Like a Holiday Inn: A Sweet Romance

Port Willis Romance #4

by Lindsay Harrel

ebecca Trengrouse is quite possibly the worst businesswoman in the world.

All she ever wanted was to run her family’s bakery in tiny Port Willis, England, but that dream was squashed when her father decided to close up shop without asking her.

Now, thanks to mounting debt and an aversion to marketing (and, let’s be honest—people in general), she needs to sell the bed and breakfast she bought on a whim a few years ago.

And fast.

So when a handsome guest makes her a purchase offer that’s halfway decent, she knows she shouldn’t refuse.

But there’s just something about the guy she doesn’t like.

It doesn’t matter that the American is her friend Ginny’s older brother. Benjamin’s casual smile, perfectly tousled hair, and arrogant chocolate eyes are exactly the kind of charming Rebecca knows to keep at arms’ length.

But that becomes difficult when the two of them get snowed in together at the inn during a freak Christmas blizzard.

And as cozy as things are getting between them, Rebecca knows it wouldn’t be smart to open her heart to yet another man who is destined to leave her.

But love is not as predictable as baked goods.

And the heart does not always do what is smart.

This holiday romance is the perfect escape for readers of sweet and inspirational fiction who adore stories about love, friendship, and learning to look for the light in the twists and turns of life.

***

Each story in the Port Willis Romance collection can stand alone, but you may wish to read them in order as characters carry through.

Book 1: Like a Winter Snow
Book 2: Like a Christmas Dream
Book 3: Like a Silver Bell
Book 4: Like a Holiday Inn

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Romance

216 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2023

About the author

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[Lou Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story rating 9/10 Christian Faith Rating 3/3

Like a Holiday Inn by Lindsay Harrel is the fourth Christmas novella in the Port Willis series. I enjoyed all of them, but this story had more faith content than the earlier books.
This book follows Rebecca, who is a bit of an ice maiden. She runs the village inn. One day near Christmas, one of her friends' brothers comes to stay at the hotel. He really winds her up, and she just wants to be left alone for Christmas.
I really enjoyed the story. It was good fun. I like Lindsay Harrel as a contemporary romance writer. She managed to fit a lot into 140 pages without the story feeling rushed.

[Anne (In Search of Wonder)]

I am 99.9999999% sure I read this last year, I just didn't add it to my GR for some reason. But I'm trying to clean up my To-Reads shelf here a lil bit so moving this over to Read.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the town of Port Willis and its inhabitants! Each time I get to 'visit" is so much fun! Rebecca and Ben are great characters for each other, and the story is completely charming. It's a sweet easy read full of Christmas spirit. Loved it!

I received an early copy from the author but also purchased my own copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to the charming village of Port Willis in Cornwall. Bed and breakfast owner Rebecca Trengrouse is preparing for a holiday wedding—exactly what she needs to cover a big bill coming due. But running the B&B isn't Rebecca's passion. She's never recovered from her father selling their family bakery without even asking her if she wanted to take it over. Nor has she forgotten the man who called off their engagement on the eve of their wedding several years ago. Her hurts have taught Rebecca that it's better to keep her heart buttoned up tight, untouchable.

When her best friend's brother arrives in town for a surprise visit and needs a place to stay, Rebecca begrudgingly allows him to rent a room—but only until her big wedding party arrives. She's heard enough about Benjamin Bentley's playboy ways to keep him at arm's length, even if that wasn't her natural stance toward everyone.

But the Ice Queen's heart may be thawing. Things begin to get to her—past, present, and future. Does the sudden surge of emotions have anything to do with her handsome guest?

This is a delightful Christmas novella for those who love the grumpy/sunshine trope. There's nice depth of character and a faith element as well. I did wish we had a second point of view character, but that's a small complaint. Overall, it was nice to revisit this sweet town and I really enjoyed Rebecca's story.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect Port Willis romance

I absolutely adore this series! Each book is a perfect, sweet Christmas romance. I also love seeing updates on characters from past books.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my adorable! I absolutely loved this sweet holiday novella from beginning to end!

This is a reverse grumpy/sunshine romance between Rebecca, an English B&B owner and her best friend's brother Benjamin who comes to visit from the states. He takes a room at the B& B and a freak blizzard forces them into proximity and let's just say the sparks are flying.

He falls first and I love all the sweet ways he reassures her and her fears about the future. There is a light faith element and this story about learning to love and to trust is heartwarming and endearing. It gave me all the happy Christmas romance feels!

This is part of a series but I was able to read it as a standalone though I most definitely want to go back and read the others. So grab a cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, and settle in for this short but sweet Christmas romance!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

TW: estranged family, controlling parents

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Christmas novellas by Lindsay Harrel are such a sweet seasonal treat!
Rebecca is a glass-half-empty owner of a Bed and Breakfast establishment in Cornwall, England. She 's fighting a losing battle trying to keep business afloat, when all she really wants is to work at the bakery her father once owned. The last thing she is looking for is love...
Benjamin is charming, playful, handsome, and American—and offers to buy her failing business. Yet he has much to prove before Rebecca is able to fully trust him.
A snowstorm at Christmas, a quaint seaside town, and a happily ever after—delightful!
This is the fourth book in the Port Willis Romance series, and although I've read them all, each can be read as a stand-alone title.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nana had always said that snow change things. That it was like God was bringing his love one flake at a time. That it had the power to do a miracle in even the coldest heart."

Rebecca Trengrouse is living her second best life. She had dreamed of taking over her father's bakery someday, but when that didn't happen, she figured out a new plan. If only running an inn was as profitable as she hoped it would be.

Benjamin surprises his sister's when he traveled over to England from Boston for the holidays. But he didn't expect to find a surprise of his own. He did not expect the lovely innkeeper to be quite so willing to speak her mind. Can Rebecca continue to resist his charms?

This is such an enjoyable sweet romance. The characters are realistic, and they pull you into the story. I really appreciated the spiritual elements in the story. Friendship is another important aspect of this story.

I greatly enjoyed my return trip to Port Willis. This charming town provided a lovely backdrop for the wonderful characters. The ones featured in the previous books in the series have become familiar friends. I think the reader will enjoy this book more if the previous titles are read first. But there are enough details provided that this would still be a good stand alone title.

I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read it. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always happy to visit Port willis and this sweet story was no exception. How Harrel manages to put so much into her story in a short period of time just amazes me. The chemistry was great, the characters were perfect, and the story as a whole reminded me of those sweet Christmas movies I love to watch. I think this one was my favorite of the series, as Harrel manages to put in just the right amount of your typical Hallmarky qualities, with little splashes of new tradition. Plus the inn! I'm ready to go there now.

Hallmark fans, romance fans, and Christmas fans will adore the latest in the Port Willis Romance series. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet holiday story. Grouchy inn owner Rebecca has hit a cross roads in life as she realizes that she needs to sell her bed and breakfast, but she doesn’t know what else to do. Rebecca has spent years of her life estranged from her family, with her heart closed off, because life has taught her that love leads to pain. When into her bed and breakfast comes Benjamin, her friend Ginny’s brother looking for a room at her inn, and trying to annoy her and spend time with her at every turn. This book has everything you want in a holiday romance. And it was really nice to get to know Rebecca, and to hear her story after her being kind of a villain in previous stories in this series. A fun holiday read.

[Kate Frisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and fun holiday read - satisfied my Christmas "Hallmark" fix for the season. Looking forward to the next Port Willis romance in Nov 2023!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect cozy read; a heartfelt Christmas novella!

Tis the season for romance and curling up by the cozy fire (or Christmas tree!) with heartwarming stories. This sweet story burrowed right down into my soul with an adorable romance that tugged on all my heartstrings! It amazed me how author Lindsay Harrel managed to pack so much depth, character, joy, sorrow and heart into such a short story.

The setting of Port Willis in England came alive through Harrel’s descriptions and had all the quaint, small town feels; the camaraderie between the characters of the town was delightful. The beauty of a freshly fallen snow and the idea of being snowed in together ramped up the sizzle and tension between the two main characters, Rebecca and Ben. I adored their banter and found myself fully immersed in their laugh-out-loud moments of a growing romance.

I enjoyed how Ben’s charm thawed Rebecca’s “Ice Queen” heart. His antics made me smile and his charisma had me swooning. Meanwhile, it was refreshing to read a single POV and the innermost thoughts of a simple, ordinary heroine in Rebecca. Her scarred, lonely heart and the interwoven threads of faith, family and forgiveness made this darling story even more endearing! It couldn’t have been any better!

This novella reads as a standalone but features characters from Harrel’s other Port Willis books.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC copy from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This next installment in the Port Willis series is best read in order but can also be read separately.

Rebecca Trengrouse is holding on to the past and is afraid to trust anyone. She spends most of her time working at her inn, baking and trying to find enough business to keep everything running. When Ginny and Sarah's brother Benjamin comes to visit for Christmas, sparks fly between him and Rebecca. Through a series of events and an unexpected snowstorm, Rebecca and Ben grow closer in spite of the walls Rebecca tries to put up. Can they find happiness in each other and learn to trust God for the future, or will past hurts keep them apart?

I enjoyed this story just as much as the others. The Christmas atmosphere and the setting of Port Willis were charming and festive. I would love to visit a place like this in England! The realistic characters were compelling and easy to relate to. I was so encouraged by the positive and biblical messages in this story that I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean, inspirational romance. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and will definitely go back to read the others again!

I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these Christmas visits to Port Willis. This is the kind of series where you can find yourself wanting to make a trip to this village in Cornwall, with a stay at the Holiday Inn and visits to Ginny's bakery, Sophia's bookstore, and the lighthouse, but then you realize, oh yeah, this is just fiction. The characters all seem so real and relatable. Rebecca returned to Port Willis a few years ago and bought the inn after her fiance called off their wedding. She has become known as the Ice Queen because she holds everyone (except Ginny) at arm's length. If she doesn't love again, she won't get hurt again, right? Along comes Benjamin, Ginny and Sarah's brother. He's not put off by her brusk, bossy ways, rather he is intrigued. He's charming and handsome and has made some changes to put some unhealthy life choices behind him. It's wonderful what God can do to bring people together with just the right person. This was a fun book to read but also thought-provoking at times too. I'm happy to learn there will be a fifth book next year. I will happily return to Port Willis as long as I can.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book, set in the quaint Cornish village of Port Willis. This is another tale that comes alive with festiveness, charm, and sweet romance. The word pictures and dialogue were so sweet and truly helped to capture the flair of life in England.
This time we get to meet Benjamin the brother of Sarah and Ginny, who were in the other books in this series. We also get to know more about Rebecca, who owns the B&B and is dealing with it. There is so much fun banter between the two. I truly loved it!
I really enjoy reading books written by Lindsay Harrel. She brings such wonderful lessons to our hearts through her books. She also weaves God’s love into these stories in such a way that it isn’t pushy or fake. This is one of the things I love about her writings.
The relationships with friends and families are so real. When we can put ourselves in the characters’ lives and understand the pains and joys, that is what makes a book great! This author has done that!
So, add this book to your collection of sweet, enchanting Christmas stories of love.
I highly recommend you pick this book up.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Courtney Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like A Holiday Inn returns to the quaint "Port Willis" in Cornwall, England for another of Harrel's sweet Christmas stories. Since this is the 4th novella in the series, familiar readers will recognize the heroine and hero and their respective families (who delightfully show up in the story!).

Rebecca is a prickly, strong lady who learns a bit about what it means to be vulnerable, and really let go and trust in relationships (both romantically and with her fam). Benjamin is the perfect opposite to her personality with his charm, banter, and persistent way he pursues peeling back her layers. His backstory and depth prove to be important in making a connection with Rebecca.

All the charming Christmas things happen in the story, yet Harrel's writing never makes them feel cliché. From new Christmas traditions, allll the holiday baking, a snowstorm or two, to a memorable power outage, Rebecca and Benjamin's relationship grows and finds its stride at the Inn.


Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We're all a little broken. The point is to be broken together. And to help put each other back together, one piece at a time."

Sigh. What a lovely Christmas novella. I loved learning about Benjamin, Ginny and Sarah's brother. Though the story is told through Rebecca's third person perspective, we learn a lot about Benjamin through his interactions with Rebecca. He's a little broken, passionate, fun but also protective, thoughtful, and tender. And Port Willis is the perfect place to return for this Christmas season.
I loved getting to know Rebecca better through this story. She's a lot broken and quite prickly but witty, talented, and willing to change. Benjamin and Rebecca's friendship and romance progresses quite quickly and is filled with wonderful banter and deep soul-bearing insight.

If you're looking for a heartwarming Christmas read, look no further.
I received the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a treat to return to Cornwall for another delightful installment in Lindsay Harrel’s Port Willis Romance series. This story stars Rebecca Trengrouse as she tries to make a go of a bed and breakfast she bought a few years ago and is now trying to sell. When Benjamin Bentley, a brother of her friends, arrives at the inn, she grudgingly allows him to stay for a couple of days.

The characters are engaging, the banter is witty and fun, and the chemistry between Rebecca and Benjamin is delicious. Although the ending is fairly predictable, the story held my interest throughout. Themes of forgiveness, family, and personal growth add depth to it. This is a novella, but the story is well-developed and felt complete. It was enjoyable to have characters from Harrel’s previous Port Willis stories pop up in this one. I would recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary inspirational books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful Christmas novella. Such a treat to be back in Port Willis. This fictional town and its quirky characters have captivated my heart. Rebecca Trengrouse is a rather blunt, grumpy, glass have empty character from previous stories, and she finally gets her own story. Rebecca is challenged to take a look at why she is the way she is, and has to figure out how she wants to live her life. Her best friend Ginny's once playboy brother comes to visit from America, and stays at Rebecca's Bed & Breakfast. She is her usual blunt self, and does not put up with anything from Benjamin. Their banter is seriously funny, I often found myself laughing, and I thoroughly enjoyed Like a Holiday Inn by author Lindsay Harrel.
Fans of heartwarming Christmas novellas will love Like a Holiday Inn. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a Holiday Inn by Lindsay Harrel is a holiday must read!!!
I was absolutely thrilled to return to Port Willis for Christmas. Lindsay has created such a charming village with stellar, relatable characters. Rebecca has been introduced in previous books, but can be appreciated in this book as a standalone. This year, Rebecca has decided to sell the B&B. Ginny’s brother, Benjamin, happens to be interested. Delightful tale of misperceptions and misplaced assumptions. Guarded hearts became vulnerable and love abounds in this wonderful story. Once again, Lindsay has written a must-read Christmas novella full of heart, romance, and holiday cheer.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful Christmas romance. While not typically a fan of novellas, I like to read them at this time of year. Perfect time to sneak in a quick story between the business of the holiday season.
I loved returning to the fictional community of Port Willis. Rebecca and Benjamin's story is one of learning to trust others. Not just in a romantic relationship, but friends and family as well. Usually in a novella, I feel as if there is little to no character development and the romance is forced, but that is not the case here. I loved Rebecca's journey of self-discovery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLEVERLY WRITTEN & FUN!

The Port Willis Romance Series is one of my favorites and this fourth installment is a fantastic addition! It is cleverly written and fun. Just in time for the Holidays, this is a story of a self-proclaimed “ice princess” who possibly meets her prince – if she does not run him off! Author Lindsay Harrel takes readers on a delightful Christmas adventure including two lonely hearts, a beautiful inn they both want to see saved, a common love for their families, getting snowed in, and trying to figure out how to make a trans-global relationship work. You will not want to miss this one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Blue Aster Press. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

[Kristie Ingerto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book in the Port Willis series just may be my favorite! Rebecca has been living with so many hurts and knows that the term Ice Queen fits her. However, the moment Benjamin shows up at her inn, things begin to change, even though she cannot believe her heart is responding to him. I love being back in the town with these characters, especially Ginny. The friendship between Ginny and Rebecca is the best and just what Rebecca needs. This is such a sweet story that will prepare you for Christmas.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! Another great story by Lindsay Harrel that draws you in and has you wish you could visit Port Wilis. The characters are great and I enjoy how previous characters are pulled into this book. Benjamin is such a fun character drawing the most guarded heart out with his personality. This is a light fun read that will draw you into a small town filled with friends and a anything but boring romance. I found this a hard book to put down and the story kept me smiling and only wanting more!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! I love Rebecca and Benjamin. I love their first meeting and how he wore her down. I also appreciate the reminder that our perspective is not the only one. When we realize that there are other ways to look at things, it can make our life happier by focusing on the positive perspective. Great characters and writing!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the books in the Port Willis Romance series to date, and this one may be my favorite. (I think I say that every time I read a new Harrel book, lol, but it's still true.)

I loved catching up with recurrent characters from previous books, and also going back to Port Willis (where I very much would like to visit). Harrel continues to bring the town and its residents to life in the best of ways!

I received an eARC of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Like a Holiday Inn" by Lindsay Harrel was a sweet and lighthearted read! The characters were well developed and very likeable. I loved how Lindsay Harrel wove the whole idea of relationships into this fictional story. She had so many wise words on the subject! I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a good, quick, romantic novel.

I received this ARC of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Vickie Escalante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella from the Port Willis collection! Benjamin and Rebecca were perfect together. It's rare that the woman starts off as the Grinch, but Rebecca definitely was the one that needed to thaw. And Benjamin's playfulness was the perfect match to her grumpiness. Loved this addition to this series, but it could also be read as a standalone if you don't want to catch up with the series (though I have no idea why you wouldn't want to!).

[Joy Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Port Willis series! First, it always makes me want to pack my bag and take a trip to England. Second, it's full of wonderful characters. Lindsay makes it feel like you could easily step into this small community and be a part of it. And I always enjoy a good redemption story and Rebecca's (and even Benjamin's to a point) was fantastic. She wasn't all that lovable earlier in the series. I so wish we could get more from this series!

[Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Christmasy romance

I throughly enjoyed this sweet, Christmasy romance. It was just what I needed to lift my spirits. I loved the characters and their witty banter that drew you in to their relationship right from the start. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day! Sure wish I could read more about Port Willis!