Michelle Griep is one of my favorite Christian Fiction authors. Her writing is always good and well researched, and her characters are so personable. I always look forward to what she has in store next for her readers. A Tale of Two Hearts, book 2 in her Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series, is such a fun story! I was thoroughly engaged in every page, and I was rooting for Will and Mina the entire time. I am sad my time with these characters is over.

I adore Mina’s character. Mina loves to read — so much so her head is firmly set in the pages of her beloved books, and she one day dreams of falling in love with a hero of novel proportions who will whisk her away from her humdrum, weary life. Mina works with her father who is an Innkeeper. It is there at the inn that she meets William Barlow, the man she believes is the hero of her dreams. Will is charming, gentlemanly, and handsome. He can get Mina to crack a smile and blush just with a single look and wink. One day, Will offers Mina an offer she can’t refuse — be his pretend bride in order to help him gain his inheritance. What could possibly go wrong?! Not only will she get to experience life as the upper crust do, but she will also get to spend more time with Will.

As Mina gets deeper and deeper into Will’s world, she begins to realize that perhaps the life God gave her is the best life for her. Mina concludes that “pretty dresses and dining in fine establishments doesn’t necessarily bring significance. Significance comes in caring — really caring — for those around us.” I enjoyed watching Mina’s character grow over the course of this fun story. I love how Mina gradually learns to be content with whom she is and the life God has blessed her with. It’s a really great reminder for me to be grateful for my life exactly as it is because GOD has me exactly where He wants me to be. When I get tired or bored or annoyed with my life, or when I start to think that others have it better, I need to remember that the grass is not always greener in someone else’s yard just as Mina does in this really sweet story.

Overall, I have very much enjoyed my time with this book. A Tale of Two Hearts is a highly engaging page turner that had me smiling the entire time. This delightful story made my heart very happy. If you are looking for a fun, fast-paced story with timely lessons and a sweet romance, then A Tale of Two Hearts is definitely the book for you.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's another charming book from a very talented author that takes us back to London in 1853. I loved how the author did a great job describing the time period. You can feel yourself there looking on as Mina shares her love of reading. I found that to be very endearing and made me love the character even more. She is quite a lovely person with a heart of gold. She how a sweet disposition and wants so badly to help others in need. However, her father has ideas on what Mina should be doing and it certainly isn't reading or lending a helping hand.

William Barlow seems to be a nice enough fellow but when he asks Mina to do something for him that is not really honest, I wasn't sure if he had her best interest at heart. William is getting a bit ahead of himself as he tries to deceive his uncle. Uncle Barlow was the star in this story for me. I chuckled at the things he had William and Percy do to win him over. They are so desperate to be declared his heir that they scheme at some questionable ideas. I kept thinking how Uncle Barlow must be enjoying their silly notions.

The story is a wonderful journey through London as family members squabble over such meaningless treasures. Mina is torn between helping William because she has secretly loved him, and being honest and telling Uncle Barlow the truth. I loved how these characters experience forgiveness, being honest and remembering how important family is.

I received a copy of this book from celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Another winner from Michelle Griep! I must confess that I don't know Charles Dickens' books well but this book was still delightful to read, even for this ignorant reader (I know, I know... I must get back to my classics). I'm sure it will be more of a delight for those who know Dickens' books well.

With her trademark flawless writing style, intricate characters, and detailed plot, Michelle Griep weaves a tale in 1853 London that will draw you in from page one. Mina is a firecracker daughter of an innkeeper who is delightful, compassionate, and refreshingly naive in her outlook on life. She lives and breathes the fictional world of Dickens, much to her father's dismay and perhaps her detriment. Will is a gentleman's son who has had a shady past, now trying to mend his ways but vying for his uncle's inheritance to help his mother who has been secreted away from the family. Mina and Will's relationship unfortunately is based on lies and half-truths but, as they get to know each other better, they end up falling in love. Such flavorful secondary characters like Will's cousin Percy, Will's uncle, Mina's spinster friend, and Mina's father round out the wonderfully diverse cast. The emphasis on everyone needing and deserving a second chance, as Christ showed us, is powerful. The second-chance coin, handed to Mina from her friend Effie has a nice tie-in to the first book in the series (12 Days at Bleakly Manor).

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

A delightful Victorian Christmas story

Mina had such big dreams and had only ever imagined what it would be like to experience treats in a posh tea room. She had read plenty of books and so she was able to picture it, however, she never expected to actually experience such luxuries herself.

Enter Will.

Though he was no longer the rogue he had been, a simple misdirection with his words had his uncle believing he had married – and now he needed to produce a wife in order to be considered as the man’s heir.

I appreciated that while neither Mina nor Will felt lying was something acceptable to do, they both got caught up in the lie to his uncle. Will’s desire to benefit from his uncle’s estate was more selfless than it would seem. His reason was actually quite noble. Convinced it would only be a one-time occurrence, they rationalized the deception. That was before they stumbled upon a devious plot that compelled them to perpetuate the ruse. Oh no!

This lovely story had fun twists and turns and had a surprise ending. There were several delightfully despicable characters to add an appropriate amount of interest. It was not the adventure/mystery that The Innkeeper’s Daughter or The Captured Bride were, but it was still quite enjoyable. The lesson learned was not as much about the importance of telling the truth as it was about being content in whatever state you find yourself.

I loved reading about the small secret society Mina was a part of (they had been unfortunate in their choice to make it for single women as their numbers continued to dwindle as the ladies married!) Learning a bit about the deplorable conditions in the health facilities was not necessarily new yet it was something I had forgotten about.

Perhaps I was influenced by the previous books I’ve read by this author, but it seemed like I was immersed in Dickens’ London from the very first line of the story. Mina loved Dickens’ writing and was constantly absorbed by one of his works.


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I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

Christmas reading is one of my favorite things, even in October! I enjoy extending the season and getting in a celebratory mood long before the calendar turns to December. Having read and enjoyed Griep’s first book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, I eagerly anticipated reading this second one. Though loosely tied to the first novella, the story easily reads as a standalone and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

How can you know the truth of a situation when it all begins with a lie? That is the dilemma our characters face from the first pages. Neither Will nor Mina intend for the charade to continue as long as it does, but telling the truth becomes harder and harder. They learn some difficult lessons along the way, and I could readily relate to these characters, wanting to do the right thing but not sure what that even looks like at certain points.

There is a lot of good spiritual content that stems from the story itself, flowing naturally, as part of the characters’ lives. There are frequent reminders that we all need second chances from time to time, that none of us are perfect, even our heroes. Joy and meaning come from a life lived to the best of our abilities and to the glory of God.

This is a light but meaningful book, perfect for the season. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction, fans of Charles Dickens or any other classic literature, and anyone who needs an occasional reminder that the best things in life aren’t things at all, but those with whom we share it.

I received a review copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.

What a lovely way to officially begin my Christmas reads for 2018. This story doesn’t bear any resemblance to the plot of Dickens’ story A Tale of Two Cities, but it has a thoroughly Dickensian feel, right down to the names of the characters. And really, there’s just something about Dickens and Christmas that seems to go together, isn’t there?

Two of the things I love most about Dickens’ novels are his characterisation and his turns of phrase. I could (and, in fact, will) say the same thing for Michelle Griep and this novel. William and Mina are honourable, yet flawed characters, learning some valuable lessons about themselves and their faith as their deception digs them a deeper and deeper hole to try and fill in. I loved Mina’s rapport with Uncle Barlow, and he and the other secondary characters added great colour and depth to the story, just as Dickens’ secondary characters do.

And then you get Dickensian descriptions like: “No matter the time of day, London streets teemed as if a great bucket of humanity had been upended and dumped onto the sidewalks.” Yes, there are Americanisms like ‘sidewalk’ that creep in, but it doesn’t take away from the overall effect.

And finally, there is the romance—a gentle dawning on William’s side, but complicated by their deception. It all added up to an enjoyable escape to Victorian London that definitely has me in the mood for Christmas. So long as it doesn't include oyster stew!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

nnkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life. She saves every penny to attend a finishing school, dreaming of the day she’ll become a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn. William is a gentleman’s son, a charming rogue but penniless. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his puritanical cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit. William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t as she comes to love the old man. And when the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost. Can two hearts survive such a deception?



My Thoughts: Mina has had her eye on Will since the first time she served him at her father's inn; so when Will asks her to help him by pretending to be his bride, she jumps at the chance. But as Mina and Will find out, deception brings on worries and more deception. They soon learn that as the Bible says that truth will set you free. There are many lessons in this novel. One is to not lie, to be truthful in all things. It's never good to keep secrets. It's never a good thing to play with another's affections. It is also a story of forgiveness and second chances.

This was a fun book to read. This is the second book in the series "Once Upon a Dickens Christmas" and even though I haven't read the first one, it was easy to read and follow along. The characters were fun, Mina being the main character is a sweet young woman who loves to read. The readers are instantly drawn to her. Then there are Will's cousins, which I found to be very comical and in some ways true to life.


Michelle Griep is a wonderful writer, who holds the reader's attention and adds a little whimsy to the characters and story-line.


I truly enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to reading more from Michelle Griep.

Its October, but I've just finished this delightful Christmas story. Actually, it could be read any time of the year, and the theme is no obstacle.
There's romance, with a pretended marriage and intrigue, with a nefarious plot hatched by the leading man's relatives. The characters are wonderful and so well-drawn, including the deliciously nasty villains Alice and Percy. Alice is so venomous, grasping, sly and shrewish. You just want to slap her or shake her, but she and her husband just make the more perfect villains to pit the heroes against. The duo are in every way worthy of Dickens.

Mina is that perfect combination of strong yet vulnerable and so in a way is Will. He needs Mina, but is afraid to admit his growing love and admiration for her, because of a previous heartbreak. Both characters make mistakes. I think there some important messages about integrity and honesty, as well as not striving for the unattainable and taking people as they are.
That deceit and pretense, even its done with good intent to help or protect someone else, does cause hurt.

Uncle Barlow is just perfect. No other explanation is needed. He ties the story together, and he's wonderful. Everyone needs an Uncle Barlow in their life, a kindly if eccentric old man who sees good in everyone and tries to give everyone a chance. Even better you can sit down and discuss literature with him: no wonder Mina loved him so much. Not that he suffers fools gladly, or takes well to being duped.
There's a great inner strength behind the facade of an absent minded old man. In fact, I would hazard Uncle Barlow is almost a Christ figure in this book, showing unconditional love, but speaking the truth and not blind to the faults of the characters, He requires but does not compel obedience, and shows the blend of justice and mercy perfectly.

I did however deduct one star for the few Americanisms, and the fact that I could not get on the with American narrator of the audio-book. Sorry, but her accents weren't great.

So overall this a lovely story full of grace and imbued with Spirit of Christmas, snow, and festive cheer. With the perfect setting in Victorian London and a nearby country manor.
The passages from Dickens at the start of each chapter are a perfect accompaniment to this feelgood romance, perfect for the holiday season. I might give it a re-read again when Christmas comes around, hunkered down in my jumper with a cup of tea and a nice mince pie.

I requested this title from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep is a wonderful addition to the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Having read several of Griep's books, I was looking forward to reading this one and I was not disappointed. The characters were great--evocative, vibrant and likable. The main characters both had lives that were a 'tangled heap of joy and sorrow.' The story gripped me right from the start and just got better and better with twists to the plot and a delightful romance. The author brings the Victorian age alive as she tells of traditions such as Christmas pudding, Victorian Oyster stew, drinking chocolate, and the singing of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen which the author states in Historical Notes 'that Victorians knew it well.' The story is full of twisted truths, deceptions and topsy-turvy happenings that keep the reader's attention. I enjoy the descriptive writing as it puts the readers right into the scene--the barrister's chamber with its scent of musty books, beeswax and an underlying odor of mothballs and 'what was the point of lifting a rock and staring horrified at the creepy-crawlies beneath.' 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 the story comes to a dramatic climax, the reader, along with the characters wonder how in the world will God be able to straighten out this tangled situation. A Tale of Two Hearts is a delightfully captivating book and I can't wait to read more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Is there anything more discouraging than unrequited love? Mina Scott discovers that, yes, there is as she agrees to play the part of William Barlow’s wife.

And that’s not all Mina has to deal with. There are plenty of secrets and questions about William’s family—and his past. Mina’s tender heart will not allow a good man to be hurt, so she finds herself agreeing to the charade much longer than she originally agreed upon. Can her heart survive the duplicity?

Michelle Griep delivers another fantastic holiday read with heart, hope, and plenty of Dickens. As Mina and William find, sometimes miracles come in the form of second chances.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

What a delightful read, building in a not-so-direct way on the first book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Definitely had a cozy but grungy Dickens vibe to it that I've come to love in Griep's work. Great to read for the autumnal season or just before Christmas to set the mood for the holidays!

*I received a copy of A Tale of Two Hearts from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I confess I didn't understand enough of the references to other books in this novel; clearly I need to brush up on my classics. But, that didn't stop me from enjoying it! A Tale of Two Hearts to me is really a tale not just about two people falling in love, but two people learning that it's important to be themselves and to be honest. Both Will and Mina struggle with their own insecurities and while they set out with the best of intentions, their methods may not be the best choice, but this is one of those stories where if I was in their shoes, I'm not sure I would've made a different decision.

I appreciate how Michelle kept the story within social norms of the time period. For two people to act married and not be put them in situations that would've been scandalous, and this is reflected in both characters actions; their behavior wasn't changed for modern audiences (i.e. it's ok to be alone together for awhile, etc.).

If you're looking for a drama where Christmas is an aspect, but doesn't overwhelm the story and where characters learn to give others another chance, this story is for you.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

My Thoughts: Are you looking for a solid dose of Christmas cheer? You’ll find it right here in A Tale of Two Hearts. From the moment the book begins, I felt like I stepped into a Victorian Christmas setting. It was cozy, warm, inviting, and I always enjoy the historical facts that Griep weaves into her Christmas stories. While I did feel like there were characters who needed more depth, I greatly appreciated the lovely example Griep gives us of Christ wiping away our sins and forgiving our debts.

Rating and Recommendation: I recommend this to those looking for a Christian Historical or Christmas novel. I’m giving it 4 stars.

~ I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

This was a fast reading, something always happening, fun book.. I really enjoyed some of the older characters in this tale, as well as the main characters. This is one of my favorite Christmas themed books that I have read so far. There were many surprises and twists that I did not see coming and it kept me turning the digital pages as fast as I could. I recommend this book and can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

This a fun and intriguing read. Readers first meet Mina Scott at the Golden Egg Inn, Mina Scott (the innkeeper’s daughter) is taking a bread to read David Copperfield. She loved reading. She could go on so many adventures and take her mind off of work and her father. He didn’t enjoy reading, couldn’t understand why she loved it so much.

This is a charming, fun story set in 1853 London when Charles Dickens was doing his writing. Each chapter has a quote from him and/or one of his novels. I enjoyed this one from Charles Dickens himself, “Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.”

I liked the historical notes at the end of the book describing types of food they would prepare for Christmas Even and Christmas day. She talks about Christmas pudding, Victorian Oyster Stew, Drinking Chocolate, Secret Societies, Florence Nightingale, and the song God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Fun facts that enhanced the story.

This novel is just plain fun to hang out in this time period with characters I enjoyed This book and it’s message gets you in the Christmas spirit.

If you like Christmas stories, Charles Dickens and this time period, you’ll love this book. It would be fun as a book club pick as well. The third book in this series comes out in 2019. The title The Old Lace Shop.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/NetGalley. 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! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
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This book is such a fun story! I enjoy Michelle's writing style, since she writes well rounded characters and they aren't stereotypical. This is a wonderful Christmas story to pick up this holiday season.

A Tale of Two Hearts
By Michelle Griep
This was a charming tale of love set in 1853 London.
Mina is an innkeepers daughter working hard for her father. Life may be dull but one customer sets Mina to daydreaming. William, a gentleman's son, comes to Mina's fathers inn regularly and when he finds himself in a pickle, looking for a pretend wife, Mina jumps in to his rescue.
This was a very sweet book and I enjoyed watching love bloom for these two. One thing I will note is that love and forgiveness is not as clean-cut and simple as this story tells.

A Tale of Two Hearts is a wonderful tale set in 1853 London. The story is one filled with struggles, deceptions, love, and forgiveness.

Mina & William start off their relationship with lies that pair off one Barlow family member against another. Lies told by Mina & William to his uncle and cousins, come back to haunt them both.

I loved the references to Dickens and the underlying Christian aspects of the book. All in all, a very enjoyable read written in the English of that period that brought the story to life for me. It was very inspiring and inspirational. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

Griep’s ability to transport you back in time and directly into the lives of Mina Scott and William Barlow is astounding. When Mina first accepts William’s offer I shook my head much in the same way as Miss Whymsy. No good would come of this deception and yet how we all do try to take the reins and drive our own lives instead of leaving things in the hands of the master. The truth will always reveal itself eventually, the only true question is how far down the rabbit hole are you willing to go in order to avoid discovery?

We meet several noteworthy characters throughout A Tale of Two Hearts and each one appeared for a special purpose. Effie reminds Mina that heroines do not sink despairingly into the fog, but choose instead to face their problems bravely in order to do what is right. Mins will have to decide if she can be that heroine.

Mina has always wanted to be a true lady, but through meeting Will’s cousins, she learns a valuable lesson. Having the things of the world does not equate to happiness. True happiness lies within. I’m leaving a quote from the book here because it so perfectly sums up what I am trying to say. Mina to Will, “There’s value in that, in the sharing of joy and tears, and that’s what makes life worthwhile. Not what we do or what we accomplish.”

I loved this book! The setting in which the book took place is very magical. I enjoyed the characters, I really enjoyed the relationship between Mira and Uncle Barlow. Mira’s love for books and how she drew close to Uncle Barlow because of it. Made me smile. This book drew me in from page one and kept me so drawn in until the last page. I was drawn back in time and could smell the oyster stew and see the decorations. Mina is such a sweet character with a big crush on William, William is some what of a bad boy who has learned to change because of God. There are some not so nice characters such as Williams cousin Percy and wife Alice. Uncle Barlow will announce a heir to his fortune and Percy and William have to prove who is the better of the two to inherit his estate. With many twist and turns to the story you will be surprised by the ending. Such a beautiful story of family and romance. Michelle Griep is sure to win many hearts with this wonderful story.