This Christmas by Laurie Winter - "Great Chemistry" - Excerpt
"This is the first book that I have read by Laurie Winter and it was so well written and a really great read and I look forward to reading more books from this author." —Goodreads Review
This Christmas
A beautiful story of loss and new love, set in a snow-capped mountain ski resort town.
Celia Batista waited a long time for all three of her sons to be together for Christmas. But after one of her identical twins disappears without a trace, Celia must rely on Police Captain Luke Veldkamp for help. Despite Luke’s accusations that her other twin son is involved with organized crime, she falls for the handsome, Stetson wearing cop.
Luke Veldkamp is facing his first Christmas after the loss of his wife, working nonstop to avoid the holidays and his grief. His daughter, who’d moved home to care for her mom before her passing, pushes him to face his pain. Luke pushes back, telling her to return to college and regain her own life. If his own strife isn’t enough, the mission to locate the missing son of his beautiful neighbor grows more personal than any other case.
While Luke and Celia fight to keep their families from falling apart, they find comfort and strength in one another. And when love blooms between their children, Luke and Celia’s own relationship takes root and grows. But Celia is used to living on her own terms, and loving a man who has isolated his heart is a risk too great. Now, Luke must either confront his emotions or face a life without the woman he’s come to love.
Enjoy an Excerpt from
This Christmas
Celia bit her tongue, knowing how strongly Luke disliked Kenna’s interest in welding and art. But Kenna was at an age when she had her entire life spread out before her. She could take chances, and someday soon, she’d fly. “She’s a good daughter. You’re right, though, about her not being with you forever. I come home to an empty house after school, and sometimes, the quiet is more unnerving than when I’d walk into a house full of fighting boys.”
“I’m fine with being alone.” Luke’s blue eyes darkened, turning the color of the sky at twilight.
I don’t believe you for a second. “You say that now because you’re not.” She reached across the table and covered his hand. “Like it or not, our kids are adults.”
Luke straightened in the booth. “How did they grow up so fast?”
“I really don’t know.”
“I was deployed to Iraq when Kenna was born. When I saw her for the first time at four months old, I couldn’t get over how little she was.” A frosty mug of beer was set before Luke. He lifted it to his lips and took a long drink. “I decided to not reenlist. I wanted to be around to protect her. And now, she’s the one taking care of me.”
Excerpt Copyright © Laurie Winter. Shared with permission for blog tour.
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Meet the Author
Laurie Winter's head has always been full of stories. Then a dream gave her the inspiration to put her thought into written words, sharing a part of her heart and soul. Now, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog.
Learn more at lauriewinter.com
Series: Contemporary Romance/Holiday
Series: The North Star Series, Book 1
Release Date: October 20, 2020
Type: Novel
Content Rating: 3 Hearts
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive a Loqi Reusable Shopping Bag with birds design, Soy Wax Candle - Snowflake and a $25 Amazon gift card (US only). Must be 18 years or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Giveaway ends October 28, 2020. This giveaway is sponsored by the author for a blog tour organized by Prism Book Tours.
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