Once Upon a Dickens Christmas: 3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England

I have enjoyed all three tales in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas. They can each be read on their own, but why would you want to read just one of these charming novellas. 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is a well-crafted and entertaining novel. It is short, but it is packed full of action and intrigue. The mystery was delightful (see if you can figure out the culprit in this one) and the characters interesting. I like the Christian beliefs expressed in the story (compassion, prayer, faith, forgiveness, second chances, God is in control, trust, and hope). The Christian theme is light, but the point is gotten across. In A Tale of Two Hearts, Michelle Griep brought London in 1853 to life with her descriptions of the clothing, language, literature as well the architecture, cobbled streets, the inn and the insides of the buildings as well as the class stations of the characters. I especially loved the imagery of Purcell’s where they had tea with Uncle Barlow. A Tale of Two Hearts has delightful characters. I especially liked Uncle Barlow and Miss Whymsy. They are two charming people who have a touch of whimsy. There are some good life lessons included in the story. Second chances, forgiveness and Christian charity being the main themes. Every one of us has needed a second chance at one time or another. The book is told from William and Mina’s point-of-views giving us different perspectives. It is always fascinating to see how different men think from woman. There are references to Charles Dickens work scattered throughout the story. The Old Lace Shop is a well-crafted story with a good flow. I thought the characters were developed and realistic for the time period. Bella arrives in Nottingham and is surprised to see blind women outside begging for assistance. She soon learns that they lost their eyesight making lace. The kindhearted Bella wants to find a way to help them plus she has other improvements in mind for the factory much to Edmund’s dismay. We see the importance of faith and prayer. How we need to rely on God and turn our worries over to him. All three stories are captivating, but 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is my favorite. If you enjoy historical stories, you will not be disappointed with Once Upon a Dickens Christmas. It was interesting to see how Dickens came into play in each novella. I like how the author gave us three diverse yet complimentary tales. Once Upon a Dickens Christmas contains three engaging novellas that will put you in the mood for Christmas.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas By Michelle Griep This book is actually a 3-in-1 book that includes the following stories: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, A Tale of Two Hearts, and The Old Lace Shop. These stories are each complete in themselves but there is a link between them. First, they are set in the time when Charles Dickens's works were new and popular. Second, there is a character who is secondary in nature who is in two stories. Third, there is a second chance coin that in all three stories and it passes through several hands as the stories progress. Now to the individual stories themselves. 12 Days at Bleakly Manor finds Clara Chapman presented with an opportunity - the chance to obtain 500 pounds. Meanwhile, Ben Lane is presented with the chance to gain his freedom from the prison that has been his home these last 9 months. Both believe the other guilty of betrayal on the day that they were to wed when they are brought together at Bleakly Manor. They are not the only ones promised a long wanted desire. But to obtain it there are a few rules - only those who can last all twelve days will gain the promise. And staying is not going to be easy as it seems someone wants to be sure all others are out of the way. A Tale of Two Hearts finds William Barlow in need of a wife. Will needs a wife to prove to his Uncle Barlow that he is a changed man and worthy of being named his heir. But Will's cousin Percy is also in the running to be named heir. With the help of Mina Scott, Will hopes to convince his uncle that he is married. But when the expected announcement is pushed off to a later date Mina's heart is in danger as she and Will have to play their role longer as they seek to save Uncle Barlow from a scheme that will see his life ruined. Can something more come out of this deception? The Old Lace Shop finds Bella White determined to be a woman of independence - she never wants to be under the cruel thumb of another man. With her husband's death, she is free to pursue the life she wants and she is going to assume his majority partnership in the Nottingham Lace and Hose. What she never expected was that she would become a business partner with Edmund Archer the man who broke her heart and left her behind. Can this business partnership be a second chance at love or will it be the ruination of all Bella's plans? These are enjoyable reads and those who prefer clean, gentle reads will love these three Christmas tales. It is interesting finding all the little Dickens tidbits scattered throughout the stories. Overall the book is 440 pages but is the total number for all 3 stories so each is approximately 130 to 160 pages long - perfect for a long afternoon of reading and enjoying tea. Each has historical notes at the end of the story to explain just what certain things were in relation to the historical period in which the story takes place. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own

3 Great Stories Any Dickens fan will truly enjoy these three stories. I'd already read the first two stories in this collection and loved them. The third book is the icing on the cake. Each story is a delight and lets you step into a world of intrigue, love and adventure. I highly recommend this collection and any other books by Ms. Griep. A fan for life. I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and the author. I was under no obligation to write a review.