I enjoyed reading these three stories that have a strong Dickens vibe of Victorian England, focusing on individuals who are struggling, especially of the middle and lower classes. The plots were engaging and the characters interesting. I didn't quite connect with their emotions, but was interested in how each story would turn out. The settings are easy to envision with the author's descriptions and the historical details. A trio of holiday tales that complement each other well.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Michelle Griep's intriguing and engaging trilogy of novellas, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, is modeled after Charles Dickens and is set in Victorian England. The tales are united by an enigmatic coin’s legend, or in this case, the principal writing on a coin.

As I read the individual stories, I had the impression that I had been transported back in time to the Victorian era. Each story's tempo is perfectly set by the narrative's cadence, which draws you in and keeps you there. There are good reasons to enjoy (and occasionally doubt) the motivations of the key characters because each had admirable and imperfect components to their personality. The adversaries were distressing and dreadful, nearly creating a feeling of repugnance.

Due to its subject matter touching on the issues of domestic abuse and harsh working conditions, one of the stories, "The Old Lace Shop," was a little more challenging to read. The story was also the newest of the three as the other two,"12 Days at Bleakly Manor" and "A Tale of Two Hearts," were already in print.

Collectively, the Christmas story lines, the entwining of faith and redemptive nature will inspire and delight you, making Once Upon a Dickens Christmas an essential part of your Christmas reading.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

This book includes 3 Novellas. There were a few common things running from story to story. I enjoyed watching for them. The main one was the fact that in one way or another Charles Dickens is spoken of or actually appears in each one of them. That made for a fun point to keep my eye out for.

Each of these Novellas is a wonderful Victorian Christmas romance!


12 Days at Bleakly Manor

This book is filled with well developed and very strange characters. I love the two main ones, Clara and Ben. As we get to know them as well as the rest of the assorted house guests at Bleakly Manor a mystery starts to present itself.

Clara and Ben are the only two that know each other before arriving at the manor. It was interesting to see how their past affects their stay at the manor. Their interaction with each of the other house guests was very interesting. At times I wanted to tell some of them to just shut up.


A Tale of Two Hearts

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.


The Old Lace Shop

I absolutely love 3 special characters in this wonderful story. Bella and Edmund are both trying to move past very painful marriages. They are using different methods to do so but the fact that they aren’t just wallowing in the pain is incredible. I think that my favorite character is Flora though. She is sweet and joyful.

The plot of this story is wonderful. I loved seeing how Bella struggled to try and find a place for herself in the man’s world of business. She had a lot of attitudes in others to try and work her way past. She kept trying to figure it out though.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

This review will focus primarily on The Old Lace Shop, as I previously reviewed both 12 Days a Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts. A bit out of season, you may be thinking, but is that truly an absolute for a good story?

In The Old Lace Shop, Bella White is anticipating her independence as a widow but finds that she has no set plans. An impulsive decision finds her taking a lace making business in hand, much to the initial chagrin and consternation of the minority share co-owner. As Bella enters the floor of the Nottingham factory, we see the dust and hear the noise through her narration. We also witness the first appearance of Edmund Archer, as Bella again meets the man whose choices, in part, led to her marriage to an older, abusive man.

In a departure from the previous novellas, this tale is told in first person, alternating between Bella and Edmund. As the story progresses, so does their re-acquaintance and efforts to improve the working conditions of the company. Bella's heart for the blind lacemakers, a second chance coin, a very special young character, and a rekindled love all add to the charm of this Christian Romance story.

While I am not, and likely never will be, a fan of Charles Dickens, I find that I look forward to his cameo appearance in each one. And each of these novellas is, as the subtitle states, a perfectly charming read - regardless of the season.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher (and a library e-book for an April re-read before writing this review). A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Hi, I lost the eARC of this book so I won't be able to review this book. I hope you understand. I really wanted to read it but unfortunately my phone got formatted and I lost the copy.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a collection of three short stories written by Michelle Griep.

Summary: Each story contains a romantic English Christmas tale of second chances.

In 12 Days a Bleakly Manor, Clara and Ben must learn to let go of past grievances-all while trying to survive a mysterious Christmas holiday in a secluded mansion.

In A Tale of Two Hearts, William’s past has complicated his future. Can Mina help him move forward, or will his deceptions destroy her future as well?

In The Old Lace Shop, Bella is just looking for a new start-but comes face to face with her past instead.

My Thoughts: I typically don’t love short stories (they just aren’t LONG enough!) But, Michelle Griep is an exceptional writer, and I was quickly drawn in to these wonderful stories.

Each one is well-written, has great characters, and wonderful plot lines.

This is the perfect book to sit down with during the Christmas season and lose yourself in a short yet delightful holiday romance-that is if you can stop at just one!

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Christmas Regency at it's best! All three of these novellas had a sparkle of humor with life lessons learned and of course romance that will sweep you off your feet!

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a charming book. It involved three stories, which I liked. I could finish one story in a sitting before moving on to the next. Thank you to Netgalley for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

One little coin changes lives at Christmastime...

12 Days a Bleakly Manor: What a story to start with! 12 Days At Bleakly Manor has it all: mystery, danger, romance, quirky characters, a house with secrets of its own, and a lovely holiday setting. I had a fun time reading this book and will definitely be looking for more from this author. I enjoyed trying to puzzle everything out and I was in for some real surprises along with hero and heroine.

A Tale of Two Hearts: A Tale Of Two Hearts was a little different than its predecessor in that there was less adventure and more about the motivations of the hero and heroine themselves. Will and Mina are two of the most delightfully flawed characters. They make mistakes and their relationship is mostly based on deceit as they do all of the wrong things for the right reasons.

The Old Lace Shop: My second favorite of the three, The Old Lace Shop truly is a tale of second chances as everyone in it is in need of a second or even a third chance. I couldn't help but like the main characters, they've both been deeply hurt but they try so hard to rely on their faith to get them through. Toss in some suspense and you get quite the Christmas adventure!

Overall: Whether you are a Dickens fan or not Michelle Griep's Once Upon A Dickens Christmas is a fun collection of stories. These tales of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances, in a historical romance setting are perfect for reading during the Christmas season or any time really...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Read Review Rejoice's The Old Lace Shop by Michelle Griep: This darling story of second chances for a couple who were separated by Bella's father in his quest for power. I loved how Mrs. Griep was not afraid to tackle subjects that are even now still somewhat taboo. I highly recommend you try this novella out!

Dickensian Christmas Novellas

This is a collection of three romantic Dickens-inspired Christian Christmas novellas. The author has a way with description; she makes you feel as if you are right there in Victorian England, sometimes its more seedy underbelly. Even the titles of the tales echo Dickens’ titles, even if the themes aren't directly related to those original titles. Some stories even reflect the social consciousness of Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell (who was his protege). All in all, I found these stories to be excellent Christmas reads, reminding you gently of some important themes of the season, like second chances, goodwill, and redemption.

Lovely tales a book that brings us back in time.Historical fiction so well written full of romance atmosphere.Characters that come alive enjoyed every page.#netgalley#barbourpublishing.

Loved this novel! I always love Michelle Griep, though, so I'm not surprised. This collection contains three short stories that will warm your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit.

I love this collection of novellas, the mystery keeps the reader guessing. These will be added to my Christmas book traditions!

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.

Great collection, all do not a huge fan of Christmas story, however, Michelle Griep did a great job. We have three lovely stories of a second chance, faith and love and of course a bit of mystery. It will be hard to stop after you start reading this book. A great choice for those that love historical fiction.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor:

An intriguing story, filled with the personality of Charles Dickens, and with the mysterious plot twists of Agatha Christie. The perfect combination!

When a cryptic invitation arrives, twenty-five year-old Clara Chapman, has a decision to make. To spend the twelve days of Christmas at a home she's never heard of, by an unknown solicitor. Why would she choose to do this? For a hefty sum of money, which she desperately needs.

What she doesn't know is that others are expected at Bleakly House too, including none other than her fiancé who left her at the altar. Yet what he's been through in the past nine months is more grueling than Clara could have imagined. Ben Lane is looking for redemption and freedom, and he can only hope that the miraculous Christmas riddle of Bleakly Manor will save him.

It reads like a perfectly delightful Victorian novel, with some Gothic type elements (things going awry in that great big manor). Which of the manor's visitors would purposely be sabotaging the holiday event?

“The mysteries are starting to pile up in a great heap, are they not?”
- 12 Days at Bleakly Manor (Chapter 13)

Faith: There are some excellent elements of faith brought in, and I can love the book all the more for it.

Romance: It is kept mostly very sweet – just one particularly passionate kiss. But I really loved how even though it's a romance story, there's still so much adventure and puzzles to keep you busy with the rest of the plot too.

Cons? Almost none. There are a couple of phrases that used several times, which seemed a bit too repetitive for me.

Bottom line? The chapters just flew by with all the Victorian jargon and very British traditions. It was all too wonderful while the story lasted.



A Tale of Two Hearts:

I do love this story! I think my expectations of it overshadowed the plot by a little bit though... I was expecting another mysterious novel, like the first book in the series (which has much more of an Agatha Christie-esqe plot, in which I was fully enamored). In book two, I found the story, while intriguing, to be more romance-driven (not quite so much my taste, but I liked it anyway).

I still greatly enjoyed this volume, especially the Victorian setting, the faith-based plot, the Dickens references, and the love for books so vividly displayed!




The Old Lace Shop:

Lovely holiday story, which I was swept away in. Bella, now widowed, has escaped from an abusive marriage, due to her husband's merciful death. He can harm her no longer. As she pieces together a new life for herself, she decides to keep ownership of one of his business endeavors, Nottingham Lace and Hose. What a shocking decision for a British woman of 1855! Her business partner is especially flabbergasted at the change of hands. (Although to his credit, he takes Bella under his wing.) It helps -- or perhaps distracts -- these co-owners, seeing as how once upon a previous time, they were an couple... Will sparks fly yet again?

The timeline of the plot is categorized monthly, from September to December. This is something fresh, something you don't see in every novel. I liked it! Plus, it gave our heroine and hero enough time to truly get to know each other -- working at the factory every day together.

"November is a melancholy month, the gloomy space between summer past and Christmas future."

Michelle Griep is a wonderful writer. I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in her Once Upon a Dickens Christmas collection.

Love this quote! (so meaningful and true!):

"Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them."

I enjoyed this page turning book. It was well written. Glad that I read it. Will be checking other books by this author.

Michelle Griep is a completely new author for me to read, and I'm looking forward to the next book I can find by her! For Dickens enthusiasts or anyone who likes historical fiction of the Dickens era, these stories are sure to please. Plus, they take place at Christmas, which makes them perfect for reading in front of a cozy fire with a hot drink nearby.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for furnishing me with an ARC of this book for this, my honest review.

"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 into a ball and toss aside.”
Do you love the classic dickens stories? This is a good addition to your library and a treasure. Full of similar hard times and strife in cruel times, where humanity triumphs. The first story is a fabulous mystery that will keep you guessing to the last. A second chance coin threads it's way through all of the stories. Of course with these authors you can't go wrong. Curl up with this book as soon as you get a chance. You'll love it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”

"We are all different.We all bear one cross or another. And because of it, do we not each face our own particular cruelties?”

12 days at Bleakly Manor

Rating 3 stars.

I'm a bit in too minds about this. I did like this story and the mystery behind why everyone was at the manor as well as the accidents etc. It made for an intriguing read.

The characters though, except for Ben and Clara, were a bit too creative for my numbers brain and I struggled a lot to follow the other characters' part in communication.

I enjoyed seeing how Ben and Clara had to learn to forgive and look for the truth between all the lies told them and their story had a satisfying ending.

A tale of Two hearts

Rating 4 stars.

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.

The Old Lace Shop

Rating 3.5 stars.

Firstly, what I found strange with this specific novella in the collection, is that we suddenly went from third person perspective to first person perspective, which took some time getting used to.

I enjoyed this story more than the first, but not as much as the second. The "love tension" between Bella and Edmund made me wonder what or when things will develop between them which made me continue reading. The "traitor" angle was also interesting and I was quite surprised at the end. I loved Bella' generous and caring heart to those struggling and how she wanted to whatever she can to help them.

There were certain things which was overlooked/cleared up/accepted too quickly for me but otherwise an enjoyable read.