Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 36

Goddess Fish Blurb Blitz Tour for: Tesla's Imprint by Kimberly Adkins #booktour

Tesla’s Imprintby Kimberly Adkins
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Some things just can’t be erased.
Simon’s visions of a little girl are the only memories he has. Like an imprint on his heart, the visions cling. Who is she? Who is he for that matter? Tracked and hunted across the world, and in possession of a device that sets him apart from time and space, danger follows him at each turn.
He never meant to drag Tess into his drama. But with one slow, seductive dance in a candlelit night­club, that’s exactly what he’s done.

Tesla’s own heritage is a mystery in itself. Born of wealth into a corporation with no paper trail, she’s called back to take the helm. But what’s the nature of the business she’s supposed to lead? And how does it connect her to Simon?
ENJOY THIS BLURB:
Tess didn’t know what was real at the moment, but she knew what she wanted it to be. Disregarding their image she turned to her dance partner and faced him. With careful, calculated movements she stood on tiptoe to feel the front of his thighs against hers and she lifted her face to his, lips parted as she settled a delicate kiss on his smooth chin.
His smoky eyes were dark, his lids half hooded as he endured her innocent attempt at seduction. Her heart was pounding and she knew he had to feel it against his chest because she was as close as she could possibly be to him.
With slow determination he reached both of his hands behind her back and laid them on her shoulders as if he were going to pull her away, but at the last second he slid them down the curve of her spine until they came to rest on the small of her back.
“I should not do this,” he whispered, though she wasn’t sure if he was telling her or himself as his large hands spread out across her back, pressing her against him with an all encompassing hold that she had never experienced before in her life.
The air was forced from her lungs in a startled gasp. The moment her mouth opened he found her lips and kissed them with such deep, unrestrained passion that she responded to him on the most primal level of her being and returned to him the most ardent kiss her soul had to offer.
Tess was lost to the world during that moment where there seem to be no time, no place, nothing but the perfect harmony of the Universe for the two of them to exist in; and it was perfection. It was so perfect that when he released her she lost her balance and stumbled on the dance floor.
GIVEAWAY:
Kimberly will be awarding a Kindle version of Tesla's Imprint to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during this tour and the  Book Blast tour . You can find the Rafflecopter link here:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e434173/
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/06/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-teslas-imprint.html
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kimberly Adkins is an author and artist who spends her spare time working on worm hole theories so she can go back in time and enter Star Gate’s ‘Get in the Gate’ sweepstakes as many times as it takes to win.
Says Kimberly of romance, “Fate lines up to reward the faithful who believe that love holds a power beyond our understanding and dreams have a chance to come true.”
Website: www.kimberlyadkins.com
Twitter: twitter.com/authorkimberlya
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimber...

Snippet Sunday - 3.99 Steampunk Romance: A Lady Never Lies #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:     Richard discovers what is bothering Jocelyn. 

*****

"How's your father?" Richard asked matter-of-factly.
             "I've never seen him so incapacitated," Jocelyn replied.
             "What happened?"
              She let out a long breath, resolved to tell the truth. "The last week, your ring would grow hot, then cold, then hot again. Today it became unbearable. I took it off and when my father went to pick it up, some ash from his cigar caused it to explode." 

****
A Lady Never Lies  is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book three in "The Windsor Diaries." Richard travels back in time to win Jocelyn's heart, but will she leave her ailing father? 

****Link to You Tube Video for Victorian Scoundrel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2...

Reviews for A Lady Never Lies:

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

"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 ReviewThis is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination.
5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites
"A wonderful book."
BUY LINKS:

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

AMAZON EBOOK:
http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

B&N EBOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lad...

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

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 for: More Than Passion #booktour

More Than Passionby JoMarie DeGioia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Geoffrey Kane, Earl of Kanewood refuses to feel anything more than passion. Four years ago, his fiancée betrayed him and he has no desire to experience that again so when he meets the beautiful Rebecca Kingsley, it’s passion at first sight. And only passion.
Rebecca has led a very quiet life working for her father at a small country inn. When she meets Geoffrey she falls in love with him right away. But she’s only the daughter of a baronet and men like Geoffrey never marry country girls like her. Do they?
When Rebecca’s father tries to marry her off to a wealthy old man, Geoffrey intervenes and marries her himself. He wants her very much but he couldn’t possibly love her. Love is for fools. At least that’s what he tells himself. But a sinister enemy soon threatens to destroy all that Geoffrey holds dear, forcing him to face the truth. His marriage depends on it . . . And maybe even Rebecca’s very life.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

The Raven’s Inn was surprisingly elegant. The brick structure was trimmed with dark green, its long windows sparkling in the late afternoon sun. Rebecca Kingsley was straightening the beautifully-appointed parlor of the inn. Her father, Thomas, insisted that all the rooms look fine. His father had been a baronet, but all that was left of the family fortune, as it were, was the inn. As a younger man, he’d traveled in the social circles of the ton and claimed to know what the gentry and lesser folk alike looked for in food and lodging. Many travelers stopped at the inn, and they expected service and accommodations as fine as any in London, or so Rebecca’s father insisted.
At twenty years old, Rebecca had been working at the inn all of her life. Her mother died when Rebecca was just two, leaving no real memories. Thomas refused to speak of her and Rebecca had long since given up asking. The only thing he’d say was that she took after her mother in looks. This he always said in a gruff, affectionate manner that never failed to surprise her. She supposed she inherited her fair skin from her mother, that and her thick raven-black hair. She could never see anything of herself in Thomas.
He never really gave her much notice. She worked as hard as the servants at the inn, keeping her own room as well as half of the rest abovestairs. Mary, the chambermaid, took care of the other rooms as well as seeing to the guests’ personal needs. Rebecca served the morning and evening meals in the dining room, as well, along with Emmy. Emmy was funny and kind and a shameless flirt. She never hesitated to share her experiences with Rebecca, who couldn’t help but blush. She listened, though. Closely.
Rebecca was usually free to go about her own business after finishing her chores abovestairs. But this afternoon, she polished the candlesticks and dusted the furniture in the parlor. As usual, she wore her hair plaited in one long braid coiled at the back of her head. Her simple muslin gown was a few seasons old and well-suited to her task. She paused to gaze longingly out the window toward the stables out back. Beyond them, she could see the gently rolling hills over which she so loved to ride. If she didn’t have to see to the parlor today, she’d surely be out riding her black filly.
From her vantage point, Rebecca could see two figures walking out of the stable’s wide doors. One man was slight of stature and fell in step behind the other. The man in the lead was tall with broad shoulders and dressed in a brown coat and tan breeches. He walked with a long, easy stride. Sun glinted off hair she fancied the color of honey. He had a strong profile, and Rebecca couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. What color were his eyes?
“Fool,” she chided herself. She turned back to her work, flicking her dusting cloth in 
frustration.

MY REVIEW:
Book Review for: More Than PassionWritten by: JoMarie DegioiaLachesis PublishingISBN: 978-1-897562-96-33.5 Stars
"More Than Passion" is a story full of intrigue set against a historical backdrop. It's England, 1822, and Geoffrey Kate, the Earl of Kanewood, is on his way home when his carriage is damaged. He stops in Oakham to see to the repair where he falls under the spell of Rebecca Kingsley.
Rebecca is a young maid and works at her father's establishment, the Raven's Inn. He's trying to marry her off, but passion ignites between Geoffrey and Rebecca. They're caught in a comprising manner and marry hastily.
Trust hardly has a chance to grow between them when it's tested. There's the mystery of Geoffrey's estate missing money, work not done, but billed for, and jealousy. Is passion all Geoffrey and Rebecca have?
The writing style is easy to read, but there are times when the story tends to "tell" and not "show."  Rebecca is a steadfast heroine. Geoffrey is the more complex character. He struggles with conflicting emotions – wanting to trust Becca, yet allows his jealousy to niggle at his confidence. The supporting cast and dastardly villains also vex Geoffrey, adding to his heightened emotional state.

There are plenty of love scenes between Geoffrey and Rebecca, which capture the passion the two share. If you enjoy historical romances, give "More Than Passion" a try. It's full of intrigue, greed, and betrayal.
GIVEAWAY: 
JoMarie will be awarding winner's choice of an eBook from Lachesis Publishing to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  Please visit here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e434217/ to sign up for the Rafflecopter Giveaway.
When you follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/06/virtual-super-book-blast-tour-more-than.html
The book is available for free as an ebook from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Passion-Dashing-Nobles-ebook/dp/B0082JA4BQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1404052381



AUTHOR Bio and Links:
I write Historical Romances with a touch of mystery and Contemporary Romances with a touch of home. I'm also working on a Young Adult Dystopian Fantasy/Adventure series and a hot Contemporary New Adult Romance.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, Space Coast Authors of Romance and From the Heart Romance Writers.
http://www.jomariedegioia.com/
https://twitter.com/JoMarieDeGioia
https://www.facebook.com/JoMarie.DeGi...
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-...
Kindle http://www.amazon.com/More-Passion-Da...
Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/eboo...
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/more...

Snippet Sunday: 3.99 Steampunk Romance - A Lady Never Lies #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:     Jocelyn makes a decision. 

*****

Jocelyn stood, glaring at Richard and Edmund. Richard's face betrayed his anxiety; well, she was anxious, too.
Edmund crossed his arms and looked at Jocelyn. "Do you want me to leave?"
Jocelyn's gaze landed on Richard. His blue eyes blazed with an intensity that burned her and she realized they needed to talk -- alone. She drew in a breath and crossed an arm over her chest resting her hand on her shoulder and rubbed the knot. Deliberately, she turned to face Edmund, "Yes, I think that's best." 

****
A Lady Never Lies  is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book three in "The Windsor Diaries." Richard travels back in time to win Jocelyn's heart, but will she leave her ailing father? 

****Link to You Tube Video for Victorian Scoundrel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2...

Reviews for A Lady Never Lies:
"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 ReviewThis is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination.
5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites
"A wonderful book."
BUY LINKS:

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

AMAZON EBOOK:
http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

B&N EBOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lad...

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

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 - Hot Six by Janet Evanovich #bookreview

Book Review for: Hot SixWritten by: Janet EvanovichSt. Martin's PressISBN: 0-312-976275
4 Stars
Full of action and hijinks
Stephanie Plum is back with a new crew of helpers and old favorites in "Hot Six." Fellow bounty hunter, Ranger, is accused of killing dastardly Homer Ramos, and skips bail. Steph turns down Vinnie's request to find Ranger, but that's where the trouble begins.
Everyone thinks Stephanie can find Ranger. Arturo Stolle has two men trail her. Joyce trails her. Dougie and Mooner sell goods of questionable origin and Steph's stuck with a dog named Bob. The cherry on the top? Grandma Mazur comes to live with her.
Ranger pulls Stephanie into the action when he asks her to do surveillance on Hannibal Ramos' house. Unknown to her, she witnesses several important clues that could wrap up the police case, but can she put them together before she starts getting shot at again?
The writing is crisp and clever. The pacing is spot on, giving the reader a chance to breath before picking up again.
The characters shine. Stephanie's at her best when she listens to her intuition. Lula's loyalty warms the soul. Joe does his level best to deal with his frustration. All the characters expose their faults along with their strengths and that's what ultimately makes "Hot Six" resonate with readers.  

The novel is a cozy mystery with a zig here and a zag there that keeps the readers on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next. "Hot Six" is full of excitement, action, and laughter.
Question: Who is your favorite character in the Stephanie Plum series? 

Book Review Tuesday: Killing Kennedy #bookreview

Book Review for: Killing KennedyWritten by: Bill O'Reilly and Martin DugardHenry Holt LLCISBN: 978-0-8050-9666-85 Stars
"Killing Kennedy" is a fascinating look into the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. O'Reilly and Dugard put politics aside and ramp up the suspense to tell Kennedy's compelling and inspiring story.
The novel opens with a look at Kennedy's heroics on PT-109 in World War II. At first reluctant to assume leadership, he finally does and the incident is a defining one for Kennedy, framing his leadership style for the rest of his life. There's also an examination of the eerie similarities between Lincoln and Kennedy, which prove fascinating.
As the Kennedy presidency progresses, O'Reilly and Dugard parallel Lee Harvey Oswald's life, painting a downward spiral of a strange, complicated man, detailing the happenings in his life which will lead up to him shooting the president.
O'Reilly and Dugard's writing style is crisp, clear, concise, and engaging. They paint vibrant pictures of all the men and women around Kennedy and Oswald. Taunt and suspenseful, I did not put the book down.
The book deals only with fact and makes a powerful case for Oswald as the lone assailant. I highly recommend this book.
What's your favorite Kennedy movie or book you've read? 

Snippet Sunday: 3.99 Steampunk Romance - A Lady Never Lies #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:    Richard will not be put off.  

*****

Two loud male voices coming from the hall shattered Jocelyn's peace. 
"I want to see her."
             "Let Jocelyn have her space."
              "You don't understand," Richard said.
"Oh, I understand plenty and you've been missing for a while now."
The door flew open and Richard stood in the entranceway, his hair disheveled and his hands fisted. Edmund grabbed his brother's arm. Jocelyn quickly shut the drawer and stared at the brothers. 

****
A Lady Never Lies  is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book three in "The Windsor Diaries." Richard travels back in time to win Jocelyn's heart, but will she leave her ailing father? 

****Link to You Tube Video for Victorian Scoundrel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2...

Reviews for A Lady Never Lies:
"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 ReviewThis is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination.
5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites
"A wonderful book."
BUY LINKS:

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

AMAZON EBOOK:
http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

B&N EBOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lad...

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

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/

JUL 2014 Update: Walk to End Alzheimer's Forget Me Nots Team

It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer's 5K walk team. As I write this, we have 71 days to go until the walk in Santa Clarita, CA on 20 SEP. Let me tell you a little about the team and we hope you consider helping out.



The team consists of my son and 12 co-workers from LAPD's Valley Communications Dispatch Center. We answer 911 for the city of Los Angeles. It's a challenging job, but we find it rewarding to assist those who need help. If anything, that's the glue that keeps us together – that desire to help those who need it. Not only that, all of us have had Alzheimer's touch our lives one way or another.

Fundraising:June's fundraising consisted of our day watch coffee club and we earned $110.00 the 3rd month for a total of 310.00 from coffee club sales.


WE REACHED GOAL!  Due to the overwhelming support of my co-workers, our families, and friends, we've reached our $2,000.00 goal, earning to date: $2,240.00. We want to thank everyone who has supported us. ((hugs))
We are planning a chili food fundraiser for work and we're looking on holding it on 1 SEP. I'll have more infomation on my August update.

If you'd like to donate to help the team you can follow this link. Any amount is welcomed. http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?team_id=204372&pg=team&fr_id=4950
My story:My son (who is also walking) and I know someone who is developing Alzheimer's. The other day we invited her to Easter and she asked for our address. She's been to our house many, many times. It broke my heart. I see the struggle it takes on a family, and I know it's hard. If anyone would like to share their story, please do. Know that you're not alone in your struggles to provide care for your loved one. This is why I walk. To help those family members who care for their loved ones with the disease.

Reading:
I just read a great book that chronicles the challenges caregivers face when helping family members deal with Alzheimer's. It's called Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown. If you wold like to suggest or recommend a book for those who support alzheimer's patients, please do so. Here's a link to Suzette's book:  http://amzn.com/B00H5QAY3A
Alzheimer's facts:In 2013, 15.5 million family and friends provided 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's valued at 220.2 billion.Today over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.
1 in 3 people over 85 has Alzheimer's. Andrew's grandmother is 83.
How to obtain a diagnosis:
A doctor will need to evaluate a patient's history, conduct a physical exam, and do a comprehensive neurological evaluation that assesses balance, sensory function, reflexes and vision.
If you have concerns or something doesn't seem right, the sooner you involve a medical professional, the better. Early intervention goes a long way in helping you to prepare for quality of life issues.
Please, if you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear it.All the bestSteph

Book Review Friday - Proof of Heaven #bookreview

Book Review for: Proof of HeavenWritten by: Eben Alexander, MDSimon and SchusterISBN: 978-1-4516-9519-9
4 Stars
A compelling case for life after death
Alexander crafts a dynamic and comprehensive look of the spiritual world with "Proof of Heaven." Diagnosed with E. Coli Meningitis at 54, rare in adults, he's rushed to the hospital. Despite quick treatment, he lapses into a coma. As a neurosurgeon, he knows his brain is inactive, but while he's in a coma, his consciousness has a near death experience in the spiritual plane.
What Alexander learns shatters his Earth-based beliefs. He's met by a young girl with butterfly wings, then he experiences the Creator who assures him he is loved. Alexander learns that the "consciousness" is more than a physical manifestation in the brain. His insights and observations will test a person's own beliefs.

This book is written in a conversational style and most terms were explained so the reader could understand them. One feels like a member of Alexander's family keeping vigil at his bedside. His personal story sheds light on the deeper meaning of life. For those searching for answers about life after death, Alexander's story will astound you. A genuine page turner. I couldn't put the book down.
Question: Have you had a Near Death Experience? Did it have a profound effect on you?

Book Review Tuesday: Daughter of Sherwood #bookreview

Book Review for: Daughter of SherwoodWritten by: Laura StricklandWild Rose PressISBN: 978-1-617-9186Avail: as an ebook and in print
4 Stars
A suspenseful story
Strickland pens a story full of action, adventure, and romance with "Daughter of Sherwood." Wren is the daughter of the legendary Robin Hood and Marion. When both parents die, she goes to live with Lil at Nottingham Castle as a scullery maid. When the triad that protects the forest is broken, Wren, now a young woman, must assume her role in the next one.
Wren is hesitant to leave her home and move to the forest, but she must, as Lambert, the Sheriff's enforcer, is on the hunt for her after a slight. Wren soon learns the other members of the triad are Sparrow Little and Martin Scarlet, two very different men who are in competition for her affections.
Wren must draw on all her courage, strength, and endurance to assume her new role all while sorting out her conflicting feelings for the two men. When Sherwood's very existence is threatened by Lambert, can Wren inspire those she leads like her father did?
Strickland's use of accents is well done, making the story easy to understand and it doesn't slow down the reading. The plot engages the reader, keeping them turning the pages.
Wren, Sparrow, and Martin prove interesting characters. Wren struggles with her identity and her role in Sherwood, which includes choosing a man to wed – Sparrow or Martin. Sparrow is quiet, yet honorable to a fault. Martin is loud and too quick to rush into action.
The story contains several tasteful mainstream love scenes. The historical background gives way to an intriguing story. Strickland does a great job giving life to Sherwood Forest, making the setting its own unique character full of life, challenges, and magic.

While a part of a series, you don't have to read the other books in the series to understand the dynamic and back story of this one. I would definitely read other books in the series. "Daughter of Sherwood" will leave you wanting more.
Question for you: What's your favorite Robin Hood movie?