Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Christmas 2014 around the World #christmas


Christmas is a holiday that embraces the world. I thought I'd share these pictures of Christmas from around the world with you.  

Bir Zeit,  Bethlehem


Sydney, Australia



Vatican City, Rome



Nairobi, Kenya


Minsk, Belarus



Bercelona, Spain


Kabul, Afghanistan


Frankfurt, Germany


Mesen, Beligum



How was your Christmas? Do you have a favorite picture? 

These pictures come from: http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2014/dec/25/christmas-from-around-the-world-in-pictures

Winter in Yosemite - DEC 2014 #yosemite #nps

We don't see much snow in California, especially in Southern California. If you want to play in the snow, you have to go to it. So the boys and I packed up our snow clothes, threw the chains in the 4Runner and headed off to Yosemite. It took 4 ½ hours.
Wawona Hotel

 We got a room at the Wawona Hotel in the southern part of the park. The hotel was first built in 1876 in Victorian style. We stayed in the "index" built in 1918. Our room was small with a closet, double bed, twin bed, and they gave us a roll up bed. We had a small sink and mirror. Our restroom was outside in the hall. The showers were on the other side of the building. We ate dinner in the hotel's dining room. The hotel was decorated in lights, red bows, and had a tricked out gingerbread house. They had a cool yule log and a colorful Christmas tree.

The Wawona Christmas tree

The next day, after breakfast in the dining room, we donned our winter coats and went up to Badger Pass hoping to do some snow tubing, but it was closed so we made snowballs instead.

Making snowballs in Badge Pass


Next we trolled the valley floor. The Yosemite Falls were gushing. We had a picnic lunch at a site near the Awanhnee Hotel. The Awanhnee Hotel was decked out. They had at least three trees, one in the lobby, one near the he fireplace, and one in the winter room. They also had a sleigh near the entrance.

Joe in the Awanhnee sleigh

The fireplace at the Awanhnee

The Awanhnee lobby Christmas tree


Our next adventure was at the Curry Village ice rink. I got my "skating' legs back pretty easily. It was Joe's first time and he picked it up quickly. Then we went back to our hotel for a good night's sleep. The following day we hopped in the car and went home. Right now it's 46 degrees in Castaic and the weatherman says the snow level is dropping to 2000 feet. Time will tell if we get snow.  Heck, SoCal is due for a little snow.

On the ice rink 
Skating with the boys


Smiles
Steph

Enjoy this 99 Christmas romance:

FEAST OF CANDLES:
After tasting her wine, Drake travels from Denmark to California to meet winemaker Lily Marquand.  Will love bloom?


4 Stars, "A  delightful story!" Billie Houston, Amazon Reviewer.
5 Stars, "A wonderfully romantic story!" Angela Britnell, Amazon Reviewer.
5 Stars, " A highly enjoyable story!" Jaclyn Bi Bona, Amazon Reviewer.

Excerpt:

He escorted her to her car and paused near the door. Lily unlocked it with her remote and leaned over, placing her purse along with the folder in the passenger seat. When she stood back up, Drake was directly in front of her. He cupped her cheek, his hand warm and encouraging. "When can I see you again?"

Her abdomen ached for more as waves of desire washed over her. Lily craved closer contact, but she tried to think rationally. "I'm, ah, not sure of my schedule."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes – tomorrow. Come to the winery after it closes."

His lips brushed against hers, then gently covered her mouth.

Buy Links:

Amazon:

Smashwords:

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792



Sunday, December 28, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cents holiday romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Drake and Lily get close. 

*****
"I'm used to the loneliness." She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying his touch far too much.

He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pulse quickened even as a sense of caution flooded through her. She opened her eyes and placed her hand over his, while placing her other hand over his chest to stop him from drawing closer. Despite her attraction, she wasn't quite ready to allow a kiss.


He stared into her eyes, keeping his hand on her waist. "What's wrong?"
****


"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****

Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader

This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792





FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary Christmas romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Lily and Drake talk about Christmas. 

*****
"In Denmark, the sun rises after eight in the morning and sets before four in the afternoon, so light is important in our Christmas traditions. Candlelight drives away the gloom and creates a warmth and coziness for many families during this cold and dark time of year. This last weekend my family gathered to light our first candle on the Advent wreath."

"Family is important to you?" 
"Yes, and you?"


"My mother passed away when I was a little girl, and my father threw his heart and soul into the winery. I have an uncle, but he lives in New York. I grew up not knowing what a close family was like," Lily said.

****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.

"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****

Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader

This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792





FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas Romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Lily and Drake talk about Christmas. 

*****
"Growing up, we always had apple pie on Christmas Eve."

Drake walked forward, stopping before her. White string lights sparkled on the tree, sending soft shadows over his cheeks. The doormen were escorting guests to their cars.

"What makes me believe it's Christmas is light." His voice was low and purposefully seductive, and his nearness made her senses spin.


"Light? I don't understand."

****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.

"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****

Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader

This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792





FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent contemporary romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday

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



This snippet:      Lily takes matters into her own hands. 

*****
Adonis kept his replies short, but maintained an affable smile. Why did it bother Lily so much to see him talking to Alexis? Wanting to stake her claim, she walked toward him, holding out her hand.

"Hello, I'm Lily Marquand.

A satisfied light came into his eyes. He took her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles. Reckless warmth traveled up her arm.


"Enchante, Drake de Brettville."

****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.

"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****

Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader

This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792





FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent Christmas romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday #99centbook

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



This snippet:      Lily spies Drake in the crowd. 

*****
She spied him out of the corner of her eye. He had to be over six feet and his stance emphasized the force of his thighs and slimness of his hips. His classically handsome features warmed her to her bones. Even in a crowd, his presence was compelling, and he carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence. 

She dared to stare at him, and he didn't look away, only arching his eyebrow, inviting her to approach him. Slowly and seductively, his gaze slid downward. She wanted to turn away as embarrassment flushed over her, but she couldn't. 


"Lily, did you hear me?"
****

**This snippet was modified a bit to fit the 8 sentence requirement.

"Feast of Candles" is a spicy contemporary Christmas romance. Drake de Brettville travels all the way from Denmark to San Franscisco to meet Lily Marquand, a wine maker. Will romance blossom, despite their different worlds? 

****

Reviews for Feast of Candles:

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reader

This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for.

5 Stars, Karen M. Nutt, Amazon Reader
Pour yourself a glass of wine or your drink of choice and treat yourself to a romantic interlude with Ms. Burkhart's Feast of Candles.

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reader
A wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES.

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792





FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent paranormal romance: Night of Magic #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my paranormal romance, Night of Magic. This will be the last weekend for Snippets from Night of Magic. Next week, I'll be featuring one of my Christmas stories. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



This snippet:      

*****

"Darius, you may leave." Aithne stepped into the room. The soldier nodded, placed the iron key on a table next to the door and departed.
"Where should we start?" she asked.
Finn held out his wrists again. "Untie me."
Her eyes grew hooded like a hawk's and she glided across the floor to the glass door, ignoring his request. Opening the door, she let cool air into the room.

****

"Night of Magic" is a paranormal romance. Finn dares the bonfires of Samhain, but does Aithne want to go home? 

****

Reviews for Night of Magic:

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer:

"This author has managed to come up with interesting characters and a persuasive plot with gripping action-filled scenes and fine details."

5 Stars, Ichichra, Amazon Reviewer:
"It surely got a quick smile from the romantic inside me."

5 Stars, Sara Eggli, Amazon Reviewer:
"I really like fast paced stories and this is one. Sometimes I find shorts lagging, not so here. The characters were developed enough that extra story line was not needed. If you are looking for good read this is definitely one."

BUY LINKS:  

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452595

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/night-of-magic-stephanie-burkhart/1119887269?ean=2940046044119

KOBO: 2012 Fall/Paranormal Collection:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/2012-fall-paranormal-collection


FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: 
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Friday, November 21, 2014

Make A Play for Her Now - The Bangles #thebangles


I love 80's music. Being a young adult in the 80's I really came to enjoy the music The Bangles put out. Susanna Hoffs, Debbie & Vicki Peterson and Michael Steele were my heroines! It's was great to see girls "rock" and put out music I enjoyed.  My highlight was seeing the gurls play at the New York State Fair in 1989. It was general admission but I was there early enough I was right up next to the stage, near Michael. Some guy got past security, jumped up on stage and gave Susanna a kiss. She was startled to say the least. Security finally put the grab on him and threw him out. 

I was pretty bummed to hear the Bangles broke up and thrilled when they got back together in the late 1990's, 2000s.  So, what's the appeal for me?  

#1 - their vocal harmonies. Those girls can sing! (reminicent of the Beatles) Their voices mesh together really well. In fact, their in the vocal hall of fame.

#2 - They can play the heck out of their instruments!

#3 - Their music spoke to the things that I was going through. For me, Vicki and her songs spoke the most to me. 

#4 - Now, it's great to be able to play their discs in the car. My boys get into the songs. My oldest son really likes "Single By Choice" (another Vicki song!) 

They've got a new release coming out in Thanksgiving day. Can't wait. One thing that I learned recently is how important Michael Steele was to the group. Her songs always had a different tone, more "worldly" speaking to big issues. The Bangles aren't the same without her. 

Anyway, me and the boys were jamming to "Everything" in the car and one of my favorite songs, "Make a Play for Her Now" came on. This has got to be one of my favorite songs. 


Here's a You Tube Link to a live audio performance of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwmNpBdcVJM

The song was co-written by Vicki and V. Vincent.  
Vicki is great a word play. That's one of the reasons I really enjoy her song.  Here's the opening verse:

Words of comfort and love
spoken in design
turn cruel, unkind.
You have your ready treasures of sin
and it all begins 
with an innocent smile.

Who doesn't remember being dumped because your "boyfriend" is attracted to another woman?  How are you suppose to take it? It's not a pleasent feeling. Vicki rocks the song. The song has a haunting, fast paced beat that strikes a "I'm-hurt-but-I'm-going-to-tough-it-through."

Vicki wrote "Make a Play For Her Now," with former kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent, who turned out to be a major Bangles Fan. 

Vicki was born in Northridge, CA. In 1981, she got together with her sister, Debbie and Susanna Hoffs and founded the Bangles. She plays lead guitar.

Question for you: Are you a Bangles fan?  Who is your favorite?  What's your favorite Bangle song? I'll be exploring my Bangle love in the upcoming weeks and sharing other songs.