Despite the craziness of the year, both personally and worldwide, there’s much to be thankful for. I have a great family who loves and supports me. I have a steady day job plus my writing. My husband finally got a full-time job after being home for more years than I can count on one hand. My oldest will be heading to college next year, and I’ve been spending the past few months as we finished up college visits and refined essays pausing to cherish every moment we spend together…even if that moment involves me breaking out my credit card to pay for another college application submittal!
Last month, my teenage son passed a food allergy challenge for pistachios, cashews, and pecans. And we still have other nuts to try him on at home. It’s been a long journey and while it’s far from over since he still has other foods he can’t eat, we’re making progress and for that I’m forever grateful. We made our first pecan pie together and he enjoyed it on Thanksgiving.
I was blessed to have published two books this year. Awaken
My Heart was released in May and is about a Philadelphia detective who
runs into a woman he had a one-night with years ago and finds his world turned
upside down when he learns her secret…one that impacts him where it counts most—family.
My newest release, Believe in My Heart, is a holiday novella that just released. Vinnie
DiFrancesco has given up on love and returns from a retreat resolved to focus
on his role as head chef at his family’s trattoria. But when he and the pantry
chef-turned event coordinator must work together on the Christmas Eve charity
dinner, things will heat up in the kitchen as well as the bedroom. It’s a
friends-to-lovers romance that will bring a smile to your face and warm your
heart this holiday season.
Blurb
from Believe in My Heart
This holiday, love is on the menu.
Culinary arts student, Hope Mastriano, is down on her luck.
Homeless on Thanksgiving Day, she’s caught trying to break into her cousin’s
apartment by her sexy boss and lifelong secret crush.
Since getting dumped seven months ago, head chef Vinnie
DiFrancesco has been in a frustrating holding pattern. He returns relaxed from
a retreat, but his life is sent into a tailspin when he offers Hope, the event
coordinator at his family’s trattoria, temporary housing.
With the trattoria’s traditional Italian Christmas Eve charity
dinner slated to be featured on a local TV segment and things heating up in his
apartment, the two must set aside their different visions to make the event a
success. When a computer glitch threatens their plans, Hope proposes a risky
solution. Vinnie must believe in Hope and his heart in order to secure the
future of the restaurant and make it a Christmas to remember.
Buy Links
for Believe in My Heart
Maria K. Alexander Bio
Maria K. Alexander is an award-winning author of Contemporary
Romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the
beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband
and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and
her kids’ busy schedules. You can keep in touch with Maria at http://mariakalexander.com.
Maria - I so enjoyed your holiday novella - the love that blossoms between Vinnie and Hope is filled with humor, sensuality, and friendship. Loved the ending - a really cute and loving twist. I look forward to reading your first book.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a crazy year, hasn't it?
ReplyDeleteYou live in a whirlwind; yet, you find the time to write! Publishing a book and a novella this year is pretty amazing. How exciting for your family to have a son about to begin his journey into adulthood and into the real world.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes!
Beautiful post, Maria! Happy to hear your son is progressing beyond some of his food allergies. I can relate, since my son had severe food allergies, too. Wishing you all the best with your new release. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have your hands full but are also busy and enjoying life to the fullest. All the best.
ReplyDelete