Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 15

May 1, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent vintage romance: Journey of the Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet vintage romance, Journey of the Heart. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:




About this snippet:  The conversation continues. Rachel is in a "pickle." 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:


"The harvest is coming and I need to be able to pay my workers."James slowly inched closer, listening intently."I can offer you five hundred dollars.""Now, now, Mr. Smith." The elderly gentleman tapped his gnarled finger on the counter. "You know the wine is worth much more than that. Five hundred is not a fair price.""Vito, I'm running a business."
"There's no need for you to take advantage of Miss Rachel because her parents aren't here." H
JOURNEY OF THE HEART: 
BLURB:  

James returns to his home in California after World War II only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. 

Rachel Santori's winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he penetrates her soul with his long, lonely looks. 

Can James find a sense of belonging at Rachel's winery? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

Reviews:5 Stars, AngelE, Amazon Reviewer:  "I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author."

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewr: "The story is fluid, pleasant, and the characters are very well drawn."

5 Stars, Nicole Laverdure, Amazon Reviewer:  "I loved this story, it's sweet and found it a small interlude to enjoy. I recommend this novella!"

BUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journ...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
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Published on May 01, 2016 01:30

April 26, 2016

Book Review Tuesday: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich #bookreview #stephanieplum #janetevanovich



Book Review for: Finger Lickin' FifteenWritten by: Janet EvanovichSt. Martin's PressISBN: 978-0-312-38328-2I read: the hardback
4 stars
Entertaining!
Evanovich pens a fun, character driven, totally entertaining cozy mystery with "Finger Lickin' Fifteen." Lula, Stephanie's plus sized friend, is a witness to a gruesome murder and the only police officer she trusts is Joe Morelli. Unfortunately, Stephanie and Joe are 'off.' The cherry on the top? Ranger, who runs a security company, has asked Stephanie to help him find out who is breaking into his clients' homes. Stephanie has her hands full with catching her own skips, Ranger's job, and keeping Lula safe.
Stephanie and Lula soon learn the murder victim is Stanley Chipotle, a world's famous chef who was entered into a local BBQ contest. Lula decides the only way to catch the killers is to enter into the BBQ contest herself, but she's got no idea how to cook BBQ. She enlists the help of Stephanie's grandma, and Larry the fireman, who has a side job as the "Cluck-in-the-Bucket" chicken.
The stakes get higher when Joe identifies Marco the Maniac as Chipotle's killer. Marco is after Lula, too. Can Lula and Stephanie capture Chipotle's killer without losing their own heads and burning the BBQ?
This effort was much better than "Plum Spooky." The writing is easy to read and instinctively makes the reader feel like a fly on the wall watching the events unfold.
The characters are likable and engaging, driving most of the action. There are plenty of laughs as Lula and Grandma attempt to perfect their BBQ. This was a very entertaining installment of the Stephanie Plum series. It reads fine as a stand alone and I was biting my nails up until the very end. This is a great book to curl up with next to the fireplace on a rainy weekend.
Question: Who's your favorite Stephanie Plum series character? 

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Published on April 26, 2016 01:30

April 24, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent vintage romance: Journey of the Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet vintage romance, Journey of the Heart. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:  

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:


James walked toward the counter, his sandwich and soda in hand. Something in his gut told him she needed help – really needed it. The sound of her voice? The way she avoided the man's question? The hint of desperation in her expressive eyes? "I'd like to sell you three cases of my best wine."He raised a bushy eyebrow, "The 1928 Chardonnay?""Yes."
"Why, I shared a bottle with your father before he died. He was very proud of that vintage – wanted to save it for special occasions."
JOURNEY OF THE HEART: 
BLURB:  

James returns to his home in California after World War II only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. 

Rachel Santori's winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he penetrates her soul with his long, lonely looks. 

Can James find a sense of belonging at Rachel's winery? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

Reviews:5 Stars, AngelE, Amazon Reviewer:  "I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author."

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewr: "The story is fluid, pleasant, and the characters are very well drawn."

5 Stars, Nicole Laverdure, Amazon Reviewer:  "I loved this story, it's sweet and found it a small interlude to enjoy. I recommend this novella!"

BUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journ...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
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Published on April 24, 2016 01:30

April 15, 2016

Happy Birthday Corolla! #toyotacorolla #toyota

Antigone circa 1992I'm a firm believer in the Toyota Corolla. This dependable and reliable car is one of the best selling cars worldwide and it just turned 50 in the USA!
My 2nd care was a 1985 Toyota Corolla. I got it 2ndhand in 1988. It was red, had no AC (air conditioning) a hatchback, and had 2 doors. It said "twin cam" on the side and it was a stick. (manual transmission). I was in the Army back then, back before I had kids, and it followed me to the 295th MP Company at the Seneca Army Depot in New York. I loved exploring upstate New York in my little "putt-putt." Eventually I gave it a name - Antigone.
My corolla had character. All I had to do was keep up with oil changes and rotate the tires. It was mega-dependable and fun to drive. In 1989 when I was assigned to Fulda, Germany, I shipped the car overseas and drove it all over Europe. Antigone visited Berlin, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Paris, France, Berchesgarten and Garmish. Maintenance was easy. I must have went over 400,000 miles while Germany. (I was young back then and didn't pay much attention to the mileage, just enough to get my oil changes).
In 1992 I had it shipped to Ft. Irwin, CA. Boy, did I miss not having AC then! I kept up with my maintenance, but Antigone finally sprung a gasket and starting leaking so I sold her in 1994.
The Corolla has gone through 11 generations since 1966. Antigone was the 5th generation. Corollas are a compact car and nowadays you find them in automatic with 4 doors.
There's a reason why Corollas are popular: They've got great gas mileage, they're dependable, easy to care for, and fun to drive. With just a little love, they'll last forever.
Last year I bought another Corolla. I drive 32 miles each way to work and I needed a compact car with good gas mileage that was affordable and fun to drive. The Corolla fit the bill. I found one in a stick, but most are automatics now. It's got 4 doors, a moon roof, and AC - a must in southern California.
My 9 year old son has named the car "Shortez," (the z is silent) because it's small and short compared to our 4Runner.  Shortez (the z is silent) 2015We've already taken Shorte on a trip to Pismo Beach and we're looking forward to exploring California with him.
So, all said, "Happy Birthday Toyota Corolla!" You're one fun and dependable car. Now, you just need a Hybrid model.
Question for you: Do you have a Toyota? If so, what make? If you don't have a Toyota, what was your first car?  For those curious about my 1stcar, let me know.
Smiles to all
Steph
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Published on April 15, 2016 01:30

April 12, 2016

Book Review Tuesday: Andy Warhol was a Hoarder #bookreview #nationalgeographic




















Book Review for: Andy Warhol was a HoarderWritten by: Claudia KalbNational Geographic SocietyISBN: 978-1-4262-1467-7I read: the ebook
4 Stars
Engrossing and Insightful
Kalb paints a picture of how mental illness has influenced some of the greatest personalities in history. Topics explored: Did Lincoln suffer from depression? Was Einstein on the autistic spectrum? Did George Gershwin have ADHD? There's also a look at Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, and Betty Ford. Many aspects of the human psyche are explored including OCD, hoarding, and transgender.
Each story discusses the historical surrounding of the celebrity's life, then Kalb makes her case for why that person had a mental health condition. Kalb gives the reader a fascinating look into what made some of history's most poignant characters tick.
Kalb's writing style is easy to read and engages the reader. Her tone is genuine and sincere. How Andy Warhol hid his hoarding behavior was the story that surprised me the most. Betty Ford's story was the one that touched me the most as it's a struggle many can identify with.
The book takes a psychological look at the unique people who have touched our lives. It's, fascinating, riveting, and engrossing. I highly recommend this book.
Note: April is National Austism Month. Has austism affected your life? What support groups/resources would you recommend? 
Question for you:  Which historical figure would like you to learn more about?  Did you know Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer has ADHD? What stories inspire you? 

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Published on April 12, 2016 08:19

April 10, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent vintage romance: Journey of the Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet vintage romance, Journey of the Heart. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet: Rachel enters the store. 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

A young woman in her early twenties walked in escorted by an elderly gentleman dressed in brown slacks, a white shirt, suspenders, and a polka dot bowtie. She glanced at James, her eyes widening a little, and a spark passed between them. Slender and tanned, the lady possessed a mane of thick ebony hair and soft moss green eyes that pierced his heart. She had high, exotic cheekbones, yet worry etched the lines of her face. Had she known hardship recently?She approached the older man behind the counter, her stride resonating with purpose, her expression full of determination. "Good day, Mr. Smith.""Miss Rachel. How are you today?" "I have a business proposal for you."

JOURNEY OF THE HEART: 
BLURB:  

James returns to his home in California after World War II only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. 

Rachel Santori's winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he penetrates her soul with his long, lonely looks. 

Can James find a sense of belonging at Rachel's winery? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

Reviews:5 Stars, AngelE, Amazon Reviewer:  "I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author."

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewr: "The story is fluid, pleasant, and the characters are very well drawn."

5 Stars, Nicole Laverdure, Amazon Reviewer:  "I loved this story, it's sweet and found it a small interlude to enjoy. I recommend this novella!"

BUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journ...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
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Published on April 10, 2016 01:30

March 29, 2016

Book Review Tuesday: Miracles from Heaven By Christy Beam #miraclesfromheaven



Book Review for: Miracles from HeavenWritten by: Christy Wilson BeamHachette BooksISBN: 978-0316-38183-3I read: paperback
3.5 StarsAn inspirational story!


Author Christy Beam tells the inspiring story of her daughter, Annabel, who suffered from a chronic , debilitating disease and is now cured. What tugs on the reader’s heartstrings isn’t the fact modern medicine has Annabel – faith has.
Annabel is 9. She suffers from pseudo-obstruction motility disorder, making it near impossible to live a normal life. The Beams have adjusted, doing their best to give Annabel the best quality of life she can have. One thing never wavers – their faith.
When a freak accident puts Annabel in danger of severe spinal injuries, the adults in her life wonder how much can a little girl deal with before her spirit begins to lose hope? Will “one more thing” be too much for Annabel and her family to endure?
Beam’s writing styles engages the reader. She’s honest and sincere and a lot of readers can sympathize with the emotional  struggles of being a mother to a child with a disability/disorder. The narration jumps often between events which can be confusing to the reader. Overall, “Miracles From Heaven” is an inspirational story that will resonate with readers.
 Question for you: Have you seen the movie?  I'd love to hear from you! 


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Published on March 29, 2016 01:30

March 27, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary romance: A Polish Heart #snippetsunday #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet contemporary romance, A Polish Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:


About this snippet: Darrin needs to find Sofia. Will he get to her in time? 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

He needed to go to Sofia. He took a quick shower, dressed, and poured his coffee into a travel mug before getting on the metro.

The train trip felt like it took forever, but he arrived at his stop at ten. Sofia would be at St. Kaszimir's Church, having her Easter basket blessed.

It was a fifteen-minute walk. He ran.

When he got to the church, he heard the blessing ceremony taking place inside. He opened the door and walked into the vestibule, approaching from the rear of the church.
A POLISH HEART: 
BLURB:  
Darrin Riverton, an architect from the United States is assigned to a challenging project which requires a trip to Poland. Sofia Buraczynski is assigned as his translator and his first sight of her heats his blood. 
With Sofia as his guide, Darrin discovers Poland and many new things about himself, as well. When a chance is presented for him to remain in Poland, will he leave behind family and all that is familiar to follow his heart?

Reviews:5 Stars, Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader, “A totally enjoyable read.” 5 Stars, Nancy Levine, Amazon Reader, “My grandfather was from Poland, but I have never been there, so I enjoyed reading about it as well as the customs about the Easter basket, etc.”5 Stars, Billie Houston, Amazon Reader, “I love the warm-hearted tale.” BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B007AS29AOB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
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Published on March 27, 2016 01:30

March 25, 2016

Book Review Friday: No Easy Day by Mark Owen & Kevin Maruer #bookreview #noeasyday



Book Review for: No Easy DayWritten by: Mark Owen with Kevin MaurerDutton/Penguin GroupISBN: 978-0-525-95372-2I read: hardback
5 StarsGripping!
Owen’s account of being a Navy SEAL and the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden is a fantastic read that quickly grabs the reader and keeps them turning the pages.The book recounts Owen’s assignments in the Navy SEALS. He’s involved in several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the 2000’s. These deployments help prepare him for the assignment of a lifetime – to kill Osama Bin Laden. Owen talks about the prep required to go on the hunt for Bin Laden and how the life of a Navy SEAL is no easy life.

The book is easy to read and understand. Owen’s story keeps the reader riveted and engaged. What makes this account standout is how the authors draw the reader in and make them a part of the action. Told in an honest and sincere style, there’s no doubt the mission which killed Bin Laden was no easy day. I highly recommend this book! 
Question: Have you read this book or seen the HBO documentary, Manhunt? 
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Published on March 25, 2016 04:58

March 22, 2016

Carry a Red Cross #nationalredcrossmonth

Since FDR, March has been designated as National Red Cross Month. “I request that during that month (March), our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” – Present Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1943 The month is aimed to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help make the Red Cross run on a daily basis.The Red Cross is more than just blood donations. The organization provides assistance for disaster victims, helps service members and provides emergency notifications for the military. They also offer lifesaving classes including CPR and first aid. They will also work with you on a preparedness plan.Some ways to help: be a volunteer. Give blood. Offer a financial donation.The Red Cross was born out of the ashes of the Civil War. Clara Barton serviced wounded Union soldiers. Then in 1869, she traveled to Geneva, Switzerland. There, she learned about the International Red Cross and participated in the Franco-Prussian war. When Barton returned to America, she put her energy into establishing the American Red Cross. The organization opened in May 1881.Currently, there are over 650 chapters in the USA. They respond to apartment fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. They are an emergency support agency and don’t engage as first responders.  They offer classes for CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), lifeguarding, babysitting, home safety, and pet first aid. They also sell first aid kits.I’ve previously used SOS survival for acquiring emergency preparedness kits or you can make your own.The symbol of the Red Cross organization is the Red Cross. While it has had it’s share of controversies, the organization does a lot of good due to its everyday heroes who volunteer their time and hard work. I wholeheartedly support the Red Cross. They were there for me while I was serving in the military. (The Red Cross makes emergency notifications for members of the Armed Services as well as providing support facilities.) Currently, I had my son take their online babysitting class which was very informative for him. I believe in blood donation. I have my first pint in high school when I was 17, but unfortunately, I was station in Europe in 1996 when the UK had an outbreak of mad cow disease and I can’t give blood anymore. I do send in donations and if there is a class I need to take, I look to them first. It’s a great organization and I’m proud to support them. My Webelos Scouts talking to a 1st Responder
Question: Have you had any involvement with the Red Cross or their services? I’d to hear about your experience.  DID YOU KNOW?The Red Cross is found in over 187 countries!10 million people learn emergency skills/CPR every year through the Red Cross.It’s a charitable organization, not a government agency.




JOURNEY OF THE HEART
Blurb: Set in Sonoma, CA in 1946, can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?
Opening Line: James hated wandering
12, 5 Star Reviews on AmazonThe story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author. - Angel E
Excerpt: "Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart. 
"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases. 
"A job."
He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"
BUY LINK: AMAZON:  http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C
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Published on March 22, 2016 01:30