"gut wrenching story about learning to like yourself"
Reviewed by Sandra Wurman
Posted October 5, 2013
Holiday | Romance
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.
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?
What do you think about this review?
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