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A Family by Christmas
Jaclyn Wentworth is on her own with three little kids. She used to be married to the golden boy of their small Nevada town, but the marriage was a disaster because the golden boy never grew up. And he sure wasn't much of a daddy.
Now Jaclyn's living in Reno, making it on her own. And who, of all people, does she run into there but Cole Perrini, bad boy of Feld, Nevada. Or should she say former bad boy? He was always her ex-husband's opposite in every way - and he still is. Because Cole's made good in every sense of the word.
Jaclyn and Cole both have their reasons for being cautious, but with a love like theirs it's bound to be a special holiday season.
Originally published as We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2001
67 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,962 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 29, 2024
Perfect re-read to finish the year. This novel holds such a special place in my heart 🥹
August 24, 2019
Protagonistas: Jaclyn & Cole
Profesiones: Contratista & Agente Inmobiliaria
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Contratista & Agente Inmobiliaria
Pais: USA
January 9, 2017
1st half was great, but lies and stupidity in the 2nd half hurt the story.
Boy was I liking this. I didn’t want to stop reading. Down on her luck divorced mom working as a waitress. Crappy boss fires her. I liked what she did. I liked what Cole did. Things were intriguing.
Then I was disappointed with the main conflict. (See Spoiler.) Jackie lies to Cole twice. The story would have been fine with her telling the truth. The truth: she was kind of falling in love with him but she wasn’t going to let herself do anything about it. That’s reasonable for her to tell him. But no, she lies and says things she does not mean. Cole is hurt.
I was also annoyed that Jackie did something stupid (See Spoiler.)
This is not a Christmas story. It takes place over many months. There is only one scene where the word Santa Claus is used. It’s minor.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 290 pages. Swearing language: mild plus the s*** word rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: two referred to with no details shown. Setting: current day Nevada. Copyright: 2001. Genre: contemporary romance.
Boy was I liking this. I didn’t want to stop reading. Down on her luck divorced mom working as a waitress. Crappy boss fires her. I liked what she did. I liked what Cole did. Things were intriguing.
Then I was disappointed with the main conflict. (See Spoiler.) Jackie lies to Cole twice. The story would have been fine with her telling the truth. The truth: she was kind of falling in love with him but she wasn’t going to let herself do anything about it. That’s reasonable for her to tell him. But no, she lies and says things she does not mean. Cole is hurt.
I was also annoyed that Jackie did something stupid (See Spoiler.)
This is not a Christmas story. It takes place over many months. There is only one scene where the word Santa Claus is used. It’s minor.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 290 pages. Swearing language: mild plus the s*** word rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: two referred to with no details shown. Setting: current day Nevada. Copyright: 2001. Genre: contemporary romance.
August 1, 2016
Figured I would read a "Christmas in July" book, and who better to read than Brenda Novak. Surprisingly, this is one of the few I haven't read yet of Brenda's books. She just never disappoints!
I was hooked immediately from page one where Jaclyn is sitting in her car with her three young kids in the back seat at two in the morning, in the small town of Fled, Nevada, staring at the house where her husband is inside cheating on her with a prostitute. What an image! Unfortunately, it wasn't the first time he cheated on her in their twelve years of marriage.
Luckily, she leaves the bastard, moves a couple hours away to Reno to start fresh and runs into an old classmate, Cole, who against all odds, made something of himself, despite the his hellish childhood. Memories of his past in the town of Fled were extremely unpleasant, especially having to raise his three younger brothers when he was only a kid himself and his failed marriage right out of high school.
Knowing Jaclyn is in desperate need of a job, Cole hires her to be an assistant in his real estate office. They try their best to keep their relationship as friends only, but of course, attraction gets in the way, as well as a jealous ex-husband.
This story is about starting over, reconciliation and hope!
I was hooked immediately from page one where Jaclyn is sitting in her car with her three young kids in the back seat at two in the morning, in the small town of Fled, Nevada, staring at the house where her husband is inside cheating on her with a prostitute. What an image! Unfortunately, it wasn't the first time he cheated on her in their twelve years of marriage.
Luckily, she leaves the bastard, moves a couple hours away to Reno to start fresh and runs into an old classmate, Cole, who against all odds, made something of himself, despite the his hellish childhood. Memories of his past in the town of Fled were extremely unpleasant, especially having to raise his three younger brothers when he was only a kid himself and his failed marriage right out of high school.
Knowing Jaclyn is in desperate need of a job, Cole hires her to be an assistant in his real estate office. They try their best to keep their relationship as friends only, but of course, attraction gets in the way, as well as a jealous ex-husband.
This story is about starting over, reconciliation and hope!
December 25, 2015
I actually really enjoyed this book. It had more depth to the characters than many run of the mill romance novels have and kept my attention throughout. It is really difficult not to like Jaclyn, the main female character, and the same goes for Cole, the main male character in this book. Each of them have overcame much adversity in their lives- although Cole's was during his high school/ later teen years and Jackyn's is currently still going on. They are both characters to take inspiration from...they know how to fight for every bit of what they have even when the odds seem stacked completely against them. I was rooting for them to just hurry up and get together already. Seriously, they both deserve some happiness and Cole is a great role model for Jaclyn's 3 kids who could use a good male role model in their life because their dad is not exactly tactful about what he says in front of them concerning their mom. In other words, their father is a total ass.
October 26, 2014
This was a pretty good book. I really liked the characters, but not all of their personalities. There were some really tough parts, and some really touching moments in this book. This one didn't really pull me in, but I did enjoy reading it. There were definitely some tough decisions and some fun, some great turning points (emotionally) and some touching bases and mending fences. I liked the ending, it was such a good touch. I really admired the self-control Jaclyn had with the exes and her determination. This was a positive feeling book with hope and rough patches. Good for the anytime kinda read.
May 20, 2017
Cole Perrini has moved away and a was up from the trailer park in Feld. Now in real estate development, he has his life, along with his brothers, heading in the right direction. Until Jaclyn appears.
Jaclyn Wentworth has finally left Feld. Divorced from her cheating husband and working on her own in Reno raising her three children. Waitressing was not what she wanted to do with her life, but it kept food on the table. Until Cole appears.
Both Cole and Jaclyn have secrets and issues to do with the opposite sex. And mistrust and fears of raising a family. Add in the interferences of her ex and his parents, Jaclyn almost lets her fears let Cole get away.
Jaclyn Wentworth has finally left Feld. Divorced from her cheating husband and working on her own in Reno raising her three children. Waitressing was not what she wanted to do with her life, but it kept food on the table. Until Cole appears.
Both Cole and Jaclyn have secrets and issues to do with the opposite sex. And mistrust and fears of raising a family. Add in the interferences of her ex and his parents, Jaclyn almost lets her fears let Cole get away.
February 7, 2018
I don't think I have picked up a Brenda Novak book and not loved it. A family for Christmas is no exception.
I really enjoy small town romance stories, this was really lovely, I was pulled in immediately and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Jaclyn and Cole who both hid their true feelings far too well.
Jaclyn was learning how to live as a single parent to three sweet children, who struggled with the divorce their parents went through.
Cole, was a dedicated bachelor, his words! but as soon as he laid eyes on Jaclyn he had a hard time trying to remember why he was sworn off commitment.
Jaclyn was a strong, kind, caring lady who was a great mom to Alex, Mackenzie and Alyssia, but she also had a very strong doubt as to why she left her cheating ex - was the life she was carving out for her and her kids good enough?
After loosing her waitressing job, she goes to Cole for a job, as he is now a very successful business man, and whilst he didn't have a position available his kind good natured heart had to help.
Every time they tried to deny their feelings I got all the feels, egging them onto make it.
Her ex-husband and his family were hell bent on ensuring she could not provide for her kids, but her strength and determination, kept her one step ahead.
I loved Cole's relationship with his brothers, siblings don't always see eye to eye and I was happy for Cole and Rick once they worked out their issues. He did a great job raising his brothers.
Jaclyn & Cole thrashed around for quite a while and whilst it was painful for them both at times, they eventually started to see the wood through the trees.
As individuals they were rough, well rounded people but together their strength and determination saw them through to being a great couple with great features.
I really enjoy small town romance stories, this was really lovely, I was pulled in immediately and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Jaclyn and Cole who both hid their true feelings far too well.
Jaclyn was learning how to live as a single parent to three sweet children, who struggled with the divorce their parents went through.
Cole, was a dedicated bachelor, his words! but as soon as he laid eyes on Jaclyn he had a hard time trying to remember why he was sworn off commitment.
Jaclyn was a strong, kind, caring lady who was a great mom to Alex, Mackenzie and Alyssia, but she also had a very strong doubt as to why she left her cheating ex - was the life she was carving out for her and her kids good enough?
After loosing her waitressing job, she goes to Cole for a job, as he is now a very successful business man, and whilst he didn't have a position available his kind good natured heart had to help.
Every time they tried to deny their feelings I got all the feels, egging them onto make it.
Her ex-husband and his family were hell bent on ensuring she could not provide for her kids, but her strength and determination, kept her one step ahead.
I loved Cole's relationship with his brothers, siblings don't always see eye to eye and I was happy for Cole and Rick once they worked out their issues. He did a great job raising his brothers.
Jaclyn & Cole thrashed around for quite a while and whilst it was painful for them both at times, they eventually started to see the wood through the trees.
As individuals they were rough, well rounded people but together their strength and determination saw them through to being a great couple with great features.
August 9, 2018
Jackie, or Jaclyn, as she likes to be called now, thought she had it all! Right out of high school, she married, not just her's, but the town's sweetheart. Little did she know that her husband wasn't quite the sweetheart everyone thought. Jaclyn is done with love and marriage! Read this heartwarming novel by Brenda Novak. You won't be disappointed and you just might begin to believe in Santa Claus again! PS This book was formerly entitled WE SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS.
#brendanovak, #afamilybychristmas, #netgalley
#brendanovak, #afamilybychristmas, #netgalley
September 12, 2018
Very sweet love story!
Another great read from Brenda! A incredibly sweet romance blooms as a newly single mom does her best to provide for her children in the midst of a battle her ex in laws start. I would definitely say this is a second chance romance, and it was incredibly well written and fast paced from the very beginning. Definitely a good read!
Another great read from Brenda! A incredibly sweet romance blooms as a newly single mom does her best to provide for her children in the midst of a battle her ex in laws start. I would definitely say this is a second chance romance, and it was incredibly well written and fast paced from the very beginning. Definitely a good read!
June 17, 2017
I just have to say, I loved this book! A story of second chances and family.... Every book, that I read, by Brenda Novak, takes me on a journey. In this book it was emotional. I experienced hope, frustration, tears, and love. Another great book by an awesome author!
February 28, 2018
This is one of my favorite, Brenda books. It was a beautiful story of Jackie trying to overcome a divorce. To doing what is best for her kids. Cole, had a rough childhood, but still made something of himself. Together these two are a powerful couple.
March 15, 2019
I think this is one of Brenda’s best books. The storyline follows what so many single mothers go through on a daily basis. Especially if they don’t have family to help, or if they do, but don’t know how to ask for help. It’s an excellent story.
May 10, 2020
Wonderful read!
Love and determination intertwined in a beautiful way throughout this story. There's nothing one will do for family or love and the book proves it. A beautifully written story about pushing through no matter what it takes.
Love and determination intertwined in a beautiful way throughout this story. There's nothing one will do for family or love and the book proves it. A beautifully written story about pushing through no matter what it takes.
December 1, 2020
Jaclyn is struggling to keep afloat. Then, she sees Cole, she knew him from high school. Cole is focused on business. He doesn't think he can ever have a family of his own. He becomes her strength. He finally tells her how he feels. Her ex and his parents conspire to hurt her.
I had tears.
I had tears.
September 28, 2021
Enjoyed this story, love when you get invested with the characters, would love to see this turned into a series, the secondary characters would have a story to tell for sure .Jaclyn and Cole are the type of characters you can relate to .Great read!
October 27, 2018
Loved it.. like always
November 2, 2018
Another good book from Brenda Novak.
February 23, 2019
It was a good read.
May 28, 2019
Sweet story of how love endures, rooting for the rest of the family to get their loves
August 29, 2020
Fantastic read in one day loved it
December 20, 2021
I thought this was a very sweet book
November 8, 2023
I could not put this down. a divorced mom of 3, a jerk of an ex and the man who grew up with a bad rep. makes for another great read by Brenda Novak.
October 22, 2024
The characters were abusive. It didn’t feel like a Christmas story. Normally I like her writing and stories. This one is an exception.
November 11, 2025
Romance novel that was ok. Quick read.
January 7, 2018
Another fine book by Brenda Novak. Loved the way this woman in the book was strong yet fragile at times.
November 9, 2013
This is the third novel I've read from Brenda Novak and I have to admit, it's actually my favourite one so far. I used to love Harlequin Super Romances back in the day so when I saw this for sale during the summer at my local used bookstore I just had to have it and since I'm participating in the Ho Ho Ho Read-a-Thon I thought this would make the perfect read and it was.
I was a little unsure of how this romance would turn out. I've read one of the authors newer historicals as well as one of her newer contemporary romances and I've learned to be a little leery of some authors older titles but with this one my fears were completely unfounded.
I read We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus in one sitting, it was that good folks. I thought the story was so realistic that I couldn't help but root for Jackie the heroine. She went through a really bitter divorce and she's striving to make a life for herself and her three children but it's had because she has a dick of an ex-husband and she has to deal with his dick of a father who is set on controlling all of their lives. I'm a sucker for a heroine who already has kids because they're generally a lot smarter than some other female leads and I like that they generally aren't self centered. Jackie was great, she had lived a privileged life before her divorce but she has a good head on her shoulders and she understand the value of a dollar.
Cole, was a bit of an enigma at first. He was one of those strong silent types with a good heart, but very shy when it came to anything that dealt with feelings. He was smart, well to do and had a loyal heart and I loved how he was with Jackie and her three kids. He was very protective of not only her, but her 3 kids as well.
As a couple I thought they were great. They new each other in high school and she married her ex-husband who was the most popular guy in school while he was on the outskirts and was considered trailer trash. I liked how after both of them went through some difficult times in life that they found each other after years.
Overall, I thought We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus was a great contemporary romance. It wasn't completely set around the holidays but Christmas did play a big part of the story in the latter half of the story. Brenda Novak is fast becoming a favourite author of mine, and I can't wait to read more of her books in the near future. She was able to create a great clean romance that was sweet without being sappy and like I mentioned it was realistic so there were some laughs and a little drama thrown in for good measure.
I would recommend this to all fans of contemporary romances. While the cover dates the novel (it was published in 2001) I think the story holds up well and I didn't think it was cheesy in the least and I thought it was a great quick read with a lot of warmth.
I was a little unsure of how this romance would turn out. I've read one of the authors newer historicals as well as one of her newer contemporary romances and I've learned to be a little leery of some authors older titles but with this one my fears were completely unfounded.
I read We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus in one sitting, it was that good folks. I thought the story was so realistic that I couldn't help but root for Jackie the heroine. She went through a really bitter divorce and she's striving to make a life for herself and her three children but it's had because she has a dick of an ex-husband and she has to deal with his dick of a father who is set on controlling all of their lives. I'm a sucker for a heroine who already has kids because they're generally a lot smarter than some other female leads and I like that they generally aren't self centered. Jackie was great, she had lived a privileged life before her divorce but she has a good head on her shoulders and she understand the value of a dollar.
Cole, was a bit of an enigma at first. He was one of those strong silent types with a good heart, but very shy when it came to anything that dealt with feelings. He was smart, well to do and had a loyal heart and I loved how he was with Jackie and her three kids. He was very protective of not only her, but her 3 kids as well.
As a couple I thought they were great. They new each other in high school and she married her ex-husband who was the most popular guy in school while he was on the outskirts and was considered trailer trash. I liked how after both of them went through some difficult times in life that they found each other after years.
Overall, I thought We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus was a great contemporary romance. It wasn't completely set around the holidays but Christmas did play a big part of the story in the latter half of the story. Brenda Novak is fast becoming a favourite author of mine, and I can't wait to read more of her books in the near future. She was able to create a great clean romance that was sweet without being sappy and like I mentioned it was realistic so there were some laughs and a little drama thrown in for good measure.
I would recommend this to all fans of contemporary romances. While the cover dates the novel (it was published in 2001) I think the story holds up well and I didn't think it was cheesy in the least and I thought it was a great quick read with a lot of warmth.
February 18, 2017
Very enjoyable read
I have read many of Brenda Novak's books. She creates great characters. And her stories are interesting and keep your attention to the end. And then I don't want the book to end.
I have read many of Brenda Novak's books. She creates great characters. And her stories are interesting and keep your attention to the end. And then I don't want the book to end.
January 12, 2011
This book started off really well. Not many Harlequins can capture my interest so completely, but this one did. I was soon devouring it.
Until I got the the middle. One of the reasons Jaclyn left her ex-husband was because he cheated on her. Yet Cole, the ex's supposed opposite, cheated on his first wife too! His excuse? It was at the end when they both knew it was over. I don't care! Cheating is cheating! As long as you are still married, you do not touch another woman. Would he cheat on Jaclyn when he feels the love has died in their relationship? Barf! I cannot cheer for a cheating hero. Why should I be expected to want Jaclyn to get together with a man who did the exact same thing to his first wife as Jaclyn's loser ex-husband did to her? That would be STUPID!
Until I got the the middle. One of the reasons Jaclyn left her ex-husband was because he cheated on her. Yet Cole, the ex's supposed opposite, cheated on his first wife too! His excuse? It was at the end when they both knew it was over. I don't care! Cheating is cheating! As long as you are still married, you do not touch another woman. Would he cheat on Jaclyn when he feels the love has died in their relationship? Barf! I cannot cheer for a cheating hero. Why should I be expected to want Jaclyn to get together with a man who did the exact same thing to his first wife as Jaclyn's loser ex-husband did to her? That would be STUPID!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews