Though the twist and turns as the characters assemble each add to the group on this Christmas eve begins. Each portion is thoughtfully added to make a well mixed puzzle. Of course a little mistaken opinion, adds to the drama. 12 Days at Bleakly Manor was quite interesting but I can’t say much for the hospitality! Thank You NetGalley for this advanced copy it was well enjoyed.

•°o•:*:•. Wow! Game of ‘Clue’ set in 1850 London .•:*:• o°•
This story had so many twists and turns and really kept me guessing. It very much reminded me of the game of Clue with its quirky characters and mysterious manor. It kept me guessing all the way through. Each person had received an invitation to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas (Dec 25 to Jan 5). Each guest received a cryptic invitation and would win a gift important only to them IF they could last the entire time. Kind hearted Clara and honorable Benjamin each received invitations, not knowing the other had as well. Each had suffered much, and finding their way back to each other was unexpected for both, but because of their faith and buried love for one another, it was not as difficult as they would have imagined. The big reason for the mystery was not one I would have guessed AT ALL! What a fun and unique surprise. A favorite supporting character was Miss Scurry and her box of “friends”. She was a kind hearted elderly lady who just wanted companionship.
I enjoyed this story very much, and the cover is gorgeous!
© To be released September 2017, Shiloh Run Press, 182 pages – 31 chapters
I received an advance eCopy from NetGalley., in exchange for my honest opinion which I am privileged to provide, with no further compensation.
SERIES: Once Upon A Dickens Christmas
Book #2 A Tale of Two Hearts is expected in Fall 2018

What fate awaits a cast of seven eccentric characters who heed the missive of a single gold embossed envelope inviting them to spend 12 days at Bleakly Manor? That's what the reader will find out in this cleverly written mystery! Only one will receive the prize promised within the letter and each are determined to stay. Even when mishaps begin to happen!

Mystery, mayhem, a manor full of secrets and a missing host mash up in this page turner! Unique and eccentric characters, vividly told scenery so real you think you've stepped in the story yourself, clues cleverly dropped, all sprinkled with a second chance love story. What a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc., Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read this digital book galley.

I truly enjoyed this well plotted mystery novel filled with well developed characters. Six people receive an invitation to spend the Twelve Days of Christmas at Bleakly Manor, beginning on December 25, 1850 and ending at midnight on January 5, 1851. Each is promised something that they desperately want or need will be their reward for spending the season there. Once they arrive at Bleakly, however, they discover that only one will receive the promised reward for staying the entire time and anyone who leaves before time is up, regardless of reason, forfeits their chance at the reward. The mixture of character types was quite interesting and the author, Michelle Griep, was very clever about keeping the true motivations of each person well under wraps. There are no deaths which take place, but this is definitely a series of mysteries. In the first place no one knows the identity of the owner of Bleakly Manor. Neither do they know whether the six guests are who or what they claim to be. So prepare yourself for a Christian mystery novel where faith, love, and charity all play their part in helping...........Ah, but that's where the twists begin so you really need to read this to find out how these strangers deal with all the misfortunes and adventures they find themselves involved in. A sweet love story is the main basis for the novel, but trying to figure out what is going on will bring readers enjoyment also.

The first chapter of book two in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series, A Tale of Two Hearts, is included at the end of the book.

I'm forever in love with anything and everything Michelle Griep writes. This was perfectly perfect. I loved the diverse cast of characters and the second-chance love story (which, I'll admit, has never been my fav). My heart skipped a beat during the many moments of high-stakes and the constant twists and turns this novel took. I cannot wait for more!

*My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.*

This book was a refreshing read as the plot was unusual! I enjoyed the twists and turns but found the ending a bit predictable. I would read more of Michelle's books, though. I liked her writing style.

Wow, what a refreshingly unique tale of mystery and romance set over the holidays in 1850's, England! It is like a slice of Dickens and Agatha Christie, with a touch of Alexander Dumas for flavor. I enjoyed following this group of colorful characters through the twelve days of Christmas in the manor house, each with their own motivation for being there. The good, the bad, and the ugly in nineteenth century form. Lyrical, descriptive writing, with quotable lines added to the reading pleasure, plus some action.

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical mystery and clean romance, with some faith.

I loved this book. A great historical novel set in England in the mid 1800. Great plot and cast of characters.

I had a hard time getting into this book, and while it was well-written, it was just a little too detailed for me. Maybe it was the setting, or something else. I typically love Christmas books, but this just didn't do it for me.

Excellent book it has intrigue,love,and deception.Once you start you do not want to put it down keeps the reader in suspence all the time some very interesting characters although I thought the ending could have been developed more as in the case of George I would have liked to see how he was arrested and the outcome of the case.Maybe this could lead to a second book something the author might think about.

"12 Days at Bleakly Manor" is a romance set in England in late Dec. 1851. Seven strangers are invited to a manor to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, lured by the promise that they will gain something they desire if they stay all 12 days. The host is missing, but he informs them that only one person will win their prize. Not surprisingly, accidents begin to happen.

Despite the accidents, the story seemed more humorous than suspenseful. The characters were quirky and outrageous. It's implied that at least some of the characters were based off of characters in "Bleak House," but that happens to be one of Dickens' novels that I haven't read. Since I read Charles Dickens for the historical details, I was disappointed that this novel made little effort to be historically accurate in terms of manners and such.

It wasn't difficult to figure out where the overall arc of the story was going--who the "bad persons" were, who would win, etc.-so it was a light, entertaining read. There wasn't much character development, but Ben was faced with a hard choice at the end and Clara had to decide if she'd trust Ben and God again. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.