Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 25

Book Review Tuesday: The Money in You by Julie Stav #bookreview

Book Review for: The Money in You!Written by: Julie StavHarper CollinsISBN: 0-06-085490-1Avail in print4 Stars
Julie Stav talks about life and money in this engaging book about finances. Stav tells it like it is with an easy, conservational voice the reader can understand.
Do you know your spending profile? Stav does – and she’ll help you to understand how you spend money. That’s half the battle. Once you establish what profile you fit, she talks to you about investing, saving for old age, retirement, and how to teach your kids about money.
Stav uses real life scenarios to effectively communicate her messages. Her writing style is easy to understand and engaging. Stav’s explanations bring complicated money matters down to Earth.
This book is good for readers who simply don’t have a good financial background and are looking for a place to start. A great read.

Question for you: Do you have a piece of financial advice that works for you? I'd love for us to share ideas. 

Congrats to: RONE Finalist - A Lady Never Lies steampunk romance #InD'Tales

It's with great excitement I'm sharing:  My novel, "A Lady Never Lies," is a RONE Finalist in the InD'Tales magazine awards competition in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Category!! 

BLURB FOR: A LADY NEVER LIES

Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The Prime Minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love?  

EXCERPT:

She swatted her hand next to her head like she was swatting a fly. Love could flitter away from her heart like a hummingbird for all she cared. Who needed it? Love hurt.
A knock rapped on the door, but before she could voice a reply, Richard walked in. He crossed the room, raw concern splayed over his face and he knelt before her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing.""You look annoyed."
"A lady never cusses," she replied.
His lips tipped in amusement. "What else does a lady never do?"
"They never wear the same dress twice."
He pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. "I believe that." 
"And a lady never lies," she said.
He slid his hand over hers and laced their fingers together. A sweet jolt pulsed up her arm and she smiled despite herself. 
"So what's bothering you?" he asked.

REVIEWS:
"You've got romance, betrayal, time travel and gadgets. Perfect mix!!! Can't wait for the next book!" The Crafty Cauldron

4.5 Stars, Clue Review
This is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination. 

5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites
"A wonderful book." 

BUY LINKS FOR A LADY NEVER LIES:

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-never-lies-stephanie-burkhart/1119712149?ean=2940149360352

AMAZON (KINDLE:)
http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12



FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...

PINTEREST:
http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Snippet Sunday: 99 cents summer romance: Arrow Through the Heart #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Logan entices Ella with an ice cream.

*****
He waved his hand in the gentle breeze. "Would you like an ice cream? Big Oscar's is homemade. He's only three or four blocks away on the boardwalk."
"Logan," She held out her hand. His firm grip hinted at untapped strength. Her lips curved into a smile. "I'd love an ice cream. Call me Ella."
****
BLURB: 
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?


****
Reviews for Arrow Through The Heart:

"A sweet novella about falling in love." 5 Stars, Maggie Toussaint, Amazon Reader

"A well written, face paced novella." 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reader 

"An enjoyable read with love and loyality thrown into the mix." B. Norris, Amazon Reader


BUY LINKS: 
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

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

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Rakes, Rogues and Romance

Henry Cavil, The Tudors

The rake is usually a romantic archetype found in historical writing. So what is a rake? He’s a man with few scruples and little honor. He’s had affairs with widows, married women, courtesans, and unmarried women. He’s got plenty of had habits which include drinking and gambling. He’s often shallow, has no ambition, and lacks integrity. So what’s the appeal?
The initial appeal might likely be his winsome smile and handsome features. Often one thinks of a rake as having a virile, chiseled appearance. Honestly, he’s drop dead gorgeous to women everywhere. He’s known to be exciting, dangerous, and virile – and if you’re the kind of woman that desire anonymity, the rake will keep your secret.
Yet, hidden behind his charming smile and affable demeanor is a man of complexity. There’s a “darker” reason for his selfish actions and lack of scruples. Did his father treat women with little respect and the rake is only following that example? Was he abused? Traumatized in some way? Is he rebelling against a strict upbringing?
What sets the heroine apart from the rake’s conquests is her desire to discover this “hidden” pain and redeem him. A rake’s journey is one of redemption and discovering his scruples. What proves fascinating to the heroine is the power it gives her knowing it’s her love that redeems him.
Writing a historical rake from a modern perspective can be a challenge. After all, might come to mind is that our rake might have an STD. Perhaps it’s the perception of the hero being a rake, even though he’s not, which gives the reader hope.
A rogue is an unprincipled, deceitful, unreliable, mischievous scoundrel. He’s always up to his elbows in a bit of mischief. So, if he’s deceitful, doesn’t that make him just like a rake? Not quite. When it comes to his virility and promiscuity, he may not have had a lot of affairs. He’s a rogue because he lies at the gambling tables, not because he’s prone to flings.
Both the rake and rogue have unattractive qualities which make them “unlikely” heroes, but a romance is all about the unlikely hero taking an adventure or going on a journey with the heroine and discovering those traits which will make him a better person and a true hero.

Question: Who is your favorite historical romance hero?  Book, TV or movie?  Why?

9 Facts about Memorial Day

#1 – The intent of Memorial Day is to honor those who died
in service to the country.

#2 – Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War, but
honors all those who died in the wars since.

#3 – Originally known as “Decoration Day,” because the
graves of the war dead were decorated with flowers.
#4 – The flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

#5 – The traditional holiday was celebrated on 30 May. In 1971,
 it was changed so it was celebrated on the last Monday of May.

#6 – Waterloo, NY is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day,
since they proclaimed the day as a day of remembrance on 5 May
 1866.

#7 – It’s a tradition to wear red poppies honoring those who died.

#8 – New York was the first state to officially recognize the
holiday  in 1873.

#9 – Taps is a military song played on a bugle to honor war
dead.

**Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery is in Belgium, near the
 German border. American War dead from World War II are
buried there.  For over 70 years the graves have been
 adopted/care for by Belgium residents who still appreciate
what America did for Belgium. You can find more info and
 pictures here at:
http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/henri-chapelle-american-cemetery#.VWNty0rn_Gg

I’m a U.S. Army veteran having served in the active duty
 military from 1986-1997. For me, Memorial Day is more
 than just the start to the summer season. Throughout the
years since the inception of this nation, brave men and
women have given their lives to protect the freedoms
we now enjoy. I understand that to the bone. I put my
 life on the line to help protect our freedoms. To honor
that sacrifice, it’s important to respect those who lived
and died for our country. Wear a poppy today. Pause at 3
pm and offer up a moment of silence. Listen to Taps.
Place a flower or flag at the grave of a loved one who
 served. Most importantly, teach your children to honor
 those who sacrificed their lives.  Both my sons are scouts
 – one is a cub scout and one is boy scout. This past
weekend, they placed flags at a local cemetery and I can’t
tell you how proud I am of them for that.

For those who have a loved one who died, I thank you
for their sacrifice. Enjoy the holiday and your BBQ, but
don’t forget the meaning behind this day.


FOR YOU: Do you have a loved one who passed or do
 you know a veteran? Share – who are they and what
branch of the military did they serve? I’d love to hear your
stories. 

Snippet Sunday: 99 cents summer romance: Arrow Through The Heart #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Logan is curious about Ella.

*****

"Welcome to Wolfeboro." He gestured toward the water. "What brings you here?"

She stuffed the brochure into her purse. "A little bit of work and a mini vacation. How did you know I'm not from here?"

"I grew up in this town. Besides, Wolfeboro is the oldest summer resort in New England, and the Fourth of July is just a couple of days away," his affable grin warmed her heart. 

****
BLURB: 
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?


****
Reviews for Arrow Through The Heart:

"A sweet novella about falling in love." 5 Stars, Maggie Toussaint, Amazon Reader

"A well written, face paced novella." 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reader 

"An enjoyable read with love and loyality thrown into the mix." B. Norris, Amazon Reader


BUY LINKS: 
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

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

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Book Review Friday: Big Ten Ones by Janet Evanovich

 Book Review for: Big Ten OnesWritten by: Janet EvanovichSt. Martin’s PressISBN: 0-312-28972-3Available in print and as an ebook4 Stars
Full of Nail-Biting Suspense!
Stephanie Plum is wanted by a gang in “Big Ten Ones.” When Stephanie and Lula witness a robbery, Stephanie gets a good look at the suspect. He’s a “Slayer,” a gang member from the wrong side of town. When she goes into Slayerland looking for him, she causes more trouble for herself. The gang imports a hit man named “Junkman” to go after her.
Stephanie doesn’t feel safe – even at Morelli’s. With Ranger out of town, she hides out in his apartment, but it’s only a matter of time before the gang catches up to her – at her sister’s wedding shower. Can Stephanie outwit the Slayers with Ranger and Morelli’s help?
Evanovich’s writing is crisp and witty. She finds a good balance between the adventure of Stephanie’s run-ins with the Slayer gang and her family life as Valerie, her sister, plans to get married.
The supporting cast is as strong as ever. Lula tags along with Stephanie and Sally Sweet is back driving a school bus. There were several occasions that made me laugh and bite my nails.

“Big Ten Ones” is a cozy mystery infused with a little bit of everything – humor, suspense, family, friends and anxiety. There are several unexpected turns and the ending is heart pounding. This story is a great installment in the Stephanie Plum series and I highly recommend it.
Question for you: What's your favorite Stephanie Plum character? 

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary summer romance: Arrow Through the Heart #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Ella meets Logan.

*****

He walked around to her side so she could see him. "I'm Logan Donovan."

Ella's breath jammed in her throat. Logan's wide smile and kind sky-blue eyes sparkled in the sun. Tall, broad-chested, and well muscled, his stance radiated confidence. Men rarely snuck up on her, only Logan had.

"Are you all right?" 

Ella cleared her throat, "Sorry, I'm Ella Perchekov." 

****
BLURB: 
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?


****
Reviews for Arrow Through The Heart:

"A sweet novella about falling in love." 5 Stars, Maggie Toussaint, Amazon Reader

"A well written, face paced novella." 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reader 


BUY LINKS: 
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

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

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary romance: Arrow Through the Heart #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Ella is startled.

*****

Ella gnawed on her lower lip. Could she steady herself enough on water skis to allow the parachute to lift her? She stared at the parasailing brochure. The man on the front made it look easy, but if it was one thing she learned about life, it was that nothing came easy.

"Hey, you want to try it?" The deep, masculine voice startled Ella. She placed her hand over her chest to steady her heart.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." 

****
BLURB: 
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?


****
Reviews for Arrow Through The Heart:

"A sweet novella about falling in love." 5 Stars, Maggie Toussaint, Amazon Reader

"A well written, face paced novella." 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reader 


BUY LINKS: 
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

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

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Goddess Fish Super Book Blast: Way to Go by Mandy Colton #goddessfishtours

WAY TO GOby Mandy Colton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Gathering up the remains of her dignity along with her travel bags, she returns to her hometown in Peachtree City, Georgia. A community similar to a progressive Mayberry, except with golf cart paths and carts. A lot of them. Her family is kooky. The parents are sexually free and liberal, her brother is a golf cart cop with more good looks and brawn than brains. Her grandparents, one from each side, live in the same retirement community and maintain a constant battle while entertaining the other senior citizens. The Grandmother on her dad's side is stuck in the 1960’s, and the Grandfather on her mother's side served in WWII and thinks that the Japanese are still trying to kill him.
She calls inquiring about a job in the newspaper, a group escort for a small tour company in Atlanta. She is hired immediately and leaves the next day with her first group to Jamaica. First, she meets a handsome pilot with the charter airline they use, and then there is one unusual group participant that doesn’t seem to belong. He leaves the group for periods of time and when things happen, he uses MacGyver like skills to get them out of the situations. She is aggravated and knows something is fishy and the bad thing is, the man is very charismatic and she’s not just a little attracted to him.
Upon their return, she finds out that the man is friends with her rather unconventional boss and after a second unusual group excursion to Puerto Rico; she knows for sure that the little tour company in Atlanta is not really what it seems on the outside. When the truth is revealed, she finds herself unintentionally dropped into a new career that she can't exactly add to her resume. 
Veronica finds herself in uncomfortable and hilarious situations, surrounded by crazy tour participants, family, friends, neighbors, and pets. After a long dry spell, she finds that there is suddenly an overabundance of romance, drama, and intrigue in her life. Her life is now a sometimes very bumpy, yet exciting ride.
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 
“Hey, guys. What’s up? Is the bar not open?”
The two elderly ladies in the group walked up next to me. The one named Zelda said, “Well, ain’t that a peculiar-lookin’ bathin’ suit on that man. Looks almost nude.”
Then the man turned around, and I gasped.
Zelda’s travel companion, Ruby, craned her neck, blinked a couple of times, and said, “Zelda, is that what I think it is?”
“Yup, I’m bettin’ my tummy tuck it is. From here, it don’t hardly look like one. Wouldn’t think he’d want the whole world to know God gave him a dinky one like that.”
O-mi-god! He wasn’t the only one like…that at the beach bar. And they were mostly middle-aged or older. Oh, my poor eyes. 
When I was finally able to speak, I squeaked out, “Excuse me, folks. I have to go check something out. Be right back.”
I heard a snigger behind me, and I didn’t have to guess who it came from. I ran past Chuckles to the front desk and asked for the manager again. I had a little trouble getting my breath and was beginning to hyperventilate, so I reached down, grabbed my knees, and stuck my head between my legs. At least blue would be a new color for my face today. Shit!~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Mandy Colton is from Louisville, KY, and lives a very quiet life with her husband and teenage son. She’s a fan of romance, fun adventure stories, and some occasional sci-fi or paranormal thrown in. Veronica Lane and the idea for her adventures came from her own experiences and career working in the travel industry. 
She claims that working in the travel business could be horribly stressful but was equally laugh-out-loud funny at times. She enjoyed many priceless and comical experiences with groups, friends, and peers. Even her clients shared humorous adventures of their own. Her opinion is that there just are no better stories than those that involve true life. 
Subscribe for notifications on future new releases! http://www.mandycoltonfiction.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... https://twitter.com/mandycoltonficPin... https://www.pinterest.com/mandycolton...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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