Emery Bliss' life has quickly turned upside down.  When her ex, Ethan,  posted a sex video of the two of them online, not only does she lose her dignity, she also loses her job as a TV anchor.  Upset and humiliated, Emery heads back to her old hometown of Silver Springs, CA to stay with her mom's friend, Aiyana Turner.  While Emery is there she runs into Dallas Turner, one of Aiyana's adopted sons who is in town for his mom's wedding.  Dallas climbs mountains for a living because it's a way for him to escape his past.  

While there is instant attraction between Emery and Dallas, the last thing she needs is another man in her life.  But of course, the more time Dallas and Emery spend together, the hotter the flames are getting until they both give in to their attraction.  Emery is ready to jump into something serious with Dallas, but because of things from his past he cannot commit.

When Emery's life is threatened, Dallas is even more conflicted than ever for his feeling for her.  Dallas is going to have to confront his past before he can ever have something special with Emery and when the past if finally thrown at him, it will take a lot of soul searching for Dallas to figure out that what he really wants the most out of life is Emery.

I really enjoyed this story.  I just love this series and all of Aiyana's troubled adopted sons....it is fun watching them find love.  I really liked Emery.  She was strong willed and sweet.  She has so much negative things going on in her life but she never gave up.  I also just adored Dallas.  You couldn't help but feel for him because of his past.  I just wanted to reach out and give him a hug.  Overall they made for a wonderful couple and I really enjoyed their love story.

This is one emotional story. Emery's ex-boyfriend/co-anchor has really put her through the wringer, personally and professionally. She's returned to Silver Springs to hide and to heal, not to begin a new relationship. Dallas has returned for his adoptive mother's wedding and isn't interested in a relationship either. Neither his career nor his past are conducive to letting anyone close to him emotionally. Physically, on the other hand...

I really liked these two together. I enjoyed the friendship they formed and the desire between them that threatened to erupt. I could feel Emery's shame and anger over what had been done to her. It was both healing and empowering to watch her regain her strength and dignity with Dallas's help. And Dallas. He's a good guy but so closed off. My heart hurt so much for the pain that little boy inside him had endured. If anybody deserved a happy ending, it was him. 

Both Dallas and Emery were wonderfully complex characters that Novak slowly revealed to readers with a skilled hand. There's also a bit of a mystery woven into the story with a few twists I didn't see coming. There are also other relationship threads that I'm guessing are from earlier books in the series. I haven't read those books yet and at times I did feel as though I would have had a better understanding of Dallas's adopted family and their back stories had I already read those books. Which I plan to do now.
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

Emery Bliss is hiding out on a ranch in Silver Springs after a humiliating experience as a news anchor. She is hoping to have some time to recuperate, rejuvenate and figure out where her life is heading now. In Silver Springs she can hopefully stay anonymous until she is ready to face the world. What she is not counting on is Dallas coming home for his mothers wedding and turning her world upside down.

Dallas is home in Silver Springs. He is on a much-needed break from being an adventure seeking mountain climber and is looking forward to being with his family for the Christmas season. When he arrives home, he finds Emery Bliss, his boyhood crush standing right in his mother’s kitchen. What could she possibly be doing staying in his home?

Dallas vows to protect and defend Emery after hearing her story. What she needs is a champion in her corner. Can Dallas help her and keep his feelings aside?

This was such a fabulous small-town Christmas story. I loved the characters and all the supporting characters and got immersed into the story right from the beginning. Even though this is the seventh book in the series, I had no problem reading it as a stand a lone novel. I do look forward to going back and reading the whole series. Thank you so much to the author  Brenda Novak, Harelquin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

Professional rock climber Dallas Turner is heading home for Christmas. Although he is a loner by nature, he wouldn’t miss this family gathering for anything. Aiyana, his adoptive mom, is finally getting married. She basically saved Dallas from himself and his nightmarish past. He still struggles with ghosts, but Aiyana and his adoptive brothers have made life bearable.

Walking through his mom’s door, Dallas didn’t expect to see Emery Bliss, an L.A. news anchor, wearing next to nothing. Dallas had known of Emery when she was younger. She went to high school in Silver Springs, while Dallas attended the school his mom ran for troubled kids.

Aiyana opened up her home to Emery after a sex tape posted by her ex-boyfriend caused her to lose her job and her self-esteem. Emery needed some time to collect her thoughts, and to figure out her next move. She certainly wasn’t looking for another relationship anytime soon. How could she ever trust anyone again?

When Dallas helps Emery find her confidence again, the flames of desire start to build between the two. But Dallas knows he could never give Emery the stability she needs; there is just too much still haunting him. Emery wonders if it’s better to just walk away before she gets hurt again.


I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, yet I was immediately immersed in the story and attached to the characters. Novak has an ease in her writing that makes the narrative feel natural and comfortable. Silver Springs is a place I’d love to revisit.

Thank you to @harpercollins @netgalley for this advanced copy for review. 
A California Christmas is available today!

Whew! I knew I would love this book as there is not a book Brenda Novak writes that I don’t love and anxiously wait for, but I must admit this book had so much emotion that I feel like I have been through the wringer.  Back in Silver Springs with Aiyana and the family she has made from those she took in when she started her school, her wedding to come, and one of  her adopted sons, Dallas, has come home for the wedding and Christmas.  Dallas is a free solo climber, with a horrendous past, and emotionally still closed off.  Emery has come to Aiyana’s home to hide out after a shocking video of her is posted. She is still shell shocked by it, the loss of her job and betrayal by her ex boyfriend. Dallas and Emery have sparks.....you could feel them through the pages.  As only Ms Novak can do, each scene builds on the one before, until I was turning pages as fast as I could to figure out what would come next.  As always, a wonderful story and a perfect Christmas romance.

A California Christmas by Brenda Novak is book seven in her Silver Springs series. All of the books can be read as standalone titles. This is the only book in the series that I’ve read so far, and I had no issues figuring out who was who among the characters, and at no time did I feel like I was missing out on a significant piece of the backstory. I will say that it intrigued me enough to dig into the series from the beginning, but it’s not necessary to do so to enjoy this particular book.

What I Liked Most About the Book: I’m a sucker for Christmas themed books. Period. And I’m a sucker for romantic suspense. So when you put those two elements together, you get a book that absolutely intrigues me. And this one was a bit of a heartbreaker, as well. My heart truly broke for Emery with all of her problems crashing down on her at once. Problems with her professional life and with her personal life in a couple of different ways. But Dallas wouldn’t let her give up or hide, and I loved that about him. I also loved that Emery wasn’t a shrinking violet. Underneath the hurt and humiliation was a tough cookie.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I’ll admit that I do love Brenda Novak’s books. But I can’t say I’ve read them all because there are just so many. That doesn’t stop me from trying, though! This book took me a few chapters to really feel like I connected with the story and with the characters. Despite that, when it hit its stride, I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know two things: 1.Whodunnit? and 2. Would the H&H make it as a couple? The premise of the entire series so far has been second chances for all involved and not just second chances in the romance department. But second chances at making a wonderful future for all the characters. And isn’t that what we all like to see? Those amazing success stories despite being up against the worst of odds? Despite horrible circumstances? If you’re looking for a contemporary, sweet with heat, second-chance, Christmas themed romance, this book is going to be one you don’t want to miss as we head into the holiday season.

I give A California Christmas by Brenda Novak 4 out of 5 stars!

4 stars / This review will be posted at BookwormishMe.com on 11 October 2020. 

Emery is a native of Silver Springs, but she’s hiding out now that she’s lost her big broadcasting job in Los Angeles.  She was fired because her ex posted a sex tape of them online as revenge for her breaking up with him. He was fired as well, but has since been rehired. Not quite fair in Emery’s opinion.

She escapes to her hometown, staying with a family friend who’s getting married near Christmas. The friend’s son Dallas is in town for the wedding. Dallas always had a crush on Emery when they were growing up, but now he may be her lifeline until this scandal has passed. Dallas has his own issues to resolve, still he feels like he can help Emery.

This may be book 7 of a series, but it definitely reads like a standalone. I did not read books 1-6 (of course now I want to!) and I still greatly enjoyed the book. Most of the characters are relatable. The story is filled with a little bit of romance and a little bit of mystery. California is not the usual setting for a Christmas story, no snow, no winter themes, which is kind of refreshing.

Definitely recommend this one to add to the December reading list. Especially if there’s snow on the ground where you are.

This was a superb addition to the Brenda Novak Silver Springs series!  With many of my favorite characters poised to take part in the story of Dallas and Emery, I was mesmerized by the way the story was intricately woven around the town and people of Silver Springs.  Emery is a wounded young woman who is invited to stay at the ranch with Aiyana while she finds her bearings again.  There, she meets Aiyana’s sons, most importantly Dallas.  Emery has some healing to do, but so does Dallas and it takes the whole novel before the two of them figure out how to go about it.  I particularly enjoyed the details about Aiyana’s wedding to Cal and how helpful her sons were determined to be.  Family working together and supporting each other was a main theme of the book.  Another theme was forgiveness and just letting things go so you can move on with your life.  I was outraged at how Emery had lost her job through no fault of her own, but I also liked how she ended up handling the whole situation.  I also enjoyed seeing Susan and her bakery in the story this time as she was one of my favorite characters previously.  For her to play a role in Emery’s decision to forgive was like icing on the cake.  This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend that you read the series so that you are familiar with all of the characters and the many positive vibes from living in a small town like Silver Springs.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A California Christmas
Brenda Novak
October 13 2020

It’s Silver Springs #7 and finally a celebration for Aiyanna and Cal’s wedding.  They have been together for years and finally Aiyanna said “yes” to Cal.  With that in mind she has the date set  for the Saturday before Christmas.  Both families should be able to arrive, cook, decorate and be together for the happy event.  Dallas made it home early to help out in school if needed.  It’s winter and he’s done climbing for the season.  He begged off his partner Brian, at the gym and training center.  He promised to return shortly after with thoughts of purchasing.  He returned to meet  Aiyanna’s newest guest at the house.  She turned out to be Emery Biss who he had carried a torch for throughout high school.  Now, Emery is a college graduate working in LA as a TV anchor.  At least she was until her world fell out from underneath her.  She was relieved of duties at the station when a video hit the internet of her and Ethan, her co-anchor.  They were dating and getting serious when their lives split apart.  He became angry and sent the recording he made across the wires.  Emery was angry at the loss of her job but the idea of her agonizing exposure kept her at a mental collapse.  Her mother made arrangements with Aiyanna for Emery to stay at the house until after the wedding hoping that Aiyanna’s strength and counseling could help her rise again.  
Dallas was thrilled to meet her again.  He was still a loner though, trying to work out the insanity of his mother and sister’s murders.  Recently he had received a letter from his father and it stirred those silenced voices in his head.  Yes, Robert was still in prison for his crimes but Dallas never wanted to hear from him again.  
This wonderful Christmas story takes us a step beyond the glories of the season and into the loneliness and fear that many live through at this time of year.  Dallas and Emery were lucky to have the strength and love of their families to guide them but as most of us know, rising again is a personal struggle.  Some of us are fortunate enough to have those who will circle us in support while others must do without.  Either way, as Novak wrote in this story, we need to conquer the crisis ourselves or with the help of a counselor.  
A California Christmas by Brenda Novak will be published on October 13, 2020 by Mira of Harlequin.  I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this recent Novak novel.  I enjoyed reading the book as I have all of her journals.  However, it did make me think about the tragedies that have occured this year and the stress the season will bring. Hopefully readers will remember to reach out to their neighbors, friends, and family at this time of magic and wonder.

I’m at a slight disadvantage not having read the other books in this series. However I found it to be an enjoyable read. I love the home for troubled boys and that All 8 of the adopted boys coming home for their mother’s wedding.  I also liked the romance between Dallas and Emery and that they took a chance at being happy together.

Brenda is by far one of my favorite authors. This book did not disappoint. 
 Emery retreats to Aiyannas ranch after losing her job and boyfriend. She is there to hide out from the humiliation that her ex caused her. Dallas is at the ranch helping to prepare for Aiyannas wedding, he is definitely not looking for love or commitments. In fact, he doesn’t do commitments. The sparks start flying between the two pretty quickly. 
 I love seeing the boys finally find happiness and learning more about their lives. It was so nice to finally see Aiyanna get the happiness that she deserves.

I really liked both Dallas and Emery.  I've not been reading this series but it wasn't necessary at all to enjoy this book.  I am enamored with Aiyana and her ability to do so much good for so many who deserve it but have never had it much in their lives.  For that reason alone, I need to read the entire series now!  

Dallas was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and Emery the right side.  His crush on her in high school was never pursued because he felt so out of her league.  Now she's back, looking as good as ever, and she's in trouble.  What starts as a nice reunion and friendship soon turns into more.  Dallas is so good for Emery.  He supports her in all things including helping her go out and face those who've seen the video she's being shamed for.  Emery is good for Dallas too.  He's always been very closed off.  Few have cracked his hard shell to see the great guy inside.  Normally, he likes to be alone.  Rock climbing is the perfect profession for him.  He's soon spending a lot of time with Emery.  Both know that long term isn't an option so they plan to take it casually.  Well, we all know what happens there this being a romance and all!

I loved that Dallas was so protective of Emery.  He'll even take on those who treat her wrong with violence if necessary. After the betrayal of her last boyfriend, she really needs his faithfulness.

Novak always writes great characters.  Relatable, likeable, realistic.  She's definitely done it in this book too.  She's also added the additional elements that really round out the story.  You'll enjoy this story.

Definitely another wonderful book by Brenda Novak.  I enjoy her Sliver Springs series so much.  There is a lot of emotional support by people that also have went through difficult times.  That is what makes this series so special to me.  People that were once hurt can move on in their lives and also help others along the way.

Some of the plot is not realistic, but I go with it since it is romance fiction and I use these books as an escape from real life.  It is nice to see the characters go on to a happy future.

As always Brenda Novak has a fantastic plot that keeps the reader invested in the story.  I hope there will be more books added to this series.

I want to thank NetGalley and HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada) for allowing me to read the advance reader copy.  My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Multiple story strains in the second chance romance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This novel is part of a series of which I have not read any books prior. However, that really didn’t distract me from following the story and enjoying this book.

Novak writes a story about a family who takes in troubled kids. It’s a huge family of boys who has struggled with abandonment, abuse, and other tragedies in their life.

It’s a healing process that the author chooses to spin in a beautiful light. It’s not often that you find families willing to dedicate their lives to supporting troubled youth.

The story features one of the troubled youth who is now a grown adult with his own up-and-coming business and when his secret crush comes back to town under the shadow of a crushing blow it’s he who supports her.

Delicately and tentatively they reach out and become stronger together. It’s a slow and delicate process throughout the book interacting with others, slowly developing that heated connection that Novak expresses with plenty of steamy passion.

The story is real, raw, and explores topics that we don’t usually see in a romance. A lovely combination of women’s fiction and a heated love story that is a delightful second chance for love.

The 7th book in Brenda Novak's Silver Springs series has a wedding, a cyber crime, and romance. Yes, it takes place around Christmas but I wouldn't call it a Christmas romance. Fans of the series will want to read it to catch up with Aiyana and her family - suspense, romance and a celebration. 
3.5/5 stars

This book is part of the Silver Springs series. We find Emery hiding out in Silver Springs after a sex video is posted on the internet. She meets Dallas and  soon sparks flies. 
I thought the story was good. I am surprised at how fast Emery fell into Dallas’s bed, considering everything she has gone through. 
I liked the book enough to read more in this series 
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Great story to get you into the Christmas spirit! 5 stars for this one!
We meet Emery, up and coming tv anchor, that is until her ex boyfriend releases a video of the two of them, in a private moment. Emery needs to get away from the spotlight, so when an opportunity to escape to Silver Springs comes up, she takes it.
Dallas is taking a break from mountain climbing to return to Silver Springs for his adoptive moms wedding, the last person he expects to find there is Emery. He feels protective of her with all she's gone through and tries to get her out of the house for a break.
Follow their story as it unfolds, and enjoy some Christmas spirit!

A California Christmas was the seventh in the Silver Springs in which Dallas and Emery are the main two characters with many detractors in place.
There's truly a ton going on behind the scenes with everything from sex tapes, to lawsuits, to jilted lovers, and tag team duo's.
Seriously, Ethan was Emery's ex boyfriend and he's not the most perfect or likeable fellow for a reason which brings up some sour buds.
Cyber sex crimes are on the rise especially with Covid pandemic but this took on a whole new meaning with a twist.
This wasn't the best of Brenda Novak's but it was good.
Thank you to Brenda, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

I enjoyed this book. There were twists and turns and a it of mystery involved. The lead characters are very likable. The chemistry between the two is amazing. I was glued to the pages. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Welcome Back to Silver Spring, where the heart of this little town still blooms, How can one unknown change your life completely?

Dallas Turner is a free solo climber, that has a troubled past just like others raised at New Horizon’s Boys & Girls home. Dallas is back in Silver Springs for the holiday and his adoptive mother’s wedding, but what Dallas didn’t know is that trouble has followed to the one place that was his safe haven.

Emery Bliss a Up-and-coming TV news anchor, believed her future was laid all out for her, that was until her ex seek revenge. Now Emery finds herself hiding out in Silver Springs the place she grew up in. Surly no one even knows about the sex tape right? Among Emery’s growing problems she finds solace in someone who she never would have thought. Dallas.

Even though from the start Dallas and Emery seem to have many road blocks, they rise to the occasion. Emery is out to prove she is not what people think she is, her ex Ethan is what he seems a low slithering snake that thinks he can get away with what he did. Boy he is in for a shock. Dallas is battling demons from his past that pledge him in his nightmares. Can he over come them after coming face to face with the man who stared in all of them? Will Dallas be able to come to grips that he was not responsible? These characters are such a power house couple. Ms.Novak paired them well.

I enjoyed revisiting Silver Springs to see everyone growing in one way or another. I was happy for Aiyana and Cal they both deserve so much happiness. I was able to get to know new characters as well. In which I hope Emery can find peace with her parents. A California Christmas has so many twist and turns, some hilarious; some not so much, but I feel as though A California Christmas was not really much of a Christmas Romance but more of a Suspense Romance. All in all it was a wonderful read. Brenda Novak sure knows how peak her readers interest from beginning till The End.

Rated 4 1/2 Stilettos by Deb!