Sunday, August 31, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 2.99 Paranormal Romance: The Hungarian #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my paranormal romance, The Hungarian, Book 1 in the "Budapest Moon" series. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:      Matthias is looking for answers... 

*****
Katherine pursed her lips as her insides warmed from the deep silkiness of his voice. He smiled and walked to her chair, slowly gliding around it, tracing his finger over the leather headrest, skirting her curly hair.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"And who is inquiring?" She tried to sound cool and composed, but she had to fight the nervous temptation to play with her hands.
"Romeo, perhaps?"
"Then my name is Juliet."
A teasing smile graced his lips as he walked out from behind her chair and glanced at a bookshelf before turning to look at her again.

****

"The Hungarian" is a paranormal romance and Book One in the "Budapest Moon" Series." Matthias falls in love with Katherine, but dare he trust her with his secret? 

****
Link to You Tube Video for The Hungarian:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow

Reviews for The Hungarian:

You Gotta Read Reviews - You Need to Read, Lupa

I was so very happily surprised by this book. The characters are enchanting, the scenes are vividly written, and the story has a fantastic flow. I really enjoyed the warm love and fiery passion that seemed to leap off the page. 

Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts
"I highly recommend "The Hungarian," even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of "The Hungarian" is enough to win over anyone."

Reader's Favorites, 5 Stars

"This book is extremely entertaining. The plot is sensual and romantic."


BUY LINKS:  (The Hungarian is avail as an ebook and in print)

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B003K15NG2


BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1029789952?ean=9781936000654&itm=4&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: 

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok


FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Friday, August 29, 2014

Book Review Friday: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan #bookreview



Book Review for: The House of Hades
Written by: Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion Books
ISBN: 978-142314672-8
Avail: in print and ebook

5 Stars

A Terrific Page Turner!

Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus race against the clock to stop Gaea and her minions in this suspense packed tale filled with action and adventure. Percy and Annabeth travel through Tartarus on their way to find and close the Doors of Death. If they can't close the doors in Tartarus, Gaea will keep sending her minions through. Percy and Annabeth get help from a Titan and a Giant, but will it be enough to accomplish their mission?

On land, Jason, Piper, Leo, Frank, Hazel and Nico encounter obstacle after obstacle as they strive to find the House of Hades and the Doors of Death on Earth. Both Hazel and Nico, children of Hades, must embrace their own individual and unique underworld heritage or their quest will fail.

Riordan's writing is crisp and sharp. His characters demonstrate strengths and weaknesses, making them wonderfully human and totally relatable. Hazel doubts her abilities, but in the face of true adversity, she finds her courage. Nico is a loner, but must find the bravery and inner strength to wield Diocletian's scepter. Riordan effortlessly blends adventure and characterization. There's action, suspense, and several anxious moments as each hero faces a challenge they must overcome and everyone learns a little something about themselves.

What makes Riordan's writing shine is how he gives the old Greek and Roman gods a modern twist, making their stories interesting for a contemporary young adult audience. I highly recommend this book for 11 years on up.


There's never a dull moment for our heroes in the House of Hades. The story resolves the "Mark of Athena's" cliffhanger and will leave you anxiously anticipating the next book in the series.  

Question for you: Who is your favorite character in the Heroes of Olympus series? 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Book Review Tuesday: 7 Up by Janet Evanovich #bookreview



Book Review for: Seven Up
Written by: Janet Evanovich
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 978-0-312-98014-6
Avail as: an ebook and in print

4 Stars

Evanovich's bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, is up to more hijinks in "Seven Up." When Eddie DeChooch skips bail it's up to Stephanie to bring him in. Eddie may be old, but he's got his wits and he's able to avoid Stephanie like the plague.  Complications arise when Dougie, then Mooner, disappear. Stephanie figures out Eddie wants something from Dougie, but has no idea what. She's going to need help from her friends Lula and Ranger to bring Eddie in.  On the home front, Valerie, Stephanie's sister moves back home, while marriage plans with Joe Morelli move forward. What's a girl to do?

Evanovich's writing remains crisp and witty after seven installments. There's never a dull moment in Stephanie's adventures. The supporting cast is delightful. Grandma Mazur still finds entertainment in visiting the funeral parlors and Valerie is convinced she wants to be a lesbian. Evanovich continues to tug on the reader's heart with her all too human characters.  Even after seven books, there's always something new to learn about them.


"Seven Up" is a cozy mystery that leaves the reader guessing right along with Stephanie as she uncovers the clues to solve the case. I would recommend this book for thirteen years on up. You'll laugh, gasp, and hang onto the edge of your seat. "Seven Up" is a very satisfying addition to the series.

Questions for readers: Who is your favorite character in the Stephanie Plum series? 

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 2.99 Paranormal Romance: The Hungarian #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my paranormal romance, The Hungarian, Book 1 in the "Budapest Moon" series. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:      Matthias steps into the room. 

*****
His eyes drew her to him -- malachite green with a gold ring around the iris. Even now, as he looked at her, they softened and grew translucent. He stopped in front of the window and casually threw his blazer onto a nearby chair as if he owned the room.

"Hello," he said.
"Hello," Katherine replied.
"You're staring."
"I thought you were staring at me."
He chuckled, "Perhaps I was admiring you."


****

"The Hungarian" is a paranormal romance and Book One in the "Budapest Moon" Series." Matthias falls in love with Katherine, but dare he trust her with his secret? 

****
Link to You Tube Video for The Hungarian:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow

Reviews for The Hungarian:

You Gotta Read Reviews - You Need to Read, Lupa

I was so very happily surprised by this book. The characters are enchanting, the scenes are vividly written, and the story has a fantastic flow. I really enjoyed the warm love and fiery passion that seemed to leap off the page. 

Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts
"I highly recommend "The Hungarian," even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of "The Hungarian" is enough to win over anyone."

Reader's Favorites, 5 Stars

"This book is extremely entertaining. The plot is sensual and romantic."


BUY LINKS:  (The Hungarian is avail as an ebook and in print)

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B003K15NG2


BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1029789952?ean=9781936000654&itm=4&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: 

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok


FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Save the Date: It's the Coffee & Chocolate Giveaway 26-31 AUG 2014 #giveaway

Save the date for the Coffee & Chocolate Giveaway AUG 1014



I love coffee and adore chocolate and what's better than coffee & chocolate in a giveaway? :)

When: It will be held 26-31 AUG 2014. Grand Prize Winner and ebook winners will be announced on Monday 1 SEP.

Where: My Facebook Fan Page at: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

Featuring: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in the Windsor Diaries steampunk romance series

What's involved:

Every day from 26-31 AUG I'll be putting up 4 posts marked "Coffee & Chocolate." Topics will vary. There will be a focus on book 3, A Lady Never Lies, from my steampunk romance series, The Windsor Diaries. Leave a COMMENT in the coffee and chocolate posts and you'll be entered into the giveaway drawing. Every time you leave a comment, you'll be entered into the drawing.

Grand Prize: An original Lori Powell handmade book bag, 10.00 GC to Starbucks, Andes Chocolates, a coffee mug, magnets, and other little treats.

Other prizes: I'll be giving away print copies of Victorian Scoundrel and A Gentleman and a Rogue. I'll also be giving away a print copy of the 2014 Summer Collection featuring my story "Arrow Through the Heart" and a print copy of my YA story, "First Flag of New Hampshire."

Winners will be announced on my Facebook Fan Page and my official website at: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com  You can see previous winner on my official website at the bottom of the page.

Any questions, comments, concerns, just ask. Hope to see you on the 26th!

Friday, August 22, 2014

Book Review Friday - Killing Lincoln #bookreview



Book Review for: Killing Lincoln
Written by: Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Henry Holt LLC
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9307-0
Avail as: an ebook and in print

5 Stars

O'Reilly and Dugard pen an insightful and gripping look at Lincoln's assassination. Putting politics aside, O'Reilly and Dugard present the facts and interesting tidbits that lead up to and after Lincoln's death.

Abraham Lincoln is one of America's most beloved and admired presidents. O'Reilly and Dugard show us why. Lincoln changed America, pulling it forward, fighting the Civil War to keep the Union together. He embodies the qualities the Founding Fathers were looking for in America's presidents. John Wilkes Booth, his assassin, is one of the most infamous men in American history. His refusal to change and adapt with the times seals his fate.

The book is written in a very straightforward manner, making it easy to read. O'Reilly and Dugard unravel Booth's schemes and plots so they are understandable to the reader. The authors also share intimate details of the lives of Lincoln and Booth, presenting a very human story. The pivotal moment comes when Lincoln's bodyguard, John Parker, abandons his post, leaving Lincoln vulnerable.


O'Reilly and Dugard's taunt writing ratchets up the suspense and will have the reader on the edge of their seat as Booth marches closer to April 14, 1865. Well researched, gripping, and suspenseful, "Killing Lincoln" will resonate with readers long after they've finished the novel.


Question for you: Is Lincoln one of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore? Who are the others?

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 3.99 steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:     Richard discovers what is bothering Jocelyn. 

*****

 "There can't be an us."
"Why not?" His brows knitted.
She gazed at him, unable to look away as hurt danced in his eyes.

Finally, she spoke. "I don't want to be held hostage by time."
"There were complications," he replied.


****

A Lady Never Lies  is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book three in "The Windsor Diaries." Richard travels back in time to win Jocelyn's heart, but will she leave her ailing father? 

****
Link to You Tube Video for Victorian Scoundrel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2d7ZeY

Reviews for A Lady Never Lies:

5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites
"A wonderful book." 

"You've got romance, betrayal, time travel and gadgets. Perfect mix!!! Can't wait for the next book!" The Crafty Cauldron

4.5 Stars, Clue Review
This is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination.

5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites

"A wonderful book."

BUY LINKS:

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-three-a-lady-never-lies-epub/

AMAZON EBOOK:
http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

B&N EBOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-never-lies-stephanie-burkhart/1119712149?ean=2940149360352

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aladyneverlies-1547037-343.html

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Saturday, August 9, 2014

AUG Update: Walk to End Alzheimers Forget Me Nots Team

It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer's 5K walk team. As I write this, we have 42 days to go until the walk in Santa Clarita, CA on 20 SEP. Let me tell you a little about the team and we hope you consider helping out.



The team consists of my son and 12 co-workers from LAPD's Valley Communications Dispatch Center. We answer 911 for the city of Los Angeles. It's a challenging job, but we find it rewarding to assist those who need help. If anything, that's the glue that keeps us together – that desire to help those who need it. Not only that, all of us have had Alzheimer's touch our lives one way or another.


Fundraising:
July's fundraising consisted of our day watch coffee club and we earned $90.00 the 3rd month for a total of 400.00 from coffee club sales.


WE REACHED GOAL!  Due to the overwhelming support of my co-workers, our families, and friends, we've reached our $2,000.00 goal, earning to date: $2,430.00. We want to thank everyone who has supported us. ((hugs))

We are planning an opportunity drawing around the 1st SEP. 


If you'd like to donate to help the team you can follow this link. Any amount is welcomed. http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?team_id=204372&pg=team&fr_id=4950

My story:
My son (who is also walking) and I know someone who is developing Alzheimer's. The other day we invited her to Easter and she asked for our address. She's been to our house many, many times. It broke my heart. I see the struggle it takes on a family, and I know it's hard. If anyone would like to share their story, please do. Know that you're not alone in your struggles to provide care for your loved one. This is why I walk. To help those family members who care for their loved ones with the disease.

Reading:
I just read a great book that chronicles the challenges caregivers face when helping family members deal with Alzheimer's. It's called Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown. If you wold like to suggest or recommend a book for those who support alzheimer's patients, please do so. Here's a link to Suzette's book:  http://amzn.com/B00H5QAY3A

Alzheimer's facts:
In 2013, 15.5 million family and friends provided 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's valued at 220.2 billion.
Today over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.

1 in 3 people over 85 has Alzheimer's. Andrew's grandmother is 83.

How to obtain a diagnosis:

A doctor will need to evaluate a patient's history, conduct a physical exam, and do a comprehensive neurological evaluation that assesses balance, sensory function, reflexes and vision.

If you have concerns or something doesn't seem right, the sooner you involve a medical professional, the better. Early intervention goes a long way in helping you to prepare for quality of life issues.

Please, if you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear it.
All the best
Steph




Monday, August 4, 2014

MEET MY CHARACTER BLOG TOUR @KMNbooks

I owe many thanks to fabulous writer Karen Michelle Nutt for including me in this fun blog tour. 
First I’d like to introduce you lovely readers to Karen then will move on to my character Jocelyn.

Her bio reads: 

Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she’s not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian’s Book Covers, “Judge Your Book By Its Cover”. You can also check out her published cover art designs at Western Trail Blazer and Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.

Please visit Karen at her blog at: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com


Now let's meet the Character from my A Lady Never Lies, Jocelyn Dunkirk.

What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?
Jocelyn is Lady Jocelyn Ridgecroft. Her family name is Dunkirk.  She is a fictional person.

Nina Dobrev inspiration for Jocelyn
When and where is the story set?
The story is set in 1855 England. 

What should we know about him/her?
She's an inventor. She'd rather work with dirty rivets than knit.  She scoffs at the ton. 

What messes up his/her life?

Richard Windsor. He steps into her life from the future and gives her a ring.  Unfortunately, the ring explodes when her father is hurt and he is gravely injuried.

What is the main conflict? 
Jocelyn is torn. Should she follow her heart and Richard to the future or stay in the past with her father.  She really is needed in the past.
 

What is the personal goal of the character? 
To help others and her country.  She wants to build a better world where coal dust doesn't make people sick. She wants other people to be treated fairly and ultimately agrees to broker a mediation between the coal mine owners and workers.

Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?  
A Lady Never Lies

Stephanie Burkhart's Bio:  Stephanie is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She enjoys writing contemporary, steampunk, fantasy, and paranormal romances. She's published with Desert Breeze Publishing, 4RV Publishing, and Victory Tales Press.




Sunday, August 3, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 3.99 steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:     Continuing where last week's conversation left off...

*****

He took a step toward her. "I'm so sorry--"
She held up a hand. "Don't come closer. It doesn't matter. All I'm concerned about is my father."
"What about us?"
"There can't be an us."



****

A Lady Never Lies  is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book three in "The Windsor Diaries." Richard travels back in time to win Jocelyn's heart, but will she leave her ailing father? 

****
Link to You Tube Video for Victorian Scoundrel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2d7ZeY

Reviews for A Lady Never Lies:

5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites
"A wonderful book." 

"You've got romance, betrayal, time travel and gadgets. Perfect mix!!! Can't wait for the next book!" The Crafty Cauldron

4.5 Stars, Clue Review
This is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination.

5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites

"A wonderful book."

BUY LINKS:

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-three-a-lady-never-lies-epub/

AMAZON EBOOK:
http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

B&N EBOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-never-lies-stephanie-burkhart/1119712149?ean=2940149360352

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aladyneverlies-1547037-343.html

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Friday, August 1, 2014

Goddess Fish Blurb Blitz Tour for: Tesla's Imprint by Kimberly Adkins #booktour



Tesla’s Imprint
by Kimberly Adkins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Some things just can’t be erased.

Simon’s visions of a little girl are the only memories he has. Like an imprint on his heart, the visions cling. Who is she? Who is he for that matter? Tracked and hunted across the world, and in possession of a device that sets him apart from time and space, danger follows him at each turn.

He never meant to drag Tess into his drama. But with one slow, seductive dance in a candlelit night­club, that’s exactly what he’s done.


Tesla’s own heritage is a mystery in itself. Born of wealth into a corporation with no paper trail, she’s called back to take the helm. But what’s the nature of the business she’s supposed to lead? And how does it connect her to Simon?

ENJOY THIS BLURB:

Tess didn’t know what was real at the moment, but she knew what she wanted it to be. Disregarding their image she turned to her dance partner and faced him. With careful, calculated movements she stood on tiptoe to feel the front of his thighs against hers and she lifted her face to his, lips parted as she settled a delicate kiss on his smooth chin.

His smoky eyes were dark, his lids half hooded as he endured her innocent attempt at seduction. Her heart was pounding and she knew he had to feel it against his chest because she was as close as she could possibly be to him.

With slow determination he reached both of his hands behind her back and laid them on her shoulders as if he were going to pull her away, but at the last second he slid them down the curve of her spine until they came to rest on the small of her back.

“I should not do this,” he whispered, though she wasn’t sure if he was telling her or himself as his large hands spread out across her back, pressing her against him with an all encompassing hold that she had never experienced before in her life.

The air was forced from her lungs in a startled gasp. The moment her mouth opened he found her lips and kissed them with such deep, unrestrained passion that she responded to him on the most primal level of her being and returned to him the most ardent kiss her soul had to offer.

Tess was lost to the world during that moment where there seem to be no time, no place, nothing but the perfect harmony of the Universe for the two of them to exist in; and it was perfection. It was so perfect that when he released her she lost her balance and stumbled on the dance floor.

GIVEAWAY:

Kimberly will be awarding a Kindle version of Tesla's Imprint to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during this tour and the Book Blast tour. You can find the Rafflecopter link here:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e434173/

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 


AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Kimberly Adkins is an author and artist who spends her spare time working on worm hole theories so she can go back in time and enter Star Gate’s ‘Get in the Gate’ sweepstakes as many times as it takes to win.

Says Kimberly of romance, “Fate lines up to reward the faithful who believe that love holds a power beyond our understanding and dreams have a chance to come true.”

Website: www.kimberlyadkins.com

Twitter: twitter.com/authorkimberlya

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Adkins/194607480611778