Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep: 12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters … what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.
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Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a compilation of three Christmas stories loosely based around tales by Charles Dickens, with cameo appearances by Dickens himself. They are also linked together by a gold second chance coin which can be used to grant the recipient a second chance. Michelle Griep is a master at creating historical fiction that engrosses me. Her characters are colorful, realistic, and true to the time period.
I had read the first two stories, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts, previously and enjoyed them. The Old Lace Shop is the most recent tale, and it is charming and well-crafted. I love the rich imagery that Griep paints and the inspiration and insight she infuses into her stories.
“November is a melancholy month, the gloomy space between summer past and Christmas future. Usually it drapes over me like a burial shroud. This year I laugh in its face.”
“Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them.”
Bella and Edmund are wonderful, fascinating characters and their courage and compassion make a compelling and uplifting story. The three tales included in the book are perfect for short Christmas reads.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Michelle Griep uses her tongue-in-cheek humor to create characters who are endearing, quirky, and memorable in these stories and makes Victorian England come alive.
Two common threads run through the stories. The “Second Chance Coin” which the bearers discover holds far more value than the gold used to fashion it. And Charles Dickens, which shouldn’t be a surprise based on the title. The first two books contained in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas were previously released as stand-alone books. I have previously reviewed A Tale of Two Hearts and so I will not repeat the review here.
Michelle Griep applies her signature tongue-in-cheek humor to create characters who are endearing, quirky, and memorable in these stories and makes Victorian England come alive.
In 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, an unknown host invites an eclectic group to a Christmas house party with an intriguing boon offered to those who stay the full twelve days. The strangers never meet their host and are appalled at the poor fare offered. Yet the bonus for staying, while different for each guest, has each one determined to remain. Until a robbery, a fire, and countless “accidents” have them rethinking their priorities.
I may have loved the clever names of the characters even more than the story. Let me introduce you to a few of them.
Mr. Minnow, an eely thin man
Miss Scurry, a timid older woman who carries a box containing her friends. Mice
Mademoiselle Pretents, the Frenchwoman who looks down her nose at everyone else
The puzzle of the strange occurrences had me wondering. I was surprised to find who was behind the trouble and even more surprised to discover the identity of the host. This was a fun mystery!
The Old Lace Shop offers second chances, and not only to Bella and Edward. Full of surprises, this delightful story revealed the tender heart of the widow who was left with no reason to mourn the death of her husband. Her compassion for the blind women who peopled the town she now considered her home had her determined to find them employment other than begging.
The stories had deep inspirational messages as the characters were reminded to trust God and to look to Him for their help.
If you enjoy Christmas stories and Victorian-era fiction, you won’t want to miss reading Once Upon a Dickens Christmas.
Read my review of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
A) 12 Days at Bleakly Manor-Recipient of a 2018 Christy Award published in 2017
Engaging Victorian mystery that kept me reading until I finished! My first Michelle Griep book, with many more to follow! Loved Clara & Ben’s story despite previous hardships, the other strange and unusual characters invited to Bleakly Manor & the mystery surrounding why they are all there. Loved it!
B) My first Michelle Griep book, was last year with Book One of this Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series, and I have read every other book of hers that I could get my hands on this year. She is now one of my ‘must-read’ authors! Book Two, A Tale of Two Hearts (published in 2018) captured my heart with a delightful cast of characters, flawed heroes, family, friends, and scheming, unkind people alike. Of course I was immediately rooting for Mina and William, but I also really enjoyed Uncle Barlow, Effie and Miss Whymsy (especially her prodding at the end was a hoot!). In addition to the wonderful story, I enjoyed the spiritual nuggets along the way. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
1) “Ahh, love….if we knew how things would turn out, then there’d be no need for faith, aye? My mother-God rest her-always told me to think of eternity, then live backward from that. Such a view has a way o’ whittlin’ down our current troubles to a size we can crumple up into a ball and toss aside.” 2) “You see, my dear, real joy is not found in the best moments of life, but in trusting that God is making the best of every moment…..” 3) “I can honestly say now that as mundane as my life is with Father, I would rather smile with him over a simple bowl of oyster stew on Christmas than to sit at one more linen-clothed table with Percy or Alice. There’s value in that, in the sharing of joy and tears, and that’s what makes life worthwhile. Not what we do or accomplish.”
C) The Old Lace Shop is the third charming story in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas tales set in Victorian England and published in 2019. Bella White is recently widowed after a disastrous & abusive marriage to a man decades her senior, unable to provide him an heir. She becomes his heir, and as was the case at that time, she is instructed to sell all his companies, of which she does all but one. She is set financially, but decides to retain the majority holding of a Lace company where she wants to work to gain some meaning back in her life. Edmund Archer is the manager and minority owner of the lace factory and has a past with Bella White but they had lost touch with one another years ago. I enjoyed the way they worked together, and the unique woman’s perspective that Bella brought to the table, as well as the great descriptions of life and working in the Victorian Era. Well developed main characters, loveable secondary characters and scoundrels all make appearances. Author Michelle Griep has a knack of putting you right in story, and if you like historical fiction, you will love her stories!
I recommend you get yourself a copy of Once Upon A Dickens Christmas and sit back and enjoy the season with these 3 charming Christmas Tales!
The past two years I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Michelle Griep’s Christmas novellas 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts. To complete the series this year both previous novellas have been included in one volume Once Upon a Dickens Christmas which also includes a totally new novella The Old Lace Shop. This large book is beautiful with deckled page edges which make it a truly special volume appropriate for gift giving. I will include my previous reviews here as well as a new review for The Old Lace Shop.
12 DAYS AT BLEAKLY MANOR:
I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed 12 Days at Bleakly Manor nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.
The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!
I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of 12 Days at Bleakly Manor for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.
A TALE OF TWO HEARTS:
A Tale of Two Hearts is the second book in Michelle Griep’s delightful Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Set in Dickens era England the story features Mina Scott who secretly admires William Barlow. When he asks her to pose as his bride for just one evening to help him gain a desperately needed inheritance, Mina jumps at the chance only to find herself caught in a rapidly growing trap of lies and deceit. This story is a fine example of the often quoted “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” by Walter Scott. One lie led to another one as Mina and William’s good intentions seemed to offer them excuses to continue the charade.
The plot was creative and expertly crafted with wonderful characters, some of whom were extremely easy to dislike. A strong theme of grace, mercy, and redemption was skillfully woven throughout the tale and I loved how the author wrapped it all up at the end.
A Tale of Two Hearts is a perfect Christmas story, especially for lovers of Dickens and historical fiction. Both this book and the previous one 12 Days at Bleakly Manor would make excellent gifts for readers in your circle of family and friends.
THE OLD LACE SHOP:
Once again the second chance coin plays a role in the lives of two people who indeed need a second chance. Young widow Bella decides to keep one of her late husband’s businesses only to find an unexpected partner from her life before marriage. Edmund Archer is not at all happy that Bella has shown up in his life again but soon finds himself falling for her sweet and generous spirit. Of course everything cannot go well and lead up to a happily-ever-after in this final novella of the series. There is evil afoot and both Bella and Edmund will need their second chance, possibly more than once before their story is resolved.
I loved all three of these stories and will most likely want to read them all again next Christmas season. This gorgeous book will definitely find its place on my keeper shelf. And like I mentioned earlier, Once Upon A Dickens Christmas would make someone on your Christmas list a special gift.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Imagine being invited to a strange manor or castle, if you will, for the 12 days of Christmas. You have no idea who else is invited, but your life is so messed up you figure you might as well check it out. Such is a little of the history urging our heroine, Clara, into this somewhat bizarre solicitation. Besides, who wouldn’t go to a house party if you’re going to receive 500 pounds just for staying all 12 days.
I absolutely loved the variety of players in this entertaining story. With embezzlement, prison, theft, something missing and other mysteries this tale keeps you wondering the whole time – who really will win it all? Is it possible each of the players will find what they can for? Will Clara finally find her real value by giving everything to the Lord?
A Tale of Two Hearts
What a delightful story! I loved all the detail and obvious research the author put into bringing us to Charles Dickens time. The smell of the kidney pie, the coolness of the air and even the snow made me feel like I had left for a world so different than mine. Woven into this lovely setting is the eternal knowledge that mercy is available for all, you need only be willing to ask. Second chances don’t only happen in books – the choice is yours for the taking, something the characters in this story discover for themselves.
The Old Lace Shop
‘Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them.’
The author has done it again! A lovely book set in London and Nottingham in 1855. Mrs. Bella White has experienced the ugly side of marriage and has somewhat gratefully seen her husband laid to rest. What it has done for her is to give her a second chance at life and perhaps even love. Selling all but the Nottingham Lace and Hose company she leaves that unhappy life behind, totally unaware of what lies ahead.
I loved the courage, faith and love displayed by Bella. Would that we were all so generous with our time, money if available and caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. Her second change brought unexpected blessings which benefited those around her. Perhaps we all need to avail ourselves of that second chance!
I received this collection through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. The impressions, opinions and five star rating are my own.
Love anything Victorian England and especially written by Michelle Griep. Each story is very well written and highly engaging from the opening sentence. I highly recommend this collection. I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. Opinions are my own.
Exquisite Christmas novella collection! In my humble opinion, Ms. Griep is one of the best at writing books of this length. I find that many authors of novellas, write a sweet shorter story, but nothing that stays with the reader. However, with great attention to detail and with beautiful prose, Ms. Griep exels in penning fully fleshed out characters, engaging plot and depth of meaning that will captivate her readers. The theme of second-chances was skillfully woven to unite the stories with a common thread. Griep fans can count on her to include a spiritual thread that is just as relevant today as in the historical settings of her stories.
My favorite of the three stories was the final story, The Old Lace Shop. One of my favorite quotes from the story:
“Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them.”
Fans of literature will delight in the bookish nods to many well-loved references and quotes of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christy and maybe a tiny nod to Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. Perfect for a busy holiday season, since readers can easily enjoy one of the stories in just a couple of hours of reading.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
“Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubts will create them.” – The Old Lace Shop
Finally absolved of her most unhappy marriage union, Bella White decides to remain a majority partner in one of her late husband’s vast holdings; Nottingham Lace and Hose. The venture turns out to be much more than a second chance at life, it becomes the thinnest of second chances at love. Who will gather around the banquet table on Christmas Eve?
“One does not question an opportunity, my dear. One simply mounts it and rides.” – 12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Stripped of her wealth, left at the altar by the man she loved, and betrayed beyond measure, Clara Chapman has nearly lost hope of an happily ever after. When the finely embossed invitation to Bleakly Manor arrives at the door of her aunt’s modest residence on Christmas Eve, she has no idea what it means, but dutifully responds. Stranger things have never happened than during the 12 Days of Christmas, at Bleakly Manor.
“If we knew how things would turn out, then there’d be no need for faith”. – A Tale of Two Hearts
Much was riding on a family inheritance; a contest of sorts between William Barlow and his pompous cousin, and while Will felt no compunction about risking his own heart. . . . . was it fair to risk the heart of a beautiful innkeeper’s daughter?
A more clever, inspiring collection of Victorian Christmas tales would be hard to find!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
A delightful trio of tales from the Victorian Era with a bit of a Dickens’s essence to each one! Each of these stories, two of which are previously published, are filled with eccentric characters, subtle twists, and a cameo appearance by none other than Charles Dickens himself. The themes of second chances, hope, forgiveness, family and friends run through each of the stories tying them up with pleasing endings for the holidays.
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Clara Chapman, Ben Lane, and a handful of quirky personalities find themselves spending the 12 days of Christmas at Bleakly Manor together, each in search of a special prize significant only to them. However, they must last the entire twelve days which may be more difficult than it seems initially. Read this tantalizing little story to find out who makes it to the twelfth day and who doesn’t.
A Tale of Two Hearts
William Barlow, a young law clerk with a bit of a wild past, crosses paths with Mina Scott, a free thinking young woman who loves to read Dickens when she’s supposed to be waiting on tables at her father’s inn. When Will needs to come up with a bride quickly, who better to ask than his friend Mina who waits on him! As Mina and Will begin their journey along a path twisted with tall tales and some outright lies, they find their situation more complex than they planned.
The Old Lace Shop
My personal favorite of the three stories is this third tale. In her search to become self-sufficient, Bella White, a lovely young woman coming from an extremely difficult home life, encounters Edmund Archer, a former old love from her distant past. Bella and Edmund end up as partners in the Nottingham Lace and Hose factory. Sprinkled with interesting historical detail about the manufacturing of lace, this story draws the reader right into the world of Victorian manufacturing with all its intrigue, turmoil, and heartbreak.
Don’t miss these intriguing short stories tied up nicely in one volume for easy reading! Great book for readers of historical fiction, Victorian fiction, or Christmas fiction!
This ARC copy was received from the author, Barbour Publishing and Netgalley. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#OnceUponADickensChristmas #NetGalley
When a new story from Michelle Griep shows up, I quickly snatch it up to read. And this collection of Christmas tales does not disappoint. The first two stories in the book, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts were released before and The Old Lace Shop is the newest addition to this series. Each tale is a stand-alone story and the three are loosely tied together by a second chance coin, often given to someone in dire circumstances and a cameo appearance by Charles Dickens. The characters are great–evocative, vibrant and likable. In each story, the hero and heroine have had difficult situations to work through in their past and for one reason or another are now in a situation where they must work together to make things work out for their future. And, of course, there is a villain! Each story gripped me right from the start and just got better and better with twists to the plot, topsy-turvy happenings that keep the reader’s attention and a delightful romance. The author has a definite thread of faith in God woven throughout the story, reminding readers that He is a God who loves to give His children second chances. As each story comes to a dramatic conclusion, the reader, along with the characters wonder how in the world will God be able to straighten out the tangled situation. The author brings the Victorian age alive with delightfully descriptive prose and as she tells of traditions, lifestyles and even some recipes that were found during that time period. If you are a reader who loves charming stories set in Victorian England you will not want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
A heartwarming collection of Christmas novellas!
A “second chance coin” and something that reminds me of “six degrees of separation ” from Charles Dickens threads itself through these three, lovely Yuletide novellas. Two have already been published (but a truly good story is always worth a re-read), while the third is brand-new.
I enjoyed reviewing The Twelve Days at Bleakly Manor. It brings our first couple together, Clara and Ben.
This novella was the recipient of the 2018 Christy award. My quote here?
“If you knew all the answers, there’d be no need for trust, little one.”
Next was one of my favorites, The Tale Of Two Hearts. It is the story of scoundrel William Barlow who pretends to be married to serving maid Mina Scott, in order to inherit. Oh, how I loved the characters in this one! Mina sure can stand up for herself! And the descriptive quotes:
“His face was a road map of years.”
“He wore his wrinkles like a garment, the deep creases on his
face in sore need of ironing.”
Indeed, Griep speaks Dickensian quite fluently.
“… real joy is not found in the best moments of life, but in trusting that God is making the best of every moment.”
“Maybe, perhaps, true meaning in life had nothing to do with outward trappings but with inward genuineness.”
The Old Lace Shop brings us, Edmund and Bella, thrust together as unwilling business partners. I loved the mystery on a couple of different levels, and the wisdom both Bella and Edmund show.
Quotes:
“The two are as thick as scabs on a pox victim.”(Try picturing that one!)
“Either your faith will move mountains or your doubt will create them.”
This next sentence reminds us that even those without the “usual” gifts others have, may have a greater gift, the gift of joy. “How I wish I could bottle up the child’s laughter and carry it around with me, opening it now and then for a draught of joy when needed.” How true!
I received this complimentary book from the author and publisher. No positive review was required and all opinions are my own.
Such a delightful collection of Christmas stories by Michelle Griep! The three stories are loosely tied together by Charles Dickens and a coin that is passed on from person to person reminding each of that “second chance” gifted by God, even in the direst of circumstances. It’s amazing that the author can move between vastly different settings during the Victorian era to bring forth these stories that fit so well as a package, brimming with hope, grace, forgiveness, and redemption. Each story is well-written with a seamless plot and lovable characters.
“12 Days at Bleakly Manor” carries mystery and intrigue as invited houseguests vie for “something special” if they can last through the twelfth night of Christmas celebration at Bleakly Manor. “A Tale of Two Hearts” showcases two cousins vying for inheritance from an old rich uncle but both become embroiled in lies and half-truths. “Old Lace Shop” features former sweethearts broken by cruelty in previous marriage and life circumstances who end up as partners in a lace factory. This story is told in first person present tense, which makes it quite unique. In all three stories, there are snippets of England’s history that provide the setting and events as well as spiritual truths.
If you’re a fan of historical romance, this collection of Dickensian Christmas stories will captive you. I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I’m so delighted to see the entire Dickens trilogy in one volume. I had already read books one and two, so in reviewing this title I added book three, The Old Lace Shop. It was every bit as good as the first two stories.
The crossover of characters from one book to the next continues, each book having a main character that appears as a side note in other stories, and the Second Chance Coin continues to change hands as characters pay its significance forward. I love how this symbol of faith winds its way through all the stories spreading the message of forgiveness, faith, and the opportunity for new beginnings.
This installment finds Bella White a free woman following the death of her abusive husband, and eager to make her own way. Bella has vowed never be dependent on a man again and never to let another man crush her under his heel. In a spur of the moment decision she decides to keep one of her late husband’s business holdings and move to a small town as majority owner of a lace manufacturing company. Bella knows she will be challenged as a woman taking over majority ownership of a business in a man’s world, but nothing prepares her for finding that her new business partner is an old love…
Bella tries to figure out the lace industry while Edmund struggles to figure out Bella and his mixed feelings for her. Amidst their conflicting feelings for each other, the two are faced with a struggling business, corporate espionage, family secrets, and a host of elderly ladies who are cast-offs of the lace-making business. Their faith in God is the only way they’ll be able to sort it all out.
I love passing on Michelle Griep’s stories as gifts to my family and friends. This book is a perfect Christmas gift because although the stories are all full-length stories, they each check in at around 150 pages, making them perfect to enjoy over a holiday break. Griep’s stories are always sweet, clean romance, and although I usually tear up at some point, they are not Hallmark-y stories. I’m no a fan of Nicholas Sparks or tear-jerker romances, but I love Griep’s sweet stories. A fellow reader described them well as passing on a message of faith in God and God’s redemption without being “preachy”. They could easily be a gift to a lover of historical fiction and sweet romance who needs a nudge in their faith. This is a great time of year to pick up this collection and enjoy them as fall approaches and through the holiday season.
This book is so good! All three stories are very well written and hold your attention. If you like Victorian Christmas romance stories, you will love this book. This stories in this book have drama, suspense and romance. This is the perfect book to curl up with and take a step back in time. It will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing, Inc. Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A note before I begin this review: Two of the stories in this collection, “Twelve Days at Bleakley Manor” and “ A Tale of Two Hearts” have been previously published. “The Old Lace Shop” is a new story published in this edition. I had read the first two stories, but I’m glad to have all three in one volume because they share common story elements.
These stories are all Victorian in their settings. (Think of “A Christmas Carol” for this time period.) There are small, but important, links that follow through each story: A “second chance” coin: a swift “glimpse’ of Charles Dickens; characters that make a cameo appearance in a story. “Bleakley Manor” is a Victorian mystery that sets the tone of second chances for the other two stories. “A Tale of Two Hearts” had characters that I loved. My favorite story was “The Old Lace Shop”. I loved the setting of this
story and several of the characters in this one touched my heart.
In all three stories, the themes of second chances, forgiveness, and hope are the guideposts for the reader, which make these perfect stories for the Christmas season.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.