Excerpt Monday - The Inspiration behind Twilight Over Moldavia

When I was a young girl, I used to watch "Creature Double Feature" on Saturday's and became convinced that there were beings who went bump in the night like vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies. Silly me – I thought if I covered my neck with my covers the vampires couldn't get me. Oh, and I never did figure out what happened to all the lint under the bed so I think there was merit to my belief.

All those creatures of the night resonated with that young girls so when I grew up, I wanted to write about them. Being the optimist I am, I gravitated toward romanced writing. When I discovered paranormal writing, I'd knew I'd found my niche.

In 2005, I wanted to write a paranormal romance about a werewolf. Vampires were pretty popular back then and I wanted to explore the wolf. My idea? I wanted to write a fairytale in reverse where the princess had to save the prince. Inspiration had taken root.

I threw a dash of gothic and a pinch of moonlight into the plot and wrote "Twilight Over Moldavia." Prince Stefan had been cursed to become a werewolf on his 18th birthday. Can Caroline's love save him? I wrote the first draft then wrote "The Wolf's Torment," explaining how Stefan came to be cursed. I went through several drafts of each and my self-published "The Wolf's Torment" in 2007 had more horror elements than romantic ones. In 2009, I signed contracts with Desert Breeze for the Moldavian Moon Series. The published version of "Twilight Over Moldavia" is draft #4. It's a story close to my heart because I love how Caroline and Stefan come together to face adversity. I usually don't draw inspiration from music, but for their story, I drew a lot from "Astronomy" by Blue Oyster Cult. Inspiration comes from the willingness to explore.

GIVEAWAY: Read the excerpt. At the end, Caroline asks Stefan a question. Tell me what you think he said and leave your email. I'll pull a winner out of the hat to receive a PDF copy of Twilight Over Moldavia.


ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
Once everyone was seated, the dinner service began. Stefan sat next to Caroline, with their fathers on either side of them. Stefan glanced at his mother. If Queen Aurora's expression betrayed her disappointment, his mother's expression betrayed deep worry. Interesting. He followed his mother's gaze and found it on Lady Getzi's table. Now that piqued his curiosity. Lady Getzi was one of his mother's dearest friends. What would cause such worry? The word secret popped into his mind and sent a small sliver of unease coursing through him.

"Prince Stefan, do you like your meal?"

He turned at the soft sing-song quality in Caroline's voice, surprised to find it so delicate and feminine after their previous encounter.

"Yes. Roasted pork is one of my favorites."

King Mircea placed a hand over Caroline's and patted it affectionately. "Stefan is your equal. You may address him by his name."

Caroline nodded. Stefan glanced at his father and noticed he had an almost haunted expression on his face, as if he'd recently recalled Mircea's words. Was Stefan a fish out of water? The whole banquet centered around his coming and was offered for his betrothment, yet he sensed much intrigue surrounded their parents.

"Yes, Papa," Caroline replied, smiling.

Stefan sipped his wine and leaned over to Caroline, trying to dispel the uncertainty caused by his observations of their parents. "These occasions are so formal, aren't they?"

"Yes, they are."

"I was pleasantly surprised to discover you are the crown princess of Carpathia," he whispered.

"Surprised, or horrified?" she replied in a whisper.

*****

5 Stars, Long & Short Book Reviews
Twilight Over Moldavia is even better than the first book in the series. It is an excellent story filled with just the right balance of romance, magic, and danger.

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
The twisting story line will keep your nose in the book until you have finished. Stephanie's ability to add suspense and mystery to romances gives her stories all the more depth. If you love werewolf stories, romances, or a good book, I recommend Twilight Over Moldavia.

4 Stars, Vijaya Schartz, author
In this novel full of danger and intrigue, sexy scenes, and unspeakable secrets, the werewolves are the villains, and oh how dangerous they are, and unwashed, and uncivilized. The kind of villains you love to hate.

5 Stars, Mona Risk, Author "No More Lies"
Burkhart's writing style grabs the reader from the first page. She keeps you breathless with her suspense as she transports you to exotic areas you will enjoy discovering.

5 Stars, Karen Michelle Nutt, Author of the "Fallen Angel" Series:
"Ms. Burkhart paranormal tale is rich in history, painting a picture as clearly as if the reader is standing beside Stefan and Caroline."

5 Stars, Barbara M. Hodges, Author of "The Blue Flame"
Twilight Over Moldavia whisked me into a part of the world I knew nothing about, and gave me a wonderful love story filled with suspense too. What more could a reader desire?

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites, Brenda Ballard

BUY LINKS:

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbooktwotwilightovermoldavia-667833-139.html

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B006RQ7LU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325479348&sr=8-1

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-247/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two/Detail.bok

B&N NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moldavian-moon-book-two-stephanie-burkhart/1108111730?ean=2940013822177&itm=1&usri=twilight+over+moldavia

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

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

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

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

My book review for "Everglades" by Petie McCarty

Book Review for: Everglades
Written by: Petie McCarty
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-172-5
Avail: ebook only
4.5 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

McCarty pens an intriguing tale of adventure and love with "Everglades." Kayli Heddon is a photographer on a mission, but will her Seminole guide, Skye Landers, derail her planned out life?

Set in the Florida everglades, Kayli is given an assignment by her uncle, the governor – capture the beauty of the everglades. He has a proposal to help the everglades environment. Upon her arrival, Kayli meets her guide, Skye Landers. Kayli and Skye share an instant attraction, but both try to deny it.

Kayli sets out on her expedition with guides from the water district and Clay, a man she used to date. With so many different personalities, there are a ton of clashes and misunderstandings.

While exploring the everglades, Kayli and Skye grow closer, but danger lurks just around the corner when one of the Skye's cousins is coerced into helping drug dealers. Can Skye keep Kayli safe? Does their romance even stand a chance when both Kayli and Skye can't be honest with each other?

McCarty's writing is sharp and engaging. The plot is interesting and the story educates the reader in a natural, organic way. If anything, there didn't appear to be a solid resolution regarding Clay's actions, but that was minor for me.

The characters are deliciously human. Skye shows true heroism in the face of danger, while Kayli finds an inner strength and courage she didn't realize she possessed. Kayli's and Skye's pride gets in their ways at times, and both need to overcome this if they want a real future together.

The most rewarding part was the ending. With an unexpected twist, a lot of elements came together. The end was full of excitement, adventure and mystery which kept me on the edge of my seat.

The novel is sweet for romance readers with Kayli and Skye sharing several kisses. Overall, "Everglades" is a heartwarming story that will have readers believing in the power of love.

Welcome Guest Author - Suz deMello

STEPH:Where did you find the inspiration for the main story?

SUE: I honestly don’t know. When people ask me where I get my ideas, I usually tell them that I buy them by the dozen at Sears—they sell them in the basement between the barbecues and the exercise bikes.

STEPH: How do the hero and heroine meet?

SUE: Both Kathie and Ross work for a super-secret (fictitious) law enforcement entity called the US Security Agency.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story?

SUE: It’s a dark BDSM-themed cover that reflects the story while not illustrating a particular scene.

STEPH: What genre is RS-BDSM, and why do you like to write that genre?

SUE: RS is romantic suspense, and BDSM is bondage-domination-sadism-masochism. I like to write RS because it’s easier to write a romance with your hero and heroine doing something while falling in love. The BDSM aspect is because it’s kinda fun J

STEPH: How long have you been writing?

SUE: I wasn’t one of those lucky souls who came out of the womb clutching a pencil. Though I edited my high school’s literary magazine and published a few poems in it, and wrote/edited for my law school journal, I didn’t start writing my first romance novel until 1996. So I’ve been writing fiction for about sixteen years.

STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?

SUE: A little of both. Initially I was very much a plotter, then when writers’ block hit, I became a pantser. Now I vaguely know what I’m doing and where the book is going, but I try to let the characters and their conflicts shape the plot instead of me being on the outside dictating it.

STEPH: Do you prefer to read ebooks or print books?

SUE: Both.

STEPH: Who is your favorite author?

SUE: Me!

STEPH: Fun question: What's your favorite children's book?

SUE: Wow. That’s a tough one because I love and read a great deal of YA fiction, especially YA paranormal. I’ll go back further into the past and say that Alice in Wonderland is my fave. It’s certainly the most reread book in my life except for maybe the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I also love the Pooh books. I also owned an autographed copy of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, which I think is wonderful. And Dr. Seuss is great!

Blurb for: For My Master:
Agent Kathie Belmont has long lusted after her boss, Ross Guerrero, but has never plucked up the courage to even flirt with him. Could he be the strong but tender Master she craves?

Ross wants Kathie in his life—on her knees. But the constraints of their jobs with an ultra-secret US security agency have come between them.

Until the sadistic drug-trafficker El Silencio is tempted into a deal with Ross’s undercover persona—a deal that will go down at a BDSM party. With Kathie disguised as his sex slave, Ross sets out to bring down the criminal gang, and perhaps to tempt Kathie into performing her role for him…forever.

Enjoy this Excerpt:
Station chief Ross Guerrero tapped a pencil on his blotter and scrutinized Kathie Belmont, seated on a straight-backed chair on the other side of his wide, government-issue desk. A soft-faced young woman, she had the healthy good looks of a college student or a California beach cutie, common here in San Diego. Her mink-brown hair with tasteful gold highlights was blunt cut at her chin, masking a strong jaw line. Wide, long-lashed eyes regarded Ross with openness and candor.

With multiple piercings in each ear and a silver toe ring peeping from her sandal, she looked like any girl attending San Diego State, UCSD or even Chula Vista High. In reality, Belmont was twenty-nine years old, had graduated with honors in criminal justice from Pepperdine, then gone on to a short but successful career as a police officer in Los Angeles. She’d joined the US Security Agency, performing well during training and in her first assignments. Now he’d find out if she was ready for more demanding tasks.

Her appearance was as useful as her black belt and her Glock. Living proof of the maxim “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” Agent Belmont, who’d been orphaned as a teen, had capably cared for her two younger siblings, fighting to keep her family together. She was as competent an operative as any he’d encountered during his thirteen years with the agency.

“Here’s the situation.” Ross set his china espresso cup into its saucer with a click. “There’s a group of baddies selling drugs just over the border. Mostly steroids, but some crystal, crack, horse … you name it, they’ve got it. Because they’re in Mexico, the usual law enforcement agencies can’t go in.”

Her hazel eyes gleamed. “But we can.”

“Yes, we can. But there’s a twist.”

She shrugged tanned shoulders, revealed by her sleeveless pink blouse. “Isn’t there always?”


About the Author:
Best-selling, award-winning author Sue Swift, a.k.a Suz deMello, has written over fifteen novels, plus several short stories and non-fiction articles. She writes in numerous genres including romance, mystery, paranormal, historical, contemporary comedy and erotica. She’s a freelance editor who’s worked for Total-E-Bound, Ai Press, Liquid Silver Books and Etopia Press. She also takes on private clients.

Her books have been favorably reviewed in PW, Kirkus and Booklist, attained the finals of the RITA and reached the top ten on a bestseller list.

A former trial attorney, she resides in northern California. Her passion is world travel, and she’s left the US over a dozen times, including stints working overseas for many months. Right now, she's working on her next manuscript and planning her next trip.

Her blog is at http://www.fearlessfastpacedfiction.com. Find her reading picks @ReadThis4fun on Twitter, and befriend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SueSwift).

California Thursday - Catalina Island & the 4th of July

You know one of my favorite ways to spend the 4th of July is on Catalina Island. I enjoy it so much, the family pretty much makes it our major vacation of the year. For me, the pleasure is in the fact that it's simple fun. There's a golf cart parade, the USC Marching band, BBQ, and my boys love the sense of adventure that they experience while on the island. So without further ado, here's some pics from this year's vacation.

This is a view from the balcony of the condo we rented.

This is a view from the top of Hamilton Cove looking down at the Casino. (And no, the Casino is not a place to gamble!) It's hard to see here, but the moon is in the photo.

Yes, I finally went Kayaking! Here's a view from my Kayak.

The boys on the 4th of July. Happy Birthday America!

One of the golf carts in the golf cart parade. :)

Brent BBQ'ing next to the Beach.

On the Menu: Steak, baked potato, corn and grilled onion. And Grapes! Can't forget the grapes.

Question: How did you spend your 4th? What's your favorite 4th of July? How about your favorite summer fruit? Love to your thoughts.

Smiles
Steph

Book Review Tuesday - The Titan's Curse

Book Review for: "The Titan's Curse"
Written by: Rick Riordan
Hyperion Books
ISBN: 978-142310148-2
Avail in: Print and Ebook
4 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

"Full of Action and Adventure!"

The Titans Curse is a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat addition to the "Percy Jackson and Olympians" set. This is the 3rd book in the series. Percy is now fourteen. He's sent on a mission with his friends to recover two half-bloods, but Kronos' army wants them, too. What makes the diAngelos so special and what is "The Titan's Curse?"

The novel opens with a battle over the diAngelos, two half-bloods staying in a military-like school. The goddess, Artemis, intervenes to help. The diAngelos are saved, but Annabeth, Percy's friend, is kidnapped. Artemis goes on the hunt and sends her hunters to Camp Half Blood to keep them safe, putting her lieutenant, Zoe Nightshade, in charge.

While at Camp Half Blood, Zoe rubs everyone the wrong way. The Oracle also makes a surprising appearance with a prophecy. Soon, everyone learns Artemis is in danger and Kronos' minions want a child of the big 3 (Hades, Poseidon, Zeus) for a very evil purpose. Zoe takes Bianca, Grover, Thalia, Zeus' daughter, with her on the quest. Percy follows along, but is soon discovered. Action, adventure, and danger are on the menu. Can Percy and the Olympians find Artemis and Annabeth and prevent the titan's curse from coming to fruition?

Riordan's writing style is crisp, sharp, and easy to read. There's a very comfortable flow to his writing which pulls them along, making them feel like a member of Camp Half Blood.

What I enjoyed about the novel was how it appeals to younger readers. There's likable heroes and Riordan's modern take on the Greek gods make them interesting to a new, younger modern audience.

Watching Percy grow and interact with his friends is heartwarming. I love how the story has a very silent, but resonating message of the power of friendship, loyalty, and honesty.

Percy's a bit more mature as character, but still reckless in ways. He's loyal to the bone – especially to Annabeth. Thalia, Zeus' daughter, was also a delight to meet. When her loyalty is tested, Thalia finds strength in her noble lineage. What I enjoyed about the diAngelos and their mystery was trying to put the clues together to figure out who their Olympian parent was.

The ending does not disappoint. It's loaded with a lot of surprises and some heartwarming moments.

"The Titan's Curse" is a middle school/young adult fiction. I would recommend this story for 4th grade on up.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Percy. Have you read a book? Watched the movie?

4th of July Fun Facts & Trivia!

Happy 4th of July to all! I'm on Catalina Island just off the coast of CA near Los Angeles, celebrating America's birthday. The USC marching band kicks off the fun opening up the golf cart parade. Golf carts drive down the main street in festive decorations. Afterwards, we have a BBQ by the water. Then we scope out a spot on the beach and watch the fireworks over Avalon Bay. I'd love to hear how you celebrate the 4th. Today I've got some 4th of July Trivia, Fun Facts and a Giveaway. Enjoy!
America's big "beef" with Britain? There was taxation without representation. The colonies were not represented in the British parliament.

Betsy Ross sewed the 1st American flag in May or June 1776.

The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on 8 July 1776.

Congress declared the 4th of July a federal holiday – in 1941!

Calvin Coolidge

President Calvin Coolidge was born on the 4th of July.

On the original American Flag, 13 stars are in a circle, representing that all the 13 colonies were to be considered equal.

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest man to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was 70.

America is 236 years old today.


Giveaway: Answer one of the questions below correctly and leave your email address. I'll pick one winner to receive a copy of my vintage romance, "Journey of the Heart." It's the summer of 1946 in Sonoma, California. Will Rachel willing to take a journey of the heart with James to keep her winery?

Question: What do the colors of the American Flag mean?

Question: Who wrote the Star Spangled Banner? It's the same "tune" as what British song?

Question: What 3 presidents died on the 4th of July?

Bonus: What was the 14th State admitted to the Union?

Get the bonus and one of the questions right, win, and receive a copy of The Faberge Secret along with Journey of the Heart.

References:
http://www.fourthofjulytrivia.com/
http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/featured_fourth_of_july/4th_of_july_history_trivia_and_facts

http://www.cleveland.com/pdq/index.ssf/2011/07/fathoming_fun_facts_on_this_fe.html

Book Review Friday - Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Book Review for: Pillars of the Earth
Written by: Ken Follet
New American Library/Penguin
ISBN: 978-0-451-22524-5
Avail as print & ebook
5 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

"Pillars of the Earth" is full of greed, ambition, betrayal, loyalty, and love. Set in the 1100's England during the troubled times of Stephen and Maud, their clash for the crown challenges the lives of the lower classes in unforeseen ways.

The story takes places over several decades. The novel opens with a woman cursing a knight, a monk, and a priest at the hanging of an innocent man, raising the reader's curiosity immediately. From there, the reader meets Tom Builder who is fired from a project. With no money, he can't support his family. His wife dies in childbirth and Tom abandons the child. Feeling bad, he goes to recover the baby only to find out the monks found him and are willing to raise it.

Prior Phillip takes over the crumbling Kingsbridge Cathedral and faces many obstacles. Percy Hamleigh, the local landowner, learns the local Earl is plotting against the king. His son, William, brings the traitor to light and eventually the Hamleighs are rewarded. Aliena, the Earl's daughter, fights with passion to obtain the castle stolen from her. Follet masterfully weaves the lives of Tom, Phillip, Percy, William and Aliena together against a backdrop of greed, war, betrayal and secrets. Will truth and love prove to be the pillars of the Earth that overcome the darkness of the soul?

Follett's writing style is a bit stilted at times, but as the story progresses, I became used to it. The plot is slow, but I learned that every event is succinctly linked to the last and there were times I had to really think about what had happened. In that regard, I really enjoyed how the book made me consider the plot and characters.

The characters were not only interesting, but compelling. Even the monks, who are men of God, have human failings. These characters will make the reader cry, laugh, smile and cuss.

Follett is a superb storyteller. Pillars of the Earth is an epic historical fiction that takes the reader to another time and place with ease. There's plenty of action, suspense, adventure and romance. The novel taps into primal, core emotions and will resonate long after the last page. While the novel took me several months to read, it was worth it. If you're a fan of historical fiction, I'd give Pillars of the Earth a try.