Christmas in Silver Springs (Silver Springs, #6)

by Brenda Novak

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Christmas in Silver Spring by Brenda Novak is the sixth book in the Silver Spring series. I did not read the previous books in the series; however, I had no issues jumping into this installment. However, it featured characters from the previous book. As this was not my first time reading the author’s work, I expected to have a good time with this story and she did not disappoint.

Tobias Richardson spent thirteen years of his life in prison. It has been five months since his release, and it will be his first Christmas as a free man. His time spent in prison was because of a horrible mistake he made when he was seventeen years old. Due to the seriousness of the incident, they tried him as an adult. Since his release, he has managed to get his life on track with the help of his family and friends. However, the guilt of his past weighs heavily on him, especially when he sees the victim of his actions regularly.

He grappled with loneliness, but avoided relationships, as he believed he was not worthy.

Then one night he laid eyes on a beautiful and sad woman. Despite his attraction towards her, he knew he was not the right man for her. However, she appeared in need of a friend, and there was no law against friendship.

Harper Devlin is in the midst of a divorce after her husband of ten years decided that their marriage was no longer working. This was after she dedicated her life to help him achieve his goal of being a famous rock star. Now that he has the fame, money, and women, his wife and daughters have become a liability. As a result, Harper came to spend Christmas with her sister in Silver Springs and in the process tried to come to grips with the changes in her life. Then she meets Tobias, a meeting that will forever change her life.

I found this to be an emotional read. I felt Tobias’s guilt and insecurities throughout the story. He kept blaming himself even when others did not. I loved how the author gave readers a glimpse into his struggles while in prison, which made his pain more realistic.

My heart broke for Harper. It could not have been easy for her watching the man whom she dedicated her life to for ten years push her aside for fame, money and groupies. A man who did not care one iota about his family.

I was skeptical at first about Harper and Tobias forming a relationship. After all, she was going through a divorce and not in a good place for any relationship. However, their time spent together proved therapeutic for Harper, and as time went, they proved to be good for each other. She came to recognize that she deserved better. Harper knew nothing of Tobias’s past and he kept it secret out of fear. I was nervous the whole time knowing his secret would come to light and the impact it would have on his and Harper’s relationship.

One of the things that made this story so emotional for me was healing and forgiveness Tobias received from persons whom his actions affected directly and indirectly thirteen years ago.

Conclusion/Recommendation.
This was a great read and one I would recommend to persons looking for a Christmas romance with all the feels.