcerptThe TV made a fizz, and the light from its screen compressed into a small dot. All the lights in the house went out.
A power failure.
She sat frozen for a moment, unsure what to do next. This wasn’t her own home. Where did they keep candles and torches? At her place, she stored them in the kitchen drawer, and so did her parents in her childhood house. Wouldn’t that be the logical place? Blinking furiously, she hoped to find some light somewhere to guide her to the kitchen without bumping into something. Nothing. She couldn’t see a single thing. There was no moon tonight. Probably as overcast as it had been the whole miserable, rainy, windy afternoon. She spread out her hands in front of her and walked slowly, one awkward, terrifying step at a time.
In the darkness, the sounds were magnified. Wind whined like a strangled prisoner through every window, door crack, and ceiling board. Something tapped at one of the windows from the dining room. Tap…tap…tap. Probably just a branch from a nearby bush. It couldn’t be a ghost or a zombie, could it? Her quickened pulse didn’t believe any logical arguments tonight.
Images streamed through her darkened vision—pictures of real witches, zombies with bared teeth and deathly pale faces, and horrible creatures with horrific wolf-like snouts and sharp fangs. She shivered. For some reason, tonight, Halloween was getting under her skin.
And not in a nice way.
A crash sounded in the kitchen.
Her leg remained poised for the next step, but she couldn’t take it.
She couldn’t go in there.
What was that? Terror strangled her a moment, making it hard to breathe.
Possibly only the Bauman family cat, their little black and white tabby. A smile curled her mouth in response to the calming thought. Black cat—bad luck. Yeah, she sure was overthinking this whole simple inconvenience of a power outage.
Something brushed past her leg, something warm, soft, and silent.
Hot tears sprang to her eyes.

Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Kathy: I come from a religious background and Halloween was always frowned upon and made out to be evil and horrible. A few years ago, I began to question everything I’d been taught growing up, including Halloween. I become rather fascinated with the holiday. Pity we don’t celebrate it properly here in South Africa as it looks like fun.

Cate: Kathy has a giveaway! :)
Kathy: I’ll give away a PDF copy of my book, His Halloween Kisses, to a lucky commenter on this post.

Cate: Thanks for coming all the way from South Africa, Kathy! Happy Halloween.


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Published on October 02, 2014 22:00

October 1, 2014

Kathleen Ann Gallagher's going to enchant you!


Cate: Please welcome Kathleen Ann Gallagher to my Halloween bash. Kathleen, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Kathleen: Thank you for inviting me to the party, Cate. I’m excited to join the celebration. I’ve been dreaming up stories since I was a young girl. I write contemporary and paranormal romance. My first book was published in 2011. It goes to show it’s ever too late to follow your dreams. I’m a Jersey Girl who loves the change of seasons and of course, the beach.
Cate: What do you love most about Halloween? Kathleen: I’ve always looked forward to Halloween. It’s a fun fall holiday. Along with enjoying the costumes when the kids trick or treat, the decorated homes are a real treat. The creativity in our neighborhood is unbelievable. I also look forward to the changing colors of autumn, the brisk night air, and the scent of cinnamon apple candles.
Cate: What's not to love? Do you have a favorite memory of a Halloween past? Kathleen:  I have fond memories of the year my husband and I attended a Halloween party when I was pregnant with my youngest son. I was almost due and nothing fit, so I wore a pair of pink thermal pajamas, a pair of bunny ears, and I painted on cherry cheeks and whiskers. I won the prize for best costume.
Cate: What frightens you the most? Kathleen: I still pull the covers over my face when I watch Nightmare on Elm Street, especially if I’m downstairs alone.
Cate: I just turn the channel, lol. Ever gone on a ghost tour? Or ghost hunting on your own? Kathleen: I’ve never been on a ghost tour, but I saw three ghosts when I was about nine years old. I woke up in the middle of the night to find a two men and a woman floating out from an antique armoire in my bedroom. I screamed and they disappeared. The next morning my parents put the old piece of furniture out on the curb for salvage. I guess they didn’t want another night of tales from the dark side.
Cate: Yikes! Scary. Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Kathleen: My latest release is A Summer’s Enchantment, book 2 in the Moonlight and Jasmine Series.
Cate: Please share a blurb or excerpt? Kathleen: Here’s the blurb. I hope you fall in love with Cassandra and Jake from A Summer's Enchantment. http://amzn.to/1CgK5iS
Cassandra Wales, an independent and determined registered nurse, finds her plans for the future shattered when her boyfriend dumps her. Her witchcraft made him squirm but she wasn’t about to change for him. The move into her new home keeps her distracted, but she’ll be sure to keep an eye out for red flags next time. She never expected to find an elderly woman, accompanied by her hot and sexy grandson Jake, at her doorstep with an odd request. Sparks sizzle between Cassandra and Jake. Bad timing for sure. Will she be able to trust a man who has women begging for his attention?

Jake Hill is an ambitious, up and coming lead singer in a rock band. When his grandmother asks him to take her over to her first home, he doesn’t question her motives. Instead, he meets the woman of his dreams. But will she stick around while he climbs the ladder in the exciting world of rock and roll?
How will Jake find the time to nurture a relationship when his music takes top billing? Can the passion between them be enough to lead the way, or will fear of failure take control of their destiny?
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme? Kathleen: I’ve always loved stories about witches. A Summer’s Enchantment takes place in New Hampshire. My husband and I travel to the White Mountain Region every fall. The scenery is breathtaking and romantic. It’s the perfect place to set a story. Since I also love music, I made my hero the lead singer in an up and coming rock band. I liked the idea of a couple from opposite worlds. No matter what the obstacles are, love can win if you work hard for it.
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Kathleen: I’m working on book 2 of the City Lights Series. My upcoming release is a contemporary romance, entitled Perfect for Her.  I’m loving the story. I hope you check out the series. I enjoy making new friends. Here’s where you can find me.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathleenAnnGallagher?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites?lang=en
http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/?zx=9f6a725d9d9327fa
Cate: Woot! Kathleen has a giveaway for you! Be sure to include your email address. Kathleen:  Tell me about your favorite Halloween costume. I’ll pick two random winners.
The Moonlight and Jasmine Series are stand-alone novellas about the witches of New Hampshire and their desires to find love.
~Giveaway ~
 An e-book copy of Night Magic, book 1 in the Moonlight and Jasmine Series.
An e-book copy of A Summer’s Enchantment, book 2 in the Moonlight and Jasmine Series.
Cate: Thanks for joining the Halloween fun, Kathleen! Hope you have a spooktacular October. :)

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Published on October 01, 2014 22:00

Day 1: Pennsylvania's famous ghosts

Yay, it's October 1! I can't wait to bring you a new guest nearly each day, starting tomorrow.

Today is all about the famous ghosts of Pennsylvania. Certainly, every spirit was at one time very important to people on earth, but some of the ghosts in the Commonwealth are known around the world.

Take Ben Franklin, one of our founding fathers. He's said to still wander the corridors of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Not only that, but in Philly's Library Hall, some claim to have seen his statue come to life and dance in the streets. He's also been seen carrying books inside the building, though he never has too much of an armload to pass up pinching the rears of female passersby. Old Ben's still full of life! Some catch sight of him at Growden Mansion in Bensalem Township, flying his kite, still trying to catch a buzz.

If you ever dine at Baleroy Mansion in Chestnut Hill, you might catch a glimpse of Thomas Jefferson in the dining room. He'll be the ghost standing by the tall grandfather clock.
Betty Ross apparently didn't budge from her home after death. She's been seen in the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia.

Alexander Hamilton hangs around the First Bank of the United States in Philly, while Benedict Arnold's been seen at Powel House in the same city.

During his lifetime, Edgar Allen Poe used to frequent the General Wayne Inn in Merion, Pa., and must have grown attached to the place because he's occasionally still seen there. "Nevermore" doesn't apply to him, apparently.

Our first president, George Washington, still rides through Valley Forge National Historical Park, while our former vice president, Aaron Burr, sometimes visits the Aaron Burr House inn in New Hope.

So far as I know, no one's ever been successful in getting autographs. But then, maybe no one's ever tried!:)


Here's a recipe I found in our local newspaper that sounds delicious and easy - my favorite kind of treat:

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup milk
1 banana, sliced
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Spoon pumpkin puree into a re-sealable bag and freeze 8 hours to overnight. Remove pumpkin from freezer and allow to soften to room temperature, 5 to 10 minutes.
Pour milk into blender. Add pumpkin, banana, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.
Blend until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Makes 2 servings.

Starting tomorrow, be sure to visit every day for tales of ghostly encounters, ghoulishly good recipes, and some delicious giveaways!



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Published on October 01, 2014 05:30

September 24, 2014

Get ready to Scream!


October's a great time for fun stuff, but when a fun event also benefits a worthy cause, I'm there. So I was happy to contribute to Cate Peace and Landra Graf's Scream! For a Cure event.

How it worksBeginning October 5th readers will have an opportunity to bid for baskets. The categories are Erotic Romance, Urban Fantasy, YA & Adult paranormal romance, and Horror/Suspense. We’ll be showcasing the baskets the week they go up for auction, with the auctions taking place on that Friday. In-between, we’ll also have guest posts from different authors and bloggers talking about their personal struggles with cancer, some who’ve battled the disease themselves, and some who have witnessed the ongoing struggle through someone else. It’ll also be a forum for people to talk about their experiences, maybe share some uplifting stories as well.

Visit their website and visit throughout October to bid on some wonderful auction goodies!



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Published on September 24, 2014 05:00