Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 48

Book Review Tuesday - Superman by Larry Tye #bookreview #superman

Book Review for: SupermanWritten by Larry TyeRandom HouseISBN: 978-0-8129-8077-6Avail: ebook & print5 Stars
Tye pens an engaging comprehensive history of the Man of Steel - Superman. Tye shows us the spark of inspiration shared by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster and how the two were drawn together to give Superman substance. Tye also gives the reader a peak into Superman's media history and the actors who portrayed him.
Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster were two youngsters who toiled for years working out the details of Superman. Jerry lost his dad at a young age and was inspired to create the Man of Steel from his loss over his father. Jerry found Joe whose artwork gave Superman life. It took a Herculean effort to get their character in print, but once there, Superman resonated with readers young and old, becoming an instant hit and moneymaker.  Superman's publishers, Liebowitz and Dronefield swindled Siegel and Schuster out of their rights, ensuring Superman's creators to a life of struggles.
While Jerry and Joe struggled to pay bills and receive their just recognition as Superman's creators, their Man of Steel became a media success story, first with comics, then radio, TV, and finally the movie screen. Tye points out that Superman has resonated with generations of readers since his creation because he appeals to our best values, truth, justice, and right over wrong. Superman stops the bad guys and inspires his readers/viewers to do their best to over come obstacles. For me, that's certaintly the appeal of the character.  
Tye's writing style is crisp and easy to read. The storyline follows a natural progression that keeps the reader flipping the pages, wanting to know what happens next.
This Superman novel is a pop culture history and is filled with human heroes and villains. I'm not a big Superman fan, but the story of his endurance and appeal strikes to the heart of every reader. The novel is suited for 10-year-old and up. You don't have to be a Superman fan to enjoy this very human story behind the Man of Steel and his creators. I highly recommend this book. 
Find out more about the book and how to order it from: http://www.larrytye.com

Dems Bears in Those Woods #5 #yosemite #vacation

We wanted to get an early start on our last full day in Yosemite because its generally cooler in the morning, so we woke up early and stuffed the backpacks with water, food, and goodies before leaving Wawona around 8. We arrived at the valley floor around 9, parked, and hopped on the shuttle to take us to Mirror Lake.
Now, for me, the ambience of going to Mirror Lake is #1 it's a lake, #2 you see the reflection of Half Dome in the water. We were dropped off at the stop and decided to take the dirt foot path up the 1 mile hike. Mules also use the dirt path so my 6-year-old was totally grossed out. Mind you, at 6, boys have a bad habit of being a little gross themselves…
Mirror Lake

When we arrived, we discovered a trickle of a lake. The area was becoming "reclaimed," and in the process of becoming a stream. The boys took off their shoes and walked through the water, having a blast. Eventually, my husband and I crossed over. Down by the dam, plenty of people were out sunning and playing in the water. We found some shade and pulled out our lunches. A squirrel found us and watched us through narrow, intense eyes. I don't know if he expected a crumb or two, but the rangers told us not to feed the wild life so we didn't.
Hiking back from Mirror Lake

We hiked back on the road and made our way back to Yosemite Village. I raised my hand and Ranger Elsa signed me in as a Jr. Ranger. Heck, I figured if Andrew could do it, so could I.
I'm a Jr. Ranger!

When we returned to the valley floor, we headed over to Yosemite Falls.  The hike was about 3/4 miles and pretty flat - easy for Joe to do.  The falls is rather high up, but this time of the year, in Summer, it's a bit of a trickle.  A lot of people were down at the base of the falls so it was kind of crowded.  My husband got some great black and white shots.
Lower Yosemite Falls 

Then it was time for the most important adventure of the trip – Souvenir Hunting! We hit up the big store in the village. It had everything – food, beer, postcards, and clothes. I found a comfy burgundy sweatshirt to wear and Andrew found a happy face bottle that said 'Yosemite.' Joe got a red Yosemite baseball cap.
Our backpacks now stuffed to the max with souvenirs, we drove back to Wawona and fixed up tacos for dinner. Andrew and I went to Campfire with a Ranger. Our ranger played a little guitar for us. We sang "This land is Our Land" and even learned what a raven sounds like.


When Saturday morning rolled around it was time to go. My air mattress was practically flat after five days! We cooked up breakfast with bacon and camp toast and everyone chipped in to tear down our campsite. The journey home back to Castaic took about 3 ½ hours.
There are things I wish I could have done like go to Glacier Point and look at the stars. I love astronomy and the skies are so clear up in Yosemite, it was music to my soul. I wish I could have seen the blacksmith in Wawona and a couple more waterfalls. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to going back this October to see what the park looks like in the fall.
The best part of Yosemite was just spending time with my family, learning about the park, and sharing my love of the outdoors with my boys. Oh, and it's features, the valleys, rivers, and granite reminded me of growing up in New Hampshire.


How many of you have visited Yosemite? What's your "take away?" For those who haven't been, what time of the year would you want to go and why?
Thanks for hiking with me.SmilesSteph

Snippet Sunday: Paranormal Romance: Sunrise Over Brasov #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent sweet/sensual paranormal romance, "Night of Magic."



Sunrise Over Brasov 
Paranormal Romance

Sunrise Over Brasov is book 3 in the award winning Moldavian Moon Series.  Book 1, The Wolf's Torment, won GOLD in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in Fiction: Supernatural. It was also nominated for Book of the Week with Long & Short.  Book 2, Twilight Over Moldavia was also nominated Book of the Month with Long and Short Reviews. 






This snippet:  Michael and friends leave the cave they are hiding in.  

*****

Darius enveloped his body within his cloak and it shrunk with him. He transformed into a
raven and flew off. Vampires had the ability to transform at will, taking the shape of any bird they desired.

Michael shucked the reins and they slowly continued.

"What's wrong?" asked Rosa.

"I don't--"
A gunshot fired.  




*****
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

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

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

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

2013 Reader's Favorite GOLD Winner! #contest #readersfavorite

My steampunk romance, A Gentleman and a Rogue won GOLD in the 2013 Reader's Favorite Contest in Romance: Historical. Here's a link: http://readersfavorite.com/book-revie... 
Here's a look at the novel:Reviews: "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, Trudi LoPreto for Reader's Favorites
"It’s the Amazing Race with energy sources in Stephanie Burkhart’s second steampunk." - 5 Stars, Muddy Rose Reviews
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." 

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader"This is a very readable book that teases the reader's imagination as it underlines the energy and clean-air problems we face today, at the same time, showing the author's true mastery in combining genres."
Here's the Blurb:
Royals Edmund and Alice Windsor return to 2011 only to discover their world is now powered by gasoline and electricity - not compressed natural gas. Their attempts to persuade their grandmother, Queen Anne II, falls on deaf ears. Taking matters into their own hands, they enlist Jonas Byron's help and travel back to 1855 to set the time line right. 
Now in Lincoln, Edmund is reunited with Lady Keira Russell, the love of his life, but if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Keira does not want to fall in love with him again. Jonas Byron has taken up with Keira's father to build a windmill, and Edmund's brother, Richard, the Guardian of the Time Machine, has followed Edmund to ensure Queen Victoria makes the right decision when choosing the fuel of the future. Edmund has a choice - make mischief to ensure time marches to the beat of the right drummer, or trust in Keira and her belief that Queen Victoria will make the right decision on her own. Will Edmund lost Keira for good if he makes the wrong choice? 

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." 
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C
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...

Cover Contest Winner! The Secret Door in an InD'Tales Cover Winner! #covercontest #indtales

My cover for "The Secret Door" won the InD'Tales Cover Contest for August! I really appreciate everyone's support in the contest. 

Here's a link: .http://www.indtale.com/polls/créme-de...

BLURB: It's 1927 and Lord Zoltan Kristos, Hungary's Minister of the Interior, takes great pains to hide the fact he's a werewolf from the world. Despite his efforts, he's recognized when he goes to the Austrian-Hungarian border to inspect the area for damage from a recent rare earthquake.


Zoltan is accused of stealing Kurt Meklau's witch, Inna, and is recklessly pursed to Volturn Manor, a residence belonging to another werewolf family, the Vargas. After a fight with Meklau, Zoltan barely escapes and his adversary is found dead.Sophia Varga and Tomas Martin find Zoltan. Sophia is determine to attend to Zoltan's injuries and protect her home, but when Kurt's father, Marcus, comes seeking revenege, Sophia is tested like never before. As Zoltan and Sophia work together, attraction and desire flame between them.Will the secrets Volturn Manor harbors offer Zoltan and Sophia the clues they need to defeat Marcus and give them the opportunity to explore their feelings for one another?REVIEWS:5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader: "Its exciting action, paranormal elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." 
"I was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews.

"There is plenty of action and strife in this story as well as softer and tenderer emotions between the couples. Overall, I found the story entertaining." 3 Cups, HCHarju, Coffee Time Romance


"Interesting and richly enjoyable. Keeps one turning the pages." 3.5 Hearts, JUL/AUG 2013 InD'Tales Magazine. 
EXCERPT:
He looked her over seductively. His heart skipped a beat with desire. She rubbed the lotion into her hands and placed them on his stomach. He groaned, reaching out with his left hand and threading his fingers into her hair, jerking her head back so they were eye-to-eye. She set her jaw. His pulse pounded. Something intense flared between them, yet she kept her hands on his abdomen. Encouraged, Zoltan tugged her toward him, pressing her chest against his. Her nostrils flared and her brow furrowed in confusion.He stopped, reminding himself he needed to offer a choice. "Do you want me to kiss you?""No." The sound of her denial was weak. He held her close."Do you want me to release you?""No.""How should I solve my predicament?""I don't know.""I do." He leaned close, her sweet fruity scent sending his senses into overdrive. He placed his lips on her jaw and kissed her.BUY LINKS:PUBLISHER: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/budapest-moon-book-four-the-secret-door-epub/AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00B96KCYSBARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-four-stephanie-burkhart/1114281656?ean=2940015989762ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookfourthesecretdoor-1091313-140.html 

A Look at Labor Day

"Work isn't to make money; you work to justify life. " Marc Chagall

Labor Day paved the way for the protections we have in the work environment today, but what happened in the past that gave rise to the Unions and their power they enjoy now?
If you do a quick search on Labor Day, you'll find out what Labor Day means for Americans today: a symbolic end to the summer filled with parades, BBQs, and parties. Oh, and it's meant to pay tribute to the accomplishments of the American worker.
In today's headlines, Labor Unions have bargained for themselves (and workers) big fat pensions and benefits that most government agencies can't provide in this current economy. With most labor unions unwilling to compromise, some public agencies have been forced into bankruptcy to renegotiate the contracts.  What's the right answer for today? Perhaps a quick look at the roots and inspiration of Labor Day can help give us a little guidance.
In the late 1880's, conditions for the American worker were pathetic. The average worker put in 12 hour days 7 days a week, and children as young as 5 and 6 toiled in the factory as well. They lacked fresh air, breaks, and clean bathroom facilities.
Workers began to form unions to protest their poor conditions. In 1882, workers marched in New York City in what's considered one of the earliest Labor Day parades. These parades fostered the idea of a workingmen's holiday and several states passed laws to recognize "Labor Day," but nothing occurred on the national level.
The back and forth between management and labor unions began. In May1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike to protest their wages getting cut and their union reps being fired. The strike crippled railroad traffic throughout the nation. Federal troops were called in and riots broke out. More than a dozen people were killed.
The incident inspired Congress to make Labor Day a legal holiday on the national level. There was more compromise to be made, but today American workers enjoy 8 hour work days, clean restroom faculties, and breaks.
So are there lessons from the past that we can use in today's climate? I say the lesson is – have a willingness to come to the table and find meaningful compromise. It's not easy, but civil unrest is not a solution to anyone's problems.
This Labor Day celebrate the achievements obtained in the past, and remember the spirit of the holiday is more than just BBQs and parties. Labor Day's message is still relevant today as it was 100 years ago, the application just needs a modern approach.
Anyhoo…just some of my heavier reflections on the holiday.  Does anyone want to add anything?  What are your plans for the holiday?
I have the time off, but I need some inspiration.  I want to do more than BBQ in the backyard.  I might go hiking with my boys if the weather is good. Maybe we'll visit the fruit/veggie stands on the 126 heading out to Ventura.  Believe it or not, I'm needing some inspiration.
My June 2012 Summer Short story is "Journey of the Heart."

Can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?
Opening Line: James hated wandering
4, 5 Star Reviews on AmazonThe story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author. - Angel E
Excerpt: "Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart. 
"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases. 
"A job."
He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"
BUY LINK: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C
References for this blog:
http://www.history.com/topics/labor-dayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

Snippet Sunday - Sunrise Over Brasov, paranormal romance #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent sweet/sensual paranormal romance, "Night of Magic."



Sunrise Over Brasov 
Paranormal Romance

Sunrise Over Brasov is book 3 in the award winning Moldavian Moon Series.  Book 1, The Wolf's Torment, won GOLD in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in Fiction: Supernatural. It was also nominated for Book of the Week with Long & Short.  Book 2, Twilight Over Moldavia was also nominated Book of the Month with Long and Short Reviews. 







This snippet:  Michael is getting a little exasperating. 

*****


He drew in a deep breath and raked a hand through his thick ebony hair. "You are
exasperating."

"So I've been told."

"By who?" His eyes narrowed.

"Rickard."

His jaw clenched and his gaze darkened. Quick as a panther, he closed the distance between them and grabbed her wrists, tugging her toward him. 

*****
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

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

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

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

Book Review Friday - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins #bookreview #hungergames

Book Review for: Catching FireWritten by: Suzanne CollinsScholasticISBN: 978-0-545-58617-7Avail: ebook & print5 Stars
Collins crafts a nail-biting, edge of your seat sequel with "Catching Fire." Katniss' victory in the arena changes her life and relationships with her mother, sister, Gale, and Peeta, but Katniss isn't the only one dealing with change. The districts are as well. Unrest and uncertainty surround a nation and Katniss' heart.
Set in the future, this dystopian story opens with Katniss trying to reconnect with her "roots," and her friend, Gale, but everyone is on edge and Gale's mood reflects the restless change in the air.
Katniss goes to live in district 12's victor's lane, but her discomfort is obvious. The capital and president insist on a wedding with Peeta. Soon, Effie Trinket shows up to prepare the couple and take them on their victory tour. With uncertainty and unrest creeping into the districts, the 75th Hunger Games are announced. The tributes for these games will be reaped from previous district winners, assuring Katniss another trip into the area. Will Katniss fan the spark of rebellion into a fire while fighting for her life in the arena?
Catching Fire is one of the best sequels written. Collins is easy to read. The plot strikes the perfect balance between action and character development. The descriptions allow readers to see the novel unfolding without lingering.
The best part is the continuing emotional journey of Katniss. She's being pulled in multiple directions, yet she's fiercely determined to stay true to herself. The supporting cast is also rock solid and each of them find depth that rings true to their nature. While not a romance, the triangle of Gale/Katniss/Peeta is well done and will tug on the reader's emotional core.
The novel is mainstream fiction and will appeal to readers 10 and over. Catching Fire is a definite page-turner. I highly recommend this book. 
Buy Link: http://amzn.com/0545586178

Dems Bears in Those Woods Part 4 #yosemite #summervacation

Giant Sequoia in the Mariposa Grove

Our next to the last day in Yosemite found us exploring Wawona and the Mariposa Grove. Mind you, Yosemite is huge and this area of the park is in the very southern end. The wildfire, which entered the area, is in the northwestern part of the park near Hetch Hetchy, close to 40-50 miles away from Wawona and approx. 30 miles away from the Valley floor. In the 1900's, the Tuolumne River was damned up to create a reservoir. This reservoir, Hetch Hetchy, provides the water and electricity for San Francisco. It's hard to fight fires in this area so I hope all goes well.
Our touring tram 
We left our campsite early, at 8, to get parking at the Mariposa Grove and signed up for the 1st tram tour leaving at 9:30. The giant sequoias in the area are some of the biggest and oldest.  The Grizzly Giant, a gnarled, old, tall tree, is close to 2,000 years old. Some giant sequoias have fused together and some have been spilt at the base. One has been cut through the trunk so a horse and buggy could drive through. Surprisingly, this doesn't kill the tree. The sequoias have a reddish tannin that runs through it providing nutrients to every part regardless of the damage the trees receive. The trees in the grove stood as a proud testament of time. Just imagine – the Grizzly Giant was a seedling during the height of Rome. It's enough to give one shivers.  We saw some seedlings during the tour, near a cabin. They were as tall as the cabin, a bit slender, and were only 20 years old.
Baby Sequoias
 After visiting the Grove, we traveled to the Wawona Hotel. It's an old style hotel, Victorian in appearance. It was built to service the travelers coming to visit the sequoias. Teddy Roosevelt paid a visit to the hotel when he was president. There are rooms with baths and some without – you have to walk down the hall to use a community bathroom. At the Visitor's Center, the boys turned in their Junior Ranger books and raised their hands promising to do their best as Yosemite Jr. Rangers. We also toured the Thomas Hill studios.  Hill was a famous painter who did "The Last Spike," showing the last spike of the transcontinental railroad being driven in.
Wawona Hotel 
We ate lunch at the Wawona Hotel and I had turkey burger with a chili pepper, not my usual fare, but very tasty. (and pricey)
Being Yosemite Jr. Rangers
After lunch, we toured the pioneer village. There was a covered bridge, blacksmith shop, horse/mule stables, and even a jail. The village captured an authentic feel of the turn of the century in Yosemite.
At the Pioneer Village 
That afternoon we all took a dip in the Merced at our campsite. My DH cooked up a Dutch oven treat. Andrew and I visited "Campfire with a Ranger." It was a very relaxed day, but we learned a lot, especially about the sequoias.
In the Merced
So I gotta' ask – who's cooked in a Dutch oven camping style before? What's your favorite thing to cook up in a Dutch oven? 

Snippet Sunday: Sunrise Over Brasov paranormal romance #snippetsunday

Sunrise Over Brasov 
Paranormal Romance

Sunrise Over Brasov is book 3 in the award winning Moldavian Moon Series.  Book 1, The Wolf's Torment, won GOLD in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in Fiction: Supernatural. It was also nominated for Book of the Week with Long & Short.  Book 2, Twilight Over Moldavia was also nominated Book of the Month with Long & Short Reviews. 






This snippet:  Michael finally finds the kidnapped Rosa. 

*****

"Rosa, it's Michael. Let's go.""I'm not going anywhere with you."A frown set against his rugged features. "I don't have time to argue -- now put on a warm dress and cloak.""No." She was not going anywhere with him despite the relief in his voice.He sighed and shut the door. Moving with fluid grace, he crossed the room, jerked the door to her closet open and threw the items he wanted her to wear on her bed.


*****
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

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

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

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