Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 31

January 3, 2015

New Year's 2015 all over the World in Pictures! #happynewyear

Happy 2015. May you get off to a great start in the New Year! Here are some pictures from all over the world as we celebrate New Years! Fireworks seem to be a tradition, wherever you are.  I'd love to hear how you celebrated!

Munich, Germany


Las Vegas, Nevada

London, England

Moscow, Russia

Bagdad, Iraq

Singapore

How was your New Year's? Pictures taken from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/pictu...









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Published on January 03, 2015 01:30

January 2, 2015

Happy 2015! Got Resolutions? #newyearresolutions

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." Benjamin Franklin


I'm up for a little peace. Heck, they were still looking for peace even in Ben Franklin's day.
With the new year, we're imbued with a sense of getting a fresh start. This hope usually inspires us to make a new years resolution – a promise to ourselves to do better or at least be a little kinder.
There a lot of historical new years resolutions traditions. The Babylonians promised to pay their debts and return borrow objects. The Romans made promises to their god, Janus. Medieval knights took a vow to reaffirm their chivalry.
I usually make a resolution, but I never make it past 31 Jan. I think I need to make more realistic resolutions. This year I'm going to stick with my weight watchers and try to get in more exercise. I want to eat more of a "Paleo" diet.  Who else eats a Paleo diet?  Any tips or suggestions?  Why do I make resolutions? I like the idea of self-improvement – of bettering myself. Who doesn't like that idea? Realistically though, I know it's probably a big challenge. I've got to buckle down. It's hard with my schedule, but hey, 2015 is the year of "Steph's Big Selfie" and I'm going to work on me.
Do you make resolutions? Why or Why not? If you could improve on one thing, what would it be?
I hope 2015 gets you off to a great start!
SmilesSteph
Enjoy this fantasy romance:
The Green RoseThe Green Rose of Gaia is preserved in legends and myths. Can Sonia and Ivanstan find the truth in time to save their world?

5 Stars, "An Incredible Story." Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer4 Stars, "Well written and engaging." Long and Short Reviews4 Stars, "Enthralling" Fiction with flair, Amazon Reviewer.
Excerpt:She gestured toward the window. "I like to look at nature." "Why?"
"It's beautiful. It settles my soul." He nodded his understanding and brushed past her, pushing the handle down and opening the glass door that led to the balcony. "Come." She followed him. The spice and sandalwood of his scent made her stomach tingle. He placed his hands on the wooden rail and pointed toward the opposite shore. She stood next to him, finding the view perfect. "Draco and the dragons are in a cave over there. Draco assures me Hendrik's dragon will recover, but he needs rest." "I'm relieved, but what about your father's dragon?" "The reptilian mind is resilient. Draco and Tristan will help Asura create several mental blocks so my father's absence in her mind won't confuse her." "That's good to hear." She glanced around, marveling at the façade of the keep. "How did you come to carve the castle into the cliff?"



Buy Links: Amazon: http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-g...
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegreenrose-769936-143.html





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Published on January 02, 2015 01:30

January 1, 2015

Happy New Year 2015 - Auld Lang Syne #newyear

Happy 2015!!
May old friends be remembered and good times not forgotten.  Happy New Year 2015!
We all have high hopes for the New Year, especially if the previous year was a bit of a disappointment.
For me, 2014 was a busy year. I taught 1st grade religious education, became more active in my son's Cub Scout pack, and I organized a friends and family team to participate in the walk to end Alzheimer's. Then I did NaNoWriMo. I'm pooped!
I think it's natural to pause at new years, take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and things we could have done better and set some goals for us to move forward.
New Years has several traditions that vary from place to place, but one we're very familiar with here in North America involves singing – or probably more accurate – listening to Auld Lang Syne. Guy Lombardo
It's an old Scottish song written by Robert Burns and first published in 1796. Translated it means, "old long since," but implies "times gone by."
The lyrics ask the listener will you forget the past? Do you promise to remember the friendships you've known?  The heart of the song tells us there's always time to remember friends, if not in person, then in memories.
Band leader Guy Lombardo made the song popular. He heard it in his hometown of London, Ontario, and first played it with his band at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929. We've been listening ever since.
Question for you: What happened to you in 2014 that you'll remember for a long time to come? Did you get married? Have a child? Go traveling to a place you've never been? Lose a loved one? I'd love to hear what your year was like.

Enjoy this fantasy romance:
The Green RoseThe Green Rose of Gaia is preserved in legends and myths. Can Sonia and Ivanstan find the truth in time to save their world?
5 Stars, "An Incredible Story." Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer4 Stars, "Well written and engaging." Long and Short Reviews4 Stars, "Enthralling" Fiction with flair, Amazon Reviewer.

Excerpt:The door opened and closed. Sonia turned around. As Ivánstan approached, the candlelight from the candles on the table cast stark shadows over his cheeks, making him appear like a seductive devil.
"I thought I'd find you here." His voice was more relaxed.
She gestured toward the window. "I like to look at nature."
"Why?"
"It's beautiful. It settles my soul."
Buy Links: Amazon: http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-g...
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegreenrose-769936-143.html




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Published on January 01, 2015 01:30

December 31, 2014

Christmas 2014 around the World #christmas


Christmas is a holiday that embraces the world. I thought I'd share these pictures of Christmas from around the world with you.  
Bir Zeit,  Bethlehem

Sydney, Australia


Vatican City, Rome


Nairobi, Kenya

Minsk, Belarus


Bercelona, Spain

Kabul, Afghanistan

Frankfurt, Germany

Mesen, Beligum


How was your Christmas? Do you have a favorite picture? 
These pictures come from: http://www.theguardian.com/news/galle...
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Published on December 31, 2014 08:53

Winter in Yosemite - DEC 2014 #yosemite #nps

We don't see much snow in California, especially in Southern California. If you want to play in the snow, you have to go to it. So the boys and I packed up our snow clothes, threw the chains in the 4Runner and headed off to Yosemite. It took 4 ½ hours. Wawona Hotel
 We got a room at the Wawona Hotel in the southern part of the park. The hotel was first built in 1876 in Victorian style. We stayed in the "index" built in 1918. Our room was small with a closet, double bed, twin bed, and they gave us a roll up bed. We had a small sink and mirror. Our restroom was outside in the hall. The showers were on the other side of the building. We ate dinner in the hotel's dining room. The hotel was decorated in lights, red bows, and had a tricked out gingerbread house. They had a cool yule log and a colorful Christmas tree.
The Wawona Christmas tree
The next day, after breakfast in the dining room, we donned our winter coats and went up to Badger Pass hoping to do some snow tubing, but it was closed so we made snowballs instead.
Making snowballs in Badge Pass

Next we trolled the valley floor. The Yosemite Falls were gushing. We had a picnic lunch at a site near the Awanhnee Hotel. The Awanhnee Hotel was decked out. They had at least three trees, one in the lobby, one near the he fireplace, and one in the winter room. They also had a sleigh near the entrance.
Joe in the Awanhnee sleigh

The fireplace at the Awanhnee

The Awanhnee lobby Christmas tree

Our next adventure was at the Curry Village ice rink. I got my "skating' legs back pretty easily. It was Joe's first time and he picked it up quickly. Then we went back to our hotel for a good night's sleep. The following day we hopped in the car and went home. Right now it's 46 degrees in Castaic and the weatherman says the snow level is dropping to 2000 feet. Time will tell if we get snow.  Heck, SoCal is due for a little snow.
On the ice rink  Skating with the boys

SmilesSteph
Enjoy this 99 Christmas romance:
FEAST OF CANDLES:After tasting her wine, Drake travels from Denmark to California to meet winemaker Lily Marquand.  Will love bloom?

4 Stars, "A  delightful story!" Billie Houston, Amazon Reviewer.5 Stars, "A wonderfully romantic story!" Angela Britnell, Amazon Reviewer.5 Stars, " A highly enjoyable story!" Jaclyn Bi Bona, Amazon Reviewer.
Excerpt:
He escorted her to her car and paused near the door. Lily unlocked it with her remote and leaned over, placing her purse along with the folder in the passenger seat. When she stood back up, Drake was directly in front of her. He cupped her cheek, his hand warm and encouraging. "When can I see you again?"
Her abdomen ached for more as waves of desire washed over her. Lily craved closer contact, but she tried to think rationally. "I'm, ah, not sure of my schedule."
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes – tomorrow. Come to the winery after it closes."
His lips brushed against hers, then gently covered her mouth.
Buy Links:
Amazon:http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG
Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...


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Published on December 31, 2014 08:33

December 28, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cents holiday romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Drake and Lily get close. 

*****
"I'm used to the loneliness." She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying his touch far too much.
He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pulse quickened even as a sense of caution flooded through her. She opened her eyes and placed her hand over his, while placing her other hand over his chest to stop him from drawing closer. Despite her attraction, she wasn't quite ready to allow a kiss.

He stared into her eyes, keeping his hand on her waist. "What's wrong?"****


"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****
Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader
This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

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

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...





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/
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Published on December 28, 2014 01:30

December 21, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary Christmas romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Lily and Drake talk about Christmas. 

*****
"In Denmark, the sun rises after eight in the morning and sets before four in the afternoon, so light is important in our Christmas traditions. Candlelight drives away the gloom and creates a warmth and coziness for many families during this cold and dark time of year. This last weekend my family gathered to light our first candle on the Advent wreath."
"Family is important to you?" "Yes, and you?"

"My mother passed away when I was a little girl, and my father threw his heart and soul into the winery. I have an uncle, but he lives in New York. I grew up not knowing what a close family was like," Lily said.
****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.
"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****
Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader
This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

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

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...





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/
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Published on December 21, 2014 01:30

December 14, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas Romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Lily and Drake talk about Christmas. 

*****
"Growing up, we always had apple pie on Christmas Eve."
Drake walked forward, stopping before her. White string lights sparkled on the tree, sending soft shadows over his cheeks. The doormen were escorting guests to their cars.
"What makes me believe it's Christmas is light." His voice was low and purposefully seductive, and his nearness made her senses spin.

"Light? I don't understand."
****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.
"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****
Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader
This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

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

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...





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/
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Published on December 14, 2014 01:30

December 7, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Lily takes matters into her own hands. 

*****
Adonis kept his replies short, but maintained an affable smile. Why did it bother Lily so much to see him talking to Alexis? Wanting to stake her claim, she walked toward him, holding out her hand.
"Hello, I'm Lily Marquand.
A satisfied light came into his eyes. He took her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles. Reckless warmth traveled up her arm.

"Enchante, Drake de Brettville."
****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.
"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****
Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader
This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

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

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...





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/
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Published on December 07, 2014 01:30

November 30, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday #99centbook

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



This snippet:      Lily spies Drake in the crowd. 

*****
She spied him out of the corner of her eye. He had to be over six feet and his stance emphasized the force of his thighs and slimness of his hips. His classically handsome features warmed her to her bones. Even in a crowd, his presence was compelling, and he carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence. 
She dared to stare at him, and he didn't look away, only arching his eyebrow, inviting her to approach him. Slowly and seductively, his gaze slid downward. She wanted to turn away as embarrassment flushed over her, but she couldn't. 

"Lily, did you hear me?"****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.
"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****
Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader
This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

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

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...





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/
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Published on November 30, 2014 01:30