'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.
Excerpt
Celia crossed the street and headed toward the city park, which had the best wooded trails for running. The city usually did a good job keeping them clear of snow, and today was no exception. Her police detail parked in the lot, and she sent him a quick wave before stepping onto the path. Once free from surveillance, she loosened up and picked up her pace. The terrain sloped upward, and she fought to keep her breath steady. She wasn’t a fast runner by any means, and most of her students could probably beat her in a footrace, but for her, running was safer than skiing, as well as cheaper.
As she reached the halfway point of the loop, where an empty bench sat waiting for tired hikers, footsteps sounded from behind. Turning her head, she saw a large man about ten feet away. He had the ugliest face she’d ever seen. Her surprise turned to revulsion, and then to recognition. This was one of the men from Luke’s photographs.
Her heart beat increased in speed, along with her running pace. With fumbling gloved fingers, she reached inside the hoodie pocket for her cell phone. It slipped out of her grasp and onto the ground. She skidded to a stop and picked up her phone with a trembling hand. The sound of heavy breathing made bile rise in her throat. If she didn’t make it back to the beginning of the trail and out into the open soon, she might never get back.
About the Author
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One winner will receive a Loqi Reusable Shopping Bag with birds design, Soy Wax Candle - Snowflake and a $25 Amazon gift card (US only)
