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Whiskey Creek #5
Kerstmis in Whiskey Creek
Christmas is a time for remembering….
Too bad all memories aren't 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?
Too bad all memories aren't 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?
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2013
439 people are currently reading
2589 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,989 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 534 reviews
January 30, 2015
******SPOILERS******
This started off semi-promising. Abused woman, Sophia, can't find her husband, she finds out the FBI is looking for him, he ends up dead, she's back in her hometown where all the people her dead husband ripped off are pissed as hell at her and she's all "woe is me, everyone hates me, but I deserve it because I've always been a terrible person".
Do you see where things started to fall apart? Maybe it didn't begin as promising as I thought.
Anyway, she ends up getting a job as her ex-boyfriend's housekeeper, and ex-boyfriend Ted's all knight in shining armor with a douchebag complex who can't forgive or move the fuck on and instead decides to fuck his close friend, Eve, and fuck Eve's emotions all to hell because he's a selfish bastard who can't deal.
Eve's a clingy, pathetic weirdo.
Sophia's in-laws were minions from hell, and any supposed "friends" she had were the types who suspected she was being abused during her 14 year marriage, but never bothered to follow up and see if there was anything they could do to help her. The one bright spot in this book was probably Sophia's 13-year-old daughter, Alexa. She was more mature and emotionally stable than any of the adult characters. Sad but true.
Sophia needs someone to save her from herself, Ted needs to feel needed, so their marvelously co-dependent relationship finally takes off and they live happily ever after.
And I'm left depressed about the state of contemporary romance.
This started off semi-promising. Abused woman, Sophia, can't find her husband, she finds out the FBI is looking for him, he ends up dead, she's back in her hometown where all the people her dead husband ripped off are pissed as hell at her and she's all "woe is me, everyone hates me, but I deserve it because I've always been a terrible person".
Do you see where things started to fall apart? Maybe it didn't begin as promising as I thought.
Anyway, she ends up getting a job as her ex-boyfriend's housekeeper, and ex-boyfriend Ted's all knight in shining armor with a douchebag complex who can't forgive or move the fuck on and instead decides to fuck his close friend, Eve, and fuck Eve's emotions all to hell because he's a selfish bastard who can't deal.
Eve's a clingy, pathetic weirdo.
Sophia's in-laws were minions from hell, and any supposed "friends" she had were the types who suspected she was being abused during her 14 year marriage, but never bothered to follow up and see if there was anything they could do to help her. The one bright spot in this book was probably Sophia's 13-year-old daughter, Alexa. She was more mature and emotionally stable than any of the adult characters. Sad but true.
Sophia needs someone to save her from herself, Ted needs to feel needed, so their marvelously co-dependent relationship finally takes off and they live happily ever after.
And I'm left depressed about the state of contemporary romance.
November 6, 2013
Alright where shall I start! I adored this story it's a story about starting again, and I'm a sucker for second chance romances, but this story is emotional, gritty, and it pulled at my heart.
Christmas and the run up too the season should be a happy time, parties, drinking, eating, buying presents and winter is definitely my favourite time of year but sometimes it doesn't all work out like that does it??!!
Sophia is married to Skip they go on an anniversary holiday 'so Sophia thought' and she wakes up with her daughter and no husband, the FBI are trying to find him, he's really not the man Sophia thought he was. She is completely clueless and looks nieve, stupid and vulnerable, where he has gone, how has he disappeared and who is the man she has married. Sophia is then left alone to deal with the aftermath and having everyone including Skips family and the whole town hate and despise her wanting there money. She's left feeling Alone with no support and no money to live and take care of there daughter.
Sophia
Sophia is used to having everything she wants, money gives her that lifestyle she's also been brought up that way. Clothes, a mansion and fancy cars. But she is not liked.
Back when she was in the school days she was in love with Ted but he didn't give her the money she wanted which means Ted is left angry and hurt, Sophia is felling guilty but pregnant so she stays with Skip which is not the best relationship to be in. Appearances are deceiving.
Whiskey Creek do not like to be conned and because of Sophia's Ice princess appearance they were Damn right cruel at times. I cringed and cried right along with her. I honestly didn't understand the way people were thinking seriously they had no shame.
Sophia is vulnerable and uncertain of her future so is currently in a scary place. Her life has done a complete 100% turn.
At certain points especially at the beginning there was a lot of this:
Ted
Ted is a suspense novel writer and he NEEDS an housekeeper, but he is still in love with Sophia although he is fighting it, he tries to stay away. He is cross, angry and hurt he also is opinionated and really hasn't let anyone else close to him.
Saying that all that he needs a housekeeper and Sophia needs a job, he can't see her on the street which is where she's heading so he takes her on. But he's her employer and this is only going to work if they stay away from each other.
But they have Chemistry
Along the way Ted made some bad decisions himself that hurt the people he is close to, I felt sorry for ALL participants but then again he's fighting his walls and I could see where Brenda was taking this.
She provoked my feelings, made me cross, but in the end she also made me happy.
What I loved about this story is it's really about starting again, going back to the beginning and learning to breath, to laugh and to be happy. There's is a nurturing side to Ted that made me love him, he enabled Sophia to breath again.
It captivated me from the beginning but it is gradual. It really comes under the contemporary romance there's some steam but it's really just a love story.
All in all this is about new beginnings, family, re-connections and with a hint of Christmas. A definite Christmas read and I'll be reading more of Brenda's books in the future.
This is a stand alone so you can pick this up without the others 'like me' but I do feel I need to know more about there friends so I will go back to beginning at some point.
ARC kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review
Christmas and the run up too the season should be a happy time, parties, drinking, eating, buying presents and winter is definitely my favourite time of year but sometimes it doesn't all work out like that does it??!!
Sophia is married to Skip they go on an anniversary holiday 'so Sophia thought' and she wakes up with her daughter and no husband, the FBI are trying to find him, he's really not the man Sophia thought he was. She is completely clueless and looks nieve, stupid and vulnerable, where he has gone, how has he disappeared and who is the man she has married. Sophia is then left alone to deal with the aftermath and having everyone including Skips family and the whole town hate and despise her wanting there money. She's left feeling Alone with no support and no money to live and take care of there daughter.
Sophia
Sophia is used to having everything she wants, money gives her that lifestyle she's also been brought up that way. Clothes, a mansion and fancy cars. But she is not liked.
Back when she was in the school days she was in love with Ted but he didn't give her the money she wanted which means Ted is left angry and hurt, Sophia is felling guilty but pregnant so she stays with Skip which is not the best relationship to be in. Appearances are deceiving.
Whiskey Creek do not like to be conned and because of Sophia's Ice princess appearance they were Damn right cruel at times. I cringed and cried right along with her. I honestly didn't understand the way people were thinking seriously they had no shame.
Sophia is vulnerable and uncertain of her future so is currently in a scary place. Her life has done a complete 100% turn.
At certain points especially at the beginning there was a lot of this:
Ted
Ted is a suspense novel writer and he NEEDS an housekeeper, but he is still in love with Sophia although he is fighting it, he tries to stay away. He is cross, angry and hurt he also is opinionated and really hasn't let anyone else close to him.
Saying that all that he needs a housekeeper and Sophia needs a job, he can't see her on the street which is where she's heading so he takes her on. But he's her employer and this is only going to work if they stay away from each other.
But they have Chemistry
Along the way Ted made some bad decisions himself that hurt the people he is close to, I felt sorry for ALL participants but then again he's fighting his walls and I could see where Brenda was taking this.
She provoked my feelings, made me cross, but in the end she also made me happy.
What I loved about this story is it's really about starting again, going back to the beginning and learning to breath, to laugh and to be happy. There's is a nurturing side to Ted that made me love him, he enabled Sophia to breath again.
It captivated me from the beginning but it is gradual. It really comes under the contemporary romance there's some steam but it's really just a love story.
All in all this is about new beginnings, family, re-connections and with a hint of Christmas. A definite Christmas read and I'll be reading more of Brenda's books in the future.
This is a stand alone so you can pick this up without the others 'like me' but I do feel I need to know more about there friends so I will go back to beginning at some point.
ARC kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review
February 27, 2020
Bu kadın kitapların bitiş şekilleriyle beni deli ediyor.😡😡 Epilogtan vazgeçtim, 2 sayfa daha yazsa dünyanın sonu gelecekmiş gibi olayın ortasında birden bire bitiriyor kitabı. Bunu da resmen bir cümleyle bitirmiş. Konuyu bağlayıp iki güzel sahne yazsa ölecek.😒😒
November 6, 2013
3.5-4 stars
First, this is NOT a sappy second chance romance. It is a hard-earned, tear-stained story, and the characters have so much water under the bridge I really wondered how the romance would work out.
I think this is important to emphasize: just because my final rating is 3.5-4 does not mean this book wasn’t enjoyable. In fact, it really was. I liked it a lot and the first half of the story floored me. The emotions , the feels , the thickening plot all were aspects that made me latch onto this book until I finished. I did, however, have some problems with the second half of the story and certain events scattered throughout. To make it easier to see, I think I’ll do a like/dislike breakdown.
What I liked:
- Sophia: this woman has it all - a sordid past, an abusive (now dead) husband, a bullied daughter, an empty bank account, and a posse of angry, ripped off citizens behind her back. Plus she’s struggling with alcoholism and depression. That's a lot. I would've just run or collapse from the sheer magnitude of all of these issues.
It takes a pretty amazing and determined person to overcome all of those obstacles. She’s got my admiration.
- Ted: sometimes he’s overly practical and reserved, but he’s carried a torch for Sophia for more than a decade. Lots of bad water under that bridge. He’s also a know, wealthy novelist! Overall, I liked his character, but there are a few scenes (you’ll see later in the review) that I absolutely DID NOT like him.
- The plot: this is a second chance romance and a VERY unique one at that. The storyline, the hero and heroine’s past, and the chain of events that occurred really worked well.
What I didn’t like:
- Sophia and Ted together: this is so strange for me. For once, I didn't want the hero and heroine to be together. I liked them individually, but not as a couple. Main reason? When Ted and got together.
Honestly, I really think that relationship could’ve been omitted from the book. It made the group meetings awkward, reflected badly on Ted’s character because it was him thinking of Sophia that led to this, and affected Sophia’s budding friendship with this woman. That being said though, this was very realistic . I could definitely imagine this whole scenario unfolding in front of my eyes. But for reader sanity, it would’ve drove me a little less crazy!
- Character development: I enjoyed the characters themselves, but I don’t think the characters were developed all the way. Sophia is supposed to be this “Mean Girl” from the old days, and even in certain scenes, other characters would bring up how rude, conniving, or selfish she was. This was a complete opposite to how she really is in the book, and at times, I couldn’t reconcile the two different personalities. I guess what I’m trying to say is to not over-emphasize or at least, build some common ground in between so I can relate it to the same person.
- Second half of the book: Sophia and Ted’s relationship is very slow-building, which I think is okay because of their past and circumstances that would’ve made it hard for them to be together earlier. However, I feel like after all the slow, minute build-up, they got together a little too quickly. Almost as if the author ran out of room on the page to develop them more, so she just let them get together. The transition was just too sudden I got gobsmacked.
- The ending: I think this is the biggest problem I had with the book.
I just adore a happily-ever-after, but not the way it was executed in this story. The last pages involved Sophia and Ted arguing with a prick of police chief and –whoosh – it’s their happy ending. I think anyone who read the last few pages will agree with me that the ending was very rushed. Nothing subtle about it. I would’ve been a bit more okay with it if the author added in an epilogue.
Regardless of how I felt about this book, I will be reading the first four in the series!!! These previous characters have my attention!
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review
First, this is NOT a sappy second chance romance. It is a hard-earned, tear-stained story, and the characters have so much water under the bridge I really wondered how the romance would work out.
I think this is important to emphasize: just because my final rating is 3.5-4 does not mean this book wasn’t enjoyable. In fact, it really was. I liked it a lot and the first half of the story floored me. The emotions , the feels , the thickening plot all were aspects that made me latch onto this book until I finished. I did, however, have some problems with the second half of the story and certain events scattered throughout. To make it easier to see, I think I’ll do a like/dislike breakdown.
What I liked:
- Sophia: this woman has it all - a sordid past, an abusive (now dead) husband, a bullied daughter, an empty bank account, and a posse of angry, ripped off citizens behind her back. Plus she’s struggling with alcoholism and depression. That's a lot. I would've just run or collapse from the sheer magnitude of all of these issues.
It takes a pretty amazing and determined person to overcome all of those obstacles. She’s got my admiration.
- Ted: sometimes he’s overly practical and reserved, but he’s carried a torch for Sophia for more than a decade. Lots of bad water under that bridge. He’s also a know, wealthy novelist! Overall, I liked his character, but there are a few scenes (you’ll see later in the review) that I absolutely DID NOT like him.
- The plot: this is a second chance romance and a VERY unique one at that. The storyline, the hero and heroine’s past, and the chain of events that occurred really worked well.
What I didn’t like:
- Sophia and Ted together: this is so strange for me. For once, I didn't want the hero and heroine to be together. I liked them individually, but not as a couple. Main reason? When Ted and got together.
Honestly, I really think that relationship could’ve been omitted from the book. It made the group meetings awkward, reflected badly on Ted’s character because it was him thinking of Sophia that led to this, and affected Sophia’s budding friendship with this woman. That being said though, this was very realistic . I could definitely imagine this whole scenario unfolding in front of my eyes. But for reader sanity, it would’ve drove me a little less crazy!
- Character development: I enjoyed the characters themselves, but I don’t think the characters were developed all the way. Sophia is supposed to be this “Mean Girl” from the old days, and even in certain scenes, other characters would bring up how rude, conniving, or selfish she was. This was a complete opposite to how she really is in the book, and at times, I couldn’t reconcile the two different personalities. I guess what I’m trying to say is to not over-emphasize or at least, build some common ground in between so I can relate it to the same person.
- Second half of the book: Sophia and Ted’s relationship is very slow-building, which I think is okay because of their past and circumstances that would’ve made it hard for them to be together earlier. However, I feel like after all the slow, minute build-up, they got together a little too quickly. Almost as if the author ran out of room on the page to develop them more, so she just let them get together. The transition was just too sudden I got gobsmacked.
- The ending: I think this is the biggest problem I had with the book.
I just adore a happily-ever-after, but not the way it was executed in this story. The last pages involved Sophia and Ted arguing with a prick of police chief and –whoosh – it’s their happy ending. I think anyone who read the last few pages will agree with me that the ending was very rushed. Nothing subtle about it. I would’ve been a bit more okay with it if the author added in an epilogue.
Regardless of how I felt about this book, I will be reading the first four in the series!!! These previous characters have my attention!
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review
October 31, 2019
Kitabı uzun uzun yaz, sonra bitirişi iki cümleyle yap. Hiç yakıştıramadım ama fazla bir puan kesemedim de, çünkü pek akıcıydı. Yayınevi seriyi iki seneden fazla sallasa da yine genel hatlarını hatırlamayı başardım. Daha dram odaklı yazan bir yazar, öyle çiçekli böcekli kasaba hikayeleri gibi değil ve ben bunu bir hayli beğeniyorum. Devamını uzatmadan getirirler umarım.
May 16, 2015
I've been waiting for Sophia and Ted's story since these characters were first introduced. My expectation was that it would be emotionally challenging as we know she's a victim of domestic abuse and I was somewhat prepared for this dimension of the story. I was ill prepared for the ugliness that she would suffer from the residents of Whiskey Creek.
The set up
Sophia was involved with Ted when she was in high school. When he left for college, she secretly got involved with the wealthy Skip DeBussi, dumped Ted and married Skip. She was also the leader of the popular cliques and wasn't the nicest of people. It is understandable how Ted would still harbor resentment 14 years later and he's avoided her in his adult life, even when she began showing up for the Friday morning coffee with the rest of the group. Now that her marriage is behind her, he's still uncertain of how to deal with her and knows he has unresolved feelings.
The issues
Sophia's husband dies trying to fake his own death and leave the country because he knew his Ponzi investment scheme was imploding. She's left having to deal with the FBI and a town full of angry investors. Sophia has no money, creditors constantly after her for everything they owned and no real friends. In spite of his hurt feelings, Ted can't stand by and watch her and her 13-year daughter Alexa be left destitute and so mistreated so he gives her a job and safe harbor.
The heart and soul of the story
It's been a long time since I've read a more heartbreaking story. Sophia couldn't seem to catch a break and the Whiskey Creek residents were there to ensure she didn't get one. Money can bring out the worst behaviors in people and the loss of it even more. There were some angels in the midst and without them Sophia might have gone under, emotionally and financially. Ted got a chance to see the best of Sophia under the most trying circumstances, allowing him to forgive her and be honest with himself about his true feelings for her and the passion that kept them stoked for the past 14 years.
The downside
As much as I loved this story, Ted and their friend Eve's relationship derailed me. He may not have been aware of the depths of Sophia's feelings for him but deep down he had to understand how hurtful this would be to both of them. Eve was most definitely aware of Ted's feelings for Sophia (as did most of the group) and went for him anyway (didn't she learn from her experience with Joe DiMarco?). I thought them insensitive at best, her for knowing the truth and him for subconsciously using Eve as a distraction.
I have an advanced review copy so I'm uncertain if this was changed but the ending was pretty abrupt. It would be better served with at least a short epilogue.
The bottom line
I was an emotional mess for most of this story. Sophia's transformation from mean/spoiled girl to an abused trophy wife and ultimately to a woman determined to live a more meaningful life was inspirational. Her journey was hard, often more than I thought she (or I) could bear. I'm hoping eventually Eve's story will help me understand her point of view better than I do now and I think I'm always going to resent Ted. Whiskey Creek is not all sweetness and light and that's what keeps me coming back...the characters are flawed, dealing with relevant issues and not always making the best decisions and behaving badly. I love this series!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
The set up
Sophia was involved with Ted when she was in high school. When he left for college, she secretly got involved with the wealthy Skip DeBussi, dumped Ted and married Skip. She was also the leader of the popular cliques and wasn't the nicest of people. It is understandable how Ted would still harbor resentment 14 years later and he's avoided her in his adult life, even when she began showing up for the Friday morning coffee with the rest of the group. Now that her marriage is behind her, he's still uncertain of how to deal with her and knows he has unresolved feelings.
The issues
Sophia's husband dies trying to fake his own death and leave the country because he knew his Ponzi investment scheme was imploding. She's left having to deal with the FBI and a town full of angry investors. Sophia has no money, creditors constantly after her for everything they owned and no real friends. In spite of his hurt feelings, Ted can't stand by and watch her and her 13-year daughter Alexa be left destitute and so mistreated so he gives her a job and safe harbor.
The heart and soul of the story
It's been a long time since I've read a more heartbreaking story. Sophia couldn't seem to catch a break and the Whiskey Creek residents were there to ensure she didn't get one. Money can bring out the worst behaviors in people and the loss of it even more. There were some angels in the midst and without them Sophia might have gone under, emotionally and financially. Ted got a chance to see the best of Sophia under the most trying circumstances, allowing him to forgive her and be honest with himself about his true feelings for her and the passion that kept them stoked for the past 14 years.
The downside
As much as I loved this story, Ted and their friend Eve's relationship derailed me. He may not have been aware of the depths of Sophia's feelings for him but deep down he had to understand how hurtful this would be to both of them. Eve was most definitely aware of Ted's feelings for Sophia (as did most of the group) and went for him anyway (didn't she learn from her experience with Joe DiMarco?). I thought them insensitive at best, her for knowing the truth and him for subconsciously using Eve as a distraction.
I have an advanced review copy so I'm uncertain if this was changed but the ending was pretty abrupt. It would be better served with at least a short epilogue.
The bottom line
I was an emotional mess for most of this story. Sophia's transformation from mean/spoiled girl to an abused trophy wife and ultimately to a woman determined to live a more meaningful life was inspirational. Her journey was hard, often more than I thought she (or I) could bear. I'm hoping eventually Eve's story will help me understand her point of view better than I do now and I think I'm always going to resent Ted. Whiskey Creek is not all sweetness and light and that's what keeps me coming back...the characters are flawed, dealing with relevant issues and not always making the best decisions and behaving badly. I love this series!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
June 24, 2017
I was provided with an ARC in e-book form from the author to read and post a review.
Ms. Novak takes us back to Whiskey Creek with the story of Ted Dixon, a suspense writer and a former girlfriend, Sophia DeBussi. Sophia' husband, Skip, died while trying to fake his death. He is under investigation by the FBI for illegal dealings with money investments involving local townspeople as well as other dealings. He died owing huge amounts of money and leaving Sophia and their daughter Alexa penniless and homeless. Ted has held a grudge against Sophia for 15 years when she dropped him for the wealthy Skip while Ted was in college. Sophia has paid for her mistake. Skip was abusive and controlling. Now the townspeople are taking their anger out on Sophia and Alexa because they have lived a life of luxury at their expense. While still unhappy with Sophia, Ted feels sorry for her and Alexa and allows another friend to talk him into hiring Sophia as his housekeeper and assistant, a position he has been trying to fill. Ms. Novak does a great job showing how money can control our lives both in having lots of money or none. It also reminds us that while we have to have money to live and we never seem to have enough, it doesn't buy happiness. One of the ways that Sophia copes with her unhappy marriage is to turn to alcohol. Alcoholism is a terrible state for the alcoholic as well as the family and a temptation that the person has to live with always. It takes a strong desire to overcome that state to succeed in life. Sophia' struggle with alcohol adds frustration to her plot. One test of a good book for me is how much I like the characters and I really wanted things to work out for Sophia and Alexa. Their pains and struggles were vividly painted. This is a great story about life struggles, forgiveness and both goodness and cruelty of humankind. Great book!
Ms. Novak takes us back to Whiskey Creek with the story of Ted Dixon, a suspense writer and a former girlfriend, Sophia DeBussi. Sophia' husband, Skip, died while trying to fake his death. He is under investigation by the FBI for illegal dealings with money investments involving local townspeople as well as other dealings. He died owing huge amounts of money and leaving Sophia and their daughter Alexa penniless and homeless. Ted has held a grudge against Sophia for 15 years when she dropped him for the wealthy Skip while Ted was in college. Sophia has paid for her mistake. Skip was abusive and controlling. Now the townspeople are taking their anger out on Sophia and Alexa because they have lived a life of luxury at their expense. While still unhappy with Sophia, Ted feels sorry for her and Alexa and allows another friend to talk him into hiring Sophia as his housekeeper and assistant, a position he has been trying to fill. Ms. Novak does a great job showing how money can control our lives both in having lots of money or none. It also reminds us that while we have to have money to live and we never seem to have enough, it doesn't buy happiness. One of the ways that Sophia copes with her unhappy marriage is to turn to alcohol. Alcoholism is a terrible state for the alcoholic as well as the family and a temptation that the person has to live with always. It takes a strong desire to overcome that state to succeed in life. Sophia' struggle with alcohol adds frustration to her plot. One test of a good book for me is how much I like the characters and I really wanted things to work out for Sophia and Alexa. Their pains and struggles were vividly painted. This is a great story about life struggles, forgiveness and both goodness and cruelty of humankind. Great book!
January 24, 2014
***This review has also been posted on Tangled in Pages
Actual Rating 2.5
NOTE: I have not read the first 4 books in this series. Also, some of the things I say may offend some people. Read at own risk and keep in mind that I am not trying to victim blame.
Good morning, evening or whatever time of the day it is in the part of the world you live in.
I’d like to welcome you to the second episode for my talk show where I interview people who don’t exist in our idea of reality.
Before we get started, it would be a good idea to summarize what happened so you aren’t completely lost. Take Me Home for Christmas is about a young mother, who has been in an abusive marriage for the past 14 years. When her husband dies, it comes to light that he was running a scam and basically talked almost everyone in the town out of their money never mind the fact that he left his own family in a state of bankruptcy. People are being awful and basically storm through her house and take everything they can find (with her consent). Her ex-boyfriend, who she cheated on, comes in as a knight in shining armor offers her as a job as his housekeeper/cook/assistant because he pitied her. Things become awkward and he starts a relationship with one of his friends which we all know is set to be doomed.
Rashika: Oh this? I thought crocheting would help me get a grip. It helped me get past the parts where I wanted to bang my head on a wall and seeing that we’re going to be inviting the whole gang, I thought I’d need it. At least I am sober this time. Isn’t that a good thing?
Rashika: Why don’t we welcome the gang onto the set.
Rashika: Ted and Sophia were the stars of this book right?
Everyone: Yup.
Rashika: Why don’t you all take a seat. This could take a while.
Rashika: Now that all of you are seated, I have to ask, if some of you thought that Sophia was being abused by her husband why the fuck didn’t you try to help her? If you didn’t believe her excuses why didn’t you bother to find out more, to see if there was something you could have done? Why?
Rashika: And Ted, this is the woman you’ve supposedly been in love with for the past 14 years of your life, why didn’t you do anything? Why did you believe the excuses she gave when you should have at least tried to find out more. You of all people. *shakes head*
Ted: I didn’t know okay? I was too angry. I didn’t want to see her or talk her lest I decide to forgive her. It would make my life miserable.
Rashika: Well you sure didn’t have a problem making someone else’s life miserable.
Ted: I am sorry. I didn’t want to. I was trying to move on. I am 34, I couldn’t spend the rest of my life lusting/loving a woman who was no good for me.
Rashika: Of course you couldn’t. I appreciate you tried to move on but dude, you could have spared your friend. She deserved better.
Ted: She does. I agree. And hopefully she’ll find someone better.
Rashika: Yup. So, why do you love Sophia so much?
(quote taken from book)
Ted:
Rashika: Ah I see, so you like being her savior?
Ted: Yes.
Ted: Umm are you going to ask us more questions?
Rashika: Give me a minute.
.....
You do realize you didn’t really complement her personality as much as you did her beauty.
Ted: And?
Rashika: You tots blew it, she wanted you to complement her personality. Her husband was a douchebag and she was basically his trophy wife, how dense ARE you?
Rashika: I’ll ask Sophia stuff now. So, Sophia, what century do we live in?
Sophia: That’s an odd question. The 21st of course.
Rashika: Then why was it so hard for you to do anything about your situation? Why, for the past 14 years, have you been stuck in a marriage that is a nightmare? You hated your spouse and he had physically abused you, bad enough that you feared for your life. Before you talk about how he was a good father, anyone with a pair of eyes could see that he was NOT setting a good example for Alexa. Why could you not do something about your situation?
Sophia: I was afraid I wouldn’t survive if I tried to get away. And even if I did get away, he would never let me see Alexa again. He would win. Plus, I was getting what I deserved.
Rashika: So you thought you could turn to the bottle. That would help Alexa right?
Sophia: Stop it. Stop being so judgemental. I was the biggest victim.
Rashika: I am not saying that you weren’t, you definitely were but your lack of a backbone was really annoying.
Sophia: I try okay. I do the best I can. I am so grateful to Ted for helping me out. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t know what I would have done. And the same goes for Eve.
Rashika: Oh I know what you would have done; you would have let yourself and your daughter starve to death because you’re so incapable of helping yourself out.
Sophia: Excuse me?
Rashika: Why do you need a Prince Charming to come along and save you?
Sophia: I got myself on my feet for your kind information. I worked as a housekeeper and did all these things for him. I even took typing classes.
Rashika: But you did all that so you could impress him didn’t you? Like a kicked puppy who only wanted to be loved.
Sophia: Is there something wrong with that, after the kind of life I lived for the past 14 years?
Rashika: Yeah, the fact that you are incapable of doing anything on your own. You will always need someone to help you out.
Ted: Back off okay? I helped her because I couldn’t stand what she was going through.
Rashika: So, charity right?
Rashika: So you guys, great friends. Really.
Oh Ted, I got a question.
Why did you like not move on for 14 years?
Ted: Because I was still in love with Sophia.
Rashika: But 14 years… that's kind of long. And you were just a kid, how could you not have been in a proper relationship since then? Is that even healthy?
Ted: I CANNOT COMMIT OKAY?
Rashika: Okay. Calm down man. Hey Alexa.
Alexa: Hey lady
Rashika: So like how did you not know your dad was an asshole who abused her mother?
Alexa: HE ABUSED MOM?
Sophia: YOU HORRIBLE WOMAN!!! HOW COULD YOU TELL HER THAT? SHE WASN’T SUPPOSED TO KNOW.
Rashika: Can we continue?
Sophia: I am not letting you interview my child.
Rashika: Now you don’t get to make that choice do you? So shut up.
How could you not see the signs Lex? You’re 13. You know your dad basically controls your mom’s life. How do you not see it?
Sophia: Look what you’ve done.
Rashika: What had to be done?
Sophia: Did you invite us on this show to insult us?
Rashika: Maybe?
Ted: You horrible woman.
Oh. Cool. I was just going to talk about how I liked that she actually did decide to stop being the victim and stood up to the asshole sheriff but whatever floats her boat.
So what did we learn guys?
We learned that women will probably always need a dude to fall back on because, Prince Charming and that crocheting can be very therapeutic and can prevent a self inflicted head injury.
Thank you for joining me today. I hope you had a great time.
Before I wrap this up though, I just wanted to say a couple of things. While it may seem like I didn't enjoy the book at all, it did have it's moments. I did laugh and it was a fairly quick read. My main problem lay with the fact that Sophia was completely incapable of helping herself. She always needed someone to give her a push and could not stand on her own feet. Her daughter was more responsible than her and that is just embarrassing. The fact remains that in spite of all my problems with this book, it was relatively enjoyable and I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, light read.
Actual Rating 2.5
NOTE: I have not read the first 4 books in this series. Also, some of the things I say may offend some people. Read at own risk and keep in mind that I am not trying to victim blame.
Good morning, evening or whatever time of the day it is in the part of the world you live in.
I’d like to welcome you to the second episode for my talk show where I interview people who don’t exist in our idea of reality.
Before we get started, it would be a good idea to summarize what happened so you aren’t completely lost. Take Me Home for Christmas is about a young mother, who has been in an abusive marriage for the past 14 years. When her husband dies, it comes to light that he was running a scam and basically talked almost everyone in the town out of their money never mind the fact that he left his own family in a state of bankruptcy. People are being awful and basically storm through her house and take everything they can find (with her consent). Her ex-boyfriend, who she cheated on, comes in as a knight in shining armor offers her as a job as his housekeeper/cook/assistant because he pitied her. Things become awkward and he starts a relationship with one of his friends which we all know is set to be doomed.
*walks onto the set*
*sits down*
*takes down yarn and needle*
Rashika: Oh this? I thought crocheting would help me get a grip. It helped me get past the parts where I wanted to bang my head on a wall and seeing that we’re going to be inviting the whole gang, I thought I’d need it. At least I am sober this time. Isn’t that a good thing?
Rashika: Why don’t we welcome the gang onto the set.
*A bunch of people walk in.. some are holding hands.. some are looking at someone who is in a relationship with longing*
Rashika: Ted and Sophia were the stars of this book right?
Everyone: Yup.
Rashika: Why don’t you all take a seat. This could take a while.
Rashika: Now that all of you are seated, I have to ask, if some of you thought that Sophia was being abused by her husband why the fuck didn’t you try to help her? If you didn’t believe her excuses why didn’t you bother to find out more, to see if there was something you could have done? Why?
*they all look around awkwardly*
Rashika: And Ted, this is the woman you’ve supposedly been in love with for the past 14 years of your life, why didn’t you do anything? Why did you believe the excuses she gave when you should have at least tried to find out more. You of all people. *shakes head*
Ted: I didn’t know okay? I was too angry. I didn’t want to see her or talk her lest I decide to forgive her. It would make my life miserable.
Rashika: Well you sure didn’t have a problem making someone else’s life miserable.
*turns around to see Eve staring at Ted with a look full of longing*
Ted: I am sorry. I didn’t want to. I was trying to move on. I am 34, I couldn’t spend the rest of my life lusting/loving a woman who was no good for me.
Rashika: Of course you couldn’t. I appreciate you tried to move on but dude, you could have spared your friend. She deserved better.
Ted: She does. I agree. And hopefully she’ll find someone better.
Rashika: Yup. So, why do you love Sophia so much?
(quote taken from book)
Ted:
“But, oddly enough, it wasn’t her beauty that drew him to her. Not entirely. It was the vulnerability in those big blue eyes- and the way she was trying to show her love for Alexa, despite her difficulties”
Rashika: Ah I see, so you like being her savior?
Ted: Yes.
*starts crocheting*
Ted: Umm are you going to ask us more questions?
Rashika: Give me a minute.
.....
You do realize you didn’t really complement her personality as much as you did her beauty.
Ted: And?
Rashika: You tots blew it, she wanted you to complement her personality. Her husband was a douchebag and she was basically his trophy wife, how dense ARE you?
*Ted looks around guiltily*
Rashika: I’ll ask Sophia stuff now. So, Sophia, what century do we live in?
Sophia: That’s an odd question. The 21st of course.
Rashika: Then why was it so hard for you to do anything about your situation? Why, for the past 14 years, have you been stuck in a marriage that is a nightmare? You hated your spouse and he had physically abused you, bad enough that you feared for your life. Before you talk about how he was a good father, anyone with a pair of eyes could see that he was NOT setting a good example for Alexa. Why could you not do something about your situation?
Sophia: I was afraid I wouldn’t survive if I tried to get away. And even if I did get away, he would never let me see Alexa again. He would win. Plus, I was getting what I deserved.
*gets up and walks around*
Rashika: So you thought you could turn to the bottle. That would help Alexa right?
Sophia: Stop it. Stop being so judgemental. I was the biggest victim.
Rashika: I am not saying that you weren’t, you definitely were but your lack of a backbone was really annoying.
Sophia: I try okay. I do the best I can. I am so grateful to Ted for helping me out. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t know what I would have done. And the same goes for Eve.
Rashika: Oh I know what you would have done; you would have let yourself and your daughter starve to death because you’re so incapable of helping yourself out.
Sophia: Excuse me?
Rashika: Why do you need a Prince Charming to come along and save you?
Sophia: I got myself on my feet for your kind information. I worked as a housekeeper and did all these things for him. I even took typing classes.
Rashika: But you did all that so you could impress him didn’t you? Like a kicked puppy who only wanted to be loved.
Sophia: Is there something wrong with that, after the kind of life I lived for the past 14 years?
Rashika: Yeah, the fact that you are incapable of doing anything on your own. You will always need someone to help you out.
Ted: Back off okay? I helped her because I couldn’t stand what she was going through.
Rashika: So, charity right?
*awkward silence*
*crochets during the silence*
Rashika: So you guys, great friends. Really.
Oh Ted, I got a question.
Why did you like not move on for 14 years?
Ted: Because I was still in love with Sophia.
Rashika: But 14 years… that's kind of long. And you were just a kid, how could you not have been in a proper relationship since then? Is that even healthy?
Ted: I CANNOT COMMIT OKAY?
Rashika: Okay. Calm down man. Hey Alexa.
Alexa: Hey lady
Rashika: So like how did you not know your dad was an asshole who abused her mother?
Alexa: HE ABUSED MOM?
Sophia: YOU HORRIBLE WOMAN!!! HOW COULD YOU TELL HER THAT? SHE WASN’T SUPPOSED TO KNOW.
*crochets while waiting for everyone to settle down*
Rashika: Can we continue?
Sophia: I am not letting you interview my child.
Rashika: Now you don’t get to make that choice do you? So shut up.
How could you not see the signs Lex? You’re 13. You know your dad basically controls your mom’s life. How do you not see it?
*Alexa runs away crying*
Sophia: Look what you’ve done.
Rashika: What had to be done?
Sophia: Did you invite us on this show to insult us?
Rashika: Maybe?
Ted: You horrible woman.
*everyone leaves*
Oh. Cool. I was just going to talk about how I liked that she actually did decide to stop being the victim and stood up to the asshole sheriff but whatever floats her boat.
So what did we learn guys?
We learned that women will probably always need a dude to fall back on because, Prince Charming and that crocheting can be very therapeutic and can prevent a self inflicted head injury.
Thank you for joining me today. I hope you had a great time.
Before I wrap this up though, I just wanted to say a couple of things. While it may seem like I didn't enjoy the book at all, it did have it's moments. I did laugh and it was a fairly quick read. My main problem lay with the fact that Sophia was completely incapable of helping herself. She always needed someone to give her a push and could not stand on her own feet. Her daughter was more responsible than her and that is just embarrassing. The fact remains that in spite of all my problems with this book, it was relatively enjoyable and I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, light read.
October 5, 2013
How shall I begin....... I am in love and in need for Christmas!!!!
Sophia wakes on day time her husband, Skip went missing and police showed up at the doors with a search warrant! Apparently, her husband was someone she never knew. Sophia is left with her daughter, Alexa to survive. Sophia need to find a job to sustain themselves.
How funny life can be... Sophia goes to work with her ex-boyfriend, Ted who is now a famous. How will they survive?
A beautifully written love story with suspense! I really enjoyed reading it! Glued from page one!
"This is what I'm supposed to feel"
A perfect sweet adorable Christmassy feel love story story!
***ARC provided by author***
December 24, 2018
Sophia is hated by everyone in town. At school she was mean to everyone so when she traded Ted, one of the good guys, for the richest guy in town, everyone turned their backs at her.
So years later, when her husband is found dead and their bank accounts empty, she gets desperate and starts looking for any kind of job. But the only one who is willing to help her is Ted. But, even though he’s willing to pay her to be his housekeeper, he’s not willing to get any more involved with her, afraid he might have his heart shattered a second time.
Full review available at Under the Pages.
So years later, when her husband is found dead and their bank accounts empty, she gets desperate and starts looking for any kind of job. But the only one who is willing to help her is Ted. But, even though he’s willing to pay her to be his housekeeper, he’s not willing to get any more involved with her, afraid he might have his heart shattered a second time.
Full review available at Under the Pages.
March 1, 2020
Ey Whiskey Creek halkının bazı parazit,açgözlü insanları yatacak yeriniz yok! Sophia aşkımı çok üzdünüz :(
October 30, 2019
2,5 yıldız verecektim ama son anda şu yüzük ve şerif olayı yüzünden gitti o yarımda.
Bir de bu kitabı okuyanlar beni aydınlatabilir mi ? Bunlar 14 sene önce ayrılmadılar mı ? O zaman bu 10,5 sene olayı nedir 🤔
Bir de bu kitabı okuyanlar beni aydınlatabilir mi ? Bunlar 14 sene önce ayrılmadılar mı ? O zaman bu 10,5 sene olayı nedir 🤔
April 7, 2022
4,5 | Ah kalbim... Ted ve Sophia en heyecanla beklediğim çiftlerdendi. Kitapları da bu beklentimin hakkını verdi. Eve'im bu cüretkârlığın hep canını yaktı. Neyse ki senin de yüzün yakında gülecek, mutlu sonuna az kaldı.
October 20, 2013
Take Me Home For Christmas by Brenda Novak
Sophia DeBussi’s husband jumped ship with the last of the investors money. Now she's broke with the entire town blaming her for her husbands theft. But she is just as much a victim as everyone else.
Ted Dixon once loved Sophia but when she left him for the big shot money guy, he wrote her off as good riddance. But he doesn't blame her for her husbands exploits, so he gives her a job. And ends up learning more about who she is today than who she was 15 years ago. And maybe those old feelings didn't completely go away like everyone else has kept reminding him over the years.
"She certainly didn’t need to give the people of Whiskey Creek any more reason to malign her. But wasn’t what she turned out to be more important than what she used to be?"
I really admire Sophie in this book. She really wants to do the right thing, especially for her daughter. And when you find out she has been a battered wife, you admire her all the more for trying to move on. She could have played up the victim role to the town, but she just took the shots and moved on. Yes, partially troubling as a victim to allow, and not defend, but she moves on. She's grown. She's learned. She's generous. You can't help but like her.
I really hope the town and individuals come to know and like her as much as Ted does. Bonus points to Eve for helping to start the process of dragging Sophia out of bed and depression.
This book is part of the Whiskey Creek series by Brenda Novak. It came be read as a stand alone as long as you don't worry about the relationships and friends at the recurring coffee Friday morning get together.
I received a copy of the book from the author.
Sophia DeBussi’s husband jumped ship with the last of the investors money. Now she's broke with the entire town blaming her for her husbands theft. But she is just as much a victim as everyone else.
Ted Dixon once loved Sophia but when she left him for the big shot money guy, he wrote her off as good riddance. But he doesn't blame her for her husbands exploits, so he gives her a job. And ends up learning more about who she is today than who she was 15 years ago. And maybe those old feelings didn't completely go away like everyone else has kept reminding him over the years.
"She certainly didn’t need to give the people of Whiskey Creek any more reason to malign her. But wasn’t what she turned out to be more important than what she used to be?"
I really admire Sophie in this book. She really wants to do the right thing, especially for her daughter. And when you find out she has been a battered wife, you admire her all the more for trying to move on. She could have played up the victim role to the town, but she just took the shots and moved on. Yes, partially troubling as a victim to allow, and not defend, but she moves on. She's grown. She's learned. She's generous. You can't help but like her.
I really hope the town and individuals come to know and like her as much as Ted does. Bonus points to Eve for helping to start the process of dragging Sophia out of bed and depression.
This book is part of the Whiskey Creek series by Brenda Novak. It came be read as a stand alone as long as you don't worry about the relationships and friends at the recurring coffee Friday morning get together.
I received a copy of the book from the author.
October 12, 2013
2.5 stars
*I received a copy of the book for a honest review*
*There might be spoilers*
Half the book was Eve and Ted's romance! And it was a huge turn off for me. The thought that Ted and Sophia wouldn't be together in the end crossed my mind more than once. Even worse was the realization that Ted was just trying to get Sophia out of his mind. I felt bad for Eve.
Skip (Sophia's husband) was an A-hole and I am really glad he died. The behavior of the people in Whiskey Creek was unacceptable towards the women he left behind.There was too much drama if you ask me. Everyone seemed to treat Sophia and her daughter in the worst way. The people who were kind to them can be counted on the fingers of my hand.
I had better reads than Take Me Home for Christmas. If it wasn't for the over the top drama and Eve and Ted's relationship I would have liked/ might loved the book.
*I received a copy of the book for a honest review*
*There might be spoilers*
Half the book was Eve and Ted's romance! And it was a huge turn off for me. The thought that Ted and Sophia wouldn't be together in the end crossed my mind more than once. Even worse was the realization that Ted was just trying to get Sophia out of his mind. I felt bad for Eve.
Skip (Sophia's husband) was an A-hole and I am really glad he died. The behavior of the people in Whiskey Creek was unacceptable towards the women he left behind.There was too much drama if you ask me. Everyone seemed to treat Sophia and her daughter in the worst way. The people who were kind to them can be counted on the fingers of my hand.
I had better reads than Take Me Home for Christmas. If it wasn't for the over the top drama and Eve and Ted's relationship I would have liked/ might loved the book.
November 1, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/10/28/...
I was so excited to read Ted and Sophia’s story, because they had been built up so much throughout this series, and unfortunately, I just didn’t like it.
Ted was left heartbroken by Sophia when they were younger, but now that she is down on her luck, he is finding it almost impossible to turn his back on her. There is something about her situation that is bringing out all his protective instincts, despite the fact that she threw him away for another man all those years ago. But seeing Sophia deal with the changes in her life proves to Ted that she has changed, in more ways than he ever thought possible.
Sophia was miserable in her marriage, but now that her husband has deserted her and left her to deal with the fallout of his stealing millions of dollars, Sophia finally found freedom. Despite the fact that she has to go out and get a job, as a housekeeper for her old flame, Sophia is looking to start over anew with her daughter. But the town of Whiskey Creek isn’t feeling very forgiving, and Sophia may have to pick up and leave. But a Christmas miracle might be enough to change her reputation.
I adored Sophia in this book. I was so excited to learn more about her, especially since it was painfully obvious that she was stuck in an abusive and impossible marriage. But now that her husband has left her, the chance for freedom is more exciting than she ever expected. Having to get a job, worry about bills, and balancing a checkbook were all things she never had to worry about until now. Watching her struggle to not only deal with the fallout from her husband leaving, but also from the town turning on her and her daughter, was so special. Sophia was so strong, so determined, and I absolutely loved her for it. I think I loved her character so much more at the end of this book, because of the incredible amount of growth she had to go through.
Too bad Ted turned out to be a douche. It was painfully obvious to the readers (and Ted, I assume) that he still cared deeply for Sophia. Although he gave lip service to the idea of being over her, he still wanted to protect her, know about what was going on with her, was worried every time she showed up with a black eye or split lip. Then he turned around and started dating the one friend that Sophia had left?! Why Ted turned to Eve, who he knew was serious about wanting to settle down with someone, is still beyond me. The fact that he slept with another woman during this book was enough to have me hating him from page 1. The groveling to BOTH women for putting them through his insecurities and bull was completely lacking, and I thought that Ted came across as selfish and egotistical.
Because of Ted’s inability to be an adult, I really didn’t enjoy the romance between Ted and Sophia. Granted, the romance itself was all of about 50 pages. Given the fact that Sophia was still married on page one, and Ted’s relationship with Eve lasted through the majority of the book, this story had more of a chick-lit feel to it than romance. It wasn’t my cup of tea, and given how much I usually adore Novak’s stories, I was extremely disappointed.
All in all this was not a romance book that worked for me. Given the characters didn’t even commit to each other until the end of the book, I really struggled with enjoying the romance. The only thing that saved this book for me was the fact that I seriously loved Sophia’s character and journey. However, I couldn’t be more disappointed and let down with Ted and Sophia’s romance.
I give Take Me Home For Christmas a D+
I was so excited to read Ted and Sophia’s story, because they had been built up so much throughout this series, and unfortunately, I just didn’t like it.
Ted was left heartbroken by Sophia when they were younger, but now that she is down on her luck, he is finding it almost impossible to turn his back on her. There is something about her situation that is bringing out all his protective instincts, despite the fact that she threw him away for another man all those years ago. But seeing Sophia deal with the changes in her life proves to Ted that she has changed, in more ways than he ever thought possible.
Sophia was miserable in her marriage, but now that her husband has deserted her and left her to deal with the fallout of his stealing millions of dollars, Sophia finally found freedom. Despite the fact that she has to go out and get a job, as a housekeeper for her old flame, Sophia is looking to start over anew with her daughter. But the town of Whiskey Creek isn’t feeling very forgiving, and Sophia may have to pick up and leave. But a Christmas miracle might be enough to change her reputation.
I adored Sophia in this book. I was so excited to learn more about her, especially since it was painfully obvious that she was stuck in an abusive and impossible marriage. But now that her husband has left her, the chance for freedom is more exciting than she ever expected. Having to get a job, worry about bills, and balancing a checkbook were all things she never had to worry about until now. Watching her struggle to not only deal with the fallout from her husband leaving, but also from the town turning on her and her daughter, was so special. Sophia was so strong, so determined, and I absolutely loved her for it. I think I loved her character so much more at the end of this book, because of the incredible amount of growth she had to go through.
Too bad Ted turned out to be a douche. It was painfully obvious to the readers (and Ted, I assume) that he still cared deeply for Sophia. Although he gave lip service to the idea of being over her, he still wanted to protect her, know about what was going on with her, was worried every time she showed up with a black eye or split lip. Then he turned around and started dating the one friend that Sophia had left?! Why Ted turned to Eve, who he knew was serious about wanting to settle down with someone, is still beyond me. The fact that he slept with another woman during this book was enough to have me hating him from page 1. The groveling to BOTH women for putting them through his insecurities and bull was completely lacking, and I thought that Ted came across as selfish and egotistical.
Because of Ted’s inability to be an adult, I really didn’t enjoy the romance between Ted and Sophia. Granted, the romance itself was all of about 50 pages. Given the fact that Sophia was still married on page one, and Ted’s relationship with Eve lasted through the majority of the book, this story had more of a chick-lit feel to it than romance. It wasn’t my cup of tea, and given how much I usually adore Novak’s stories, I was extremely disappointed.
All in all this was not a romance book that worked for me. Given the characters didn’t even commit to each other until the end of the book, I really struggled with enjoying the romance. The only thing that saved this book for me was the fact that I seriously loved Sophia’s character and journey. However, I couldn’t be more disappointed and let down with Ted and Sophia’s romance.
I give Take Me Home For Christmas a D+
December 4, 2013
I couldn't put this book down... I spent all day reading it! Thank God I had an extra hour!
Sophia was a Bitch in High School. People didn't like her because she was the entitled popular girl. She was seeing Ted, but strayed to Skip & when she found herself pregnant she married him. Skip scammed the townspeople out of millions of dollars & then died trying to escape the FBI. He set up his family for the fall, but ended up really dead. Now the townspeople blame Sophia & her daughter & take their longtime resentment & anger out on them. Ted gives Sophia a job as his housekeeper, so she can get back on her feet.
Although this was an excellently written book & I couldn't put it down, it was only for personal reasons why I only gave it 3 stars.
First, I thought there were way too many people getting involved & bringing up past circumstances in their lives was too overwhelming in this story. Sometimes it didn't fit. For example there was a scene where someone came in with a friend dressed up as another friend in the group. The point being was that this person was gay & had had a thing for this particular friend who was not, playing a joke on the group. This all took place in another book & the scene may have resolved an issue in a past book in the series, but did not jive or fit in this book.
Second, all of these added characters & all of the people living in this small town have WAY too many problems. I often found myself stressed over imaginary people's problems! I mean really? All of these small problems were thrown out all over this book! I wanted to move & I didn't even live there! AND on top of that, all of these close friends seemed oblivious to each other unless it was thrown in their faces.
Third, I ended up not liking Eve at all. She was too overbearing & desperate for me. AND Geez! I can't stand women who let other people run over them & not tell people what was really going on. I mean Sophia this time.
Now, I just want to clarify that the writing was superb & you could feel the emotion running through it. I just had a couple personal problems with this book, that may not bother anyone else. I would have kicked the crap out of someone & taken half & be done a long time ago... I guess my whole problem is wanting to feel the HEA at the end & ending up still feeling stressed didn't give me what I wanted. Sorry.
Sophia was a Bitch in High School. People didn't like her because she was the entitled popular girl. She was seeing Ted, but strayed to Skip & when she found herself pregnant she married him. Skip scammed the townspeople out of millions of dollars & then died trying to escape the FBI. He set up his family for the fall, but ended up really dead. Now the townspeople blame Sophia & her daughter & take their longtime resentment & anger out on them. Ted gives Sophia a job as his housekeeper, so she can get back on her feet.
Although this was an excellently written book & I couldn't put it down, it was only for personal reasons why I only gave it 3 stars.
First, I thought there were way too many people getting involved & bringing up past circumstances in their lives was too overwhelming in this story. Sometimes it didn't fit. For example there was a scene where someone came in with a friend dressed up as another friend in the group. The point being was that this person was gay & had had a thing for this particular friend who was not, playing a joke on the group. This all took place in another book & the scene may have resolved an issue in a past book in the series, but did not jive or fit in this book.
Second, all of these added characters & all of the people living in this small town have WAY too many problems. I often found myself stressed over imaginary people's problems! I mean really? All of these small problems were thrown out all over this book! I wanted to move & I didn't even live there! AND on top of that, all of these close friends seemed oblivious to each other unless it was thrown in their faces.
Third, I ended up not liking Eve at all. She was too overbearing & desperate for me. AND Geez! I can't stand women who let other people run over them & not tell people what was really going on. I mean Sophia this time.
Now, I just want to clarify that the writing was superb & you could feel the emotion running through it. I just had a couple personal problems with this book, that may not bother anyone else. I would have kicked the crap out of someone & taken half & be done a long time ago... I guess my whole problem is wanting to feel the HEA at the end & ending up still feeling stressed didn't give me what I wanted. Sorry.
August 24, 2013
4 stars. A lot of improvement from book #3 and #4.
Like all the books in the series, the Friday morning friends gathering was the down fall of the stories. I hated the gossiping they were doing. Seemed a lot like what a group of fourteen year olds would do.
But the story of how Sophia and her daughter hit rock bottom because of her late husband's greediness was very sad. Sophia and her daughter became the town's pariahs and things escalated from there.
A very fast paced drama. I enjoyed Sophia and Ted, but absolutely hated the coffee shop gossiping. BN should curb on that in the future books, just a note.
Like all the books in the series, the Friday morning friends gathering was the down fall of the stories. I hated the gossiping they were doing. Seemed a lot like what a group of fourteen year olds would do.
But the story of how Sophia and her daughter hit rock bottom because of her late husband's greediness was very sad. Sophia and her daughter became the town's pariahs and things escalated from there.
A very fast paced drama. I enjoyed Sophia and Ted, but absolutely hated the coffee shop gossiping. BN should curb on that in the future books, just a note.
March 23, 2017
Review bisa juga dibaca di http://www.kubikelromance.com/2017/03...
Di buku pertama, kita sudah mengenal sosok Sophia DeBussi yang mencoba berteman dengan Gail, padahal pada mulanya Gail tidak menyukai Sophia karena dia menjadi penyebab kematian sahabat kakaknya. Pada masa sekolah dulu, Sophia adalah gadis paling populer dan kaya raya, yah tipe yang bitch lah, cantik tapi hatinya jahat. Dia berpacaran dengan Ted Dixon sampai lulus sekolah. Namun siapa yang menyangka ketika Ted meninggalkan Whiskey Creek untuk kuliah, Sophia malah hamil dan akan menikahi orang lain, dia selingkuh dari Ted! Tentu saja hal tersebut sangat membuat Ted patah hati dan membenci Sophia, terlebih dewasa ini dia mulai bergabung dengan kelompok pertemanan Ted gara-gara sikapnya yang dinilai sedikit berubah setelah dekat dengan Gail.
Sophia sendiri tidak bahagia dengan penikahannya, bahkan dia mengalami KDRT, hanya saja dia bertahan demi anaknya. Dia sadar pilihannya salah, maka dari itu dia tidak ingin orang lain tahu apa yang dirasakan, memendamnya sendirian. Sophia menyalurkan rasa sedihnya ke alkohol, dia bahkan sampai kecanduan masuk rehabilitasi. Pada ulang tahun pernikahan, Skip DeBussi mengadakan liburan sekaligus ingin memperbaiki pernikahan mereka yang rusak, berlayar di Rio de Janeiro. Namun, liburan tersebut adalah awal mula kehancuran hidup Sophia, tiba-tiba saja Skip hilang entah kemana, dan ketika ditemukan, dia tewas dengan membawa segepok uang!
Skip DeBussi adalah seorang pakar investasi dan orang terkaya di Whiskey Creek, ternyata mengalami kebangkrutan dan sedang dicari-cari oleh FBI. Bahkan hampir sebagian besar warga Whiskey Creek menanamkan modal pada perusahaanya, pun dengan orangtuanya. Sophia yang tidak pernah tahu apa yang dilakukan Skip harus menanggung perbuatan suaminya. Sophia jatuh miskin dan tidak memiliki apa pun, hanya anaknya yang tersisa dan rumah serta mobil yang menunggu disita. Bahkan untuk menebus kemarahan warga yang ditipu suaminya, Sophia mempersilahkan mereka menjarah rumahnya dengan syarat tidak menyentuh kamar anaknya. Hanya ada satu orang yang peduli padanya, Eve. Dia memberi semangat dan mencarikan solusi akan masalah yang dihadapi. Eve menyarankan Sophia untuk bekerja kepada Ted karena dia membutuhkan asisten rumah tangga.
Tentu saja pada mulanya Ted menolak tawaran tersebut, tapi ketika melihat perlakuan orang-orang kejam padanya, padahal semua tahu kalau Sophia-lah yang menjadi korban, akhirnya menerimanya bekerja. Sophia sudah tidak peduli lagi kalau dia bekerja sebagai pembantu, dia hanya ingin bertahan demi anaknya, dia senang bisa mengumpulkan uang, dan setelah cukup dia berencana pindah jauh dari Whiskey Creek.
Masalah tidak berhenti begitu saja, orang-orang masih mencurigai kalau Sophia menyimpan harta suaminya, bahkan FBI juga ikut menyelidiki tentang dirinya. Anaknya yang awalnya termasuk gadis populer di sekolah sekarang dijauhi teman-temannya. Belum lagi perasaan Sophia kepada Ted yang belum pernah surut, dia masih mencintai laki-laki tersebut. Ted sendiri menyangkal perasaanya, padahal semua tahu dia tidak bisa melupakan Sophia. Untuk meyakinkan teman-temannya, dia mencoba berkencan dengan Eve, sahabatnya sendiri. Hal tersebut membuat Sophia sakit hati dan tidak berharap lagi, terlebih orang yang dipilih Ted adalah Eve, satu-satunya orang yang peduli padanya ketika mengalami kesusahan. Dan ketika Ted tidak bisa lagi mengelabui hatinya, Eve benar-benar jatuh cinta padanya.
Entah kenapa saya merasa mulai buku keempat ceritanya terkesan emosional semua, bikin nyesek hati ini. Sophia memang seorang tokoh anti-hero, dia tidak mudah disukai, tapi percayalah, ketika membaca buku ini kita bisa sedikit berempati, melihat dari sudut pandang seorang yang dulunya terkenal jahat, bahwa bisa saja suatu hari orang yang jahat akan mendapat karmanya. Dan Sophia sadar betul bahwa masalahnya kini adalah balasan perbuatannya dulu. Kita akan bisa melihat betapa hancurnya dirinya, berusaha kembali ke alkohol untuk meredakan hidupnya yang kacau, tapi dia selalu teringat satu-satunya orang yang akan hilang bila dia kembali ke kebiasaanya dulu, karena orangtua Skip akan merebut anaknya, satu-satunya kebahagiaan yang tersisa.
Selain masalah Sophia yang cukup kompleks, saya suka kisah cintanya. Yah, Ted memang menyebalkan sekali, terlebih kepada Eve, sangat tidak adil baginya karena hanya menjadi pelarian. Namun, bukan Brenda Novak namanya kalau tidak bisa membuat pembaca menyukai para tokohnya yang tidak sempurna, namanya juga manusia, malah terlihat realistis. Saya menyukai perkembangan hubungan Sophia dan Ted, pelan tapi membuat chemistry mereka terasa, bahwa mereka memang ditakdirkan untuk bersama, hanya saja memerlukan sedikit terjalan.
Saya menyukai isu KDRT di sini, betapa dampaknya bisa sangat menyakitkan dan menghancurkan, terlebih kalau seorang istri dikekang hanya di rumah tanpa bisa mencari penghasilan sendiri, karena kalau ditinggalkan, itu seperti kiamat kecil. Sophia adalah contoh nyata bahwa kadang seorang feminis itu diperlukan.
Buku ini recommended bagi kalian penyuka domestic romance. Sama seperti sebelumnya, jangan mengharapkan adegan hot di serial ini! Namun, kalau kalian menyukai kisah cinta yang berliku-liku, maka akan cocok :D
4 sayap untuk Sophia yang tegar.
Di buku pertama, kita sudah mengenal sosok Sophia DeBussi yang mencoba berteman dengan Gail, padahal pada mulanya Gail tidak menyukai Sophia karena dia menjadi penyebab kematian sahabat kakaknya. Pada masa sekolah dulu, Sophia adalah gadis paling populer dan kaya raya, yah tipe yang bitch lah, cantik tapi hatinya jahat. Dia berpacaran dengan Ted Dixon sampai lulus sekolah. Namun siapa yang menyangka ketika Ted meninggalkan Whiskey Creek untuk kuliah, Sophia malah hamil dan akan menikahi orang lain, dia selingkuh dari Ted! Tentu saja hal tersebut sangat membuat Ted patah hati dan membenci Sophia, terlebih dewasa ini dia mulai bergabung dengan kelompok pertemanan Ted gara-gara sikapnya yang dinilai sedikit berubah setelah dekat dengan Gail.
Sophia sendiri tidak bahagia dengan penikahannya, bahkan dia mengalami KDRT, hanya saja dia bertahan demi anaknya. Dia sadar pilihannya salah, maka dari itu dia tidak ingin orang lain tahu apa yang dirasakan, memendamnya sendirian. Sophia menyalurkan rasa sedihnya ke alkohol, dia bahkan sampai kecanduan masuk rehabilitasi. Pada ulang tahun pernikahan, Skip DeBussi mengadakan liburan sekaligus ingin memperbaiki pernikahan mereka yang rusak, berlayar di Rio de Janeiro. Namun, liburan tersebut adalah awal mula kehancuran hidup Sophia, tiba-tiba saja Skip hilang entah kemana, dan ketika ditemukan, dia tewas dengan membawa segepok uang!
Skip DeBussi adalah seorang pakar investasi dan orang terkaya di Whiskey Creek, ternyata mengalami kebangkrutan dan sedang dicari-cari oleh FBI. Bahkan hampir sebagian besar warga Whiskey Creek menanamkan modal pada perusahaanya, pun dengan orangtuanya. Sophia yang tidak pernah tahu apa yang dilakukan Skip harus menanggung perbuatan suaminya. Sophia jatuh miskin dan tidak memiliki apa pun, hanya anaknya yang tersisa dan rumah serta mobil yang menunggu disita. Bahkan untuk menebus kemarahan warga yang ditipu suaminya, Sophia mempersilahkan mereka menjarah rumahnya dengan syarat tidak menyentuh kamar anaknya. Hanya ada satu orang yang peduli padanya, Eve. Dia memberi semangat dan mencarikan solusi akan masalah yang dihadapi. Eve menyarankan Sophia untuk bekerja kepada Ted karena dia membutuhkan asisten rumah tangga.
Tentu saja pada mulanya Ted menolak tawaran tersebut, tapi ketika melihat perlakuan orang-orang kejam padanya, padahal semua tahu kalau Sophia-lah yang menjadi korban, akhirnya menerimanya bekerja. Sophia sudah tidak peduli lagi kalau dia bekerja sebagai pembantu, dia hanya ingin bertahan demi anaknya, dia senang bisa mengumpulkan uang, dan setelah cukup dia berencana pindah jauh dari Whiskey Creek.
Masalah tidak berhenti begitu saja, orang-orang masih mencurigai kalau Sophia menyimpan harta suaminya, bahkan FBI juga ikut menyelidiki tentang dirinya. Anaknya yang awalnya termasuk gadis populer di sekolah sekarang dijauhi teman-temannya. Belum lagi perasaan Sophia kepada Ted yang belum pernah surut, dia masih mencintai laki-laki tersebut. Ted sendiri menyangkal perasaanya, padahal semua tahu dia tidak bisa melupakan Sophia. Untuk meyakinkan teman-temannya, dia mencoba berkencan dengan Eve, sahabatnya sendiri. Hal tersebut membuat Sophia sakit hati dan tidak berharap lagi, terlebih orang yang dipilih Ted adalah Eve, satu-satunya orang yang peduli padanya ketika mengalami kesusahan. Dan ketika Ted tidak bisa lagi mengelabui hatinya, Eve benar-benar jatuh cinta padanya.
Entah kenapa saya merasa mulai buku keempat ceritanya terkesan emosional semua, bikin nyesek hati ini. Sophia memang seorang tokoh anti-hero, dia tidak mudah disukai, tapi percayalah, ketika membaca buku ini kita bisa sedikit berempati, melihat dari sudut pandang seorang yang dulunya terkenal jahat, bahwa bisa saja suatu hari orang yang jahat akan mendapat karmanya. Dan Sophia sadar betul bahwa masalahnya kini adalah balasan perbuatannya dulu. Kita akan bisa melihat betapa hancurnya dirinya, berusaha kembali ke alkohol untuk meredakan hidupnya yang kacau, tapi dia selalu teringat satu-satunya orang yang akan hilang bila dia kembali ke kebiasaanya dulu, karena orangtua Skip akan merebut anaknya, satu-satunya kebahagiaan yang tersisa.
Selain masalah Sophia yang cukup kompleks, saya suka kisah cintanya. Yah, Ted memang menyebalkan sekali, terlebih kepada Eve, sangat tidak adil baginya karena hanya menjadi pelarian. Namun, bukan Brenda Novak namanya kalau tidak bisa membuat pembaca menyukai para tokohnya yang tidak sempurna, namanya juga manusia, malah terlihat realistis. Saya menyukai perkembangan hubungan Sophia dan Ted, pelan tapi membuat chemistry mereka terasa, bahwa mereka memang ditakdirkan untuk bersama, hanya saja memerlukan sedikit terjalan.
Saya menyukai isu KDRT di sini, betapa dampaknya bisa sangat menyakitkan dan menghancurkan, terlebih kalau seorang istri dikekang hanya di rumah tanpa bisa mencari penghasilan sendiri, karena kalau ditinggalkan, itu seperti kiamat kecil. Sophia adalah contoh nyata bahwa kadang seorang feminis itu diperlukan.
Buku ini recommended bagi kalian penyuka domestic romance. Sama seperti sebelumnya, jangan mengharapkan adegan hot di serial ini! Namun, kalau kalian menyukai kisah cinta yang berliku-liku, maka akan cocok :D
4 sayap untuk Sophia yang tegar.
December 5, 2019
Sophia sedang di titik nadir kehidupannya. Sudah sejak lama warga Whiskey Creek tidak menyukai dirinya, yg sebagian besar krn iri hati pd kehidupannya yg menikahi Skip Debussy, anak orang kaya di Whiskey Creek. Tidak ada yg benar-benar tahu neraka pernikahan apa yg dijalani Sophia bersama Skip. Sophia sudah dihakimi sejak dia berpaling berselingkuh, meninggalkan Ted Dixon, kekasihnya, 14 thn yg lalu. Dan sekarang kematian Skip dgn membawa kabur uang warga Whiskey Creek, membuat mereka makin menjadi-jadi utk mengadili dan "merajam" janda cantik ini.
Ted sebenarnya masih "dendam" pd Sophia yg mencampakkannya demi menikahi Skip. Tapi Ted tidak tahan juga melihat Sophia habis-habisan dilucuti dan dalam keadaan melarat habis. Dan krn belas kasihan, Ted mempekerjakan Sophia sbg asisten rumah tangganya. Tetapi Ted melakukan kesalahan teramat fatal bagi saya... Ted memacari Eve, yg notabene satu-satunya teman wanita yg dipercayai Sophia. Saya menyadari Sophia yg sudah sangat rapuh kepercayaannya, berusaha membangun kembali mekanisme pertahanan dirinya, dia hrs merelakan Ted berkencan dgn Eve, bahkan tambah pilu krn Eve langsung diterima oleh ibu Ted, sebaliknya Sophia sudah dari dulu mendapat penilaian super negatif dari ibu Ted. Dan ini brengseknya... Nah, bagaimana mereka meluruskan kembali hubungan yg jd silang sengkarut begini?
Seperti biasa author senang banget bikin tokoh heroine yg teraniaya. Karakter Sophia ini gak terlalu jelas masa lalunya diceritakan, motif dia sampai hamil dan menikahi Skip. Sudah dari awal author membuat Sophia babak belur bertubi-tubi dituding, dituduh, diadili, dihujat oleh semua warga bahkan mertuanya juga ikut-ikutan. Ted juga hampir melakukan hal yg sama, cuma bedanya Ted keluar menjadi jangkar penyelamat Sophia. Mungkin dosa Ted gak bikin saya sebel kalau Ted tidak pacaran dgn Eve. Tapi terlepas gambaran Sophia yg terpuruk, saya masih kagum pd dedikasinya utk belajar terus dan bersikap jujur dan adil utk membayar utang-utang yg dilakukan suaminya (walaupun Sophia adalah korban paling keji dr yg dilakukan Skip).
Satu lagi yg saya kurang suka dr novel ini adalah tokoh antagonis Chief Stacy. Terlalu kentara banget bajingan dan brengseknya, dan makin buruk krn dia menyita lumayan banyak di novel ini dan kurang mendapatkan balasan yg setimpal. Dimana keadilanmu, author?
Ted sebenarnya masih "dendam" pd Sophia yg mencampakkannya demi menikahi Skip. Tapi Ted tidak tahan juga melihat Sophia habis-habisan dilucuti dan dalam keadaan melarat habis. Dan krn belas kasihan, Ted mempekerjakan Sophia sbg asisten rumah tangganya. Tetapi Ted melakukan kesalahan teramat fatal bagi saya... Ted memacari Eve, yg notabene satu-satunya teman wanita yg dipercayai Sophia. Saya menyadari Sophia yg sudah sangat rapuh kepercayaannya, berusaha membangun kembali mekanisme pertahanan dirinya, dia hrs merelakan Ted berkencan dgn Eve, bahkan tambah pilu krn Eve langsung diterima oleh ibu Ted, sebaliknya Sophia sudah dari dulu mendapat penilaian super negatif dari ibu Ted. Dan ini brengseknya... Nah, bagaimana mereka meluruskan kembali hubungan yg jd silang sengkarut begini?
Seperti biasa author senang banget bikin tokoh heroine yg teraniaya. Karakter Sophia ini gak terlalu jelas masa lalunya diceritakan, motif dia sampai hamil dan menikahi Skip. Sudah dari awal author membuat Sophia babak belur bertubi-tubi dituding, dituduh, diadili, dihujat oleh semua warga bahkan mertuanya juga ikut-ikutan. Ted juga hampir melakukan hal yg sama, cuma bedanya Ted keluar menjadi jangkar penyelamat Sophia. Mungkin dosa Ted gak bikin saya sebel kalau Ted tidak pacaran dgn Eve. Tapi terlepas gambaran Sophia yg terpuruk, saya masih kagum pd dedikasinya utk belajar terus dan bersikap jujur dan adil utk membayar utang-utang yg dilakukan suaminya (walaupun Sophia adalah korban paling keji dr yg dilakukan Skip).
Satu lagi yg saya kurang suka dr novel ini adalah tokoh antagonis Chief Stacy. Terlalu kentara banget bajingan dan brengseknya, dan makin buruk krn dia menyita lumayan banyak di novel ini dan kurang mendapatkan balasan yg setimpal. Dimana keadilanmu, author?
August 29, 2016
This book had promise but there were a few big issues that just didn't work for me.
I liked the premise at first and wondered how Sophie and Ted would every get back together but I wanted to scream at Sophie to get over her guilt, I was a bad person it high school so I deserve to get dumped on by everybody. I also wanted to tell Ted to "suck it up" people get dumped when they are young and holding a grudge and only saying/thinking mean things about the woman you loved and yet refusing to move on was childish. Not quite as childish as
Then there was the townspeople - I usually really like small towns but I wouldn't want to live in Whiskey Creek. The townspeople hold grudges, principals condone bullying even when a student has physical signs of getting beat up, the town pastor condones very unchristian like behavior, the sheriff is corrupt and even Sophie's so called friends who thought she was being abused never did anything about it. This town was filled with judgmental and rude people who had no problem taking advantage of a family in dire straits with no thought to the young girl in the family.
So why 3 stars instead of 2. Because while I had some issues with both Sophie and Ted and I disliked the town I was still rooting for Sophie and especially for her daughter Alexa. I enjoyed reading about Sophie working hard and becoming a strong woman who could and did stand on her own. She showed a lot of growth and strength that I admired. I would have liked to have seen more of a development between Ted and Sophie throughout the book instead of a silly relationship between Ted and Eve. It seemed he broke up with Eve and then was immediately with Sophie and yet the two never really discussed the past and worked through the issues. They just told each other they never stopped loving each other and moved forward.
I liked the premise at first and wondered how Sophie and Ted would every get back together but I wanted to scream at Sophie to get over her guilt, I was a bad person it high school so I deserve to get dumped on by everybody. I also wanted to tell Ted to "suck it up" people get dumped when they are young and holding a grudge and only saying/thinking mean things about the woman you loved and yet refusing to move on was childish. Not quite as childish as
Then there was the townspeople - I usually really like small towns but I wouldn't want to live in Whiskey Creek. The townspeople hold grudges, principals condone bullying even when a student has physical signs of getting beat up, the town pastor condones very unchristian like behavior, the sheriff is corrupt and even Sophie's so called friends who thought she was being abused never did anything about it. This town was filled with judgmental and rude people who had no problem taking advantage of a family in dire straits with no thought to the young girl in the family.
So why 3 stars instead of 2. Because while I had some issues with both Sophie and Ted and I disliked the town I was still rooting for Sophie and especially for her daughter Alexa. I enjoyed reading about Sophie working hard and becoming a strong woman who could and did stand on her own. She showed a lot of growth and strength that I admired. I would have liked to have seen more of a development between Ted and Sophie throughout the book instead of a silly relationship between Ted and Eve. It seemed he broke up with Eve and then was immediately with Sophie and yet the two never really discussed the past and worked through the issues. They just told each other they never stopped loving each other and moved forward.
September 17, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. Each book in the Whiskey Creek series gets better and better. This story was emotional and intense from the very beginning. There is no lead up to the trouble, no lead up to the pain, no lead up to the torment for Sophia.
The progression of Ted and Sophia's relationship is what really pulled at my heart. Having known a little of their history through the previous books, I was already invested in their relationship and their lives. It hurt to see Sophia going through the pain of what the town put her through. It hurt to feel the struggles she went through trying to prove she could be independent and fully disserving of her daughter and a better life for herself. Being able to be with Sophia as she went through everything she did to get her life back, to fight against everyone out to get her, the determination to do everything she could to make a life for her and her daughter and the passion she felt for Ted every single day they were apart was a joy.
With Ted being the hurt party from their past and holding on to the pain and resentment, it took him longer to face the reality that he was meant to be with Sophia, that she was a different person and no matter how hard he tried he would always love her. I felt bad for Eve that she was so hopeful about their relationship and future together, but only slightly. She seemed to put too much hope and emphasis on their relationship being the answer to her prayers. Ted knew he shouldn't have gotten involved with Eve, but being scared and hurt made him do something that turned out badly for everyone involved.
Thankfully in the end Ted learned to trust his heart and do whatever he could to be with the woman he has always loved. And Sophia took the chance on love that she should have taken fourteen years ago.
Can't wait for the next installment of Whiskey Creek.
The progression of Ted and Sophia's relationship is what really pulled at my heart. Having known a little of their history through the previous books, I was already invested in their relationship and their lives. It hurt to see Sophia going through the pain of what the town put her through. It hurt to feel the struggles she went through trying to prove she could be independent and fully disserving of her daughter and a better life for herself. Being able to be with Sophia as she went through everything she did to get her life back, to fight against everyone out to get her, the determination to do everything she could to make a life for her and her daughter and the passion she felt for Ted every single day they were apart was a joy.
With Ted being the hurt party from their past and holding on to the pain and resentment, it took him longer to face the reality that he was meant to be with Sophia, that she was a different person and no matter how hard he tried he would always love her. I felt bad for Eve that she was so hopeful about their relationship and future together, but only slightly. She seemed to put too much hope and emphasis on their relationship being the answer to her prayers. Ted knew he shouldn't have gotten involved with Eve, but being scared and hurt made him do something that turned out badly for everyone involved.
Thankfully in the end Ted learned to trust his heart and do whatever he could to be with the woman he has always loved. And Sophia took the chance on love that she should have taken fourteen years ago.
Can't wait for the next installment of Whiskey Creek.
October 19, 2013
After her violent and abusive husband cheats many of her neighbors out of their hard earned money, Sophia plummets from being the wealthiest woman in town to being broke and destitute. Despised by just about everyone there is little she can do but hide out in the mansion that was once a home and wait for the banks to take the few things she has left.
Ted was betrayed by Sophia in high school. She stepped out on him, got pregnant and then married the boy who became her abuser. He has more right than most to despise Sophia but when he hears about her plight he offers her a job as a housekeeper and cook.
Sophia's story has been bubbling away in the background since the very beginning of the Whiskey Creek series and now, finally it is brought forward and into the light. Take me Home for Christmas is very good contemporary romance about a woman who has been beaten down, finding the strength to rebuild her life.
Much love for this book.
Many thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
Ted was betrayed by Sophia in high school. She stepped out on him, got pregnant and then married the boy who became her abuser. He has more right than most to despise Sophia but when he hears about her plight he offers her a job as a housekeeper and cook.
Sophia's story has been bubbling away in the background since the very beginning of the Whiskey Creek series and now, finally it is brought forward and into the light. Take me Home for Christmas is very good contemporary romance about a woman who has been beaten down, finding the strength to rebuild her life.
Much love for this book.
Many thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
January 16, 2015
I was excited to be able to listen to
Take Me Home for Christmas
, which was recently released in audio by Tantor. I have always loved Brenda Novak’s Whiskey Creek series, and somehow in the mix of reading a vast majority of the series, I had missed this one. I am glad I got a chance to hear Ted and Sophia’s story.
I have always respected Ted. He is an accomplished author who has made a nice life for himself. He hasn’t concentrated too much on love since he has been so focused on his career. He also still feels a bit burned by a former relationship with Sophia back in high school. I enjoyed getting to know him better and seeing him reconcile all of the conflicting feelings he had for Sophia throughout the story.
Sophia has been in a tough relationship, which ends abruptly and badly, and turns her life upside down. The majority of Take Me Home for Christmas focused on Sophia trying to put her life back together. This is hard for her to do because many of the inhabitants of Whiskey Creek are downright mean, and I didn’t care for this aspect of the book. The key characters in this series were not mean, but those that were didn’t seem to fit the Whiskey Creek I have come to love. That was hard for me to believe. However, Sophia’s daughter Alexa brought a charm to the book, and she brought out the best in Sophia and everyone close to her.
I didn’t love how long it took for Ted and Sophia’s relationship to actually gain traction in Take Me Home for Christmas or how their story ended abruptly just as they got their happily ever after. That being said, there were still so many things to love about the story, including how Sophia demonstrated her value to Whiskey Creek even when parts of Whiskey Creek was at its worst.
Carly Robins narrated Take Me Home for Christmas and I enjoyed her interpretations of the characters she provided voices for. Strangely, there were times that her diction was too good though. I know that sounds really picky, as that would not typically be a criticism, but I have never heard someone say the word “long” or similar words with such a hard g as in this narration and it felt a bit too much. That being said, I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to her narrate in the future.
Bottom Line
This was not my favorite Whiskey Creek novel, but Take Me Home for Christmas was a good contemporary romance read that allowed me to get to know some beloved characters of a great series even more.
Rating: B-, 3 ½ stars
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
I have always respected Ted. He is an accomplished author who has made a nice life for himself. He hasn’t concentrated too much on love since he has been so focused on his career. He also still feels a bit burned by a former relationship with Sophia back in high school. I enjoyed getting to know him better and seeing him reconcile all of the conflicting feelings he had for Sophia throughout the story.
Sophia has been in a tough relationship, which ends abruptly and badly, and turns her life upside down. The majority of Take Me Home for Christmas focused on Sophia trying to put her life back together. This is hard for her to do because many of the inhabitants of Whiskey Creek are downright mean, and I didn’t care for this aspect of the book. The key characters in this series were not mean, but those that were didn’t seem to fit the Whiskey Creek I have come to love. That was hard for me to believe. However, Sophia’s daughter Alexa brought a charm to the book, and she brought out the best in Sophia and everyone close to her.
I didn’t love how long it took for Ted and Sophia’s relationship to actually gain traction in Take Me Home for Christmas or how their story ended abruptly just as they got their happily ever after. That being said, there were still so many things to love about the story, including how Sophia demonstrated her value to Whiskey Creek even when parts of Whiskey Creek was at its worst.
Carly Robins narrated Take Me Home for Christmas and I enjoyed her interpretations of the characters she provided voices for. Strangely, there were times that her diction was too good though. I know that sounds really picky, as that would not typically be a criticism, but I have never heard someone say the word “long” or similar words with such a hard g as in this narration and it felt a bit too much. That being said, I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to her narrate in the future.
Bottom Line
This was not my favorite Whiskey Creek novel, but Take Me Home for Christmas was a good contemporary romance read that allowed me to get to know some beloved characters of a great series even more.
Rating: B-, 3 ½ stars
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
October 9, 2013
I was asked by this author to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Brenda Novak, I was not sure what to expect and I have to say what a breath of fresh air!
How long should you punish yourself for past transgressions? A year, 15 years, a lifetime? This is Sophia DeBussi biggest setback in life, that and her missing husband. So hell bent on punishing herself for every wrong decision she ever made in her teenage years, Sophia can't help but take years of abuse as penance. So when her hubby abandons ship, leaving her to tidy up the scandal he left behind, she has to finally get a grip on how she wants to live. With a town filled with scorned hearts is there any room for forgiveness?
This is the only book in the Whiskey Creek series that I have read, I had no problem getting into the story without reading any of the other books. I do however really want to read the rest of them!
I found the writing to be expressive and captivating. Sophia's story really exposes raw human emotion in her unwavering ability to berate herself for pretty much every mistake she has made. This is where I was really drawn in , I really felt connected to her with the past regrets that weigh down future endeavors. So reading her trials and tribulations all the while rooting for her was great.
Brenda Novak has a keen way of bring her characters to life. Eve was inspirational, I thought for a moment she was going to turn into that girl who has your back until it isn't convenient anymore.... but I was pleasantly surprised.
I recommend this book to all you out there who root for the underdog, enjoy reading about selfless people, forgiveness, love and are in need of inspiring humanity.
I read this recently: If you can give one piece of advice to a large group of people what would it be?
When a wave comes, go deep!
Translation: There are 3 things you can do when life sends a wave at you.
1) Run from it, but then it's going to catch up with you and knock you down.
2) You can also fall back on your ego and stand your ground, but then it's still going to clobber you.
3) Or you can use it as an opportunity to go DEEP, and transform yourself to match the circumstances. And that's how you get through the wave.
Song great for this book: Shake it off by Florence and the Machine.
I want to extend a Huge thank you to the author b/c out of all the books I have read I really feel I need to read this one at this point in my life.
Thanks~ Happy Reading~
This is the first book I have read by Brenda Novak, I was not sure what to expect and I have to say what a breath of fresh air!
How long should you punish yourself for past transgressions? A year, 15 years, a lifetime? This is Sophia DeBussi biggest setback in life, that and her missing husband. So hell bent on punishing herself for every wrong decision she ever made in her teenage years, Sophia can't help but take years of abuse as penance. So when her hubby abandons ship, leaving her to tidy up the scandal he left behind, she has to finally get a grip on how she wants to live. With a town filled with scorned hearts is there any room for forgiveness?
This is the only book in the Whiskey Creek series that I have read, I had no problem getting into the story without reading any of the other books. I do however really want to read the rest of them!
I found the writing to be expressive and captivating. Sophia's story really exposes raw human emotion in her unwavering ability to berate herself for pretty much every mistake she has made. This is where I was really drawn in , I really felt connected to her with the past regrets that weigh down future endeavors. So reading her trials and tribulations all the while rooting for her was great.
Brenda Novak has a keen way of bring her characters to life. Eve was inspirational, I thought for a moment she was going to turn into that girl who has your back until it isn't convenient anymore.... but I was pleasantly surprised.
I recommend this book to all you out there who root for the underdog, enjoy reading about selfless people, forgiveness, love and are in need of inspiring humanity.
I read this recently: If you can give one piece of advice to a large group of people what would it be?
When a wave comes, go deep!
Translation: There are 3 things you can do when life sends a wave at you.
1) Run from it, but then it's going to catch up with you and knock you down.
2) You can also fall back on your ego and stand your ground, but then it's still going to clobber you.
3) Or you can use it as an opportunity to go DEEP, and transform yourself to match the circumstances. And that's how you get through the wave.
Song great for this book: Shake it off by Florence and the Machine.
I want to extend a Huge thank you to the author b/c out of all the books I have read I really feel I need to read this one at this point in my life.
Thanks~ Happy Reading~
October 24, 2013
Everyone remembers Sophia as someone that was stuck up in school, played a part in killing a friend, and then she up and married a rich man and left her one true love. They can't just forgive her.
Skip is a wealthy man that puts on a good front. He wants everyone to think he is the richest man alive with the best of everything... even the best wife. Skip makes things look good on the outside but at home secretly abuses Sophia and makes her do a lot of things she doesn't want to do.
When Skip takes his wife and daughter on a dream vacation then ends up missing, Sophia secretly hopes that he is gone forever. Not until after his body ends up found drowned on the Brazil shore does life really turn ugly. The FBI gets involved and turns up evidence of how much Skip had tricked people into investing in him and how much money he stole from so many, including the wonderful people of Whisky Creek. Sophia is left with nothing and without any options.
Ted has grown a lot in the last 14 years and is now a successful suspense writer. He still finds himself in love with Sophia though and can't turn his back on her. Ted has an opening for a house maid and against his better judgement he offers the job to Sophia. He thinks he can keep his distance from her and keep it all business but when they are in the house together for so many hours, love finds a way to pull them back together! Will the past be to much or will love find a way to prevail?!
This was an amazing story to end this great series. I know I will find myself reading this series again very soon.
Skip is a wealthy man that puts on a good front. He wants everyone to think he is the richest man alive with the best of everything... even the best wife. Skip makes things look good on the outside but at home secretly abuses Sophia and makes her do a lot of things she doesn't want to do.
When Skip takes his wife and daughter on a dream vacation then ends up missing, Sophia secretly hopes that he is gone forever. Not until after his body ends up found drowned on the Brazil shore does life really turn ugly. The FBI gets involved and turns up evidence of how much Skip had tricked people into investing in him and how much money he stole from so many, including the wonderful people of Whisky Creek. Sophia is left with nothing and without any options.
Ted has grown a lot in the last 14 years and is now a successful suspense writer. He still finds himself in love with Sophia though and can't turn his back on her. Ted has an opening for a house maid and against his better judgement he offers the job to Sophia. He thinks he can keep his distance from her and keep it all business but when they are in the house together for so many hours, love finds a way to pull them back together! Will the past be to much or will love find a way to prevail?!
This was an amazing story to end this great series. I know I will find myself reading this series again very soon.
November 11, 2021
Fun three star but I'm a little dissapointed because this had the potential to be a four star. The basic premise was good, as was the idea for the plot but there were a few bad decisions made that made our main male potagonist a whole lot less likeable which made it kind of hard to root for them as a couple. Also made anything cute or sweet between the two mains not enjoyable because it was basically emotionally cheating. Seeing as I could think of a myriad of ways the author could have chosen to handle it differently, it greatly bothered me. Probably not a good sign that the tweenage daughter is the most emotionally mature character. (She's also my favourite and being a side character that's not quite so good a sign either). In the end this whole poorly chosen subplot does nothing but slow the story down, hinders character development and makes certain good developments at the end of the story feel rushed instead.
Fun enough book but falls short of the potential it had.
Vertaling: zeer hollandse vertaling, wat soms vervelend is voor Vlaamse lezers, denk ik. Maar ik vrees dat in dit genre wel meestal gekozen wordt voor dit soort vertaling. Nogal slordig ook, er zaten nog fouten in.
Fun enough book but falls short of the potential it had.
Vertaling: zeer hollandse vertaling, wat soms vervelend is voor Vlaamse lezers, denk ik. Maar ik vrees dat in dit genre wel meestal gekozen wordt voor dit soort vertaling. Nogal slordig ook, er zaten nog fouten in.
June 29, 2021
Eve olayı canımı sıktı keşke olmasaydı
December 8, 2013
I enjoyed this episode in the Whiskey Creek saga. I really love stories about people who change from being not so nice people to caring kind worthwhile people.
This story had a lot of sad elements and quite a bit of angst. The heroine was trying hard and was doing whatever she needed to in order to provide for her daughter. She had no expectations of gaining anything for herself so it was lovely to see her get the man of her dreams.
The hero was okay but could have been a bit stronger. He was a bit wishy washy.
Still loving this series though.
This story had a lot of sad elements and quite a bit of angst. The heroine was trying hard and was doing whatever she needed to in order to provide for her daughter. She had no expectations of gaining anything for herself so it was lovely to see her get the man of her dreams.
The hero was okay but could have been a bit stronger. He was a bit wishy washy.
Still loving this series though.
July 31, 2024
A wonderful holiday romance. This is perfect for the season or any time that you're in the mood for a book with a Christmas setting. I love the Whiskey Creek books. You'll never be disappointed when you pick up a book by Ms. Novak.
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