Cover Image: A California Christmas

A California Christmas

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Member Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Multiple story strains in the second chance romance.
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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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After an intense few reading months, it was really lovely to pick up something a little more light hearted. That’s exactly what I got with A California Christmas.

Emery is the victim of revenge porn and heads to Silver Springs to hide from the world and lick her wounds. What she finds there is exactly what she needs in more ways than one. Which is exactly when she meets Dallas again, who is all grown up and home for the holidays and his mother’s wedding. Unfortunately though, although Dallas proves himself to be a wonderful friend to Emery time and time again, he has his own damaged past. A past that ensures he keeps his heart guarded at all time.

This is a sweet holiday romance with likeable characters and just enough steam and drama to keep it interesting. If you like this kind of book, then you will enjoy A California Christmas.

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This book was everything I'd hoped for and come to expect from this author. Although it started out kind of slow for me it quickly sucked me in. I was thrilled to spend a quiet afternoon relaxing with this book. Novak is one of my favorites. I love the whole series.

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An okay Christmas read, found it hard to warm to emery and the choices she makes, but okay! First book I’ve read by this author, not sure if I would read more

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This was a nice story. Though not really much of a Christmas story.
The main character, Emery Bliss, has had a upsetting situation come up when her ex boyfriend posts a video of them that goes viral. There is a surprising twist at the end of the book that I didn’t see coming.
There is some steamy romance going on.
Brenda Novak is a fantastic author. I always enjoy reading her books and this one did not disappoint me.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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I absolutely loved this book. Brenda Novak is an amazing author and I read all her books. I especially love Christmas books.

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Dallas, one of the Turner boys, runs into his high school crush Emery while home for the holidays. Emery is in hiding after her ex posts revenge porn that goes viral and Dallas is running from any attachment or commitment. It's a good story about two people who are damaged. Dallas helps Emery reenter society and deal with her sleazebag ex and Emery helps Dallas with his crippling survivor's guilt.

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Emery Bliss is at a low point in her life when she returns to Silver Springs. Then she reconnect with Dallas and the world changes for her. Also for him but not without some major league readjustments to his thinking. Great to the boys of Silver Springs as they all return for their Mothers wedding. Great story with some surprises scattered throughout story. Christmas does it magic for the characters.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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A California Christmas by Brenda Novak An enjoyable Christmas holiday read, however had a hard time connecting with Emery and her actions in this story.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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It is always a joy to return to Silver Springs, and Brenda Novak does not disappoint in this new entry. Emery Bliss returns to her hometown to regroup after her personal and professional life are shattered, Dallas Turner is home for the holidays with his adopted family to celebrate their mother's wedding, even though he wishes he could be elsewhere in the world pursuing his sport of rock climbing. Will what brings them together be strong enough to keep them together? Although part of a series, this warm holiday romance can be read as a standalone.

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Brenda is one of my favorite authors and this book was as all I’ve read of hers great! Can’t wait for more.

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