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.

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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:

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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:

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ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

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

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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

5th Day of Christmas in Song - What Child is This

One of my favorite carols is "What Child is This" because the words are so heartfelt and the music is so stirring to the soul.

William Chatterton Dix wrote the lyrics to the song in 1865. Dix was born in England and wrote over 40 hymns. When he was 29, he was struck by a severe illness and confined to his bed. It was during this time Dix wrote a poem called "The Manger Throne." From this poem, 3 stanzas were taken and set to an English tune, "Greensleeves." Retitled, the song became "What Child is This."

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She puts white lights on her tree.

Question for you: Do you prefer white lights or colored lights on your tree?

The Faberge Secret

BLURB: Elise Goodwin finds herself face-to-face with danger when she learns the Faberge egg she bought belongs to Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov, but is Dimitri playing a game with Elise's heart to get his heirloom back?

Opening:

Elise was cold down to her bones. She flicked her scarf around her neck and glanced at her friend, Lucy Vanowen. Lucy was bundled up to the nines in a thick winter coat, a green and gold knit cap, and Thinsulate gloves. Not even Lucy's blonde bangs peeked out from under her cap.

"Burr..." Elise said.
"It's freezing. You are insane," Lucy said. "It's twenty degrees out, and it's only noon." "How do you know?"
"I checked the weather app on my phone."
"Well, we're almost there."
"Let's hope they have a cappuccino bar."

Review:

Fabulously written, the story combines elements of mystery, action, love, and tender family moments all at the right places, making a perfect fit. If you want a good story combining history, crime, and passion, "The Faberge Secret" is the book for you. – 5 Stars, Reader's Favorites

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Faberge-Secret-ebook/dp/B006LTE2ZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324310728&sr=8-1

B&N NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-faberge-secret-stephanie-burkhart/1105070465?ean=2940013874596&itm=1&usri=the+faberge+secret

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

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PUBLISHER'S LINK:

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The 3rd Day of Christmas in Song - The 1st Noel

The First Noel can be dated back to the 18^th Century England, but is probably older as "Noel" is a French meaning Christmas.

As the song is today, it was first published in "Carols Ancient and Modern 1823) and has a Cornish roots.

The lyrics are a vivid narrative of the birth of Jesus.

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She puts a star on the top of her Christmas tree.

Do you put a star or an angel on the top of your tree?

A Gentleman and A Rogue

Book 2, The Windsor Diaries

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 Paragraph:

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

1st Day of Christmas in song

Welcome to my 12 days of Christmas in song!

Traditionally, the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas (the birth of Jesus) and go through to 6 January, the Feast of the Epiphany, when the 3 Wise Men found Jesus in Bethlehem.

This is the season we listen to our favorite Christmas Carols. I'll be sharing little tidbits and facts along with You Tube Links. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the music these 12 days of Christmas.

SONG:

The 12 days of Christmas

This song is believed to be older than the official published version. While the origins are unknown, if you go by the text of the song, it implies a French origin, as a red-legged partridge, a native of France, and known to perch in trees, was not introduced to England until 1770.

Did you Know?

In Australia, an alternate version replaced traditional gifts with native Australian animals.

So What's the Meaning?

The 12 Days of Christmas sounds like a nonsense song, but modern "folklore" claims the words were written to help young Catholics with their faith during the time that practicing Catholicism in England was criminalized. (In the 1500's)

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. When it comes to Christmas, she puts up an artificial tree.

Question for you: Do you use a real tree or an artificial one?

Victorian Scoundrel

Book 1, The Windsor Diaries

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

Opening:

Edmund Windsor was in a rush. Then again, he was always in a rush and today was no exception. Alice skulked after him, trying to keep up without being seen. Edmund made his way through the halls of the British Time Institute located at Cambridge University near the Cam River and the Queen's College. His quick, long gait was full of purpose, his eyes etched in determination. Alice could barely keep up. She adjusted her glasses, setting them straight on her nose, and continued her pursuit.

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

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

Review: I highly recommend this with highest of 5 stars, and I can't wait until the second Windsor Diaries installment releases! – 5 Stars, Reader's Favorites, Molly E.

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

Find me on the Web:

Http://www.stephanieburkhart.com