Convinced that her career is waylaid when a nearly lethal accident leaves her with a facial scar, Hollywood actress Tia Beckett agrees to house-sit at her producer's quiet Silver Springs estate over the holidays. She doesn't realize that she'll be sharing her responsibilities with another guest, whose heart needs as much healing as hers. With a 400,000-copy paperback and 10,000-copy hardcover first printing.

Bestseller Novak serves up an appealing Christmas romance in her charming ninth Silver Springs novel (after When I Found You). After actor Tia Beckett is involved in a devastating and disfiguring car accident, she retreats from Los Angeles to tiny Silver Springs, Calif., to hide out at her producer Maxi's home while adjusting to her new normal (and caring for his high-maintenance parrot). But Maxi forgets to tell her that artist Seth Turner will also be on the property for the holidays. Seth too is nursing deep wounds: his wife, Shiloh, died of cat scratch disease three years earlier, right before Christmas. To make matters worse, Shiloh's grasping parents are still trying to use Seth as an ATM to subsidize Shiloh's father's gambling habit. When a paparazzo comes to town trying to sneak a clandestine photo of Tia's disfigured face, Seth's ex-in-laws seize the opportunity to make a buck by selling her out—until Seth steps in to save the day. Novak is an expert at handling touchy topics, and her wounded hero and heroine ring true, as does their budding relationship. This contemporary romance combines heat, heart and hope into a magic blend that readers will savor. Agent: Dan Raines, Creative Trust Literary. (Oct.)