Autumn in California 2015 #autumn

The other day I went with my younger son to pick Pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch.  Sadly, our favorite ranch, Lombardi, was closed this year.  They didn't have enough water to water and grow their plants.  A big bummer.

Veggie stand on the 126


Anyhoo...we got to Filmore and found the PumpkinLiner.  It was a 45 minute train ride to the pumpkin patch! How could we refuse?

Here's a view of the mountains as we traveled to the pumpkin patch...

It doesn't really look like autumn here in California, does it?  No rustic leaves, no overcast skies, no linger fog.  But that's okay.  This is what Autumn in Southern California looks like.  It's warm (even a bit humid today) sunny, and plenty of green leaves on the trees.  But we do have pumpkins.  Enjoy the following pictures from Lombardi Ranch..

2014 

2008

2011 

Question: Where do you go for your pumpkins? 

Snippet Sunday: Twilight Over Moldavia, paranormal romance! #snippetsunday

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

About this excerpt: "It" is revealed...

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET: 

Caroline was the best horsewoman in Ploiesti and the best archer in Carpathia -- quite an accomplishment for being only sixteen. The fresh air invigorated her, and she had a mission today. 

To find her deceased sister's heirloom scarf.

Edwina had been two years older than Caroline, and Carpathia's crown princess. Their mother, the queen, had groomed her for the position. Her embroidery had been flawless, her dancing elegant, and her manners impeccable. 

Caroline was her parents' second daughter. Her embroidery was pitiful, her dancing, passable, and her manners were a little stiff. 

**This snippet has been modified to fit the 8 sentence requirement.**

BLURB: 

Romanian unification is on the horizon and the spirited Crown Princess of Carpathia, Caroline, would prefer to ride horses and archery to embroidery and dancing. Complicating her life is her recent discovery that she's a witch. 

Prince Stefan Sigmaringen travels to Carpathia to meet Caroline. He discovers he has much in common with her. He also learns that a strange man, Timon, has an unnatural interest in him.

Upon Stefan's engagement, he overhears his mother confessing to a horrible secret – she cursed him in order to conceive him and Stefan will become a werewolf when he turns eighteen. There is a condition to overcome the curse, but it will require Stefan to draw on all his inner strength and Caroline, her courage. Can they break the foul enchantment and secure their future or will Stefan give himself over to the lupine curse that haunts his family? 

BUY LINKS: 

Publisher's Link: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/moldavian-moon-book-two-twilight-over-moldavia-epub/

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B006RQ7LU8

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twilight-over-moldavia-stephanie-burkhart/1106608043?ean=2940013822177

All Romance EBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-twilightovermoldavia-667833-162.html

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/moldavian-moon-book-two-twilight-over-moldavia

REVIEWS:

4 Stars, InD'Tales Magazine JUL/AUG 2013

Burkhart does a fantastic job crafting all different kinds of loving relationships that endear the reader to her characters. - Sofia St. Angeles

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.

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSAhxv0lTIM

Why did you buy that Romance? Because of the Title!

There is no charm equal to the tenderness of the heart.

--Jane Austen.

Why did you read that romance?

The title sucked me in.

*****

What catches our eye first? I thought I'd explore how romantic titles suck us in and dare us to read them.

Why did you pick up that romance story? Was it the title? Did it intrigue you?

Coming up with a title for your story is never easy. The main ingredient: Your title should never be dull. After all, what entices you more to read: "Gone with the Wind" or "The Plantation?"

A title should be easy to remember and appropriate to your story. "Romeo and Juliet" is a good example. It's easy and puts the main characters front and center.

Everyone knows "Pretty Woman." Julia Roberts is a hooker with a heart of gold. The title is easy to remember and describes Roberts' character, Vivian, inside and out – she truly is a pretty woman. The challenge (or conflict) is finding a way out of her predicament.

The best titles reflect the tone of the story and are found in the context of the writing. The more clear and clever the title, the better.

A story title represents your work to the rest of the world so pick well and show off your interesting side. 

LET'S TAKE A POLL:

Tell me what Title caught your attention:

#1 - Devil in Winter  by Lisa Kleypas

#2 - Chilled   by Kendra Elliot

#3 - The Rogue you Know   by Shana Galen

#4 - Stranger in the Moonlight  by Jude Deveraux 

Snippet Sunday: Twilight Over Moldavia, paranormal romance #snippetsunday

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

About this excerpt: .Caroline is on a mission to find "It."

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET: 

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. 

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. 

"You have our confidences, of course," Louise said.

Caroline smiled, "Good. Let's start poking around. Leave no stone or log unturned."


**This snippet has been modified to fit the 8 sentence requirement. **

BLURB: 

Romanian unification is on the horizon and the spirited Crown Princess of Carpathia, Caroline, would prefer to ride horses and archery to embroidery and dancing. Complicating her life is her recent discovery that she's a witch.

Prince Stefan Sigmaringen travels to Carpathia to meet Caroline. He discovers he has much in common with her. He also learns that a strange man, Timon, has an unnatural interest in him.

Upon Stefan's engagement, he overhears his mother confessing to a horrible secret – she cursed him in order to conceive him and Stefan will become a werewolf when he turns eighteen. There is a condition to overcome the curse, but it will require Stefan to draw on all his inner strength and Caroline, her courage. Can they break the foul enchantment and secure their future or will Stefan give himself over to the lupine curse that haunts his family?

BUY LINKS: 

Publisher's Link: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/moldavian-moon-book-two-twilight-over-moldavia-epub/

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B006RQ7LU8

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twilight-over-moldavia-stephanie-burkhart/1106608043?ean=2940013822177

All Romance EBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-twilightovermoldavia-667833-162.html

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/moldavian-moon-book-two-twilight-over-moldavia

REVIEWS:

4 Stars, InD'Tales Magazine JUL/AUG 2013

Burkhart does a fantastic job crafting all different kinds of loving relationships that endear the reader to her characters. - Sofia St. Angeles

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.

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSAhxv0lTIM

Book Review: 12 Sharp by Janet Evanovich #bookreview

Book Review for: Twelve Sharp

Written by: Janet Evanovich

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 978-0312-349530

 

4 Stars

Heart-pounding Suspense!

 

Evanovich steps up her game – and Stephanie’s – in this installment. Vinnie’s been writing a lot of bonds which means more work at the agency. On top of this, the agency’s top bailsman, Ranger, goes missing. It’s a problem Stephanie doesn’t need. 

While tracking down her FTA’s, Stephanie gets more drawn into Ranger’s troubles. When a “wife” shows up claiming to be looking for him, Stephanie knows it’s serious. She discovers Ranger’s daughter has been kidnapped and when his “wife” is found dead, Stephanie realizes a deadly imposter is after Ranger’s life. If Stephanie isn’t sharp enough, her friends just might lose their lives. 

Evanovich’s writing is engaging, witty, and sharp. She’s an easy, enjoyable read with characters that will have you laughing and crying with them.

There’s a mini plot with Sally Sweet and Lula which provides more lighter moments in contrast to the heavier, nail-biting suspense involving Stephanie and Ranger. As usual, the supporting cast entertains with delightful charm. 

“Twelve Sharp” is a cozy mystery with romantic elements and heart-pounding suspense. It’s a race against time that will keep the reader engaged and turning the pages. A worthy edition to the Stephanie Plum series. I highly recommend this book.

Question for you: Who is your favorite character in th Stephanie Plum series? 

Long Live Queen Kelsea! Book Review for Queen of the Tearling #bookreview #queenofthetearling

Book Review for: The Queen of the Tearling

Written by: Erika Johansen

Harper Colllins

ISBN: 978 0062290373

Avail: ebook, paperback, hardback

5 Stars

Long Live Queen Kelsea and the Tearling!

Johansen's writing shines as brilliant as an intricately cut sapphire with her first novel, "The Queen of the Tearling." Set in a futuristic society, the reader discovers a time and place uncharacteristically backward, a feudal society lacking electricity, formal education, and comforts including medical care. Tearling is a country under Mortmesne control, forced to send shipments of slaves to keep the peace between the two countries.

It is into the world Kelsea Raleigh is born, heir to the Tearling throne. She's marked by a brilliant sapphire that hangs around her neck and a deep scar burned into her arm. She's raised by foster parents, each given a certain responsibility to impress upon her. The novel opens with the old Queen's guard finding nineteen-year-old Kelsea hidden away. They must escort her to the capital so she can finally assume the position for which she's been so carefully groomed – ruler of the Tearling.

The journey is filled with danger despite the loyalty of Kelsea's companions, Mace, Pen, Carroll, and Mhurn. Kelsea confronts several emotions: courage, bravery, hope, fear, loyalty, and the stirrings of love. Her emotions and moods infuse the stone around her neck with a power she has not experienced before. When she arrives in the capital, her first act is to stop the shipment of Tearling slaves to Mortmesne. Now, can Kelsea despite her youth and inexperience, keep her people safe?

Johansen effortlessly blends action, adventure and characterization. Her writing style is easy to read and understand, especially in light of the fantasy setting. There's magic, heroes, and villains accompanied by despair, hope, and courage. I simply couldn't put this book down. I needed to know what would happen next to Kelsea. There are a lot of unexpected turns and surprising layers to this wonderfully nuanced story. Consider me on the hunt for the sequel. I would recommend this story for 13-year-old readers and up. This book is thrilling from the first page to the last!

Question: What was the most recent book you read that you gave a 5 Star Review to? 

Snippet Sunday: A Princess is Always Right #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance, A Princess is Always Right. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this excerpt: Sophia goes steampunk.

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET: 

Sophia placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the three outfits on the bed. Jocelyn's old clothes were going to prove more comfortable than corsets and hoop skirts. Sure, Sophia would get a lot of looks, but that didn't bother her. She was used to being stared at. After all, wherever the Yorks went, so did the paparazzi. Sophia picked out something to wear, a leather skirt that went down just to her ankles, boots, a beige button-down shirt and a leather vest. Then she packed the other outfits, some toiletries, and baking soda for her teeth. The bag threatened to burst at the seams.  

BLURB: 

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.      

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

BUY LINKS: 

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-four-a-princess-is-always-right-epub/

Amazon link: http://amzn.com/B01593SYZU

All Romance Ebooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aprincessisalwaysright-1888259-343.html

Barnes & Noble: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-is-always-right-stephanie-burkhart/1122644143?ean=2940150862906

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-princess-is-always-right/id1039509121?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4