#NewRelease- This Christmas by Laurie Winter #HolidayRomance #TCPrism @LaurieW_Author

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

This Christmas (The North Star Series #1)

By Laurie Winter

Contemporary Romantic Suspense Paperback & ebook,

240 Pages 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

As Luke came to the staircase, the glow of colored lights from the family room caught his attention. His body tensed as if preparing for a collision against a stone wall.

After closing his eyes, he reopened them and took a deep breath. Their Christmas tree was set up in the corner, filled with lights and family ornaments. Three stockings hung off the fireplace mantel. Grief and anger scorched his insides. Why had Kenna decorated for Christmas after he’d asked her to leave everything packed away? His late wife’s stocking, snuggled between Kenna’s and his own, ripped at his heart. I can’t breathe. The bright and cheery room blurred his vision. Christmas was no longer welcome in his house. How could he celebrate when his world had been crushed?

Kenna approached from behind and rested a hand on his shoulder. “I know you said no decorations this year, but the thought of letting Mom’s Christmas stuff sit in boxes in the basement made me sad.”

Luke clenched his jaw and pressed closed his lips. He didn’t trust his mood. Kenna missed her mom. How could he be angry at her for that?

She stepped into the room to peer at him with bright blue eyes—ones so much like his own. “Dad, you’ve gone pale. What’s wrong?”

He inhaled deeply in an attempt to remain calm, but his hands continued to tremble. “Pack all this up and put it back in the basement where it belongs. I can’t see this every day.”

Kenna’s face fell, and her shoulders slumped. “I spent all morning putting up decorations…for us. I bought all the ingredients to make Mom’s special Christmas meal. And I thought this year, you can help me make Christmas cookies for the nursing home like Mom and I used to do every Christmas Eve.”

The last thing he wanted to do was relive Christmas memories—a painful waste of time.

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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Tour Schedule

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)

Ends October 28, 2020

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