Title:
Christmas at North Hill
Author:
Jan Scarbrough
Genre:
Holiday Romance
Book Blurb:
The small town of Dickens is alive with Christmas activity. Joni Smith shares the infectious joy spreading through the shoppers. There had been a time when she’d been desperate to be loved and had nearly lost her mind when it didn’t work out. Thanks to insight gained in a Sunday church service, she’s found contentment. Joni’s happy working as a home health aide for wealthy Mrs. Northrop. She doesn’t need a man in her life. She’s done looking for love. But Mrs. Northrop’s grandson, Christopher Northrop the Third, sets Joni’s heart fluttering in a way that says that maybe love isn’t done looking for her.
Chris Northrup has always done what his mother wanted. He’s worked in the shipping part of his family’s company, even though there’s no chance of him inheriting the family estate, North Hill. But he has dreams of his own. One of them is to be a writer. The other is to marry Joni Smith.
Sparks flew from the moment they met, but Joni’s independence has Chris wondering if he could ever be enough for her. Joni knows God loves her, but is she ready for a different kind of love? Together Joni and Chris might discover that, just like Christmas presents, love comes wrapped in all kinds of different packages. But they must be willing to open the gift that’s offered and open their hearts to each other.
Excerpt:
Mrs. Christopher J. Northrop, Jr., drummed the teal-colored dip powder nails of her left hand on the white linen tablecloth. Her right hand held a message written on cream letterhead from her mother-in-law’s lawyer at Matthews and Gates, Attorneys at Law, one of Dickens’ most reputable firms. Thomas Gates, though working parttime, remained Caroline Northrop’s lawyer. The old woman had known him for years. Thank goodness he’d also been friends with her late husband.
Sandra’s body tensed as she scanned the letter. She felt heat flush her face. “That doddering old woman.”
Her son, Christopher the Third, glanced up from his plate of eggs benedict and threw her a questioning look. He was a handsome boy with his college-athlete good looks—her pride and joy, the savior of her sanity after so many miscarriages and tragic births.
“What’s wrong, Mother?”
“Your grandmother,” she said as anger pulsed through her. “She plans to disinherit you.”
“What?”
“You’re her only living relative, her heir. I can’t believe it.” Sandra flicked the letter across the table, and it fluttered just short of Chris’ reach.
He leaned over and stretched out his hand, securing the letter. His eyebrows furrowed with confusion as he read it. “This says Grandmother Caroline is going to change her will.”
“No, she’s already changed it.” Sandra’s words were harsh, an indictment. “She simply has to sign it in front of a notary and the lawyer.”
“So, basically, it’s a done deal.”
“No!” This couldn’t be true. Sandra drew a shallow breath. That old witch had never liked her. Damn Yankees! Sandra Mosely from Knoxville, Tennessee, had never been good enough for the honorable New England Northrop family, but that was no reason to cheat her only grandson out of his inheritance.
Christopher still looked confused. “Why would the lawyer tell you about Grandmother’s will? Isn’t that a violation of client confidentiality?”
“Thomas Gates liked your father. I’m sure he’s standing up for what is right, what your father would have wanted.”
“It says Grandmother’s estate is going to her home health aide.” Chris placed the letter on the table, bewilderment evident in his eyes.
“No! I won’t let it go to some nobody.” Rage pounded in Sandra’s ears. “You, darling, must do something about this. You must spend Christmas at North Hill with your sweet, old grandmother.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bfYKAD
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jan_Scarbrough_Christmas_at_North_Hill?id=mxzeEAAAQBAJ
What I love most about the holiday season:
Being with family and watching them open presents.
Why is your featured book a must-read to get you in the holiday mood?
This book is part of a series by multiple authors set in a fictitious town in New England. We sometimes share characters, but each book stands alone to bring you that special feeling at Christmastime.
Welcome to Dickens—a quaint New England town bustling with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. We have the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building competition, ice skating on Grosvenor’s Pond, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You’re welcome to cut down your own Christmas tree at Gridley Meadows or join in the caroling on the Common.
Dickens offers an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a few much needed miracles, and—quite possibly—a touch of magic! Families reunite, new friends are made, and old flames take a second chance at happiness. All while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs July 1 – 31, 2024
Drawing will be held on August 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
The author of two popular Bluegrass romance series, Jan writes heartwarming contemporary stories about home and family, single moms, and children. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town, Southern charm to her books and the excitement of a Bluegrass horse race or a competitive horse show.
The Ghost Mountain Ranch series is a contemporary western series with a good blend of mystery and happily-ever-after romance. The Dawsons of Montana is another four-book contemporary western series.
Jan leaves her contemporary voice behind with two paranormal gothic romances, Timeless and Tangled Memories, a Romance Writers of America (RWA) Golden Heart finalist. Her historical romance, My Lord Raven, is a medieval story of honor and betrayal.
A member of Novelist, Inc., Jan self-publishes her books with her husband’s help.
Jan lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with one rescued dog, two rescued cats, and a husband she rescued twenty-four years ago.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://janscarbrough.com/
Monthly Newsletter and complementary eBook: https://janscarbrough.com/contact/