Snippet Sunday: Christmas in July - 99 cent spicy contemporary romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday #christmasinjuly

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my spicy contemporary romance, Feast of Candles. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this excerpt:  Lily spies Drake...

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

She spied him out of the corner of her eye. He had to be over six feet and his stance emphasized the force of his thighs and slimness of his hips. The Nordic blue of his eyes reflected glimmers of light from the overhead chandeliers. His classically handsome features warmed her to her bones. He possessed an aquiline nose and high cheekbones. Even in a crowd, his presence was compelling and he carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence. She wanted that in a man.

BLURB: 

Travel to California wine country and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Feast of Candles," featuring Jimmy Thomas on the cover.

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.

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Loves Reading, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a beautiful romantic tale of a kind hearted but lonely woman who finds the love and happiness she has dreamed of."

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for."

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reviewer:  "Ms Burkhart has once again created a wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES."

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/feast-of-candles

Christmas in July: 99 cent contemporary romance: Christmas in Bayeux #christmasinjuly

Travel to Bayeux, France and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Christmas in Bayeux."

BLURB: 

The ravages of war have taken their toll on Aiden. Seeking peace, he has traveled to Bayeux, France, on a pilgrimage of sorts. Noel, a former exchange student who spent time with his family years before, provides him a place to stay at the old manor she has turned into an inn. 

The attraction they felt nine years before at the tender age of sixteen flares to life as they spend time together and prepare the inn for Christmas. But there has been so much loss and grief for Aiden. 
Will Noel be able to help him feel again and can Aiden find what he is searching for?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

He pulled up into the courtyard and Noel directed him toward the auto shed next to the manor. She got out of the car and went to the chain pull next to the garage door. The door slowly lifted up. Aiden drove the car inside and walked out, clutching a duffle bag over his shoulder. Noel yanked on the pull, closing the door.

"You don't have an automatic opener?" he asked.

"It's on my to-do list." They walked through the front door and were greeted by Annabelle, the maid.  Noel and Annabelle conversed in French and Annabelle took both their coats and hung them up in a nearby closet.

"Aiden—" Noel stopped. She saw his eyes raking over the second story staircase, the ancient tapestries on the wall, and the candlelight chandelier in the hallway.

She put her hand on his arm. Now that he had his winter coat off, she saw that he was well-muscled, lean, with long legs. He was also as warm as a tinderbox, and even more attractive than she remembered. "Aiden?"

He stepped toward her. A broad, awestruck look descended over him. "This is amazing. It's history come alive."

She arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"It's filled with history. We have nothing like this in the States." He paused and looked directly into her eyes. "It's beautiful."

Noel felt her cheeks tingle from the heartfelt compliment. "Thank you. Come. I'll show you to your room."

Aiden followed her up the stairs. She took him down the west wing to the last room on the right. He followed her inside. A wide bed was in the middle of the room. Noel went to the window and pulled the curtains apart, revealing a view of the coastline.

"Come here," she said.

Aiden took the spot next to her, putting his hand in the middle of her back. She inhaled sharply at the unexpected contact. Warm shivers rippled through her. She nipped at her lower lip, trying to maintain her focus. "See in the distance? That built-up ridge has several German gun bunkers."

He flashed her a smile filled with admiration. "Thank you for being so thoughtful."

"You're welcome."

"I want you to go to the beach with me tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Then I will."

LINK TO BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Karen Michelle Nut, Amazon Reviewer: "A tender romance sure to warm your hearts any time of the year." 

5 Stars, Markee Anderson, Amazon Reviewer: "A wonderful and heartwarming read."

5 Stars, M. Fullerton, Amazon Reviewer: "Charming characters!" 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B005BTLSI8

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-bayeux-stephanie-burkhart/1104401603?ean=2940011371806

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72100

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/christmas-in-bayeux

Giveaway: 

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 31 JULY to receive a PDF copy of Christmas in Bayeux. 

Christmas in July: 1.99 contemporary romance - The Faberge Secret #ChristmasinJuly

Enjoy this snippet from my 1.99 Christmas romance, "The Faberge Secret."

BLURB: 

Elise Goodwin operates a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. Needing to buy some items for her museum, she travels to Boston and acquires a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge Egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov, the true owner of the jewel. He's following a lead hoping to reacquire his stolen egg when he bumps into Elise. He can't hide his attraction to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes.

Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, wants the rare Faberge jewel and will do anything to find it, including destroying Dimitri's life. Can Dimitri keep Elise and his Faberge heirloom safe or will his attraction place their lives in jeopardy?

This excerpt: Dimitri takes responsibility for Elise and Lucy's safety. 

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Dimitri scanned the lobby. An older man sat at a table reading a New York Times. A lady
on a cell phone stood next to the window. The hair on the back of Dimitri's neck bristled. They didn't look suspicious, but he couldn't shake the feeling someone was watching him. A man dressed in a black overcoat stood near the door, his face invisible in the shadows. 

Dimitri settled the bill and obtained the keys to the rental car.

He wanted to move fast because of the suspected surveillance. Dimitri took the stairs back to Elise's room two at a time. The ladies were packed and ready to go. Lucy appeared composed, but rubbed one of her wrists. Concern snaked through him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"It's sore."
"I have some aspirin at my flat."

"Oh, I have some Advil in my purse," Elise said.

Dimitri waited patiently as Elise poured some water for Lucy and gave her the
painkillers. Lucy swallowed them. "What's next?" she asked.

Dimitri admired the lady's courage, especially since she was the one who had been
attacked. Elise picked her friends well.

"The concierge told me you have to personally turn in your keys. I have a rental waiting on us in the parking garage. We'll leave your car here tonight. I suspect whoever has you under surveillance will be watching it for any activity."

Elise nodded and grabbed her bag. It rolled on wheels, as did Lucy's. Dimitri stepped forward and placed his hand over Elise's. His pulse spiked from the contact. Damn. She had a way of exciting his body with just a touch.

"I'll take the bag."

"We can take our own luggage." Her eyes shone with an independence of spirit he admired.
"I mean no offense. I'm only trying to be a gentleman."

"A gentleman usually respects a lady's wishes."

Dimitri reluctantly removed his hand from hers. "I do insist on taking your bag, Lucy,
since your wrist is sore."

Relief washed over her face. "Thank you."

He followed behind the ladies as they took the elevator to the lobby. The woman on the
cell phone had left. So had the man in the overcoat. Elise and Lucy turned in their key cards. Dimitri skimmed the lobby again, but everything appeared normal. So why did the hair on the back of his neck bristle once more? Maybe the man in the overcoat had only switched corners? Dimitri didn't see anyone watching them, but then again, he wasn't the trained policeman in the family.

When the ladies finished, Dimitri led them back to the elevator. They moved into the parking garage with quiet determination. Dimitri quickly found the rental, and they packed their bags into the back. The uneasy feeling had left him, but if he didn't move fast, he might lose the advantage.

"Ladies, get in and bend down so you can't be seen."

"Why?" Elise asked.

"In case someone is watching once we hit the street," Dimitri said.

REVIEWS:

4 Stars, Manic Readers

"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews

The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews

"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting." 

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

BUY LINKS: 

AMAZON KINDLE :http://amzn.com/B006LTE2ZS

B&N NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-faberge-secret-stephanie-burkhart/1105070465?ean=2940013874596&itm=1&usri=the+faberge+secret

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

Giveaway: 

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 29 JULY to receive a print copy of The Faberge Secret. 

Christmas in July: 99 cent romance: Gifts

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:

Christian Jansen had no idea what to expect. He jammed his hands into his jeans pockets and stared out the wide glass windows of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport waiting for her – Famke deVries.

Her plane from New York taxied toward the gate. He drew in a breath, hoping to calm his nerves. The last time he saw her was four years ago when she was sixteen and went to study in the States. Famke loved ice skating as much as he did.

Skating was in his blood. Ever since he was two and had received his first pair of skates from his father, he wanted to represent his country at the Olympics. His heart constricted at how he'd almost ruined his dream. Famke offered him a second chance. He couldn't blow it.

The gate extended toward the plane's door. Christian closed his eyes briefly, trying to push the unbidden memory of that awful day away – the day his blade caught on uneven ice. Christian was a pairs figure skater. He stumbled and dropped his partner whom he had in an overhead lift. Her blade sliced his forearm. Katrien reached for him, missed, and her blade struck his temple. He couldn't remember what happened next – he'd lost consciousness. Later, he woke up in the hospital to a sprained ankle, a broken arm, and a deep scar on his face. It took weeks for him to heal and several more weeks of physical therapy to gain his strength and form back. In that time, Katrien left him to work with another skater.

Christian had doubts, fears even, about getting back on the ice, but he believed he had recovered in body – and spirit – and he wanted another chance on the ice.

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. 

Snippet Sunday: Christmas in July - 99 cent spicy romance - Feast of Candles #snippetsunday #christmasinjuly

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my spicy contemporary romance, Feast of Candles. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

Drake sharpened his gaze. He didn't know a soul and he didn't care. He'd traveled over 9,000 miles to meet Lily Marquand and nothing would stop him from branding her as his.

Drake found her, standing next to a window with a darkened view of the vines. She held a wine glass by the stem, her attention focused on the man in front of her. He wore a business suit and was an inch or two shorter than her.

Lily's picture did her no justice. Tall, her figure was curving and regal. 

Travel to California wine country and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Feast of Candles," featuring Jimmy Thomas on the cover 

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.

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Loves Reading, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a beautiful romantic tale of a kind hearted but lonely woman who finds the love and happiness she has dreamed of."

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for."

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reviewer:  "Ms Burkhart has once again created a wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES."

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/feast-of-candles

Christmas in July: 99 cent romance: Christmas in Bayeux #christmasinjuly

Travel to Bayeux, France and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Christmas in Bayeux."

BLURB: 

The ravages of war have taken their toll on Aiden. Seeking peace, he has traveled to Bayeux, France, on a pilgrimage of sorts. Noel, a former exchange student who spent time with his family years before, provides him a place to stay at the old manor she has turned into an inn. 

The attraction they felt nine years before at the tender age of sixteen flares to life as they spend time together and prepare the inn for Christmas. But there has been so much loss and grief for Aiden. 
Will Noel be able to help him feel again and can Aiden find what he is searching for?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

Aiden smiled as she approached. Since he'd last seen her nine years ago, she had gotten taller. Her brown hair peeked out from her cap, flecked with copper highlights. Her cobalt eyes pierced his defenses now, just as they had before.  He took a long breath. Despite the winter clothes, she was stunning.

Her eyes swept over him and then sparked with recognition. "Aiden!"

"Bonjour, Noel!"

She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a quick hug. "Bonjour!"

Her warm glow infused him with hope, cracking his battlements even further.  Her genuine embrace was what he needed, but he wasn't here for her. He needed to set his heart and his mind straight and she would be a big part of that. Taking a step back, Aiden feathered his eyes over her. "It's good to see you again, Noel. You've changed…"

"Oh, I was just a girl when I was an exchange student in your house."

"You were sixteen."

Her cheeks reddened. "Oui – now I am a woman. How are your parents?"

"They passed away while I was in Iraq."

"Oh, I am sorry to hear it. They had such kind hearts. I adored them."

"That's part of the reason I'm here."

LINK TO BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Karen Michelle Nut, Amazon Reviewer: "A tender romance sure to warm your hearts any time of the year." 

5 Stars, Markee Anderson, Amazon Reviewer: "A wonderful and heartwarming read."

5 Stars, M. Fullerton, Amazon Reviewer: "Charming characters!" 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B005BTLSI8

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-bayeux-stephanie-burkhart/1104401603?ean=2940011371806

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72100

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/christmas-in-bayeux

Giveaway: 

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 31 JULY to receive a PDF copy of Christmas in Bayeux. 

Christmas in July: 1.99 Christmas Romance - The Faberge Secret #christmasinjuly

Enjoy this snippet from my 1.99 Christmas romance, "The Faberge Secret."

BLURB: 

Elise Goodwin operates a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. Needing to buy some items for her museum, she travels to Boston and acquires a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge Egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov, the true owner of the jewel. He's following a lead hoping to reacquire his stolen egg when he bumps into Elise. He can't hide his attraction to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes.

Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, wants the rare Faberge jewel and will do anything to find it, including destroying Dimitri's life. Can Dimitri keep Elise and his Faberge heirloom safe or will his attraction place their lives in jeopardy?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

His gaze was as soft as a caress. He reached out and tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. Then slowly, he curved his hand around the nape of her neck and moved closer so there was no space between them.

Their lips skirted each other's, teasing, tempting... until Dimitri's mouth finally captured hers in a drugging kiss.

His lips were firm and persuasive. He smelled of soap and sandalwood. Something intense flared within her, and she fisted her hands around the lapels of his coat. Her body betrayed her desire. His erection pressed against her thigh.

All of a sudden, an all-crushing fear consumed her. He was hard for her. It was too soon, too fast. She broke the kiss and pushed him away.

"Elise--" Dimitri began.

"Umph!"

Elise's heart jumped. She swung around and looked at the door.

It stood ajar.

"Lucy!" Elise forgot all about Dimitri's kiss and rushed inside with him right behind her. Concern spiked within her the second she saw Lucy.

Her friend's hands and feet were tied to a chair, and a gag was in her mouth. The room had been trashed. Their suitcases had been turned over; their clothes and books tossed haphazardly about.

Fear knotted inside Elise. She rushed to the chair and took off Lucy's gag. Dimitri untied the knots at Lucy's feet, concern for her friend evident in his eyes. Elise was thrilled that Dimitri had helped her with no hesitation or reservations.

"What happened?" Elise asked. "Who did this?"

"They were looking for the egg," Lucy said. She glanced at Dimitri, but instead of her earlier resistance to him, gratefulness filled her gaze.

Dimitri froze and glanced up, his stare drilling into Elise. "Egg? A Faberge egg?"

Elise loosened one of the ropes around Lucy's hand and looked at Dimitri, perplexed. "What do you know about Faberge eggs?"

He muttered something in Russian, finished untying the knot around Lucy's other ankle, and stood, straightening his shoulders.

"That's what I lost. What I've been looking for -- my Faberge egg."

REVIEWS:

4 Stars, Manic Readers

"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews

The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews

"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting." 

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

BUY LINKS: 

AMAZON KINDLE :http://amzn.com/B006LTE2ZS

B&N NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-faberge-secret-stephanie-burkhart/1105070465?ean=2940013874596&itm=1&usri=the+faberge+secret

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

Giveaway: 

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 29 JULY to receive a print copy of The Faberge Secret.