New Release — Journey of the Heart by Stephanie Burkhart

James DiMera returns to his home in California after World War II, only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. But after the loss of his dream, what can there be for him?

Rachel Santori's family winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he touches her lonely heart and soul with his kindness and the way comes to her aid. How long has it been since she had someone to depend on? Can James find a place of belonging in Rachel’s life? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

EXCERPT

     He cupped her cheek with his free hand, gazing into her eyes.  "Yes, you can." His words were soft and firm. His heart went out to her. It couldn't be easy trying to reconcile the pain of losing her parents, running her family's legacy, and then discovering that legacy was in danger. 
     "I hoped – oh, I hoped I could."
     "Rachel—"
     She turned away and a muscle in her jaw twitched. James dropped his hand from her cheek.
     "What's wrong?"
     "I don't want to hope too much."
     He arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

     "I know you have to leave."

New Release — Mr. Christmas Elf by Stephanie Burkhart

Christmas is on the way, but Jules isn’t in the mood this year. She and her dad are barely making ends meet, and with extra bills piling up, how can they afford Christmas? Jules needs a new muffler for her car, and school tuition is looming—but the peppermint on top? Her boyfriend has just dumped her in a text message! 

When her boss at the coffee shop insists that all employees must write a letter to Santa and post it on the window, Jules decides to be painfully honest about what she needs—but is there any hope she will get it? 

When Elvis, a handsome hunk, shows up to visit with her about her car muffler, she begins to have an inkling of hope that this Christmas will be one to remember, after all. Claiming to be one of Santa’s elves, Elvis tells her all the magic the Christmas season has to offer can be hers, if she only believes. Is that too much to ask for?

EXCERPT

     "Come on, Jules, write your Christmas list, or I'll dock your pay another thirty minutes."

     "Why do you have to bully me, Joe? It's a depressing list."

     "It's Christmas, and no one disappoints my Sally on Christmas."

     Yeah, I'd feel bad if I let Sally down, too.

     I wrote:

Dear Santa,

I need a new muffler, a hundred bucks to pay off my root canal, cigars for my dad, a lottery scratcher, and a new boyfriend. P.S. I'm praying for world peace too, especially on Christmas.

Love, Jules.

     I thought I'd throw the scratcher in there for a giggle. Hey, it's affordable. I probably won't win anything, but you never know.