Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 84

There's Snow in Southern California

Me, Andrew and Joe getting ready to go down the slope!

There's snow in Southern California. No, really, there is. You just have to know where to look.

My son's cub scout troop sent out an email saying they were going snow tubing in Wrightwood. I raised an eyebrow. Being a non-native I was skeptical. Where was Wrightwood?

My husband knew all about it. He went to Dick's Sporting Goods and had a field day buying us boots, bibs, hats, and gloves. I went to Google maps.

Then again, I should have known better. Southern California does get snow. It snowed at my house on New Year's Day in Castaic. Andrew & Joe had a blast making snowballs. It was the first time in my 13 years living in SoCal I saw snow falling in my back yard, but I digress.

Wrightwood, CA is in the Angles National Forest which is just northeast of LA. It's a very high elevation – 6,000 foot, hence the snow. And it's only 1 ½ hours from my house. 13 years and I totally missed it. Someone buy me clue.

We looked like New England snow bunnies after my husband was done at Dick's, but we were ready for the snow. Thankfully, we didn't need chains going up the hill. (Hubby bought them, too!)

We're off!


We arrived at the Mountain High Resort around 9:30 am. After a long wait it was time to tube! (Because, let's face it, it's not easy organizing a troop event with all the kids and parents and you know some people – they are professionally late.)

Snow tubing is fun. You ride an inner tube down a long slope. My 4 year old, Joe, had a blast. He could have tubed all day non-stop, but Mom had to hold his tube and I got pooped! Andrew went down the slopes with his cub scout buddies.

Rumor was Adam Sandler was on the slope. I didn't see him. Adam and I went to the same high school, but he was 2 grades ahead of me. We had the same "evil" assistant principal – Mrs. Pellerin. You know that "evil" look, the one that makes you run down the hall the other away? Again, I digress.

I didn't see Adam Sandler, but a lot of people were checking out my really cool New England Patriots Starter jacket.

The Hubby


We tubed for two hours and on the way home we stopped by the Grizzly Café in Wrightwood for lunch. The food was tasty and there was a lot ambience (something that's missing in the restaurants around where I live.)

Hubby is planning another trip this coming Sunday. I think it's going to be a blast, but I'm going to keep an eye out for Mrs. Pellerin. You never know…

Tuesday's Writing Tips - The Romantic Heroine

A modern heroine has a lot to live up to. Our society is so fast paced, and yet she's suppose to embody that perfect balance between being a woman, and living up to today's high expectations. So what is she suppose to look like? Let's start there.

A big element to your heroine is attractiveness, but the romantic heroine shouldn't be drop dead gorgeous – she should be convincingly attractive to the reader.

What does that mean?

The everyday woman usually doesn't have model looks. By weaving in realistic physical flaws you can paint a picture of any everyday romantic heroine. Perhaps she thinks she's too tall. Or she doesn't like her nose. She could be a plus size, or doesn't care for her curly hair. Most women can connect with those elements. The big thing to keep in mind as you paint your heroine is to keep her self-respect intact. If she doesn't respect herself, then how can the hero? Our heroine may not like her nose, but her self-respect for her body and her appearance can't suffer. If it does, then she isn't convincing as a romantic heroine.

The Qualities a Romance Heroine Embodies

For a modern reader, a romantic heroine must embody three things: an ability to connect with the reader, strength, and she must deserve the hero. Most modern writers try to deliver.

Food for thought: Have you read "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald? Think of his heroine in the story, Daisy. Written in the 1920's, Daisy doesn't embody the modern romantic heroine. She lacks strength and she doesn't deserve Gatsby – yet in the 1920's, Daisy cut a romantic figure for her contemporary audience. Nowadays, Daisy would be frowned upon.

Keep in mind romantic norms have changed over the years. Modern readers expect heroines, even those in historical, to embody modern trends. This might prove tricky in historical since women were treated differently and expected to act differently, but it is do-able to have historical heroine portray modern norms.

Connect with Readers

If the heroine can't connect with the reader, then she isn't convincing. Her physical appearance is only one aspect of connecting with readers. There are other aspects as well. For one: a sympathetic past. This doesn't mean she suffered an abusive set of parents per se, but she has to be shaped by previous experiences. Was she raised by an aunt and uncle? Did she have a stern father? Was she the only girl in a family of five boys?

NOTE: The reader doesn't need to know all about the heroine's past in the first chapter. Reveal it slowly, over time, preferably to the hero of the story. An info dump on the heroine's past in chapter one is a sure story killer.

Strength

Heroines don't need to be physically strong, but they must embody an inner strength that the reader can relate it. She may have problems, but she has to have the inner strength to overcome them. She has to be able to do the right thing when the time comes.

She Must Deserve the Hero

Our hero is strong in body and character. He doesn't lie, unless he think he's protecting the heroine. He doesn't steal. H e strives to do the right thing. Our heroine must embody these traits as well.

She may be looking for a romance, but she doesn't need it. She can take care of herself. Finding Mr. Right is a bonus for her.

The same rules apply to our women as they do our romantic men. They have dignity. They're honest. They're tenderhearted toward their men.


So when composing a modern heroine, even a historical one, remember to be convincing, show her inner strength, and make her worthy of her man.

Styles of Poetry

Poety has always held a soft spot in my heart. Here some forms of poetry that I enjoy. Do you write poetry? Do you find this helpful? Let me know. Next week, I'll have another post about some more forms of poetry that I enjoy.

Acrostic

This is a popular style where the first letter of each line spells a word, usually using the title. Acrostics are easy to compose and the poem should "tie in" with the title.

NEW YEAR

Nice
Ethereal
Wind

Young
Exciting
Accepting
Rain



Diamante

A Diamante poem is a 7 line poem set up in a diamond shape.

Line 1: a noun/subject
Line 2: 2 adjectives describing line 1
Line 3: 3 "ing" words related to line 1
Line 4: use 2 words to describe the noun then 2 words to describe the antonym or synoym in line 7 (if there is an antonym used in line 7, the shift occurs here)
Line 5: 3 "ing" words related to line 7
Line 6: use 2 adjectives descibing line 7
Line 7: the 1st word's antonym or synonym.

THE FLIGHT OF LIGHT

Light
brilliant, white
dazzling, heartstopping, pulse-pounding
vibrant, awake, asleep, opaque
daring, biting, grasping
obsidian, cool
Night
Ode

An ode is a poem praising a person, place, or thing. Generally, there are no rules or rythme schemes to follow.

TORCHWALK

Foreign Country, Foreign Land
Foreign Language, Foreign customs,
I want to learn all I can.

There is a small town by the water,
Steep hills overlook the Rhein River
And the colors of Autumn blossom on the leaves.

A custom from old comes to town
Every Autumn, Every year,
A walk is offered, for fun, for cheer…

Maria and I, though foreign we are,
Start the march as evening falls,
Accompanied by friends, we begin at the start…

Our walk brings us to a castle,
I light my torch, Maria has some tea…
Our friends partake of the local food and beer.

By the river we walk, our friends full of excitement…
Another stamp, another beer, another torch, another path…
A barge comes by, glistening in the night.

I know for weeks to come, Maria and I will talk
Of this time and place and our beloved Torchwalk.

New Year's Trivia 2011

Hello, everyone! I've got some interesting New Year's trivia to share with you. Answer all my trivia questions correctly and your name will be put in a hat for my drawing. If I pick your name, you'll receive a print copy of your choice of the following:

Destination: Berlin
Across The Fickle Winds of History
The Giving Meadow
A Christmas Collection, Stimulating
The Ethereal Gazette #12

I'll pick two winners and announce them on Monday, 3 JAN.

#1 Who established the tradition of setting New Years resolutions?

#2 Who wrote Auld Lang Syne?

#3 What year did the 1st New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square, New York?

#4 Who established Jan 1st as the start of the New Year?

#5 Which city hosts the 1st major New Year's Eve celebration each year?

#6 What year was the Tournament of Roses Parade established?

#7 The Dutch believe that eating WHAT will bring good luck for the new year?

HINT: If you visit the HEA Blog and the Desert Breeze blog you'll find the answers to the questions.

HEA:: http://happilyeverafterauthors2.blogs...
DESERT BREEZE: http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspo...

Have a happy and prosperous new year and good luck with the trivia.
Smiles
Steph

Excerpt Monday - Heart of Moldavia

THE SET UP: This is a FREE read offered by Desert Breeze Publishing and is a "prequel" to the Moldavian Moon Series. Book 1, The Wolf's Torment, will be released in MAY 2011. In this excerpt, Mihai is talking to a "mysterious" woman in the woods outside of his castle.

************

Snow collected on the shoulders of her cape, but she brushed it off. "Why did you stay away from our dreams? I missed you."

He stiffened his chin, feeling a tad bit defensive. "My father sent me to study in England."

"Ah, the distance. I understand now."
"I'm here now."

She smiled. "We will meet soon."
He arched an eyebrow. "Meet?"

She stepped forward, stopping directly in front of him. "You truly don't understand? I'm not quite sure I do either, but I know this -- you are the prince of my dreams, the only man for me."

"How can you know this?"

"I know what I dream and I know my heart. I do not deny it."

"What's your name?"

She smiled again and this time a small dainty dimple appeared in her cheek. "You know, My Prince. You've always known."

He crossed his arms more confused than ever. "Why are you here?"

"It's Christmas."

"Yes, it is."

She reached into the pocket of her cape and produced a glass ball with a multi-faceted surface. It reflected light, spinning a rainbow prism when it caught the sunlight in just the right angle. His mother used to play with a similar one when he was young. She taught him how to catch the light and throw it.

"A Christmas gift for my prince."

A warm blast shot through his hand and up his arm when he caressed her fingers to take the gift from her. Their eyes met and in that moment he realized that she had loved him all her life. And he felt guilty for not paying attention to his dream earlier -- for giving into passion with Alexandra.

He held her hand for an extra second. "I have nothing to give you."

"You gave me my life. I risked much to bring you this gift."

"I have no keepsake for you."

"Nor do I require one. Merry Christmas, My Prince."

She stepped away and walked toward the trees.

"Wait! Please, tell me your name."


Here's a link to the FREE download. Enjoy!

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing....

Holiday Post - The 12 Days of Christmas

The 12 days of Christmas is one of our favorite carols of the seasons, but have you ever wondered about it's origins? Here's some interesting tidbits:

The song was first published in England in 1780, but there's strong textual evidence that suggests the song is much older and has French roots.

In fact, 3 French versions of the song are known. If you take "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" literally, the only type of partridge that perches in pear trees with any frequency is the red-legged partridge – found in France. This partridge was not successfully introduced into England until 1770.

The song was brought to the U.S. in 1910 by Emily Brown, who was a teacher in Milwaukee, WI. She heard the song in England and needed a song for her Christmas pageant.

On a more religious note, the 12 days of Christmas usually start on Christmas and last until the Feast of Epiphany on the 6th of January in most Christian religions.

My son, Andrew and our Christmas Tree 2010

Modern folklore implies the song was used a "catechism song" for Catholics in England between 1558-1829 when Catholicism was frowned upon. Here's how it was used:

A Partridge in a Pear tree: Jesus
2 turtle does: Old & New Testament
3 French Hens – the theological virtues: faith, hope & love.
4 calling (colly) birds – four gospels
5 gold rings – The Torah, the 1st 5 books of the Old Testament
6 geese a-laying – six days of creation
7 swam a-swimming – 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 maids a-milking – The 8 Beatitudes
9 ladies dancing – 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 lords a-leaping – 10 Commandants
11 pipers piping – 11 faithful Apostles
12 drummers drumming – 12 points of the Apostles' Creed

In 1984, the total of all goods and services was given values - $12,623.10. In 2010, the total value was $23,439.00. And the services are considered hired, not purchased.

There are minor variants on the song. For example: calling birds for colly birds (blackbird)

Golden for gold rings.

Currently, English composer Frederic Austin arranged the standard version. The copyright was registered in 1909 and is still active by it's owners, Novello & Co. Limited.

May you all have a happy and fulfilling 12 days of Christmas.

Smiles
Steph

Info for this blog post was taken from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twel...

Wednesday Scoop from the Publishing World

Hi all, Thought I'd catch up a bit. It was great having Diane Craver visit the blog. I love Diane's books. In fact, I just finished reading A Christmas Collection: Sensual from Victory Tales Press where Diane has a story in it. Her stoy is "The Proposal." It's a contemporary. Tyler is in love with his best friend, Jackie, but Jackie is seeing Brad. What I loved about the story is how - when Tyler finally fesses up to his feelings, how the characters take a long look at their feelings and then are open and honest about them. It's very refreshing. I enjoyed the whole anthology and I'll be working on a review shorty.

I just posted my review for Keena Kincaid's novel, "Enthralled." I loved the story and I'm going to miss the Druids of Duncarnoch. I would love to see more in her series. Keena's also got a contemporary out called Something More and I enjoyed it very much. Keena's dialogue in both stories are very engaging.

The Christmas Tree is up and I'm about 1/2 done my wrapping. Time to zip off to Costco. Who doesn't like Costco? Give a shout out if you're a Costco fan!


**IT'S THAT TIME**

I'll be sending out my monthly newsletter tomorrow. I took NOV off for NaNoWriMo. There's lots of cool stuff in it including my NaNoWRiMo experience, an excerpt, a receipe, news from the publishing world, the editor's corner, an a look at a small press, but a lot of other little tidbits. If you'd like to sign up go to http://sgcardin.tripod.com and scroll down to the bottom. Fill out the form and send it in.

**The Reviews are in**

I've gotten some great reviews in recently.

Holly from Long & Short Romance Reviews gave the Borealis II Anthology 4.5 Stars.
"This second installment of the Borealis anthology is every bit as entertaining as the first. I was delighted to see old friends back in this book, and I love that some characters carry over from story to story. I enjoyed catching up on the happenings of those from book one, and the characters in book two are all intriguing and well crafted. I also loved the surprises in each story, making reading this an enjoyable experience... The unique atmosphere of the Borealis is refreshing, as it is not the bright and shiny perfect example of technology that so many "space operas" depict, but rather a view of the decrepit and seedy side that is always so much more interesting to delve into... This is highly recommended for those who like equal doses of romance, science fiction and danger, with some humor thrown in to ease the tension."

Diane Craver said this about The Hungarian:
"I couldn't stop reading The Hungarian because I was swept instantly into Katherine Archibald's world as she fell in love with Hungarian Count Matthias Duma... The beautiful romance between Katherine and Matthias is inspiring as they struggle against many challenges in their relationship. You never stop rooting for these characters as they learn to accept each other's strengths and differences. Stephanie's descriptions of the various settings give exceptional images and a wonderful feel-good warmth as you explore the time period of 1901...The Hungarian is an exciting story of love and hope. It's a must read for any lover of romances. I'm looking forward to reading Count's Lair, the next book in the The Budapest Moon series by Stephanie Burkhart."


Midwest Book Reviews gave "The Giving Meadow" 5 Stars
The Giving Meadow is a simple, softcover picturebook about a little caterpillar, hungry and alone, who befriends the generous creatures of a meadow. One by one they help him, and as a result of their kindness, he is able to transform into a beautiful butterfly. Colorful illustrations add just the right touch to this gentle heartwarming story about the transformative power of sharing.


I'm going to leave you with some interesting buzz from the Publishing World which I consoldate from Publisher's Weekly Online:

Google ebooks went live on 6 DEC 2010 with close to 3 million titles.

Google's ebooks offers a nice alternative to Apple and Amazon for independent booksellers.

With $139 Kindles introduced in July, it helped to grow sales of over 800,000 units from July to November.

Welcome Guest Author - Diane Craver

STEPH: Diane, welcome to Romance Under the Moonlight. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

DIANE: Steph, thank you so much for having me here today. I live about 26 miles from Cincinnati , Ohio . My husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary last August. We were blessed with six children - five daughters and one son. Writing is my passion but I also enjoy scoring tests for various states several months out of the year. The weird thing is I'm great at scoring high school science tests and science was my weakest subject and least favorite in school.

STEPH: Tell us about your Christmas Story.

DIANE: Here is a blurb for my story, "The Proposal":
Jacqueline Andrews hopes her boyfriend Brad's surprise is an engagement ring for her twenty-sixth birthday. Her best friend, Tyler Jordan, wants Jacqueline to be happy, but not with Brad. Tyler regrets blowing off Jacqueline's confession of love for him before he left for college. When he returns to their small town as a physician's assistant, he falls in love with her. He needs to win her love back. Will his hot kisses sway her? Or is she going to marry Brad?

STEPH: How did it find a home at VTP?

DIANE: I had joined RAMP, Rebecca Vickery's wonderful yahoo group. It's a great place to visit for readers and authors. I already respected Rebecca as a publisher and a writer herself, so it seemed natural for me to sign a contract for one of her Christmas anthologies. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up on and I have enjoyed being a part of A Christmas Collection: Sensual.

STEPH: What genres do you write?

DIANE: I write contemporary romance, inspirational, chick-lit mystery, women's fiction, young adult and historical fiction.

STEPH: What about writing Christmas stories appeal to you?

DIANE: Writing Christmas stories is appealing because it's the time of the year when everything seems magical and miracles happen when you least expect them!

STEPH: What's your favorite Christmas story that you've read? Seen on TV?

DIANE: I love Jude Deveraux's story, "Just Curious". It's in an anthology titled A GIFT OF LOVE with Judith McNaught and other authors. It's an absolutely delightful story with beautiful widow Karen Lawrence not trusting her boss, MacAllister Taggert. She thinks he's just a playboy and a heartbreaker but she has a secret yearning to have a child before her biological clock expires. He seems to be the best man for the job even though she doesn't want to become involved with him and have her heart broken.

A TV movie I have enjoyed is "Christmas in Connecticut " starring Dyan Cannon and Kris Kristofferson with Tony Curtis. It's a fun romantic comedy made in 1992.


STEPH: Can you share a Christmas tradition with us?

DIANE: We attend 5:00 Mass on Christmas Eve and our daughter Amanda (born with Down syndrome) serves at this church service. She's done this for the last several years. She does an awesome job as a server. Afterwards, we come home and eat lasagna.

STEPH: Can you an excerpt? Buy Links?

Here's an excerpt from "The Proposal":

Celebrating Thanksgiving at his parents' house might be miserable. If Brad proposed, Jacqueline would be ecstatic. But he'd have a hard time pretending to be thrilled with their news. I want Jacqueline to be happy…but not with Brad. She'd loved him enough once to pour her heart out to him. That love must still exist somewhere for him. If buried deep in her heart, he needed to get her past love for him to surface again.

Jacqueline walked into the kitchen and asked, "How about ice cream for dessert?"

He patted his stomach. "I guess I have room for a small dish of ice cream. Don't tell my mom, but your lasagna's even better than hers."

"That's quite a compliment because everything your mother makes is delicious." She smiled at him. "I just had a thought. Would you like to come here for lasagna on Christmas Eve, and go to Mass with us? We can go to the five o'clock service and eat here afterwards."

"I like that. Midnight Mass is too crowded. When's Brad coming for Christmas?"

"He's not sure yet." She opened the dishwasher and pulled a tray out. She sighed. "The dishes are clean in here. Alex never emptied it. He can remember to ask me fifty times a day if he can drive, but he can't remember to do his chores."

He carried his plate to the counter, then watched Jacqueline lean against the refrigerator. She wore a black sweater with her tight fitting jeans. At the gleam in her brown eyes, he tugged her into his arms. Her breathing became uneven, but she only squirmed slightly. He felt relief that she didn't break his embrace. His pulse quickened with her warm body against him. She looked too adorable not to kiss. His lips pressed against hers, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She returned his kiss with sweet passion. She wasn't kissing him like a best friend, but a lover.

Suddenly her body stiffened and she looked up at him. " Tyler , what's going on?"

"I had to kiss you. It's not my fault you look so sexy in that black sweater." He saw her frown so continued, "Hey, you waited to get the ice cream. Then you gave me a look like you wanted me to kiss you."

"I did no such thing. I was just waiting for you to say what kind of ice cream you wanted."

He chuckled. What a liar she was. She wanted him to kiss her, but he wasn't about to mention that fact again to her. "How could I tell you that when I don't know what you have?"

BUYING LINKS:

Amazon: Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/A-Christmas-Col...
Print - http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Colle...
Ebook, Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Create Space, Print book: https://www.createspace.com/3494421
Victory Tales Press: http://victorytalespress.yolasite.com...

STEPH: Where can we find you on the web?

DIANE: I have a website, http://www.dianecraver.com and a blog, http://www.dianecraver.com/blog. I'm also on Facebook. This week I have all the Victory Tales Press Christmas anthology authors visiting my blog. I hope people will visit and leave comments. I'll draw a winner and the giveaway is a $5 GC to Amazon and a download of one of the anthology books.

Thanks so much for visiting!
Smiles
Steph

Steph's Favorite Books from 2010!

I just want to give a shout to Celia Yeary who inspired me to come up with a list of my favorites. From now until Christmas, I'll be sharing my favorites with you.

Most of you know I'm an avid reader. Here are some of my favorites that I've read in 2010. Enjoy! Smiles
Steph




Angeline Jellybean
By Crystalee Calderwood
5 Stars

This book is geared for 3-7 year olds. In my church, I help to teach the 3's in our Sunday Preschool program. I bought the book for the class and Angeline Jellybean is a favorite with the children!


"Angeline Jellybean" is a colorful mix of fun, jellybeans, and healthy food by Crystalee Calderwood. What happens when a girl eats too many jellybeans? Ask Angeline! "Angeline Jellybean" shows young readers the benefits of making good choices. It's a wonderful addition for any young reader's bookshelf.


******


Chosen Target
By Melanie Atkins
5 Stars

What I love about Atkins is how she really engages the reader. I was on the edge of my seat. I'm also a sucker for a good love scene and Atkins writes the best I've read. Here's a couple of clips from my review:

A worthy installment in the New Orleans detective series, "Chosen Target" offers excitement and fingernail biting suspense. Jadan Calloway is the 'chosen target' and it's up to detective commander Cole McAlister to keep her safe.

Atkins's love scenes are charged with electricity and passion. She'll leave the reader breathless. Chosen Target is a high-paced ride filled with excitement, danger, and love.

******


Claude and Camille
By Stephanie Cowell
4 stars

What I enjoyed about this story is that it really showed Monet's heart, his inspiration, his passion. Monet is one of my favorite artists and it was wonderful discovering his story under Cowell's pen. Here's a clip from my review:

Cowell pens a poignant tale full of spirit and the drive to succeed with "Claude and Camille," the story of Monet and the muse that was his wife, Camille Doncieux.

"Claude and Camille" is a fascinating read, taking a look at the roots of impressionism and the love that inspired a true artist.


******


French Peril
By Mona Risk
4.5 Stars

I can't gush enough about Mona's international contempories. This story had the perfect blend of suspense and romance set in the romantic French Loire valley. I was hooked!

Risk pens a thrilling romantic suspense with "French Peril." Set in the picturesque Loire Valley, Cheryl Stewart is on the hunt for a rare statue of the Madonna. Will the chateau's charming owner, Francois de Valroux, be a help or a hindrance?

This is one story that will have the reader on their toes until the very end.


******

Muddy Waters
By Maggie Toussaint
4.5 Stars

What I loved about Maggie's story is how the supporting cast of characters really came alive to give the story an authentic small town feel. Here's a blurb:


Toussaint crafts an edge of your seat romantic suspense with "Muddy Waters." Set in a rural, Georgia coastal town called Mossy Bog, Roxie Whitaker is a real estate agent with dreams of opening a maritime museum, only when she meets Sloan Harding, Mossy Bog's long lost son, does she realize there's more to life. Dare she take a chance on Sloan – and love?

"Muddy Waters" is a thrilling kayak ride full of suspense and romance!

*****

Enthralled
By Keena Kincaid

To be honest, I haven't finished yet, but I'm ""this"" close to being done. What I love about Kincaid is that she blends magic and history flawlessly! I love history and I love magic and she's taken the two passions I love to read and brought them together in a fascinating story. Enthralled is definitely her most complex offering to date and I have loved every page of it. Ami is wild with her magic, and yet William accepts it with no reservations.

*****

One Snowy Knight
By Deborah Macgillivray
5 Stars

What inspired me to pick up this book? The book trailer! No kidding. It has a historical setting and I LOVE reading historicals. There's also a bit of magic and wonderfully romantic characters.

"One Snowy Knight" is excellent storytelling, full of wishes, hopes, and romance. Macgillivray sets her story in 1296 against a lush Scottish yuletide. "One Snowy Knight" is book three in the "Dragons of Challon" series, but stands alone well.

The love scenes capture the rich sensually that belongs to Noel and Skena. Macgillivray has blended history, romance, and suspense effortlessly making the story a captivating read.



******

The Making of a Duchess
By Shana Galen
5 Stars

I discovered Galen after winning a blog contest for the book. I LOVED it. I adored the fact her hero was half French and it had a historical setting, a setting I'm a sucker for her, but what I really enjoyed was Galen's writing. It was crisp, sharp, engaging, and Sarah was a perfect heroine!

"The Making of a Duchess" is full of adventure, suspense, romance, and love. Set in London, 1801, the novel's hero is Julien Harcourt, the exiled French due de Valère. Julien is intent on going to France to look for his brother, Armand. Enter the comtesse Serafina Artois. Will the attractive comtesse prove a distraction for Julien and his plans?

The love scenes are sensual and capture the wonderment and beauty of true love. "The Making of a Duchess" is a delicious read from the first page to the last.


******


White Tiger
By Vijaya Schartz
5 Stars

I always wanted to read this book, but didn't get around to it until mid-summer, but when I did, I was hooked. I love Schartz's imagination and creativity.

Schartz has created a world rich in futuristic mythology with "White Tiger," Book One in the Chronicles of Kassouk. Tora is a human soldier whose loyalty to the Emperor is without question. As she follows Field Marshall Killion to war, she meets a man called Dragomir who challenges all that she knows to be true about the world.

From the first page to the last, "White Tiger" will take the reader for a breathless ride filled with action, adventure, myths, and love.



******


Outcasts
By Gail Delaney
5 Stars

I loved the love story between Victor and Beverly. Both Victor and Beverly are wounded souls. When they come together they find a comfort they wouldn't have found with each other. The love story is haunting and I'm a sucker for a haunting romance.

"Outcasts" is a stellar installment in "The Phoenix Rebellion," Delaney's sci-fi/speculative romantic fiction series. Dr. Beverly Surimoto is one of the leaders of the Rebellion, but she's also an empath. Victor is an Areth who has been in a coma since joining the Rebellion. When Victor wakes up, he displays violent tendencies, almost killing Michael before Dr. Quinn can subdue him.

Delaney's created an outstanding series with a cast of characters that resonates with readers.

Preparing for Christmas

Andrew decorating the tree

I all, with Christmas around the corner, I thought I'd through out my thoughts on the holiday and what I do to prepare.

Growing up, I never had an advent candle. Or an advent calendar.

I always wanted one, too. I'm a person who likes symbolism. I get it. I enjoy it. And I'm hoping to pass a little of that love onto my boys. Ever since Andrew was born, I began using an advent candle. I have a green wreath, 3 purples, and 1 pink candle. I tell Andrew each candle has a "meaning." Hope, Love, Joy, and Faith. We burn our candles whenever we eat. So far we've done Hope and Faith.

This year, I've put verses of the Christmas story out of Luke in the Advent Calendar along with a little treat. Andrew enjoys reading the verses. Joe, who is 4, just wants to make sure he gets his share of the treat.

Every week that Andrew goes to Religious Ed, he brings a canned good out of our pantry for the food drive at the church. It's a very rewarding feeling to give so unselfishly.

Joe, who is 4, goes to Little Church. It's a preschool for children while Mass is going on. I help to teach the 3's Little Church. This last week he learned about St. Nick and how St. Nick would leave money and items in the stockings or shoes near the fireplace. St. Nick was called Sinterklass in the Netherlands. Out of Sinterklass grew Santa Claus.

Joseph decorating the tree.
This season, as we prepare for Christmas, let's not forget the reason for the reason.

Luke 2, 1-7

In those days a decree went out from aesar Augustus that the whoel world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galiee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house of and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrohed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clohtes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.



Does anyone have a Christmas book they want to share? One they like to read to their children?

Smiles
Steph