Dreams and Secrets: An Enchanting Christmas Novella

by DiAnn Mills

DREAMS AND SECRETS by DiAnn Mills tells of the tender romance between Emma Leigh Carter and Thad Benson, who work together at the Jones Inn outside Philadelphia in the 1850s. Thad struggles with his dream of medical school and his growing attraction to Emma. Emma puts aside her feelings for Thad because she must help her family during her father's illness. Then Emma coordinates a Christmas gift exchange for the Inn's owner and Thad draws her name. In her marvelous easy-to-read storytelling style, DiAnn Mills blends the young couple's faith and their tender love into an enchanting Christmas story that will warm the hearts of readers from eight to eighty-eight.

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2021

About the author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:

Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
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Reviews

[Debbie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming Christmas read

This is such a sweet story and especially enjoyable to read during the holiday season. It is good to read about caring people and be reminded of what love looks like.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you back to a simpler time. The story that unfolds is one of the heart. We are reminded of the old custom of the man asking the father of his girlfriend if he can come courting. The girl's family is very poor and she must work to help support the family. But the thing that spoke to me most was the sheer joy of receiving simple gifts, like a cinnamon stick or a ribbon for your hair, or a written scripture verse. We are shown how these simple gifts can impact a person's life. My grown children and my husband and myself are at a place in our lives where if we want something we go buy it. This makes Christmas gift giving very difficult. But DiAnn has inspired me to try and think of something simple but very meaningful for each of them this Christmas.

Thank you, DiAnn, for the ebook. It is truly inspirational.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas tale

Thad wants to be a doctor like his father before him. He also wants to marry Emma Leigh, but there are problems. Overcoming the problems in pursuit of his goal makes for a sweet Christmas tale. A good, fast read, recommended for all romantics and Christmas story aficionados.

[Barbara Latta · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history lover, I was brought into the story through the scenes, lifestyles, and hardships of living in early America. The characters touched me in their gentle interaction. The way DiAnn Mills solved the dilemma of the characters giving Christmas gifts with little money was creative. This was a wonderful Christmas story that brings God into the picture without being preachy.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful light story of Emma and Thad's relationship. ( not Christmas but Easter just gone reading)
I was looking around at my authors to see what books were coming soon and I found this one I hadn't read. Was a lovely surprise.

[Phyllis White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Christmas favorite

This is an enchanting tale of love, faith, and trust. It will warm your heart from start to finish. I plan to read this CHRISTmas treasure each year.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the delightful love story of Thad and Emma Leigh. Warmed my heart to read it.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

This was lovely story with characters that pull on your heart strings. Filled with love and hope, great Christmas tale.