Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "A Gentleman and a Rogue"

Thank you so much for supporting me during my week in the spotlight. Leave a comment today, Saturday, Sunday, along with your email and I'll pick a winner on Monday to receive a PDF copy of Book 1 of The Windsor Diaries, "Victorian Scoundrel."

Enjoy the Excerpt!
Moderator Steph

********

Alice nodded and Edmund brought up the rear. They skulked down the hall, made a right, and Keira placed her hand on the study's knob, twisting it. "Locked."

Alice withdrew a long, thin hair pick, slid it into the lock and the door clicked. "Impressive," said Edmund.

Alice flashed him a slight smile.

Keira walked in. "Oh, dear, we need a light."

Alice dug into her reticule and removed a small slender cylinder. She pressed a button and a beam of light shot out.

"Amazing! How did you do that?" asked Keira.

"It runs on a battery that generates electricity." Alice walked over to the desk and examined the locks. She fussed in her reticule some more, pulled out some picks and went to work.

Edmund stood next to Keira and placed his hand in the small of her back. "She's brilliant, don't you think?"

"A girl after your own heart, I see."

"Alice may have popped my dirigible, but I respect her all that much more for doing it." "You are incorrigible."

"Come, let's talk." He guided her away from the desk and next to the window. The drapes were pulled back, allowing the dim, natural light from the stars and moon to filter into the room. Keira's heart pounded in her chest. Determined to stay strong in Edmund's tempting presence, she crossed her arms.

"Did you tell me everything back in my study?" she whispered.

He looked her over seductively, talking softly. "I told you I would the next time I saw you, and I have."

"Oh."

He placed his hand on her shoulder, trailing his finger up the soft skin of her neck, cupping her cheek. His eyes never left hers. "I want to see you again. Soon."

"It isn't wise."

"I know. I don't care." His voice grew low and husky.

Keira hesitated. Her body thrummed with warmth from his touch.
Uncomfortable heat pooled in her core. She tried to fight, to set her resolve and step away from him, but she couldn't. His gaze riveted on her face and moved over her body slowly. "I didn't forget you. I
couldn't. You're never far from my thoughts."

Logic. She needed logic. "You're from the future. I'm your past."

He shrugged. "I don't see it that way."

Her knees weakened. "How do you see it?"

"I see a woman who enjoys being around me, who looks into my eyes with honesty and sincerity. She's clever and knows her own mind. She accepts me for what I am -- mischief and all."

She swallowed. Edmund made her toes curl. His thumb gently stroked her jaw, stoking the growing desire for him in her heart.

"This is impossible. You and me and time traveling..."

"No, it's not. Look at Alice and Grayson. It works for them."

She placed a hand over his heart, unable to resist. "I have to find a man in my own time."

"You have. You've found me." He put his hand over hers and squeezed her fingers gently.

"Ed--"

Q FOR YOU: What do you think happens next? Does she kiss him or push him away? Don't forget to leave your email!

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BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-two-stephanie-burkhart/1113777499?ean=2940015869538

AMAZON (KINDLE:)
http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C

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

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Author Spotlight - Jules Verne Wore Leather and Goggles

Jules Verne was steampunk when steampunk was contemporary. He wrote his stories during the Victorian Age and along with HG Wells is considered one of the Founding Fathers of steampunk literature. (umm...he looks a little like Alan Rickman as "Lord Ridgecroft," doesn't he?)

(side note: The Windsor Diaries pays homage to both Verne and Wells – Can anyone tell me where their statues are placed in the series?)

Jules Verne was born in France in 1828. His most famous literary works include:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1870)
Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864)
Around the World in 80 Days (1873)

What makes Verne stand out is that he was writing about space, air, and underwater travels in a practical way before methods had been developed to do so. (He's also considered one of the Founding Fathers of the Science Fiction genre, too)

As a young boy, Jules' family had a summer home in Brains, France on the banks of the Loire River and it was here that he cultivated a love of adventure. This love of adventure would play into his writing.

Jules studied to be a lawyer, but he had no heart for it and dropped his studies to work on his writing. He even met with writing contemporaries Victor Hugo and Aexandre Dumas.

Jules got married in 1857 and had a son, Michel. Michel proved himself a pistol. The boy had 2 kids with an underage mistress, married and actress and buried himself in debt.

In 1862, Jules traveled through Sweden. "A Hot Air Balloon Trip Through Africa" was published in Sweden in 1863, making it his first full length book!

Shortly afterwards Jules met Pierre-Jules Hetzel, a very well known and important French publisher. Hetzel helped improve Jules' writing. Until Jules met Hetzel, he was repeatedly rejected.

What a Good Editor does for you:

Prior to working with Hetzel, Jules' writing was "too" scientific, too pessimistic, and not too enthusiastic about technology and human progress. Jules was a pessimist.

Hetzel insisted Jules' work always had an optimistic feel to it and Jules was so grateful to be published he willingly agreed to Hetzel's changes.

Interestingly, Hetzel rejected one of Jules' novels called "Paris in the 20th Century."

Jules wrote "Paris in the 20th Century" in 1863. It's the story of a young man who lives in a glass skyscraper with high-speed trains, gas powered cars, calculators, and has a high-speed communications network. Our hero, however, can't find happiness and comes to a tragic end. Hetzel suggested Jules wait at least 20 years before publishing it. Jules locked the story away in a safe. But can you imagine! This is why Jules is one of the fathers of science fiction and steampunk! Heck, he was writing about the Internet over 130 years before it came into existence! And one of the "core" elements of steampunk is the addition of "futuristic" gadgets in the story.

What Happened to "Paris in the 20th Century?"

The novel, rejected in 1863 was locked in a safe. Hetzel died in 1887 and Jules never did have a chance to revisit the story. He passed away in 1905.

Michel, Jules' son, published some of his father's stories after his death – "Invasion of the Sea" and "Lighthouse at the End of the World," but Michel being the pistol he was made extensive changes to the stories. The original Jules Verne novels were discovered and published in the late 20th Century.

In 1989, Jules' great-grandson found the safe Jules had stashed "Paris in the 20th Century." The novel finally found print in 1994. Jules Verne had come full circle.

DID YOU KNOW?

Verne is one of the top FIVE translated authors in the world?

Question for readers: What's your favorite Jules Verne story? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Reference for this blog post: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Verne

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

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/

Author Spotlight - When Steam Rules The World...

…chances are you're reading a steampunk story. So what's a steampunk? Generally the story takes place between 1837-1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria, when the Industrial Age came into its own and steam powered the world. When it comes to setting, it's not limited to England. I've read stories set in the American West, Siberia, Brazil, and Egypt. Steam is what drives the story, thought.

There are "futuristic" gadgets to the time period, but not the reader. There's dirigibles, transmogrifiers, datamancers, and anything else you can come up with including a steam run coffee pot.

There's also a paranormal element to a steampunk story. There can be vampires and werewolves, but in "The Windsor Diaries," I use time traveling. Nothing like having good old fashioned brass and iron time machine, I say.

Never heard of steampunk, you say? The recent Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr., and Jude Law really capture the ambience of the genre.

Question: Have you read a good steampunk story? Seen a good movie? What the TV show "Revolution?" Where the world is thrown back to the time of steam? I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, and recommendations.

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

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/

Author Spotlight - Meet the Cast of "A Gentleman and a Rogue"

I enjoy casting my characters. For me, it really plants a great visual in my mind. If they let me cast the movie, here's my picks for "A Gentleman and a Rogue."

EDMUND WINDSOR – Robert Pattinson

Edmund's the hero. He's gone back in time with the intention of setting the time line straight, but all his plans might go out the window when he sees Keira again.

KEIRA RUSSELL – Keira Knightly

Keira is the heroine. She's managed to develop the practical applications needed for compressed natural gas to work, but she's got a lot of competition and Edmund proves a definite distraction.

RICHARD WINDSOR – Christian Cooke

Richard is Edmund's older brother and determined to put an end to Edmund's mischief making – until he meets Jocelyn.


JOCELYN DUNKIRK – Nina Dobrev

Jocelyn believes in her father's black oil project. Aside from her steampunk taste in clothes which includes leather skirts and poofy shirts, she's loyal to bone to her friends.

LORD RIDGECROFT – Alan Rickman

Jocelyn's father is very protective of her. He's grateful for her help with black oil. He's also a bit of a brass and iron inventor.

ALICE WINDSOR – Mena Suvari

Alice is up to her old mischief making tricks picking locks and planning to steal rivets.

GRAYSON KENTFIELD – Orlando Bloom

Grayson is right at Alice's side, but it's never easy trying to keep her from making mischief.

QUEEN VICTORIA – Emily Blount

What's Steampunk without a guest appearance from Queen Victoria?

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

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/

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Stephanie Burkhart

QUESTION: What is "A Gentleman and a Rogue" about?

STEPH: The novel is set in England in 1855. It's a steampunk romance with an emphasis on brass, iron and coal. Edmund Windsor is the hero. After realizing his world isn't powered by compressed natural gas, he travels back in time to set the time line straight with his cousin, Alice. Edmund's reunited with the love of his life, Keira, but love is complicated. Can Edmund win Keira's heart and set the time line straight again? Queen Victoria is back and there's some new characters including Edmund's brother, Richard, and the eccentric Lady Jocelyn Ridgecroft.

QUESTION: How long did it take you to write?

STEPH: About three months.

QUESTION: Did you do a lot of research?

STEPH: I took two weeks before I started writing to research. I studied Victorian fashion, the setting, compressed natural gas and Shakespeare.

QUESTION: How does the cover reflect the story within?

STEPH: I'd like to think the cover poses the question – who is the gentleman and who is the rogue? Edmund or his brother, Richard?

QUESTION: Keira is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

STEPH: Keira is a sharp cookie. She understands what she wants to do with compressed natural gas. She also knows if she lets Edmund back into her heart it just might ruin her. Keira also knows she's not a very good public speaker and that exposes her vulnerabilities. She needs help in that department.

QUESTION: What does the hero, Edmund, find appealing about Keira?

STEPH: Keira is honest to the bone and Edmund finds that refreshing about her. There's no pretenses when it comes to Keira. He's free to be himself, warts and all.

QUESTION: What's the theme of the novel?

STEPH: Trust in love. It will never fail you.

QUESTION: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one.

STEPH: I own a Kindle and Kindle Fire. I love them both. I use the text to speech feature on my Kindle to read to me going to work. With the Kindle Fire my boys enjoy playing with the apps. I like to play Angry Birds on the Kindle Fire and download TV shows.

QUESTION: Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year?

STEPH: I am! My project is "Sunrise Over Brasov" It's book 3 of the Moldavian Moon series. Michael must rescue Rosa from an evil werewolf, however he discovers her memory has been tampered with. Can he make her fall in love with him all over again?

FUN QUESTION: How do you cook your turkey for Thanksgiving?

STEPH: I brine that bad bird a day in advance and we bake him. We used to fry the bird in peanut oil, but my 6-year-old son has a peanut allergy so we had to stop that. If anyone is interested in my brining recipe, let me know and I'll share it.

Q for Readers: I'd love to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions. How do you cook the bird? Do you have a favorite side dish you like to make? Pies like to bake? Feel free to share, especially if you have a recipe.

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

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/

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/

Welcome to Paranormal Week at Desert Breeze!

Q&A with Paranormal Author Stephanie Burkhart

Welcome to Paranormal Week at Desert Breeze. Halloween is just around the corner. The spooks, ghouls, and goblins are on the hunt. If you get a chance, explore the interesting paranormal titles Desert Breeze has to offer here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-Paranormal/Categories.bok

QUESTION: Tell us a little about yourself, Stephanie. How long have you been writing?

STEPH: I grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire. When I turned 18, I joined the US Army and spent 7 years stationed overseas in Germany. In 1997, I left the Army and settled in California with my husband. Currently, I work for LAPD as a 911 dispatcher.

I've been writing since I was six, but I didn't start writing for publication until I got out of the Army. My first story was a self-published effort, Destination: Berlin, but I'm looking for a new home for it. I've been on Writing.com since 2005 and it really helped me grow as a writer.

QUESTION: When did you realize things went bump in the night?

STEPH: When I was a little girl. I was convinced a vampire lived under my bed, so I always made sure the covers reached my neck. It probably didn't help that I watched "Creature Double Feature" on Saturdays, either. I learned everything I needed to know about vampires, werewolves, Godzilla, zombies, and Frankenstein from watching that show.

QUESTION: The Budapest Moon series is set in Hungary. Have you been? Tell us about the series.

STEPH: I was deployed to Hungary from July – October 1997. I was stationed in Taszur, Hungary in support of the troops in Bosnia. My time in Hungary was very rewarding to me. I also had a chance to go to Budapest on a USO trip. Budapest was amazing. When I began to write Matthias and Katherine's story, I knew I wanted to set it in Budapest. It's a city where you just might believe a werewolf might live.

The series explores how werewolves struggle to live in a changing world while trying to deal with their dangerous infliction. The series spans from 1901-1927. The wolves have witches to tend to them during the full moon. They deal with adversity, challenges, experiencing their emotions in a heightened state from disappointment to love. Can the power of love help them manage their challenges of being a wolf?

QUESTION: Have you ever written a ghost story?

STEPH: I have! It's a free read offered with Desert Breeze called "Under a Christmas Moon." A ghost haunts Matthias and Katherine, the couple from "The Hungarian," in the Budapest Moon series.

QUESTION: Who is your favorite witch that you've written?

STEPH: I love all my witches. I really enjoyed writing "Beatrice" from "The Wolf's Torment." My favorite witch outside of my writing is Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series.

QUESTION: Who is your favorite wolf that you've written?

STEPH: Another toughie! My heart goes out to "Anton" from "The Count's Lair." He had a real tough life growing up and then he's bitten by a wolf.

QUESTION: Do you have a favorite paranormal movie?

STEPH: I love the Underworld movies, especially 1 and 2. I loved 3 for the back story. Kate Beckinsale is great as "Selene."

QUESTION: Are you a plotter or a panster?

STEPH: A panster for sure. I draft a rough outline, then plot out the first 3 chapters. Then I "fly by the seat of my pants" until the end.

QUESTION: Do you decorate and get dressed up for Halloween?

STEPH: I like to decorate the front yard for the boys, but this year I haven't. Sadly, there's just not enough time in the day. I haven't decided if I'll be Spongebob or Daenerys for Halloween.

I'd love to hear your Hallowen plans. Are you going to give out candy? Get dressed up? Attend a party? Host a party? I usually give out Junior Mints because my son has a nut allergy and I don't like to give out candy with nuts.

Feel Free to visit the following paranormal author pages:

STEPHANIE BURKHART:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/StephanieBurkhart/Page.bok

J MORGAN:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/JMorganBio/Page.bok

BARBARA SCOTT:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/BarbaraScottBio/Page.bok

CAINA FULLER:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/CainaFuller/Page.bok

DANIELLE THORNE: DEATH CHEATER:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-259/Death-Cheater-Danielle-Thorne/Detail.bok

JANET BUTLER:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/JanetButler/Page.bok

Tomorrow: Travel to Hungary and meet the wolves of the Budapest Moon Series

Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "The Faberge Secret"

Thank you so much for supporting my week in the spotlight. Leave a comment today, Saturday or Sunday on the excerpt along with your email and I'll select one lucky winner to receive a PDF copy of The Faberge Secret. Enjoy the excerpt!

Moderator Steph

*********
Elise took another step and walked into someone hard and masculine.

She lost her balance, lunged out, and grabbed the man's coat. He caught her, but the momentum of her fall drove them both to the ground. He slammed into the cold pavement, taking the brunt of the fall.

"I'm so sorry..." Elise placed her hand on his rock-hard chest and lifted her head only to discover the most stunning pair of cerulean eyes she'd ever seen. Her heart stopped for just a brief second before accelerating to a wild tattoo. An immediate attraction rocked her.

"Elise!" Lucy knelt beside the couple.

"You'll forgive me, miss, but you seem to have me at a disadvantage." The man's voice was deep, yet resonant with the lilt of a foreign accent.

Elise bit her lower lip, pausing momentarily to drink in his handsome, angular features. His lips were firm and sensual, parting into a broad smile to reveal straight white teeth. He possessed thick, tawny-gold hair, and massive shoulders filled his coat. God, he felt wonderful. She gave in to the moment, savoring the contact with him.

"I'm sorry," she said again, softly.

"Are you hurt?" Lucy grabbed Elise's arm and pried her off the handsome stranger. Her body ached from the sudden departure of his masculine heat and spicy cologne.

Amusement flickered in his eyes as he got to his feet. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking."

Lucy glared at Elise. "Check your pockets."

REVIEWS:
5 STARS, Celia Yeary, Author
You will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced tale of danger, a mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. Elise and Dimitri make sparks fly!

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites
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.

Sue Perkins, Author
The Faberge Secret exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth reading more than once. It is such a good book.

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
As the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.

4 Stars, Manic Readers
"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews
The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.
3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews
"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

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

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

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:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

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/

Author's Spotlight - My Top 5 Things to do on my Christmas List

When the day after Thanksgiving comes, I switch into Christmas "mode." I know it's early, but a part of me has to – I have two boys, 10 & 5 who are very enthusiastic about Christmas.

What is it about Christmas that gets us excited? Is it the gifts? Our efforts to make a deeper connection with our God? The baking? The smiles? The music? What gets you in the Christmas spirit? What is the Christmas spirit?

For me, the Christmas spirit is watching my sons enjoy the holiday. It's the excitement on their faces and the anticipation in their smiles that warms my heart. That excitement and those smiles embody what I believe the holiday is all about – the excitement and anticipation of the coming of our Lord's birth.

I thought I'd share my top 5 things I do at Christmas. Some might be silly, but gosh, the boys make sure I "cowboy up" so to speak.

#1 – Listen to Christmas Music

Me, personally, I'm more a traditionalist when it comes to listening to Christmas music, preferring music similar to the music I use in my video for "The Faberge Secret." My kids want the upbeat stuff like "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

#2 – Put up the Christmas Tree

And with my schedule, I better block out an entire day to pull out the tree and ornaments out of the garage, put it up and sort through the decorations. The boys are right at my side, jumping & clapping and throwing ornaments on the tree faster than I can pull 'em out of the box.

#3 – Bake Christmas Cookies

Andrew, my 10 year old, makes sure I block out a day for that as well. I make sugar cookies from scratch and depending on how pooped I am, I might make the frosting from scratch too. The boys love using the cutouts and Joe makes sure we have plenty of sprinkles for the frosting. We always set aside a batch for Santa along with a couple of carrots for the reindeer.

#4 – Light the Advent Candle and stuff the Advent Calendar

The boys really enjoy checking the Advent calendar every year. We have a wooden one we got from Costco several years ago. I put a Bible verse in there along with a small treat. When we're together for the main dinner meal, Andrew makes sure we light the Advent Candle, too. We use 3 purple candles and 1 rose candle.

#5 – Drink Egg Nog

Sounds silly, I know, but Joe CANNOT go with his egg nog. He gets all excited, smiles, and drinks with enthusiasm.

Question: What's your top 5? Top 3? I'd love to hear what you do for Christmas.

REVIEWS:
5 STARS, Celia Yeary, Author
You will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced tale of danger, a mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. Elise and Dimitri make sparks fly!

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites
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.

Sue Perkins, Author
The Faberge Secret exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth reading more than once. It is such a good book.

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
As the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.

4 Stars, Manic Readers
"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews
The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.
3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews
"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

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

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

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:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

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/

Character Interview with Dimitri Romanov from The Faberge Secret

Viggo Mortensen, inspiration for
"Dimitri"

Gael: Thanks for stopping by the MUSEum bar, Dimitri. I hear you're a very busy businessman. What do you do for a living?

Dimitri: I run a shipping company out of St. Petersburg, Russia with several American contracts on the east coast. The work is very profitable, but I like to be hands on so I'm always traveling.

Gael: I hear Kelch Shipping gives you a run for your money.

Dimitri: Yes, my rival is Gustav Kelch. I've known him since we were five. We started basic schooling together and if it wasn't grades, there was always something.

Gael: Who usually won?

Dimitri: Gustav cheated many times, but he was never clever enough to capitalize on the advantage and I won often just by playing fair. This taught me a work ethic that I carried over to my business – to be fair.

Gael: Tell us a little about your family.

Dimitri: My mother is elderly. My sister, Elena, and I pay for her to stay in a home. We both feel bad, but my mother enjoys the business the facility offers. It keeps her sharp. Elena works as a news anchor for the local TV, and Sergi, my cousin, is a detective with the St. Petersburg police.

Gael: I heard the police were corrupt to the hills in Russia.

Dimitri. Nyet. Sergi is honest to the bone. There is just a lot of paperwork that frustrates him.

Gustav Kelch

Gael: Have you and Sergi found the Faberge egg that was stolen from a recent exhibit?

Dimitri: Yes, but it's complicated. An American named Elise Goodwin, bought the egg on the black market. She doesn't believe I'm the real owner. She knows how to test my patience.

Gael: Test your patience? How?

Dimitri: Elise has very strong convictions. She knows she bought the egg on the black market, and she's determined to return it to the rightful owner, but I must prove to her beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is mine. It doesn't help my patience that she's very attractive. I find myself wanting more from her than friendship.

Gael: What's holding you back?

Dimitri: I have something to prove. I must show her that an honorable man and that I can keep her safe – especially from Kelch who I suspect ransacked her room and tied up her friend, Lucy.

Gael: Good luck, Mr. Romanov. I suspect you'll need it.

Rachel McAdams inspiration for:
"Elise"

Trivia: Nicholas II was that last Romanov Czar. What year did he abdicate?

REVIEWS:
5 STARS, Celia Yeary, Author
You will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced tale of danger, a mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. Elise and Dimitri make sparks fly!

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites
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.

Sue Perkins, Author
The Faberge Secret exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth reading more than once. It is such a good book.

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
As the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.

4 Stars, Manic Readers
"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews
The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews
"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

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

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

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:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

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

The Mystique behind Faberge Eggs

The first Faberge egg was made in 1885 for the Empress Maria of Russia, commissioned by her husband, Czar Alexander III by Carl Faberge. Carl Faberge was born in St. Petersburg and learned the art of fine crafted jewelry from his father, Gustav. In 1882, Carl took over his father's business in 1882. This first egg was given during the Easter season and was intended to honor the Czar's 20th anniversary of his engagement to his wife.

The Empress Maria was so impressed that she commissioned an egg for the following year. A tradition was born. In 1887 Faberge was given free reign to come up with his own designs – the only requirement was that each egg should contain a surprise.

In 1894, when the Czar passed away, the new Czar, Nicholas II continued the tradition with his wife. Interestingly, there were no eggs made 1904,1905 during the Russo-Japanese war. Overall, there were 50 Faberge eggs made for the royal Russian family, but only 42 were recovered after the Civil War of 1917.

The last two eggs made for the royal family, for 1917, 1918, were not delivered to them. They were called the Constellation and Karelian Birch

Faberge also made eggs for other customers including the Duchess of Marlborough, The Nobels, the Rothschilds, the Yusupovs, and seven eggs were made for a Russian industrialist named Alexander Kelch.

An interesting note: In 1927, Joseph Stalin had many of the eggs appraised by Agathon Faberge and sold them. A known total of 14 imperial eggs left Russia between 1930-1933. Most of them were sold to Armand Hammer, President of Occidental Petroleum and a personal friend of Lenin. Armand Hammer's father was the founder of the US Communist Party. Several eggs were also sold to Emanuel Snowman, a London antique dealer.

In "The Faberge Secret," Elise Goodwin finds a rare Faberge egg made for the Russian royal family for Christmas. That's were the fiction comes in – in real life, all the eggs made for the Imperial family were for Easter, so I put a Christmas spin on the eggs for the story. I also drew on Alexander Kelch who owned several eggs, setting up a rivalry between his grandson and the hero, Dimitri Romanov.

Question: Have you ever seen a Faberge egg? I'd love to hear about your experience.

Trivia: What was the name of the 1st Imperial egg made in 1885?

REVIEWS:
5 STARS, Celia Yeary, Author
You will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced tale of danger, a mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. Elise and Dimitri make sparks fly!

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites
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.

Sue Perkins, Author
The Faberge Secret exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth reading more than once. It is such a good book.

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
As the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.

4 Stars, Manic Readers
"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews
The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews
"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

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

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

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:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

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

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Stephanie Burkhart

Question: I don't know much about The Faberge Secret. What's it about?

Steph: Elise Goodwin runs a small heritage museum in Brattleboro, VT. It's a week before Christmas and she travels to Boston with her friend, Lucy to aquire some items for her museum from Sotheby's. While she's in Boston, she finds a rare Faberge egg and buys it. Quickly, she learns that the egg is owned by a Russian businessman, Dimitri Romanov, and his rival, Gustav Kelch, wants the egg – at any cost. Can Dimitri keep Elise safe?

Question: How long did it take you to write?

Steph: About two months. The story really flowed and took on a life of it's own as I wrote it.

Question: What was the inspiration behind the story?

Steph: Well, I wanted to write a Christmas story with a Russian "backbone" and I thought of Faberge eggs. Now, Faberge made Easter eggs for the royal family, not Christmas eggs, so came up with a fictional back story for the Christmas eggs that Dimitri owns. Once I had that, I asked myself, "what-if" someone stole a Faberge egg and the plot grew around that.

Question: How does the cover reflect the story within?

Steph: The cover depicts a green/red/gold Faberge egg, which is the heart of the story. Just how far would someone go to own one?

Question: Elise is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

Steph: Elise's strength is that she's confident in who she is and she's comfortable in her world. She's gotten used to being alone. She's strong in that she's loyal to her friends and family. Her weakness is her sentimentally. Her kind, caring, nature makes her vulnerable for someone to take advantage of her.

Question: What does Dimitri, the hero, see in Elise?

Steph: He's attracted to the fact that she's confident in who she is. She's not materialistic like his previous girlfriends.

Question: Are you a plotter or a panster?

Steph: A panster. I plot the 1st 3 chapters and see where the characters want to go from there.

Question: Do you own an ebook reader? If so, which one?

Steph: I own a Kindle 2 and a Kindle Fire. I like the K2 for the text to speech feature and the Fire to play movies and apps.

Question: What's your favorite summer fruit?

Steph: Oh, that's hard. Blueberries, raspberries, watermelon and grapes!

REVIEWS:
5 STARS, Celia Yeary, Author
You will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced tale of danger, a mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. Elise and Dimitri make sparks fly!

5 Stars, Reader's Favorites
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.

Sue Perkins, Author
The Faberge Secret exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth reading more than once. It is such a good book.

5 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
As the love story thicken, the suspense heightens and it won't let your eyes leave the page. I recommend The Faberge Secret to all of the romance readers. Even if you have never read romance, The Faberge Secret would be a great place to start.

4 Stars, Manic Readers
"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews
The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews
"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

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

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

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:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

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

Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "The Green Rose"

Thanks so much for supporting me this week. Enjoy this excerpt from "The Green Rose." If you follow me on Twitter, you all know I'm hooked on a good cup o' Joe in the morning. Leave a comment about the excerpt on today's blog with your email address and I'll pick one winner to receive a coffee mug with the cover, a Starbucks gift card, chocolate and various other goodies.

Smiles
Steph

********

Excerpt from: "The Green Rose"

Sonia had never seen a city like Drakon. She pulled the reins of her horse, stopping the mare, and gazed at the city. It stretched out along the northern shore of the Krispin Sea. The smaller buildings were made of stone, brick, and wood, but the taller buildings with the spires appeared either steel or granite. The spires consisted of swirling colored patterns and thick ledges she guessed were made of granite. Several buildings also possessed huge onion domes with wide doors. To the northwest she spied a river. The Volga? It must have been close to a myle wide. Beside the waterway, a tall, sturdy keep framed the city's skyline with two onion domes and two spirals.

Ivánstan pointed. "That's my home, Drakon Castle."

Sonia whistled. "Impressive. I've never seen onion domes or spirals used in buildings."

"King Xeres discovered the onion domes proved to be an excellent size and shape for a dragon's aerie."

"Are they granite?"

"Aye. King Eric the Great of Ravenrock allowed King Xeres to mine a granite quarry near the Ravenrock city of Faroe. The larger buildings of the city have a granite base."

"Where are the dragons?"

Again, Ivánstan pointed, toward the south. "The royal dragons prefer to live in those caves, though it's not uncommon to see them flying overhead."

"Amazing." A sense of awe overcame Sonia. She couldn't deny the exotic appeal of Ivánstan's home.

"I'm only sorry we won't be visiting the castle this time."

"No?"

"I don't think it wise. I know a tavern owner near the docks, Saltier. He can be trusted. We'll rent a room at his inn, rest our horses, and collect supplies for our journey into the forest. Tomorrow morning at first light, we'll continue."

She arched an eyebrow. "Are you embarrassed to show me your keep?"

"Nay, practical. It's not wise to announce our presence in the city. Too many questions would be asked of us and I don't want to scare the citizens into a panic."

She pursed her lips, unable to hide a hint of disappointment. His reasoning and logic made sense, but he could have shared his thoughts with her during today's journey. Then she glanced at her tunic.




"I wear the royal tunic of Tapin and you wear Daháka's."

"We'll make do for now. I'll have Saltier procure us tunics belonging to Cason's banner house so we won't attract immediate attention." He paused and studied her face. "Did I offend you?"

"I do think your plan has merit. I'm tired and I know the horses are, too, but I would have preferred you told me sooner."

His dark eyebrows slanted. "I'm sorry. When I make a decision, I carry it out. I don't often ask for another opinion."

"Then I would appreciate being consulted." She placed a hand on her hip and glared at him.

Ivánstan made a fist and placed it over his mouth as he coughed. "I'm sorry."

She shucked on the reins of her horse and proceeded forward at a brisk pace. Ivánstan quickly caught up. "I have a suggestion."

"A suggestion or an order?"



BLURB:
Eight hundred years ago on the continent of Gaia, war rocked the countries of N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock. The fearsome wyldebeasts of the black east threatened to destroy the known world. King Xeres of Daháka gathered the most powerful magicians of Gaia along with Queen Rhysia of N'Gasse, King Erik of Ravenrock, and Nyla, the High Priestess of Tapin at Komodo Field.

Daháka brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N'Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.

Using the green rose, the nobles and peoples of Gaia fought the wyldebeasts, led by the dark wizard, Augustin. Once the evil threat was defeated, the Eastern Wall was built along Ravenrock's borders to keep the foul wyldebeasts out of Gaia. Ravenrock was given the responsibility of guarding the 50,000 kilometer granite barrier.

King Xeres feared those who harbored evil in their hearts would seek the green rose. He tasked three witches to guard the flower and sent them into the heart of Tagrassé Forest.

Now, hundreds of years later, the peace of Gaia is once again threatened.

REVIEWS:

Stephenia Mcgee, Author "A Legacy of Lies"
Stephanie Burkhart weaves a delightful blend of action, intrigue and adventure into her fantasy romance, The Green Rose.


Regina Andrews, Author of "Destiny's Designs"
"The Green Rose" reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere.

Book Trailer:


The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.
BUY LINKS:

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

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

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

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

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

Author Spotlight - Game of Thrones

Thank goodness for On Demand TV! Between work, helping my boys with homework and chauffeuring my little men to their extra curricular activities, I have no time for TV. None.

HBO On Demand allowed me to stay up with it's mini-series, Game of Thrones, and I was hooked on the 1st episode.

Westros is a cesspool with a glutton of corrupt characters. King Robert is fat and slow, and while a decent soul, he's worn out from playing the game. He asks his friend, Ned Stark, to help out. Ned's a good guy, the Lord of Winterfell, but doesn't play the game well, either.

Who plays the game of thrones well? Tyrion Lannister. He maybe a dwarf, but he understands human nature and he knows the motivations behind a man – or a woman's – actions. Only his sister, Cersei, is a match for him.

There are outside elements which play into the game. Up in the north, where the wall separates Westros from the others, a threat that threatens to destroy the country looms. Ned Stark's bastard, Jon Snow, takes "the black" to protect the wall.



To the far east, across the sea is the desert land of the Dothraki. Daenerys Targaryen, the last of her line and daughter of the previous Westros king, wanders the land searching for a home and finds her legacy – dragons – instead.

Season 2 of Game of Thrones is on HBO now and I'm loving it. Who's your favorite character in the series? Who plays the game the best?

NOTE: Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion, won an Emmy last year for his role.

BLURB:
Eight hundred years ago on the continent of Gaia, war rocked the countries of N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock. The fearsome wyldebeasts of the black east threatened to destroy the known world. King Xeres of Daháka gathered the most powerful magicians of Gaia along with Queen Rhysia of N'Gasse, King Erik of Ravenrock, and Nyla, the High Priestess of Tapin at Komodo Field.

Daháka brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N'Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.

Using the green rose, the nobles and peoples of Gaia fought the wyldebeasts, led by the dark wizard, Augustin. Once the evil threat was defeated, the Eastern Wall was built along Ravenrock's borders to keep the foul wyldebeasts out of Gaia. Ravenrock was given the responsibility of guarding the 50,000 kilometer granite barrier.

King Xeres feared those who harbored evil in their hearts would seek the green rose. He tasked three witches to guard the flower and sent them into the heart of Tagrassé Forest.

Now, hundreds of years later, the peace of Gaia is once again threatened.

REVIEWS:

Stephenia Mcgee, Author "A Legacy of Lies"
Stephanie Burkhart weaves a delightful blend of action, intrigue and adventure into her fantasy romance, The Green Rose.


Regina Andrews, Author of "Destiny's Designs"
"The Green Rose" reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere.

Book Trailer:


The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.
BUY LINKS:

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

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

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

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

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

Author Spotlight - Dahaka - The Land of Dragons

Dragons are fun to write about. What's not fun? They fly, they breath fire, they're intelligent, and they can be either be bad or good. I hit the books the find out what I could add to my dragons.

While no "fantasy-like" dragons exist today, I discovered that just about every culture from the Aztecs to the Europeans to even the Chinese have extensive dragon myths. I thought that was curious – despite the world in the early development of humans, the dominant civilizations all had dragon myths and the most common element included dragons that flew and breathed fire.

Ivánstan, my hero, is bonded to Draco, the dragon. Draco is a clever one, but needs to stay near water to keep cool since his internal temperature runs hot. The dragons reside in onion dome aeries in the capital of Daháka, Drakon. Draco is loyal to the bone to his bonded human, Ivánstan, but will the fierce dragon defend Sonia, the Tapin princess who has stolen Ivánstan's heart?

QUESTION: What's your favorite fantasy story?


BLURB:
Eight hundred years ago on the continent of Gaia, war rocked the countries of N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock. The fearsome wyldebeasts of the black east threatened to destroy the known world. King Xeres of Daháka gathered the most powerful magicians of Gaia along with Queen Rhysia of N'Gasse, King Erik of Ravenrock, and Nyla, the High Priestess of Tapin at Komodo Field.

Daháka brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N'Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.

Using the green rose, the nobles and peoples of Gaia fought the wyldebeasts, led by the dark wizard, Augustin. Once the evil threat was defeated, the Eastern Wall was built along Ravenrock's borders to keep the foul wyldebeasts out of Gaia. Ravenrock was given the responsibility of guarding the 50,000 kilometer granite barrier.

King Xeres feared those who harbored evil in their hearts would seek the green rose. He tasked three witches to guard the flower and sent them into the heart of Tagrassé Forest.

Now, hundreds of years later, the peace of Gaia is once again threatened.

REVIEWS:

Stephenia Mcgee, Author "A Legacy of Lies"
Stephanie Burkhart weaves a delightful blend of action, intrigue and adventure into her fantasy romance, The Green Rose.


Regina Andrews, Author of "Destiny's Designs"
"The Green Rose" reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere.

Book Trailer:


The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.
BUY LINKS:

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

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

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

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

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

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Stephanie Burkhart

QUESTION 1: What's "The Green Rose" about?"

STEPH: The story takes place on the mythical continent of Gaia. There are 4 allied nations: N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock. The evil mage, Balthyser, betrays Tapin and the allied nations. Seeking power, he unleashes the fearsome wyldebeasts on Gaia. Sonia of Tapin and Ivánstan of Daháka are tasked to find the green rose in the hopes of harnessing the magic and defeating Balthyser.

QUESTION 2: How long did it take you to write?

STEPH: About 3 months. I started in September and finished in November. It was a very fluid write and the characters really dictated the direction of the story.

QUESTION 3: Did you have to do a lot of research?

STEPH: I did a bunch of research on dragon myths and legends. I also researched falcons and ravens. I learned a lot of interesting things about the birds and I tried to weave the more interesting aspects into the story.

QUESTION 4: Hollywood is calling. Cast the characters.

STEPH: I see Rhona Mitra (from Underworld 3) as Sonia and Kellan Lutz (think Immortals) as Ivánstan. Ian McKellan is my choice for the evil mage Balthyser. Meryl Streep would make a great Queen Rowan and Colin Firth would be my pick for King Talas of Ravenrock.

QUESTION 5: Sonia is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

STEPH: Sonia was told that magic wasn't strong in her so she was raised to be skilled with a sword. Sonia is brave and determined, but after Gabriel's betrayal, she's a lot less trusting. Her weaknesses would be her lack of training in magic and her fear of trusting again. Ivánstan has to work hard to earn her trust.

QUESTION 6: What does Ivánstan find appealing about Sonia?

STEPH: She's just as fearless as him and enjoys a good adventure. That's what he's looking for in a soulmate.

QUESTION 7: How does the cover reflect the story?



STEPH: The green rose is a powerful magical instrument and can influence magical beings. Sonia is the one most affected by the rose. The rose helps her to find the courage to deepen her relationships.

QUESTION 8: Are you a plotter or a panster?

STEPH: A panster for sure! When I start, I plot the first 3 chapters and when I'm done with them I let the characters decide where they want to go.

QUESTION 9: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

STEPH: I have a Kindle Fire and a Kindle 2. I love my Kindle 2 because it has text to speech and I can listen to it in the car going to work. I love my Kindle Fire for the color, the apps, the games, and the videos.

QUESTION 10: Fun question: Any plans for spring?

STEPH: The California Strawberry Festival takes place 19 & 20 May in Oxnard, CA and I can't wait to go. I go every year. If you love strawberries, you'll love the festival. The strawberries melt in your mouth. There's strawberry everything – shortcake, margaritas, beer, nachos, etc.

Anyone want to share about their local festivals, if they go, and what they enjoy at the festival? There's a garlic festival in Gilroy, CA I'd like to go to one summer. Maybe this year.

BLURB:
Eight hundred years ago on the continent of Gaia, war rocked the countries of N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock. The fearsome wyldebeasts of the black east threatened to destroy the known world. King Xeres of Daháka gathered the most powerful magicians of Gaia along with Queen Rhysia of N'Gasse, King Erik of Ravenrock, and Nyla, the High Priestess of Tapin at Komodo Field.

Daháka brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N'Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.



Using the green rose, the nobles and peoples of Gaia fought the wyldebeasts, led by the dark wizard, Augustin. Once the evil threat was defeated, the Eastern Wall was built along Ravenrock's borders to keep the foul wyldebeasts out of Gaia. Ravenrock was given the responsibility of guarding the 50,000 kilometer granite barrier.

King Xeres feared those who harbored evil in their hearts would seek the green rose. He tasked three witches to guard the flower and sent them into the heart of Tagrassé Forest.

Now, hundreds of years later, the peace of Gaia is once again threatened.

REVIEWS:

Stephenia Mcgee, Author "A Legacy of Lies"
Stephanie Burkhart weaves a delightful blend of action, intrigue and adventure into her fantasy romance, The Green Rose.


Regina Andrews, Author of "Destiny's Designs"
"The Green Rose" reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere.

Book Trailer:


The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.
BUY LINKS:

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

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

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

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

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