Congratulations to Young Witchcraft - 2015 IDA 3rd Place Contest Winner!

The International Digital Awards is a contest sponsored by Oklahoma Romance Writers of America and is open to all works of fiction in digital format, regardless of their romantic content. 

Young Witchcraft, my 99 cent story earned 3rd Place in the Short Story, Young/New Adult Category! 

BLURB:Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her. 

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats. 

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good? 

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT: 

Suzie bumped into Rachel's shoulder. Rachel nearly lost her balance, extended her leg, and regained her bearing.  Thank the broomsticks Suzie's contact didn't start a bleeding episode.

"I'd be careful if I were you. Don't cross me."

"What you did was mean and you know it." Rachel squared her shoulders, despite the knots in her stomach.

Suzie narrowed her eyes.

"Is there a problem?" Joe approached, his arms crossed.

"You two losers deserve each other." Suzie rolled her eyes and walked off.

Rachel swallowed hard, pushing the hurt from Suzie's comment aside for now. Rachel glanced at Joe. "Anna's ankle is swollen. Can you help her out to her car?"

"Sure."

Rachel smiled her appreciation at Joe. He'd grown tall, over six feet and his green eyes sparkled like gems when the light caught them a certain way.  His blond hair had darkened a bit to sandy blond, but he kept his hair in a nice neat cut. He often had a five o'clock shadow that she found incredibly attractive on him. Joe was lean and with thin muscles, and not an ounce of fat on him. He could tear up a refrigerator. Fruit, pizza, and celery were his favorite foods. He was as picky as a black cat about what he ate since he had a peanut allergy. Joe played on the football team as a tight end or a running back. His practice must have gotten over early tonight.

A part of her wanted to reach out for his hand like she did when they were kids, back when life wasn't so complicated, but something held her back. Hurt? Doubt? Lack of courage? She sighed. Her self-esteem had taken a big hit today, but she wanted to be a good friend to Anna so she brushed aside her anxiety. Now that Joe was here, Rachel could do anything. 

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:  http://amzn.com/B00YJW0YMO

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/young-witchcraft-stephanie-burkhart/1122051463?ean=2940151946490

SMASHWORDS:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/546938

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/young-witchcraft

***If you would like to review the book, please send me a request at botrina_buchanan@yahoo.com with Young Witchcraft Reiew in the subject line.** 

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas romance: Christmas in Bayeux

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

About this excerpt: Aiden is nervous about seeing Noel again. 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET: 

Bayeux was a small town, but it held the key to his battered heart. It was only seven kilometers from Omaha Beach, and the American World War II cemetery.
The streets narrowed as he drove into the town proper. Thank goodness for the mini GPS he had taken. The buildings were beige and grey, dull against the winter white clouds.
She promised to be there.
He turned onto a more prominent street and there it was; Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux. It was one of the oldest gothic churches in France. Noel Rousseau stood before the heavy wooden doors, her hands tucked under her armpits. She was the beautiful foreign exchange student he'd met years ago when she came to study with his family in America. 

BLURB: 

The ravages of war have taken their toll on Aiden. Seeking peace, he has traveled to Bayeux, France, on a pilgrimage of sorts. Noel, a former exchange student who spent time with his family years before, provides him a place to stay at the old manor she has turned into an inn.
The attraction they felt nine years before at the tender age of sixteen flares to life as they spend time together and prepare the inn for Christmas. But there has been so much loss and grief for Aiden. Will Noel be able to help him feel again and can Aiden find what he is searching for? 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B005BTLSI8

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-bayeux-stephanie-burkhart/1104401603?ean=2940011371806

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72100

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/christmas-in-bayeux

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Diane Craver, Amazon Reviewer:  "Christmas in Bayeux" is the perfect short romance to enjoy during the holiday season or any time during the year, and I highly recommend it.

5 Stars, Karen Michelle Nutt, Amazon Reviewer:  Christmas in Bayeux is a tender romance sure to warm your hearts for anytime of the year. I highly recommend it.

5 Stars, Markee Anderson: This was just a wonderful and heart warming read.


BOOK TRAILER:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

Happy Veterans Day 2015: My Watch #veteransday

My airplane descended into Frankfurt, Germany, late November 1986 without incident. I collected my duffle bags and found the bus that would take me to the Rhein Main Air Base. It was bone-chilling cold that day and snow littered the ground. After waiting an extra day, the Army found me a unit to go to: the 583^rdOrdnance Company.  My watch had begun.

Me in Basic Training 1986

I joined the US Army in July 1986, filled with Patriotism. My President was Ronald Reagan and I was proud to serve my country. Sure, I was young, but I believed in my country, its freedoms, and the Constitution. I still do.

The first major event on my watch was the Fall of the Berlin Wall 3 years later. Hungary and Poland eased travel restrictions in the fall of 1989 and East Germany followed suit.  East Germany forced its leader out of office and a new government took over.  On 9 NOV 1989 the government announced new travel requirements to take effect “immediately” and the Berlin Wall came down.

My plane landed in Frankfurt on 10 NOV 1989. It was bone chilling cold day and snow littered the ground. I started my 2^nd tour in Germany, part of V Corps, assigned to the headquarters unit in the 11^th ACR. I witnessed Germany unification firsthand on 3 OCT 1990. History came alive for me that day. History I’ll never forget. The Cold War ended on my watch, and I’m most proud of that achievement.

The next major event on my watch was Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Gulf War I). Iraq invaded Kuwait and we fought back. I remained in Germany. The 11^th ACR deployed in support of Operation Positive Force from June-Sep 1991.

In DEC 1995 I arrived in Frankfurt for my 3^rd tour in Germany. My company deployed from DEC 95-96 in support of Operation Joint Guard, however I stayed in the rear. The following summer I deployed to Hungary from JUL-OCT 97 as part of the SFOR (Stabilization Force) a NATO peace enforcement mission. 

I left the Army in NOV 1997 after 11 years of service. My watch had ended. Since FEB 2000, I have worked as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. I’m proud of my service, and proud to support the US Army during these events. I met some great people in the military and I’m grateful for Facebook so I can keep up with them. 

Since then, the military has been tasked with several worldwide missions dealing with the war on terror – from the Army to the Air Force to the Navy and Marines, and I just want to thank everyone who has served. It isn’t an easy job. Thank you for your patriotism, your sacrifice, and ensuring the freedom of this great country. 

New Release in time for Christmas: Joseph's Cradle

COVER BLURB FOR Joseph’s Cradle:

Joseph and his wife, Mary, expect a baby. With all that is happening, including the government requiring a census, Joseph feels a little overwhelmed and a bit left out of the preparations for the baby. Is there something he can do?

5 SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR STEPHANIE:

#1: What inspired you to write the story?

STEPHANIE: I wanted to write the Christmas story from the view of being expectant parents.  I wanted to show how Joseph grew into fatherhood. I think these are all aspects of life we all can identify with. 

#2: How long did it take? 

STEPHANIE: The story took about a day to write.  After editing, I’d say it took about a week.

#3: Did you pick the illustrator?

STEPHANIE: No, I did not.  4RV Publishing selected the illustrator.  I think Matthew Hughes did a fantastic job with the illustrations.  They have a very soft hearted feel and compliment the story well. 

#4: What makes this book special?

STEPHANIE: It’s a look at the Christmas story from a different perspective. 

#5: How long have you been writing children's books?

STEPHANIE: About 5 years now. My first children's book, "The Giving Meadow" was published with 4RV Publishing in 2010. It has a great message about sharing and caring for young children as well as telling about Caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. It's perfect for Easter as it helps young children understand Jesus' story.

*****

A Different Perspective

By: Stephanie Burkhart

Have you only believed there was one way to do a task and when you learned there was another way, you were surprised? That’s happened to me a couple of times. Every time I’m always amazed. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

The Christmas story with Mary ad Joseph is one of the oldest, memorable stories in the world. In the Bible, Luke and Matthew share their accounts. We know Mary and Joseph traveled a good distance while Mary was about to have her baby. What an inconvenience that must have been! We discover how Mary embodies dignity and grace and we learn the depth of Joseph’s faith when he listens to the angel who visits him. Once they say ‘yes’ to God, what happens next?

I wanted to show another perspective of the story, one more personal and one we can all relate too. Mary and Joseph are going to be parents. The thought can be overwhelming. What must it have been like for them preparing for a baby? “Joseph’s Cradle” shows how Mary and Joseph approach parenthood. I hope you enjoy the story!

Question for you: What gift would you give Jesus for Christmas?

*****

Reviews: 

Patricia Karwatowicz, 4 stars, Amazon Reviewer: 

“Artist Mathew Hughes' soft, time-friendly paintings take us back to Biblical times. This is a sweet Christmas book that could start a discussion about what a young child might like to give the Christ Child for Christmas.” 

Rising Star Reviews, 5 Stars, Amazon Reviewer:

Joseph's Cradle is a wonderful story about Joseph, who wanted to do something special for the coming baby. Because he was a carpenter, he gave the best gift he could think of--something made by his own two hands. Children will understand this story.

Suzanne C., 4 Stars, Amazon Reviewer:

This beautifully illustrated picture book with its gentle, sweet story will enliven discussion with the young people in your life about each person's special place in the story we thought we knew.

*****

Author Bio:

Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New Hampshire.  Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout Den.

JOSEPH’S CRADLE:  is available in print from 4RV Publishing.

BUY LINKS:

4RV PUBLISHING BOOKSTORE: http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Josephs-Cradle-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/1940310342/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1446519672&sr=8-18&keywords=stephanie+burkhart

FIND ME ON THE WEB LINKS:

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/

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 has a revelation.

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET: 

Caroline's gaze fell upon the young man on the horse. Their eyes locked. Her cheeks warmed, and some indefinable spark passed between them that heated her body. Oh, she had noticed several handsome guards under her father's command, but this man was different. His malachite eyes spoke of duty, the same sense of duty she harbored, yet hinted at a desire for mischief. His cheekbones were sharp, giving him an almost lupine appearance. He had an air of authority about him, a commanding presence that demanded respect.

His square jaw tensed visibly, and her gaze drifted down his leg. Her arrow had ripped his riding pants and blood trickled from a small flesh wound. 

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