A. Piper Burgi
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A. Piper Burgi is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added five historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings. Her debut novel, IN THE SHADOW OF HER MAJESTY was a Golden Book Award Semi-Finalist, and Readers' Favorite Book Reviews named her women's fiction novel THE COUNTRY GIRL EMPRESS "...a must-read for historical fiction fans who can appreciate the imperial intrigues as well as the personal yearnings of a unique figure who is thrust onto the world stage rather suddenly at a very young age."
Ms. Burgi is also a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Independent Author Network, an Air Force Veteran, and a military spouse; plus a busy doggie mommy, a cook, an event coordinator, a chauffeur...you get the picture. As an animal rights advocate, she fosters dogs and puppies and supports various animal rescue organizations. Her great affinity for animals and nature led her to write and publish the canine health book LIVING WITH CANINE EPILEPSY in November 2015 to help raise canine epilepsy awareness - a cause near and dear to her heart. When she is not busy chasing after her three dogs or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee, she can be found typing away on her computer.
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The Perpetual Traveler
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Historical Fiction
The great monarchies of Europe begin to crumble. From within, they face rebellions and revolutions, while outside forces cause further instability. But somehow the Austro-Hungarian Empire is spared thanks to one woman – Sisi! To escape the constant pressures of stringent court life, Sisi turns into a perpetual traveler and is seldom seen in the capital city. The Emperor, despite his deep love for Sisi, is still unable to break the chains of the strict court protocol, even though it continuously puts their relationship to the test. Just like the late Archduchess Sophie before her, Sisi begins to arrange suitable marriages for her older children to further the Empire's interests and ensure its continuance. The first to fall victim to her schemes is Archduchess Gisela. Then, Crown Prince Rudolph travels with his mother to Belgium to meet fifteen-year-old Princess Stephanie. But will this potential child-bride enflame the Crown Prince's heart, and more importantly, will Stephanie gain the Emperor's approval? And things are also not what they ought to be in Sisi's beloved Bavaria. After repeatedly postponing his wedding with Sisi's younger sister Sophie, King Ludwig finally cancels their nuptials altogether. Rumor has it that his bride has fallen in love with the court photographer. But what is really going on in Munich, and what's the matter with Ludwig? In mid-19th century Vienna, palace staterooms and bedrooms are not only filled with splendor but also with enticements, opponents and merciless conspiracies. Sisi now faces a new set of challenges. Can the beautiful Country Girl Empress weather these storms, or will she become the latest sacrificial lamb on the altar of the all-powerful Danube Monarchy?
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A Life in the Shadow of the Crown
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Historical Fiction
The stressful wedding festivities are finally over, and Sisi and Franz Joseph can begin to navigate their lives together. However, fresh challenges await the newlywed couple. When Sisi, the Country Girl Empress, from the Bavarian Possenhofen became Emperor Franz Joseph’s wife, she was only sixteen years old. The child-woman who is admired everywhere for her beauty and unaffectedness, and who feels most at home on top of a horse, soon realizes that the imperial throne is much more uncomfortable than a saddle, and that it is her highest duty to give birth to an heir. The young Empress finds a great and unfortunately indomitable opponent in her mother-in-law, the Archduchess Sophie, who not only harasses Sisi but also treats her like a child. No wonder that Sisi’s duel with this overpowering opponent spans years, and gives her destiny a more and more tragic course, which the Empress seeks to escape with her never-ending search for happiness far away from the Viennese court. The political climate throughout 19th century Europe is precarious. Hungary demands its independence from Austria’s rule, but the monarchy cannot afford the loss of Hungary’s resources. Unable to get help from the French unless Austria attacks first, Sardinia provokes its neighbour with a series of military manoeuvers close to their border. As predicted, the Austrian government demands the complete demobilization of the Sardinian army. When the ultimatum is not heeded, Austria feels it has no other choice but to declare war on Sardinia, thus drawing France into the conflict. Meanwhile in Vienna, Archduchess Sophie attempts with all her might to teach her new daughter-in-law what it means to be a proper Empress, since the young woman insists on behaving like a tomboy. Even after giving birth twice, Sisi’s standing at the imperial court does not improve, since the long-awaited Crown Prince has yet to arrive.
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The Country Girl Empress
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Historical Fiction
It was THE romance of 19th century Europe! The young and dashingly handsome Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria needed an Empress by his side according to his mother, Archduchess Sophie. The House of Habsburg was the most powerful ruling family in Europe, and the line of succession had to be maintained. For centuries, marriages had been arranged based on dynastic considerations and served the expansion of the Empire's power and it was not going to be any different this time. Princess Elisabeth was born on the 24th of December 1837 at the Wittelsbach Palais in Munich. As a daughter of Duke Max in Bavaria and his wife Ludovika, Elisabeth called "Sisi", grew up with her many siblings far away from all protocol at the small castle of Possenhofen on the shore of Lake Starnberg. More of a tomboy than a princess, she spent much of her childhood there. Sisi and her cousin Franz Joseph first met when she was 11 years old, and the girl promptly fell in love with the Emperor's younger brother Karl Ludwig. Franz Joseph, on the other hand, fell head over heels for Sisi's cousin Anna, niece of the King of Prussia. The handsome young Emperor had no shortage of female admirers, all hoping to one day become his wife. A few years later, Franz Joseph traveled to Bad Ischl to meet Sisi's older sister Helene who was predestined to be his wife. Little did he know that fate had other plans! The years of Sisi's youth took place in the background of an unsettled Europe. Revolts, revolutions, and political intrigue were part of daily life. However, when Duchess Ludovika, along with her daughters Néné and Sisi receive an invitation to join the imperial family in Bad Ischl for the Emperor's birthday festivities, an elaborate game of love and royal marriage politics ensues and finds an entirely unforeseen end in the idyllic resort town.
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In the Shadow of Her Majesty
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Historical Fiction/Mystery
What are you prepared to give for the great love of your life and which price is too high to pay? When a young woman lay dead at the bottom of a set of stairs on 8 September 1560, all of Europe is convinced they know the murderer...her husband, Lord Robert Dudley. A favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, he still lives in hopes of winning her hand in marriage. Is this the reason his wife had to die? This suspicion also endangers the Queen, since her claim to the throne has not yet been substantiated. Robert Dudley comes from a family that was infamous for its ambition, but did he really have his wife Amy killed in order to ascend to the throne as the Queen's husband? His best friend and steward, Thomas Blount, must ask himself this question. He goes to Berkshire to ascertain the truth about Amy's death. Thomas finds himself in a more than miserable situation. If he should indeed find signs that she has fallen victim to a crime, then Robert will never be able to clear his name of suspicion. Worse yet: The consequences could not only destroy him but could also cost Thomas Blount his life. "This time, we will not blindly trust what one ambitious man tells us. Not this time!" Even Katharine Ashley, the Queen's Governess and perhaps the only person in the world Elizabeth I trusts and loves unconditionally, is also in search of the truth. Many years ago she took the blame and thereby endangered not only herself but her charge as well. Kat will not let that happen again, no matter the cost to include Robert Dudley's life. But what actually happened in said house in Berkshire, and which secrets did she take to the grave? After all, Amy Dudley stood in Her Majesty's shadow unlike any other woman in the Kingdom. It was a time during which the British Empire was born. A world filled with the hunger for power and knowledge and two women who fight for their own happiness.
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Living with Canine Epilepsy
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Small Animal Care
What are the odds that a newly-wed couple would adopt two unrelated dogs, and both develop epilepsy? In case you are wondering, based on some rough calculations the odds were three in 1000. They never intended to adopt two handicapped furry children, yet somehow they ended up with two dogs that out of nowhere began to convulse one day. First recognized in ancient times, Hippocrates referred to epilepsy as the “sacred” disease. However, nothing about it seems sacred! Watching a beloved companion suffer a seizure can be an extremely traumatic event. Learning to live with an animal with complex health issues is never easy; learning to live with two dogs with severe epilepsy can be an overwhelming task. Epilepsy manifests in frightening ways, causing a dog to experience sudden, uncontrolled attacks. Living with a dog that has epilepsy can be a daunting prospect, but with some help from a vet and much planning epileptic dogs can live a relatively normal life. Common sense combined with medicine can make canine epilepsy manageable. If you are new to dealing with a pet with epilepsy, take a step back and don’t forget to breath. While no one can promise that everything will be fine, the author can tell you from personal experience that sticking with your pet(s) and getting them on a proper medication regimen can lead to many hours of happiness and beautiful memories. The book is not a diagnostic tool or a replacement for proper veterinary care, but conveys the live experiences of the author. It expresses the personal views, opinions and beliefs of the author. A pet’s health care is an individual matter, and pet owners should consult a veterinary professional for guidance.
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Excerpts from the Imperial Diary
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Historical Fiction
Empress Sisi is still youthful, gorgeous, and desired by many. She is loved and honored by her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary, but all too soon they are hit by tragedies they are powerless to prevent. Although the King pays for his pet projects with his own funds, it does not spare Bavaria from financial ruin. Feeling harassed and irritated by his ministers, King Ludwig considers dismissing the entire cabinet and replacing them with fresh faces. However, the cabinet members agree to act first. Seeking a cause to depose their King by constitutional means, the rebelling Bavarian ministers decide on the rationale that he is mentally unfit and therefore unable to rule. They ask Ludwig's uncle, Prince Luitpold, to step into the royal vacancy once the monarch is removed. Luitpold agrees, on the condition that the conspirators produce solid proof that the King is indeed insane. Then King Ludwig II loses his life under mysterious circumstances. Was it suicide or is someone strategically eliminating members of the House of Wittelsbach? Meanwhile, at court, many people, including the imperial couple and Crown Princess Stéphanie, know that Rudi has plenty of extra-marital affairs. His newest conquest is 17-year-old Baroness Mary Vetsera, daughter of Baron Albin Vetsera and his wife, Helene Baltazzi. Rudolph’s marriage to Steffi is not a particularly happy one and results in the birth of their only daughter, Archduchess Elisabeth, affectionally referred to as “Erzsi”. The sudden, and violent death of Sisi’s only son, Crown Prince Rudolph at his hunting lodge Mayerling, shakes the Monarchy to its core. And the fact that the dead body of his teenaged mistress is found right next to his completes the scandal. How will the imperial couple cope with this devastating loss? Does this tragedy mark the end of the Danube monarchy, since Rudolph only had a daughter? And will their love and faith in each other allow Sisi and Franz Joseph to master these difficult trials? 
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'Tis the Season for Christmas Cookies
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Cooking/Baking
Even though a snowstorm rages outside, we feel warm and cozy. The kitchen is permeated with the scents of vanilla and cinnamon. The holiday season is upon us! And what could be more delicious than to sweeten everyone's wait time with traditional homemade cookies? Nothing completes the holidays like the aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and nuts and the enjoyment we get from biting into those crispy cookies. Allow yourself to be inspired by these decadent Christmas cookie and cake recipes! The cold winter days before the holidays are ideal for baking delicious treats. So, spoil your loved ones with the finest baked goods. Tempting recipes for luxurious cookies and cakes with rich chocolate and nuts will delight some, while others will be thrilled to munch on goodies, filled with candied fruit and seasoned with oriental spices. But no matter the preference, everyone will agree when it comes to classic Christmas cookies: they are a must during the holiday season as they are linked to those very special memories of Christmas' past. Baked goods naturally turn the holiday season into little moments of pure bliss. The historical fiction writer, A. Piper Burgi, shares her heavenly Christmas cookie and cake recipes for the first time. Many popular classics from her grandmother's days as well as some modern-day reinterpretations. All baked with love and easy to recreate! 
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One RV and Three People at Denali National Park
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Photographic Travel Journal
For many, one of the holy grails in the National Park System is landing a coveted permit through the Denali Road Lottery. We were fortunate enough to win such a permit in our first attempt in 2013. As a result we were able to experience the subarctic wilderness which surrounds North America’s tallest peak and its abundance of wildlife. On one particular day in September we were one of roughly 400 winners to drive the spur road through this wilderness. This book is number two in my RV travel series as I recount our weekend road trip from Anchorage, Alaska to Denali National Park and back. Thanks to our motorhome we didn’t have to look for a hotel that would allow dogs in the room, nor did we have to put them up in a doggie hotel. I am not a professional photographer by any stretch of the imagination; I just enjoy taking pictures of the world around me and then share my observations. On this trip however, we had the pleasure to have semi-professional photographer Michael F. Paniagua with us. Many of his exceptional photos made it into this book thanks to his generosity, and even my husband, Ken, was no slouch with his camera. Many of our photographs were taken with a digital camera through the windshield of the RV or automobile. Please forgive the occasional smudge on the pictures! Those pesky bugs had no mercy with our windshields despite the late autumn days. Since our visitors’ pass was only valid for one day it made for an extensive drive, but it was definitely a thrilling weekend adventure and a true Alaskan experience! If you enjoyed my first book One RV, Three People and 6000 Miles, then you will love this one! |
One RV, Three People, and 6000 Miles
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Photographic Travel Journal
This book describes a trio's road trip from South Carolina to Alaska. It took them 18 days and a drive through many different states, and parts of Canada. Most of the photos were taken with a Canon PowerShot digital camera through the windshield of either of their vehicles. Please forgive the occasional smudge on the pictures! Those pesky bugs just had no mercy with the windshields. It was a long drive, but also an exciting journey. 
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My Afghanistan Campaign Diary - Views of a Military Spouse
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Military Lifestyle
When the word "deployment" isn't just an abstract term, heard on the evening news... Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be military spouse? Spending your time wondering where on this globe your significant other is or whether he/she is all right? During these days of drawn-out deployments in support of the war on terrorism it's not always easy to find the strength to go on. Throughout the ages the members of the military have been quietly supported not only by communities, friends and family members but by their significant others, spouses and life partners and often this support has gone unnoticed. Seldom are the difficulties that the military lifestyle brings candidly discussed before anyone joins its ranks. My Afghanistan Campaign Diary is a brutally honest look at the emotional and mental toll of deployments. It openly describes the moving story about the day-to-day lives of an Air Force Pilot and his family before, during and after his 7-month long deployment. It recounts the tests, trials and heartbreaks they experienced during this time, when the word "deployment" isn't just some abstract term heard on the evening news. It is the harsh reality of military life and it turns your world upside down. All this and more set against the backdrop of rugged Alaska and the unrelenting heat of Afghanistan. This heartstring-pulling wartime memoir is not a glorified account of a military campaign, but an honest narrative of the struggles faced by this military spouse and as such an asset to any person who desires to better understand the military lifestyle and a must-have for all military spouses. Don't miss this powerful story about sacrifice, commitment and family! Out of Print |
Beyond Afghanistan - More Views of a Military Spouse
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Military Lifestyle
Re-integration: The process of coming together as a family again after a military deployment or an unaccompanied assignment. Re-integration is not always an easy process, nor is it something that happens over night; it really is a process, not a single event that ends when the military member safely returns home. Successful re-integration requires effort and time, as well as an understanding that everyone involved has changed during the separation. In My Afghanistan Campaign Diary: Views of a Military Spouse you accompanied my Air Force pilot husband, our two furry children and me through the ups and downs of wartime deployment. Now that it's all in the past, have you ever asked yourself what happens after a military member returns from a prolonged deployment?! And what happens when you rather suddenly have to pack up and move to a new assignment? Let the diary continue! This is our family's enduring story and we are off on our newest adventure...relocating from the final frontier called Alaska to the Air Force's center of geekiness, also known as AFIT (Air Force Institute of Technology). Military Moves...Ugh! Just the thought of moving again and again makes many of us shake our heads; moving every three to four years at the mere drop of a hat can take on nightmarish proportions. Giving up close friends and a familiar way of life, we propel ourselves toward the unknown and an uncertain future in new locations. Join us again on another long-winded journey, laced with plenty of bureaucracy, drama and some unavoidable heartache! Out of Print |
