Title: The Heart of Christmas
Author: Brenda Novak
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: (Whiskey Creek #7)
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Heart of Christmas" by Brenda Novak

Book Description:

"Just call her Christmas Eve…
Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn't have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that's what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining.
Eve's worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There's no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve's definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve's happily ever after just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she's counting on the best Christmas of her life!"

What I liked about the novel.....

This was the seventh book of Whiskey Creek series by this author and it was a wonderful love story about Eve Harmon. It was definitely one of those read that you will find hard to put down until the end. I loved how this author kept the reader guessing and what a interesting ending. After being dumped now 35, not married with no children, feeling left out and leaves Eve feeling down then she meets a guy while celebrating her birthday. This story will take off after Eve ends up going to Sexy Sadie's getting drunk spending a night with the handsome guy she wasn't really sure who he was. However, what a birthday this was for Eve but just who was he? Now that turned out to be a little funny situation and I did laugh out loud! What will come of this after she finds out his real name and learning of his past. I love Eve's friends who rallied around her when it was needed. Will Eve be able to help him? This is where I say you will have to pick up "The Heart of Christmas" to see how this author will present this read with a little mystery, suspense and what was up with ghost Little Mary? Be ready for some drama with lots of emotions showed in this well written novel.

What I especially liked about the novel...

I love the character of Eve who was a very giving person along with some amazing supporting characters with strong and interesting friendships in this wonderful town of Whiskey Creek....many who were also in the other series. In the end I liked how this author was able to bring out the celebration through love, joy and laughter of the true meaning of "The Heart of Christmas" to its readers. If you are looking for a holiday read this festive Christmas setting would be the read for you that I would recommend.

Many of One More Thing's short stories are very short--several run only a few lines--and even the longest barely reach twenty pages. However, word count has little to do with what makes them work.

Novaks' writing is intelligent but doesn't feel like it's trying too hard to be clever, and I was struck by a touch of sweetness mixed into the funny--there's a sense of compassion toward its subjects that gives the funny lines unexpected depth