When their private plane crashes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains shortly before Christmas, two political enemies must do what it takes to survive in the icy terrain. Neither one of them ever thought they’d have to rely on the other to survive. But they soon discover that survival means more than just staying alive. In their case, it also means falling in love…
Originally published in 2009 in anthology The Night Before Christmas
It 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!
It was the 2018 cover of this story that caught my attention, but it was the synopsis that made me choose to read it. I love politics so much and the thought of two rival politicians being stranded alone out in the snowy wilderness intrigued me.
In reality, it would take a lot for the events in this book to actually happen. Like, a lot of things would have to line up sort of perfectly for this one to pan out. But it was fun reading. I actually sat down to read it and didn't get up until I had finished. I'm not even sure I looked up from my Kindle at all.
Adelaide and Maxim are on a private plane to a fundraiser, flying over the mountains, when the pilot encounters turbulence and the plane goes down. Before they all can get out, the pilot dies from an injury, leaving the two politicians to fend for themselves. Once the two are out of the plane, the plane plummets down a cliff, leaving the two stranded on that cliff, exposed to the elements. They're dressed in fundraising clothes, which aren't warm or survival-ready in the slightest bit. It's snowing and conditions are worsening, but fortunately Maxim was a scout when he was younger, so he has ideas about what to do. Adelaide has a slight injury, so she has no choice but to trust her [political] enemy.
Okay, so I was riveted. I love survival stories anyway, and honestly this isn't a hardcore survival story, but still. Maxim kicks into high gear, pulling his own weight and also essentially Adelaide's for a little while because she is injured, until she is able to sort of wake up to the situation at hand. They're in a bad way, and they have very few choices for survival.
If word get out to the press about what they're having to do just to survive, it could seriously damage their campaign.
The rescue came earlier in the story than I expected. I suppose that was intended so there would be room for the scandal? I expected some sort of fallout from these two having to do whatever they could to survive, but I wasn't expecting what I got. Basically, everything that happened after the rescue was a big surprise to me.
This story was like oh-my-gosh drama to me. Like, gather-the-popcorn-and-the-candy, this-is-gonna-be-good drama. I liked both Adelaide and Maxim, but they're not really supposed to like one another. The synopsis indicates that they fall in love, so no spoiler there. Just WOW on how everything goes down.
This was another fun holiday story for me. Plenty of winter and Christmas in here. The overall political theme made the dramatic nature of the story fun for me, but there isn't really a lot of actual politics in the story, if that makes sense. So don't ignore this one because of the word "politics."
I'll be adding this one to my rotation for yearly holiday reads.
Brenda Novak..... there is not a book of yours I haven't enjoyed immensely and can't simply fall into. And I've read plenty....
This short novel was so heart warming, yet adventurous, along with a little suspense thrown in.. The story brings two political rivalries together on a small plane from Tahoe, Nevada to Los Angeles, California. They are both attending a political meeting/rally to discuss their campaign promises/strategies. Unfortunately, they do not make it. The plane crashes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
To me, the story is about survival and putting what is most important first. Of course, there's chemistry between the two adversaries. What will be the outcome of the crash? Will they make it out alive? If so, will they make it out in one piece? What will happen to their campaign and who will win the election? A perfect holiday story. Loved it!!! But then again, who doesn't love anything by Ms. Brenda Novak?
Different group of characters in this story. A bit older, less wide-eyed enthusiasm, but still they catch at your heartstrings. You did it again, Brenda. You never fail to satisfy. Bring it on!!
A wonderfully heartwarming story! This was a very quick read for myself, and I loved the story more with every turn of the page. Brenda has a gift, and a heart for her readers which makes her work even more enjoyable.
On A Snowy Christmas brings us characters who feel real, and are so well developed it feels like they’re sharing the story of how they met with dear friends. Enemies to lovers plus an expected and sort of unexpected pregnancy, this book brings together two of my favorite tropes to one book.
If you haven’t read any of Brenda’s books before, you need to! If you have, and love her as much as I do, join her online reader group if you aren’t already a member!
Loved this story of Adelaide and Maxium political enemies , get into a plane crash and realize that they don't hate each other ,come together to survive , sweet Christmas love story
The way this story started with a boom. A plane crash. Adelaide the heroine lost her senator husband. Maxim Donahue is the enemy also involved in the crash they are the two lone survivors stuck in one of the worst storms. They had to depend on each other to survive. Going into this story you do not expect a Christmas story to start like this one.
When they get saved they agree to go their separate ways. While on the mountain things happened and now is time to forget them. With a surprise on the horizon for them both. Things get heated quickly that may end their relationship and Adelaide may realize her deceased husband was not the man she thought he was. Thus story was a quick read I blinked and it was over. I almost wish their was more to this story but I still like the way it ended.
Political enemies end up on the same small plane that crashes, killing the pilot and forcing them to work together to survive in the snowy wilderness of the high Sierras. But who knew that was the least likely of their experiences? More to the point, would you end up making love to someone just to keep warm? (Seemed a bit far-fetched to me, but hey, it's fiction.)
In any case, what Adelaide learns about her late husband is enough to make anyone weep, even as she doesn't want to believe that Maxim had anything to do with digging up such dirt. Fortunately, she takes the high road, which leads both of them to unexpected happiness; his for the second time, and she, too.
This was a lovely surprise, I usually find short stories a little bit rushed simply because the author needs to get a lot into a short space, but this just worked really well.
There was certainly a lot going on, a plane crash in the mountains, a political race, secrets revealed and a baby! But I loved both the main characters, even if they were politicians(!), and it was just a lovely story with action, intrigue and romance. Highly recommended.
On a Snowy Christmas was a great quick read by Brenda Novak. Adelaide and Maxim are political enemies who find themselves stranded in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They were on a private plane that crashed and now must do whatever they could to survive the extremely icy terrain. Even if that leads to them falling in love inadvertently. I really enjoyed this quick read and can’t wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
This is a fast read. I was surprised when I scrolled up and saw i had already reached the epiligue. I try to read a few holiday related books this time of year. Unfortunately, they are mostly in the romance genre. This one has an interesting and different plot with political enemies falling in love. Otherwise, syrupy sweet and very predictable.
I loved this story of two rivals trapped in a remote area in the snow. They get to know each other better as they fight to survive and soon they develop feelings for each other. A nice afternoon read.
What a great story to read on a cold winter day. I love reading Brenda’s books because she makes you feel what the characters are feeling. That’s just how great of an author she is! Pick up this book and enjoy. Thanks Brenda!
The book wasn’t long enough... just as you find out they are going to get together, the book was over!!! It could at least been 3x as long!!! Love Brenda Novak’s books
Few but great characters were portrayed in this book. Maxim and Adelaide were my favorite characters. This book starts out with a plane crash and goes on from there. Pretty good story I think you're 'll. Surely
Brenda Novak draws you in & makes you live the story right along with the characters. I felt a gauntlet of emotions while reading this story. She writes Romance in a way that is so identifiable.
Well written story with strong and believable characters. Brenda knows how to build a story to make you want to keep reading until you are finished. The only negative is that is a short novella. Really enjoyed.
Two political rivals find themselves surviving a plane crash in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As they fight to survive they find themselves losing the rivalry they had and becoming closer. The closeness ultimately leads to love and a future neither would have ever thought possible.
Always love reading Brenda Novak books. Two political enemies. One a man and the other a woman. When their plane crashed and the pilot died, they were stuck on a side of a mountain. Snow falling only they had to help each other survive. Page turner!
What a great story! The pacing grabbed me from the first page to the last. One thing I can always count on with one of Ms. Morgan's books. Plenty of act and great emotional writing. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Political enemies and the only survivors of a plane crash, Adelaide and Maxim must join forces to survive until help arrives. This is a short, enjoyable read. I read it before but enjoyed revisiting it.
BRENDA Novak always writes a wonderful story and this one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this story. Look forward to reading more. Read this in a little over an hour. So good.
2.5 rounded up This book could have been good, but there were a couple of moments that were so chringy that I couldn't get past them. I also was hoping for a feel-good Christmas story and didn't feel like I got that with this book. The storyline wasn't bad, but the presentation wasn't good.
Couldn’t put the book down. Held my interest minimal repetition, good story line. I found myself looking to see if this is a series so I can get more to read.
Once again, the master author, Brenda Novak handwritten an awesome story!!! I loved Adelaide and Maxim!! Just the thing to get in the Christmas spirit!!