Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 62

Save the Date: 20-25 NOV Coffee & Chocolate Contest!

My monthly coffee and chocolate contest/giveaway will feature my novel, The Faberge Secret. Win a GC to Starbucks, a coffee mug, a bag of chocolate, magnets,"EARTHQUAKE" blend Coffee from the Newhall Coffee Company and Lori Powell autumn themed book bag. All you have to do to enter is visit my Facebook Fan Page between 20-25 NOV and leave a comment on one of the 4 Coffee & Chocolate Posts. Also giving away a couple of other short stories and anthologies! Winner will be announced on my Facebook Fan Page and on my website http://www.stephanieburkhart.com on 26 NOV.

Facebook Fan Page:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

The Faberge Secret
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing....

Book Review for: 50 Shades of Grey

Book Review for: Fifty Shades of Grey
Written by: E.L. James
978-0-345-80348-1
Avail: as a print book
4 Stars

James pens a character driven romance full of inner conflict and nail-biting tension with "Fifty Shades of Grey." Christian Grey is a successful businessman determined to dominate in all things. Enter Anastasia Steele. She challenges him at every turn. Dare he give his heart to her?

Set in contemporary Seattle, Anastasia is a grad student who interviews Christian for her friend, Kate. Ana and Christian can't deny there's a charge of attraction between them. Later, Christian finds Ana and they have a coffee date. Christian would like her to enter into a relationship with him. For Ana, Christian's proposal is shocking, but she's game to try. However, when she wants "more," is Christian willing to meet her in the middle?

James uses a strong character voice that easily pulls the reader into Ana's world. The story is written in the first person, present tense. At times, I found the present tense a bit disconcerting, but the characterization is so strong, I enjoyed the novel very much.

What makes the novel resonate is the characterization. Christian is forceful, bossy, dominant even, but he reveals to Ana another side of himself that he hasn't before. Ana is strong, made of "steele." She may be willing to try Christian's suggestions, but she speaks her mind all things.

The novel explores darker topics and erotic themes in a mature way. Can the light of love break through the secrets which have hardened Christian's heart? "Fifty Shades of Grey" is more than an exploration of the erotic – it dares to peer into the dark parts of our souls to see just how much the human spirit can endure, as in Christian's case. Due to the erotic/intimate scenes I would recommend this book for mature readers. "Fifty Shades of Grey" will leave you breathless and wanting to read the sequel.

Book Review for: "The Last Olympian"Written by: Rick Rior...

Book Review for: "The Last Olympian"
Written by: Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion Books
ISBN: 978-142-310150-5
Avail as: ebook & print
4.5 Stars

Riordan delivers an action-packed, suspense-filled story with his final book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series titled "The Last Olympian." The battle is on between Kronos, his Titans, the Olympians, and the demigods. The prize is Earth and it's way of life. Who will win?

New York is under siege and the Titan Typhoon is wreaking havoc throughout America. The mist hides the truth from humans, but the demigods and Olympians struggle against the Titans. Percy leads Camp Half-Blood in the defense of New York, however things aren't what they seem. By the time the dust settles, Percy and his friends will have their courage, resolve, and inner strength tested. The final battle is packed with surprises.

Riordan's writing style is easy to read. There's adventure, fast-paced action, and plenty of suspense mixed in with the perfect does of tender, character revealing moments.

Percy's come a long way since his first adventure, displaying a rare maturity for his age. Nico diAngelo, Hades' son, also proves his worth. There are a lot of surprises in store for the demigods and how they face adversity defines their character. It's a lesson that will resonate with the novel's young reading audience.

Again, Riordan's done a wonderful job putting a modern twist on the ancient Greek legends, making them appealing for today's audience. The series inspires young readers to explore and read.

"The Last Olympian" is full of secrets, unexpected twists, and nail-biting suspense. Readers 9-years-old and up will enjoy this novel. I highly recommend it.

It's Here! The Cover for "A Gentleman and a Rogue!" Steampunk Romance

Just wanted to share with you - Book 2 of "The Windsor Diaries," my steampunk romance, "A Gentleman and a Rogue" now has a cover! It's due to be released on 11 NOV 2012 this month. If you enjoyed Alice's journeys to Victorian England, she's baaaack and this time she's helping her cousin Edmund win Lady Keira's heart.


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 chosing 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?


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

For a treat, here's the Cover to "Victorian Scoundrel"

Book Review: Aboard the Wishing StarWritten by: Debra Par...

Book Review: Aboard the Wishing Star
Written by: Debra Parmley
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-243-2
4 Stars

Parmley whisks the reader away on a shipboard romance with "Aboard the Wishing Star." Kara Worth wins a cruise and takes her best friend, Vivian with her. After meeting Nate, Kara can't help but wonder if wishes really do come true.

"Aboard the Wishing Star" is a contemporary romance with suspenseful elements set in the picturesque Caribbean. Kara wins a trip to celebrate New Year. She travels from her home in Ohio, meets up with her friend, Vivian, and intends to enjoy her getaway. However, obstacles soon arise. Kara's inconvenienced when her luggage comes up missing and her boss decides to hound her, even though she's on vacation. When Nate encounters Kate, he challenges her on every level to step out of her comfort zone. Is Kate and Nate's attraction a shipboard romance or the foundation of a lasting relationship?

Parmley's writing is easy to read and engages the reader by involving the five senses from the sensual locales and vivid scents of the area to the warm, enticing caresses shared by Nate and Kara. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the romantic ambience of cruising on ship.

The most rewarding aspect of the story was the rich characterization of Kara and Nate. Kara's ready to start a new chapter of her life. She's brave, yet a little timid, but she knows her mind. Nate is loyal, honorable and steadfast. He's the spark in Kara's life that allows her to test her boundaries.

There were several minor spelling/punctuation errors throughout, but they did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.

The novel is warm/sensual for romance readers. Kara and Nate share intimate caresses and touches. "Aboard the Wishing Star" is a wonderful romantic escape that makes the reader believe the power of love can overcome anything.

Ah, that very first kiss! 6 Sentence Sunday

I'm sharing Alice and Grayson's first kiss in Victorian Scoundrel this Sunday. Enjoy! Book 2 of The Windsor Diaries, "A Gentleman and a Rogue" will be available in Nov.


Alice completely lost her head. His lips were hard, firm, staking his claim. His handswent to her waist as his long, lean body pressed against her. She placed her hands on his shoulders and glided her fingertips around the nape of his neck. She wanted this man. Etiquette and propriety be damned. Victorian values wafted to the floor. She wanted to feel every inch of him that she could. His lips trailed over her jaw, kissing the side of her neck.

**********

"Victorian Scoundrel" won BRONZE in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in Romance: Historical.

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2...

REVIEWS: Reader's Favorites: 5 Stars, Molly E: She grips the reader instantly, and keeps them hooked until the last page... I highly recommend this with highest of 5 stars, and I can't wait until the second Windsor Diaries installment releases! AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Diaries...

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

SONY EBOOK STORE:
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/step...

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

Book Review for: Across the Winds of TimeWritten by: Bess...

Book Review for: Across the Winds of Time
Written by: Bess McBride
Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-970-9
Avail: print/ebook
4 Stars

McBride pens an intriguing tale of love that resonates through time with "Across the Winds of Time." Molly Hamilton discovers an old Victorian house in Lilliam, Iowa and buys it. Upon inspecting the property she encounters one of the previous owners, Darius Ferguson. Dare she believe he's from 1880? Is he a ghost or a man? And why does she feel so strongly about him?

Set in the present day, Molly is driven by an unknown force to Lilliam, Iowa where she falls in love with an old Victorian house and buys it. To her surprise, a very handsome man, Darius Ferguson steps out of the winds of time. Their attraction is immediate, their love powerful. However, trying to get Darius to fit into the modern world is a challenge. As Molly uncovers secrets, there's a new set of questions. Does Molly belong to the future or the past? Will the winds of love bring Molly and Darius together or keep them apart?




McBride's writing style is easy to read. She paints lovely visuals of the setting with an easy brush, using a good economy of words.

The characters in the story shine. Molly is driven by that unknown force (love). She's sweet, kind, and caring. Darius is loyal, honorable, and noble. His speech is more old fashioned, Molly's more modern. Both characters have their quirks and nuances which make them so very human.

The paranormal ability that allows Darius and Molly to travel through time isn't clearly defined and its left for the reader to come up to their own conclusions. Did the power of love truly direct the winds of time? Was there a more naturalistic force at work? If anything, I would have preferred to have this element a bit more defined.

The story is sweet with Molly and Darius exchanging kisses and meaningful embraces. The romance in "Across the Winds of Time," promises to tug on the reader's heartstrings. I highly recommend this book.


Author Bess McBride's Giveaway:Bess will be giving away the winner's choice of a backlist eBook to one commenter at every stop, and a $25 Amazon gift card to one random commenter during the tour.

Space Shuttle Endeavour takes its last mission throught Los Angeles

Hi all - Just wanted to share a little about the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it makes it way through Los Angeles on it's last journey.

Endeavour descending for a landing into LAX.
Memories
In 1981 I remember I was in 7th grade and my science teacher brought in a TV and we watched the Space Shuttle Columbia blast off in space and I felt a chill down my spine. I knew that moment was special and it's been a memory that's stayed with me. I was proud to see America's space journey continue.

Endeavour on the lauchpad.
In 1986, I was a senior at Manchester Central high school in Manchester, NH and I was in math class - Algebra II. The class just started. Miss Mantineo was on the board writing problems and an announcement came over the loudspeaker that we'd lost the space shuttle challenger and Christa McAuffle. I bawled like a baby. Half the class. Miss Mantineo was so shocked, she stumbled back to her chair and sat there stunned. Again, the memory is so poignant, I can still see it in my mind over 25 years later.

Endeavour being placed on it's transporter.
Endeavour was the fifth and final spaceworthy NASA space shuttle to be built, constructed as a replacement for Challenger. It first flew in May 1992.

Endeavor leaving LAX.
I was working the 911 phones for LAPD when Endeavor began it's journey though the streets of LA. Endeavour's last flight into space was May 2011.

Endeavor crusing through LA at 2 mph.
NASA chose to build Endeavour from spares rather than refitting Enterprise or accepting a Rockwell International proposal to build two shuttles for the price of one of the original shuttles, on cost grounds.The orbiter is named after the British HMS Endeavour, the ship which took Captain James Cook on his first voyage of discovery (1768–1771).[5] This is why the name is spelled in the British English manner, rather than the American English ("Endeavor").

Endeavour turning a corner.

It's not everyday the space shuttle passes through ordinary streets.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour will spend it's retirement at the California Science Center in LA.


It's due to arrive later on today. I'd love to hear your thoughts, memories, impressions, opinions on the space shuttles. I hope you've enjoyed the journey as I have.

Smiles
Steph

Reference for this post taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Sh...

Talking fashion in Victorian England this Sunday

This 6 sentence Sunday, the heroine, Alice, from my novel, "Victorian Scoundrel" is talking fashion with His Royal Highness, Prince Albert. Here's what they had to say: Enjoy! Smiles
Steph


"But the neckline covers the chest, only revealing the neck. It is modest in that it covers most of the woman."

"It does..." he conceded.

"It's comfortable," said Alice.

"It's scandalous."

"It's practical."

"Is there a corset?" he asked. "No."

His eyes grew even wider.

*******
2012 BRONZE Winner, Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: Historical

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.

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Diaries...

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

SONY EBOOK STORE:
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/step...

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

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

KOBO:
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Wi...

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/...

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...

PINTEREST:
http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Hanging with the Avocados & the Boys

This last week, on 5 OCT 2012, the boys and I had an opportunity to go to the California Avocado Festival held in Carpinteria, just south of Santa Barbara.

I have to admit the festival wasn't as big as the Strawberry festival I go to in May, but it was fun. What I liked the most about the festival was that it was totally low-key and I love low-key.

The festival started in 1987. Yikes! I'd been the Army for a year when it started! There were several booths selling the green gem. For me, it's about the guacamole. The boys and I got a dish of chips and guac, and I just loved how fresh it was.

Andrew and his guac

Lunch for me was carne asada tacos w/gauc. Andrew had fish and chips and gauc. Joe had chicken fingers and French fries. There was a jumper for the boys and I got Andrew a poster for his room.

The festival is big into recycling. Brent and I heard a group called "Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat," and we really enjoy them. Their music reminded me of a young Melissa Etheridge. We got two of their CD's "The Kitchen Sink" and "Naked Thursday." I loved their cover of Johnny's Cash's "Folsom Prison" song.

Hope to see you next year at the festival. Hehe

We made it!
Hanging out with Joe and the Avocados!
Joe looking for the avocados!
Bio: Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, NH. She joined the U.S. Army in 1986 and spent 7 years stationed in Germany. In 1997, she left the service and settled in California with her husband. Currently she works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. She loves exploring her new state with her boys.