Showing posts with label Christmas romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas romance. Show all posts

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Collecting Critters #2 -- Loricorn



I love collecting hand knitted Critters and today I thought I’d share one of my oldest critters, Loricorn.  Loricorn was made by one of my co-workers, Megan, who is incredibly talented with making critters.  The first critter she made me was “Puggie.”  (More on Puggie later.  He might be in an upcoming critter collection post.)

 

You might notice that Loricorn looks a lot like candy corn. I find people either like candy corn or they don’t, but candy corn makes a nice a little treat when you need a pick me up. Candy corn season usually starts in late August and runs through October. I usually get 2 or 3 bags from the local grocery store and make some snack size bags which I place on my console at work for my co-workers to stop by and pick up a bag when a sugar fix is required. 

 

While Loricorn looks like candy corn, she got her name from another co-worker  (Lori) who likes to make popcorn and share her popcorn with us.  Her popcorn is usually pretty good – it’s just movie theatre butter flavor and no one can turn down a bag, so I decided to name my little after my co-worker, hence, Loricorn.


 

Loricorn’s favorite season is the fall & winter and Megan has been gracious enough to make a couple of hats for Loricorn to keep her little head warm.  Loricorn also likes Christmas and getting gifts.  Lately, Loricorn has been hanging at the house, but August and candy corn season is just around the corner so she’ll be heading off to work to spread more good cheer. 

 

Question for you:  Candy corn – do you love it or hate it?

 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY HIGHLIGHTED STORY: 

 

Christmas in Bayeux is now available on Amazon as a .99 ebook and has been featured in Bargin Booksy ads. 

 

BLURB: 

 


Aiden is searching for that something he can’t define.  After spending time in Iraq and losing his parents, he travels to France looking for that undefined something to give meaning to his life. Aiden reconnects with the one that got away, Noelle Rousseau, and quickly discovers that having purpose has ignited his life in a way he never thought possible.

 

Noelle is trying to make ends meet. After giving up teaching to run a bed and breakfast, she’s learning that new challenges can be daunting, even with help from her friends.  When Aiden steps back into her life, she learns that trust is not only rewarding, but scary.

 

Aiden thrives as he helps Noelle prepare for the Christmas season, but can both of them learn to trust, hope, and believe that love will offer them a future if they can only dare to believe? 

 


EXCERPT (Aiden and Noelle meet):

 

He didn’t think he could come to Bayeux if Noelle wasn’t here. He parked the car. The clouds above suspended the snow. A couple milled past the church on the sidewalk. Bayeux was a quiet town. 

            Aiden allowed a small smile to escape the corners of his lips. 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 heavy clothes, she was stunning.  He hadn’t anticipated that.

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

            “Bonjour, Noelle!”

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

            Her warm glow infused him, cracking a stiff battlement. Her genuine embrace filled him with a spark of a feeling, something other than numbness, but he had no word for the feeling. He took a step back and offered a small smile. “It’s good to see you, Noelle. 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?” 

 

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Bayeux-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B09JBGVT7J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Z2LCDSAF9Y1J&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1689957905&sprefix=stephanie+burkhar%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Christmas in July Special: Mr. Christmas Elf

Christmas in July is a great opportunity to bring the joy and good will of the Christmas season to you! With that, I'd thought I'd share one of Christmas stories, "Mr. Christmas Elf." 


BLURB:

Christmas is on the way, but Jules isn’t in the mood this year. She and her dad are barely making ends meet, and with extra bills piling up, how can they afford Christmas? Jules needs a new muffler for her car, and school tuition is looming—but the peppermint on top? Her boyfriend has just dumped her in a text message! When her boss at the coffee shop insists that all employees must write a letter to Santa and post it on the window, Jules decides to be painfully honest about what she needs—but is there any hope she will get it? When Elvis, a handsome hunk, shows up to visit with her about her car muffler, she begins to have an inkling of hope that this Christmas will be one to remember, after all. Claiming to be one of Santa’s elves, Elvis tells her all the magic the Christmas season has to offer can be hers, if she only believes. Is that too much to ask for?


Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Christmas-Elf-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07K6QT51S/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3O2LKAOXWHV2Q&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1688485982&s=digital-text&sprefix=stephanie+burkhart%2Cdigital-text%2C180&sr=1-4

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas Romance: Gifts #wewriwa #snippetsunday

First, Happy New Year to everyone visiting the blog. I hope 2017 is off to a great start for you! 

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





About this snippet:  Reassurance. 



ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

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, his gaze seeking hers.
"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?" 

GIFTS: 

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? 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:   http://a.co/6oQwA7j

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords :https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gifts/id894235912?mt=11

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271548-gifts

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:  "This love story is a joy to read."

5 stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer: "The touches of Old World Christmas combined with Olympic ice skating make this well-written story a special read I couldn't put down."

5 Stars, Diana Amper, Amazon Reviewer: "Excellent Short Story." 

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Snippet Sunday: Merry Christmas! 99 cent romance: Gifts

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





About this snippet:  Famke and Chris go Christmas shopping. 



ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

Chris directed her toward the Kris Kringle market. Famke spied a big gray tent in the middle of the pedestrian area with a small grill station nearby, cooking various sausages and pieces of chickens.
"It smells wonderful," she said.
Chris thoughtfully nodded, but didn't reply. She hoped she hadn't made him feel uncomfortable with her compliment. Giving him time, she walked through the aisles between the wooden booths. There were handmade ornaments, gloves, hats, and clogs. Several booths sold chocolates, marzipan, candles, candies, taffies, scarves, and toys.
She danced up to a booth and pointed to a long, wide set of clogs decorated with painted blue tulips. "I think this pair is for you." 

GIFTS: 

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? 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:   http://a.co/6oQwA7j

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords :https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gifts/id894235912?mt=11

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271548-gifts

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:  "This love story is a joy to read."

5 stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer: "The touches of Old World Christmas combined with Olympic ice skating make this well-written story a special read I couldn't put down."

5 Stars, Diana Amper, Amazon Reviewer: "Excellent Short Story." 

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Snippet Sunday: Gifts, 99 cents Christmas romance #wewriwa

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





About this snippet:  Famke talks to her brother.



ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

They arrived at the rink and Stephen opened the door for her. They checked in with the security guard and approached the ice. Famke spied Chris concentrating on his footwork and axels. 
"Are you Miss deVries?"
Famke tore her gaze away from Chris and discovered an older man walking toward her. He was of average height, balding, with bushy eyebrows, and a tad heavyset. He wore a blue sweatshirt and gloves.
Stephen placed his hand on her shoulder,"Maks, this is my sister, Famke."
He looked her over from head to toe, "You look like a skater."
She wrinkled her nose, "Thank you, I think."

GIFTS: 

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? 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:   http://a.co/6oQwA7j

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords :https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gifts/id894235912?mt=11

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271548-gifts

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:  "This love story is a joy to read."

5 stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer: "The touches of Old World Christmas combined with Olympic ice skating make this well-written story a special read I couldn't put down."

5 Stars, Diana Amper, Amazon Reviewer: "Excellent Short Story." 

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas romance: Gifts #snippetsunday #wewriwa

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





About this snippet:  Famke talks to her brother.



ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

"Does Chris have a girlfriend?" 
"No."
Famke poked her tongue against her cheek, but decided to continue, "He seemed a little sad to me yesterday."

"He had a skating accident last year. He and his partner were training at an outdoor rink and he stumbled on some uneven ice. She was in an overhead lift."
Famke covered her mouth with her hand, surprised to learn this, "Was she hurt?"
"No, Katrien was fine, but the way she fell, her blades cut him on the arm and on the side of his face. It took him several months to recover. She left him for a new partner."

GIFTS: 

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? 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:   http://a.co/6oQwA7j

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords :https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gifts/id894235912?mt=11

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271548-gifts

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:  "This love story is a joy to read."

5 stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer: "The touches of Old World Christmas combined with Olympic ice skating make this well-written story a special read I couldn't put down."

5 Stars, Diana Amper, Amazon Reviewer: "Excellent Short Story." 

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas Romance: Gifts #wewriwa #snippetsunday #cheapread

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





About this snippet:  Famke and Chris talk ice skating.



ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

"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 which 
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." 

GIFTS: 

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? 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:   http://a.co/6oQwA7j

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords :https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gifts/id894235912?mt=11

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271548-gifts

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:  "This love story is a joy to read."

5 stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer: "The touches of Old World Christmas combined with Olympic ice skating make this well-written story a special read I couldn't put down."

5 Stars, Diana Amper, Amazon Reviewer: "Excellent Short Story." 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Unwrap the Romance: 1.99 Christmas Romance: The Faberge Secret

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

As the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.


***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:***


She bit her lower lip. If she didn't take a chance now, would her life be filled with what- ifs and regrets? Yes, John had hurt her, but she was still alive. Dare she believe in romance again?
Dimitri paused next to her room, beside the door.
"If you have the time..." she began, knowing it was now or never. "And if you don't have to go back to Russia right away, I'd be honored to have you share Christmas with my family."
"I'd be happy to." 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." 




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
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