Like a Christmas Dream

Port Willis Romance #2

by Lindsay Harrel

“Follow your dreams” is not her family’s motto.

But this Christmas, Sarah’s doing the unthinkable—defying her wealthy parents.

Instead of fulfilling expected holiday obligations, she visits a quaint English village to help her estranged sister open her dream bakery. And yes, Sarah fully expects things to be awkward between them.

What she doesn’t expect?

Michael Hammett.

The charming British photographer challenges her perspective in more ways than one. Maybe, just maybe, she can choose a life outside of her parents’ control.

But when her father threatens the thing Sarah cares about most, will her newfound perspective be enough—or will living life on her own terms always be a distant dream?

You’ll adore this faith-filled romance, because everyone likes a heartwarming tale of sisterhood and love that can be enjoyed all year long.

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

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2020

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

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Seek God’s wisdom. And in the meantime, stop concerning yourself with what everyone else would have you do, even yourself.”

So happy to be back in Port Willis! The little town on the coast of Cornwall is such a magical place and I’ve so loved spending time there with Sophia, Ginny, and Joy. This novella lets us meet Sarah, Ginny’s older sister from Boston. The writing is easy-to-follow and lyrical (as is expected from Lindsay Harrel) and the characters are absolutely lovable. Reading the full-length novel and the novella preceding this one would be helpful in understanding all the characters in Sarah and Ginny’s life but not necessary to enjoy Sarah’s story of growth in love and faith. If you love Christmas novellas, you will definitely want to read this one.

Sarah is the determined, no-nonsense eldest child of the powerful and wealthy Bentley family from Boston who has always done what is expected of her. When she visits her sister Ginny, she finds healing, purpose and freedom as she reconnects with her estranged sister and connects in unexpected ways with Michael, a local photographer. Michael is so swoony with his steadfast faith, loyal and tender heart, and sweet and gentle ways. The story, told in third person, is through Sarah’s eyes and I wish I could have seen Michael’s thoughts for a few chapters but it is still a lovely read that will lift you up and have you believing in dreams again. I’m hoping for a novella about Warren soon! Though he’s a secondary character, he also captured my heart with his noble ways.

I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to return to Port Willis and catch up with some old friends and to find a new romance along the way! I just loved this novella! I finished this with a happy sigh!



I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah’s journey to finding her own path and finding her way back to God and to love, was a joy to read. I enjoyed catching up on characters we’ve met and also meeting new ones - some with lots of wisdom and others who had hero and gentlemen written all over.

Heartwarming and great Christmas read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
" ...now, I know that so much of a fairy tale ending is about trusting God to fight for me."

Lindsay Harrel pens a sweet Christmas romance in this novella filled with faith and new beginnings.
Her readers get to re-visit the fictional town of Port Willis when Sarah flees family expectations and responsibilities over the holidays to visit her estranged sister in Cornwall, England.

I love that Harrel can write fully fleshed out characters, even within the parameters of a novella. Although the setting is delightful and the romance sweet, it is Sarah's faith journey that tugged at my heart. Learning to measure one's value and find acceptance in God's eyes and not others is a thread that is woven seamlessly into the story.

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.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to gobble this sweet Christmas story up but with being my mom’s full time caregiver now my reading time is sparse. I was so happy to visit Port Willis again and peek into Ginny’s accomplishments and meet her sister Sarah. It was like visiting old friends while enjoying new. Sarah and Michael are great characters that warm your heart and have you longing to visit the spots they treasure, especially the lighthouse. Ms. Harrel has again captured a great novella that leaves you wishing it was full length as you don’t want to leave. Put this one on your must read Christmas novella list.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Courtney Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darling Christmas novella! Longer review to come.

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a Christmas novella!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a Christmas Dream was a lovely Christmas novella. It was such fun to be back in Port Willis and I enjoyed getting to see what was happening with the characters from The Secrets of Paper and Ink.

A short read, but worth the time.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Lou Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this Christmas story set in Port Willis, Cornwall. It continues the story that started in her book The Secrets of Paper and Ink. Like a Christmas Dream, is the second Christmas book in the series.
I loved revisiting the characters and setting from earlier books, as well as meeting Ginny’s sister Sarah. Lindsay Harrel manages to fit a lot of character development, plot, and romance into a small book. I especially enjoyed a large amount of spiritual content as the main character Sarah confronts her past decisions.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to be back in Port Willis and meeting Ginny's older sister Sarah. Ginny is about to open her bakery, but there are some snags that she didn't anticipate, Sarah tries to save the day for her sister, but instead, she learns about love through a handsome man named Michael, and consequently, she is inspired to open her heart back open to God, through avenues she never thought possible.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is as sweet as the Christmas season itself. Sarah Bentley is joining her sister, Ginny, in Port Willis for the Christmas season. Her greatest wish is to renew her relationship with Ginny, and also help her get ready for the bakery’s grand opening. Sarah works to help Ginny with an unexpected legal difficulty, and she’s also trying to reconcile giving up her own career dreams to meet her father’s expectations. As Sarah comes to love the people in Port Willis, she is surprised to find that she may find a love of her own, too. I loved that all throughout this story, there’s a strong theme of faith and of trusting God to make a way in difficult times.

If you’ve never read any of the other Port Willis books, you can still enjoy this one as a stand-alone story. But once you’ve read this one, you’ll want to read the other Port Willis books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Velma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time of year, I love to read Christmas themed books, and this was a fun little novella to read. After reading The Secrets of Paper and Ink, I fell in love with the fictional seaside town of Port Willis, England. I enjoyed this return to Port Willis with a new couple as the protagonists while still catching up with the lives of the characters from The Secrets of Paper and Ink as well as her first Christmas novella, Like a Winter Snow. Lindsay is one of my favorite authors, and this Christmas romance was a delight to read. I loved the truths of God's love weaved throughout the story of Sarah and Michael.
As is expected in a romance, we know the couple will end up together in the end, but the journey there was a lovely story told in a way that draws in the reader and gives you all the sweet feelings that a clean romance should without being cheesy.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay has created another lovely Christmas visit to Port Willis in "Like A Christmas Dream." I liked reconnecting with Ginny and the gang and meeting her sister Sarah. I enjoyed the story and I really liked meeting a few new faces that I hope we see again in future stories. All in all, this is another lovely Christmas read! Check it out if you like fun Christmas novellas!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Granne52]

Sweet, romantic fluff. Unfortunately I'm not really a fan.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read via Kindle. 4 stars.

Another great book in the series. I’ve never wanted to live in England but I want to move to Port Willis now! I love the characters and the quaintness.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL & HEARTWARMING!

Lindsay Harrel has provided me with my first Christmas themed book of the year. I must say she has certainly set the bar high for all my future Christmas reading! LIKE A CHRISTMAS DREAM is simply beautiful and heartwarming! Harrel has chosen the Cornish fishing village of Port Willis as the perfect setting of this novella. She has brought readers back to visit some of the characters from her novel THE SECRETS OF PAPER AND INK. She also introduces us to new main characters Sarah (Ginny’s sister) and Michael. Sarah has not seen her sister in over seven years since Ginny defied their parents and moved to Port Willis to follow her heart and her dreams. Ginny has sent the family an Invitation to the Opening of her latest venture a Bakery. Of course, their tyrannical father scoffs at the idea of anyone going to support Ginny. However, Sarah has had enough of being groomed to take over the Bennington Family Empire and makes a bold decision to go support Ginny in the Grand Opening of her Bakery.

Once Sarah arrives in Port Willis, she begins to be introduced to an entirely different way of living life. Not just things that are seen by outward appearances, but things that can only be seen by being allowed to peer into the windows of another person’s soul. For the first time, she feels like she sees her sister on this level. Then there is her friendship with Michael. He teaches her so much about life, God and herself as he teaches her the basics of photography. In other words, he teaches her “how to SEE things” with a different perspective. Two major things he teaches her to SEE are: 1) She is a person of infinite worth in God’s eyes; 2) She needs to understand the definition of Real Love. Daddy Dearest tries to snare her with the one thing left his arsenal that will break her. What transpires from that move allows Sarah to see that Christmas Dreams might just be able to come true!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novella by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Port Willis in this lovely novella! "Like a Christmas Dream" is a sweet novella about Sarah Bentley and her journey to  learn freedom in Christ and leaving behind burdensome expectations. I really enjoyed getting to know Sarah, seeing her reunite with her sister Ginny, and watch her relationship with the charming Michael blossom into something deeper. The faith message was very well written and intertwined through this novella. A truly delightful read!

[Joy Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Christmas trip back to Port Willis. Sarah's story had me rooting for her right from the start. I wanted to dislike Warren, but he truly is a kind soul and such a gentleman. I'm kind of hoping we will get Benjamin's story as well - to make all of the siblings' travel to Port Willis complete.

[Deon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on #KindleUnlimited

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next installment in the Port Willis series and is best read after The Secrets of Paper and Ink and Like a Winter Snow, but it can also be read as a standalone.

Sarah Bentley is at the end of her rope. Her parents, especially her father, are controlling and unloving. When her father makes it clear that Sarah is supposed to marry for business connections and take over the family business one day, she can't take it anymore. Soon she is on a plane bound for England, where she will surprise her sister Ginny and help her open a bakery in Port Willis, Cornwall. When they hit a roadblock and things don't go as planned, Sarah determines to fight for her sister using her knowledge as an attorney. When Sarah begins falling for Michael Hammett, the local photographer, she will have to decide who is the ultimate authority in her life.

I loved this outstanding novella and wanted more! I loved the realistic characters and the richly descriptive setting in England, which I have wanted to visit for a long time. The ocean and the small village were the perfect places to set this story. I personally related to Sarah's internal struggle and doubts about her life. This book encouraged me in ways I didn't know that I needed, and I am so thankful for this author's inclusion of biblical truths in her writing. I would love to read more about these characters and return to Port Willis again in the future. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.

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

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrel's latest novella is a sweet Christmas story that brings back beloved characters and places from "The Secrets of Paper and Ink." Sarah is struggling in the carefully crafted life that her family has guided, longing to know what's real and what is for show. She works dutifully in her father's business in order to be able to pursue the true calling in her life--advocating for those who are escaping abuse.

Sarah flees her perfect existence to reconnect with her sister, Ginny, labeled the black sheep of the family for following her heart, rather than "the plan." Sarah shows up unexpectedly and begins to help Ginny bring her dreams to fruition at the new bakery that will open soon. What Sarah doesn't expect is to meet the dashing Michael, whom she has more in common with than at first glance.

Does Sarah dare to defy her father's wishes? Should she take a chance on Michael or stay with the steady Warren, who happens to be the son of the man her father plans on merging his business with? And how will Ginny overcome new challenges in order to get her bakery up and running?

Romance, sweeping vistas and endearing characters transport the reader back to Port Willis. I loved this sweet novella and enjoyed traveling for an hour or two. I was an early reader, thanks to the author. All opinions are my own.

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

How is it that Lindsay Harrel packs so much punch in under 150 page!? Oh this story really is like a Christmas dream. I started it and couldn't stop. The characters, the situations, the settings, ALL OF IT!!! I loved it all. Take me back to Port Willis any day.

First of all, Sarah's character makes you feel like anyone can do the impossible. You can defy your wealthy parents and make it on your own. And I like it when that happens. While it may not seem like it's a realistic storyline, Harrel writes it in a way that it's believable and relatable. And for the record, I kind of want to go to England now ;)

Then enter Mr. Michael, photographer extraordinaire. He certainly added an element to the story that was not what I expected, but I loved. He was gentle, stable, and just there ya know? It's kind of hard to explain. He was exactly what Sarah needed, and me too for the record. In no way was their relationship forced, which is hard to do in a novella. Harrel wrote their relationship perfectly for this reader!

If you're looking for a great pick me up that has romance and a touch of Christmas, then this story is for you! I can't wait to visit this beautiful town again in a future installment! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you feel like your whole life has been controlled by your parents and it’s out of your hands? Do you go along and accept it, or do you fight and stand up for yourself even if it means losing everything or causing problems for others?
This is what Sarah was fighting against. All her life, Sarah's parents were in control of everything in her life, and it finally comes to a head. Can she be bold, or will she surrender and give up?
I loved this book because it shows how when we step out in faith God can bless us.
This story by author Lindsay Harrel is a sweet tale of tender love and a beautiful lesson of how God really does want to take our burdens.
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.
The relationships with friends and families are so real. When we can put ourselves in the character’s lives and understand the pains and joys, that is what makes a book great! This author has done that!
Another reason this book is sweet is, we get to visit with past characters from this author’s book, “Like a Winter Snow.”
So, add this book to your collection of enchanting Christmas stories of love.
I highly recommend you pick this book up.

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, this book is comfort reading at some of its finest.

Escaping to the British seaside, finding love, finding acceptance, reconciling past and future, and finding new beginnings (and let's not forget all the yummy baking--oh--and Christmas!!)--all of these heartwarming themes mold together into one delectable story. I highly recommend you read the rest of the Port Willis series before this one as there are so many wonderful storylines that all intersect in this book--and you definitely don't want to miss all the magic along the way.

I really liked that, even though this story was short, it still packed a powerful message of hope and the Father's love.

One thing I think is vital to remember though, as you revel in what this story underscores--the knowing that you are extravagantly loved by God--that there is so much more to His character and building a relationship with Him. Jesus said, "If a man love me, he will keep My words: and my Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23) Remember that His love is so much more than feeling--it is action, and obedience, and keeping. I love that God reminded me of that through this story.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and a positive review was not required.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Port Willis is becoming a favorite fictional small town of mine. I love the idea of visiting England (hope to make it an actual happening someday), so this little town is always fun to visit.
Sarah has a hard spot in life. She's caught between a rock and a hard place. Always trying to please her father and keep him happy, which means living a career at his high powered firm, so he keeps supporting her favorite non-profit organization where she is fulfilling her real calling.
Then she decides to go visit her sister in England and help her open her bakery.

This is a novella, so all romance happens rather quickly. It does seem like a rather likely possibility that she will follow in the footsteps of her sister and fall in love while abroad...

Not only is this story sweet and romantic, it also has an important truth for all of us. We are all loved because of who we are, not who we please. True love is not based on conditions.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniffle. Who knew that spending Christmas in a picture perfect English village would take me on such an emotional journey? Sarah’s position in her family is so precarious and her yearning to be recognized and appreciated is heartbreaking. I kept willing her to…well, I can’t say without posting a spoiler…but I became so invested in her emotional angst! And Harrel knows how to mix edgy with humour and heartwarming so a reader never feels completely overwhelmed.

And, of course, our British hero, Michael adds an interesting twist to the possibility of romance because, hello, there’s an entire ocean between them most of the time! Love his gentle, steadfast spirit, even though my heart ached for him as well.

I appreciate the significant spiritual content woven throughout the story as Sarah struggles to find a place where she can be accepted in all her glorious imperfection. So touching and uplifting!

While part of Lindsay Harrel’s Port Willis world, ‘Like a Christmas Dream’ reads well as a standalone novella, though the author’s fans will recognize some familiar faces within the secondary character line up which adds to the overall appeal that much more.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/11/26/l...

[Perrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay Harrel is a very skilled novella author, but for me personally the family dynamics hit a bit too close to home for me to fully enjoy it. Her parents are extremely controlling, even her job and non-profit that she runs on the side. She visits her estranged sister Ginny to help her with her new bakery start up in Cornwell, in defiance of her parents. I enjoyed the sister’s dynamics and Sarah’s budding romance, but I had a hard time with her overbearing parents.
This is book two in the Port Willis Romance series, but I feel that it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I have only read one of Lindsay Harrel’s full length novels, A Heart Between Us and I really enjoyed it. She has a really nice backlist which I intend to peruse.
I purchased a Kindle copy of this book from Amazon, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of Lindsay Harrel’s Port Willis stories was just what I needed and the December time frame was extra fun. Once again, this quaint little town with the gorgeous landscape was the perfect setting for characters to see things clearly. I appreciated the lessons learned by the main character in this romantic novella and she is a great addition to this already wonderful set of characters. The story line would make for a perfect movie, if they stick to this “script.” If you haven’t traveled to Port Willis with these characters before, Christmas time would be the perfect chance. The novella length is a good fit for a busy season too. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginny's sister Sarah feels stuck in her job as lawyer for her father's company in Boston. Though she is in her early 30's, her parents still want to control her life, even who she dates. When she is working for her non-profit organization helping defend women from domestic abuse, she feels most herself. After an invitation to Ginny's bakery opening in Port Willis, England comes, Sarah decides she will go. Her parents protest, but Sarah is adamant. After seven years, she wants to see her sister again, but certainly doesn't plan on meeting a handsome man who will cause her to question even more what she wants out of life and whose she is. He helps her see she has a Heavenly Father who shows her true love, unlike her earthly father. I enjoyed this return visit to Port Willis.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has some wonderful characters that will engrave a place on your heart! A wonderful book about Sarah becoming who God meant her to be. I loved the relationship between sisters each giving of themselves to each other. A beautiful lesson of loving yourself the way God loves and sees you, loving and helping others. The author does a fantastic job of pulling the reader in and keeps you hanging on every word. A beautiful sweet clean romance that fully captivates you with its tenderness. So much to love about this book including the delectable desserts that are talked about and the friendships that are formed.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.