No matter how often I've tried to get into this, I just couldn't. I'm not sure if it was just the characters or the writing itself.

A Christmas Revelation is both a Christmas story and a mystery. This was a fun book with the Christmas theme. I recommend this book.

Short and sweet. A Christmas Revelation offers a glimpse of street life in Victorian London. The book follows some of the side characters from the Monk series. It's not long enough for much character development, but maybe that's not necessary with characters that we've already been introduced to in other works. I especially enjoyed watching Squeaky make plans for a lovely, simple Christmas for those he cares about. Worth the read.

Worm is a young boy who used to be a street urchin but has been taken in at a clinic aimed at helping women of the streets to recover from their illnesses and find a different way to support themselves. One day, he witnesses the abduction of a beautiful young woman and goes to Squeaky Robinson, the bookkeeper at the clinic for help. Squeaky is a grouchy old man with a secret heart of gold and a soft spot for the young boy. He agrees to help Worm try to save the young woman while also trying to distract him by setting up an elaborate Christmas celebration at the clinic for a young boy who's never experienced Christmas before.

An Anne Perry story at Christmas time? What's not to love! The characters were endearing and the mystery was interesting enough. There was suspense, humor, heartfelt moments, and even a small amount of spirituality as Squeaky tries to explain Christmas to young Worm. I thorougly enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more of Anne Perry's Christmas novels. Thank you to NetGalley for the free ebook.

I look forward to reading at least one book in this series each Christmas. It felt different for me. Dark. Worm brought the same edge to the story that Tiny Tim always made me feel in A Christmas Carol. Beautifully written and full of heart.

A Christmas Revelation is a novella with characters from Anne Perry’s Victorian series. I’m hooked on historical novels lately and enjoyed this short, fast read on a dreary, rainy day.

Worm, is a nine-year-old orphaned urchin who witnesses a woman’s abduction. He returns to the clinic to pull Squeaky, a former brothel owner, into his quest to find the woman. Worm and Squeaky begin their quest by learning all they can about Eloise, the woman abducted. There are dangers connected to their quest but the duo push on, even though Squeaky isn’t too crazy about getting involved.

I love Christmas stories, and I love this one. I have not read any other books in Ms. Perry’s series, and can testify that A Christmas Revelation works wonderfully as a standalone. It is my understanding that Worm and Squeaky are secondary characters in the main series. They are lovely main characters in this one. I need to find out more about them.

I enjoyed this heartwarming Christmas tale with Victorian history sprinkled throughout. Worm is a sweet, loving character who brings so much heart and joy to the people around him. His life on the street didn’t break him, but opened his heart to help others. Squeaky is another interesting character with a lot of history and darkness in his past. They add so much to this adventure.

There is enough story in the novella to encourage me to search for more historical books by Anne Perry. Her research and knowledge of the Victorian era adds a lot to the enjoyment of her story. If you love a good historical novel, with entertaining characters, and an old fashion Christmas celebration added for good measure—A Christmas Revelation is a book for you.

Overall a nice little mystery that captures the flavor of Victorian Christmas among poorer folk who don’t have family to spend it with. It’s focused on several folks who are side characters in her Monk series and who have had to find their own version of family with sympathetic coworkers.

The young woman Worm sees kidnapped isn’t someone he can forget easily, and he enlists Squeaky Robinson to help him track her down and make sure she isn’t hurt. But there’s much more to her story than they dreamed.

I was conflicted about the “meaning of the season” chat because, while it acknowledged a portion of the Christian origin of the season, it mixed it in with legend (having three wise men when the number isn’t specified) and so on, with a works-based application: “We need to all be better people to each other during this season.” So while there are mentions of Christian elements it isn’t a Christian message.

Content: Squeaky used to own a brothel but now has improved himself and is sorry he ever acted so callously to women. Infrequent profanity and fairly frequent swearing.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

Worm is a nine-year-old boy who is an orphaned street urchin living at Portpool Lane Clinic. Worm becomes embroiled in a mystery that turns quite dangerous when he witness a beautiful woman, Eloise, being abducted. Worm goes to Squeaky, who is the clinic's bookkeeper and is also a former brothel owner.

More than familiar with seediest type of life and some nefarious people, Squeaky doesn't want to run into anyone of that sort, so he is reluctant to help Worm. As it turns out, Eloise's abduction is part of a bigger situation and the danger is real. Should Squeaky or Worm try and help the woman, things could get really ugly.

As we read the story, we learn more about Worm, and how Squeaky really is a good guy. Also, we are able to understand Eloise's situation and motives. I love the relationship between Worm and Squeaky. There is a lot of intrigue, and this was a very quick read. The story is very warm and is just a perfect read for this season.

A Christmas Revelation is loosely connected to the William Monk series.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.

I enjoyed reading this original Christmas story that took place in 1860's England because it showed how a young boy could truly experience love and Christmas magic when he had never experienced this before. I always look forward to Anne Perry's Christmas stories.

I love having a good Christmas mystery. I love Anne Perry's characters. I love that she tries to make them real and give you a look into their personalities.

Anne Perry's Christmas novellas, set in Victorian England, are always the antidote to an often busy, overscheduled holiday season. These are nice short stories to curl up with a cup of tea.

In her latest novella, the reader meets 9-year-old Worm (real name Warren), a former street urchin who now lives in Hester Monk's clinic for women in Portpool Lane. He's befriended by Claudine Burroughs, a wealthy woman who volunteers at the clinic, and Squeaky Robinson, the clinic's accountant.

Out on the street one day, Worm spies a beautiful woman being forcibly taken away by two men. Concerned about the woman, he cajoles Squeaky to help him. Squeaky tries to distract the child with plans for an elaborate Christmas dinner—something Worm, who doesn't even know the meaning of Christmas, has never experienced. But Worm is not to be put off, and Squeaky eventually is persuaded to help. Indeed, Squeaky is perhaps in the best position to help. Before the clinic was established, it was used as a brothel, and Squeaky was an accountant there as well. His former shady connections lead him to find out that the woman, Eloise, is helping the two men against her will—her father had stolen some gold from them, but died as he was being chased by the two men. The criminals believe she knows where that gold is hidden.

Squeaky's dubious past also pays off as he concocts an elaborate plan to get the men to leave Eloise alone for good. One of the best scenes is toward the end, with the characters in a cat-and-mouse game through the foggy streets of London, leading to a dramatic conclusion.

Although Worm has never experienced a true Christmas, it's the child who, in the end, brings the true Christmas spirit to the adults around him.

This is a typical Anne Perry story. It takes place during the Christmas season and has a mystery to it. Worm is a young boy that has been taken in by the clinic run by Hester. Neither Hester or Monk make an appearance is this story. Worm sees a young woman who appears to being forced to go with two men. He thinks she is an angel. Squeaky, the resident bookkeeper is trying to protect Worm has they set out to rescue the young woman.

If you love Anne Perry, you will love this book.

A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry is the sixteenth novel in The Christmas Stories series. Worm lives at the clinic on Portpool Lane thanks to the kindly Claudine Burroughs. Worm is out and about one day when he witnesses a lovely lady get kidnapped by two men. Worm runs back to the clinic and reports the problem to Squeaky Robinson, the clinic’s accountant. Squeaky tries to distract Worm with preparations for Christmas, but he is not to be deterred. The next morning, the pair set out to find where the kidnappers are hiding the woman. They soon find her and learn that she has the situation well in hand. Eloise has plans for bringing the two men to justice for more serious crimes, but she could use their help. With the assistance of Worm and Squeaky, Eloise sets out to bag the criminals and make sure their stockings are filled with coal by local prison warden.

A Christmas Revelation is part of The Christmas Stories series, but it can be read as a standalone (I have not read any other book by this author). I found A Christmas Revelation to be a charming story. Worm is grateful to have a warm, safe place to live plus food in his belly. He has never experienced Christmas before and Squeaky wants to make sure Worm gets the full experience. I enjoy the interactions between Worm and Squeaky. I especially liked the scene where Squeaky was trying to explain Jesus to Worm. When Squeaky could not distract Worm from Eloise’s dilemma, he sets out to help the young lad. Squeaky is familiar with the ways of the street and has connections that can help them. I liked seeing Squeaky and Worm grow closer. I also appreciated that Worm is developing a sense of wrong and right now that he is living at the clinic. A Christmas Revelation contains good writing and steady pacing. I felt the author captured the time period with the language, clothing, buildings, conveyances, and how Christmas is celebrated during that time. I liked the reference to how they needed to obtain a Christmas tree thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband. I did feel the mystery was slightly disappointing and there was a loose thread or two at the end. It is a short book with only 177 pages which makes it the perfect type of book to read on a cold afternoon. A Christmas Revelation is an enticing Victorian Christmas mystery.

3.5 stars

A Christmas Revelation
Christmas Novella #18
Anne Perry
Ballantine Books, November 2018
ISBN 978-0-399-17994-5
Hardcover

I stopped reading Anne Perry‘s books a few years back when they started getting so much longer than I care for but I’ve remained a fan of her stories about William and Hester Monk and Thomas and Charlotte Pitt plus a myriad of wonderful secondary characters. When this novella came along, I decided I needed to touch base again, so to speak, and I’m glad I did.

This episode is set in and around Hester Monk’s clinic where a young boy has found a family of sorts with a volunteer and a bookkeeper. When Worm sees a woman being abducted, he goes to Squeaky, the bookkeeper, for help and, against his better judgement, Squeaky jumps in. What the pair learns about the woman puts a real twist on things but, bottomline, the mystery surrounding the woman takes a back seat to the growing relationship—and mutual caring—between a child who’s had to grow up too fast and a rather crotchety older man. It’s a sweet story in many ways.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, December 2018.

Each year I try to read the Christmas novella by Anne Perry because it seems I nice way to connect with the minor characters of her booms. This year it was nice to see Worm and Squeaky in an expanded role, however, I failed to see this as a Christmas story. Yes, it did have some Christmas notes, but overall not enough for me to consider it a Christmas piece. Nice little story , though, for these two characters.

This was a fast and easy read with a holiday theme. I enjoy reading period pieces and these characters came alive for me. Anne Perry has written other short holiday novels and I will look for them!
Thank you for my review mobi!

A Christmas Revelation
By: Anne Perry
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
3 Stars

A Christmas Revelation is a Victorian Era mystery. The plot revolves around a poverty-stricken population. Worm, an orphan boy, sees a woman who appears to be forcibly taken away by two men. Even after his hard years on the streets, he has a remarkably big heart and is immediately concerned about her. At once, he sets out following the trio with the hopes of rescuing the woman. He soon realizes he will need help, and sets back off to the clinic where he lives. There he finds Squeaky, the clinic’s accounts’ keeper, and enlists his help. Squeaky is reluctant to assist, but ultimately agrees.

The two set out to try and find the woman. When they find her, she informs them that she doesn’t want to be rescued. The men she is with are responsible for the death of her father, and she wants to keep them close so she can find a way to bring them to justice. Worm and Squeaky volunteer to help her.

Although this is a mystery that revolves around a murder, it is easy to forget that. It seems like it is a story about the heart. We have Worm who sets out to help a complete stranger simply because of the kindness in his heart. He doesn’t think twice about his own safety, but only that of the woman and Squeaky. Squeaky agrees to help because he feels protective of Worm, and that relationship deepens as the novel progresses. Squeaky also sets out to plan a Christmas celebration at the clinic in the truest meaning of the season. The benefactor heartily agrees to fund the Christmas celebration. Then we are left with the “kidnapped” woman who must decide what the right (moral) thing to do is.

This is a great Christmas story with facets that truly speak of the Christmas spirit. It will leave you with feelings of goodness and warmth.

A CHRISTMAS REVELATION (HistMys-Worm/Squeaky-Longon-1868) – VG
Perry, Anne – 16th Novella
Ballantine Books – Nov 2018

First Sentence: Worm stood and stared, overcome with wonder.

Worm is a former Thames River urchin, somewhere around nine years old, who has never known a family Christmas. He now has a job and a place to stay at Hester Monk's clinic and is looked after by volunteer Miss Claudine Burroughs and bookkeeper Squeaky Robinson. When Worm witnesses the possible kidnapping of the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, he begs Squeaky's help in rescuing the lady. However, the mystery woman is not the victim she seems and has her own plans for revenge, with Squeaky and Worm providing assistance.

Perry's ability to establish a sense of time and place is transportive. She takes one to the sights and sounds of Victorian London, and truly engages all our senses—"He had time to get a piece of bread from the larder and a little bit of meat dripping to go with it. It tasted salty and meaty and buttery, all at the same time.'

All the preparations for Christmas impart memories many may have known. More than physical things is the recognition that holidays are best when shared—"Claudine looked at him closely, 'I will like Christmas very much, if everyone else does. Christmas is not a good time to be alone. We must make sure everybody is included.'"

Squeaky's introspection as to why helping Worm matters to him shows how much Squeaky's character has developed. Although this is particularly meaningful for those who have followed the series, Perry provides enough information for new readers to appreciate the transformation.

Perry's bits of wisdom are insightful and quote-worthy. It's hard not to include them all, but this particularly stands out—"Everyone has to accept disillusion sometime. Hardly anyone was as good as you believed. He supposed that was what love was: accepting someone the way they were."

"A Christmas Revelation" has an exciting climax and a lovely ending. Yes, they are sentimental, but they are also a wonderful gift one may give oneself.

Fun read for a cozy winter day to get you in the spirit of Christmas cheer. Anne Perry does not disappoint as she brings in familiar characters and the passion to right a wrong. The holiday setting adds purpose and positivity to characters who might not be willing to give and care for others.

“A Christmas Revelation,” by Anne Perry (Ballantine Books) presents the story of Worm, a nine-year-old boy living in Victorian-era London, who has never experienced a family Christmas. He witnesses the abduction of a woman and turns to Squeaky Robinson, a local bookkeeper, for help. The pair almost get in over their heads as they try to save this woman.
Perry's books are always well-written and compelling. It's nice to have this holiday story.