New Release Excerpt and Giveaway! THIS CHRISTMAS by Laurie Winter (The North Star Series #1)

This Christmas
(The North Star Series #1)
By Laurie Winter
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 240Pages
October 20, 2020

‘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.

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Excerpt:

Luke lifted his mouth and brought it back to her lips. His kisses grew bolder and demanding, and the few remaining strands of her self-control snapped.

Removing his hands from her hair, he rested one on each cheek, gently cupping her face.

The smooth touch of metal on her skin made her jerk away. She didn’t have to see his left hand to know he still wore his wedding ring. She struggled for breath and the right words, finally pulling away.

He tilted his head, gazing back at her. His brow furrowed.

She took hold of his left hand and ran her finger over the metal band. “You’re not free.”

Lowering his eyelids, Luke exhaled. “I know she’s gone, Celia, but every time I try to take it off, I can’t.”

“I understand. Really.” She detangled herself from Luke and stood, putting some much-needed distance between them. How had she gone so far over the edge? She hadn’t lived the last fourteen years on her own terms to toss away her good sense on a man. “Everyone handles grief in their own way and in their own time. I just can’t get involved with you like this. Not now.”

About 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. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bookbub.

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