Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 9

Snippet Sunday: Sunrise Over Brasov, paranormal romance #wewriwa #snippetsunday #kindledeal

Welcome to the New Year! I hope 2017 is off to a great start for you! 

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my winter romance, Sunrise Over Brasov. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:




About this snippet:  


ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

"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. "Get dressed." "No," She was determined not to budge, despite the danger outside.
"Rosa, we're leaving."
"I'm staying."
"Why would you want to stay? Clement kidnapped you." 
SUNRISE OVER BRASOV: 
BLURB:  
Rosa Getzi lives a life of intrigue at Poiana Brasov with Clement, a werewolf, and Cassandra, the witch. Her past doesn't matter to her – until she discovers what it holds.Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue, igniting Rosa's desire to find her family. However, all is not as it appears. Rickard, Rosa's friend, escapes with her. Clement will go to any lengths to get Rosa and Rickard back.At Darius' fortress, Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control the change, and Clement hopes to exploit Rickard's abilities.Michael's courage, strengths, and convictions will be tested like never before. Can Michael and Rosa find true happiness and the rid the lupine haunting of the Sigmaringens once and for all?
BUY LINKS:AMAZON:   http://a.co/2VxAtko

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


DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
IBOOKS:   https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/sunr...
REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Liz Gavin, Amazon Reviewer:  "The plot is engaging and fast-paced, packed-full of action that will take your breath away."
5 Stars, Reader's Favorites Reviews. "You will love this paranormal romantic novel."
4.5 Stars, Poppy, Long and Short ReviewsMuch different from any historical or paranormal book I’ve read, Sunrise Over Brasov was both exciting and terribly romantic.3.5 Stars, Mimi Smith, In'D Tales Magaine, FEB 2014: "The overall story is engrossing," 

4 Flowers, It's Raining Books: "Ms. Burkhart has woven an interesting and unusual historical tale of suspense and romance here. "

Health Topic: Magnesium, an awesome little pill #health

Magnesium:  A lot of Awesome in a little pill I discovered magnesium while I was researching ADHD. Not quite where you would expect a big, old, light mineral, huh? Turns out magnesium has a ton of health benefits. And not just for humans! Magnesium makes up 2 percent of the Earth’s crust so it helps keep the Earth healthy, too. It’s a silvery, light metal which is often mixed with aluminum to make a very strong alloy. Ever had your car break down? Magnesium can be found in flares and fireworks. Hard to believe something that burns so easily could be so good for you, right? But it is. So what does magnesium do for you and me?  Research tells us magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, makes our bones strong, and keeps our heart rhythms steady. This handy, little fiery mineral helps to reduce chronic pain and inflammation, too.  Rumor has it that magnesium promotes a healthy heart, improves asthma, and helps fights osteoporosis.  (That’s what you’ll find on the label) I bet Magnesium has a ‘thing’ for Calcium, too. (wink!) Shockingly, just about everyone doesn’t get enough magnesium. Signs of a magnesium deficiency include: impaired memory, confusion, and cognitive function, irritability, irregular heartbeat, cramps, and vertigo.  When it comes to lacking in good ol’ Mg (the chemical abbreviation for magnesium) these symptoms alone wouldn’t make me think I was lacking. Best way to determine if you’ve got a Mg deficiency is to get a blood test. Where do you find Magnesium? Leave it in the Earth’s crust. The Earth needs all it can get. Here’s a list of healthy magnesium rich foods:
Bananas and BroccoliLeafy green veggies like Spinach and avocadosQuinoa, seeds, and nutsDairy & meat Or you can take a pill.  I take a pill. Female and over 31? You need 320 of Mg. Male and over 31? You need 420 of Mg.ADHD Children? The Progressive Health Website recommends 200 mg per day, however, other websites recommend 3 to 6 mg per pound. So, if you have an ADHD boy that weighs 70 pounds you need 560 mg at 6 mg per pound. At 3 mg per pound that would be 210 mg.  How does magnesium help ADHD kids? Remember those symptoms of magnesium deficiency? Irritability? Confusion? Cognitive function? ADHD kids share these symptoms.  Interestingly, magnesium helps transmit messages along the nervous system. Increase the magnesium and increase the quality of the transmissions. Mg12 (magnesium is the 12th element on the table) is calming to the body. Try an Epsom salt bath. Also, this fiery element helps the body make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes balance.  Low serotonin equals irritability and moodiness.  Mg12 improves attention since it helps the neurotransmitters fire on all cylinders. ;) What if I take too much? Well, if you do, you might be nauseous, have diarrhea or muscle fatigue.  BIG TIP: Don’t take carbonated drinks when taking Mg12. It leaches the magnesium right out of you.  Don’t take sugar either. Sugar does not help the body absorb Mg12. Antibotics are a no-no, too.  Wait a couple of hours between taking antibiotics and Mg12 so they don’t interfere with each other. I’ve started taking Mg12 and I’ve got no complaints. If anything, I’ve noticed I’m generally healthy and a lot less irritable.   Anyone else take Mg12?  I’d love to hear how it’s helped you. SmilesSteph Enjoy this 99 cent short story:  A Polish Heart    Blurb: Will Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 
Opening Line: This was going to be the most challenging thing he'd ever done in his life. 
Here's a link:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AS29AO 

Soap Operas - Love in the Afternoon #soapoperas

Love in the Afternoon
Do you watch soap operas?


Happy New Year! Welcome to 2017. Every year we’re told it’s time to get a fresh start or perspective on our goals for our lives.
I get it. Sometimes it’s not  easy to set resolutions, let alone keep them. I suppose that’s the challenge. I will set some personal goals for myself and we’ll see what happens.   My personal goals include:  Focus on weight loss by reading a little, meal planning, and trying to work in exercise. I’ve been told if it’s important to you, you’ll make the time, and weight loss and fitness must become a priority for me in 2017.  #2 – Try to blog more. 

Today I decided to tackle a topic close to my heart: Soap Operas. Growing up as a teen in the 1980’s, I cultivated a love of soap operas. I suppose I hit my “peak” around 2000 with my “One Life to Live Satire.” (You can still find it on the web if you Google it.) At one point, there used to be 11 soaps on daytime TV. Now there’s only 4.
What happened? Are soap operas still about “love in the afternoon,” or have they changed to action/adventure dramas? How many of you still watch soap operas?


I’ll be honest: I don’t watch soap operas anymore. I’m just too busy with work, sleep, and my sons’ activities. My watching died a slow death from 2005 to about 2010. I used to love watching Roger Howarth act. He was “Todd” on One Life to Live and “Paul” on As The World Turns. He’s such a handsome actor, and totally embodies any character he plays. I tried to videotape his shows, but I found they would just back up and I couldn’t watch for weeks. When As The World Turns was canceled, I just gave up. I know Mr. Howarth is on General Hospital now, and I’m still a fan, but I know I can’t watch anymore, not with my crazy schedule. Soaps used to be fun to watch, especially when I was younger. So what happened?
Soap Operas started in the 1930’s – 1937 to be precise. The first was “The Guiding Light,” and it was on radio. It was a drama about everyday people and their ups and downs. The commercials would feature products from Proctor & Gamble, Colgate, and Lever – products that were made for the home – soaps, mainly, thus came the name “soap operas.”
The Guiding Light was the first to go to TV in 1952. Soap Operas came to be known as serial dramas which examine the lives of many characters focusing on emotional relationships. In the 1950’s, they appealed to women since women were in the home while men went to work. Soon, moms, grandmoms, and their daughters would tune in to watch the latest happenings on their shows.
In the late 1960’s, soap operas were very profitable and continued to be throughout the 1970’s. In the 1980’s, demographics began to change. More women went to work than were homemakers. To appeal to the change in audience, soaps got more dramatic to appeal to a younger audience. Now there were return from the dead plots, infidelities, murder mysteries, lies, and tortured couples. Soap operas also expanded into primetime TV with “Dallas” and “Dynasty.”

The last soap opera created for TV was “Passions,” in 1999. By the end of the 1990’s there were over 11 soaps, but that was about to change. In the 2000’s soaps declined as reality TV, talk shows, and game shows began to rise. Why? These types of shows were much cheaper to produce than soap operas. Soaps tried to keep pace with more plot driven stories set at a faster pace. They created their female characters to be more independent and edgy. Dialogue became clever and witty. Now, 16 years after 2000, only 4 soaps remain.
My favorite show was any show Roger Howarth was on. LOL! Honestly, it was “As The World Turns.” Do you still watch soap operas? If so, what’s your favorite? Why? 



OFF TOPIC: I sit here receiving the sad news of Carrie Fisherand Debbie Reynold’s deaths. I was just 10 years old when Carrie Fisher’s “Princess Leia” came to life in Star Wars, and I knew I wanted to be just like Princess Leia – strong,independent, sassy, brave, loyal, and kind when I grew up. Carrie Fisher created a character that young girls wanted to be like. Princess Leia inspired and gave hope, but that came from Carrie’s portrayal. Carrie herself was a true inspiration as she went on to be a fantastic writer (I’m reading Princess Diarist right now), a script doctor, and a personwho was honest about her struggles with bi-polar.  On the screen and in real life, Carrie was a true inspiration. Rest in Peace, Carrie.

I’m convinced Debbie Reynolds died of a broken heart, losing Carrie Fisher. Curious about Debbie’s life, I did a Google search. Debbie was extremely talented with 2 stars on the Hollywood walk of fame. She could sing and dance and she tackled adversity with courage. Debbie Reynolds was a girl scout. I admire that, because scouting can be a challenge to a young person who is involved in scouting. Rest in Peace, Debbie.
2016 was truly a year of grieving for the many talented celebrities we lost. May 2017 heal our hearts.


Check out this book:
JOURNEY OF THE HEART -- 99 cents
Blurb: Set in Sonoma, CA in 1946, can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

12, 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

Book Review: Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher #carriefisher #bookreview

Book Review: The Princess DiaristWritten by: Carrie FisherPublished by: Blue Rider PressISBN: 9780698188365
I read: the ebook
4 Stars
Honest and Bittersweet
Carrie Fisher talks about her affair with Harrison Ford while working on Stars Wars in 1976 .  Her antidotes prove candid, but the biggest surprise is that she had an affair with Harrison Ford while filming.
Carrie shares several pages taken from her diary that she kept at the time. Even back then, Carrie displays her wit with words. Her honesty shines in this memoir.
The novel is easy to read, sharp and revealing. Fisher, however, paints in broad strokes, so vivid, specific recollections are hard to come by. She captures emotions well, including confusion, uncertainty, and frustration. However, there are no insights about what it was like making the movie, working with George Lucas or any memories about her castmates.
I bought this book when I heard Fisher had a cardiac episode on a plane because I wanted to get to know her a little better, and I certainly learned a lot about the person she was while filming Star Wars.

"The Princess Diarist" is a heartfelt memoir. It strikes sad, poignant notes on the eve of Carrie's greatest success. Thank you for sharing, Carrie.

4.99 Children's Kindle Book: The Giving Meadow #childrensbook #amazonkindle

THE BLURB:The Giving Meadow is about a caterpillar who hatches from his egg in the middle of a meadow.  As he travels through the meadow, he meets new friends who learn the value of sharing. 
Today, I thought I'd share a little bit about the inspiration behind the story. I go to Blessed Kateri Catholic Church (in Santa Clarita, CA) and I'm involved in our Sunday Preschool program.  We call it Little Church.  The program works with 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. I help to teach the 3's along with 3 other talented ladies, Shirley Chang, Maureen Dunahoo, and Mary Tesselaar.  Every year I help to write the Easter play for the children. In 2009, "The Giving Meadow" was our Easter play. 


After I wrote it, I showed Vivian at 4RV. She's also a moderator at Writing.com and I wanted her feedback on the story. She offered it a contract! I was tickled pink. It was a nice, unexpected surprise. I can't thank Vivian (Gilbert Zabel, publisher, 4RV Publishing) for believing in the story and wanting to bring it to life.
"The Giving Meadow" is wonderfully illustrated by Stephen Macquignon. Stephen primarily works in the medium of pen and ink and color digitally. He has had the privilege to work with Director Michael Sporn of Michael Sporn Animation Inc. He is also a monthly contributor for Stories for Children's magazine.
Stephen's children's books with 4RV Publishing include Angeline Jellybean by Crystalee Calderwood and Colors by Dana Warren.

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Midwest Book Review: "Colorful illustrations add just the right touch to this gentle heartwarming story about the transformative power of sharing."

5 Stars, N.A. Sharpe, Amazon Reviewer: "This heartwarming tale teaches life lessons of friendship, selflessness and sharing, caring, and kindness. Ms. Burkhart's charming tale is one little ones will want to hear over and over again and they will be enchanted by the adorable illustrations from the talented illustrator, Stephen Macquignon."

5 Stars, Connie Arnold, Amazon Reviewer:  "This is a good book for helping young children learn about how caterpillars change as well as a gentle lesson about sharing and caring."

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:https://amzn.com/B00J3FBY9Y

BARNES AND NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-g...

4RV PUBLISHING:http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/b...
STEPHANIE ON THE WEB:
BLOG:http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
WEBSITE:http://sgcardin.tripod.com
FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357922219
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
STEPHANIE ON AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Burkh...
STEPHEN ON THE WEB:
BLOG:http://stephen-sketch2color.blogspot.com/
WEBSITEhttp://www.jacketflap.com/StephenM
STEPHEN ON AMAZON:


http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Macquig...

Snippet Sunday: Sunrise over Brasov paranormal romance #wewriwa

Welcome to the New Year! I hope 2017 is off to a great start for you! 

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my winter romance, Sunrise Over Brasov. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:




About this snippet:  Michael finds Rosa. 


ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

He raised his hand and lowered his hood. An inherent strength filled his profile. Rosa's breath jammed in her throat. He looked familiar. He smelled familiar."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."
SUNRISE OVER BRASOV: 
BLURB:  
Rosa Getzi lives a life of intrigue at Poiana Brasov with Clement, a werewolf, and Cassandra, the witch. Her past doesn't matter to her – until she discovers what it holds.Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue, igniting Rosa's desire to find her family. However, all is not as it appears. Rickard, Rosa's friend, escapes with her. Clement will go to any lengths to get Rosa and Rickard back.At Darius' fortress, Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control the change, and Clement hopes to exploit Rickard's abilities.Michael's courage, strengths, and convictions will be tested like never before. Can Michael and Rosa find true happiness and the rid the lupine haunting of the Sigmaringens once and for all?
BUY LINKS:AMAZON:   http://a.co/2VxAtko

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


DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
IBOOKS:   https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/sunr...
REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Liz Gavin, Amazon Reviewer:  "The plot is engaging and fast-paced, packed-full of action that will take your breath away."
5 Stars, Reader's Favorites Reviews. "You will love this paranormal romantic novel."
4.5 Stars, Poppy, Long and Short ReviewsMuch different from any historical or paranormal book I’ve read, Sunrise Over Brasov was both exciting and terribly romantic.3.5 Stars, Mimi Smith, In'D Tales Magaine, FEB 2014: "The overall story is engrossing," 

4 Flowers, It's Raining Books: "Ms. Burkhart has woven an interesting and unusual historical tale of suspense and romance here. "

Looking Back at 2016 #newyear

Well, 2016 was a busy year for me. I didn't get a chance to do a lot of writing, but boy did I get out in nature.  
This picture is from JAN 2016.  The family went hiking out to the MASH TV show set which is at Malibu Creek State park.  The sky was overcast, but it was a fun hike. 



This is from early in the year.  The boys and I like to go Castaic Lake with our friends, Inna and Marika and BBQ.  Back in 2012, the lake was much higher. Now, because of the drought, it's not as full.  We don't mind. It's about the views. 



We went to Yosemite while the boys were on Spring Break in April.  You can never take a bad picture in Yosemite. Here's Andrew admiring the falls. 




Later on in April, I participated in a scouting event.  The family and I backpacked out to Bear Trap in the Los Padres National Forest.  I loved the experience, but I didn't pack appropriately and I was cold. 




Every year I like to visit the Strawberry Festival, it's usually held in May at Oxnard College in Ventura.  It's all about the strawberries. They have best strawberry margaritas and garlic fries!



In late May, I went to back to New Hampshire and spent time with my family after my grandmother passed away. It was good to see them again.  


Taken at Hampton Beach, NH.  I always enjoy visiting. I have fond memories of Aunt Sue playing with me on the beach as a young girl.  Here is my friend, Karen and sister, Christine.



Joe meeting his cousins for the 1st time. 


The family went camping in Northern California. We hiked and hiked.  Here's a picture of a banana slug. 


Our favorite place to go during the summer - Hurrican Harbor. 



Magic Mountain is only 5 minutes away. Lots of fun to visit during the Christmas holidays. 




I read the tearling series by Erika Johansen and loved it.  I'm on book 17 for the Stephanie Plum series. I miss Prince, George Michael and Carrie Fisher. Without a doubt 2016 was a year of change.  My family lost granny, and the entertainment industry took a big hit with a lot of favorite singers/performaners passing away. There was the presidental election - more change with Donald Trump.  Here's 2017 is a year of healing.

ENJOY THIS LOOK at Journey of the Heart: 99 cents vintage romance:




Blurb: Set in Sonoma, CA in 1946, can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?
12, 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

Book Review: The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen #bookreview #fateofthetearling

Book Review for: The Fate of the TearlingWritten by: Erika JohansenHarper Collins PublishersISBN: 978-0-06-229042-7
I read: the hardback
5 Stars
Epic!!
Johansen pens a stunning conclusion to the Tearling series with “The Fate of the Tearling.” Set in a dystopian future, the Tearling is being attacked from all sides. Mortmesne threatens invasion, the Arvath has hired mercenaries, and the Orphan sets his vampiric children on an unsuspecting populace.
Kelsea Glynn, The Queen of the Tearling, finds herself in a Mortmesne dungeon unable to protect her people from danger. The Mace, her regent, is torn between saving her and protecting the Tearling. A surprise alley, Evenly Raleigh, seeks out Kelsea to bring peace to the Tearling and Mortmesne as the Orphan grows in power.
As in “Invasion of the Tearling,” Kelsea continues to have fugues due to the influence of her sapphires. This time she discovers Katie Rice’s story and learns how Katie’s past has helped to shape Kelsea’s Tearling. Secret after secret unravels leaving Kelsea to reconcile past, present, and future. Can Kelsea save the Tearling, or will her future crumble between her fingers?
Johansen pens a thrilling end to the Tearling series. Her writing style is easy to read. Plot, pacing, and characterization are well balanced. Johansen’s ability to make the Queen of Mortmesne a sympathetic character, and the Orphan deliciously evil, deliver an excellent read. The ending was hopeful, despite Kelsea’s personal losses, and I thought the story came full circle as Carlin, who was such an influential and haunting presence in Kelsea’s life, reached out to Kelsea in the end.
 I simply couldn’t put this book down. “The Fate of the Tearling” will leave the reader breathless with every chapter that is devoured.

Book Review Tuesday: The Boy Who Wanted Wings by James Conroyd Martin #bookreview

Book Review for: The Boy Who Wanted WingsWritten by: James Conroyd MartinPublished by: Hussar Quill PressISBN: 978-0-9978945-0-9
I read: ARC PDF. This ARC was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
4 Stars
Engaging and Full of Intrigue
Martin pens an engaging story full of intrigue with “The Boy Who Wanted Wings.” Set in 1683, an Ottoman/Turkish invasion force has surrounded Vienna, intent on bringing Islam to a Christian Europe. If Vienna falls, so falls Europe. Nations band together to repel the threat. King Jan Sobieski III of Poland gathers his Hussars and Army to join the fight.  According to Martin’s historical note, this event was a pivotal one in European history.
“The Boy Who Wanted Wings” is told through the fictional lens of Aleksy Gazdecki, a polish peasant who longs to be a Hussar.  Though of Tatar origins, Aleksy was raised Polish and Christian. He’s fashioned his own lance and is a good archer. The local nobleman’s sons, Roman and Marek, are Hussars, planning to join King Jan as he marches on Vienna. When Aleksy meets Krystyna Halicki, Roman and Marek’s sister, sparks fly much to the brothers’ disapproval. Aleksy gets his wish to go to war as a retainer for Marek, however he has to deal with Roman’s ire.
Will the Polish army help to defeat the Grand Vizar who holds Vienna hostage? Can Krystyna and Aleksy find a way to be together despite his lack of a title and the war that threatens to tear them apart?
Martin’s writing is easy to read and understand. The plot and pacing are well balanced. The characterization is spot on. Aleksy is honorable and decent despite the hardships he has to face. Krystyna is spirited and independent, which will appeal to the modern reader.  The immediate threat of the Ottman invasion is one readers will connect to as even in modern times, there are struggles with insurgent Islamic forces.
One of the reader’s questions asks if Roman’s change of heart in the end is genuine.  This is a big change for Roman and for me it doesn’t ring true, as he’s been duplicitous throughout the novel. Roman is the character the readers love to hate. He does have some redeeming qualities, though he is awkward in how he presents them.
Overall, “The Boy Who Wanted Wings,” is a story that will keep the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. While most historical fiction novels tend to be placed in an English setting, I find Martin unique in that he looks at history through Polish eyes.  I highly recommend this story for readers 13 years and older.

99 cent romance: Feast of Candles #amazonkindle #99cents #bookblast

Feast of Candles a 99 cents Spicy Contemporary Romance

BLURB:
Drake de Brettville is going to take the biggest risk of his life – because of a bottle of wine. When Drake's brother returns to their home in Denmark with a bottle of wine from the Marquand Winery, Drake finds himself compelled to discover who the wine maker is. Intrigued to learn that the owner is a young woman named Lily Marquand, Drake travels to Napa Valley, California, to meet her. When Drake finds Lily, the sparks fly. Lily is that rare woman who stimulates him like no other, but to win her love, Drake has to shatter the battlements that guard her heart and prove to her Christmas wishes do come true.
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. 
REVIEWS: 
5 Stars, Loves Reading, Amazon Reviewer:  "The ending with the feast of candles is so romantic you'll want your feast of candles with your sweetheart. Lovely story!"
5 Stars, Karen Michelle Nutt, Amazon Reviewer: "Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles." 
5 Stars, Angela S. Britnall, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for."
BUY LINKS: 
AMAZON BUY LINK: KINDLE:  http://a.co/0SfbumJ
SMASHWORDS:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast...
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
KOBO:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/feas...
IBOOKS:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/feas...

This story is also included: Victory Tales PressA Christmas Collection 2011 Sensual/Spicy