Author Jennifer Shirk mentioned to me last week that my book, NEVER THE SAME, was listed in the magazine Romantic Times. I was thrilled to learn this and the name of the article is “Look! Up in the Sky, Plane Crashes Take Off In Genre Fiction.” My name and book title is listed on the Crash Course Reading page and one of my favorite romances, TWO ALONE, is also listed written by Sandra Brown. Jennifer sent me a copy of the article. Of course, I’m hoping I’ll get some sales from NEVER THE SAME receiving this attention. It was published in print and ebook formats in 2007 and thought I’d share the blurb, trailer and a few reviews. If you haven’t read this book, hope you’ll consider buying it in ebook or print now!

BLURB:
They walk away from the wreckage of an airplane, but their hearts and lives will never be the same.

When fashion buyer Kimberly Collins and high school senior Tori Moorhead escape a burning plane, both women make radical decisions that intertwine their lives forever.Kim’s priorities change, especially in the bedroom. She’s thankful to be taken to another world—one of love and romance, not of smoke and death.

When she decides she wants another child, her husband reveals his own shocking plans for their family.

Pregnant teenager Tori is on her way to get a secret abortion when the plane crashes. The baby’s teen father wants to get married. Her dad insists they consider adoption. Caught between the two men she loves, Tori struggles to make the right decisions for her baby and the future she dreamed of.

REVIEWS:
Rating: Blue Ribbon 4.5! Ms. Craver’s NEVER THE SAME is a heartfelt story about two families whose lives will intertwine for the rest of time. I loved the realistic characters and I constantly felt as if I were right in the room with them watching everything as it evolved. It was wonderful to read a story about something that could actually take place; a tale that, with its believability, could draw me in so deeply. This book is for my keeper shelf. Thank you, Diane Craver.
~By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Shayla

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

This is yet another story in which Ms. Craver shows us her talent for writing a compelling story that grabs hold of her readers and takes them on a journey. It’s hard not to get so emotionally involved with her characters. This was a story that made me take a step back and reassess my own goals and priorities in life because just as Ms. Craver’s characters, life can throw you a curveball and could change your life forever. It is stories like these that make you realize that it’s wise to stop and smell the roses no matter how busy your life may be. We should all work toward fulfilling our hopes and dreams before one day it might be too late. This story is thoroughly entertaining and I found myself eager to find out how each character fared in the end. Well done, Ms. Craver. Keep the stories coming!

Never the Same by Diane Craver is a tale about families, modern life and the dangers that can enter, and then alter, lives. Kim and Steve are blessed with great careers and a solid family situation. They seem to be the perfect couple, but their marriage isn’t all is should be—or all that either of them would like it to be. Tori and Ryan are young and unmarried. They should be contemplating college, parties and all the opportunities open to couples their age. Instead, a night of exuberant, carefree celebration has left them with a very serious situation to deal with. Both couples come from different points in life, but a fateful airplane trip brings them close in ways no one could have anticipated.
~~~~
LASR - Reviewed by Peony
I enjoyed this book mainly because the characters, and their situations, are so realistically portrayed that I felt I could see and hear everything that took place. The plane crash is heart-stopping without being graphic, something I greatly appreciated. I was adequately frightened without being disgusted. The plot unravels at a steady, even pace and it is satisfying in every sense of the word. Although the ending is predictable, this story is an entertaining, well-written tale and I can easily recommend it. Never the Same by Diane Craver is a thoughtful story that reminds us of the fragility of life.

BUYING LINKS:
From Amazon

From Barnes & Noble
Samhain Publishing

No Other was an incredible debut novel by Shawna Williams, and I gave it the highest rating. Her second book, In All Things, which continues the Wilheimer family saga, is even more impressive. I didn’t think this was possible after loving No Other. The Wilheimer story resumes ten years later in this second book. Meri and Jakob are raising their three children in California because Meri’s dream of wanting to be an actress became true. Her Hollywood name is Meredith Louis. Jakob is a successful architect, and although Jakob’s kept his promise to Roger that Meri would achieve what she wanted, it has been at a big cost.

Shawna does a magnificent job of creating characters, so real that I felt like I personally knew each one as well as my own friends. Her characterization and story remind me of Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It, when Jacques says,

“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven stages.”

Life is like a play and we have to go through the numerous stages of acting it out. Meri has to play many parts in real life and in the movies. She sometimes feels resentful of Jakob’s attitude about her movie career. Juggling so many roles as husband, father, and architect becomes difficult for Jakob. He tries to hold the family together as they live such a different lifestyle than he experienced as a child.

Jakob’s problems start when his pride is more important than putting first what God wants for his life with Meri. Jakob becomes obsessed with fulfilling his promise to Roger. Several of their problems are a result of Jakob and Meri having sex before marriage. In Jakob’s case, he wanted to move away from his hometown and his close-knit family after he falters as a Christian. Meri was also embarrassed about being pregnant before they got married, so she wanted to escape hearing people talk about her. Jakob felt a strong need to make it up to Meri for taking her virginity before marriage, so he wants to make her dream of becoming an actress come true.

Shawna gave so much depth to Jakob’s choices as a husband, father, and brother. Jakob’s pride and mistakes had a bad effect on his sister Esther. I liked how Shawna showed how Esther felt so abandoned by Jakob. He had been more than an older brother to Esther. He replaced their ill father in many ways to the child Esther. When Jakob left Esther to have a life with Meri in Hollywood, Esther no longer had Jakob’s immediate love and care. She dated the worst guy and didn’t care about living the life God wanted for her.

In All Things made me examine my own life as a Christian. I could relate more to Jakob because he wanted to fix everything in Meri’s life and didn’t follow and listen to God in the beginning of the book. I do the same thing. In the past, I try to go it alone and fix everything for everyone. When I let go of my control and listen to God, I’m at peace and realize He needs to be in control. It’s beautiful to read the Christian growth of Meri and Jakob in this book.

The details about how Hollywood producers and directors operated and managed their actors lend a realistic feel to the whole book. I highly recommend In All Things because it’s an awesome book!

Desert Breeze Publishing is celebrating their second anniversary. Mine is the first stop in the Birthday Bash Blog Tour. Visit a new blog each day for the next ten days. I’ll post the link for tomorrow’s stop here when I post the winner of my giveaway on Saturday morning!

GIVEAWAYS for Desert Breeze’s Birthday Bash:Leave a comment here on today’s post and you’ll be entered to win the Kindle edition, pdf.format, or Nook edition of WHITNEY IN CHARGE! If you’ve already read Whitney In Charge, then the giveaway will be MARRYING MALLORY, which is also published by DBP. There will be daily giveaways so be sure to visit each blog stop!

On APRIL 30th on the DB Blog we’ll do a birthday “extravaganza.” Any readers or commenters who leave birthday wishes will be entered for the GC to Amazon grand prize - which Stephanie Burkhart will pick out of a hat and post on MAY 1st.

WHY I CHOSE DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING!

In March 2009, I learned about Desert Breeze Publishing from one of my author friends. I immediately went to their website. After reading what they wanted in a manuscript, I felt it would be a good fit for the type of sweet romances I write. I asked others active in the publishing world if they knew anything about this new house, and I was pleased to hear only positive things about Desert Breeze Publishing. I also liked their book covers designed by co-owner, Jenifer Ranieri, which was important to me.

Early April I emailed my manuscript to Gail Delaney, the editor-in-chief of Desert Breeze Publishing. I was happy to receive a contract from her for WHITNEY IN CHARGE during the same month. At the same time, another small publisher offered me a contract, but I felt Desert Breeze was the best fit for me as an author. I especially liked the fact that they launched their company to provide a place for readers and authors to go where there are only non-erotica/non-erotic romance novels. You don’t have to search through erotic romances and erotica that are offered on many other publishers’ sites.

Gail and Jenifer have a great relationship with their authors. Both are available to answer questions and give frequent updates about the growth of their company. The Desert Breeze authors are wonderful and supportive. Many of them have become my online friends and I’d love to meet them in person someday. I’m impressed with how many of the authors have won awards for their DBP books and also have received outstanding reviews. The publishers, Gail and Jenifer, are definitely getting our books noticed by their aggressive marketing.

If you are an aspiring author or a published author looking for an appropriate home for your non-erotica/non-erotic romance novels to submit to, you should consider Desert Breeze Publishing.
~~~~
WHITNEY IN CHARGE BLURB:

TV producer Whitney Benson is tired of her older sisters’ attempts to fix her up with every single male they meet. Shannon and Regan cross the line when they arrange for her to go skydiving with the simple excuse that more guys like to float in the air than women.

Whitney meets two eligible bachelors, Jack and Ben, who constantly battle for her affection. Which one will she choose? Both men make Whitney realize, even a heart shattered by her husband’s death, can once again be made whole.

But did she have to fall off a cliff to learn that?

EXCERPT from Whitney in Charge:

The phone rang again just a few minutes later. She learned her lesson last time, and checked the caller ID, and her heart skipped. Whitney swallowed hard and took a deep breath before picking up the line. “Hello, Jack.”

“Hi, Whitney.” His voice was so rough and deep, it made her feel warm, and she really did like the way he said her name.

“Did you need something?” she asked.

He released a long breath and cleared his throat. “I’ve been thinking about it, Whitney, and I’d like to meet you in person today. It’s short notice, I know, but would you like to go out to dinner tonight?”

When it rained it poured. And Whitney realized with a flush of heat to her cheeks that she was more disappointed at the thought of not seeing Jack than she expected. She really wanted to meet him, even after just a few phone calls. But it’d be rude to cancel her date with Ben, even though he hadn’t called it a ‘date’.

Whitney closed her eyes, huffing. “I’m sorry. I just made plans this evening with a friend to go hiking.”

“Don’t be sorry. Asking you on such short notice was a bad idea on my part. I’m on call, anyway. I’d hate for something to happen tonight and I’d have to cut our evening short.”

“I hope not. That must be scary when you receive a call.”

“Every time we go out, we have no real idea what we’re dealing with until we get there. That’s the worst of it. Not being prepared, or at least not feeling prepared.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard Casey talk like that,” Whitney said. “But I imagine he must.”

Jack signed, his breath whispering over the line. “Enough of that. I do mean it, Whitney. I’d like to meet you. I didn’t at first, I’ll admit, because I’m not a fan of being set up.”

“Join the club,” she said with a chuckle.

Jack joined in. “I’ve enjoyed talking with you. I’d like to do it face-to-face. Over dinner or coffee or whatever. How about later in the week?”

“I would like that, Jack,” she answered, knowing she meant it.

They hung up, and Whitney tried to convince herself she could still have fun with Ben even though her mind would be on Jack that evening.
~~~~

Thanks for ALL the wonderful comments from Feb. 1st thru this evening! There were a lot - I wrote each name on a piece of paper and put them in a bag, shook the slips up, and my daughter Amanda drew Ann Lee Miller’s name. Congratulations, Ann Lee! By the way, I just visited Ann’s website. It’s a great and interesting site!

Ann chose a print copy of NO GREATER LOSS for her giveaway!

Blurb and review of No Greater Loss:

Dr. Jennifer Hunter is so stunned by her past that she’s unable to move on with her life. After losing her young husband and baby son fifteen years ago, she’s determined never to marry again. Losing loved ones is just too painful.

A friend introduces Jennifer to Luke Brunsman and suggests she hire him to renovate her antique farmhouse. Instantly attracted to Luke, she refuses the widowed contractor’s help. But after she gets injured working on a fireplace, she gives in.

Luke clearly wants more than a business relationship, and Jennifer guards her heart. His kisses make her yearn for a future once denied her. Luke falls in love with her but finds tearing down the walls in Jennifer’s house is easier than breaking through her protective shell.

When Dr. Hunter’s radio talk show catches the attention of a vengeful arsonist, Luke and Jennifer must overcome the shadows of the past and find the courage to love again.

Review:
“The author addressed some very tough issues in this book, including
the loss of a child, eating disorders and post-abortion syndrome.
Diane Craver discusses these topics with detailed professionalism.
In a beautiful and sensitive way, she crafts advice, help and caring
for the wounded souls. A job well done!”

~ Shauna, reviewer for “The Long and Short Of It” blog site

Sold on Amazon, Samhain and other online spots!

Steph and her husband Brent on their wedding day in Nykobing.

Hi, Steph! I’m delighted you are here today. Congratulations on your newest book, The Count’s Lair. By the way, readers this is the second in the Budapest Moon series. I read the first, The Hungarian and I absolutely loved it. I’m looking forward to reading The Count’s Lair. Well, let’s get started. Steph, what inspired you to begin writing?

STEPH: Thanks for having me today, Diane. Gosh, I think writing has always been in my blood. I remember watching The Electric Company, a kid’s show in the 1970’s and then making Spiderman comic books based on the Spidey episode in the show. Writing has always been a stress reliever for me. It’s great to escape to a world you can control. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that I thought I’d tackle writing commercially.

DIANE: Where would you say that you get your most creative ideas?

STEPH: Gosh, they come from all around me. Another book or a movie might inspire me. My love for paranormal writing finds inspiration in Victoria Holt and Anne Rice. (Interesting, combo, isn’t it?) I love writing about royals and history. For example, Phillipa Gregory’s “The White Queen” inspired me to write “The King’s White Rose” about Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. I’m self-editing now so I can submit it to the Wild Rose Press. “The Wolf’s Torment” was inspired by my desire to write a paranormal which takes place in Romania, like Bram Stoker did with “Dracula.” “Victorian Scoundrel” which is coming out with Desert Breeze in July, finds inspiration in Britain’s current royals. “Edmund” is loosely modeled after Prince Harry and “Alice” is loosely modeled after Princess Beatrice of York.

DIANE: Good luck with your Wild Rose Press submission! I know you have a busy schedule with working as a 911 operator, raising two young boys, plus you are a book reviewer. How do you find the time to write so many wonderful books?

STEPH: It’s all about multi-tasking, I assure you. I’m a very good multi-tasker. For example, during down time at work, I write. Helps relieve the stress. On the way to work, I listen to my books using Kindle’s text to speech.

DIANE: Tell us 3 things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

STEPH: I was married in Nykobig, Denmark in 1991. I can’t donate blood anymore because I was stationed in Europe in 1996 when England had an outbreak of mad cow disease, and I saw Berlin in 1988, before the fall of the wall when I was 20.

DIANE: How did you and your husband meet? Did you fall for him first, or was it the other way around?

STEPH: Oh, I think it was pretty mutual. LOL!! We met in Butzbach, Germany in Oct 1990 when we both attended a military leadership school called PLDC. (Primary Leadership Development Course) We were in the same squad. I thought he was drop dead gorgeous. He thought I was staring at the guy next to him. He also thought I was cute. Before you know it, we were eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner together in the chow hall. He was impressed that I wasn’t a whiner or a complainer. Our first date was on pass while in PLDC. I had a car so we went to Pizza Hut in Giessen. LOL!!

DIANE: Tell us about your new release, The Count’s Lair. Where can readers buy your book?

STEPH: The Count’s Lair is Anton Varga’s story. It’s set in Budapest, Hungary in 1901. Anton is a nobleman, but he’s had it tough growing up and his value system is a bit displaced. When he meets Amelia Andrassy, a concert pianist, he realizes he has to be a better man for her and sets out to do just that, the only thing is, Anton has a secret that might destroy the relationship he wants with Amelia. He’ll give her 3 clues. When Amelia figures out his secret will she reject him or accept him for the man he is?

The Count’s Liar is available as an ebook for the Kindle, Sony Ereader, Kobo, and Nook. It’s also available on the Publisher’s website at:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-142/Stephanie-Burkhart-Budapest-Moon/Detail.bok

DIANE: Where can fans find you on the Internet?

STEPH: Website: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com or on my blog at: http://sgcardin.blogspot.com

Here’s an excerpt from The Count’s Lair:
Amelia went inside. The room was cast in obsidian shadows by a single candle burning on her dressing room table. The air was laced with the scent of mulberries. She grew warm. Her heart beat faster. Her defenses cracked.

“Anton?” she whispered.

He stepped out of the darkness behind her, placing his hands on her upper arms, pressing his chest against her back. His lips brushed against her ear, sending a shockwave through her. “You look wonderful tonight, Amelia.”

She dared to close her eyes and enjoy his embrace. “Anton.”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Warm feelings of longing stirred within her, only to be quickly doused by the sting of anger at his sudden departure. She stepped out of their embrace and spun to glare at him. “How dare you.”

He backed away, confusion pooling in his unusual eyes. “I thought–”

“You thought what?”

“That you’d want to see me.”

“It’s been two months since I last saw you, and you didn’t even try to seek me out. I had no idea if you were dead, alive, or just too busy with your life to think of me.”

“I’m sorry.” His expression softened. “I had hoped to avoid the cool look in your eyes just now.”

Exasperated, she let out a quick breath. “You’re infuriating.”

“So I’ve been told.”

She crossed her arms and struggled to keep her crumbling battlements up. He had a lot to explain. The candlelight cast dark, almost satyr-like shadows over his chiseled face. If his explanation made sense, she’d will her heart to believe him. “So, Anton, how do you explain your absence? I thought I’d found a friend.”

He paused and drew in a deep breath. His eyes grew translucent. “I am sorry. I had a lot to think about. I thought you would understand. I wanted to give you time to mourn your husband properly.”

“I see.”

“I also wanted to clear my head.”
~~~~
YOU TUBE BOOK TRAILER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaiYNNpETok
~~~~

CLICK HERE TO BUY from Desert Breeze! Click here for Amazon. Here for B & N.

Thank you, Steph, for spending time with us. Best of luck with The Count’s Lair and all your other wonderful books! Visitors, leave a comment to be entered in my February Blog Contest. Drawing will be March 2nd! Click here for more contest information!