Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 45

Book Review Friday - One for the Money by Janet Evanovich #bookreview #janetevanovich

Book Review for: One for the MoneyWritten by: Janet EvanovichSt. Martin PressISBN: 978-0-312-99045-9Avail in ebook and print
5 StarsCatchy, witty, and clever, Evanovich shines with "One for the Money." Set in the mid-1990's in New Jersey, Stephanie Plum is unemployed and up to her neck in debt. She needs money fast so she goes to her cousin, Vinnie, and elects to do some bounty hunting, but can she haul in a $10,000 prize without losing her head?
Stephanie's main target is Joe Morelli, a boy she grew up with who is now a cop accused of killing someone in cold blood. As Stephanie snoops around looking for her "FTA" she opens up a can of worms with the real killers who begin to target her. Can Morelli keep her safe while clearing her name? Is Stephanie "up" for bounty hunter work? Can she make it a profession? Or will her jeep blow up with her in it?
Evanovich's writing style engages the reader with witty quips and clever word choices. The novel is an easy read that completely envelops the reader in Stephanie's world. The supporting cast is colorful and crazy, grounding Stephanie and giving her the appearance that she's the sanest of the bunch.

The novel is a murder mystery with a dash of suspense, a pinch of romance, and a helping of comedy. "One for the Money" is one book you can't put down. It's great, light fun reading that will have you chuckling as you sit on the edge of your seat.

Christmas around the World 2013 #christmas

Enjoy these pictures of Christmas taken from around the world.



Pope  Francis as he prepares to deliever is Christmas message.

Watching the lighting of the main Christmas tree in Bethleham.

Santas in downtown Seoul, South Korea

Going to church, Richev, Belarus

Watzmann Mountain near Berchesgarten, Germany

Christmas in Dubai

Christians celebrating in Iraq

Strassburg, France

Celebrating with a dip in Berlin, Germany

Soldiers in Afghanistan

Celebrating the Navity in Poland 

In Syndey, Australia 
I hope everyone has a blessed and merry Christmas this year.  Peace to all.SmilesSteph

1.99 Christmas Contemporary Romance: The Faberge Secret #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my contemporary romance: The Faberge Secret








This snippet:  Elise is on the hunt for some Colonial valuables...
*****


She looked overhead. Gray snow clouds were rolling in from the west. What she wouldn't do for a vintage colonial flag, a wax vat, blacksmith anvil, or a loom. Elise took another step and walked into someone hard and masculine.

She lost her balance, lunged out, and grabbed the man's coat. He caught her, but the momentum of her fall drove them both to the ground. He slammed into the cold pavement, taking the brunt of the fall.

"I'm so sorry..." Elise placed her hand on his rock-hard chest and lifted her head only to discover the most stunning pair of cerulean eyes she'd ever seen.  

****The Faberge Secret takes place during Christmas between Brattleboro, Vermont and St. Petersburg, Russia. 

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book ReviewsAs the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.
4 Stars, Manic Readers"A satisifying read."
4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews
The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.
****BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE:http://www.amazon.com/The-Faberge-Secret-ebook/dp/B006LTE2ZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324310728&sr=8-1B&N NOOK:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-f... ROMANCE EBOOKS:http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.htmlPUBLISHER'S LINK:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok
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/

99 cent contemporary Christmas Romance: Feast of Candles #christmasromance

Enjoy this 99 cents Christmas Contemporary Romance that takes you to California Wine Country:  Feast of Candles 


BLURB: Drake takes the biggest chance of his life all because of a bottle of wine. Can he breakthrough the battlements surrounding Lily's lonely heart?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Collecting her purse, she walked into the lobby as Drake descended the stairs. He presented her with a manila envelope.
"I'll look it over and give it to my lawyers to examine."
"When might you make a decision?"
"Give me a week."
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. Lily welcomed him, his spicy scent sending her senses reeling. She placed her hands on his chest and moaned when his lips left hers, blazing kisses over her jaw, and searing a path of pleasure over her neck. 
"So sweet," he whispered. His hands left a trail of heat from her waist to her breasts. 
"Oh, Drake…" She arched closer to him. His mouth left her neck and he kissed her again, running his tongue over her bottom lip before mingling with hers.
Her head spun in a vortex of excitement. This man knew how to kiss. An owl hooted. Startled, Lily broke away from him, but kept her hands firmly on his chest. She searched out Drake's eyes for a hint at what he was feeling. There was no hiding his raw attraction. 

"Don't go tonight," he whispered. 


5 Stars, Loves Romance Reviews:
The ending with the feast of candles is so romantic, you'll want your own. 
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

4 Stars: Billie Houston, Amazon Reader:
"Great story."

5 Stars: On the Mark, Amazon Reader:
"It's a heartwarming, sensual romance." 

*******
BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG
SMASHWORDS: 2011 Spicy Christmas Anthology Collection:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

99 cent contemporary Christmas Romance: Christmas in Bayeux #christmasromance

Enjoy this 99 cent contemporary Christmas romance and travel to Bayeux, France for the Holidays:
Seeking peace, Aiden travels to Bayeux, France and meets with an old friend, Noel. Can she help mend his wounded heart? 7 Five Star reviews: "A tender romance sure to warm your heart anytime of year." Karen Michelle Nutt, 5 Stars, Amazon Reviewer"Christmas in Bayeux" is the perfect short romance to enjoy during the holiday season or any time during the year, and I highly recommend it." – Diane Craver, Author, A Joyful Heart, Amazon ReviewOpening Line: A light dusting of snow covered the Renault's window.
Buy Link: AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B005BTLSI8
BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-bayeux-stephanie-burkhart/1104401603?ean=2940011371806
SMASHWORDShttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72100
SONY EREADER:https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/ste...

99 cent contemporary Christmas Romance: Gifts #christmasromance

Enjoy this 99 cent sweet Christmas Romance and travel to Amsterdam, The Netherlands this holiday season.

BLURB:

Figure skating is in Christian Jansen's blood. When he trips on uneven ice and drops his partner, Chris breaks his arm. Now he's looking for a second chance.

Famke deVries lost her skating coach four months ago. Needing to connect with her roots, she returns to Amsterdam and agrees to be Christian's new skating partner. 

Christian and Famke connect on a deep level, understanding each other's losses, but will their chemistry off the ice interfere with their goal to go to the Olympics?


Short Excerpt:
Stephen turned onto a street in the Noord district of Amsterdam where he lived. The apartment buildings were about five stories tall, but weren't very wide. Stephen drove his compact car into a parking structure near his building. "We're here." 
"I need a nice long bath and a bite to eat." Famke stepped out and shut her door. 
"Chris, can you take her to the apartment? I'll run to the store for some food." 
"Sure." Chris opened the trunk and grabbed her bag.
"I can take it." She gestured for the bag, but Chris waved her off.
"I've got it." He paused. "I always insist on carrying a lady's bags." "But, Chris—"
"And you are a lady," he said.
Smiling, Famke nodded, discovering a small dimple in his cheek when he smiled so warmly.
Reviews:5 Stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reader:The touches of Old World Christmas combined with Olympic ice skating
make this well-written story a special read I couldn't put down.
5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader:"This story is a joy to read."
5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reader:"I enjoyed the story." 
BUY LINKS:
KINDLE: http://amzn.com/B009VL66F2
PRINT: http://amzn.com/1480166855
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2012-christmas-collection-vtp-anthologies/1113744914?ean=2940045041898
SONY EBOOK STORE: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/vtp-anthologies/2012-christmas-collection/_/R-400000000000000856271
SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247767
IND 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/

Vote for Romance of the Year at Deep in the Heart of Romance: A Gentleman and a Rogue

It's that time of year and A Gentleman and a Rogue, Book 2 in my Winsdor Diaries Steampunk series is up for Romance of the Year for 2013. I'd really appreciate your vote. If you have a second, click on the link and vote for A Gentleman and a Rogue. 


Here's a link:http://www.deepintheheartromance.com/p/vote-for-your-favorite-romance-of-year.html


GOLD Winner - 2013 Reader's Favorite Contest in Romance: Historical

Reviews: 

5 Stars, Trudi LoPreto, Reader's Favorites:
"I was hooked in it and did not want it to end. All of you romantic historical fans don’t miss this one – it is a winner." 


5 Stars, BTS Magazine, Gaele,
"With several plot twists and a romance far advanced for the time, a fast paced plot and a writing style that cleverly introduces literary scions of time travel and fantasy, this is a read that will leave you anxious for the next installment."

"I've read many steampunk romances and I have to say Burkhart got it right!" - Reviewer, Denise Alicea, Pen & Muse Reviews

5 Stars, Crown Heart Winner, InD'Tale Mag JUL/AUG 2013 - "Stephanie Burkhart has reached through time to tell a fabulous story of love and hope. Elegantly written." 

4 Stars, Snapdragon, Long and Short Reviews:  "A must read, whether you are a particular fan of the genre or not…because real heartfelt romance is still at the heart of the story." 
BLURB: Lady Keira Russell is destined to bring compressed natural gas to Britain. Her inner courage and mental toughness rarely falter – except when Prince Edmund Windsor is involved.Edmund of Wales is from the future. His last jaunt through history muffed up the time line. Now, he's here to set it straight and win Keira's heart.For Keira, if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Queen Victoria has sponsored a competition to find a cleaner fuel source than coal. Keira's father is trying to build a windmill and the Ridgecrofts are working with gasoline. Then there's Edmund, whose sensual kisses and heated stares distract her down to her bones.Keira has a choice: trust Edmund's notorious mischief-making or put her faith in Queen Victoria to make the right decision, but if Keira makes the wrong choice, the future of Great Britain will be changed forever.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
The song ended and Edmund grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the nearest hallway. At first, she wanted to protest; call out for her father and defy Edmund's wishes, but then reason kicked in. She wanted -- no, needed -- answers. And, she had plenty of questions. 

They entered the main wing, and passed two rooms before Edmund opened a door and dragged her inside. Books littered the shelves. The library. A beam of light from a full moon shined through the window, casting Edmund's features in sharp, contrasting shadows. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. His eyes narrowed, giving his expression a dark, hard edge. He looked like a devil in this moment. She steeled her shoulders, ready to do battle with him. 

Silence grew between them as they both set their postures. Damn Edmund. She wanted to kiss the devil senseless. Thankfully, she still had her wits. 

"What are you doing with Jonas Byron?" Edmund's voice was cold and exact. 

"Dancing." She surprised herself with the ease of her retort. 

"Looked more like flirting to me." 

"Jealous?" 

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "No." 

"You are a horrible liar." 

"Keira, you can't trust him." 

She placed her hands on her hips. "Curious, you're the second man tonight to tell me that." 

"Grayson has your best interests at heart. You need to listen to him." 

"He's been missing for four years." She paused, glaring at him. "Like you have. And I thought you weren't coming back." 

"I'm here now, and I'm not leaving you again." 

She tilted her head and laughed. Oh, yes, he'd leave her again, and she had no intention of letting her heart get broken. 

Edmund lunged forward, placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her against the length of his hard, muscled body, trapping her arms between them so her hands rested on his chest. His emerald eyes flamed with desire. Her heart turned over in response. His unique scent, spice and currants, weakened her resolve. As her memories flooded through her mind, her lips ached for his. 

"God, Keira, don't test me like this." 


PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing....

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

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-w...

AMAZON (KINDLE:)
http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C

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/

Welcome the Christine Amsden & the Cassie Scot Mystery Series! Goddess Fish Blog Tour Stop

Cassie Scot Mystery Seriesby Christine Amsden
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Book OneCassie Scot: Paranormal Detective

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.











Book TwoSecrets and Lies
Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
From: Cassie Scot, Paranormal Detective:

My parents think the longer the name, the more powerful the sorcerer, so they named me Cassandra Morgan Ursula Margaret Scot. You can call me Cassie.
I've been called a lot of things in my life: normal, ordinary, and even a disappointment. After the Harry Potter books came out, a couple of people called me a squib. Since I haven't read them, I have to assume it's a compliment.
Personally, I prefer normal, which is why the sign on my office door reads: Cassie Scot, Normal Detective.
You have to understand that around here, when your last name is Scot, people are easily confused. Not only are my parents powerful practitioners, but I have six talented brothers and sisters. Plus, my family hasn't always been known for its subtlety. When weird stuff happens around here, the people who are willing to believe in magic are prone to suspect the Scots.
The day I opened for business I got a call from an old woman who swore her cat was possessed by the devil. She also swore she'd read my web site, which clearly stated the types of work I did and did not do. Exorcisms were on the No list, and while I hadn't specified pet exorcisms, I would have thought it was implicit.
Author Interview:
Questions: If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?
Fresh home made bread, lasagna, tossed salad, and home made chocolate mousse for dessert.
Question: Are you a romantic?
Oh yes! Although I think that word means something a little different to all of us. To me the most romantic thing a person can do is to want to make someone else happy, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness.
Question: Do you listen to music when you're writing?
Sometimes. I go through moods.
Question: Do you ever read your stories out loud?
I always read my stories out loud during the wordsmithing phase. That's the only way to know if it sounds right. (It's not a foolproof method or anything, but it's the best I have for self-editing.)
Question: What are your future ambitions?
I would love for writing to become a self-supporting career for me so I have more time to do it.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Award-winning author Christine Amsden has written stories since she was eight, always with a touch of the strange or unusual. She became a “serious” writer in 2003, after attending a boot camp with Orson Scott Card. She finished Touch of Fate shortly afterward, then penned The Immortality Virus, which won two awards. Expect many more titles by this up-and-coming author.

Website: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/
Blog: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/?page_id=200
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineAmsden
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Amsden-Author-Page/127673027288664?ref=hl
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030664.Christine_Amsden
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/117845642...
GIVEAWAY: Christine will be awarding a $50 Amazon or BN GC to one randomly selected commenter. 
If you have a second, please leave a comment. Let Christine know what caught your attention and what intrigues you. 
Visit here to enter: (the rafflecopter code is acting up on my blog)  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e43430

Book Review Tuesday - The White Princess by Philipa Gregory #Phillipagregory

Book Review for: The White PrincessWritten by: Philippa GregoryTouchstoneISBN: 918-1-4516-2609-4Avail as a hardback and ebook4 Stars
Gregory pulls back the pages of history to give us a raw, gritty look of the start of the Tudor reign with "The White Princess." Elizabeth of York has loved and lost and is now resigned to her fate, Queen of England. Henry VII has won a crown but lost in love. Can he build a dynasty to rule England without love?
The novel opens with Elizabeth mourning her uncle's death. Henry Tudor has taken the throne as Henry VII, yet he is weary of anyone and anything once belonging to York. Having lived a hard life, he's suspicious of all, and this is his challenge: can he overcome his faults and inspire love in the people around him? It just might prove an impossible task with his mother at his side.
The story belongs to Elizabeth, however, and not Henry. Here we see a young woman confident in herself, having been raised a princess. She assumes the mantle of queen with poise and grace, yet many plot to restore the beloved House of York to the throne. How Elizabeth manages the challenges in her life defines the type of woman she will be remembered for.
Gregory's done her research and it shows, painting a vivid fictional backdrop against established historical events. It's said "history is written by the victors," and Gregory proposes that's what the first Tudors, Henry and Margaret, have done. Her writing is easy and not overburdened by trying to capture 1500's speech patterns.
The story slows in some places, but there's always a twist to keep it moving. "The White Princess" is full of suspense and heartbreak that will keep you turning the pages. 

Themes in Miliary Romance Writing

Since the start of the 20th Century, war has defined generations and their heroes. Let's explore themes in military romance writing and the heroes that warm our heart.


Research
Not all of us have a military background, so it's important to research what branch of service you're going to use, the military job your hero might have, rank and structure, weapon, setting, and time period. War in World War I has different weapons and settings than today's modern conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. There's one more thing to research that will capture an element of authenticity – camaraderie. It's something those who have served know very well, but it may be something you struggle with as a writer.
I'm prior Army. In 1987, we had a loudmouth in our unit, "Morera." Most of us couldn't stand him because he was loud, obnoxious, and crude. He used to give me a hard time until one of my friends, a female NCO, gave me some advice on how to put him in his place. Now I had just won Soldier of the Quarter for my Battalion and I stood in front of the assembled Battalion to be recognized. After the formation, Morera made a point to find me in the chow hall and in a loud voice announced: "I may not like you much, Cardin, but seeing you up there getting that award, you made me feel proud to be in the 583rd."
I may not have been his biggest fan either, but his smart comments tapered way off and after that, I knew that if the chips were down, I could count on Morera to come through.
Themes

One of the major themes in military/war romance writing is "Love on Hold." In the earlier wars, WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam, it's usually the woman waiting for her lover to return, facing almost insurmountable struggles as she raises their love child. With these last two wars, now you might hear of a man minding the children as the woman has been called up for active duty.
Another theme in military/war romance might involve unrequited love – a solider/airman/sailor/marine falls in love for a woman he can't have – an officer in love with a Geisha, perhaps, or a woman who loves a man who cares for someone else.
A favorite theme is "Forbidden Love." Think Romeo and Juliet and harboring a love in one's heart for a person you're supposed to believe is an enemy. I think the most popular example is that of a Nazi soldier in love with a Jewish woman, but certainly it can be applied throughout all the wars. In today's world, think of a "western" man in love with a Muslim woman.  In the novel, "A Woman in Berlin," a German woman comes to care for a Soviet officer.
Military Heroes/Heroines
With Iraq and Afghanistan, there's not just "heroes," but "heroines," too. Both need to find and tap into an inner courage or bravery they might not have possessed before. A military hero has to reach down and find that courage in the face of life or death. There's an element of danger they have to deal with. Our hero has to be trustworthy, noble, honorable, assertive, and he/she has to be able to treat people from all walks of life with respect. Also, all romantic heroes/heroines, need to go on a journey that challenges them to change for the better.
What's your favorite military movie/TV show/mini series? Top Gun? The Final Countdown? Winds of War? North and South? Write in. I'd love to hear your thoughts.