Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 37

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 meets Richard under not-so-good circumstances. 

*****

"You're limping--" Richard began.
              "My father's worse off."
               "Jocelyn, please, stop and talk to me -- just for a minute. I need to know you'll be all right." His voice was thick and unsteady.
Jocelyn glanced at Keira. Her friend's expression narrowed with apprehension. Jocelyn couldn't accommodate his request, "I can't - My father needs to go home and I have to look after him." 

****
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/

1st Lady of Independence #4thofjuly

Planet of the Apes
I've never seen the Statue of Liberty up close. I'd love to, and I will one day, but right now my chances are slim.
Truth be told, I don't know if I need to see her up close. She's on coins, postcards, and stamps. She's been in several iconic movies. For me, the most chilling representation of what she stands for is in the "Planet of the Apes" – Lady Liberty half buried in sand is a poignant statement. Freedom and Liberty as we knew it has died an ugly death (in the movie.) Thank goodness, that is only a movie and the real Lady Liberty still stands tall and proud in New York Harbor.
What does the Statue of Liberty mean to me? It embodies the high ideals that the founding fathers strived for: freedom, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equality, and justice. Some of these lofty ideals we still struggle with 244 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. For me, I look to the Statue of Liberty and I believe that American spirit will never die.
Have a great 4th of July. May it be filled with fun, BBQ, and fireworks – and a toast to liberty.
Enjoy these fun facts about the statue:
--The Statue was a gift to the United States from the people of France.
--Lady Liberty was dedicated on 28 Oct 1886 by President Grover Cleveland.
--Frederic Bartholdi designed the statue. Gustav Eiffel built it.
--The US faced great economic challenges raising money to build the pedestal. (The French did the rest) Joseph Pulitzer spearheaded a fundraising drive. Soon, 102,000.00 dollars were raised from 120,000 donors. 80% of the total had been 1.00 or less.

--Emma Lazarus initially declined to write a poem for the statue. When she observed the living conditions of refugees in New York from Eastern Europe, she expressed her empathy by writing "The Colossus." The poem's most iconic lines: "Give me your tired/your poor/your huddled masses/yearning to breathe free."
--No one in the US died during the construction.
--On 28 Oct 1886, New York had a parade. The stock exchange threw ticker tape from the windows. It was the 1st ticker tape parade.
--On D-Day, 6 Jun 1944, the lights on Lady Liberty flashed "dot, dot, dot, dash," morse code for "V" for victory.
Question: What does Lady Liberty mean to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Me? I have to work at the call center for LAPD from 6 am to 2 pm. Then I'm off to BBQ at Castaic Lake with the boys and then Magic Mountain for the light show. How do you plan to spend your 4th?

Book Review: Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown #bookreview

Book Review for: Alzheimer's Through My Mother's EyesWritten By: Suzette BrownISBN: 978-1494389062Avail as: an ebook
5 Stars
Emotional and Poignant
Brown shares her emotional story about Alzheimer's and how it takes a toll on a family physically and mentally. Dementia/Alzheimer's is a disease that progressively gets worse, destroying the brain's memories, making it hard for the person afflicted to do basic care for themselves or do upkeep on their living space. It becomes difficult for the afflicted person to feed themselves or remember family members. Brown's heartbreaking story relates how challenging it is not only for those afflicted, but for those who provide care.
Brown details how important it is to have support already in place before Alzheimer's begins to present. She explains the relevance of having a DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney), a good elder care attorney, and the role that Adult Protective Services play. She also discusses the role of the convalescence center and care facility.
Brown's inner strength and courage shines as she shares her personal story with honesty.  Her writing style is easy to read and her voice hooks the reader with heartbreaking sincerity. I read this book in a matter of days, eager to know what was going to happen next regarding her mother's care.
"Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes" should be read by anyone whose family has been touched by the disease. I couldn't put the book down. It will offer guidance, honesty, and provide one with a realistic look on how this disease takes its toll. I highly recommend this book.
Question for you: Have you been touched by Alzheimer's?  Would you like to share your story?

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 meets Richard under not-so-good circumstances. 

*****
 Jocelyn froze, stunned to find herself face-to-face with Richard. She'd hoped he'd come back for her, but not like this. She brushed aside her sudden surge of happiness as she glanced at her father. He struggled to maintain his composure.

"We need to leave," the doctor said.
"Lord Ridgecroft, come." Sir John nudged Jocelyn's father and they began walking toward the exit.
Richard rushed to her side, placing a hand on her elbow. His expression filled with longing -- and concern, "Jocelyn--"
She raised a hand, "I can't--"

****
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...

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 for: Champion of Sherwood by Laura Strickland #bookreview

Book Review for: Champion of SherwoodWritten by: Laura StricklandWild Rose PressISBN: 978-1-62830-180-9
4 Stars
Full of adventure and romance!
Set in Sherwood Forest in the 1230's, Strickland creates a world filled with magic and wonder. The Forest thrives on the magic that is guarded by a triad. Can Lark, Falcon, and Linnet put aside their differences when they assume the next triad or is the Forest doomed to be overrun by the Normans?
The village of Oakham is attacked and the villagers take a Norman knight, Gareth de Vavasour prisoner, but not before they lose one of their own, Martin Scarlet. Martin's death propels Linnet, Falcon and Lark to assume duties in the triad that protects the Forest.
Linnet is a healer who tends to Gareth. Soon, she falls in love with him, to her sister's disapproval. How can Linnet hope to have a future with the enemy? If the magic of Sherwood has its way, Linnet may get her heart's desire, but it may cost her Lark and Falcon, ruining the triad before it has a chance to flourish.
Strickland's writing easily draws the reader into Linnet's world. The accents aren't overdone. Her imagination shines against the backdrop of the dark forest. The author uses a good economy of words that allows one to visualize the setting without slowing down the pace.
The characters are dynamic and interesting. Linnet is a healer, honest, and true. She follows her heart, but can she be mentally strong and courageous in the face of adversity? Gareth strives to be noble and heroic, but his beliefs and convictions are put to the test during his trails in the forest. Will love show him that he can have two worlds? What's unique is how the setting comes alive as its own character, influencing events – and hearts.

Champion of Sherwood is a historical romance with mainstream love scenes that capture the intensity between Gareth and Linnet. The story is full of adventure. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the other books in the series. While part of a series, this book reads well as a stand alone. The magic within the "Champion of Sherwood" insists one turn the pages, just as it pushes Linnet and Gareth toward their destiny.
Question for you: Who is your favorite movie "Robin Hood?" 

Book Review for: Chamion of Sherwood by Laura Strickland #bookreview

Book Review for: Champion of SherwoodWritten by: Laura StricklandWild Rose PressISBN: 978-1-62830-180-9
4 Stars
Full of adventure and romance!
Set in Sherwood Forest in the 1230's, Strickland creates a world filled with magic and wonder. The Forest thrives on the magic that is guarded by a triad. Can Lark, Falcon, and Linnet put aside their differences when they assume the next triad or is the Forest doomed to be overrun by the Normans?
The village of Oakham is attacked and the villagers take a Norman knight, Gareth de Vavasour prisoner, but not before they lose one of their own, Martin Scarlet. Martin's death propels Linnet, Falcon and Lark to assume duties in the triad that protects the Forest.
Linnet is a healer who tends to Gareth. Soon, she falls in love with him, to her sister's disapproval. How can Linnet hope to have a future with the enemy? If the magic of Sherwood has its way, Linnet may get her heart's desire, but it may cost her Lark and Falcon, ruining the triad before it has a chance to flourish.
Strickland's writing easily draws the reader into Linnet's world. The accents aren't overdone. Her imagination shines against the backdrop of the dark forest. The author uses a good economy of words that allows one to visualize the setting without slowing down the pace.
The characters are dynamic and interesting. Linnet is a healer, honest, and true. She follows her heart, but can she be mentally strong and courageous in the face of adversity? Gareth strives to be noble and heroic, but his beliefs and convictions are put to the test during his trails in the forest. Will love show him that he can have two worlds? What's unique is how the setting comes alive as its own character, influencing events – and hearts.

Champion of Sherwood is a historical romance with mainstream love scenes that capture the intensity between Gareth and Linnet. The story is full of adventure. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the other books in the series. While part of a series, this book reads well as a stand alone. The magic within the "Champion of Sherwood" insists one turn the pages, just as it pushes Linnet and Gareth toward their destiny.
Question for you: Who is your favorite movie "Robin Hood?" 

Book Review: The Everything Guide to Sensory Integration Disorder #bookreview

Book Review for:The Everything Parents Guide to Sensory Integration DisorderWritten by: Terri MauroISBN: 978-1593377144
5 Stars
A Gold mine of information about SID!
Ever wondered why your child covered their ears when you knew they didn't have an ear infection? Or wondered why they would spin around in circles for minutes on end? Or why they couldn't stand tags in their clothes when everything else seemed "normal?" This comprehensive book on sensory integration disorder offers explanations and ways for parents to recognize and manage SID in their children.
What I appreciated was how easy the book was to read. It broke down a tough to understand concept and made it simple to relate to. The definitions were clear and practical.
The disorder is characterized by the brain inaccurately processing information from the senses. The person afflicted then makes an inaccurate judgment regarding touch, sight, movement, taste, and sound.
The book helps readers understand how important the vestibular and proprioceptive sense are, explains hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, along with the importance of motor planning and hypotonia (low muscle tone.)
This book also helped me understand how my son got SID. The chapter on lookalike problems such as ADD, ADHD, OCD and behavioral issues was the most informative, and will assist me to better articulate to my child's teachers what to look for and how to approach my son.

I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers who interact with children that have SID. It is a gold mine of information written in such a way that it is easy to understand.
Question for you: Do you know of anyone with a sensory processing disorder? Do you have any resources you'd recommend? 

Goddess Fish Blurb Blitz Tour - Chasing Hope by Amy Daws #blogtour

CHASING HOPEByAmy Daws
BLURB:  
At 33 weeks pregnant, Amy is certain something bad will soon happen, it has too many times before. Deep down she fears it’s only a matter of time before the baby she’s carrying will die. Despite the fact that Amy has been repeatedly slapped in the face with multiple miscarriages, she still can’t seem to quiet that tiny voice in the back of her head that’s screaming at her to not give up hope.

            Follow Amy’s true story as she stumbles through her journey with humor and warmth all while dealing with the neuroses that come along with getting her hopes shattered time and time again. All she has to do is close her eyes and she’s lurched back to the memories of her losses on the floor in her bathroom, in the hospital, and even at her place of work. No one knows what the internal mind of a woman who’s lost five babies and suffered this many let downs goes through. Can Hope ever truly survive memories such as these?
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
“You’ll need to take that necklace off before we go Amy, so don’t forget.” Nurse Micaela said as she was typing into the computer next to the bed. 
            My hands instantly went to touch my five gold rings hanging from an old leather strap around my neck. My five gold rings for my five angel babies. I swallowed and silently prayed I would not make another angel.
            I fumbled the clasp behind my neck and suddenly, the clasp broke and all five gold rings fell to the cold linoleum floor, clinking along the bed rail on their way down. “Kevin. My rings, they fell! Oh my God,” Shock and panic washed over me. It’s a sign; a bad sign. My baby isn’t going to make it. My angels are telling me to prepare for the other shoe to drop. Another nightmare headed our way.
            I sat on the side of the bed while Kevin and Micaela searched the floor to find all five. Tears threatened my lower eyelids and I whispered, “This is really bad. This can’t be good. I’m losing her Kevin,” My chin trembled and my face twisted in pain as the tears poured down my face and sobs freed themselves from my throat.
            Micaela looked up at me seriously, “NO! This isn’t a bad sign. This could be a good sign. Your angels are telling you it’s time to let them go and move on. You’re having this baby Amy.”
GIVEAWAY: 

Amy will be awarding a silver chasinghope name necklace to a randomly drawn commenter as well as a randomly drawn host.
Visit this Rafflecopter link to enter the giveaway:http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e434163/
Please 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/2014/05/blurb-blitz-tour-chasing-hope-by-amy.html
AUTHOR BIO:
Amy Daws is local network affiliate commercial producer and lives in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband, Kevin and their daughter, Lorelei. She graduated with honors from the University of Northern Iowa, despite fiercely executing her wild college-girl phase. Amy received her make-believe medical degree from the school of Google on infertility and miscarriage (that’s not a real thing). On most nights, you can find Amy and her family dancing in their living room to Strawberry Shortcake’s theme song or stuffing themselves inside children sized playhouses and then struggling to get back out because there is nothing they wouldn’t do for their little miracle. She is passionate about sharing her story and connecting with other women like her that have suffered losses and are in search of empathy and understanding. Amy held on to hope in her journey because she knew the payoff of a miracle child would be worth the wait.

Find Amy at:
www.amydawsauthor.com
www.facebook.com/chasinghopebyamydaws

Snippet Sunday - 2.99 steampunk romance: Victorian Scoundrel #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: Victorian Scoundrel, Book 1 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:    Alice weighs her options...

*****
Alice nipped at her lower lip. She wanted to see him again as well, especially since she would need his help getting her necklace back, but what was she going to tell him? That she was a royal from the future and she really didn't have a place to stay right now?  Besides, she shouldn't be leaving her fingerprints, either. "Ah, I'm uncertain what my cousin has planned for us."

"Let me remind you that you need your necklace back."
"Perhaps you can give me your scent, and I'll contact you tomorrow with a whuzzie." 
****
Victorian Scoundrel is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book one in "The Windsor Diaries." Alice follows her cousin, Edmund, back in time, but can she stop him from changing history? 

Reviews:Winner: BRONZE 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: History

2011 Hope Chest Reviews Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Series
Long & Short Reviews, 4 Books, Larkspur: It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode." 
Scorching Hot Reviews: 4 Stars:Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging. A fantastic edition to the steam-punk genre....bring on book two :)
Hope Chest Reviews: 4.5 Stars:Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty.


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

BUY LINKS:BUY LINKS: AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Diaries...
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-w...
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-183/Stephanie-Burkhart-Victorian-Scoundrel/Detail.bok
KOBO:
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book-One/book-QYpbdTFmHEm64JwO_p9T1w/page1.html?s=-6Oq9Moeg0STYnHLUVccWQ&r=7

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/

It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer...

It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer's 5K walk team. As I write this, we have 99 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:May's opportunity drawing earned the team $242.00. Currently, our day watch is running a coffee club and we've earned $100.00 the 2nd month for a total of 200.00 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: $2,055.00. We want to thank everyone who has supported us. ((hugs))
We don't have any more group fundraising events planned, but we would like to encourage you to support the team.

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.

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