Review: A Hard Luck Christmas by Brenda Novak

 

A Hard Luck Christmas by Brenda Novak

Publication Date: October 27th 2026 by Harlequin Special Edition

Pages: 272

Audio Length: 7hrs 43min

Narrator: Em Eldridge

Source: Publisher 
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Patience, a single mother, is determined to make the town's Christmas festival a success and bring much-needed business to Hard Luck.

 

Kanon is back in Hard Luck, a place that holds bad memories, to turn the motel he’s inherited part of into a success. Luckily for him, his stepsister is more relieved than upset by Kanon now being a co-owner. She needs help and Kanon is ready to make a go of things, which is how he ends up helping Patience with the Christmas festival.

 

Patience had her own personal issues besides trying to save the town: a manipulative ex-best friend and an overbearing, self-righteous father. Boy, did I want to strangle him at times!

 

I rooted for Patience and Kanon in their efforts to revitalize the town, working together as they fell in love. I also cheered as Patience gained confidence, saw things in a different light, and decided to stand up for herself.

 

A Hard Luck Christmas was a feel-good story about second chances, community, and healing from the past. I enjoyed every minute!

 

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook and can recommend either version. I thought Em Eldridge did a wonderful job with all voices, male and female in a range of ages!

4 Stars

Book Description:

Enjoy small town charm, Christmas cheer and a heartfelt second chances/opposites attract romance from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak!

Single mom Patience Mather is focused on two things—her daughter and planning a Christmas festival that will contribute to the revitalization of Hard Luck, Nevada. She has no time for complications—or sparks with returned bad boy Kanon Kincaid. He’s back to claim an inheritance of half of a failing motel. He'll fix what’s broken…starting with his own reputation.

As a pastor’s daughter, Patience knows better than to fall for someone who might skip town again, and Kanon believes someone steady and safe is what Patience deserves. But in the glow of twinkling lights and holiday magic, their undeniable connection makes every choice harder. Can Christmas in Hard Luck deliver a second chance…or just heartbreak?

For fans Christmas Sparkle Small-Town Romance Opposites Attract Good Girl/Bad boy