Enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent sweet Christmas romance, "Gifts," featuring Jimmy Thomas on the cover.
BLURB:
Figure skating is in Christian Jansen's blood. When he trips on uneven ice and drops his partner, Chris breaks his arm. Now he's looking for a second chance.
Famke deVries lost her skating coach four months ago. Needing to connect with her roots, she returns to Amsterdam and agrees to be Christian's new skating partner.
Christian and Famke connect on a deep level, understanding each other's losses, but will their chemistry off the ice interfere with their goal to go to the Olympics?
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
He said nothing,
only stared at her, and she knew she would have to give something of herself
first.
"Stephen
sacrificed a lot when I went to train in the States. He put our father in a
care facility and I know that wasn't a decision he made lightly. You were there
for him and I appreciate that."
A spark of some
indefinable emotion grew in his eyes. He drew in a long breath. "About a
year ago, I had my partner in an overhead lift and stumbled on some uneven ice.
She fell."
"Was she all
right?"
"Yes, but her
blade cut my arm, breaking it. I suffered a sprained ankle, too. I spent
several weeks recovering and in physical therapy. During that time, Katrien
left me." His voice resonated with the same sadness Famke had seen
earlier. A sudden thought came to her.
"Does Katrien
have red hair?"
"Yes."
He paused. "She was at the rink the first time you met Maks."
"I thought
so. Look, Chris, I'm not going to leave you."
He raised an
eyebrow.
"I mean
it." Her voice was firm. "I'm not leaving you."
"Why?"
His voice dropped in volume.
"Because you
didn't leave my brother."
"He's my
friend."
Famke reached out
and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a fierce hug. He returned the
embrace. She felt his muscles relax a bit and he pulled away, finding her eyes.
"I'm staying
right here." Famke mouthed, as her eyes grew moist.
He cupped her
cheek and his thumb lightly stroked her jaw. "Thank you," he
whispered.
Famke leaned
close. Chris lowered his head and she sealed her promise with a kiss near his
lips, afraid if they actually kissed, she'd break the last professional barrier
between them.
He slowly drew
away and removed his hand. "What now?"
REVIEWS:
"A well written story I couldn't put down," 5 Stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer.
"This love story is a joy to read," 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer.
"The characters are appealing," 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reviwer.
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8
Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990
Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gifts-11
Giveaway:
Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 27 JULY to receive a print copy of the 2012 Christmas Anthology where this story was featured.
My heart breaks for what they've been through, two young talented people with a goal. You've touched me with your introduction to the story.
ReplyDeleteNice excerpt, Steph. Athletes go through so many physical trials as they train; nice to see you've captured their emotional journey in Gifts. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteWonderful excerpt! All the best!
ReplyDeleteI love to watch pairs figure skating and you're certainly giving us a glimpse of the hard work and the reality behind the effortless grace and beauty WE see. Terrific excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who stopped by and have enjoyed excerpts from "Gifts" this month. Congrats to Melissa Keir who won a print copy of the 2012 Christmas Collection! Melissa, I'll be in touch with you shortly!
ReplyDeleteSmiles
Steph