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: 

Aiden drew in a deep breath. "Say, isn't Christmas around the corner? Where's your tree? Your decorations?"

She waved her hand. "I usually put my tree up the night before."

"Oh, that's no fun. Don't you have an advent calendar?"

"Not since I was a girl."

"You need some Christmas spirit, Noel."

She pointed a finger at her chest, finding his statement incredulous. "Me? I need Christmas spirit?"

"It's a week away."

"So?"

"Tomorrow we are going to get a tree and decorations."

"It's too soon," she protested.

"Not where I come from."

"This is France."

"Humor me, please."

Noel cracked a smile. He'd worn her down and he knew it. Preparing for Christmas would be fun – especially with a friend. "All right. Tomorrow we go Christmas shopping. Today, we visit my surprise."

His grin was boyishly affectionate and it warmed her heart to see him come alive again.

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 meets Elise's father.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

Dimitri steeled his spine and met Elise's father's gaze with one full of determination.

"I'm Matthew Goodwin, by the way. Did Elise tell you I'm a retired state trooper?"

"Yes, sir. My cousin, Alexi, is a detective with the St. Petersburg police. I am familiar
with law enforcement. He's been helping me to find the egg I lost."

 "All right, let's say I believe this wild story. Who is the man after Elise?"

"I believe it is my rival, Gustav Kelch. He also owns a shipping company. Ever since we
were children, he has desired to possess that which is mine."

"I'm familiar with that motive. I've worked several cases where the motivation was
jealousy for what another person had. What is a Faberge egg, anyway?"

"A jewel-encased egg. Carl Faberge created several for the Russian Imperial family from
1885 to 1917. Some of these eggs have been passed down through the family to me."

Matthew Goodwin crossed his arms. "All right, say I believe you. Why does Elise feel
she has to go to St. Petersburg with you?"

"The documentation to prove I own the egg is there."

"Elise has always been a nice girl. She's got a good head on her shoulders. I'm very proud
of her, but she's never invited a man to spend Christmas with us. So what kind of man are you? Are you two having an affair?"

"I will not deny that I am attracted to your daughter. As for the type of man I am, I am honest. My business is successful. When we get to St. Petersburg, Alexi and I should be able to stop the men pursing her."

Matthew stared at Dimitri without breaking his gaze. Was he contemplating Dimitri's words? Carefully making a decision? "All right, I'll take you at your word and do what you ask."

"Thank you, sir."

"If you don't mind, I'm going to make some phone calls. You can find Elise in the living room."

Dimitri nodded and left the kitchen. It wouldn't surprise him if her father conducted a background check on him. 

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 sweet romance: Gifts #christmasinjuly

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:

Chris entered the apartment and flicked on the light. They stepped into a living room area. Most of the furniture reminded her of pine wood. Wrought iron finishes and windmill portraits gave the room personality, but it needed a woman's touch. Chris walked down the hall and placed Famke's bag in a bedroom. She followed him and peered over his shoulder, placing one hand on his waist. He was all muscle. She wasn't sure why she had reached out to him, but she had a sense he'd been trying to shake off a lingering sadness since he saw the red-haired woman on the street.

"This is your room," he said softly.

She glanced up at his soulful, hazel eyes, convinced a certain melancholy haunted him. "Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome." His voice was quiet.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" she asked.

"No." He turned to face her. "Have you skated pairs before?"

"No, but I'm game to try it."

He opened his palm up. "Put your hand in mine."

"Why?"

"Please."

There was something in the tone of his voice, something that implied he was looking for her trust, but there was also a hint of doubt. She slid her hand over his palm and he grasped her fingers, his grip firm, strong, and steady.

"Squeeze me back," he said, staring at her with such intensity, her heart tripped.

"All right." Her fingers clasped his.

"Good. Our grips need to be similar so when I lift you, you trust me."

Slowly, she released him. "All right."

He took a step back and offered her a small smile. "Maks and I use the Westergasfabriek ice rink." He reached into his pocket and handed her a business card. "Can you meet us there at two? It's the only time we could book for tomorrow."

"I'll be there."

He awkwardly gestured toward the hall. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Famke escorted him to the main door. She'd been brought up to always see a guest off when they left.

Chris paused in the doorframe and jammed his hands into his pockets. "Good night."

"Good night," she replied.

He departed and she closed the door. Drifting into the kitchen, Famke inspected her brother's cabinets, but her thoughts lingered on Chris. Something troubled him. But would trying to discover what it was cross the professionalism she wanted to keep?

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:

About this excerpt:  Lily is curious about Drake.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

Lily walked to her table, Drake at her side. "I'm curious, Mr. de Brettville – where are you from?"

"Denmark."

"I thought I'd detected a hint of an accent." She paused and smiled, "I've never been."

He pulled out her chair before a waiter had a chance. "Drake, please. This is my first time to Napa Valley." 

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: 

Noel never let go of his hand. They made their way to the bluff and climbed the stairs that led to the cemetery. Aiden froze when he saw the crosses, row upon row.  Such sadness. So many good lives lost.

"There are over 9,000 buried here."

He nodded. Speech left him.

"The French people have high regard for America. You liberated our people from severe oppression. The people in Bayeux and all along the coast will come up to American tourists and shake their hands, thanking them for the service their grandfathers gave so long ago."

Aiden was shocked. Americans were thanked for their service? "You're serious?"

"Yes. Why?"

"It's just that France seems so aloof—"

Noel held up a hand, stopping his train of thought. "DeGualle thought it best to promote an independent spirit for the French people, and in doing so, while he helped the nation get its pride back, he also harmed us in the eyes of others. It is true Parisians can be aloof, but you'll find that the people who live outside of Paris are open and friendly."

"Noel, no one in Iraq ever shook my hand."

"Je suis désolé." 

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: 

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: Dimitri realizes he's put Elise in danger. 

Dimitri scrubbed his eyes with the palm of his hands. "No... no... but..."

Elise put down the mug and placed her hand on his waist. The contact sparked a fire in
her limbs. "What's wrong?"

"Your receipt--" He lowered his hands. Guilt splayed across his face. "I saw it, and that's
how I knew Boris had sold you my egg. I... I crumpled it up and threw it on the floor of the van. Kelch must have broken Anatoly, and then sent his men to find Boris. And if they found him--"

"Oh." Elise swallowed at the fear glittering in his eyes -- fear for her. "They found the receipt with my name."

"Yes. Damn it! I should have pocketed the receipt, but I was furious. All I wanted was my egg."

Apprehension coursed through her. That's why Lucy had been attacked. Kelch and his men hoped to find the egg because they knew Elise had bought it. Lucy had just happened to be in the hotel room because Elise was on a date -- with Dimitri.

He pushed her hand off his waist, clenched his fists, and marched into the living room, halting close to the window. Was he angry at her, or at himself? Well, a part of her was angry at him, too. She and Lucy were in danger -- real danger -- because of that egg, but a part of her just wanted to reach out to him, to comfort him, to tell him everything would be all right.

Elise shifted from foot to foot. Dimitri truly had protected her and Lucy tonight, but how much could she trust him? Was it all about his egg? That's all he'd thought about when he'd thrown the receipt on the floor. No. This man respected his family. He honored Christmas. He was spiritual. She couldn't let him beat himself up for a mistake.

She left the kitchen and walked up behind him.

He stiffened. "Elise, now is not the time. I want to be alone."

She ignored him and placed her hand on his back just under his shoulders. "I know you
didn't intend to put Lucy and me in harm's way." "But I did."

"Dimitri--"

"No, I've got to fix this. I've got to make this right."

"Dimitri, stop--"

He spun around and pressed the hard length of his body against hers, curving his hand
around the nape of her neck. His kiss was hard and demanding. Her core heated. Her bones melted. A man's kiss had never rocked her senses quite like this. 

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 #christmasinjuly

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:

Famke grabbed her bag from the overhead bin and shuffled into the aisle. Her stomach knotted with anxiety, and it was all she could do to keep from biting her nails.

She had owned a pair of skates since she was three. Ice skating invigorated her soul and gave her a personal sense that she could accomplish anything. She'd always done well in competitions as a young girl. Last year, she had competed in the World Figure Skating Championships. She wouldn't have had the chance if she hadn't gone to the United States to live and train with Ingrid Dayton, a world class figure skater herself.

Living abroad gave Famke a confidence she hadn't had before. Her coach, Ingrid, was an accomplished skater, medaling in several competitions and earning a bronze in the Olympics eight years ago. Ingrid encouraged her to wear contacts, perm her hair, and taught her how to wear makeup. Ingrid had been Famke's best friend, mentor, and big sister all in one. Losing Ingrid in a traffic accident four months ago left Famke with a heavy heart. The passion she had for the sport diminished, so when her brother called and told her that his friend, Christian Jansen, was looking for a pairs figure skating partner, she'd been intrigued enough to explore the possibility. In all honesty, the offer of skating with a partner and chance of going to the Olympics to represent her country had shaken off her sadness. Ingrid would have encouraged Famke to explore the opportunity. Following her heart, Famke returned home to Amsterdam.

Her brother, Stephen, waited for her near the doorway where the gate met the boarding area. She rushed into his arms and they exchanged a warm hug. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her over.

"My, you have changed!" he exclaimed.

She smiled. "You have, too."

"How's the weather in New York?"

"As chilly as it is here." She adjusted her backpack on her shoulders so it was tighter. "Where's Chris?"

"He ran off."

"Where to?"

"That way." Stephen turned and pointed.

Famke stared in the direction that her brother had indicated. Christian stood near a gift shop, holding a box. She poked her tongue against her cheek and drew in a breath. Growing up, Stephen and Christian were inseparable. Chris had always been tall, but slim, with a wild haircut and a very pale complexion. He was still tall, but now he filled out his clothes well with his muscular frame and broad shoulders. His hair was golden-yellow, but he'd found a cut that framed his face to perfection. She spied a scar on his temple, and despite the imperfection, it gave him a very masculine appearance. Oh, dear. Christian Jansen had become a very handsome man.

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.