Her Unexpected Christmas Guest

by Patricia Lyn Bradt

Sometimes the Best Christmas Gift Is When the Past Shows up on Your Doorstep

Clara Wells loves Christmas. It is her favorite time of year, and a bright spot in her otherwise monotonous life as the mistress of her reclusive brother’s house. But with her aunt’s annual Christmas house party unexpectedly cancelled, she finds herself facing a dreary and markedly unfestive holiday season. That is, until a familiar face from years gone by lands on her doorstep.

Daniel Seymour is feeling a little lost. Lost in life, and lost in a snowstorm on the way to a house party. Instead of spending Christmas with his cousin, he finds himself stranded at the home of an old school friend. But perhaps his unexpected detour is exactly what he needs. At the very least, it gives him a temporary purpose in life; helping his friend’s younger sister find joy in her altered Christmas plans.

But what if their unexpected Christmas is about more than gingerbread men and snapdragon? What if the true Christmas gift is a chance for a better future, together?

This Clean & Wholesome Regency Romance novella is sure to touch your heart and make you laugh.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2025

About the author

Patricia prefers theaters to movies, jazz to pop, and books to just about anything else (besides her family, of course).

She spent her younger years water skiing, scuba diving, and exploring more than a dozen different countries. Now she is on an even greater adventure with her husband and three children; all of whom are masters at making sure that life is never dull.

Reviews

[Lavender Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story with a sweet romance and a delightful ending. I loved the scenes where Clara played Snapdragon!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara met her brother's friend Daniel when they were both children and they found each other mutually enjoyable companions, but when they grew up and met in London during the Season, neither was impressed with the other. But when he faints at their door while Clara is mourning the loss of a planned festive house party, his recuperation time turns into a bid to give her a Christmas to remember. And maybe the informal time together will show each the other's true colours - for better or worse...

This was only a relatively short read, but it was full of both fun and meaning. I found her hermit brother very frustrating, but that made Daniel stand out all the more when he went out of his way to make Christmas enjoyable for her when she was mourning its loss. They had plenty of fun, some good conversations, and lots of Christmas spirit - but not so much that you couldn't enjoy this book at any time of year! It drew me in from the very start and held my attention throughout. All in all, a great read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Virginia Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Regency romances that are clean and sweet. Being set during the Christmas season is an added bonus.

Clara and Daniel met over a decade ago during a school holiday. After meeting again as adults in London both form less than favorable opinions of the other.

With nowhere to go for Christmas, and a scroogey older brother, Clara does not have a very festive season to look forward to. All that changes when Daniel unexpectedly arrives on her doorstep.

A friendship blossoms between the two as he helps her prepare for and enjoy the holiday.

I liked how the book theme continued throughout the story and was present on the last line.

I'm glad that during the declaration, Daniel gives her a choice instead of forcefully claiming a kiss as you read in many books.

I received an ARC and share my honest review of this delightful story which has been added to my Keeper shelf.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet regency novella. Clara Wells finds herself having to make plans for herself and her brother for Christmas since their Aunt has cancelled her annual Christmas house party due to sickness. In addition to figuring out what she can do for festivities while having a humbug for a brother, Clara also has to scramble for a guest who literally almost dies in front of their house. Daniel Seymour, a former schoolmate of her brother Stanton's, has ridden through a mighty snowstorm on his way to a relative for the holidays. He awakes as a guest of the Wells family and discovers that the girl he favored as a youngster has not only grown into a lovely young lady, but has also rescued him and seems to need a bit of a rescue herself. This was a really sweet quick read. And of course, I'm interested in Stanton and his story.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

The main characters meet after not seeing each other for years. Both are different than they seemed at their last meeting. Each finds they could fall in love with their current versions.

This was a really sweet story. It's believable and well paced. I really enjoyed it.

[Sybil Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting in the spirit (as if).

PLB can write her (Christmas) socks off.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief

Brief but completely a fun read.
Heroine is a balanced, thoughtful young woman, conserned with her household.
Hero has matured since she met him in London.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I have no obligation to review.
This was a cute short story and I really enjoyed the relationship progression. It was a little quick but it fits with the setting. I really enjoyed the relationship between servants and the homeowners.
I will caution that the game of Snapdragon is demonic in origin and a children's game, not necessarily adults.