Like a Winter Snow

Port Willis Romance #1

by Lindsay Harrel

Cozy up with this charming and uplifting romance all about unexpected love, true friendship, and family loyalty. Set during a Christmas-time wedding among the falling snow, this sweet story will warm your heart.

Women’s counselor Joy Beckman has always been a friend and helper to all. That’s why she’s given up everything to be with her parents as her mother suffers through Alzheimer’s. Joy may not have a thriving career or a love life at the moment, but she’s doing what she does best—taking care of others. And even though it’s difficult, she knows it’s where she is supposed to be.

But life throws a curveball when she has to leave her parents temporarily to travel to Cornwall, England, for the December wedding of her best friend. While there, Joy helps Sophia tackle her last-minute to-do list, and in the process, finally meets a man who turns her head—and her heart. The only problem? He lives in snowy London, and her life is with her parents back in sunny Florida.

She tries to resist Oliver Lincoln’s charms, but it’s harder than it should be. With her heart torn in two, Joy is forced to choose between a life she knows she’s meant for and the one she didn’t see coming.

Fall in love with this enchanting romance that’s sure to delight fans of Rachel Hauck and Melissa Tagg. Even if you have not read The Secrets of Paper and Ink (where the quaint village of Port Willis was first born), you can fully enjoy this heartwarming holiday novella.

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

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

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

[Melissa Tagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic Christmas story set in beautiful seaside England? Yes, please! Lindsay Harrell's Like a Winter Snow is the perfect mix of depth and charm. Joy and Oliver are so likable and relatable—and together, they're just plain adorable. Plus, I can't help but love that they're a little older than your average hero and heroine. From the Christmasy atmosphere to moments both swoony and poignant, I loved this story...and I know readers will, too!

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

MISSED THE MARK FOR ME

The Christmas season is upon us so I wanted to read some Christmas fluff. Well, this did have the fluff, just not the fluff for me. I liked the male antagonist, but pretty much nothing else...

👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍

Oliver: Oliver was a total sweetheart! A cavalier mix of Henry Cavill and Gerard Butler is just the kind of man I like!

👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎

Religion: I am not religious and I don't look don't upon people who are. That being said, I just don't enjoy books, where religion plays such a big part. It's fine for it to be brought up once in a while, but, to me, the characters relied too much on religion for my liking. This may not be a problem for others, but it is for me.

Hook: Christmas books and movies are a dime a dozen, so in order to stand out a good Christmas book really has to have some kind of hook. This didn't really have that...

Friend: Maybe this is just me, but I found it incredibly strange that grown women called each other 'friend' as a term of endearment!

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[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas novella. I especially enjoyed the way things are done in the movies. Feel like I should have read the full length novel with the same characters first.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read Christmas stories before Thanksgiving but the exceptions I've made so far this year have been on point. Like a Winter Snow is a charming novella, full of enough realism to keep it from going Hallmark status (no offense to that status, just not my preferred style). I loved the snowy scenes, the friendships, and getting to know Joy, who was such a delightful side character in The Secrets of Paper and Ink. Joy's experience is a relatable one, and I can see her endearing herself to many readers.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Like a Winter Snow" is such a sweet story! ❤️ Joy thinks she knows what her life is destined to be. She believes that it's a life that only includes taking care of her elderly parents, specifically her mother who has Alzheimer's and a hip injury. Joy's parents want her to live life to the fullest. Nowhere in life does finding love fit for Joy, because she believes her life only involves taking care of family and friends. She is happy and content with that.

When Joy has to travel to England, to be the maid of honor at her best friend Sophia's wedding, she meets Oliver who knocks her off her feet. Their romance is oh so sweet! I love Lindsay Harrel's writing, and how realistic it is. Oliver is such a charming gentleman! He is so sweet, and he is definitely swoon-worthy! Joy's thought processes were hilarious. I found myself laughing at her thoughts, while she interacted with Oliver. They had great chemistry.
"And in that moment, they became like two falling snowflakes that were drawn to each other- impossible to separate."

What happens now that Joy's heart is in England with Oliver, although she is devoted to taking care of her parents in Florida? "Simply put, he'd become her hero when she hadn't even been looking for one. And that was the best kind." Joy is only supposed to be in England for a short time period, before returning home. Also, Oliver has a company in England. How will their relationship work out?

I love the friendship between Joy, Sophia and Ginny. Ginny is another close friend and bridesmaid. They all have a tight bond, and they genuinely care about each other. I also love how the characters talk about God and their faith. I found many encouraging quotes. My favorite quote is, "Look at how powerful our God is. You never have to be afraid of anything because there's not a lightning bolt He doesn't know about, not a drop of rain He doesn't allow to fall."

Sophia's wedding was lovely. I enjoyed my time with these characters in Cornwall and in London. The ending of the story was so romantic, and I can see how it's a nice set up for the next book in the series. Infused with faith, love, laughter, family, friendship and the ups and downs of life, "Like a Winter Snow" is the perfect read for the Christmas season or anytime of the year!

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne

Es war total schön, Figuren aus "Das Flüstern von Tinte auf Papier" wiederzusehen. Weihnachten in Cornwall, flott und fühlbar geschrieben. Thematisch hat Joy ein großes Päckchen zu schleppen. Was machen wir, wenn unsere Eltern pflegebedürftig werden? Dieser Thematik hätte ein Buch mit ganzer Länge gut getan, vor allem, um den Prozess des Loslassens ganz glaubwürdig zu begründen. Der Love Interest Oliver ist sweet, minimal farblos. Die Annäherung ist etwas schnell, aber man spürt sehr deutlich, dass der Glaube die beiden eng miteinander verbindet.

Inhaltswarnung: Elternteil mit Alzheimer.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I suppose it's a reminder. That sometimes, the things God has planned for our lives aren't what we expect. But they're good. Somehow, they're good."

If you've read The Secrets of Paper and Ink, this novella will thrill your heart as we reconnect with Joy, Sophia's best friend, as she helps Sophia prepare for her Christmas wedding in Port Willis, England. Even if you haven't read the first novel, this novella can be read as a stand-alone and you'll fall head-over-heels in love with Joy and Oliver. Written in her easy-to-read style, the novella will enchant you with the quaint festive beauty of a small town during Christmas and charm you with the real, down-to-earth, struggling characters trying to make sense out of their fears and hopes and dreams.

Joy, who gave up a thriving counseling practice, has now lost herself in taking care of her mother who suffers from advanced dementia. Taking two weeks off from her care-giving duty to see Sophia get married induces much guilt and then she's forced to face her fears when Oliver comes into her life. Oliver is a straight-laced and driven accountant who is in Port Willis for the holidays to help out his aunt who owns an antique store. Their attraction is instant and their relationship is so wonderfully tender and sweet but Joy must learn to be unshackled from the fears that hold her rooted. It is such a heart-warming Christmas story. If you love contemporary Christmas romance, this book is definitely for you!

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.

[Lou Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not normally a fan of love at first sight stories but this was so well written that I loved it.

It follows Joy, Sophia’s best friend from America. She is torn between visiting England for her best friend’s wedding or staying at home to look after her mother who has Alzheimer’s and a hip injury.

While in Cornwall she meets Oliver who she falls for instantly.

This dilemma between family and new love plays out throughout the book. There are twists and turns as Joy can’t make up her mind what to do and the ending is lovely.

A really good Christmas holiday read with characters who have a believable faith.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was charming and sweet!❤️ I just loved the Christmasy England setting. And an incredibly kind British man is the love interest? Aw, Oliver was just so sweet!
I really liked Joy too! I loved her love for movies and vintage things. I felt such sympathy for her! There were very sad moments but also sweet, happy moments too. 💗
The romance was so sweet! It is a bit insta-love but it worked well for this story.
I loved the friendship among these three— Sophia, Ginny, and Joy. It was really fun!
I loved the faith in the story! The message was beautiful.
It was a perfectly cozy novella for Christmas!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was so atmospheric and quite charming overall. I felt an even greater connection to the English village of Port Willis than when I read The Secrets of Paper and Ink. I really liked that the faith thread was stronger throughout than in the previous book in the Port Willis collection. The family aspect of this novella added a richness that kept the e-pages flying. Weather of a couple different varieties played key roles, and this always puts a smile on my face. The author’s heart for the themes and characters was evident in every chapter.

The one major issue I struggled with in this story was that the single leads chose to stay the night unchaperoned in an apartment instead of getting separate rooms at one of the “dozen hotels within walking distance.” Rather than preserving their reputations and choosing the obvious avoid-temptation choice, as we are instructed in Ephesians 4:27 (“and don’t give the Devil an opportunity”), they opted instead to put themselves in an intimate setting prior to marriage, which flung the door wide open for the Devil to tempt them into sin. That temptation was shortly confirmed by the leading lady’s thoughts: “Get up. Leave. Say goodnight [sic]. Nothing lasting can come from this.” Take a guess at whether she took her own advice. This “plot device” felt like manufactured melodrama instead of a natural choice that flowed from the established values of the characters and the weather dilemma they faced.

Overall, this story was charming and enjoyable. I’m hoping the author’s newest book, The Joy of Falling, is even better.

Content: a couple of crude sexual terms, pubs, alcohol

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a Winter Snow was a sweet Christmas novella! I loved returning to Port Willis (The Secrets of Paper and Ink) and getting to see what was happening with the characters from that book.



I was pleasantly surprised by how much I connected with Joy. Her story was difficult and had moments in which I felt for what she was going through. I really liked her friendship with Sophia.



The romance was heartwarming...Oliver seemed like a great guy. The ending was good and I think things wrapped up nicely.



All in all, Like a Winter Snow was just what I was hoping for and I recommend it if you are looking for a good Christmas read this year. It was written very well!



*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.*

[Morgan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful novella!! The characters and the setting are so wonderful that I want to visit them in that quaint village in Cornwall! A perfect read leading up to Christmas. Now on to the second novella in the trilogy.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely and heartwarming Christmas story. It was great to follow up with all the characters we've met in and getting to know Joy more who was a great supporting character in that one.

Look at how powerful our God is. You never have to be afraid of anything because there’s not a lightning bolt he doesn’t know about, not a drop of rain he doesn’t allow to fall.

Joy and Oliver is both in their early 40's, and even though they found happiness in this season, can't deny their connection. The lesson Joy had to learn to not fit in the boxes of her own or other's expectations, but letting go to really Live life was well delivered.

think sometimes God wants us to be stretched. To choose the thing that’s frightening and unsure. To live boldly. To take a chance on the unknown.

Fans of contemporary and sweet romance will enjoy this one.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas novella with a heroine who is so invested in helping to care for her mother that she's assumed way more responsibility for her welfare than is reasonable. A Christmas getaway to England for her friend's wedding gives her (eventually) the perspective she needs when she meets a handsome Englishman with whom she immediately clicks.

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

Oh readers, you are never going to want to leave Cornwall after reading this sweet, holiday novella. Harrel has once again captured my heart in this setting, leaving me wanting more - which I can get just by reading this, or her novel The Secrets of Paper and Ink again. While visiting some old friends, we meet some new ones, which is exactly why I love revisiting towns in books. Oliver was everything I wanted him to be and the some. I mean, I'll travel to Cornwall if Joy doesn't come to her senses! HA, just kidding. But that's how much I liked his character.

The thing about Joy that I enjoyed is that she's not your typical heroine. She has some issues, especially dealing with the health of her mother. Joy doesn't just take the woe is me approach though. She was just dedicated to helping her parents and ready to put their needs above her own. Having her as a little bit of an older character (around my age, which is "old" in romance books!) gave her this familial bond and loyalty that you might not see from a younger character. I love Harrel for making her this age. I think we need more stories for "older" people!!

Harrel has certainly satisfied my itch of a cute, romantic, sweet Christmas story. I'm typically looking for the Hallmarkesque approach in my Christmas novellas, and this one fit the bill to a T. Highly recommend reading this delightful story to get you in the Christmas spirit! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and loving “The Secrets Of Paper And Ink” this Christmas return to Port Willis and its characters, was on my MUST read list. I am thrilled to report this story was pretty much perfect! Joy and Oliver’s story was everything a Christmas romance should be. The story was a quick and easy read with a charming location-I mean. Christmas in England?!?! What’s not to love? The story moved well and you can’t help but hope Joy and Oliver will get their Christmas happily ever after fairy tale. Truly this was one of my favorite reads this year!

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

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Lindsay Harrel book and I really enjoyed it. Like a Winter Snow is a moving yet sweet contemporary novella with slightly older heroine and hero (which is awesome). I could easily identify with Joy's 'Martha-like' personality. I want to read the authors book The Secrets of Paper and Ink since it obviously shares characters with Like a Winter Snow. I bought a copy and wasn't required to write a review.

[Rachel McMillan]

READ FOR ENDORSEMENT! HURRAH!

[Linda Buzard-Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a Winter Snow

A quick and Heartwarming read that follows The Secrets of Paper and Ink. I enjoyed reading this new to me Author's Books and look forward to reading more of her work.

[Jenny Knipfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Story of Unexpected Love

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of unexpected love and the fact that the main characters were nearing middle age rather than twenty-somethings. The way the author wove the characters’ faith into the storyline fit so well and was so encouraging. The natural ease of how the drama of the book unfurled drew me into the story, making me want to read every word and not skim. Like a Winter Snow caught me by surprise and enchanted me at this Christmas season.

[LaSheba Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! Joy is a counselor who lives in Florida and cares for her elderly parents. She travels to the United Kingdom to attend her best friend's holiday wedding. Will a chance encounter with a handsome stranger make her Christmas even more merry and bright?

This book is a sweet and clean holiday romance with a heroine in her 40s. It includes realistic issues related to aging parents and incorporates some Christian faith values.

[Courtney Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a Winter Snow takes readers to a picturesque Cornwall, England for Christmas AND a wedding! Readers of Harrel's novel The Secrets of Paper and Ink will be delighted to revisit the characters and see the spotlight on Joy Beckman now, the bride's best friend.

Amidst all the festivities both quaint and beautiful, a story of romance and surrender unfolds. I appreciate that Lindsay always balances romance with "women's fiction" themes that are very realistic and often serious. For Joy, her newfound friendship quickly (and delightfully!) grows into more with the charming and good-hearted Oliver, but she thinks her burdens and responsibilities have to hold her back from a happily ever after. The female friendships Joy has in her life are a great encouragement to her. This, combined with Oliver's own life-wisdom and some insightful parental advice, all help her see her life in a new light. I also liked that this central couple was slightly older than average (40s) for typical romance novels, adding a maturity and hopefulness to the whole story.

This novella has just the right amount of sparkle, humor, and poignancy for the season, and a sweet friendship-to-romance. I LOVE the cute cover and the scene it depicts. Also, I adore the setting (Let's start a send Courtney to Cornwall campaign, too, ok?!) and the slight nods to classic movies and stories.

Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little novella set partially in England (which I loved) and dealing with some definite relationship struggles. Lindsay did a great job in setting up what felt like an impossible situation that makes you keep asking “how can this work out”!?

I really liked Oliver’s character and, while Joy sometimes annoyed me due to her “savior complex” (of a sort) I could relate to her challenges and how she felt divided!

I wished the end had given a bit more of a hint as to what happened in the future, but overall this was a sweet Christmas read!

My rating: 4.5*

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay Harrel brings to life the story of Joy Beckman, the best friend of Sophia from Harrel’s The Secrets of Paper and Ink. Here, Joy gets her own story told. This story is about giving up a life and career to help take care of a parent with Alzheimer’s and the pains and joys that come with that. It’s about a best friend’s wedding and about falling in love when you least expect it. This story is sweet and charming and one that readers will thoroughly enjoy!

Series: Port Willis
Genre: holiday, Christmas, Christian
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: October 29, 2019
Number of pages: 148

An ARC copy of this book was provided for review by the author, as well as an ecopy of this book pre-ordered for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I don't think I want what God seems to have planned for my life.'

This was my first book by Lindsay Harrel and I enjoyed it very much. I need to go back and read the book before it, though, because I felt as if I missed something. But I think it stands well as a stand alone. Like a Winter Snow is a precious little story of a woman who thinks she has to be there for folks but doesn't take the time for herself, not realizing that God has planned a great life for her also! It was truly a wonderful little novella and I'm so glad I read it. I recommend this very much.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this novella! It was so good! This made me want to pack my bags and go to Port Willis! Too bad it isn’t a real place. Oliver was so swoon-worthy. My only complaint is that the story wasn’t longer. I didn’t want it to end!


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.

[Esmay · Rating 2 out of 5]

'What we’re feeling for each other—it’s rare. And it’s a gift.'

2 stars.

I never thought I’d encounter a romance that would be too cheesy even for me, but I did. This was sadly very rushed and had waaaay too many characters especially because it was so short. Not a bog favourite

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

This stories so sweet and so full of heart. You can't help but love the characters and the way they care for one another so completely. Can't wait yo read the next one in the series!

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick read. I very much enjoyed the writing style. With some more detail and a little more drama, it could have been a full length novel, or even a Hallmark movie.

[Michelle Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't help it: I love stories set in England. Especially during Christmas. I needed a lighthearted, easy read, and this was it.

I really liked this novella! This was my first Lindsay Harrel book, and I really enjoyed her writing and descriptions. Definitely want to read The Secrets of Paper and Ink now so I can learn more about Sophia and Ginny's stories!