The Next Biggest Thing Blog Stop: A Gentleman and a Rogue, steampunk romance

Hi all, I was tagged by Celia Yeary and here I am answering a few questions:

Question: What is the title of your book?

Steph: A Gentleman and a Rogue.

Question: Where did the idea come from for the book?

Steph: This is the sequel to "Victorian Scoundrel," from the Windsor Diaries, my steampunk romance series. Edmund and Keira were paired together as a couple in book 1. Book 2 is their story. Edmund realizes Keira is the love of his life and is determined to win her heart.

Question: What genre does your book fall under?

Steph: Steampunk romance

Question: What actors would you choose to play in the movie rendition?

Steph: Robert Pattinson for "Prince Edmund Windsor" and Keira Knightly for "Lady Keira Russell."

Question: What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Robert Pattinson

Steph: 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?

Question: Where can we get your book?

Steph:

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:)

http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C

Question: How long did it take your to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Steph: 3 months.

Keira Knightly

Question: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Steph: Karen Michelle Nutt's short story "Storm Riders," for the time traveling element.

Question: What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

Steph: There's grand adventure, unique leather-clad characters, cutting edge inventions, time travel, parallel universes, and Queen Victoria!

Blurb: Royals Edmund and Alice Windsor return to 2011 only to discover their world is now powered by gasoline and electricity - not compressed natural gas. Their attempts to persuade their grandmother, Queen Anne II, falls on deaf ears. Taking matters into their own hands, they enlist Jonas Byron's help and travel back to 1855 to set the time line right.

Now in Lincoln, Edmund is reunited with Lady Keira Russell, the love of his life, but if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Keira does not want to fall in love with him again. Jonas Byron has taken up with Keira's father to build a windmill, and Edmund's brother, Richard, the Guardian of the Time Machine, has followed Edmund to ensure Queen Victoria makes the right decision when choosing the fuel of the future. Edmund has a choice - make mischief to ensure time marches to the beat of the right drummer, or trust in Keira and her belief that Queen Victoria will make the right decision on her own. Will Edmund lost Keira for good if he makes the wrong choice?

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

"It’s the Amazing Race with energy sources in Stephanie Burkhart’s second steampunk." - 5 Stars, Muddy Rose Review

The next stop on the Next Biggest Thing (Monday, 14 JAN 2013) will be with the talented Karen Michelle Nutt at her blog: Karen's Shenanigans blog on her website http://www.kmnbooks.com 

12th Day of Christmas in Song - Joy to the World

Joy to the World is one of my favorite Christmas carols because it's so uplifting.

The song was first published in 1719. The lyrics were written by Englishman Isaac Watts, who based them on Psalm 98 from the Bible. Watts wrote the lyrics with the intent to glorify Christ's triumphant return at the end of the 2^nd coming.

The music was adapted and arranged by Lowell Mason in 1839 using an older melody from Handel. Several musical verses were taken from Handel's "Messiah," but not the entire song.

Did You Know?

Joy to the World is the most published Christmas hymn in North America.

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Her 6-year-old son, Joe, LOVES Eggnog.

Question: What's your favorite Christmas/Holiday drink?

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by during my 12 Days of Christmas in Song. I hope you enjoyed it. J

Smiles

Steph

The Green Rose

Fantasy Romance

Blurb: Sonia and Ivánstan embark on a quest for the green rose in order to save Gaia from Balthyser's evil threat.

Opening: Ivanstan whirled around and thrust his sword into the wyldebeast. His pulse thundered under his skin. Sweat beaded on his temple. With a jerk, he withdrew the blade and the creature stumbled forward, collapsing on its side. A foul stench from the beast filled the air -- copper and sulfur. Ivanstan steeled his spine and toughened his resolve, running his gaze over the creature and studying it. He had never seen the feared wyldebeast up close, but now Komodo Field was stained red with their blood. His jaw tensed and Ivanstan drew in a breath to tamp down his fear. The creature was tall, yet thin with coarse fur, long fingers, and orange eyes. Its fangs and nails were said to ooze poison.

"Ivan! Be on your guard!"

Ivanstan turned about. His friend and mage, Cason, rode past on horseback and threw him a shield made of Taveran steel, the hardest metal known to man.

5 Stars, Scorching Book Reviews

I don't read much romantic fantasy, but this was so well structured and so lovely, I could not put it down.

4 Stars, Laura Carter for Reader's Favorites:

I loved the characters of Ivánstan and Sonia and the romance growing between them is sweet and believable.

BUY LINKS:

PUBLISHER'S SITE

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-280/The-Green-Rose-Stephanie/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE:

http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109853031

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegreenrose-769936-143.html

SONY EBOOKS:

http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/the-green-rose/_/R-400000000000000673505

Victorian Scoundrel 2012 Romance of the Year

Victorian Scoundrel, Book 1 in "The Windsor Diaries," my steampunk romance was picked as the 2012 Romance of the Year at Deep in The Heart of Romance. I'm so excited to win and I want to thank everyone who voted for the book. I really appreciate it.  

HERE'S A LOOK AT VICTORIAN SCOUNDREL:



Winner: BRONZE 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: History

2011 Hope Chest Reviews Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Series

BLURB: When Alice follows her cousin, Edmund, back through time, she has no idea the mischief she's in for!

BOOK TRAILER: 


REVIEWS: Reader's Favorites: 5 Stars, Molly E: She grips the reader instantly, and keeps them hooked until the last page... I highly recommend this with highest of 5 stars, and I can't wait until the second Windsor Diaries installment releases! 

Pen & Muse Reviews: A wonderful historical, paranormal steampunk read this was. The author really had me hooked from the first chapter... I loved the humor in this read along with the historical facts.

"Stephanie Burkhart has done an excellent job of combing several genres to create a highly interesting, entertaining story that once you start to read you will not want the story to end." - 4 Stars, Anita, Kindle Book Review 

Long & Short Reviews, 4 Books, Larkspur: It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode." 

Scorching Hot Reviews: 4 Stars:

Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging. A fantastic edition to the steam-punk genre....bring on book two :)

Hope Chest Reviews: 4.5 Stars:

Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

Tired and thirsty, she finally made it to the courtyard. Edmund was nowhere to be found. She should have expected it, really. No doubt he was in the palace filling their great-grandfather's head with forward-thinking ideas. She crossed her arms, staring at the steps.

 Several carriages waited nearby. No one in their right mind would let her into the palace looking like she did -- like she had just stepped out of the gutter.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

Alice spun around to find herself face-to-face with two gentlemen who stood near one of the waiting carriages. One gentleman was older, Alice guessed in his fifties, one younger. The older gentleman stared at her like she truly was a guttersnipe, but the younger one -- he was tall, with chiseled cheeks and sensitive hazel eyes. His broad chest filled his suit well and he measured her with a cool, appraising look that hinted at... appreciation. An uncomfortable feeling washed over her. Never had a man's stare made her feel so... warm. 



"Well?" asked the older gentleman.

Alice straightened her posture with her usual royal dignity and took off her glasses as she always did when she introduced herself. "I am Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice of York." 

The men looked at each other, at her, then back at themselves. She wasn't sure if they were befuddled, confused, or wanted to laugh. Finally, the older gentleman spoke. "Princess Alice is seven years old." 

Alice bit the inside of her lip, realizing she had totally forgotten where she was due to the younger gentleman's attention. She slid her glasses back on. "Simply call me Alice -- Alice Windsor." 

"And you may call me Prime Minister." 

BUY LINKS: 
AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Diaries-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0058UG9Q6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1316808713&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK: 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1104099940?ean=2940012813824&itm=1&usri=victorian%2bscoundrel

SONY EBOOK STORE:
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/victorian-scoundrel/_/R-400000000000000429246

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewindsordiariesbookonevictorianscoundrel-571272-141.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-183/Stephanie-Burkhart-Victorian-Scoundrel/Detail.bok

KOBO:

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book-One/book-QYpbdTFmHEm64JwO_p9T1w/page1.html?s=-6Oq9Moeg0STYnHLUVccWQ&r=7

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/

10th Day of Christmas in Song - Silent Night

Silent Night is one of my favorite carols because it's mellow melody allows one to close their eyes and visualize the lyrics. For me, it's a Christmas card set to music.

As far as "traditional" carols, Silent Night is a more recent offering. The song was first played on Christmas Eve 1818 at the St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, a town on the Salzach River in Austria.

Father Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics calling the song "Stille Nacht." Franz Xavier Gruber, an organist in a nearby town, composed the music. Rumor had it the organ at the St. Nicholas Church broke down, so Gruber composed a guitar accompaniment for the song.

A popular singing group at the time, the Strasser sisters sung the carol throughout northern Europe and performed it for the King of Prussia, King Fredrick William IV.

Another signing group, the Rainers, brought the song to American in 1863, the song was finally translated into England and is now a Christmas classic in the 21^st Century.

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She puts a nativity scene under her tree each year.

Question for you: Do you decorate your house outdoors with Christmas lights?

Twilight Over Moldavia

Book 2 in the Moldavian Moon Series

Blurb: Prince Stefan is cursed to become a werewolf. Does Caroline dare to fall in love with a beast?

Opening:

Caroline swung her leg over the saddle and dismounted from Selene, her horse. It had to be nearby, and she was determined to find it before the Sigmaringens arrived. Her ladies, Jane and Louise, slid out of their saddles as well. Bless them. They were troopers to put up with her whims.

Jane collected Selene's reins. "Your mother would banish you to the embroidery room for a week if she knew you were here."

"Well, if I have my way, she'll never know the details about this little adventure."

Caroline peered at Jane over her shoulder, then lifted her bow. It sported a twenty-pound string, and she was very accurate with it. A quiver of arrows rested securely over her back.

5 Stars, Long & Short Book Reviews

NOMINATED FOR BOOK OF THE MONTH, FEB 2012

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.

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 Favorite Books of 2012

I love to read a good book. While time management was certainly a balancing act for me, I thought I'd share my top 10 favorite books of 2012. I've include the Title, the Author, and a snippet of my book review.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree or disagree? What were some of your favorite books in 2012?

Enjoy!

Steph

50 Shades of Grey

By: EL James

What makes the novel resonate is the characterization. Christian is forceful, bossy, dominant even, but he reveals to Ana another side of himself that he hasn't before. Ana is strong, made of "steele." She may be willing to try Christian's suggestions, but she speaks her mind all things.

Captured by the Highlander

By: Julianne MacLean

MacLean's writing is easy to read and plunges the reader in a suspense filled opening. The action is perfectly paced, allowing the reader to catch their breath before racing forward again.

Addie and the Gunslinger

By: Celia Yeary

Addie and the Gunslinger has just the right balance of old west, romance, action, adventure, and intrigue. A very heartwarming read.

It's Complicated

By: Angela Britnell

"It's Complicated" promises endearing characters, romantic locales, and an unpredictably that will keep the readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Lady of the Rivers

By: Phillipa Gregory

Gregory brings history alive in a rich, vibrant, emotional, and personal way that engages the reader and keeps them turning the pages.

Magic of the Loch

By: Karen Michelle Nutt

The Magic of the Loch" will wrap the reader in its spell on the first page and won't let go until the end.

Noah's Ark

By: Vijaya Schartz

Schartz excels at world building as she layers the humans' discoveries staring with the citadel, then the godds, and then tossing in the zerkers.

Oceans Between Us

By: Helen Scott-Taylor

Scott-Taylor's romantic setting and easy writing style stirs the reader's heartstrings.  I'm a sucker for a great international romantic setting and Scott-Taylor has a way of making the reader feel like they're residents of the locales in the novel.

Rogue Pirates Bride

By: Shana Galen

Galen's writing is full of witty dialogue, vivid descriptions, and effortlessly plunges the reader into Sebastien and Raeven's world. The plot moves at just the right pace, leaving the reader breathless.

The Titans Curse

By: Rick Riordan

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.

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 8^th 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, 8^th 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:

http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B004LLIEMK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317535160&sr=8-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-two-the-counts-lair-stephanie-burkhart/1029218357?ean=9781612520186&itm=5&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

SONY EBOOK STORE:

http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/the-count-s-lair/_/R-400000000000000337165

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

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 1^st except when Jan 1^st falls on a Sunday – then they move the Rose Parade to the following Monday, Jan 2^nd.

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 1^st 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 1^st 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:)

http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C