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Heirloom Secrets
Christmas at the Inn
Fairhope, Alabama. 1952.
Take a trip to Millie's Boardinghouse this Christmas...
When Walter and Violet fake a relationship for the sake of their families, they find themselves in a surprising situation under the mistletoe thanks to Millie, the inn's owner.
But just as sparks begin to fly and Walter prepares to confess his feelings, he gets news from his family that will have both he and Violet reevaluating what they really want this Christmas... and for their future.
Fans of The Dress Shop on King Street will enjoy this sweet, historical romance set during Millie's first Christmas as a mother.
Take a trip to Millie's Boardinghouse this Christmas...
When Walter and Violet fake a relationship for the sake of their families, they find themselves in a surprising situation under the mistletoe thanks to Millie, the inn's owner.
But just as sparks begin to fly and Walter prepares to confess his feelings, he gets news from his family that will have both he and Violet reevaluating what they really want this Christmas... and for their future.
Fans of The Dress Shop on King Street will enjoy this sweet, historical romance set during Millie's first Christmas as a mother.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
63 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 27, 2025
3 stars & 3/10 hearts. When I began this book, I found it to be the typical cliché Christmas romance novella. Girl wants adventure. Girl breaks away from family (albeit nicely) and goes away. Girl meets guy. Girl and guy find each other SUUUUPER attractive and dream of being together. However, at the end, the book suddenly surprised me.
The setting is 1952 Alabama. Honestly, I had a hard time remembering that. It felt extremely modern to me—I kept seeing everything as 2000s! As a Christmas book, it seems to me there wasn’t much Christmas in it. It included mentions of Christmas decor and meals, but it was set before Christmas Day and there was nothing about the Christmas story or anything. However, it did have a Christmassy feel, and I enjoyed that.
As far as characters go, Walter was a nice guy, and Violet was a nice girl, and they were fun together. I liked Millie and Franklin very much! George was sweet, and Frank was fun. The plot, like I said above, started out rather cliché, although I appreciated the unusualness of the girl seeing the guy being jilted (it was a kind of funny scene, to be honest). Although I can’t say much because of spoilers, I will say hat end of the book did surprise me with the unexpected twist and depth. The romance was clean, although there was more touching than I prefer, and I was annoyed that it was once more based on looks… until the end. The message came out in the last few chapters and it was sweet—all about the value of children and family.
Overall, it was a quick, easy, sweet little novella that I enjoyed reading.
Content: undetailed touching & kissing; may have some euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: I realize quite suddenly why many women desire to have their own children. Having a sweet little heart to care for may be the grandest opportunity there is.
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: And when I wake up, I realize the first light of dawn has reached into my room—persisting through tree limbs and darkness and curtains to find me. So I move the warm covers and stretch my arms, ready to welcome the day with the optimism of the fresh beginnings that this first light has offered.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I assure you,” Walter says. “I’m not typically such a pessimist.”
“Only on nights when your proposals are rejected?”
The setting is 1952 Alabama. Honestly, I had a hard time remembering that. It felt extremely modern to me—I kept seeing everything as 2000s! As a Christmas book, it seems to me there wasn’t much Christmas in it. It included mentions of Christmas decor and meals, but it was set before Christmas Day and there was nothing about the Christmas story or anything. However, it did have a Christmassy feel, and I enjoyed that.
As far as characters go, Walter was a nice guy, and Violet was a nice girl, and they were fun together. I liked Millie and Franklin very much! George was sweet, and Frank was fun. The plot, like I said above, started out rather cliché, although I appreciated the unusualness of the girl seeing the guy being jilted (it was a kind of funny scene, to be honest). Although I can’t say much because of spoilers, I will say hat end of the book did surprise me with the unexpected twist and depth. The romance was clean, although there was more touching than I prefer, and I was annoyed that it was once more based on looks… until the end. The message came out in the last few chapters and it was sweet—all about the value of children and family.
Overall, it was a quick, easy, sweet little novella that I enjoyed reading.
Content: undetailed touching & kissing; may have some euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: I realize quite suddenly why many women desire to have their own children. Having a sweet little heart to care for may be the grandest opportunity there is.
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: And when I wake up, I realize the first light of dawn has reached into my room—persisting through tree limbs and darkness and curtains to find me. So I move the warm covers and stretch my arms, ready to welcome the day with the optimism of the fresh beginnings that this first light has offered.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I assure you,” Walter says. “I’m not typically such a pessimist.”
“Only on nights when your proposals are rejected?”
December 3, 2021
A perfectly sweet Christmas novella that hits all the right notes.
October 24, 2021
‘It was Christmastime, after all—-and if there ever was anytime to make a wish, it was now.’
Boy, how I loved this little novella! As the old saying goes, ‘It was short but sweet.’ So very true. This tiny book filled my heart right up to the brim. All the elements for a great read are here: wonderful characters, sweet wit, poignant story line, heart filling and just so incredibly delightful! This one is going on my top reads if the year list. Walter and Violet are two of my favorite characters. Ashley Clark shines here! Bravo!
Boy, how I loved this little novella! As the old saying goes, ‘It was short but sweet.’ So very true. This tiny book filled my heart right up to the brim. All the elements for a great read are here: wonderful characters, sweet wit, poignant story line, heart filling and just so incredibly delightful! This one is going on my top reads if the year list. Walter and Violet are two of my favorite characters. Ashley Clark shines here! Bravo!
December 14, 2021
Sweet Christmas novella that includes characters from the author’s other books.
Ms. Clark draws believable, charming characters from days gone by. And we get to revisit Milly and Franklin in their cozy boardinghouse at Christmas.
Violet and Walter meet and slow embers kindle. What starts out as a fake engagement, builds when they discover the wonderful qualities they each possess. Their dreams may change but they can make new dreams.
“You never know what you might find if you first dream it up and then start looking. The key is, you’ve got to open your eyes,”
An altogether lovely story from a favorite author.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Ms. Clark draws believable, charming characters from days gone by. And we get to revisit Milly and Franklin in their cozy boardinghouse at Christmas.
Violet and Walter meet and slow embers kindle. What starts out as a fake engagement, builds when they discover the wonderful qualities they each possess. Their dreams may change but they can make new dreams.
“You never know what you might find if you first dream it up and then start looking. The key is, you’ve got to open your eyes,”
An altogether lovely story from a favorite author.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
December 23, 2021
Fairhope, Alabama 1952
Fun story with a fake fiancé. It was good to visit Millie in this Christmas tale.
Fun story with a fake fiancé. It was good to visit Millie in this Christmas tale.
December 13, 2021
This is a sweet, funny, charming, historical Christmas story that will make you smile from the inside out as Violet and Walter find love in an unexpected way.
Both Violet and Walter are trying to not disappoint their families at Christmas. Walter asks the unthinkable of a woman he just met, could she pretend to be his Fiancé? He thought there was no way this was going to happen, but he asks anyway. To his surprise, she accepts if he will do the same for her. Their parents were always playing matchmaker, they both wanted a peaceful Christmas no strings, or romantic pressure involved.
I liked this quote from Violet, “…I realize what perhaps she knew all along, the depth of reward that comes from falling in love with an ordinary life. And by ordinary, I don’t mean settling, the furthest thing from it…a life to run toward rather than away from. A life that is as rich in its everyday-ness as a thousand travels abroad. Perhaps that might be the grandest adventure of all.”
I liked how the author brought in a few characters from her debut novel, The Dress Shop on King Street. This was a delightful novel I couldn’t put down. I recommend this story filled with intriguing characters, an engaging fun situation, and a happy ending. It’s a winning combination.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through Kindle Unlimited. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
Both Violet and Walter are trying to not disappoint their families at Christmas. Walter asks the unthinkable of a woman he just met, could she pretend to be his Fiancé? He thought there was no way this was going to happen, but he asks anyway. To his surprise, she accepts if he will do the same for her. Their parents were always playing matchmaker, they both wanted a peaceful Christmas no strings, or romantic pressure involved.
I liked this quote from Violet, “…I realize what perhaps she knew all along, the depth of reward that comes from falling in love with an ordinary life. And by ordinary, I don’t mean settling, the furthest thing from it…a life to run toward rather than away from. A life that is as rich in its everyday-ness as a thousand travels abroad. Perhaps that might be the grandest adventure of all.”
I liked how the author brought in a few characters from her debut novel, The Dress Shop on King Street. This was a delightful novel I couldn’t put down. I recommend this story filled with intriguing characters, an engaging fun situation, and a happy ending. It’s a winning combination.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through Kindle Unlimited. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
December 18, 2021
Christmas at the Inn – Ashley Clark
If you are looking for a love at first sight Christmas romance, then you’ve come to the right place! The author writes a heart-warming tale of a chance encounter that really should have been a disaster. Instead, we get a heartwarming story of two souls who meet under uncomfortable circumstances but find that maybe they were meant to be at that quaint little inn all along. The setting is in 1952 in Alabama which brings us to a different time and place. It does contain some characters from A Dress Shop on King Street but I am told that it can be easily read as a stand-alone novella.
I have read Paint & Nectar (Heirloom Secrets #2) by the author and loved it, plus I hear fabulous things about The Dress Shop on King Street (Heirloom Secrets #1) which is definitely on my wish list. And yes, I did read her novels out of order!
I purchased a verified Kindle copy of this book from Amazon and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
If you are looking for a love at first sight Christmas romance, then you’ve come to the right place! The author writes a heart-warming tale of a chance encounter that really should have been a disaster. Instead, we get a heartwarming story of two souls who meet under uncomfortable circumstances but find that maybe they were meant to be at that quaint little inn all along. The setting is in 1952 in Alabama which brings us to a different time and place. It does contain some characters from A Dress Shop on King Street but I am told that it can be easily read as a stand-alone novella.
I have read Paint & Nectar (Heirloom Secrets #2) by the author and loved it, plus I hear fabulous things about The Dress Shop on King Street (Heirloom Secrets #1) which is definitely on my wish list. And yes, I did read her novels out of order!
I purchased a verified Kindle copy of this book from Amazon and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
December 2, 2022
This was the sweetest little novella with a dash of Southern charm!♡ The relationship between Violet and Walter was very cute; their romance developed quickly but it did not have an "insta-love" feel to it, and Clark manages to endear you to these characters even under 100 pages. It's a perfect read-it-in-one-sitting type of story that'll be sure to give you all the cozy, Southern feelings.☺
If you plan to read The Dress Shop on King Street, I would wait until after you've finished that book to read this because there are minor spoilers, but you certainly do not have to to enjoy this story!
If you plan to read The Dress Shop on King Street, I would wait until after you've finished that book to read this because there are minor spoilers, but you certainly do not have to to enjoy this story!
December 2, 2021
Sweet Christmas story
What a sweet follow-up story to The Dress Shop on King Street. It's well written and a great testament to finding love when you least expect it.
What a sweet follow-up story to The Dress Shop on King Street. It's well written and a great testament to finding love when you least expect it.
December 2, 2023
A Christmas Tale twisting dreams into reality with mistletoe, a kiss, and a path of opportunities. Thanks for the return of beloved characters.
December 10, 2021
Well, I absolutely loved this gem of a novella. Perfectly sweet and charming for Christmas. It was so fun too! I loved both of the characters. Violet was such a fun main character! And I loved Walter too. It was sweet seeing Millie and Franklin again as well.
Anyways, loved this little book a lot!
Anyways, loved this little book a lot!
December 10, 2021
3.5 stars
Super cute novella with a great message! I immediately liked Violet and Walter's characters. I would definitely recommend reading this after reading A Dress Shop on King's Street, as it'll provide a lot more context for Millie's character. There were some editing errors that bothered me, but overall a short, easy read.
Super cute novella with a great message! I immediately liked Violet and Walter's characters. I would definitely recommend reading this after reading A Dress Shop on King's Street, as it'll provide a lot more context for Millie's character. There were some editing errors that bothered me, but overall a short, easy read.
November 30, 2021
Beautiful Christmas read.
November 7, 2021
"So -'sweetheart' - please give me a quick overview of all your hopes and dreams. Let's make this believable."
Caught up in a Christmas conundrum, Violet and Walter agree to be each other's . . . . well, special "other" . . . . fiance, boyfriend . . . whatever it takes to smooth over their parents' holiday expectations. What they discover is much more real, for all it took was a kiss.
Sweet, magical, and memorable! Christmas at the inn!
Caught up in a Christmas conundrum, Violet and Walter agree to be each other's . . . . well, special "other" . . . . fiance, boyfriend . . . whatever it takes to smooth over their parents' holiday expectations. What they discover is much more real, for all it took was a kiss.
Sweet, magical, and memorable! Christmas at the inn!
December 12, 2021
This was a very cute and sweet Christmas story! I was starting to fall into a bit of a slump, but once again, the lovely Ashley Clark has pulled me out! There’s really not much to say; reviewing novellas is difficult for me; but I loved Walter and Violet and their story is super cute!
December 12, 2021
I’ve been reading a lot of Kindle Christmas stories that I got free on Amazon. Finally, one with people I like.
December 31, 2021
Quick "comfort food" read but maybe a little too quick.
December 27, 2022
I found this story to be a fun little swoony holiday romance. I'm definitely looking forward to reading this author's full length novels.
did-not-finish
December 22, 2023One of the bad things about working through things on you Kindle is you don't always see the descriptions first. I didn't realize this was a fake relationship story. I don't find it cute or funny when people lie.
December 7, 2021
CHRISTMAS AT THE INN: A Fairhope Novella
by Ashley Clark
I loved The Dress Shop on King Street and I didn’t want to miss out on this Christmas novella. It was nice to read about the young Millie again and how she met Violet then.
Walter and Violet had a charming Christmas romance. The story was short and sweet. I was delighted that Walter was a photographer. A job that he enjoyed and loved. We share the same joy in taking nature photos. Violet’s support to further his career was endearing. I was touched that she immediately thought of Millie. I didn’t expect the twist and at the same time it warmed my heart. Violet’s appreciation of her life was relatable. We don’t have to go far to experience life’s adventures. I look forward to the next book in the Heirloom Secrets series.
4 stars
#kindleunlimited
by Ashley Clark
I loved The Dress Shop on King Street and I didn’t want to miss out on this Christmas novella. It was nice to read about the young Millie again and how she met Violet then.
Walter and Violet had a charming Christmas romance. The story was short and sweet. I was delighted that Walter was a photographer. A job that he enjoyed and loved. We share the same joy in taking nature photos. Violet’s support to further his career was endearing. I was touched that she immediately thought of Millie. I didn’t expect the twist and at the same time it warmed my heart. Violet’s appreciation of her life was relatable. We don’t have to go far to experience life’s adventures. I look forward to the next book in the Heirloom Secrets series.
4 stars
#kindleunlimited
November 18, 2021
What a sweet, funny, and romantic Christmas novella! I loved it! I was immediately drawn into the story. I could not help but be instantly charmed by Violet and Walter, and it was so wonderful to be back with Millie and Franklin at the Inn. This can totally be read as a standalone story, but I do hope author Ashley Clark continues to incorporate all the wonderful characters and more from her Heirloom Secrets series in more stories!
My favorite quote:
Oh, when my mother finds out about this, is she ever going to be thrilled.. and yet as I experience these feelings for the first time, I realize what perhaps she knew all along, the depth of reward that comes from falling in love with an ordinary life. And by ordinary, I don't mean settling, but the furthest thing from it.. a life to run toward rather than away from. A life that is as rich in its everyday-ness as a thousand travels abroad."
I hope you check out this delightful novella!
My favorite quote:
Oh, when my mother finds out about this, is she ever going to be thrilled.. and yet as I experience these feelings for the first time, I realize what perhaps she knew all along, the depth of reward that comes from falling in love with an ordinary life. And by ordinary, I don't mean settling, but the furthest thing from it.. a life to run toward rather than away from. A life that is as rich in its everyday-ness as a thousand travels abroad."
I hope you check out this delightful novella!
November 11, 2021
This novella was a fun read with lots of Christmas and lots of heart. I particularly liked that the hero was a photographer since it's something I enjoy as a hobby. I find that even a small mention of a character being a photographer ignites my desire to get out and take some photos. While this novella does have a couple of characters from The Dress Shop on King Street, it can be read as a stand alone so if you're looking for a quick Christmas read, you've found one!
November 27, 2021
Boy, does Ashley Clark know how to write a novella! It was a little slow at first but once Walter was jilted and he then met Violet things just continued to get better and better! This is less than 100 hundred pages and I was pulled into the middle of this wonderful little Christmas novella. I loved reading books that aren’t over the top Christmasy but they remind you why we celebrate Christmas. Recommended. 4 stars
October 22, 2021
Christmas at the Inn by Ashley Clark is the perfect novella to get you in the mood for Christmas! It’s charming, sweet, funny and full
of southern charm! It also has great main characters that have you rooting for them from the start.
This is a fake relationship story that quickly turns into more. I loved returning to Fairhope and Millie’s Inn, but If you haven’t read this series, this reads well as a standalone.
If you’re looking for a quick sweet read that’ll get in you the mood for Christmas, this is it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
of southern charm! It also has great main characters that have you rooting for them from the start.
This is a fake relationship story that quickly turns into more. I loved returning to Fairhope and Millie’s Inn, but If you haven’t read this series, this reads well as a standalone.
If you’re looking for a quick sweet read that’ll get in you the mood for Christmas, this is it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2022
Sweet Christmas short story! Fans of the author's Heirloom Secrets series will be glad to see some familiar characters in the background, though this story would stand on its own just fine as well. I enjoyed the characters of Walter and Violet, and was glad to see Millie and Franklin again in the background. Though the story was short, it was complete and sweet. Great holiday read!
March 11, 2022
Adorable Christmas Romance
This was a charming Christmas romance. Short and sweet, it still packed a lot of story in to a little less than 100 pages. A perfect addition to the Fairhope stories!
This was a charming Christmas romance. Short and sweet, it still packed a lot of story in to a little less than 100 pages. A perfect addition to the Fairhope stories!
November 23, 2022
A Warm, Light Christmas Romance
I really enjoyed reading this warm, light Christmas romance and recommend Christmas at the Inn to those who are a hopeless romantic at heart. Clark painted vivid holiday and romantic scenes with an easy skill that left me wanting to read more.
I really enjoyed reading this warm, light Christmas romance and recommend Christmas at the Inn to those who are a hopeless romantic at heart. Clark painted vivid holiday and romantic scenes with an easy skill that left me wanting to read more.
December 14, 2022
Sweet Christmas novella that complimented The Dress Shop on King Street. The novella has a few little spoilers about Millie and Franklin, so in my opinion, should be read after the first in the Heirlooms series. Quick and lovely holiday read.
December 8, 2023
Sweet novella!
December 17, 2021
Delightful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews