A Tale of Two Hearts tells the story of Mina and William and how they came to be. This is the second book in the Once Upon A Dickens companion series.

Mina's father owns a tavern/inn and William is one of the frequent customers of the Tavern. Mina has slowly fallen for him over the past year. William is a well-off young man who needs to inherit his uncle's estate in order to help out someone he loves, the problem is the only way to do that is to convince his uncle he is responsible and that he is married. This is where Mina comes in and she is asked to be his pretend wife, while she agrees at first to only do this one, it ends up being more once Mina learns of William's cousin's plan to put the uncle into an asylum in order to get his money quicker. Will Mina and William be able to stop this plan, while also keeping the secret that they aren't really married? Well, that is one you'll have to read the book to find out because it is a bit of a bumpy but enjoyable ride.

Overall I thought this book was okay. The two main characters I enjoyed and I am so glad we got to see things from both of their perspectives. Mina and William while coming from different types of lifestyles do work together and you could tell that they cared for each other with how willing they were to help and protect each other against William's awful cousins. For me, Mina was my favorite character, partially because of all the risks she was willing to take in order to protect someone she barely knew, but also because of how she stood up for herself against someone who kept trying to convince her of something. William was good too of course, but for the first half of the book, I was just kind of meh about him because he wasn't risking much at all compared to Mina.

As of right now, I don't think I will be continuing with this series as I'm just not loving it and I do have other Christmas books I'd rather read right now.

This is a sweet Christmassy story about love, redemption and finding/claiming your right place in life.
A chocolate drink of a story, with marshmallows, even, to be drunk after a long cold ride during a winter night.

Yet, my European sensibilities have been suffering because of all the small and bigger details going wrong in the story (for example, the servants would immediately know about Will/Mina's situations!).

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and looked forward to this one. While I enjoyed this one as well, it was more of a standard romance and lacked the mystery I had enjoyed so much in the first one. Because of those unmet expectations, I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, but I think, had I not been expecting a mystery, this one would have been perfectly enjoyable. It is well-written, with engaging and relatable characters, and a plot that kept me wanting to know how everything was going to work out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.

Why This Is a Perfect October Christmas Read
Michelle Griep has done it again! Last year’s 12 Days at Bleakly Manor (link goes to my review) was a beautiful story full of rich Dickensian characters, and I did fear that this one wouldn’t rise up to the bar she’d set. I shouldn’t have worried.

With characters who feel very much like they could have stepped right out of the pages of any Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Hearts holds all the appeal of that wonderful storyteller’s characters and yet they are clearly Ms. Griep’s.

Will is earnest, determined, and oh, so wonderfully flawed. Every choice he makes digs him deeper into his hole of deception.

Mina, like many of Dickens’ young women, is strong and honorable, even—if not especially—when she’s been led in something against her will.
As with the last book, I know we’re supposed to see specific characters in Will, Mina, Mr. Barlow, and Miss Whymsey, I suspect I saw different ones. I found John from Our Mutual Friend in Will—that duplicity for the good of another really shone there. In Mina, I saw a mesh of Little Dorrit and her sister, Fanny. She starts with Amy Dorrit’s heart and Fanny’s longings and learns to embrace the life she has—just as Amy always did and Fanny never did. Again, I know it’s not what I was supposed to glean from the book, but it’s what I did.

One of the most important reasons that it is a perfect October Christmas read is that the spiritual truths woven into the story are exactly the ones we need to read and remember as the year comes to a close. Lessons on others before self, honesty in all your dealings, second chances… and third. Because isn’t that what the Lord did for us? Aren’t we called to become like Him?

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Ms. Griep has done her research well. Not a single thing felt anachronistic. I also recommend it to those who enjoy Dickens’ works. Rather than being retellings or involving him so much that it would be a disappointment, these are inspired by his stories and stand alone. I believe Dickens himself would read and love them.

Even if you don’t enjoy Christmas, I think you’d enjoy this story about two people, the lessons they need to learn, and how those lessons knit together two hearts in this delightful but not overly-sappy Christmas tale.

Gems, the Bible is one big pile of perfect gemstones, but very often in other books you can find a little gemstone chipped off the beautiful stones in God's Word. And this book was not an exception. Such as this quote:

“ ‘…. I suppose I feel like a character in a book, not knowing how the plot will twist – and am unable to flip to the last page to find out.’ Effie shook her head. ‘But your story is already written, and it does have a happy ending. Are we not promised heaven when we die.’

‘It’s not the dying part that concerns me. It’s the in-between now and then.’

‘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 in to a ball and toss aside.’ The words sank in deep, convicting and healing. Her friend was right.”
This little fictional story honored God and was a great pleasure to read because of that. It took place around Christmas-time, but that wasn't the main subject, so it was a nice read any time of year, if you prefer to keep your Christmas related reading within the season.

What I liked:

I don't use the word "charming" much, but this time I will. Tale of Two Hearts was a charming, Dickensian book, taking place in the time of Charles Dickens who makes a cameo appearance. The writing was very much similar to the older Victorian writing without the propensity to be tedious and long winded. Any reference to romance was not very cheesy, it was sweet and fit the style of writing very well.

What I didn't like:

I can't think of anything I didn't like ... hmmmm ... nope, not a thing. It was a joy to read.

What others might not like:

The whole deception thing might cause some people trouble. It also caused the perpetrators trouble too, they did not take it lightly and there was definitely conflict within them. But think of it this way, that it was to help someone in the long run. Like people undercover or people who do espionage, they have to be deceptive to help others and get the bad guys.

5 stars for this one and as I occasionally say, I’d give it many more, if I could.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book as a gift last year. The opinions I express are provided without obligation for a positive review. I receive no compensation for the review, other than a really good read.

Michelle Griep is one of my favorite authors and "A Tale of Two Hearts" definitely delivered for me! Resplendent of Victorian times and a classic Dickens novel, this was a very enjoyable read. Add to it, a wonderful romantic love story, just makes it even more fun to read. Perfect for the Christmas season!

The perfect Christmas read
A Tale of Two Hearts is a captivating story that, for me, was a perfect combination of Dickens and Austen with a faith base. Tragedy, romance, and suspense are all rolled into this beautifully packaged tale.

In A Tale of Two Hearts, you meet sweet, innocent Mina who wants nothing more than to love and be loved. Sadly, the focus of her affections is on William who only needs her assistance to obtain an inheritance. Boy is he in for an eye-opener as he discovers secrets are not best kept from family, especially when he needs his uncle, and Mina, to trust him.

This story was such an easy and cozy read. I spent my evening with Michelle Griep’s characters curled up in my overstuffed chair, a warm blanket in my lap with a fire going and hot tea in my hand. I strongly encourage you to get the print copy. It is the most quaint and stunning cover that will only beautify your shelves more.

**Thank you CelebrateLit for making it possible to read this story so that I might give an honest review.

This was my favourite of the collection.

William and Mina were lovable characters, who had to learn the lesson of no matter what the intention, to go about in a dishonest way, even to save someone's life, is not the best way. I loved William's uncle, he was very interesting and the villains in this story was greatly described that you really dislike them from the start.

Set in Victorian London and populated with colorful and engaging characters, A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep is a charming Christmas story. Mina is delightful with her love of books and her heart for helping others, and Will is kind and caring. They learn valuable lessons when they enter into a deception which digs a hole that gets deeper and deeper. Miss Whymsy was delightful and her observations showed great insight.

I enjoyed the Dickens quotes at the beginning of each chapter which added meaning and atmosphere to the story. The themes of second chances and faith are skillfully woven throughout and give an uplifting touch. Griep’s talents shine in this story, especially in the settings, the characters, and the rich imagery. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/Net/Galley. All opinions are my own.

Mina Scott works at her father's inn, she has a big heart, and a love of Charles Dickens's stories. When one of their regular customers asks her to pose as his wife in order to make a good impression on his uncle who is choosing an heir, between himself and his conniving cousin, she agrees to help him out. But as their lie grows out of control, Percy's evil plans are revealed. Mina and William must work together to come clean and save William's beloved uncle from a terrible fate.



A heartwarming Christmas tale, written with a nod to Dickens' signature style. Mina is a hardworking young woman, with a big heart, and a love for novels by Charles Dickens. She works with her father at his inn. Mina's father is strict, but he ultimately loves her dearly.



William has worked hard to reform himself after losing everything due to past indiscretions. He wants to put his best foot forward, but in so doing he finds himself lying to the ones that he loves most.



An enjoyable read with likable characters, engaging plot, with a heartwarming Dickensian charm. I loved Uncle Barlow, he is a clever, sweet natured man, with an appreciation for literature and loyalty. Well written, charming, great tension, yet heartwarming, with characters that I could cheer for--overall a great Christmas story. A great feel-good read, definitely worth the read!





I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Tale of two hearts is a delightful Regency era Christmas story. Mina is an Innkeeper’s daughter who long to be a lady. Will is a gentlemen’s son, who has no fortune of his own. When Will’s bachelor uncle is set to name an heir Will hopes to secure the inheritance by giving his uncle the impression that he is married. However when his uncle asks to meet his wife, Will must come up with a solution, and Mina seems to be the answer to his problem. However Will and Mina will learn that deception, even when it has good intentions, leads to consequences.

Mina has a heart of gold and wants to help others, but she also loves Will, who doesn’t even seem to know she exists other than as a server at her father’s Inn. Can Mina help other while still being true to herself and can Will overcome his past to be be man that he is meant to be ?

This is a wonderful story of second chances. I look forward to reading more books in this series. It is definitely worth reading and will get you in the Christmas spirit.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way shaped my opinion and all opinions are my own.

This was a warm and cozy Christmas read that was even better than its predecessor.
The characters were likable and the setting was wonderfully developed. I will definitely be reading the next of Ms. Griep’s Christmas novels.

"A farthing for your thoughts?"
What a delightful short read Michelle Griep's A Tale of Two Hearts is! This is the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas story, but can easily be read as a standalone. I've enjoyed it from start to finish, with the desire to get to the third book too! That ending was sweet, and though not unexpected, it still put a warmth in my heart and a smile on my face.

"...there's great deal of difference between self-love and self-sacrificing love."

A story of second chances and finding the beauty of the unexpected, while extending the grace of God, A Tale of Two Hearts have all the hallmarks of a Christmas story. Simply a story of two hearts turn one, it gave our characters distinctive personalities and back story, but also learning the truth of their hearts along the way. Nods to literary works, plus the greatness of sacrificial love, this is one story one will love to reread and remember.

"God’s children are never truly alone – especially in a world filled with books."

Yes indeed, and A Tale of Two Hearts is one prime example.



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

My Christmas reading continued with the second Once Upon a Dickens Christmas book from Michelle Griep—and I loved it! A quick, historical novella, A Tale of Two Hearts is so much fun to read with its great cast of characters, Dickensian references, and tricky situations. The romance, the deception, the second chances all held me captive from beginning to end (I wanted more!) and filled me with holiday spirit. Inspirational, charming, and a delight to read, this new novella is one to make sure you read this holiday season. I recommend it!

A Tale of Two Hearts is set in historical London in the 1800s and is the second book in the Dicken’s Christmas series by Michelle Griep. I love how the author speaks of God’s love and constant forgiveness that He extends. She also encourages contentment, thankfulness, and second chances. This is a story about a lowly innkeeper’s daughter, a young law clerk, and a rich uncle. These characters have dreams and desires and they are trying to navigate their lives the best they can. This being said, they don’t always make the wisest of choices. As a reader, we all get to see how this all unfolds. Happy reading.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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Delightful little Christmas story. Loved the literary quotes and allusions. A beautiful story of second chances.

I read Michelle’s first book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series last year so when I saw the new one come up this year I needed to read it. Needed. While '12 Days at Bleakly Manor' didn’t ring all my bells I enjoy her other books and writing style so I wasn’t counting out another Christmas book and I am so glad I didn’t. I truly enjoyed ‘A Tale of Two Hearts’. It was a little bit Christmas, a little bit poor decisions, a little bit romance, with a smidge of intrigue thrown in for good measure. Mina Scott is a typical Innkeepers daughter, except for the fact that she’s an avid reader and not so inclined to follow all the rules. She’s got her hero (from every book she’s ever read) pegged as William Barlow, a patron of the inn’s taproom that meets are her fancies and desires. He’s got his own checked past of not quite following the rules as well. Together, they make an interesting friendship with some interesting adventures and an interesting finding love story all it’s own.

I enjoyed the interplay between Mina and Will. They were both caught up in the big secret while tangling with their own secrets. Mina and her infatuation with Will and her secret society of single ladies. Will with his past bad choices and past failed relationship. And their combined desire to help him secure an inheritance which would ultimately save his beloved uncle from an unbearable future. Will’s family, namely his cousin, is bizarre. The cousin and cousin’s wife are about as likable as the smell of burnt popcorn or soggy bacon. I mean really, not even tolerable. Uncle Barlow is about as different of a stereotypical titled man as you can find. His love of laughter and personality and all things bookish make his as endearing as his other nephew is unlikable. The interplay of personality types really added depth to this story that wasn’t even really lacking, just an amazing added bonus.

I truly did enjoy this book. So much so I sat down and read it in one setting forgoing all adult-y important things like sleep. I don’t regret it one bit, in the moment. The next day was rough however as it accidentally started about 3 hours earlier than I anticipated. I missed the sleep at that point. However, still worth it. I know it’s technically after Christmas because life tends to throw me whirls like that but it’s the perfect book to bring you a smidge of Christmas. However, it’s so much more than that. It’s the perfect book to entertain you and allow you to believe that love wins at any time of the year. Or, if you are a Kristin a 25thmas book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Michelle Griep's first novella in her Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series won a 2018 Christy Award, and it wouldn't surprise me if 2019 sees a repeat with A Tale of Two Hearts.

Mina Scott, the bookish and pretty innkeeper's daughter, has fallen for a customer. Above her station, William Barlow is on the verge of remaining penniless unless he convinces his uncle that he is married, and Mina quickly agrees to help him keep the family fortune from his unpleasant and grasping cousin. Neither of them, though, has thought through the consequences of the scheme and are soon finding their actions going against their consciences and their newly shared faith.

But what fun to follow along, as Mina longs for William to return her affection and they both do their best to rescue Uncle Barlow from being committed, risking Mina's place with Miss Whymsy's Single Women's Society of Social Reform and William's chance to inherit.

Along with the Christy Award, Michelle Griep gets my personal "Most Likely to make me want to read anything Dickensian" award. I would even go so far as to say that, this time out, I was looking forward to and enjoyed the cameo appearance of Mr. Dickens.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy spirited leads, whimsical names, Dickensian touches, and a darn good story. I'm already looking forward to this year's (hopefully) upcoming installment.

This review refers to a digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep is book 2 in the Once Upon A Dickens Christmas series. Here, a young girl seeks to escape poverty by marrying an heir. But when that heir asks for her help posing as his fiancée, the plot thickens! This is a sweet book that would be loved by readers of Dickens and those that love historical fiction. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is a delightful Historical Christmas romance!

I love both of the main characters. Their hearts are in the right place, but their plans to go about achieving the desired results are very twisted. They needed to learn to trust that God was in control and would take care of things without their schemes. They each dealt with a lot of angst over the deception that they were undertaking. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they each had a friend who was speaking encouragement and guidance to them along the way.

The quotes from different books by Charles Dickens at the start of each chapter were great. Most of the books quoted I have never read. I did find myself adding many of them to my to-be-read list.

It was fun to learn about some of the traditions of 1800s Christmas time. I’m very glad that the author included some notes at the end of the book about them.

I received a complimentary eBook copy of this novel through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.