Paranormal Excerpt - The Secret Door

My "working" cover for visual
inspiration as I wrote for "The
Secret Door."

Here is a special "sneak peak" excerpt from "The Secret Door." The excerpt could change from the final publication. Leave a comment today, Saturday, and Sunday along with your email and I'll select one winner to receive a PDF copy of one of the Budapest Moon Books, The Hungarian, The Count's Lair, or Danube in Candlelight, winner's choice.

EXCERPT:

Footfalls near the door caught his attention. The sweet, innocent scent of apples teased his senses. He swallowed. This woman was not Inna. The door opened and the lovely Sophia Varga walked in. She offered him a small smile and placed the tray she held on the nightstand before taking a seat next to the bed.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Unwell."
"You had a rough night."
"Indeed."

She held up her hand. "May I touch you?"

He nodded. Sophia placed her palm against his forehead. "You feel hot."

"A fever is typical after a transformation," he replied.

She withdrew her hand. "Yes, it is. I've brought lotions and the elixir you need. Will you allow me to attend you?"

He pursed his lips, concern and curiosity making an odd mix. Where was Inna? After a long pause he acquiesced. "All right."

She plucked a glass off the tray and presented it to him. "Your elixir. Drink up. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come sooner. Konrad and I worked as fast as we could. You're lucky your butler is so knowledgeable about your dietary needs. He was a big help to me in the kitchen."

"Inna taught him. Where is she?" He sipped from the glass.

"She has a concussion." Sophia paused, offering him a sympathetic smile. "She had a deep gash behind her ear when she came to us last night. Rita, Tomas' wife, stitched the wound, but her pupils are still dilated and she's dizzy. Rita's with her now. As soon as Inna's better, Rita will send her to you."

"I have your word that's the extent of her injuries?"

"Yes." Sophia slid off his pajama bottoms, leaving only his undergarment covering his manhood. Then she took the jar of lotion and scooped out a handful, positioning herself near the end of the bed where his feet rested. As a wolf he needed the lotion, made of rose petals, camphor, and aloe, to heal his skin. Usually Inna applied the healing crème. Zoltan scooted toward the headrest, positioning his back against the board as he finished his drink. The liquid warmed his throat and heated his stomach. The elixir accelerated his healing factor and augmented it, giving his muscles and joints a chance to recover from their distended positioning as a wolf. Even now he internally felt the muscles and bone coming together in the break of his arm, and he felt the skin mending in his shoulder. Still, it would take days for the injuries to fully heal, but days would be infinitely more tolerable than weeks.

He glanced at Sophia. Determination furrowed her brow. Zoltan appreciated her initiative and her desire to take Inna's place. Sophia had a giving heart, one Zoltan admired. He leaned over and grabbed the wooden tray off the nightstand, quite a feat for him since he wasn't that good with his left hand. There was a plate of food on it - eggs, chicken, milk, and potatoes – items that helped his healing factor as well. Starving, he shoveled the food awkwardly into his mouth.

Sophia rubbed the lotion onto his foot and Zoltan drew in a sharp, involuntary breath. Adrenaline rushed through his limbs, sparking his feral attraction.

You can find Stephanie 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/

Spotlight: The Award Winning Budapest Moon Series

AWARDS:
Most Unique/Unusual Romance Setting 2011 – Hope Chest Reviews

2011 SILVER Award Winner Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: Sci-Fi/Fantasy – "The Count's Lair"

2012 FINALIST Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: Sci-Fi/Fantasy – "Danube in Candlelight"

The wolves in the Budapest Moon series find themselves trapped between the modern world and the dictates of the old myths which come from being a wolf.

In BOOK 1, "The Hungarian," Matthias Duma finds himself in England so his daughter can get to know her grandparents. He struggles with his condition, and discovers it's not easy to conceal the fact he's a wolf from the world. When he meets Katherine Archibald, she challenges him, stimulates him, and breaks through the battlements surrounding his heart. Dare he fall in love again? The novel is set in 1901 in England and Budapest.

REVIEW:
"I highly recommend The Hungarian, even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of The Hungarian is enough to win over anyone." - Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts

BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok

In BOOK 2, "The Count's Lair," Anton Varga can't deny the attraction he feels for Lady Amelia Andrassy. She drives away the loneliness that surrounds his heart. Fearing she won't believe his secret, (he's a wolf) he gives her 3 clues. Can Amelia accept Anton for what he is? The novel is set in 1901-2 during Christmas in Budapest.

REVIEW:
"This is one of the best werewolf books I have ever read. Stephanie Burkhart gives a great view of the 18th Century Catholic Church and Werewolf relationship, as well as going into more detail about the attributes of werewolves. If you enjoy the Werewolf legends, or just romantic relationships, The Count's Lair is a wonderful read." - Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts

BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-142/Stephanie-Burkhart-Budapest-Moon/Detail.bok

BOOK 3, "Danube in Candlelight," is set in 1922 just after World War I. Morgan Duma returns to Budapest after living in England with relatives. The daughter of a wolf, her unusual eyes and lupine characteristics set her apart from other women. Morgan becomes a nurse, but her mother's severe injuries and her father's secret drive her down a reckless path which werewolf Zoltan Kristos takes advantage of. He turns Morgan. Is the love Morgan shares with Adam strong enough to withstand the challenges of her lupine's condition?

REVIEW:
"Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance." – Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

COMING UP:

BOOK 4 in the series, "The Secret Door" will be available in FEB 2013. Set in 1927, the story takes place between Sopron, Miskolc, and Budapest. Zoltan Kristos falls hard for Anton Varga's daughter, Sophia. When Zoltan is pursued by a reckless wolf, Sophia comes to his aid. Can love bloom in a garden full of secrets and denials?

QUESTION: How do you spend your Halloween? Do you pass out treats? Bake? Watch scary movies? I'd love to hear your comments.

Tomorrow: Things That Go Bump in the Night

Author Spotlight - Excerpt from Danube in Candlelight

Enjoy this "spine-tingling" post from Danube in Candelight. Leave a comment today, Saturday, and Sunday and Monday I'll pick a winner to receive my giveaway goodie bag: A GC to Panera, a bag of chocolate, a decorative autumn pumpkin hand crafted by my friend, Lori Powell, and MacIntosh Apples Yankee Candles.

Thanks so much for supporting me during this week.
Smiles
Moderator Steph

*****************


Zoltan stood in the middle of a patch of red roses. His eyes were closed, and he breathed deeply. Should she approach him? He furrowed his brow, fisted one of his hands, and brought it up to his chin. Her heart went out to him.

"Zoltan?"

His eyes snapped open. "Morgan? You shouldn't have followed me. Go away."

"You look awful. Can I help?"

He glanced at the moon and raked a hand through his hair. "I can't manage anymore. I must leave. Now."

"Then let's do so with dignity. Take my hand, and we'll walk back in there and leave through the front door."

His expression betrayed his struggle.

"I don't think I can. Even now I feel the tug of the moon. Its wicked light is draining the rest of my strength."

Morgan pursed her lips, knowing he had grown progressively weaker throughout the evening. Still, she offered him her hand. She wanted him to know she trusted him.

"Be strong just a little bit longer."

His eyes darkened dangerously. A look of warning crossed his features, but she ignored it. She could handle this. Her father could. Why couldn't he?

"Take my hand, Zoltan."

With a suddenness she didn't expect, he lunged for her hand, pushing it against the roses. The thorns on the rose stem pricked her flesh, making her bleed.

"Oh!" She brought her hand to her chest, but Zoltan pounced on her and grabbed her wrist. For a moment he studied her intently, then he opened his mouth. Long, white, pristine incisors hung past his lower lip.

Morgan's heart spiked with fear. He couldn't handle this. By God, the man was gone and had been replaced with a beast.
"Let me go, Zoltan."

He refused, pulling her hand toward him. She tried to tug it free, but he was incredibly strong. She couldn't break his grasp.
He brought her blood-stained hand to his nose and took a long breath.

"Sweet and coppery..." he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he let the words trail away.

"Zoltan, let me go." Fear and panic laced her voice.

He flicked out his tongue and licked the blood off her hand. She tried to pull away. Instead of letting her go, he jerked her toward him, wrapped his powerful arm around her waist, and continued to lap up her blood. His sharp incisors brushed her hand. Fear thrummed through her veins. She couldn't break his hold. A glance at his eyes revealed all common sense had left him. Venom dripped off his elongated teeth.

"No, Zoltan, no..."

His teeth sliced into her flesh at the wrist. Her head spun. She pushed feebly against his chest and grew weak in his grip.

The pleasure was heady -- like that of a narcotic. Zoltan became one with her, his heart beating in time with hers. His life in Miskolc before the war came to life inside her head. She experienced his heartbreak and sadness, becoming one with him as she experienced his turning.

"No more killing. I won't kill again, ever. I swear it."

"Zoltan..." Her life force ebbed.

"Forgive me, Morgan."

He had satisfied his need to take, and her narcotic high drained away. She must take now if she wanted to live.

He offered her his wrist.

"Bite me. Take from me so you will live."

Morgan snapped her mouth open and sank her teeth into his flesh. The high returned, and she greedily took from him. In the back of her mind a man shouted her name, but she couldn't pull her attention away from Zoltan, or she would die.


*****

REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I

BLURB:
Set in Budapest 1922, The Hungarians are recovering from the war. Adam Varga is Hungarian to the bone and becomes an architect to help rebuild his nation. Morgan Duma returns from England also intent on helping to rebuild her country.

After a tragedy happens to her mother, Morgan discovers her father is a werewolf. She begins to question who she is, becoming more reckless, more daring, and her choices more bold. When Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf, requests Morgan accompany him to the summer ball, Morgan has to decide which man will best fit her life.
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight

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

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

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

10 NOV

Author Spotlight - Hungarian Cuisine - Tokaji & Goulash

As you read "Danube in Candlelight" you discover Morgan and Adam like to drink Tokaji. So… what is it? You might be surprised.

Tokaji is a sweet, topaz colored wine frequently known as a Hungarian dessert wine.


"Tokaji" is a name of wines from the "Tokaj-Hegyalja" region in Hungary and Slovakia and is used to label wine from the area. The wine region is known for producing sweet wines and Tokaji is made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot.

Cool fact: Tokaji is mentioned in the Hungarian national anthem!

Interestingly, Tokaj-Hegyaja used to be in the Kingdom of Hungary but was given to Slovakia when the nation was separated by the Treaty of Trianon. (The treaty is mentioned often in "Danube in Candlelight.")

In 1920, following the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a small part of the Tokaj wine region (approx. 1.75 km²) became part of Czechoslovakia due to the Treaty of Trianon, while the rest remained part of Hungary.

Louis XIV loved Tokaji. His grandson, Louis XV did too and often shared it with mistress, Madame dePompadour. Louis XV coined the phrase: Wine of Kings, King of Wines which is used on tokaji labels today.

Emperor Franz Josef (who was also King of Hungary) had a tradition of sending Queen Victoria Tokaji Aszú wine, as a gift, every year on her birthday, one bottle for every month she had lived, twelve for each year. On her eighty-first and final birthday (1900), this totaled an impressive 972 bottles.

If you want to try tokaji you can find it in BevMo.


Hungarian Goulash is a stew of meat that is generally seasoned with paprika, a spice abundantly found in Hungary. It's a sweet pepper and doesn't burn.

Here's a recipe for Goulash that I enjoy and late autumn is a great time in the US to give it a try.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1 pound beef shoulder, fat trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 10 cups canned beef broth
• 1 12-ounce russet potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 parsnip, peeled, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 6 tablespoons sour cream

How to prepare:

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and caraway seeds and sauté until onion begins to soften, about 8 minutes. Add beef and paprika; sauté until meat is brown on all sides, about 15 minutes. Add broth. Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits at bottom of pot. Reduce heat to low; simmer until meat is just tender, about 40 minutes.

Stir potato, parsnip, carrot, and garlic into soup. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, celery, and bell pepper. Simmer until vegetables and meat are very tender, about 15 minutes longer. Cool slightly.

Transfer 3 1/2 cups soup to blender. Blend until smooth. Add to soup in pot. Stir in parsley. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cool slightly; chill uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.)

Ladle soup into 6 bowls. Top each with 1 tablespoon sour cream.

(Personally, I lay off the sour cream. When I was stationed in Hungary, I never had goulash with sour cream. Other than that, I enjoy this recipe and find it very authentic.

REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I

BLURB:
Set in Budapest 1922, The Hungarians are recovering from the war. Adam Varga is Hungarian to the bone and becomes an architect to help rebuild his nation. Morgan Duma returns from England also intent on helping to rebuild her country.

After a tragedy happens to her mother, Morgan discovers her father is a werewolf. She begins to question who she is, becoming more reckless, more daring, and her choices more bold. When Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf, requests Morgan accompany him to the summer ball, Morgan has to decide which man will best fit her life.
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight

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

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

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

10 NOV

Info for today's post was taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokaji

Author Spotlight - The Characters in "Danube in Candlelight"

Our stories are all about characters, but creating characters can be a chore. I've got some ideas that will make creating characters fun and I'll share with you my casting choices for my latest paranormal release, "Danube in Candlelight."

It's all in the faults…and strengths.

What makes a character rich and complex is how "human" they are and how you show their strengths and weaknesses.

None of us are perfect. Don't expect your characters to be. To present 3D characters, they need to strong…and weak. Morgan's strength in "Danube in Candlelight" is her loyalty and her nursing. She's confident in her abilities. Her weaknesses? She makes reckless choices that put her in danger. Haven't we all made poor choices? Morgan's restlessness stems from learning her father's secret – he's a werewolf.

Adam Varga is an all around good guy. His strength? He's loyal, steadfast and confident in who he is. His weakness? He's too trusting and that can get him into trouble.

I like to create characters bios with the basics about my characters – a physical description and 3 likes and 3 dislikes. Then I like to list strengths and weaknesses. Writing a short scene or short story helps me to flesh out the push/pull of a character's emotions.

When it comes to painting a physical description, I like to cast my characters. For me, it brings them to life and gives them a face.

"Morgan Duma"

For Morgan I cast: Abir Timani. She's got that exotic look I'm striving for in the character with rich dark hair and haunting dark eyes.









"Adam Varga"

For Adam, I picked Jacob Young. He's got those blonde hair, blue-eyed looks that embody the character's mother, Amelia. He possess a stiff lip that speaks to the determination that Adam needs and eyes that speak to the passion inside the character's heart.








"Max Foldi"

For Max Foldi, Adam's best friend, I selected James McAvoy. He's got the look that says "best friend," to me. His acting taps into a sense of honesty and genuineness the character embodies.








"Emily Duma"

For Emily Duma, I picked Liv Tyler. Emily is Morgan's half-sister and big sister, and Liv has such a way about her, she brings out Emily's kindness, toughness, and talents, qualities many "oldest" children usually have.












"Zoltan Kristos"

For Zoltan Kristos, I selected Joseph Fiennes. He's got that arrogant, cocky look needed to embody Zoltan's feral nature.

I hope you enjoy my character choices for "Danube in Candlelight."

REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I

BLURB:
Set in Budapest 1922, The Hungarians are recovering from the war. Adam Varga is Hungarian to the bone and becomes an architect to help rebuild his nation. Morgan Duma returns from England also intent on helping to rebuild her country.

After a tragedy happens to her mother, Morgan discovers her father is a werewolf. She begins to question who she is, becoming more reckless, more daring, and her choices more bold. When Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf, requests Morgan accompany him to the summer ball, Morgan has to decide which man will best fit her life.
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight

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

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

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

Author Spotlight - What's in a name? Creating a Title

by: Stephanie Burkhart
Creating a title for your work in progress can always be a challenge. It has to embody the story and hint at romance. Interestingly, it took me a bit to find "Danube in Candlelight," but when I did, I knew I had the right title for Book 3 of the Budapest Moon Series.

When I originally contracted the series, I had written "The Hungarian" and plotted "The Count's Lair." Book 3 would be about Matthias' daughter, Morgan, and Anton's son, Adam. Morgan would have to deal with becoming a werewolf. That was the basic plot of the book. The title still escaped me.

A few months later, I read "Crown in Candlelight." It was about Henry V's wife, Katherine Valois and her 2nd husband, Owen Tudor. The title appealed to me. (Mind you, the book was difficult to get through and I don't subscribe to the theory that Katherine was schizophrenic, just a "genetic carrier") but that's beside the point. The title resonated with me. It festered in the back of my mind until I had "Danube in Candlelight."

But what did it mean? I had this really cool title, but now I had to flesh out a more meaningful plot.

Here's where my research paid off. The story would be set in Budapest, 1922, in the aftermath of World War I. The Hungarians were on the losing side of the war and saw their boundaries reduced to what is modern day Hungary. The Communists took control of the government, but threw the nation into chaos. The former nobility rose up, overthrew the Communists and established a constitutional monarchy with a regent. The regent entered into the Treaty of Trinanon, Hungary's peace accord with the victors of the war. Hungary then began the slow process of reconstruction. The Hungarian nation is shadowed by Candlelight during this time (my metaphor) but a flame can grow stronger as a nation does, or it can sputter out.



Morgan's world is shattered when she learns her father is a werewolf. While she's not a wolf, her actions become more reckless as the flame of her soul flickers. Adam's flame is steadfast.

Both Morgan and Hungary must push forward and face their future. Will the candlelight burn bright and strong or weaken and become extinguished?

REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I

BLURB:
Set in Budapest 1922, The Hungarians are recovering from the war. Adam Varga is Hungarian to the bone and becomes an architect to help rebuild his nation. Morgan Duma returns from England also intent on helping to rebuild her country.

After a tragedy happens to her mother, Morgan discovers her father is a werewolf. She begins to question who she is, becoming more reckless, more daring, and her choices more bold. When Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf, requests Morgan accompany him to the summer ball, Morgan has to decide which man will best fit her life.
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight

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

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

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

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Stephanie Burkhart

Q: What's "Danube in Candlelight" about?

STEPH: The story takes place in Budapest, 1922. The Hungarian nation is rebuilding after losing World War I. Morgan Duma returns form England and almost immediately, her mother, Katherine, is gravely injured in a fire. Morgan learns her father, Matthias, is a werewolf, and in order to save Katherine from a morphine addiction, he's going to turn her into a werewolf. Morgan is shattered by her father's dark secret. Complicating matters is Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf who believes Morgan is the woman for him. Morgan's heart, however, belongs to Adam Varga. Which man is the right one for her? Can Morgan accept her father's dark secrets?

Q: How long did it take you to write?

STEPH: Approximately 10 weeks. I basically did NaNoWriMo in April this year. ☺ - and July.

Q: What was the inspiration behind the story?

STEPH: If you can believe this: a lot of research! When I contracted the novel, the intent was to always have Morgan face the challenges of becoming a werewolf. The series would have to move into the 1920's, (since her parents story is told in The Hungarian in 1901.) placing her story at the end of World War I. I did a ton of research about Hungary in 1920. It was troubling times. The Communists had infested the nation and the Treaty of Trinanon practically crippled the recovery. While the Hungarians wanted a constitutional monarchy, they didn't want Otto Hapsburg, the rightful Hapsburg ruler, to return and instead accepted a regent. Taking the totality of the situation and the recovery of the Hungarian nation, I wove a recovery theme into the story. Candlelight provides only a little illumination and the atmosphere of the nation made me think of Candlelight. From there, I added fire and shadows. So the inspiration didn't come over night, but grew over the course of several days as I researched.

Q: How important was the setting?

STEPH: Setting creates mood and ambience and this is a story about werewolves, after all. I'd like to think Budapest is a place where you just might believe a werewolf would exist. Even today the city captures an early 20th Century charm with its exotic buildings and bridges.

Abir Timani inspiration for
"Morgan Duma"


Q: In "The Hungarian" and "The Count's Lair" your protagonists are men. In this story, it's a woman – Morgan. Why?

STEPH: It was time to explore the werewolf myths through a woman's eyes. Katherine and Matthias raised Morgan in a loving home, but they kept the truth from her that Matthias was a werewolf. When Morgan has to look at her parents lie, she's rocked to the core of her being. She's shocked these two people – her parents – lied to her, yet they're not bad people. She questions not only her world, but her beliefs as well.

Q: What do you want readers to take away after reading the novel?

STEPH: I'd like them to feel a sense of hope. No matter what the challenges you face, you don’t have to face them alone.

Q: Are you planning a 4th book for the series?

STEPH: Yes. It will be called "The Secret Door."

Q: What's your writing space like?

STEPH: It's the buffet table in my dining room. Depending on my state of organization, its either covered in paper or neat.

Q: Do you have an ebook reader?

STEPH: I have a Kindle. Can't wait for the Kindle Fire.

Q: Who's your favorite football team?

STEPH: College: USC. Pro: NE Patriots.

Joseph Fiennes inspiration for:
"Zoltan Kristos"


REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I

BLURB:
Set in Budapest 1922, The Hungarians are recovering from the war. Adam Varga is Hungarian to the bone and becomes an architect to help rebuild his nation. Morgan Duma returns from England also intent on helping to rebuild her country.

After a tragedy happens to her mother, Morgan discovers her father is a werewolf. She begins to question who she is, becoming more reckless, more daring, and her choices more bold. When Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf, requests Morgan accompany him to the summer ball, Morgan has to decide which man will best fit her life.
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight

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

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

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

Q&A & Excerpt for "Moonlight Sonata" FREE Read

#1 What is "Moonlight Sonata" about?

STEPH: This is a free read offered by Desert Breeze. My heroine, Lady Amelia Andrássy is a talented pianist. When "Moonlight Sonata" starts, she has just recently learned of her husband's infidelity. Shortly after that, he dies. When Amelia receives the news of her husband's death, she faints – right into Count Anton Varga's arms. A spark passes between them, but Anton is haunted by his own demons. Amelia and Anton become friends. Can Anton inspire her to play the Moonlight Sonata again?

#2 – Why did you write it?

STEPH: I wrote "The Count's Lair," Anton and Amelia's story, which begins two months after "The Hungarian" ends, but then I realized I needed to write about the events that occurred between Anton and Amelia, after she fainted and he decided to clear his head. It provides a strong emotional connection for the characters.

#3 – Why is Amelia attracted to Beethoven's music?

STEPH: For her, the music provides her with a wide range of emotions to express. With the Sonata Pathetique, the music allows her to express her loneliness and heartbreak. With Moonlight Sonata, it allows her to express her attraction to Anton.



#4 – Anton has met Amelia previously. Why doesn't the spark pass between them sooner?

STEPH; He wasn't prepared to see it until then. He wasn't willing to open up his heart until that moment.

#5 – What did you enjoy the most in writing Moonlight Sonata?

STEPH: The rich character introspection. Both characters acknowledge their shortcomings, dare to hope, and grow in courage.

Here's an excerpt from Moonlight Sonata, the prequel to "The Count' Lair."

"Hello, Amelia."

She bit the inside of her lip. The rich scent of mulberries and spice hung around him, fueling a growing agitation in the pit of her stomach. He looked like a magnificent beast -- ready to tempt her to sin. "Hello, Anton."

"I'm sorry I didn't call, but I wanted to see you."

She stood rooted in the spot next to the coffee table. Anton walked toward her, his feral gait even, his expression full of confidence. He passed in back of her, pausing. She felt the heat of his breath on her neck. She didn't know what to say. She'd enjoyed his friendship and she had wanted to call him later this evening, but he seemed bolder, determined. He had the look of a man who knew what he wanted. Her hand went to her breast, trying to stop the nervous fluttering of her heart.

"I was looking forward to seeing you as well," she finally said.

He rounded the coffee table and stopped in back of the couch, putting his hands on the couch's backrest and looking directly at her.


Amelia swallowed. The look in his eyes was unmistakable. They danced with the flames of desire. For her?

"I've been giving what you said a lot of thought--" he began.

"What did I say?"

"You challenged me to be a better man."

"I did."

"Well, that's what I want to do."

"Good."

"But I have no idea how to be a better man. My role models were poor. My father was a drunk and womanizer. My brother was a gambler. I don't want to be like either of them."

Amelia was speechless. She didn't know what to say. She rubbed her forehead, trying to reconcile her anxiety with the growing agitation in the pit of her stomach. Truth be told, she found him incredibly attractive with his tussled hair, chiseled cheeks, and full, red lips. And the way he looked at her -- it warmed every fiber of her being. "Ah, would you like a drink?" she finally asked.

He raised a dark eyebrow. "Would you?"

You can download this story for FREE from the Desert Breeze Publishing Website:
Free Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-131/Stephanie-Burkhart-Moonlight-Sonata/Detail.bok

Images from Dreamstime, character inspriation for Anton & Amelia.

Character Interview - Katherine Archibald The Hungarian) talks to Madison Lee (Were Love Blooms)

Justine Cotsonas, inspiration for "Katherine Archibald."

Madison Lee (J Morgan in character) from "Were Love Blooms" visits the blog today to dish the fur with Katherine Archibald (Stephanie Burkhart in character) and talks about life, love, and doggie biscuits.

****

My name is Madison Lee and welcome to the Desert Breeze Blog.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure why I'm here but Stephanie Burkhart accosted me at the Niemen Marcus perfume counter and said I'd be perfect to host a blog about Women who love men who howl at the moon. Sounded kinda Jerry Springer to me but she offered me a Sephora gift bag if I'd do it. So here I am, as they say.

After reading Budapest Moon Book One: The Hungarian I knew only one person could fill the hot seat. So give a rousing round of applause for Katherine Archibald, a woman who went looking for a little adventure only to find herself embroiled in a romance with a man in wolf's clothing. Something I know a thing or two about. As my nana used to say, you lay down with dogs, you're bound to wake up with the mange. My nana was a little peculiar, as you probably guessed. I just hope it doesn't run in the family.


Madison: Katherine welcome to the blog. No dear, those aren't cookies. They're dog biscuits. I wasn't sure if you were bringing your better half along on not.

Katherine: Well, I kept him home. Last night was the full moon and he's "resting" before he has to transform again. We do have a dog, Joszef, so I'll take the biscuits.

Madison: Okay, but leave a few. I might get peckish. I forgot about the full moon. Anyway, let's get right to the point. Tell our audience how you met Matthias Duma. Don't leave out any of the juicies, either. It's ratings week and we need all the scandal we can get.




Katherine: Juicies? Yikes! I was in the library reading a book. No seriously, I was! And he walked in. Boy was he HOT. He was tall, muscular, thick hair, sparkling green-gold eyes. I almost melted into the seat! I thought he was undressing me with my eyes. We didn't kiss until a week later. Sigh.....

Madison: He probably was. Men are such perverts. So, he seduces you in the library. Did he make his move right away? Throw you against a stack of Barbara Courtlands and have his wicked way with you? Don't give me that look. We all know how those European men are.

Katherine: Well, he made it pretty obvious he only had eyes for me. Barbara Courtland? No, try Jane Austen. We didn't you know, ah, *blushing* make love until after we married.

Madison: I guess I'm the only one who made that mistake on my tour of Europe. When did realize that he was the ONE?

Katherine: Bless you, I was tempted, don't feel bad. At my birthday party. We walked into the gardens looking at the stars. He likes the stars, you know. He told me all about my zodiac sign. I melted. He knew all about me because he knew all about what it was like to be a Gemini. He was really into the zodiac and when I looked into his eyes, I knew right then and there that he believed in the things I did. He knew me on the inside.




Madison: Now, here's where things get sticky if you know what I mean. You're in love with the guy. There's no going back from it, and you're basically stuck. So, when did you find out his little secret and how did you react?

Katherine: Oh, yeah - I was totally in love with him. And then he tells me he's a werewolf. My mouth dropped to the FLOOR. No, make that my mouth dropped all the way to Budapest. **The** man I was in love with was a wolf! I was stunned. Shocked. Anyway, he did it when he proposed to me. Proposed to me!! "Katherine, I love you. Marry me. Oh, by the way I'm a werewolf." I told him I needed a week to think about it.

Madison: Least you got a chance to think about. I found out the hard way about Nicholi. By the way, he ran off and I got to howl at the moon for twelve months before he showed up. Back to you, sorry but that rant just won't go away. I'm sure it took longer than a week for the shock to wear off. What finally convinced you that he was worth all the flea dips and having to clean up all the wolf hair off the furniture once a month? Oh, any tips you can give in that department would be appreciated.

Katherine: Flea dip? I'll ask Resa, Matthias's witch. Well, Matthias didn't have a mother growing up. She died in childbirth. My mother died when I was five in a boating accident. I always wanted to belong to my "own" family and Matthias always wanted "his" own family since he was boy. It might be unconventional, but we both wanted a family. So what did a little fur matter in the long run?

Madison: Yeah, you can say that. You're not the one considering using duct tape for a bikini wax. Speaking of which, I'm due at Miss Mabelle's in an hour. Sorry to rush this along but before we go, is there any advice you can give to anyone out there contemplating dating a werewolf? Well, aside from the obvious answer of make sure he has all his shots.

Katherine: Make sure you have a healthy dose of courage. And don't get jealous when his witch rubs an aloe/camphor over his body to help him. It's not about her.

Madison: Sound advice for any relationship. Though the camphor thing kinda freaks me out.

I would like to thank Katherine for joining us today and urge everyone to rush out and get a copy of the The Hungarian. I won't say a pack of wolves will show up at your door if you don't, but why take the chance? Katherine, any last words for all the readers out there?

Jonathon Rhys-Meyers, inspiration for "Matthias Duma"


Katherine: It was great meeting you. If you're ever in Budapest, pop on into my bookstore and say Hi. I'll probably be drinking tea with my friend, Amelia Andrassy.

Madison: So, Katherine care to join me for a day at the spa? I'm sure I can get Mabelle to fit you in. one thing though, Mabelle can get a bit nosy. Everyone can't mind their own business like me.

Katherine: Oh, I'd love to join you at the spa. My curly hair can get a bit *wild* if you know what I mean.

Madison: Tell me about it. Any hoo, while we go get beautified, feel free to check out all the dazzling places you can find out about Katherine, Matthias and the incomparable Stephanie Burkhart. Come on girlfriend. After the salon, I know this place that serves the best jell-o shots this side of the Mason-Dixon line and they'll even let you slurp them straight off the waiters.

****

Book Trailer for "The Hungarian"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow

Buy Links: Desert Breeze Link in the Title

Amazon for Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B003K15NG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1273585439&sr=1-1