Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 33

Book Review: The Kill Order by James Dashner #bookreview

Book Review for: The Kill OrderWritten by: James DashnerDelacorte PressISBN: 978-0-385-742894Avail in print and as an ebook
5 Stars
Riveting!
Dashner pens a suspenseful dystopian future with "The Kill Order." When sun flares and radiation wreak havoc on the Earth, Mark and his friend, Trina, are forced to abandon the life they know to live in one of the new - and rare - habitat zones in the Appalachian mountain chain.
Life in the mountains is hard, but livable. Mark's family is gone and in their place are Alec and Lana, two adults, along with Misty and Toad. The story opens with an airplane known as a Berg descending on their village. People in bio suits start shooting darts, infecting people with a virus that causes a quick and painful death.
Mark and Alec act quickly to discover what is happening. Soon they learn the virus has a name – the flare. It's also mutating, becoming more destructive. They soon discover a young girl, DeeDee, who appears to be immune to the virus. DeeDee is the hope for the future, but can Mark and Alec get her to the scientists in time to stop the destruction?
Dashner's writing style is easy to read. His imagination shines throughout the story as he creates a devastated world. Dashner places you next to Mark in the heart of the action. The plot races forward at break-neck speed, yet holds the reader enthralled. Clues to the sunbursts and flare virus are revealed in just the right places, keeping the reader turning the page.
The characters are interesting, especially Mark. His life changes quickly and in a dramatic fashion. His concern and empathy for mankind demonstrates the rapid growth he undertakes.

"The Kill Order" is a taunt, suspenseful read. It offers intrigue, action, and adventure. I did not want to put the book down. I would recommend it for readers over 12.  
Question: What type of stories do you enjoy reading? 

Creative Halloween Costumes - iPad Mini #halloween

Halloween is a great time to be creative.  I've seen some great costumes over the years.  In the past I've dressed up as Spongebob, A Boston Bruins Hockey player, Daenyrs  from Game of Thrones and Katniss from The Hunger Games.  This year I thought I'd go a little bit different.  I thought I'd be.... great ready for it.....
an iPad!! 
No, that's not me. Here's me:





So, what are you going to be for Halloween?  Do you give you candy?  What kind of candy do you give out?  Do you offer alternatives for those with nut allergies?

Who doesn't like carving pumpkins on Halloween?  Sadly, while we have the pumpkins, we've had no time to carve them.  If worse comes to worse, I'll carve the pumpkins tonight, but I have to keep it simple.  I can't make the real scary faces my husbands make.  I do this: 

Fun Fact: Pumpkins also come in white, blue, and green! 


Me, as Spongebob and the boys, 2010

More pumpkins!
Happy Halloween everyone! SmilesSteph

Book Review: Tune In by Mark Lewisohn #bookreview

Book Review for: Tune InWritten by: Mark LewisohnCrown ArchetypeISBN: 978-1-4000-8305-3Avail in hardback and ebook
5 Stars
A Fascinating in-depth look at the Beatles & their beginnings
Lewisohn pens a raw, candid, comprehensive book about one of the world's greatest rock groups, the Beatles.  Over 932 pages, Lewisohn examines the early, formative years of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. He reveals how their parents' heritage, the world around the boys, and American music shaped the Beatles' lives and influenced their choices.
"Tune In" shows the Beatles as young men struggling to find their way in life, determined to stay true to themselves and honest to the music that embodied the core of who they were.
Lewisohn's writing style is straight-forward and direct, which can bog down the reader at times, but considering the fascinating depth of the material, his style is never cumbersome.
Lewisohn's examination of the Beatles' character is revealing. John is wounded at an early age due to his parents' distance. Paul is encouraged, George is firm in his convictions, and Ringo is determined to make a better path for himself, especially when he discovers the drums.
The influence of the supporting cast is important and Lewisohn has devoted much time to Stu Sutcliffe, Brian Epstein, George Martin, and Pete Best, discussing their influence on the Beatles' lives. A revealing point is how the Beatles avoid conflict – a trait that haunts them throughout their life.

"Tune In" offers tantalizing tidbits into the Beatles' musical influences and development while taking a comprehensive look at outside influences, family, and friends. It's a must read for any diehard Beatles fan.
Question for you: Who is your favorite Beatle? Why? 

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent paranormal romance: Night of Magic #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Finn is moved. 

*****
Using a thick, iron key, Darius opened a metallic door and shoved Finn into a dark room. He stumbled, but caught his balance, refusing to fall. Starlight from a window provided the only illumination, casting stark shadows over Darius' features."Ye don't like me, do ye?" Finn smirked.Darius fisted his hands. "I cannot give Her Grace what she needs."Finn arched an eyebrow. "What does she need?""To be mated."****
"Night of Magic" is a paranormal romance. Finn dares the bonfires of Samhain, but does Aithne want to go home? 

****
Reviews for Night of Magic:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:
"This author has managed to come up with interesting characters and a persuasive plot with gripping action-filled scenes and fine details."

5 Stars, Ichichra, Amazon Reviewer:
"It surely got a quick smile from the romantic inside me."

5 Stars, Sara Eggli, Amazon Reviewer:
"I really like fast paced stories and this is one. Sometimes I find shorts lagging, not so here. The characters were developed enough that extra story line was not needed. If you are looking for good read this is definitely one."

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

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

KOBO: 2012 Fall/Paranormal Collection:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...


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 for: Killing Patton by O'Reilly and Dugard #bookreview

Book Review for: Killing PattonWritten by: Bill O'Reilly and Martin DugardHenry Holt PublishingISBN: 978-0-8050-9668-2Avail: in print and as an ebook5 Stars
O'Reilly and Dugard take a gripping look at one of America's most famous generals, George S. Patton. Patton saw success in Africa during World War II, but when his 3rd Army goes to Europe, his leadership style is frowned upon. Patton is forthright and painfully honest – traits that create enemies. When Patton dies in a car accident at the end of the war, was it a true accident or murder, considering the unexplained aspects of the accident.
The authors explore the complexity of Patton's character with candor. Patton fights. He's a warrior. His peers are willing to sit back and let him do the dirty work of fighting before taking credit. Patton's not a politician. His missteps create enemies, but has Patton created so many enemies, one of them wants him murdered?
The book is easy to read. The authors have peppered in little known facts about the war and America's generals. Patton is a man to be admired – and feared. O'Reilly and Dugard have done their research and it shows. They bring the last months of World War II in Europe to life, layering the story with rich characterization. They document several attempts on Patton's life before the car accident making a compelling case for Patton's possible murder.

The novel is a very suspenseful read, keeping the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. "Killing Patton" is a dynamic, fascinating read and the best one yet in O'Reilly and Dugard's "killing" series.
Question for you:  Have you read O'Reilly and Dugard's "killing" series?  What your favorite book?
SmilesSteph

Snippet Sunday: .99 cent paranormal romance: Night of Magic #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Aithne issues her orders. 

*****
"I appreciate honesty with those I deal with." She sobered a bit, but couldn't hide her dimple. "We need to talk – in private."Finn pursed his lips. Aye, he wanted a private talk, too, because he intended to take back control – now. "Darius, bring him to the high tower." Her voice broke with no debate and Darius shoved Finn down the center aisle toward the stairs. ****
"Night of Magic" is a paranormal romance. Finn dares the bonfires of Samhain, but does Aithne want to go home? 

****
Reviews for Night of Magic:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:
"This author has managed to come up with interesting characters and a persuasive plot with gripping action-filled scenes and fine details."

5 Stars, Ichichra, Amazon Reviewer:
"It surely got a quick smile from the romantic inside me."

5 Stars, Sara Eggli, Amazon Reviewer:
"I really like fast paced stories and this is one. Sometimes I find shorts lagging, not so here. The characters were developed enough that extra story line was not needed. If you are looking for good read this is definitely one."

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

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

KOBO: 2012 Fall/Paranormal Collection:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...


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 paranormal romance: Night of Magic #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Aithne teases Finn. 

*****
The queen placed her thumb on his chin. "Why did you accept my father's challenge?""To bring ye back ta him."Her rich laugh filled the air and stung like a slap across his cheek, and he frowned.
She placed her fingers to his lips and stopped laughing. Heat rocketed through his body at her touch. "Forgive me. I understand my father's reasons for wanting my return, but I have no desire to go back to my former life, and I doubt your intentions to take me to the emerald isle are so noble."
****
"Night of Magic" is a paranormal romance. Finn dares the bonfires of Samhain, but does Aithne want to go home? 

****
Reviews for Night of Magic:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:
"This author has managed to come up with interesting characters and a persuasive plot with gripping action-filled scenes and fine details."

5 Stars, Ichichra, Amazon Reviewer:
"It surely got a quick smile from the romantic inside me."

5 Stars, Sara Eggli, Amazon Reviewer:
"I really like fast paced stories and this is one. Sometimes I find shorts lagging, not so here. The characters were developed enough that extra story line was not needed. If you are looking for good read this is definitely one."

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

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

KOBO: 2012 Fall/Paranormal Collection:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...


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 paranormal romance: Night of Magic #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Picks up where last week left off. Aithne introduces herself. 

*****
"I am Aithne Morrigan, Queen of the Ruairc. Welcome to my castle." Her voice was velvet-edged and strong now, just like a queen's should be. "Ye here of yer own free will, lass?" asked Finn.Darius shoved an elbow in Finn's back. The unexpected gesture made him double over. "'Your Grace.' You address the queen using 'Your Grace.'""Now, Darius, watch your manners."****
"Night of Magic" is a paranormal romance. Finn dares the bonfires of Samhain, but does Aithne want to go home? 

****
Reviews for Night of Magic:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:
"This author has managed to come up with interesting characters and a persuasive plot with gripping action-filled scenes and fine details."

5 Stars, Ichichra, Amazon Reviewer:
"It surely got a quick smile from the romantic inside me."

5 Stars, Sara Eggli, Amazon Reviewer:
"I really like fast paced stories and this is one. Sometimes I find shorts lagging, not so here. The characters were developed enough that extra story line was not needed. If you are looking for good read this is definitely one."

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

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

KOBO: 2012 Fall/Paranormal Collection:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...


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 paranormal romance: Night of Magic #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Aithne surveys Finn. 

*****

She raked her gaze over him from head to toe, surveying his appearance before finding his face. She said nothing, only cocking her head a bit and smiling, revealing that amazing dimple. As their expressions fixed on each other, Finn sensed a heated and sensuous light pass between them. She licked her lips, and his pulse quickened.
"My father's sent a man who is finally brave enough to walk through the bonfires, Darius."
Finn glanced at Darius, who frowned his displeasure.
He pursed his lips. He supposed he should be surprised the woman of his visions was Jasper's daughter, but now that he thought about it, it explained much.

****
"Night of Magic" is a paranormal romance. Finn dares the bonfires of Samhain, but does Aithne want to go home? 

****
Reviews for Night of Magic:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:
"This author has managed to come up with interesting characters and a persuasive plot with gripping action-filled scenes and fine details."

5 Stars, Ichichra, Amazon Reviewer:
"It surely got a quick smile from the romantic inside me."

5 Stars, Sara Eggli, Amazon Reviewer:
"I really like fast paced stories and this is one. Sometimes I find shorts lagging, not so here. The characters were developed enough that extra story line was not needed. If you are looking for good read this is definitely one."

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

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

KOBO: 2012 Fall/Paranormal Collection:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...


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/

Walk to End Alzheimer's 20 SEP 2014 #alzorg

Our walk to end Alzheimer's was held on 20 Sept this year at Bridgeport Park in Santa Clarita, CA. The sky was sunny and the temperature perfect – not too cool or hot. As team captain of the Forget Me Nots, I arrived early, check in, pitched up a pop-up, set up a table, brought folding chairs and a cooler full of water.


The great thing about the event was seeing so many people come out and support the cause. My husband and 12-year-old son also raised funds. We were a "friends and family" team and collected over $4,000.00 for the event making us the #1 fundraising friends & family team.


I wanted to walk because my husband's grandmother, who has always been kind to me, began forgetting things. The most jarring incident for me was when she attended my son's birthday party and had to ask his name. Just recently I learned my own grandmother has dementia. I remember her as such a lively woman, vigorous, full of adventure, smart, and very warm. She had a (still has) a beautiful smile. Granny taught me my prayers, the state capitals, and nurtured my curiosity.


At the promise garden, they were giving out different colors for support. We chose yellow because we were supporting those we knew who had Alzheimer's and their caregivers. A purple flower meant you knew someone who passed from Alzheimer's and an orange flower represented your support for the cause.  

The walk was approximately 2.5 miles and the team showed up in full force. We got our tshirts, drank coffee, grabbed our water, and were off. The website said there were over 350 walkers, but it sure seemed like a lot more showed up!


What I liked about the walk was there was no pressure to rush to finish it. Everyone was glad to be there and support. I was the team captain. Recruiting the team from my co-workers was easy. In fact, my  co-workers made it easy to fundraise. 911 dispatchers are a very generous, kind, and caring people. We started early, last March, fundraising. We sold coffee, had a bake sale, and had a raffle. We made our goal back in June Everyone who signed up on the team had Alzheimer's touch their family in one way or another.


Just a couple of facts:
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.1 in 3 people over 85 has Alzheimer's.Age is a risk factor in developing dementia. Dementia is the loss cognitive functioning which include memory, language, visual perception,, and the ability to solve problems.
A great book that will help you understand what caregivers go through was written by Suzette Brown, called "Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes." If anyone would like to share their story or recommend a book or a movie, please do so. You just might inspire someone to seek the help and support they need.