Showing posts with label Stephanie Burkhart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephanie Burkhart. Show all posts

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Author Interview for A Polish Heart, a 99 cent sweet contemporary romance #authorinterview



Question: Spring and Easter are right around the corner. Your story "A Polish Heart," takes place during the spring. What's it about?

Steph: Darrin Riverton is an American architect who is hired to consult on a 50,000 plus soccer stadium being built in Warsaw, Poland. When he meets his translator, Sophia, he discovers she's a breath of fresh air in his stale life. Can Darrin put aside his apprehension? Will Sofia's faith give him his heart back?

Question: How long did it take you to write?

Steph: About six weeks.

Question: Did you have to do any research?

Steph: I researched the National Stadium being built in Warsaw, Polish Easter customs, and a little about the city itself. Some things I did take fictional liberties with, but I'd like to think that blended into the story well.

Question: How does the cover reflect the story?

Steph: There's a traditional styled Polish Church with a couple on the cover meant to represent Darrin and Sophia. It captures the 'spirit' of the journey Darrin undertakes during Easter.

Question: Sophia is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?
 
Inspiration for Sofia
Steph: Sofia knows her mind and is not afraid to speak it. She also adores her family. She has the kind of family Darrin longed for when he was little. She also doesn't see much gray in the world. She'd very black and white and needs to see people and situations in a broader light.

Question: What does Darrin like about Sofia?

Steph: She's not afraid to be who she is. Darrin realizes its time to do the same.

Question: What was the inspiration behind the story?

Steph: I wanted to set the story in a country that was known to have strong Easter traditions. I remember growing up, my family was Polish and drew on rich Polish customs to make Easter special for us kids. My grandmother would make lamb and ham and we'd have pierogi along with homemade bread and beets. We never blessed the Easter basket though. That's something I started recently with my boys.

Question: What's your writing space like?

Steph: I use the dining room table. My Mac is surrounded by all kinds of paper, pens, notes, and stickies. The coffee pot is within arms reach.

Question: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

Steph: I have a Kindle, 2nd generation and I love it. I also have a Kindle Fire, but I prefer that one to play apps like Angry Birds and play movies.

Question: What do you do when you're not writing?

Steph: Marketing! No, seriously, I'm an assistant den leader for my son's cub scouting den and I love it. I get to do cool scouting things with my son. We're always seeing new things.

QUESTION FOR YOU: What are your favorite Easter foods?  Share your yummies!


Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She loves chocolate, enjoys coffee, and going to the movies. Her favorite Disney movie is "Frozen."  She's published with Victory Tales Press, 4RV Publishing, and Desert Breeze Publishing.

Opening Line for A Polish Heart : This was going to be the most challenging thing he'd ever done in his life. 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:

BARNES & NOBLE:

SMASHWORDS:

Find me on the Web at:
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

PINTEREST:
http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/



Saturday, June 8, 2013

Giving Back to Oklahoma - Official Launch Date! Help the Oklahoma Tornando Victims



I've always been a firm believer in giving back to others and Oklahoma holds a special place in my heart as my publisher, 4RV is located in Edmond. I'm very grateful to Vivian Zabel at 4RV for publishing my stories.

My heart goes out to all the citizens of Oklahoma affected by the recent tornados so I've come up with a way to give back.

Starting 8 JUN and lasting through 22 JUN, if you buy a copy of one of my books, "The Giving Meadow," or "First Flag of New Hampshire," I'll be donating my royalties to the Salvation Army in support of the Oklahoma Tornado victims. Joining me is fellow 4RV author, Karen Cioffi, along with her book, "Walking Through Walls."  We recommend that you consider using the Publisher's Website to buy the books in support of the effort.

I have another favor to ask.  Help us share the message.  If you could use word of mouth or send out a Tweet, Facebook, Google +, Linked In, etc. that would be so helpful in getting the word out on this great opportunity to give to Oklahoma and America.

Our donations will be given to the Salvation Army in Oklahoma City to help with Tornado Relief. You can find their website at:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/tornado

This is for a good cause and it's something we all believe in.
Thank you so much
Steph, Karen, and Vivian.

BUY LINKS: Walking through Walls


Publisher's Website:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

BUY LINKS: The Giving Meadow


Publisher's Website:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

BUY LINK for: First Flag of New Hampshire

Publisher's Website:


Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:
ww.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-flag-of-new-hampshire-stephanie-burkhart/1109218791?ean=9780983801832


About Karen Cioffi:
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author, ghostwriter/freelance writer, and author-writer online platform instructor.  Join The Writing World (http://thewritingworld.com) today for free and get "How to Create an Optimized Website" plus weekly writing and marketing tips and updates on free webinars.

About Stephanie Burkhart:
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She's loves chocolate and coffee. When she's not "Mom's Taxi Service" she writes romance and childrens books. 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Giving Back to Oklahoma - Save the Date #OklahomaTornados #salvationarmy




I've always been a firm believer in giving back to others and Oklahoma holds a special place in my heart as my publisher, 4RV is located in Edmond. I'm very grateful to Vivian Zabel at 4RV for publishing my stories.

My heart goes out to all the citizens of Oklahoma affected by the recent tornados so I've come up with a way to give back.

Starting 8 JUN and lasting through 22 JUN, if you buy a copy of one of my books, "The Giving Meadow," or "First Flag of New Hampshire," I'll be donating my royalties to the Salvation Army in support of the Oklahoma Tornado victims. Joining me is fellow 4RV author, Karen Cioffi, along with her book, "Walking Through Walls."  We recommend that you consider using the Publisher's Website to buy the books in support of the effort.

Our donations will be given to the Salvation Army in Oklahoma City to help with Tornado Relief. You can find their website at:




I have another favor to ask.  Help us share the message.  If you could use word of mouth or send out a Tweet, Facebook, Google +, Linked In, etc. that would be so helpful in getting the word out on this great opportunity to give to Oklahoma and America.



About Karen Cioffi:
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author, ghostwriter/freelance writer, and author-writer online platform instructor.  Join The Writing World (http://thewritingworld.com) today for free and get "How to Create an Optimized Website" plus weekly writing and marketing tips and updates on free webinars.

About Stephanie Burkhart:
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She's loves chocolate and coffee. When she's not "Mom's Taxi Service" she writes romance and childrens books. 

Our Books Include:


Walking Through Walls
The Giving Meadow
First Flag of New Hampshire

BUY LINKS: Walking through Walls

Publisher's Website:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

BUY LINKS: The Giving Meadow


Publisher's Website:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

BUY LINK for: First Flag of New Hampshire

Publisher's Website:


Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:
ww.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-flag-of-new-hampshire-stephanie-burkhart/1109218791?ean=9780983801832


Sunday, March 31, 2013

6 Sentence Sunday - The Secret Door - paranormal romance



The Secret Door
Paranormal Romance w/witches and werewolves
5.99 novel 

BLURB: Can Zoltan save his witch with Sophia's help?

*****

"Relax, Sophia. I feel wonderful. I've never experienced this before, and I don't know quite how to explain it."

"Oh."

"Darling," he paused. "You are my soul mate."


"You believe in soul mates?" she whispered, a look of awe crossing her expression. 


"Yes."
A shot rang out and shattered the moment. 


*****


Reviews:

"The Secret Door's exciting action, paranormal elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." - Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader
"I was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews

BUY LINKS:
All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookfourthesecretdoor-1091313-140.html

Sunday, March 24, 2013

6 Sentence Sunday - The Secret Door - Paranormal Romance




The Secret Door
Paranormal Romance w/witches and werewolves
5.99 novel 

BLURB: Can Zoltan save his witch with Sophia's help?

*****


His gaze trapped hers. She studied him, and as every second passed, her heartbeat accelerated, her core warmed. She had to accept every aspect of him – man and wolf. And the wolf could be downright feral when provoked. Dare she? What did she really want for her future? God, right now in this moment all she could do was feel. She wanted to kiss him and surround herself in his warmth.

"I must know what your choice is." His voice was intense, just a whisper.

Her primal emotions flared. Her body ached, and she approached him, placing her hand over his heart. "Zoltan, I can't explain this--"

"Don't. Just feel it." 

*****


Reviews:

"The Secret Door's exciting action, paranormal elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." - Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader
"I was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews

BUY LINKS:
All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookfourthesecretdoor-1091313-140.html

Sunday, February 3, 2013

6 Sentence Sunday - 99 cent sweet contemporary romance: A Polish Heart




A POLISH HEART
Sweet Contemporary/Inspirational Romance
99 cent Novella
Blurb: Can Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 

*****

"What's the real Darrin like?" she asked.
He paused. "I don't know."

"Of course you do. Tell me your favorites."
He arched an eyebrow. "Favorite what?"

"Favorite things. It doesn't matter." Her smile warmed his heart. She cared. His favorite things mattered to her.

"I like the New England Patriots. They're an American football team. I like comic books, traveling, designing buildings, listening to music, and anything technical."



************

BOOK TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC6_397PerU

Review:
"Sofia and Darrin's story is a heartwarming one. Totally enjoyable read." - Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B007AS29AO

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875

SONY EBOOK STORE: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/a-polish-heart/_/R-400000000000000712746

SMASHWORDS:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

Sunday, January 20, 2013

6 Sentence Sunday - 99 cent sweet contemporary romance: A Polish Heart



A Polish Heart
sweet contemporary romance
99 cent novella

Blurb: Can Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back?

*****


"You are the most daring man I've ever met."

"Why do you say that?"

"You just arrived in Poland this morning. You must be exhausted."

He raised a finger to his lips. "Hush. I wanted to come."

Her eyes flashed him with appreciation. "I'm glad you did."

Tadeusz coughed again, and Sofia opened the door.

*****


BOOK TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC6_397PerU

Review:
"Sofia and Darrin's story is a heartwarming one. Totally enjoyable read." - Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B007AS29AO

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-polish-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1111503774?ean=2940033247875

SONY EBOOK STORE: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/a-polish-heart/_/R-400000000000000712746

SMASHWORDS:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

Friday, January 18, 2013

Save the Date: 20-25 for the Coffee & Chocolate Contest/Giveaway featuring my steampunk romance novel



Hi all - save the date for my JAN 2013 Coffee & Chocolate Contest. It's coming up: 20-25 JAN.  Here's the skinny:

My bi-monthly coffee and chocoalte contest/giveaway will feature my novel - "A Gentleman and a Rogue."

Grand Prize: a GC to Starbucks, a coffee mug, a box of chocolate, magnets,  and a Lori Powell original book bag.  Every day there will be a giveaway post where I'll be giving away a GC or a PDF copy of a free read or a novel.

All you have to do to enter is visit my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE between 20-25 JAN and leave a comment on the Coffee & Chocolate posts. Winners will be announced on my Facebook fan page and on my official website (http://www.stephanieburkhart.com) on 26 JAN.

Link to FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

Any questions, just ask.


BOOK 2 of "The Windsor Diaries" - "A Gentleman and A Rogue" is now on sale! It's the 2nd steampunk romance series.

Reviews: "I was hooked in it and did not want it to end. All of you romantic historical fans don’t miss this one – it is a winner." - 5 Stars, Trudi LoPreto for Reader's Favorites
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
The song ended and Edmund grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the nearest hallway. At first, she wanted to protest; call out for her father and defy Edmund's wishes, but then reason kicked in. She wanted -- no, needed -- answers. And, she had plenty of questions. 

They entered the main wing, and passed two rooms before Edmund opened a door and dragged her inside. Books littered the shelves. The library. A beam of light from a full moon shined through the window, casting Edmund's features in sharp, contrasting shadows. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. His eyes narrowed, giving his expression a dark, hard edge. He looked like a devil in this moment. She steeled her shoulders, ready to do battle with him. 

Silence grew between them as they both set their postures. Damn Edmund. She wanted to kiss the devil senseless. Thankfully, she still had her wits. 

"What are you doing with Jonas Byron?" Edmund's voice was cold and exact. 

"Dancing." She surprised herself with the ease of her retort. 

"Looked more like flirting to me." 

"Jealous?" 

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "No." 

"You are a horrible liar." 

"Keira, you can't trust him." 

She placed her hands on her hips. "Curious, you're the second man tonight to tell me that." 

"Grayson has your best interests at heart. You need to listen to him."

"He's been missing for four years." She paused, glaring at him. "Like you have. And I thought you weren't coming back."

"I'm here now, and I'm not leaving you again."

She tilted her head and laughed. Oh, yes, he'd leave her again, and she had no intention of letting her heart get broken.

Edmund lunged forward, placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her against the length of his hard, muscled body, trapping her arms between them so her hands rested on his chest. His emerald eyes flamed with desire. Her heart turned over in response. His unique scent, spice and currants, weakened her resolve. As her memories flooded through her mind, her lips ached for his.

"God, Keira, don't test me like this."


PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-366/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book/Detail.bok





Wednesday, January 2, 2013

8th Day of Christmas in Song - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel




I love to hear this song during Christmas time. It's very stirring and poignant. Interestingly, the origin of the song is unknown, but most of my research believes it originated in the 8th Century!
The lyrics are said to be based on Isaiah 7:14 – God will send Isreal a sign and he will be called Emmanuel. Isaiah is fulled of "O Antiphons" such as "O Emmanuel," "O Rod of Jessie," "O Dayspring," "O Key of David," and "O Wisdom," and these "O Antiphons" are contained within the text of the song.
The text is said to be translated from the Latin text "Veni, Veni Emmanuel," by John Mason Neale. Neale was an Anglican Priest who could speak over 20 languages. He was sent to do missionary work in a church in the Maderia Islands near Africa. While there, he came across the Latin text, "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel." He translated the text and an old, 8th Century hymn was given new life. The musical aspect of the song is harder to pin down. It appears to have several influences including music from Arvo Part, Ottorino Respighi, and Zoltan Kodaly.
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She still hangs real Candy Canes on her tree.

Question for You: Do you still hang real candy canes on the tree?

THE COUNT'S LAIR
BOOK 2, BUDAPEST MOON SERIES
BLURB: Count Anton Varga dares Lady Amelia Andrássy to discover the dark secret he hides from the rest of the world.

Opening:
Her swift fingers rushed over the keys like a flood of water tumbling over a dam. Heart pounding. Angst-filled. Troubled. Her brow wrinkled. Her body tensed and coiled, ready to pounce. With one final rush, the passionate notes of Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique filled the concert hall. Drained, numb from the gut-wrenching release of emotion, Amelia hung her head, fighting for breath as the concert hall filled with thunderous applause.

She kept her head down for an extra second, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. The accolades, the applause, the approval was all for her -- yet it still felt hollow.

SILVER WINNER: 2011 Reader's Favorite Contest in Romance: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
SIZZLING HOT BOOKS, 5 Hearts
"This is one of the best werewolf books I have ever read. If you enjoy the Werewolf legends, or just romantic relationships, The Count's Lair is a wonderful read."
BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE:

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

SONY EBOOK STORE:

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbooktwothecount039slair-513164-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-142/Stephanie-Burkhart-Budapest-Moon/Detail.bok



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year! The Tournament of Roses Parade

Float from 2009



Happy New Year! May the start of the 2013 find you happy, healthy, and in good spirits.

Even as a young girl growing up in New England, I can remember turning on the TV to watch the Tournament of Roses parade held in Pasadena, CA. Now, Pasadena is in my backyard.

The Rose Parade has a long, rich history. It began on 1 Jan 1890, and was organized by members of Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club.

The Rule
The Rose Parade is always held on Jan 1st except when Jan 1st falls on a Sunday – then they move the Rose Parade to the following Monday, Jan 2nd.

This rule was put in place in 1893. According to the official site was instituted to: "avoid frightening tethered horses outside the local churches."

The Rose Parade outgrew the Valley Hunt Club and in 1895, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association was formed.

The parade's main attractions include flower covered floats, marching bands, and equestrians.

Did you Know?
Starting 2011 Honda became the official sponsor of the parade. It has the first float in the parade.

The parade follows the main route every year and down Colorado Bl. Which is a part of historic route 66.
1st Cavarly Division Mounted Unit

Professional float companies construct most of the floats. The floats have a rule: the framework has to be covered in natural materials: nuts, flowers, seeds, bark, plants, or vegetables. No exceptions.

Since the start of the parade, equestrian units play a vital role. This year several drill teams will be in the parade along with the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, the Anaheim Police Dept. Mounted Unit and Hawaii Pa'u Riders.

The parade invites top marching bands from all over the world. Local bands such as Pasadena City College Band have a long tradition with the parade. The University marching bands from the schools in the Rose Parade are also invited to march.

Did you Know?
This year's Grand Marshall is Dr. Jane Goodall.
Dr. Jane Goodall

Repeat Grand Marshalls include:
Shirley Temple
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Bob Hope
Richard Nixon
Earl Warren

The Royal Court
Each year a Queen and 6 princesses are chosen from Pasadena area girls between 17-21. The winners ride on a float in the parade, but they also have duties – attending over 100 events in the Pasadena area to promote the parade. The young ladies receive scholarships and a wardrobe.

Did you Know?
The 1954 Rose Parade was televised in color nationwide on NBC. It was the first program ever broadcasted in color on NBC. Currently, ABC holds the official parade TV contract, but because it is a public parade, other networks are allowed to produce their own coverage.

After the parade is over, the floats are parked and put on display for 2 days. Admission to view the floats is $10.00. The floats compete for awards. 24 in total are given out.

Football
In 1902, the 1st Rose Bowl game was played. The next one wasn't played until 1916, and they've been played annually ever since. The football game is played on the same day as the parade.

Question for you: What two teams are playing in the 2013 Rose Bowl? What two teams played in the Rose Bowl last year? Who won?

Do you have a favorite Rose Parade memory? Feel free to share!

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Her latest release is "A Gentleman and A Rogue," Book 2 in the Windsor Diaries, her steampunk romance series.

BLURB:
Will Lady Keira Russell win Queen Victoria's approval for her work with Compressed Natural Gas, or will Edmund ruin Keira's chances with his mischief making?

OPENING:
Edmund Windsor landed flat on his rump. Frowning, he got to his knees and brushed the dirt off his frock jacket. To his left, he heard his cousin, Alice, grumbling. Good old Alice. It wouldn't be an adventure without her.

Review:

"I was hooked in it and did not want it to end. All of you romantic historical fans don’t miss this one – it is a winner." - 5 Stars, Trudi LoPreto for Reader's Favorites

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-366/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book/Detail.bok

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewindsordiariesbookthreeagentlemanandarogue-996194-141.html

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-two-stephanie-burkhart/1113777499?ean=2940015869538

AMAZON (KINDLE:)