Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 29

New Release: Brady's Lost Blanket, a children's story #newbookrelease

Welcome my new release: Brady's Lost Blanket from 4RV Publishing. Illustrator Bridget McKenna's drawing are whimiscal and heartfelt and a perfect compliment for the story.

BLURB:Brady is a sensitive young boy who takes his blankie wherever he goes. After traveling with his parents to visit his new cousin, Brady accidently leaves his blanket behind. Can Brady learn to get by without his blankie?

INSPIRATION:
I was one of those young kids who grew up with a blankie.  My blankie was blue and soft and I loved to rub the silky part against my cheeks. When my blankie was close, I felt very confident and secure. However, I think there comes a time when one "outgrows" a blankie and it's time to let go. Unfortunately, letting go can be hard to do. Learn how Brady lets go and grows up a little in my new children's story.

Author Bio:

Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New Hampshire.  Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout Den.
BRADY'S LOST BLANKET is available in print from 4RV Publishing.
BUY LINKS:
4RV PUBLISHING BOOKSTORE: http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/b...
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Bradys-Lost-Bla...
BARNES & NOBLE:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brady...



******If you are interested in reviewing the book, please send me an email at: Botrina_Buchanan@yahoo.com and I'll make arrangements with you to send you a review copy.****

Snippet Sunday: 1.99 Fantasy Romance: The Green Rose #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my fantasy romance, The Green Rose. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:      Ivanstan and Sonia have committed to their journey and share a private moment.

*****

He leaned forward, opening his lips, his mouth skirting hers, teasing, tempting, before he gently covered her. He kissed her slowly, heightening the pleasure that spiked in her body as her breasts tingled against the fabric of her clothes. One of his hands rested at the base of her spine, supporting her. The other hand he brought up to her face and brushed his fingers against her cheek as they kissed.

By Nyla, she could barely stand, so lost was she in the pleasure of his lips. Fear quickened through her. No man had ever kissed her like this before -- so tenderly, so reverently. She placed her hands over his chest and pushed him away gently, placing distance between them. 

****
This excerpt has been edited to fit the 8 sentence requirement. 
"The Green Rose" is a spicy fantasy romance.  The nations of Gaia are attacked. Ivanstan and Sonia are forced to go on a journey to find the mythical Green Rose to save their fathers, but will their attraction get in the way? 

****
Reviews for The Green Rose:

5 Stars, Joy Cagel, Amazon Reader
Stephanie Burkhart's incredible skill will keep you engaged and deeply interested. Give it a try; I recommend it.

4 Stars, It's Raining Books, Book Reviewer
I read this book cover-to-cover in one afternoon. 

4 Stars, Long and Short Reviews
Well written and engaging, The Green Rose is a book fans of fantasy and romance should enjoy.


BUY LINKS:  
PUBLISHER'S SITE
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-280/The-Green-Rose-Stephanie/Detail.bok
AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109853031
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegreenrose-769936-143.html
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/

Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages #lovelanguages #valentines

“Love is a verb.” – Gary ChapmanAh, February! The month of love! Centered around St. Valentines day, we all expect some token from our loved one, but true tokens of love are more than roses and chocolate. True tokens of love are found in love languages, developed by author and pastor Gary Chapman.A few years ago I had an opportunity to read a book titled “The 5 Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman. He’s an associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After counseling numerous couples on their relationships, he began to notice several emotional patterns when it came to demonstrating/showing love. His book, “The 5 Love Languages,” defines what those expressions of love are. To determine what your primary “love language” is, take Chapman’s assessment on his website (http://www.5lovelanguages.com) or it’s available in his book.Love is a deep, strong emotion. Chapman’s “love languages,” all contain an emotional component.The first is “Words of Affirmation.” We all like to hear “I love you,” but other words are just as powerful. Words that encourage, speak to kindness, or are humble in nature are words that touch our soul. Unsolicited compliments say “I love you” in a stronger way than the actual words, “I love you.” By simply saying, “That dress looks great on you,” you’re saying “I love you.” The next love language is “Quality Time.” By spending time with your significant other and giving them your undivided attention, you can make them feel emotionally loved more than saying, “I love you.” Quality time might involve taking a walk or going out to eat and putting your cell phones in your back pockets. Quality time is about giving that other person in your life your undivided attention during the time you spend together. If this is your significant other’s primary love language than ask them for a list of things that the two of you can do together. 
The third love language is “Receiving Gifts.” The receiver believes the giver put a lot of thought and effort to select the gift and then give it to them. It’s not about the gift itself, (the money and materialism) - it’s the thought put into it. A gift makes the receiver think their significant other put a lot of effort into finding, then buying the item. You remembered them, and that’s what resonates with the receiver. Keep a notebook with gift ideas to help you become a good gift giver. Interestingly, giving gifts is a big part of relationships in many cultures throughout the world. The fourth love language is “Acts of Service.” Doing acts like cooking, mopping, even vacuuming tells your significant other you’re willing to help ease their burden of responsibilities. Doing these things require thought, planning, and effort. if your significant other asks you to do a certain task like take out the garbage or start homework with your child take time to consider its not because they want you to, it’s because they need you to, and that act of service says “I love you” more than the words do. The last love language is “Physical Touch.” A simple hug, holding hands, a pat on the back, or a casual touch on the elbow requires just a little thought, yet speaks volumes.Let love shine in your words, your deeds, and actions this February.QUESTION: What’s your primary love language? If you took the assessment, were you surprised at how accurate it was?

Book Review: The Scorch Trails by James Dashner #bookreview #mazerunner

Book Review for: The Scorch TrialsWritten by: James DashnerDelacorte PressISBN: 978-0-385-73876-7Avail in ebook and print5 Stars


Dashner crafts a taut, nail-biting dystopian story with “The Scorch Trials.” Thomas and the Gladers are given a near impossible task: to cross “the scorch” in two weeks if they want the cure to the Flare, but is two weeks enough time?
Thomas and his friends barely have enough time to recover from their trials in the maze when they’re thrown into another problem – cross the scorch in two weeks. Thomas learns the maze was a test and there were two test groups. The second group was all female with only one boy – Aris. Whereas the maze was more of a physical trial, the scorch ups the ante by involving complex emotions. Thomas’ loyalty, resolve, friendship, courage, love, and frustration are driven to their limits. How much can a young man take before his mind snaps? Is a cure to the Flare worth the emotional scars crossing the scorch promises to leave?
Dashner’s writing is fast-paced and easy to read. There’s plenty of action and suspense. Dashner infuses just the right amount of characterization and pulse-pounding plot that keeps the reader turning pages. Thomas is a true leader. He faces adversity with a stiff chin. Theresa, as a character, is hard to get a feel for as she has a role to play as ‘the betrayer’, yet there are hints that she wholeheartedly believes she must do what she does.

“The Scorch Trials” is the second book in the series, but stands alone well, though reading the first book will flush out the arc of the storyline better for the reader. I highly recommend this book for readers 12 and older. “The Scorch Trials” is a quick, engrossing read. I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a worthy sequel to the series.

Happy 105th Boy Scouts!! #scouting #boyscouts

Every year in America, scouting observes its birthday on 8 Feb. While I’m new to cub scouting, America is celebrating 105 years of rich scouting tradition.So…without further ado: Happy Birthday Scouts! 
I got involved in scouting when my husband’s work schedule was switched up and I had to be the parent who took Joe to his meetings. I soon discovered scouting was a lot of fun (even for parents!)  and introduced a lot of great values to the boys – reverence for the country and God, respect, courage, outdoor skills, respect for the environment, and I could go on. Scouting really does promote a positive atmosphere for boys at an early age that they can carry forward in life. Lord Baden-Powell 
I have Lord Baden Powell to thank. His extraordinary vision began the scouting movement. He was a British officer who participated in the Boer War in the late 1800’s. Upon returning to England, he took 20 boys camping off the southern coast and scouting was born.Baden Powell believed scouting built character, citizenship, physical fitness, spiritual, mental, and emotional strength. He wanted peace and believed that the values which promoted peace started with the young people of the world. He began a “cubbing” program in England in 1914 basing a lot of his cub scouting elements on Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book.”Scouting in America had its start when Chicago businessman William D. Boyce got lost in the fog in England. An unnamed boy scout did a ‘good turn’ and helped Boyce find his way to his destination.  William D. Boyce
Boyce was so impressed with the boy scout’s demeanor, he brought scouting to America. Upon his return from England, on 8 Feb 1910, Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America. “Cubbing” as it was called in America started in 1930, incorporating elements from Kipling’s “Jungle Book,” like “law of the pack,” “Akela,” “wolf,” “den,” and “pack” along with Native American elements such as “gold and silver arrow points,” “Webelos,” and “arrow of light.” As I begin my cub scouting adventures, I’m learning a lot about scouting and what a dynamic program it is. It’s changed several times over the years as the decades have changed. Cub scouting was originally known as “Cubbing.” In 1945, it became “Cub Scouting.” As early as 1912, “Boy’s Life” magazine was the official magazine of the scouts. In 1967, “Webelos,” replaced the Lion rank and in 1976, women were allowed to become Cubmasters. Nowadays you can find scouting in 190 countries. 8 Feb is the anniversary of scouting in the States. It’s also celebrated as Scout Sunday as approx.. 50 percent of charter organizations involved are churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations. Most Cub Scouting Packs host their Blue and Gold in February. The Blue & Gold banquet is intended to recognize the scouting anniversary in the U.S. Me, Mr. Loo and Den 1 This year I attended the Blue and Gold as the full-fledged Den Leader of Den 1. It’s a bit overwhelming to think I’m in charge of 5 boys’ cub scouting adventures, but I hope to have fun and “teach” the boys without them realizing they’re “learning.” I introduced “Barry” the Bear (our den mascot) and made a Bear Board. I’ve planned several “go-see-its” including the Reagan Library, Castaic Lake, Mountain High for snow tubing, and a beach clean up at Carpentaria state beach.  I hope to share the adventures with you as the year goes on!
Joe, as a Tiger Cub, helping to plant a tree
Question for you: Do you have a scout? Boy or girl? Are you involved in scouting? I’d love to hear from you.

New Release: Brady's Lost Blanket #childrensbook #newrelease

Welcome my new release: Brady's Lost Blanket from 4RV Publishing. Illustrator Bridget McKenna's drawing are whimiscal and heartfelt and a perfect compliment for the story.

BLURB:Brady is a sensitive young boy who takes his blankie wherever he goes. After traveling with his parents to visit his new cousin, Brady accidently leaves his blanket behind. Can Brady learn to get by without his blankie?

I was one of those young kids who grew up with a blankie.  My blankie was blue and soft and I loved to rub the silky part against my cheeks. When my blankie was close, I felt very confident and secure. However, I think there comes a time when one "outgrows" a blankie and it's time to let go. Unfortunately, letting go can be hard to do. Learn how Brady lets go and grows up a little in my new children's story.

Author Bio:
Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New Hampshire.  Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout Den.
BRADY'S LOST BLANKET is available in print from 4RV Publishing.
BUY LINKS:
4RV PUBLISHING BOOKSTORE: http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/b...
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Bradys-Lost-Bla...
BARNES & NOBLE:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brady...

******If you are interested in reviewing the book, please send me an email at: Botrina_Buchanan@yahoo.com and I'll make arrangements with you to send you a review copy.****

Snippet Sunday: 1.99 Fantasy Romance - The Green Rose #snippetsunday #8sunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my fantasy romance, The Green Rose. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:      Ivanstan learns Tapin's noblewoman's identity. 

*****

The tent flap flew open and another woman dressed in a blue tunic with a dugron shark
and Tapin's falcon just under her right shoulder stood grim-faced. "Your Highness -- your father is missing!"

"Hiro!" She held her forearm up and the falcon perched on her leather forearm guard.

Ivánstan joined her as she marched into the structure, ready to offer his sword should she need it. 

"What's your name?"

"Sonia of Tapin."

"Ah, the crown princess."

****
This excerpt has been edited to fit the 8 sentence requirement. 
"The Green Rose" is a spicy fantasy romance.  The nations of Gaia are attacked. Ivanstan and Sonia are forced to go on a journey to find the mythical Green Rose to save their fathers, but will their attraction get in the way? 

****
Reviews for The Green Rose:

5 Stars, Joy Cagel, Amazon Reader
Stephanie Burkhart's incredible skill will keep you engaged and deeply interested. Give it a try; I recommend it.

4 Stars, It's Raining Books, Book Reviewer
I read this book cover-to-cover in one afternoon. 

4 Stars, Long and Short Reviews
Well written and engaging, The Green Rose is a book fans of fantasy and romance should enjoy.


BUY LINKS:  
PUBLISHER'S SITE
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-280/The-Green-Rose-Stephanie/Detail.bok
AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109853031
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegreenrose-769936-143.html
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/

Happy 74th Birthday to the USO!

The USO is turning 74 years old on 4 FEB 2015 and I thought I'd sharing some fun facts about this organization that has supported America's troops since World War II.  I'm a veteran myself and I can tell you I really appreciated having the USO around, and I took advantage of their opportunities when I could. In 1990 and 1991 I was able to stay in Garmish and Berchesgarten.  In 1997, I went on an USO organized tour of Budapest. If you have anything to add, please feel free to leave a comment.
**Founded on 4 FEB, by President Franklin Roosevelt. He asked several private organizations like the Salvation Army, YMCA, Catholic Community Service and others to come together and handled rec leave for the troops.
**USO stands for United Service Organization. It's slogan is: Until Everyone comes Home.
**It's not a government agency.
**Mission Statement of the USO: Lift the spirits of American troops and their families.
**Katy Perry and Idina Menzel are veteran USO performers. They also performed at the 2015 Superbowl.
**USO helps with transitioning troops, deployed troops, wounded ill and injured troops, and military families.
**Here are several well known performers who have supported the USO's mission: Bob Hope, Gary Sinse, Katy Perry, Mickey Rooney, Idina Menzel, Hattie McDaniel, Marilyn Monroe, Ann Margaret, and Jay Leno just to name a few.

Question: Has the USO touched your life?  What else would you like to know/learn about the USO?

2015 Groundhog Day Fun Facts #groundhogday

Just thought I’d share some fun facts about Groundhog Day.  If you have any fun facts or anything you’d like to add, feel free to leave a comment.  J**Groundhog day is celebrated on 2 FEB. If the groundhog sees its shadow and crawls back into its burrow, winter will last another six weeks.**The largest groundhog celebration is in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.**The 1st documented mention of Groundhog Day in America was on 4 FEB 1841.**Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions are right 39% of the time.**The average groundhog weights between 12-15 pounds and lives between 5-7 years. **Groundhogs hibernate.**Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today. Another 6 weeks of winter weather. If you ask me, that’s a pretty accurate prediction considering there’s another snow storm on the way to the east coast.  Stay warm out that way! Question: Has anyone  ever seen a groundhog?
 

2015 Superbowl Fun Facts

I thought I'd share some some superbowl facts with you today: If you have a cool fun fact, feel free to leave a comment! 

1st time the Superbowl was held in February was 3 FEB 2002. TV schedules were delayed a week because of 9/11. The Superbowl has been held in February ever since.
In 2016, Superbowl 50 will be held in San Francisco, CA.
The 1st Superbowl was on 15 JAN 1967. Green Bay beat the Kansas City Chiefs.
The word "Superbowl" wasn't printed on the tickets until 1970.
In 2012, a 30 second Superbowl ad cost 3.5 million dollars.
Tickets to the 1st Superbowl cost $6.00. In 2004, the face value of a Superbowl ticket was 400 dollars.  In 2015, the face value was $6,459.21.
The NFL has a lottery that selects 500 names drawn out of a hat for a chance to buy Superbowl tickets at face value. This occurs between 1 FEB – 1 JUN. Check out the NFL website for more information.
MTV produced the 2004 superbowl halftime show with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake that had the "wardrobe malfunction." MTV was banned by the NFL to produce the Superbowl half time show in the future.



Russell Wilson went to the University of Wisconsin.
Tom Brady went to the University of Michigan.  Tom Brady has been the Patriots quarterback since 2001. He's won 4 Superbowls and is a 3 time Superbowl MVP.
Question: Who were you rooting for?  Who was your favorite player this superbowl?