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 - Character Interview with Princess Caroline of Carpathia

Anna Hathaway inspiration for "Caroline"

GAEL: Hi, I'm Gael, the owner of "MUSEum" the bar where all muses hang out from the Desert Breeze Anthology, "Be Mused." The bar is a place to come and unwind and take a break. On occasion I get a celebrity in. How can I resist an interview?

With us today is Princess Caroline Moldoneavu from "Twilight Over Moldavia." It's great to have you here today, Your Highness. Tell us, how did you meet Prince Stefan?

CAROLINE: We met in the woods outside of Dragon's Keep, my ancestral home. I shot the prince with an arrow.

GAEL: Oh, you cupid! Or should I say Aphrodite?

CAROLINE: Aphrodite, I'm not. I'm much more skilled with a bow and arrow. It was an accident – how embarrassing! My father would be so disappointed. Thankfully, Stefan wasn't hurt.

GAEL: That's good he wasn't. How did he react to being shot with an arrow?

CAROLINE: He just stared at me. I'd never had a man look at me like he did. Then I noticed he had a flesh wound so I wrapped my scarf around his leg to stop the bleeding.

GAEL: Oh, I'm sure he appreciated the gesture.

CAROLINE: I did get a small smile out of him. I'd never touched a man before, but when I placed my hand on his thigh, I grew warm all over. I knew right then and there he was special.

GAEL: Did he know who you were when you shot him?

CAROLINE: No! Our parents had just formally arranged our marriage and I was too embarrassed to admit I was the Crown Princess of Carpathia and his betrothed so I lied and told him my name was Aurora. And it is – just my middle name.

GAEL: That's not very noble.

CAROLINE: He lied, too. He told me his name was Sebastian. I thought I'd never see him again. When he left, he took my scarf I'd wrapped around his leg. It was a family heirloom my mother knitted for me. She was disappointed that I'd lost it.

GAEL: When did you see Stefan next?

CAROLINE: I was waiting in the great hall with my family to be introduced to the Sigmaringens from Moldavia and meet my betrothed. Sebastian walked in wearing the uniform of Moldavian's Crown Prince. I almost fainted.

GAEL: I'm sure he was surprised as well.

CAROLINE: Both of us were stunned. My mother had to nudge me to curtsey with one of her scowls.

GAEL: I'm sure your mother was polite. She's a queen, after all.

CAROLINE: My mother is always disappointed with me and if it isn't one thing, it's another. Thankfully, Stefan saved the moment by producing my scarf, she thought I'd lost.

GAEL: I heard the prince was a real gentleman. How did the rest of your night go?

CAROLINE: Not like I expected, I assure you. If you don’t mind, I'm late meeting my grandmother. She's giving me a lesson in witchcraft.

GAEL: You're a witch, too?

CAROLINE: It's a long story.

GAEL: Congratulations on your engagement.

CAROLINE: Thank you. (dashes off)

GAEL: Sounds like their romance is off to an interesting start. I just might have to have the prince over to MUSEum some time soon. –wink--


BLURB: Would you marry a man cursed to become a werewolf?

4 Stars, Vijaya Schartz, author
In this novel full of danger and intrigue, sexy scenes, and unspeakable secrets, the werewolves are the villains, and oh how dangerous they are, and unwashed, and uncivilized. The kind of villains you love to hate.

5 Stars, Mona Risk, Author "No More Lies"
Burkhart's writing style grabs the reader from the first page. She keeps you breathless with her suspense as she transports you to exotic areas you will enjoy discovering.

Barbara Hodges, Author, "The Blue Flame"
Twilight Over Moldavia whisked me into a part of the world I knew nothing about, and gave me a wonderful love story filled with suspense too. What more could a reader desire? I will be reading the first book in this series and will be looking for the third, I can’t hardly wait.





BUY LINKS:

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbooktwotwilightovermoldavia-667833-139.html

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B006RQ7LU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325479348&sr=8-1

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-247/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two/Detail.bok

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 - The Inspiration behind "Twilight Over Moldavia"

When I was a young girl, I used to watch "Creature Double Feature" on Saturdays and became convinced that there were beings who went bump in the night like vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies. Silly me – I thought if I covered my neck with my sheets the vampires couldn't get me. Oh, and I never did figure out what happened to all the lint under the bed so I think there was merit to my theory.

All those creatures of the night resonated with that young girl so when I grew up, I wanted to write about them. Being the optimist I am, I gravitated toward romance writing. When I discovered paranormal writing, I'd knew I'd found my niche.

In 2005, I wanted to write a paranormal romance about a werewolf. Vampires were pretty popular back then and I wanted to explore the wolf. My idea? I wanted to write a fairytale in reverse where the princess had to save the prince. Inspiration had taken root.

I threw a dash of gothic and a pinch of moonlight into the plot and wrote "Twilight Over Moldavia." Prince Stefan had been cursed to become a werewolf on his 18th birthday. Can Caroline's love save him? I wrote the first draft then tackled "The Wolf's Torment," explaining how Stefan came to be cursed. I went through several drafts of each and my self-published "The Wolf's Torment" in 2007 had more horror elements than romantic ones. In 2009, I signed contracts with Desert Breeze for the Moldavian Moon Series. The published version of "Twilight Over Moldavia" is draft #4. It's a story close to my heart because I love how Caroline and Stefan come together to face adversity. I usually don't draw inspiration from music, but for their story, I drew a lot from "Astronomy" by Blue Oyster Cult. Inspiration comes from the willingness to explore - and Blue Oyster Cult.



BLURB: Would you marry a man cursed to become a werewolf?

4 Stars, Vijaya Schartz, author
In this novel full of danger and intrigue, sexy scenes, and unspeakable secrets, the werewolves are the villains, and oh how dangerous they are, and unwashed, and uncivilized. The kind of villains you love to hate.

5 Stars, Mona Risk, Author "No More Lies"
Burkhart's writing style grabs the reader from the first page. She keeps you breathless with her suspense as she transports you to exotic areas you will enjoy discovering.

Barbara Hodges, Author, "The Blue Flame"
Twilight Over Moldavia whisked me into a part of the world I knew nothing about, and gave me a wonderful love story filled with suspense too. What more could a reader desire? I will be reading the first book in this series and will be looking for the third, I can’t hardly wait.


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

BUY LINKS:

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbooktwotwilightovermoldavia-667833-139.html

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B006RQ7LU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325479348&sr=8-1

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-247/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two/Detail.bok

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

Question: I don't know much about "Twilight Over Moldavia." What's it about?

Steph: "Twilight Over Moldavia" is a paranormal romance set in the 1880's in Romania. Prince Stefan is cursed to become a werewolf on his 18th birthday. He learns this just as he's getting engaged to Caroline. She must make a choice to go ahead with the engagement or not. Timon, the werewolf who cursed him, hunts Stefan throughout the Romanian principalities, determined to claim Stefan for his pack.

Question: How long did it take you to write?

Steph: I wrote the first draft in 2005 and it was very different from this version. I put the draft aside and focused on other projects. From 2006-2009, I started a 2nd and 3rd draft, but didn't settle upon this draft until last summer. It took about eight weeks to write this version.

Question: Where did the inspiration for the story come from?

Steph: I love supernatural creatures, but decided I'd focus on werewolves instead of vampires because the basic premise of the wolf has a living, breathing man behind the beast. I wanted to focus on how the wolf struggles to retain his humanity. For me, witches are a natural fit for the wolf, an organic companion. Witches also have struggles, like learning to fit into the human world.

For "Twilight Over Moldavia" the premise was simple. I wanted to write a fairytale in reverse where the princess had to save the prince. The plot and characters grew from that.

Question: How did you come up with the title, "Twilight Over Moldavia?"

Steph: For Stefan's principality, Moldavia, it's truly twilight when the promise of the nation, the crown prince, is cursed to become a werewolf. By using "twilight" in the title, I hope to provide a small amount of hope that Stefan can be saved and find "happily ever after."

Question: How much research did you do?


Steph: Tons! I researched werewolf myths, witches, Romania, Romanian customs, Orthodoxy, Romanian names, Transylvania, Wallachia, Dracula, the Black Sea, and Bran Castle just to name a few.

Question: Tell us a little about the heroine, Caroline. What are her strengths?

Steph: When the story opens, Caroline has just been name the Crown Princess of Carpathia. She did not expect to have the title since she was her parents' second daughter, but her older sister, Edwina, died in a riding accident.

Caroline knows her own mind. She's the best horsewoman in Carpathia and she's skilled in archery, very non-princess traits her dancing is passable and her embroidery is abysmal. She knows she disappoints her mother, yet it's her understanding of duty that her father teaches her which drives her choices. Caroline hopes that ultimately she can make her mother proud of her.

Question: How did Stefan come to be cursed?

Steph: For that, you'll have to read "The Wolf's Torment," book 1 in the series.

Question: Do you have to read "The Wolf's Torment" before reading "Twilight Over Moldavia?"

Steph: No. I believe "Twilight Over Moldavia" can stand alone, but "The Wolf's Torment" will help the reader better understand how Stefan came to be cursed.

Question: Do you have an ebook reader?

Steph: I have a Kindle 2nd generation and a Kindle Fire. I love them both.

Question: Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Steph: To lose weight. I'm back at Weight Watchers and joined the weight loss challenge at work. If you want to follow my journey, I'm blogging about my experiences every Saturday on my blog, "Romance Under The Moonlight."

BLURB: Would you marry a man cursed to become a werewolf?

4 Stars, Vijaya Schartz, author
In this novel full of danger and intrigue, sexy scenes, and unspeakable secrets, the werewolves are the villains, and oh how dangerous they are, and unwashed, and uncivilized. The kind of villains you love to hate.

5 Stars, Mona Risk, Author "No More Lies"
Burkhart's writing style grabs the reader from the first page. She keeps you breathless with her suspense as she transports you to exotic areas you will enjoy discovering.

Barbara Hodges, Author, "The Blue Flame"
Twilight Over Moldavia whisked me into a part of the world I knew nothing about, and gave me a wonderful love story filled with suspense too. What more could a reader desire? I will be reading the first book in this series and will be looking for the third, I can’t hardly wait.


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

BUY LINKS:

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbooktwotwilightovermoldavia-667833-139.html

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B006RQ7LU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325479348&sr=8-1

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-247/Moldavian-Moon-Book-Two/Detail.bok

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 - 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

Featured May Release - The Hungarian by Stephanie Burkhart

Desert Breeze congratulates Stephanie on her release!

The Blurb:

Katherine Archibald is in search of a grand adventure. A young woman in late Victorian England, she wants to open up a book store in London and travel Europe hunting down rare books. Love isn't on her map.

Enter Matthias Duma. The Hungarian count captures Katherine's attention like no other man before him with his unusual gold-malachite eyes, his exotic features, and his command of the night sky.

After a night of intrigue during Katherine's birthday, she discovers the map does include love in the legend, but will the map lead her to Budapest and the dark, brooding Hungarian she's just met?


Excerpt:

His eyes drew her to him -- malachite green with a gold ring around the iris. Dynamic. Expressive. Even now, as he looked at her, they softened and grew translucent. He stopped in front of the window and casually threw his blazer onto a nearby chair as if he owned the room.

"Hello," he said.

"Hello."

"You're staring."

"I am? I thought you were staring at me."

He chuckled. "Perhaps I was admiring you."

"Me?"

"Who else is here?"

Katherine pursed her lips as her insides warmed from the deep silkiness of his voice. He smiled and walked to her chair, slowly gliding around it, tracing his finger over the leather headrest, skirting her curly hair.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"And who is inquiring?" She tried to sound cool and composed, but she had to fight the nervous temptation to play with her hands.

"Romeo, perhaps?"

"Then my name is Juliet."

A teasing smile graced his lips as he walked out from behind her chair and glanced at a bookshelf before turning to look at her again.

"Would you fall for Tristan?"

"Only if my name were Isolde."

******
About the Author:

Stephanie Burkhart was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. She received a B.S. in Political Science from California Baptist University in 1995. She served in U.S. Army from 1986-1997, spending seven years in Germany. Her interests include exploring European history and watching Dancing with the Stars. Stephanie lives in California and works for LAPD's Communications Division as a 911 Dispatcher. She's married with two young sons.

***

"The Hungarian" is available at the Desert Breeze Publishing Website, All Romance Books, and Amazon for Kindle.