A Family by Christmas

Originally published under the title We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Rediscover a heartfelt holiday romance from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak.

After facing the difficult reality of her marriage, Jaclyn Wentworth leaves her cheating ex-husband and settles in Reno with her three children. Struggling in her new beginning, Jaclyn runs into Cole Perrini, former high school bad boy, now successful in his business and also kind enough to give her a job in his company. Cole is opposite to Jaclyn’s ex-husband in every way, but working closely together during the charming Christmas season makes Jaclyn realize this might be exactly what her family needs.
As the attraction between them keeps growing, Cole and Jaclyn struggle to keep their relationship professional. Will both open their hearts to this second chance and finally choose each other?

Previously published as ‘We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’.

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Rediscover a heartfelt holiday romance from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak.

Previously published as ‘We Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’.

Order Ebook

Praise for Brenda and her Books

Until You Loved Me

"Novak scores again with a story of two characters damaged by love. Watching the emotion that Novak pulls out of these characters is both fun and heart-wrenching; it’s a talent that not every writer has. Novak is staking her claim as one of the best writers in romance today!"

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-16T12:12:42-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

"Novak scores again with a story of two characters damaged by love. Watching the emotion that Novak pulls out of these characters is both fun and heart-wrenching; it’s a talent that not every writer has. Novak is staking her claim as one of the best writers in romance today!"

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/until-you-loved-me/

Take Me Home for Christmas

"The worst part of any Brenda Novak book is the last page. I always want more. Luckily there is usually another Novak book in the wings. The Whiskey Creek series is an absolute delight and this newest installment is...so satisfying I ran out of superlatives. Brenda Novak outdid herself in Take Me Home for Christmas."

Fresh Fiction

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T22:35:30-07:00

Fresh Fiction

"The worst part of any Brenda Novak book is the last page. I always want more. Luckily there is usually another Novak book in the wings. The Whiskey Creek series is an absolute delight and this newest installment is...so satisfying I ran out of superlatives. Brenda Novak outdid herself in Take Me Home for Christmas."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/take-me-home-for-christmas-3/

Her Darkest Nightmare

"Novak is a master of suspense. She writes... so well that readers will have a hard time putting this book down. The ending will give readers the trademark suspense ending that is expected and so much more. This book is a well-written work of art by a true master of the genre."

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-16T11:38:35-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/her-darkest-nightmare-4/

No One But You

"Once again, Novak nails the small-town vibe with her classic combination of unvarnished truth and down-home charm."

Library Journal

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-16T12:05:57-07:00

Library Journal

"Once again, Novak nails the small-town vibe with her classic combination of unvarnished truth and down-home charm."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/no-one-but-you/

Dead Right

"As always, Novak grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go. I was left both physically and emotionally exhausted – the story was so engrossing I couldn’t put it down until late into the early morning hours.... Fans of romantic suspense won’t be disappointed by this heart-thudding, spine-tingling, roller-coaster ride of a novel."

Mayra Calvani, Blogcritics Magazine

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T19:16:43-07:00

Mayra Calvani, Blogcritics Magazine

"As always, Novak grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go. I was left both physically and emotionally exhausted – the story was so engrossing I couldn’t put it down until late into the early morning hours.... Fans of romantic suspense won’t be disappointed by this heart-thudding, spine-tingling, roller-coaster ride of a novel."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/dead-right-11/

Every Waking Moment

"Brenda Novak’s gift lies in grabbing the reader mercilessly by the throat and not letting go until the very end... Fast-paced scenes filled with sparkling dialogue, romantic tension, and a series of pulse-racing plot twists bring the story to a heart-stopping climax. An exciting, compelling, entertaining read."

Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T19:39:22-07:00

Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Reviews

"Brenda Novak’s gift lies in grabbing the reader mercilessly by the throat and not letting go until the very end... Fast-paced scenes filled with sparkling dialogue, romantic tension, and a series of pulse-racing plot twists bring the story to a heart-stopping climax. An exciting, compelling, entertaining read."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/every-waking-moment-15/

Home to Whiskey Creek

"If you like stories of friendship, love, and compassion, the whole Whiskey Creek series is for you!"

Unconditional Book Views

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T22:26:55-07:00

Unconditional Book Views

"If you like stories of friendship, love, and compassion, the whole Whiskey Creek series is for you!"

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/home-to-whiskey-creek-5/

Snow Baby

"AWESOME! I could not put this one down, readers! Highly recommended! Brenda Novak has always been an author I look for on the book shelves, and this one is a perfect example as to why! Her characters are realistic, charming, and have a life of their own! Don't miss out!"

Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-08-31T18:47:49-07:00

Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews

"AWESOME! I could not put this one down, readers! Highly recommended! Brenda Novak has always been an author I look for on the book shelves, and this one is a perfect example as to why! Her characters are realistic, charming, and have a life of their own! Don't miss out!"

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/snow-baby-6/

Baby Business

"Brenda Novak displays her unique talent for blending serious situations with compelling and lovable characters to create a romance one cannot soon forget."

Jenna Richardson, Heart Rate Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-08-31T19:01:14-07:00

Jenna Richardson, Heart Rate Reviews

"Brenda Novak displays her unique talent for blending serious situations with compelling and lovable characters to create a romance one cannot soon forget."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/baby-business-6/

No One But You

"Novak is at the top of her game and keeps the amazing stories coming, especially with this latest installment!"

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-16T12:08:57-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

"Novak is at the top of her game and keeps the amazing stories coming, especially with this latest installment!"

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/no-one-but-you-3/

Sanctuary

"Reading Brenda Novak is like eating chocolate. Rich in texture. Smooth and fulfilling. And you never get enough."

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-08-31T20:23:53-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars

"Reading Brenda Novak is like eating chocolate. Rich in texture. Smooth and fulfilling. And you never get enough."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/sanctuary-9/

Right Where We Belong

"The story is so well written that readers will feel as if they have stepped into the book and are living out the events as they happen. Only a master storyteller can pull a reader into the story this well, and Novak is one of the best."

Romantic Times Magazine

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-16T12:16:55-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/right-where-we-belong/

A Matter of Grave Concern

"Brenda Novak’s reputation as a great storyteller remains in place with her latest historical novel. [A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN] delivers a strong-willed leading lady and a roguish leading man facing off against grave robbers and kidnappers... Novak’s eye for detail shows in the carefully unfolding story. Her characterizations and locales bring the narrative off of the page as the reader falls more and more deeply under the thrall of the mysteries within."

Examiner.com

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T21:32:32-07:00

Examiner.com

"Brenda Novak’s reputation as a great storyteller remains in place with her latest historical novel. [A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN] delivers a strong-willed leading lady and a roguish leading man facing off against grave robbers and kidnappers... Novak’s eye for detail shows in the carefully unfolding story. Her characterizations and locales bring the narrative off of the page as the reader falls more and more deeply under the thrall of the mysteries within."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/a-matter-of-grave-concern-3/

Trust Me

"No one can send chills down my spine as Brenda Novak can!"

Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T16:51:51-07:00

Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

"No one can send chills down my spine as Brenda Novak can!"

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/trust-me-8/

Her Darkest Nightmare

"Her Darkest Nightmare is as stimulating as it is gripping, and Novak has crafted an exceptional new series that will leave you wanting more."

Real Crime Magazine

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-16T11:32:19-07:00

Real Crime Magazine

"Her Darkest Nightmare is as stimulating as it is gripping, and Novak has crafted an exceptional new series that will leave you wanting more."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/her-darkest-nightmare/

In Seconds

"Ms. Novak pens a gritty story with her usual superb characterization. In Seconds is well-plotted and compelling. I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. . . well into the wee hours. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Wonderful characters, tense drama, realism and darned good reading are trademarks of Brenda Novak who is possibly my favorite author."

Suzanne Barrett, Lunch Network

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

2018-09-15T20:34:48-07:00

Suzanne Barrett, Lunch Network

"Ms. Novak pens a gritty story with her usual superb characterization. In Seconds is well-plotted and compelling. I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. . . well into the wee hours. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Wonderful characters, tense drama, realism and darned good reading are trademarks of Brenda Novak who is possibly my favorite author."

https://brendanovak.com/testimonials/in-seconds-7/