•°o•:*:•. Book Lover’s Dream .•:*:• o°•
London, 1853 Miss Wilhelmina Scott, aka Mina, serves in her father’s inn, The Golden Egg. But, she much prefers to have her nose in a good book such as ‘David Copperfield’ or daydream of her ‘brown-haired hero’, William Barlow. Miss Whymsy is her former governess and coconspirator in lending her books and enlisting her help with The Single Women’s Society of Social Reform. Effie is another dear friend who helps guide her in the story and added prayer, older wisdom and grounding to her life.
William Barlow frequents her father’s taproom with his good friend and fellow law clerk, Mr. Fitzroy. Mina has been taken with him for the better part of a year and is shocked when he suddenly suggests she become his pretend bride. He is trying to overcome a besmirched past and to win the favor of his uncle while thwarting his scheming cousins, Percy and devious wife Alice.
Uncle Barlow is a dear, kind man who enjoys books as much as Mina and is trying to ascertain the best candidate to inherit his home and fortune before he formally names an heir.
TEA MOMENT: “He’s invited me to a tea of all things.” His voice smooth as fresh flowing honey, grew louder the closer she drew to his table. Can you imagine that Fitz? A tea. How awful.” A smile curved her mouth as she imagined taking tea with William. Just the two of them. Him in his finest frock coat with a snowy cravat. Her in a new gown. She’d pour a steaming cup for him, and he’d lift a choice little cake to her lips while speaking of his deepest affections. She sighed, warm and contented. “I should think a tea would be very pleasant she murmured.” Both men turned toward her.
SPECIAL QUOTE: “God’s children are never truly alone – especially in a world filled with books.” Miss Whymsy Ch.19
A SURPRISE guest happily appears at the end of the story that caused my mouth to fall open.
I truly enjoyed this story.
To be released September 2018, Barbour Publ., Shiloh Run Press, – 30 chapters
I received an advance eCopy from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion which I am privileged to provide, with no further compensation.
Read/Reviewed 07-23-2018
SERIES: Once Upon A Dickens Christmas
Book #1 - 12 Days at Bleakly Manor September 2017
Book #2 A Tale of Two Hearts is expected in September 2018
Book #3 The Old Lace Shop September 2019

This book is a romantic, historical novel based during Christmas time. It is the mid 1800’s in England. This tale focuses on Mina, an innkeeper’s daughter and William, a man who frequently dines at the inn. William is competing against his cousin to be his uncle’s heir and needs a wife to put him in a favorable light. Mina agrees to help him and plays the role of wife for him. Both keep digging a bigger hole with their tales that is harder and harder to get out of. This book is charming and interesting throughout! I really enjoyed reading this book! I highly recommend the book, and believe you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have read her books before.

This book would be wonderful to read at Christmastime. It was enjoyable now also. I liked the two main characters and the story of redemption. A sweet love story that seemed meaningful not rushed and a very enjoyable read altogether. Would recommend to all ages.

I was given an advanced copy to read by Netgalley and the opinion of the book is my own and freely given.

A Tale of Two Hearts is the second in Michelle Griep’s series, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas and a thoroughly enjoyable read!

Set in the mid 1800’s, A Tale of Two Hearts, is a romantic mystery with Mina Scott, an avid reader, is the daughter of an innkeeper. She spends her days serving those either staying at the inn or, like William Barlow and his friend Mr. Fitzroy, who often stop by the inn for a bite to eat and have a drink of ale. Another part of her day is spent finding secluded places to read her beloved books. Each chapter in the book begins with a quote by author Charles Dickens from a. variety of his works such as, David Copperfield; Martin Chuzzlewit; Master Humphrey’s Clock, and Great Expectations.

Mina has a huge crush on William Barlow; she blushes when he visits the taproom; is very well aware of his presence no matter how many other customers are present; and desperately hopes he has not figured out just how very much she likes him. He is of a different class than she, and classes don’t just cross the invisible societal norms.

On one such visit to the taproom, William is discussing the rather arbitrary invitation to tea he received from his eccentric and elderly uncle. It seems there are two possible living heirs to Uncle’s vast fortune and he would like to meet with both personally. William is encouraged and discouraged by this turn of events. Encouraged, because his mother is very ill and he is without the means to care for her in an appropriate way. Discouraged, because there is one thing he does not have that will void any possibility of inheriting. A wife.

The problem is solved, well almost, when William gets Mina to agree to “pose” as his wife for his uncles tea. Things become more interesting, and at times downright funny, as Mina endeavors to pose as William’s wife; learn the rules of expected behaviors of the higher class, and protect her reputation. No one must find out that she is not truly William’s wife. After all, no one in the higher classes says “peas and porridge” when flustered!

Take a few moments. Sit back and enjoy a trip to the mid-1800’s, where appearances mean everything, yet appearances are not always what they seem. A Tale of Two Hearts is a delightful read and an exploration of honesty and deception. And you don’t have to wait unti Christmas season to read; it’s a wonderful read any time of the year!

In this second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series we meet Will and Mina along with a cast of secondary characters you love and hate. Will and Mina learn that deception is never the answer to problems, as well as how beautiful grace and second chances can be. Loved the literary allusions and quotations from Ms. Griep. Looking forward to The Old Lace Shop coming in 2019.

Thanks to Net Galley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A TALE OF TWO HEARTS by MICHELLE GRIEP is a delightful read. The story takes place in 1853, in the time of Charles Dickens, and, in fact, we meet the heroine, Mina Scott, with a copy of David Copperfield that she is trying to hide from her father, Jasper Scott, the innkeeper.
I love the charming characters, the intriguing plot, the beautiful English and the constant quotes from Dickens' novels. I like the fact that the dashing William Barlow has changed radically since making his life right with the Lord, only to get badly caught up in a web of lies while trying to protect his uncle and save his mother's life.
In the novel we learn that it is best to trust the Lord with our problems and leave the outcome to Him, rather than working things out in our own strength, and we also learn what really is important in life. It is a story about second chances as well.
I can recommend the book for the lovely story, great setting in history, and good Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by Barbour Publishing from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This is the second book in Michelle Griep's series Once Upon A Dickens Christmas. I enjoyed this so much, I need to go back now and read the first one, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. The setting for this is 1853 London, around Christmas time. Michelle is such a great writer, if you are a Dickens fan this is a must read. I have not read many of the classics since I got out of school, but I still enjoyed this tale and the references to his writings. I loved the exchange between Mina and Uncle Barlow, both ferocious readers. When ever they would get together, Uncle Barlow would quote a line or two and quiz Mina to see if she could tell him which book it was from. She never disappointed. I was jealous of their ability and knowledge.
This author has a quick wit and a tender heart. I found myself smiling through half of the book and almost whipping away tears throughout the rest.
You will love the characters. Michelle has given us everything, from the deplorable cousins you just love to hate, the sweet Uncle Barlow, a perfect grandfather figure, Mina our heroine who is a beautiful, innocent and the questionable hero Will. Michelle will transplant us back to this Victorian time period. What a fun story, which does not have to be read at Christmas, it can be enjoyed anytime.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep is contributing to the "Once Upon a Dickens Christmas" series with A Tale of Two Hearts. Mina Scott loves to read, but rarely has the time because she is helping her father with his inn/ale house. For a bit, I thought that O Henry was going to show up in the book in the Gift of the Magi, but she turned a corner and kept true to her Dickens theme.
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Mina met Will Barlowe through the ale house and he had a need she could fill. He needed a wife for a dinner with his uncle. Uncle Barlowe was going to name the heir to his estates and it was going to be between Will and his cousin Percy. Percy can only see the dollar signs and he and his wife have plans to put Uncle Barlowe in an asylum once they are named heirs.

Uncle Barlowe reads as much as Mina does and tries awfully hard to catch her not knowing a Dickens' quote. She can always name the book, to his amusement. The more Will is around Mina, the more he likes her, and the more Percy and his wife, Alice, want to find her weak spot to discredit her in front of Uncle Barlowe.

This is a quick little read, with ogre-ous villains, likable heroes, and interesting sub-plots. Michelle writes engaging novels that capture the reader's imagination from beginning to end.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a bowl of oyster stew

Barbour Books provided the galley I read through NetGalley.com and the opinions I expressed here are solely my own.

A Tale of Two Hearts is book two from the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. I found it to be quite delightful and give it four stars.

I really enjoyed following the adventures of Mina Scott and Will Barlow as dreamed and manipulated people and circumstances to better their own futures only to learn that things turned out quite well without their interference.

My favorite quote from this book is, "I believe that when God permits pain, it is for the purpose of allowing something new to be born inside of us." ) Miss Whymsy

I really enjoy Michelle Greip's ability to grab me on the first page and keep me reading long into the night. Another great book.

Book 2 in the Michelle Griep’s Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series centers on an adorable couple Will and Mina, who pretend to be married so Will’s Uncle Barlow may consider Will for his heir to his estate and holdings.
This book was very well written and was poetic at times. The author has a way with descriptions and captures the time period so well. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of faith, love and second chances.
A favorite quote is: God’s children are never truly alone ...especially in a world filled with books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley. This review is my honest opinion.

The magic of Michelle Griep is that you know she is enjoying what she is writing. That knowing wink to the reader is more alive than the paper and ink of a manuscript ( or at least the type and screen of an e-device). Here, she takes those who spend too much time in the pages of Dickens, his life, writing and work and those who just want a nice Victorian Christmas confection and throws it altogether.

The premise is delicious, of course, a young impoverished woman who will go to great lengths to marry well, a roguish gentleman's son who is very much in need of a bride ---and quickly.

This is a sumptuous feast that features two sparkly and indelible characters who are flint and fireworks in their navigation of an unlikely added layer to their deception: William's uncle.

I really loved the fact that I closed the last page of this book with my cheeks hurting from a broad and stretching smile.

A lovely homage, a Christmas scheme worthy of your favourite Hallmark and a perfectly rendered Victorian tapestry of traditions. At the center, a lovely, lovely, love story.

I love 'A Christmas Carol,' and have always thought it would be magical to visit Victorian Era London at Christmas, so this book seemed like an excellent choice! However, I just couldn't get into it. The author did a great job of setting the scene...all of your senses are engaged, but I didn't like the characters and the story didn't flow well for me. At times, the characters seem shallow and wishy-washy, and at other times, they are strong and likable. I couldn't connect with them, and that left the book feeling empty. One theme of the story is that of second chances.....I may give this book a second chance closer to the holidays, when I also have the benefit of knowing how it will all play out in the end.

What a delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed A Tale of Two Hearts. It boasts a charming setting, endearing characters, and a lovely message of grace and mercy. I loved heroine Mina. She was the definition of a sweetheart and her love of literature made me want to befriend her. At times, I wasn’t altogether sure about Will, but overall I think he was a decent hero. He made mistakes, but ultimately tried to fix them and had mostly good intentions. Uncle Barlow and Miss Whymsy were such charming characters–I loved those two! I love the Victorian era and I think it’s the perfect setting for historical Christmas stories. It provides such a cozy setting for this magical season. And I love the nods to Dickens. All of this made for a book that I loved and did not want to put down.

All in all, I think it’s plain to see that I enjoyed A Tale of Two Hearts. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and Christmas stories, then I highly recommend this book to you.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shilo Run Press through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another delightful Victorian era story by one of my favorite authors! Set in 1853 London around the Christmas season, this shorter novel is full of wonderful characters, Dickens quotes, and plenty of dilemmas to bring the tension level up. A faster paced read with a lot of depth.
Loved the Dickensworthy descriptions of people such as, "He wore his wrinkles like a garment, the deep creases on his face in sore need of a good ironing." A few cameo appearances of recognizable names adds a bit of fun too. Inspirational discussions are plentiful, without being preachy, as the main characters wrestle with an ethical dilemma as well as their own faith. Lies and deception underlie motives on all sides, but grace and truth eventually win out in the end. Trusting God and being content with His plan to bring good for those who look to Him, is a hopeful theme. He is the God of second chances as emphasized by Will's life, He gives us grace to start over, and extend grace to others. This was an inspirational theme that really stuck with me.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a historical setting with a bit of romance and inspiration.

Christmas. London. Victorian era. What could be the better makings for a novel? Maybe some suspense. But Michelle Griep creates a wonderful short story that fits in with the makings of a true Dicken's novel. I enjoyed the first book in the series entitled 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on A Tale of Two Heart too. Boy, am I glad I did. The story comes to life and brings the good feelings that Christmas brings only a couple of months earlier.
I really enjoy traveling to London during the Victorian age with Griep. She wove together a timeless love story filled with intrigue and romance. I loved how well-described Griep make London. I have never been there, but she did a wonderful job at bringing London from a long time ago to life. She dove into the characters personalities and allow me to see how the characters feel and perceive things.
The plot kept me spellbound. The top item on my bucket list is to visit London during the Christmas time. I loved how Griep created a story with a fake marriage to win an inheritance from an uncle. The competition between the two cousins captured my imagination. I couldn't wait to see how the story ended. I finished the novel in under a day. It didn't feel like a novella because Griep does a good job at diving into the characters and intermingling them with the plot.
The romance was not the typical Victorian romance. I mean, what girl allows herself to pretend to be someone marriage to help them earn an inheritance? What does she get out of it? Slowly, through all the conflicts and moments that could have blown their cover, the romance between Mina and William blossomed into true love.
The theme of second chances is created and fulfilled by the uncle and passed onto his nephews. What person does not need a second, or even a third or fourth chance from their past mistakes or encounters?
In conclusion, The Tale of Two Hearts is a wonderful, Christmas-type of feeling story. With a different type of plot, Griep captures my attention by creating another keeper for the shelf. I anxiously await the next installment in the story, which is teased at in the final pages of the book. Fans of Johanna Davidson Politano would enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.