A Christmas Dream: A Wholesome Holiday Romance

by Shanna Hatfield

He came to build the house of his dreams, but found a home for his heart.After an extensive search for the ideal location to build a house he’s spent years designing, Brant Hudson knows he’s found the perfect site the moment he sets foot on the land near Silver Bluff, Oregon. However, frustrating delays leave him laboring alongside the very crew he hired to finish the house in time for Christmas. His work leads the woman who catches his eye to believe he’s a carpenter rather than the owner of the grand manor.

Holland Drake grew up on a farm, but she aspires to secure a position as a housemaid at Hudson House. While delivering lunch to her brother at the worksite, the door opens to a job when Holland encounters a strikingly handsome carpenter whose charm captivates her. Soon, Holland discovers the enchanting man is none other than the owner of the house and her new employer.

As the holiday season arrives amid a flurry of excitement and possibilities, Holland and Brant face choices that could change their lives forever. Will fear hold them back from stepping into the future together, or will their Christmas dreams of love come true?

A Christmas Dream is the first book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.

Genres: Christmas, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t normally reach for novels set in the Victorian era because my blood boils reading about the gender ideology of the time. I can’t tell you why I reached for this one; I’ve never read anything by this author and am interested more in the subgenres of romance fiction. Perhaps it was the beautiful cover! However, this novel was FANTASTIC!

Why I like it:
✔️PNW setting
✔️Christmastime
✔️Spunky female
✔️He falls first
✔️Progressive, forward-thinking characters
✔️Clean romance
✔️read about the hiring of staff (more connected to them/invested from the beginning)
✔️Focus on building dreams

This is a great chance to start a new series. Don’t miss it! Holland Drake and Brant Hudson will pull on your heartstrings and you’ll be hoping they’ll burst free from societal constraints.

I can’t wait to see what the new year holds for those at Hudson House!

I was gifted this copy by Wholesome Hearts Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brant is determined to build his dream house but what is a house without a loving family. Can he find the love of his life even when it’s not someone within his status?
I really loved this story and can’t wait what this author has in store for the next generations.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always get excited when I hear Shanna Hatfield is writing another book. A Christmas Dream is the first in the Hudson House Holiday series and it didn't disappoint. It is a sweet romance with characters who are easy to love and a setting I wish I could live in.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Dream was a great beginning to the Hudson House Holiday Series. Brant Hudson and his sister Eloise left the east coast and a greedy, nasty family and headed to SanFrancisco. Brant and his brother-in-law built a shipping company and more. Brant and his BFF, also his assistant were looking at land for Brant to build his dream home. He had been planning if for years and when he saw the land on the Columbia River, he fell in love. On the outskirts of Silver Bluff, Oregon, he and Remington build the house, staff it and move in. Brant wants more than just business and a beautiful home and from the first moment he sees Holland Drake, he is in love. The problem is that Holland works for Brant. Will they move beyond the employer/employee relationship to fall in love and become a couple?

This is a romance, so we know that they will, but this is a lovely story of how they get there. I really enjoyed getting to know Brant, Remington, Holland, her sister Savannah and the rest of her family. Brant is a perfect gentleman, as well as a caring human being. When he sees a woman and her son who look like they are in trouble at the train station, he steps in and helps them out. Dulce becomes his cook and eventually sister-in-law, but she is loyal to the end. All the employees love working at Hudson House, and their loyalty never wavers. I really enjoyed how they celebrated Christmas, inviting the staff to a lovely luncheon, giving gifts to the families and children, then the Christmas Eve ball where the community is invited as well. Hudson House is the center of the community and helps to keep Silver Bluff from becoming a ghost town. Of course there is a slow burn romance, one that is sweet and when they finally realize they love each other, I smiled from ear to ear. A wonderful, sweet story that I very much enjoyed.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about The Hudson House and its owner, Brant Hudson! Everyone in Silver Bluff is SO excited about the mansion being built on the top of the mountain! Maybe, thinks Holland Drake, she and her sister, (whose family owns the land is next door), could get jobs as housemaids there! Their brother, Denver, is a great carpenter and he has been building on the house since Brant started it! One day, Holland delivers lunch to her brother and meets one of the other carpenters. Her heart beats faster, and so does his! Fairly soon, she finds out that the man she’s been bringing lunch to and picnicking with, is actually Brant Hudson!! How could he have led her on and not told her the truth about who he was? He said “Just call me Alex”. Well, his first name WAS Alexander. He didn’t lie. But, he’d already gone through two relationships just to find out the women only cared about his money! This way he could find out if Holland fell in love with him for HIMSELF without having to wonder if she was after his money! Of course, they fall in love, but this story is so amazing-all of the little details we are told about…I can’t encourage you enough to get this book for yourself! It’s one that you will smile about long after you’ve read and put it away! I may have to take time to read it twice! I was on the AR team and this is my own review. ♥️📖♥️

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this charming story, we meet Brant Hudson. He is a skilled businessman who has separated from his family to build his dream mansion in Silver Bluff. As our story progresses, can I admit I would like to move there?! Brant is charming and isn't worried about what people think. We get to live among the people of Silver Bluff through our very talented author. I loved going through the building process with Brant as he does a lot of the work himself right alongside the people hired to build his dream house. He then needs to hire staff. Among the housekeepers we meet Holland Drake. Her sister and brother both end of being hired. Brant's first interaction with Holland has him captivated, but he is the owner and on a very different station in life and she is a hired housekeeper. He enjoys meeting and differs with her family which he has missed out on with his own family. Can his world and hers collide and survive? You won't want to miss out! You will be totally drawn into the world of Silver Bluff and the characters in this story! I was sad to end it, but thankfully you can then go on to the next one in this series of four books!

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Dream was a beautiful story perfect for the upcoming holiday. It's rich in Historical detail and the full descriptions of the house help immerse the reader into the experience, fairly transporting them there. Granted, this made the first chapters longer than I'm used to, but I was prepared for it given that this is also the first book in a (generational) series. Still, Hudson House is as much part of the story as Holland Drake and Brant Hudson (talk about an interesting character!) I loved their meet-cute, how and when she learned the truth (her reaction is priceless), and their sweet romance. 🥰 It was beautiful seeing them fall for each other, getting to know both Brant's generous, charming, thoughtful heart, and Holland's sweet and fiery disposition. Of course, the secondary characters make this book alive, and I loved the surrounding community (from their respective families to the different members of Silver Bluff). This is a great Christmas read with a satisfyingly sweet HEA and I'll be checking out the next one in the series. ~ 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brant Hudson is the 3rd son of a millionaire in the 1890s. "The Spare". He sets off from NY with his sister and brother-in-law to start a business in San Francisco. They become successful. In all of Brant's travels, he has kept designs of the house he wants to one day build. Remington has been his friend and butler since they were 15. When they come to Silver Bluff, OR, Brant knows he's found the location for his house. It takes 3 years to build, but it's finally the dream that he knew it would be. He meets the people of the community and even though he's a millionaire, he isn't one to look down on others because of class or wealth. When he meets Holland, he is smitten. She takes a job at the mansion. She feels that she isn't good enough for him. She's just a country girl. He needs a wealthy debutante as his wife, but they realize that they would never be happy with anyone else. Precious book!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandt is a self made millionaire and third son of a wealthy family from New York City. As the third son, he has always felt unnecessary. He heads West in 1889 and finds a plot of land on the Columbia River in Oregon that feels like home to him. He starts building his dream home and contributes to the labor in order to build it faster. He buys up additional land to expand his dream home to include beef cattle, crops, and pigs. One of his carpenters, Denver, lives only a few minutes away by horse and their orchards border. When Brandt meets Denver's sister, Holland, a true farmers daughter, it is love at first sight. He and Holland come from different worlds but as they work on their friendship and Holland works in his home as a maid, they see each other through eyes that are focused on what is truly important. A wonderful Christmas tale!

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brant Hudson, a wealthy businessman, has come to Silver Bluff, Oregon, to build his dream home. Wanting to have the house finished in time for a Christmas visit from his sister and her family, Brant pitches in to help.

Holland Drake, a farmer's daughter, is hoping to become a housemaid when Hudson House is complete. While taking lunch to her brother, who is a carpenter at the house, she mistakenly thinks Brant is also a worker.

A Christmas Dream is the first book in the Hudson House Holiday series by Shanna Hatfield. Reading about the Christmas celebrations in this historical romance was extra special as they were inspired by the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. I always enjoy stories set in familiar places to me. I loved the sea otter reference.
 
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review. 

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Holland meets Brent, she is under the impression he is a carpenter, working with her brother on a magnificent mansion on a huge estate in Oregon. She soon discovers that he is not a lowly carpenter but the millionaire owner of the mansion. Holland is extremely upset with his subterfuge, but he wanted her to know him for himself, not for his wealth. Can Brent convince her that she is the woman for him regardless of their differences?

This is a fun read with hilariously funny moments. It also contains good biblical principles and family dynamics.

Quotes: “We just have to trust in God’s plans, even if we haven’t the slightest idea what they might be.”
“Brant felt a little nudge in his spirit to speak to her.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Dream looks to be the first in the Hudson House series by Shanna Hatfield. This is Brant Hudson’s story, who is also the builder of the house in the Silver Bluff, Oregon area. The building of the house as well as his relationship with Holland Drake, who grew up the area, has some bumps in the road. He falls for Holland but pretends to be a worker on the house with he has started helping with because of the time frame it has taken to get build. I like both of these characters, somewhat understanding Brant’s reasoning. However, he knew it was wrong, then it is a question of rather his wealthy family with accept her a farm girl. A lovely wholesome story with genuine problems that still exist today.

Taking place in the 1890’s this is a wonderful start to the series. Recommend to all historical romance fans who love a great story with amazing characters.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy reading this ARC!

What a delightful story about two people who compliment each other so well! I loved getting to know Brant and Holland, and follow along on their journey of love. Holland came from a delightful, hard working family that truly loves each other in such an affectionate way, that it's totally understandable how Brant was so drawn to her and the Drake family as a whole. Denver, Savannah, and Eloise were quite amusing as well, wanting the best for their siblings. Family values, generosity, and faith are also key themes here.

I think this is the perfect holiday read... one that isn't a cringy Hallmark Christmas romance. With this being the first of Shanna Hatfield's books that I have had the pleasure of reading, I look forward to reading more and would recommend this book to anyone.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Dream

This is a sweet story of two young people who are unlikely to be suitable for a romantic relationship. Brant Hudson is building an estate near Silver Bluff which he intends to be his dream home after traveling the world. Being the third son, his father made it plain that he would have no part in the family business. Brandt has built his fortune on his own when he partnered with his brother in law and moved west. Holland Drake has grown up on a farm just outside of town and looks forward to applying to work as a housemaid at the mansion being built on the estate close to her parents farm. When she meets Brandt and mistakes him as a worker, he doesn’t correct her. Sparks flew and she was immediately drawn to him. What will happen when she discovers the truth? How can a farm girl/housemaid ever have a chance with someone like Brandt?

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book in a new series.  Brant Hudson had plans for his dream house, the Hudson House, if he could only find the perfect location to build it.  I liked that when he arrived at Silver Bluff in Oregon he knew he was home.
It seemed to take forever to build the house which had to be done by Christmas when his sister and her family would arrive.  I enjoyed that Silver Bluff also brought Brant to meet Holland, his new housemaid.  It was interesting how she first met him and what she said about Brant, the new owner.  I liked that this story took place in 1889 and I enjoyed the whirlwind romance. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Vicci Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a fan of historical fiction, HOWEVER, Shanna ever so skillfully weaves a tale that makes you reassess your historical disinterest. I did not want this book to end! It was so good and I can’t wait to see how Brant and Hollands family grows and changes in the rest of the upcoming series! Brant was both fun, considerate and determined. Holland is an absolute treat and knows her own mind! Their growth and communication was so believable and well written from the pear orchard incident to the Christmas Ball. Even though there are some miscommunication moments it was a really fun read and I can’t wait for the rest of the series! I will be trying the recipe that Holland made Brant. An absolute 5 star plus read

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to fully dive into this book, but once I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down. Brant and Holland stole my heart -- they are such wonderful characters. The setting is absolutely breathtaking, and I can’t help but imagine how incredible it would be to see a house like the one Brant built come to life. The story itself was so uplifting and heartwarming that I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I read. Near the end of the book, my hubby interrupted my reading, and I had to tell him, "I’m just at the Cinderella moment!" If you’re looking for a feel-good, unforgettable story, I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams do come true.

Brant is very likable, a man searching for where he belongs. It was sad how his wealthy family didn’t see his worth; he was just their extra son. He was so much more: kind, compassionate, generous, hard working, and a tad stubborn. Holland is feisty, energetic, sweet, and a tad stubborn. Together they are awesome.

Brant built his dream house and met Holland while doing it. Holland met the man of her dreams in her wealthy neighbor. They were an unconventional couple, it seemed, but they were meant for each other.

I liked the story; it was strong on family relationships and loyalty, and had a good faith foundation in the characters’ lives. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series! Brant wants to be accepted for who he is, not his wealth. Holland has an instant attraction to “Alex” who is laboring beside her brother. But when he admits he is actually “Mr. Hudson” she doesn’t see how a common farmer’s daughter can ever be worthy of him. You will be fully engaged as this sweet, inspirational romance unfolds! As expected, Shanna Hatfield brings a charming group of characters to life and paints a picture with words that makes you part of the story. You will see the mansion as it is completed and smell the delectable treats that are being cooked in the kitchen. I can’t wait for the next story in the series!

[Soleil Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance and great series'starter. I enjoyed how the romance takes time to bloom between the characters and the parallel with Hudson House slowly taking shape, coming to life with the characters and becoming home instead of just a gorgeous building. It's a lovely and clean historical romance with Downtown Abbey's vibes.
I was disappointed at first when I read book #2's sneak peek because it takes place many years later but it's delightful in reality because I'm sure we'll get to know what happened to all the characters who were in book #1! The book begins with Sarah (Holland and Brant's daughter) and her best friend. I can't wait to read it!

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up most of the night reading this wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romance inspired by the Biltmore Estate (Asheville, North Carolina), which I visited in 2015 and thankfully was not harmed during Hurricane Helene late September 2024. Shanna Hatfield's whimsical style shines in this well written page turning historical romance with delightful characters (Holland and Brant), believable conflicts of interest misunderstanding and social status, and a satisfying resolution. The descriptive passage helped this reader visualize Silver Bluff, Oregon and the opulence of the Hudson Manor House. Recipe for Pear Custard Pie included.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning in the new series, A Hudson House Holiday, by Shanna Hatfield.
Brant has dreamed of building his house for years. Now he’s close to achieving that goal when he meets Holland and is instantly attracted. He wants her to like him for himself not his money so he pretends to be one of the workers.
Brant begins to hire his staff which is made up of an eclectic group.
The attraction between Brant and Holland grows but she questions whether the wealthy man from a snobbish family can truly want a farmer’s daughter.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean, Oregon historical...

Set just before the turn of the century, Brant Hudson is three years in to building his dream manor. Think Pittock Mansion set closer to Pendleton in the Gorge. Its a love letter to a mansion that he's building and Brant is super interested when Holland Drake brings lunch for her brother, Denver. He hides that he's the owner and pretends he's just Alex, working on the manor.

I really liked that this was set in Oregon and it captures that timeframe. Holland is pretty and looking for work as a housemaid. Brant knew he was building his dream house, but now that includes Holland Drake.
Recommend.

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet romance by Shanna Hatfield. Brant Hudson, a millionaire disowned by his family, makes a new life for himself in the west. As he is building his dream house, which is more like a castle, he meets a charming farmer's daughter who captures his heart. She is a maid in his house, but their love, and the magic of Christmas, bring them together. A great story. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

I received a copy of this book as an ARC, but this is an honest review and my sincere thoughts.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Dream is such a good book. I fell in love with Brant right away, and of course, with the feisty Holland. I had to chuckle at Holland’s reaction during a scene when she was upset with Brant. It was too funny! Brant and Holland are both hard workers, despite their difference in financial standing, and it was so enjoyable to read about both of them having their dreams come true. This book is very well written and definitely paves the way for some great stories with the books to come in the Hudson House Holiday Series.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An endearing story of love conquers all. Set in a time period when social class distinction was the norm, Brant from a well to do family and Holland from a working-class family meet and are smitten with one another that develops into something more. I loved the comradery that was so much a part of all the characters and how it played out in how they treated each other with dignity and respect. It left me with a desire to visit their community and be a part of their thoughtfulness and kindness.
R. Fody
Nov. 6, 2024

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story about finding your home. Home doesn't always mean the house you live in, but the people around you. Brant's parents were not loving people. The only person he is close to is his sister. He has made a life for himself away from family and is very happy. He is building the house that he always dreamed of and has a great business. When he sees Holland, he knows that she is his forever. He is a wealthy businessman and came from a family with quite a lineage. She has been hired to work in his house. What can she offer this man? She is just a poor farmer's daughter. Brant thinks she is sunshine and has a hard time convincing her that he doesn't care about where she comes from. She comes from a large, loving family and that is what he wants. Can he convince her?

[Cindy y · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a new series! And this one will span multiple generations, I am so looking forward to all of them.
This was a great story. Brant and Holland are such opposites to society, being from different economic backgrounds. But their hearts are both kind, generous and loving - they have more in common than even they know at the beginning. I loved reading their story, but learning so much about their friends and family made it so much richer.
I received a copy of this book by the author, but my review is my own.

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical novel. It is really good. The two main characters are Holland and Brant. Brant is building a house next door to Holland’s family ranch. Her brother is doing the wood work in the house. Holland and her sister take lunch to her brother and meet Brant. There is an attraction. Holland is hired to be a housekeeper in Brant’s new house. Brant tells Holland that she is his sunshine in his day. They see each other every day, until Christmas Eve Brant tells Holland he loves her. He ask her to marry him, she says yes.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful start to a new series. brant is a self made millionaire that has found the perfect place to build his home holland and her sister want work at the house as maids . his sister decides to come early and help him hire people for the house. this is a well written story about a person with money and others just getting buy but all have compactions and help others looking forward to the next book. i was given a copy but this is an honest review