Monday, July 20, 2015

Christmas in July: 99 cent sweet romance: Gifts #christmasinjuly


Enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent sweet Christmas romance, "Gifts," featuring Jimmy Thomas on the cover. 

BLURB: 

Figure skating is in Christian Jansen's blood. When he trips on uneven ice and drops his partner, Chris breaks his arm. Now he's looking for a second chance.

Famke deVries lost her skating coach four months ago. Needing to connect with her roots, she returns to Amsterdam and agrees to be Christian's new skating partner. 

Christian and Famke connect on a deep level, understanding each other's losses, but will their chemistry off the ice interfere with their goal to go to the Olympics?


ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:


Chris entered the apartment and flicked on the light. They stepped into a living room area. Most of the furniture reminded her of pine wood. Wrought iron finishes and windmill portraits gave the room personality, but it needed a woman's touch. Chris walked down the hall and placed Famke's bag in a bedroom. She followed him and peered over his shoulder, placing one hand on his waist. He was all muscle. She wasn't sure why she had reached out to him, but she had a sense he'd been trying to shake off a lingering sadness since he saw the red-haired woman on the street.

"This is your room," he said softly.

She glanced up at his soulful, hazel eyes, convinced a certain melancholy haunted him. "Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome." His voice was quiet.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" she asked.

"No." He turned to face her. "Have you skated pairs before?"

"No, but I'm game to try it."

He opened his palm up. "Put your hand in mine."

"Why?"
"Please."

There was something in the tone of his voice, something that implied he was looking for her trust, but there was also a hint of doubt. She slid her hand over his palm and he grasped her fingers, his grip firm, strong, and steady.

"Squeeze me back," he said, staring at her with such intensity, her heart tripped.

"All right." Her fingers clasped his.

"Good. Our grips need to be similar so when I lift you, you trust me."

Slowly, she released him. "All right."

He took a step back and offered her a small smile. "Maks and I use the Westergasfabriek ice rink." He reached into his pocket and handed her a business card. "Can you meet us there at two? It's the only time we could book for tomorrow."

"I'll be there."

He awkwardly gestured toward the hall. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Famke escorted him to the main door. She'd been brought up to always see a guest off when they left.

Chris paused in the doorframe and jammed his hands into his pockets. "Good night."

"Good night," she replied.

He departed and she closed the door. Drifting into the kitchen, Famke inspected her brother's cabinets, but her thoughts lingered on Chris. Something troubled him. But would trying to discover what it was cross the professionalism she wanted to keep?
REVIEWS:

"A well written story I couldn't put down," 5 Stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer.

"This love story is a joy to read," 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer.

"The characters are appealing," 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reviwer. 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8

Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gifts-11

Giveaway: 
Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 27 JULY to receive a print copy of the 2012 Christmas Anthology where this story was featured. 

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