The worst part of any Brenda Novak book is the last page. I always want more. Luckily there is usually another Novak book in the wings. The Whiskey Creek series is an absolute delight and this newest installment is no exception. Like a luscious ice cream sundae savored spoon after spoon or in the case of TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS page upon yummy page. So satisfying I ran out of superlatives. Novak took us from distaste for a seemingly self absorbed character to one that could be admired. Quite a feat done with panache through dialog that keeps you turning pages anxiously waiting to see what happens next.

We met Sophia several stories ago and candidly weren't necessarily so fond of her. She seemed self possessed and stayed on the periphery most especially the group that met at Black Gold on Fridays, men and women, close friends for years. Their relationship withstood the test of time and was strong. "I envy you your friends." Such poignant words and so telling of a woman desperate for someone in her court for a change. It's hard to put on a brave face 24/7: everyone needs to be able to let down their guard at some time.

Her life was cloaked in mystery and survival. What outsiders saw was what Sophia carefully orchestrated to keep both herself and her daughter Alexa safe.

There are all kinds of bullies usually associated with youngsters or teenagers with self esteem issues who bully to diminish the stature of others. Bullying can only work if people pretend not to notice. So while Sophia used tricks to hide the results of being the target of a brute the group of friends she coveted seemed to just look the other way.

Sophia wasn't looking for sympathy. She made some bad choices as a teenager and the people of Whiskey Creek had long memories including the love of her life Ted, the one she hurt the most when she suddenly married Skip. Sophia went from daughter of the town mayor to wife of the man whose reputation was that of the golden boy of investors. But her marriage, like her husband's business, was like a house of cards and the fall from grace was sudden, devastating and humiliating.

One would hope returning home would provide healing that Sophia and Alexa sorely needed but it seemed that the good folks of Whiskey Creek were no better than vultures.

Burning question was how Sophia and Alexa would survive left with absolutely nothing. Could Sophia survive even more battering and bullying? She was left with only pride: something she didn't realize she had. Ted reluctantly gave Sophia a job but not his forgiveness. Although in the dark about Skips dealings in the court of public opinion she was found guilty. It was unimaginable the harsh treatment both Sophia and Alexa received as those left behind to atone for the sins of another. The unsuspecting wife and the innocent child, stuff nightmares are made of.

Both Ted and Sophia had built an impenetrable shell around their hearts. For Ted it was Sophia's ultimate betrayal and for Sophia fear and loneliness, the only breach of that shell was Alexa. And even that was at times difficult. In her heart and head Sophia was convinced she didn't deserve anyone's love much less respect.

All it would take to save them were six little words -- I love you -- I forgive you. It might take a miracle and with Christmas just around the corner it was the right season for one.

Brenda Novak outdid herself in TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. The portrayal of people so blindsided by their loss was a starkly real, at time frightening, sad and honest appraisal of the aftermath of an awful personal loss. But true to herself Novak maintains a sense of optimism that is rare. Novak tackled some very difficult situations and reached right into your heart and soul. Jam packed with succinct dialog that moves this story along at a fast pace. If you loved When Lightning Strikes then this is a must read.

Book Summary

Christmas is a time for remembering…

Too bad not all memories are pleasant! Everyone in Whiskey Creek remembers Sophia DeBussi as the town's Mean Girl. Especially Ted Dixon, whose love she once scorned.

But Sophia has paid the price for her youthful transgressions. The man she did marry was rich and powerful but abusive. So when he goes missing, she secretly hopes he'll never come back—until she learns that he died running from an FBI probe of his investment firm. Not only has he left Sophia penniless, he's left her to face all the townspeople he cheated.…

Sophia is reduced to looking for any kind of work to pay the bills and support her daughter. With no other options, she becomes housekeeper for none other than Ted, now a successful suspense writer. He can't bring himself to turn his back on her, not at Christmas, but he refuses to get emotionally involved. He learned his lesson the last time.

Or will the season of love and forgiveness give them both another chance at happiness?