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. 

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.