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.
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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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.