KEEP ME WARM AT CHRISTMAS is a story about survival and survivors. Life doesn’t always follow a gilded path. Most times we spend our time avoiding land mines. Count ourselves very fortunate when we leap over an unfortunate obstacle laying in wait on our path to our future. We all dream of a glorious future. You know the whole picket fence thing. But the stories in the Silver Spring series by Brenda Novak are about folks who didn’t dare to dream about picket fences. They were busy looking for any semblance of normalcy in a life that so far had barely a glance of it.
Aiyanna and her Horizons school were a look into what life could be for lots of disadvantaged young boys. And more recently girls as well. The Silver Springs series showcases many of Aiyanna’s success stories as we follow the paths her eight adopted sons chose. Each of these young men counted themselves as very fortunate to have landed at Horizon. Not only did they find a purpose, but they found love and acceptance thanks to Aiyanna.
In KEEP ME WARM AT CHRISTMAS we spend time with one of the sons Seth, the artist. Seth has become quite well-known with a very lucrative career as an artist and sculptor. But most important is that Seth found a family with Aiyanna and his seven brothers.
Seth had also found the love of his life but unfortunately his wife had died early on in their marriage leaving him facing still another struggle in his life. Seth’s mother had abandoned him to the system making him feel unlovable. Then his wife passes on taking his heart with her. Seth is left to once again distrust loving someone. It leaves you too vulnerable. Seth would rather concentrate on his career.
Life sometimes deals you a hand you are uncomfortable with and just in time for the Christmas season Seth is back at home to work with some kids at the Horizon school. He welcomes the invitation from a friend to use his house while back at Silver Springs. That friend Maxi has extended an invitation to still another friend also in need of a place of safety. Tia is recovering from an awful car accident that truly threatens her future as a rising young actress. The injury to her face is extensive. The injury to her confidence equally so. So Tia welcomes the chance to hide away at Maxi’s while she contemplates what road her future now follows.
Neither Seth nor Tia was happy with the situation of having their space invaded.
Sometimes life hands you an opportunity too good to pass up. Neither of these two folks are looking forward to Christmas. But Aiyanna and her family just keeps upping the ante. And before you know it both Seth and Tia start to feel as if the seasonal spirit just might provide some respite to their challenges.
Brenda Novak likes to create well developed characters so that they have enormous appeal and staying power. Such is the case in KEEP ME WARM AT CHRISTMAS. There is even a parrot who plays an enjoyable supporting role.

Brenda Novak continues her Silver Springs series with a shattered up and coming actress hiding out after a car accident leaves her with a scarred face and a reclusive artist who wants to help but is afraid he cannot commit. Both Tia and Seth have to learn trust before they can open themselves up to love. This series just keeps getting better and better!

Brenda Novak has done it again. This is a good book. The two main characters are Tia and Seth. Tia was in an accident and has scars n her face. She does not want anyone to see her. She goes to her director’s house to hide out. Seth is an artist he wants to have privacy so he goes to a friend’s house which just happens to be where Tia is. Between their problems with photographers and family they find true love.

Being a big Novak fan, I am always excited when she comes out with a new novel. And I wasn't disappointed. When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

This book is part of the Silver Springs series. I have really enjoyed all the books in this series. This story is not a sweet romance instead, the characters are dealing with life changing events. You watch as they have to deal not only with the traumatic events but with family drama and how they deal with betrayal. I really loved how the characters grew and adapted to a new life. Really enjoyed this book

If there is one thing Christmas romances share, it is usually that they are sweet as the season with conflicts being minimal or a matter of misunderstanding. While Keep Me Warm At Christmas has the expected happy ending, the road there is a little grittier than in many such books.

For those familiar with the Silver Springs books, Seth is one of Aiyana's adopted sons. For those not familiar with the series, Aiyana runs a school for troubled kids, and over the years adopted some of them, who was might be imagined, have issues with trust, love etc.

Tia, as noted above is dealing with a disfiguring car accident. Their story went about as expected.

The gritty part of the story dealt with Tia' relationship with her parents, with Seth's relationship with his in-laws and with a photographer who was trying to get a picture of Tia. Honestly I didn't like the part about her parents. She came from a conservative Mennonite family and I didn't like the way Brenda Novak presented them or their faith. I realize the presentation was through the eyes of one who didn't fit in, but it irked me that the only mention of religion in a Christmas book was a negative one.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B-