**New Release Review ~ The Heart of Christmas ~ Brenda Novak**

The Heart of Christmas
Whiskey Creek #7
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
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 of 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 this 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!

It's always such a pleasure to return to Whiskey Creek. I've become so fond of all the characters, they're like friends. I was  happy that Eve got her story and curious to see how it would  turn out.

Eve Harmon is just a lovely young woman She's one of those women you know you'd shy away from because of her looks but would be drawn to nonetheless because of her genuine affability. She's sweet, loyal, and would do anything to help someone in need. She just happens to be turning 35 and, not being married yet despite most of her friends being so, is making her take stock of her life.

Brent Taylor/Rex, happens upon Eve on her birthday, when she's feeling a bit sorry for herself. They spend the night together, which is all Brent could promise. But he's finding it hard to leave Eve, even thought it's really in her best interest that he do exactly that. Brent isn't what he seems and his past puts Eve, and everyone in Whiskey Creek, in possible danger.

I really liked the element of suspense that Brent/Rex brought to the story. I liked watching as Eve helped him heal from his past. I also enjoyed the mystery of "Little Mary" - the story Ted decided to work on, with Eve's help. I hope that element continues. Although I'm still a little unhappy with Cheyenne about certain decisions she made, it was nice to see her and Dylan so happy. Despite a certain thing that happened between Eve and Brent, which I thought was a bit trite, I enjoyed how their story evolved and where it ended up. And of course, I adored seeing the group rally around Eve when she needed them most.

The Heart of Christmas was a satisfying return to Whiskey Creek...kind of like cuddling up under a favorite blanket. It's warm, comfortable, familiar, and makes you feel good. This group of friends continue to endear themselves and I'll be eager to return again.