A Christmas Spark

by Shanna Hatfield

Will Christmas spark a romance that blooms into lasting love? After losing his brother and part of himself on a French battlefield during the Great War, Kase Hudson seeks refuge from the haunting memories at his childhood home. He finds solace in carving wooden Santa figurines in his workshop in the stables that he sends to gift shops to sell. Kase distances himself from his family’s unwanted sympathy until his sister, Sarah, arrives for the holidays with her vibrant friend. He never expected beautiful Dori to breathe warmth and joy into the house right along with his heart.

With no family of her own, photographer Dori Stanford eagerly accepts Sarah Hudson's invitation to join her for Christmas at her family’s home in Oregon. The two friends travel from their college in California to Silver Bluff, excited to spend the holidays at Hudson House. Once they arrive, Dori makes it her mission to connect with Sarah’s sullen brother, Kase, and draws him into the wonder of the season.

Will her persistence and encouragement be the spark Kase needs to step out of the past and into his future—possibly one that includes Dori?

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

Genres: Romance, Christmas

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 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

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope brings peace.

Kase’s life has been up-ended by the Great War and the death of his beloved older brother. He lives in solitude, grief, and pain. Dorthea “Dori” is a childhood acquaintance and friend of his sister; she comes for a visit at Christmas and brings with her light, joy, and happiness. Kase allows himself to start to hope again for a normal life and is drawn to Dori. Their friendship gently turns into love over that holiday break.

I enjoyed the transformation that happened in Kase’s life as he let go of grief and anger and let God and Dori’s kindness and love heal his heart. I know our veterans carry many scars that are seen and unseen; this story gives hope that they can live again full and happy lives. Kase’s faith in God, even though he couldn’t always understand, is a strong foundation for him and his family’s love and support held him up.

I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brant and Holland Hudson are happily living in Hudson House and the estate is flourishing. They have three children, Brant, Kase and Sarah. When the Great War breaks out, Brant and Kase go to fight. Brant is killed on a French battlefield with Kase right beside him. Kase survives with an injury to his leg, but he returns home. He is bereft. With survivor's guilt, he hides away from the memories of his childhood and lives in the rooms over the stables. He becomes a master carver, but keeps distant from everyone, including his family. Sarah is going to University with her best friend Dori. Dori's parents were killed when the ship they were on was sunk by the Germans. She was taken in by her mother's best friend, Eloise, Brant Hudson's sister. It's Christmas Break and both Sarah and Dori head to Hudson House for the holidays. Sarah knew Kase from childhood visits, but when she sees him now, she had strong feelings for him. Dori's father was a well known photographer, and she brought boxes of photos from their home to sort through knowing many were of the Hudson family and their staff. When Sarah arrives, she won't allow him to hide out, so he begins to come to meals and even game nights in the parlour. He was not expectiing Sarah's beautiful and vibrant friend to breathe warmth and joy into the house right along with his heart.

I have read the whole series and I enjoyed this one the most. Kase was a sympathetic character and I wanted him to come out of his depression and rejoin his family. PTSD was not identified back then, but his nightmares definitely were difficult ones. Dori was so patient with him. Leaving him little notes, inviting him to help her sort the pictures and accepting his invitation to view the estate, they gradually began to have deeper feelings toward one another. Of course with a romance, you know they will eventually get together, but it was a sweet romance with great characters and a wonderful setting. A great addition to the Hudson House Holiday series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second installment of the Hudson House Holiday series, whether you have read the first one or not - you are going to be swept into the town of Silver Bluff. We meet Kase Hudson who has come home from the Great War after going through the horrible tragedy of having his brother die while jumping in front of him. He goes home and can't get over it and becomes a recluse. He takes refuge in carving wooden Santa figurines in his workshop. His sister Sarah comes home for the holidays with an expected friend who used to stay with them in her childhood, Dori.

Dori is living a lonely life with no family and loves her friend Sarah's family who treat her like their own daughter. She loves photography and is a very talented photographer. The spark of love is there but she doesn't think Kase can convert her little girl image he has of her to the woman she has become. and Kase doesn't think she could love someone with so much emotional baggage. Through Dori's love of life, she starts to draw him out little by little. Can they get on the same page and can he heal enough to let love back in his live?

Will her persistence and encouragement be the spark Kase needs to step out of the past and into his future—possibly one that includes Dori?

Don't miss this 2nd in the series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the heart of Christmas! If you haven't read #1) A Christmas Dream, you'll want to read that. After you finish this one #2) A Christmas Spark, you will for sure want to read the next in the series: #3) A Christmas Love! ENJOY!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet Christmas romance is filled with wonderful characters. There is so much emotion -I laughed and cried. Kase watched as his brother, standing next to him during WWI, was hit by a mortar and died instantly. After losing part of his own thigh, Kase returned home to Hudson House in Oregon but was so filled with despair at losing his beloved brother, Drake, that he hid out, living above the family stables, rarely interacting with anyone. Dori's parents were killed two years ago when the ship they were sailing on was torpedoed. After cleaning out her parents home, she went to live with her mother's best friend, Aunt Eloise and her husband. When Dori's best friend from college, Sarah Hudson, invites her to go to stay at Hudson House for the Christmas break between college semesters, she and Sarah ride in the Hudson family private railroad car for the trip. When Kase shows up at the Silver Bluffs train station to pick the girls up, he is smitten by Dori's beauty and feels something positive for the first time in almost 2 years. I love the wonderful notes that Dori writes with inspirational messages on them.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved getting to go back to Hudson House and meet the next generation, Holland and Brant’s family, particularly their grandson who was injured in the war, while his brother was killed while standing right beside him! His sister Sarah, and her friend Dorthea, Dori for short, are coming to Hudson House for Christmas. Dori makes it her mission to get Kase out if his hole where he had been staying in the barn, and get back to being a part of his family. Of course, they knew each other, but hadn’t seen each other in several years. Kase sort of falls head over heels for Dori. All of a sudden, instead of staying in the barn, woodcarving, he starts coming inside and eating with the family. Then, he laughs and teases with his sister, This book is just excellent, fulfilling, and inspiring to read! I hope you’ll get your copy and enjoy it as much as I did. I am on the AR team and this is my honest review. 🙏♥️🙏♥️🤗🤗

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story about Dori Stanford, her friend, Sarah Hudson and Sarah's brother Kase.  It showed how the Great War had affected Kase and the rest of the Hudson family and how Kase struggled to overcome the effects the war had on him as he had seen his brother, Drake killed and felt guilty he had survived.
I liked that Sarah and Dori spent their college holiday break at the Hudson House, where Dori seemed to bring joy and sunshine to Kase's world.  It was a beautiful, touching story of a Christmas spark between them and hope for the future.
This book had such wonderful characters that brought the book to life.  I enjoyed the fun Christmas activities held at Hudson House.  I could not put this book down.  I look forward to the next book in this series.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great follow up to the first novel of the Hudson House Holiday series. This story takes place in 1918-19 and we are introduced to the next generation, Kase, Dori, and Sarah, and others. Kase has returned from WWI with what would be labeled as PTSD. He is a recluse that spends his time carving Christmas ornaments. I first met him in “Dear Miss Nichols” and was hoping he would get his own story so I could learn more about him. Dori arrives at Hudson house with his sister Sarah for the Christmas Holidays. As Kase and Dori spend time together, Kase becomes less of a recluse and he becomes more involved with his family and friends. It was magical watching Kase and Dori fall in love and how that love changed both of them. Also, some interesting historical facts are woven into the story like a Doble car and a game called SPOOF.
R. Fody
November, 11, 2024

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading more of the Hudson House series and getting to know Kase and Dori. I thought it was such a good idea when Dori did little things to encourage Kase, and I was glad that Dori was able to ignite that spark in Kase that helped him want to join in with the family again. It was fun to get a glimpse into the carvings that Kase was so good with, as well as the photography of the times that Dori enjoyed so much. I also loved seeing more of Brant and Holland and all of the extended family that we got to know in the previous book in this series. It was great to see that Brant and Holland were as much in love as ever and were a great example of love that endured through the years during good times and bad. The little things that this author adds to her books make them come alive and show that she puts a lot of research into the time in which the book is set. Great read!

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story by Shanna Hatfield. This is a sweet romance demonstrating the power of love to bring healing and restoration. Kase has returned from WWI with a physical injury, but more crippling is his emotional despair and survivor's guilt. When his sister comes home for Christmas with her best friend, a girl Kase remembers as an annoying teen, he is instantly drawn to her cheerful spirit and beautiful heart. As they spend time together, he slowly comes out of his depression and rejoins the family for the holiday celebrations. It is so beautiful to watch his transformation as he gives into loving and being loved. I loved seeing Brant and Holland as parents and the example of their love to those around them.


I received a copy of this book from the author, but this review is my honest thoughts and feelings.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story about the Hudson family.

Kase returns from WW l suffering from PTSD, although it was not recognized at that time. He suffers from depression and nightmares, withdrawing from his family and friends. Dori is an old family friend from his childhood. When she comes home with his sister for the holidays, can she help him out of his depression and get over his anger at God?

This is a lovely story about not only a young man and woman, but about an entire family. Shanna Hatfield does an incredible job of portraying each family member and the love they have for each other. The story contains humor, sweet romance, and wonderful Christian content such as prayer and trusting God for His purposes. I also appreciated the historical elements of the 1920s.

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

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kase Hudson is the son of Brant and Holland. The story takes place in the 1920s. Kase and his brother, Drake were in WWI. Drake was killed and Kase injured in the same mortar blast. Kase is home and walks with a limp. Kase is in a very dark place. His sister, Sarah, is in college in San Francisco staying with Aunty Eloise. She comes home for Christmas and brings her best friend, Dori. Sarah and Dori have been friends forever. Kase knew her growing up, but was shocked at the beautiful woman she had become. Dori's parents were photographers and were killed during the war as well. Dori and Kase know of the pain of war first hand. Dori wants to befriend him and help him out of the darkness. Kase finally begins to see that he doesn't have to carry the guilt of the war around. Such a sweet book.

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kase Hudson, the youngest son of Brant and Holland (A Christmas Dream), returned home to Silver Bluff, Oregon, from the war feeling angry and guilty. Seeking solitude, Kase hides in the stables making wood carvings.

Dorthea "Dori" Stanford is a photographer and attends college classes in California with her best friend Sarah, Kase's sister. Having lost her parents during the war, Sarah brings Dori home to Hudson House with her for the holidays.

A Christmas Spark is the second book in the Hudson House Holiday series by Shanna Hatfield. I loved this historical romance. I especially enjoyed the storyline involving Kase's faith. The references to some Pendleton residents were a nice bonus.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review. 

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the next generation of the Hudson House. Kase comes back from the Great War with an injury and a whole lot of guilt. He was standing next to his brother when his brother was hit with a shell and killed. Kase was injured, but he came home, Drake didn't. For over a year he has been living half of a life. Then one day his little sister comes home with her friend, Dori. All of a sudden Kase's heart came back to life. As they go through the Christmas season, Dori does everything to encourage Kase to rejoin the world. They also fall in love. Dori is going back to school and Kase will stay in Silver Bluff. What if she forgot all about him while she was gone? Is there some way they could be together until she finishes school?

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you mix two slightly broken people together sometimes magical healing happens. This was the case for Kase and Dori when the magic seemed to start from their meeting and continued throughout the story. I loved the beautiful descriptions of their creativity that were woven throughout the story - I really wanted to see some of Kase's creations and have a Santa just for me. Dori's photos sounded great, the way she focussed on people and capturing memories. This was a story that captured me from the start and didn't let me go until the end - it made me sigh, get warm fuzzies and want to dress up to be part of the ball. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Hudson House! Kase Hudson has returned home without his brother who died beside him in the Great War. He has shut himself off from his family as he deals with survivor’s guilt and bad memories. His sister arrives home for the holiday’s with her best friend Dori. Dori brings light and all things good back into Kase’s life. You will thoroughly enjoy this inspirational love story of family and renewal. You will stay up too late reading this one! This is a standalone story but you will want to read the first one in the series to understand all the family dynamics. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

[Soleil Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a welcomed spark in this busy time of the year at work! I couldn't wait to come back home and wrap myself in a plaid and this good story. It's the 2nd book in this series and I really like how the author makes the Hudson House a character itself: it's a link between the different periods of time and the different generations.
I liked the characters: both wounded by the war. The hero deals with PTSD and it makes him so deep, trying to deal with it and still be a blessing to the people around him.
At the end of the book, I didn't want it to finish.
I can't wait for Book #3!
I've found my favorite author!

I was given a free copy and this is my honest review.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas romance inspired by the Biltmore Estate (Asheville, North Carolina). This reader of Shanna Hatfield loved the premise of the series, and usually her whimsical style shines with delightful characters, believable conflicts, and a satisfying resolution. BUT while I appreciate an author including background information from previous stories in the series, Chapter 1 was lengthy and confusing with too many characters, too much detail and NO Family TREE is included. I did not finish this story of Kase Hudson and photographer Dori Standford with its WW1 setting. I was intrigued with the Santa figures. Recipe for Buttermilk Pie included.

[Mrs. Darcy or Mrs. Columbo? · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Star Rating

It was a five up until about halfway through the book. Then, there were a few discrepancies that irked me.

1. Love magically healing ptsd.
2. Random Christianity moments.
3. A "tradional girl" with a strict upbringing in regards to men making out several times with a man she only considers a "friend" and plans no future with.
4. Two intelligent, hardworking individuals who love each other but aren't willing to express their emotions or even try to make a relationship work when they have the means and support to.


I really enjoyed the photography, family/friends, Christmas time and historical elements. Brief but sweet.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back at Hudson Estate. Holland and Brant's children, Drake, Kase, and Sarah, have grown up. Drake and Kase were fighting in the Great War when tragedy struck. Drake was killed, and part of Kase's thigh was blown away. When Kase returned home, he pretty much became a recluse.

Sarah brought a friend, Dori, home to spend Christmas with her family. Kase picked them up at the train depot. Dori didn't look like he remembered her. She had grown into a beautiful woman. Would he take an interest in her? Or would he continue to stay to himself?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving this series! The Christmas Spark continues the story of the beautiful Hudson House and the family that lives there. Kase has returned from WW1 and is recovering from a horrible injury as well as the loss of his brother. He hides himself away from most everyone and spends his time doing beautiful carvings from wood. Along comes Dori, an old friend from when Kase was younger. She has grown into a beautiful, caring woman and is just what is needed to help Kase heal emotionally. Their love story is very uplifting and I, once again, couldn’t put this book down. I hope this book bring you as much enjoyment as I got out of it.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dori and Kase have each faced devastating losses recently. He is coping by separating himself from others, but he's drawn to his sister's friend Dori.
She's the spark that reignites his heart, but what will happen when she returns to school?

This is one of those stories that carries a range of emotions, from grief to love and joy. It's short but doesn't feel rushed. The characters and situations, even the hard ones, all seemed realistic.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Shanna Hatfield’s books! Not only are they very well edited, they also have such sweet, engaging characters, and are actually factual and real as for many of the things that are going on in the world around them!
This book was no different in that respect. And I loved that it was about the next generation from the previous book in the series. We got to witness what was happening in the lives of beloved characters from the previous book, as well as the new characters that this one was about.
I enjoyed this book, as well as the previous book immensely.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that touched me deeply. Soldiers go through so much that we can't even imagine, then they come home and we expect them to act and be normal. Reading this story about how Kase was able to, for the most part, overcome the horrors of war; watching his brother be killed, it was emotional for me. How Shanna can really articulate the PTSD, and how Kase was feeling, well, I'll just say that God blessed her with a special gift that she has used wonderfully with all of her books.
This series is such a great series, but I say that about all of her books!

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Hudson House Holiday series by Shanna Hatfield.
Kase and his brother were in the war in France where Drake was killed and Kase was injured. He became reclusive when he got home and enjoys doing wood carvings.
Dori is a family friend who has known Kase’s family since she was a child.
During the visit at Christmas, Dori and Kase spend time together and he seems to be coming out of his shell.
Can a family friend make a difference in his mindset?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Cindy y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kase and Dori’s story. She is an orphan, he is heir to the Hudson fortune. Yet they both have deep scars due to the caused by the war. Kase has withdrawn, even sequestered himself from his family. He not only was injured in the war, but saw his brother die. When Dori arrives for the holidays with his sister, he is drawn to her light and her joy.
This is such a sweet story of compassion and healing of the heart. And a little twist at the end I totally did not expect!

I received a copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary and my own opinion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Spark is a story of the second generation at Hudson House. Sarah takes her friend Dori home to Hudson House for Christmas and New Years celebrations. Kase Hudson picks them up at the train station. Kase is a very miserable young man. Will Christmas bring joy into Kase Hudson’s life? Read this delightful book and find out. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Desiree Luhnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Spark is set in 1920, shortly after WW I. It is Book 2 of the Hudson House Holiday series. I enjoyed this story of the second generation to live in the Hudson House. Kase is a wounded vet who has lost so much because of the war. It is sweet to see Dori, who has losses of her own due to the war, bring light and joy to Kase’s world. The book is uplifting and encouaging. A really good read.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Christmas Series

I always enjoy this authors books and I'm really enjoying this series. I thought the first book was wonderful and this second one didn't disappoint. I do enjoyed Kase and Dori's story. These two are so good for each other. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous book. A captivating read that I didn't want to put down. I anxiously await the next book.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in this series with walking wounded Kase who returns from the war with so much guilt that he withdraws from his family until his younger sister brings her friend Dori home with her for the Christmas Holiday. Where Kase and Dori have both lost so much she has chosen to live life to the fullest and that is what has inspired Kase to live life as well. Lovely inspirational book.

[Lisa Conaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good cozy winter read

I found this story of two people, seemingly opposites, a wonderful delight. The historical details helped me see the times and experiences of the time with the backdrop of wealth. However, the characters were shown to be good and kind. I would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good cup of chocolate or tea or coffee on a quiet afternoon and ready to immerse herself or himself in bygone times with lovable characters. By