I actually read these one at a time and enjoyed each one. It would be hard to say which is my favorite. Reading a romance book would ever be my choice. But when it is combined with other aspects including mystery., I find them very readable. Then throw in a historical setting and I am hooked. Michelle does a great job of mixing all of these aspects. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I appreciate the publisher and Netgalley providing a copy of the book for my review.

While written in modern day English, this delightful book hearkens back to a Charles Dickens' novel and a game of Clue. Intrigue, well developed characters, twists and turns, lost love, unrequited love, thievery, mishap and death abound in this novel. The author keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Very well written. The descriptions of the places and areas of London are well done. They make the reader feel in familiar surroundings. Ms. Griep has done a wonderful job of developing her main characters and has you cheering them on (or not) in their endeavors. It is set in the mid 1800's in London. An intriguing Christmas story to be sure. Happily I find that this is volume one in a series by Ms. Griep. She has been ever so kind as to whet your appetite by include an excerpt of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #2.

This book features three holiday-themed novellas with a strong romantic element. The three novellas are, "12 Days at Bleakly Manor," "A Tale of Two Hearts," and "The Old Lace Shop." Each one is also available to purchase separately.

First sentence of 12 Days at Bleakly Manor: Christmas or not, there was nothing merry about the twisted alleys of Holywell. Clara Chapman forced one foot in front of the other, sidestepping pools of. . .well, a lady ought not think on such things, not on the morn of Christmas Eve—or any other morn, for that matter.

Clara Chapman has had a hard time of it since she was jilted at the altar, and her family's fortune stolen. Destitute and living on the charity of an elderly aunt, she's getting by--barely. One holiday season she's offered a unique second chance. Travel to Bleakly Manor to spend the twelve days of Christmas with a mystery host and mystery guests for five hundred dollars.

Clara isn't the only guest in need of a second chance. Each guest has had a second chance extended to him/her. Though each chance looks differently. For one prisoner, Benjamin Lane, that second chance is freedom. There's a catch once they arrive, however, only one guest will have his/her second chance granted. And there are some guests who will do just about anything to get what they want.

This one definitely has a dark, mystery vibe to it as well as a romantic one....for Benjamin Lane is the one who "jilted" Miss Clara...

First sentence of A Tale of Two Hearts: In the tiny back courtyard of the Golden Egg Inn, Mina Scott lowered her copy of David Copperfield to her lap and lifted her face to the October sun. Closing her eyes, she savored the warmth and the first line to a new adventure, as was her wont whenever Miss Whymsy stopped by and lent her a book. Though she no longer stared at the page, the shapes of the words lingered, blazed in stark contrast to the brilliance against her lids. What a curious thought, to be one’s own hero—for the only hero she wanted was William Barlow.

A Tale of Two Hearts reminded me of Georgette Heyer, which is a great compliment, in my opinion. I really loved this one! William Barlow has a dilemma. He needs a wife to help "prove" to his uncle that he's changed his lifestyle, settled down, and left his gambling ways behind him--far, far behind him. There's almost a deadline. Uncle Barlow will be choosing his heir soon--and it's between him and his cousin (who is married.) Can William Barlow find a woman willing to pose as his wife for an afternoon tea?! Perhaps. Mina Scott is the innkeeper's daughter. These two have grown friendly--though not inappropriately so--over the last year. She may be just the one to impress his uncle...

Will these two fall in love for real over the holiday season?!

First sentence of The Old Lace Shop: I have long abhorred black. It is a great abyss, sucking in the colours of the rainbow and wringing the life from them. The moniker of death. This year I will celebrate Christmas with holly and laughter and a large stuffed goose instead of dark looks and criticism. Too many years have I spent shut away in a stagnant town house without a morsel of cheer. No more. Today I’m free, finally and completely my own person, leastwise once I sign all the paperwork.

If A Tale of Two Hearts reminded me of Georgette Heyer, Old Lace Shop reminded me of Elizabeth Gaskell. Ivy is a widow who is looking for a new beginning. She's happy--more than happy--to sell all of her husband's businesses and holdings. But there is one--an old lace shop in a Northern manufacturing town--that she wants to keep for herself. She's the majority shareholder holding 51 percent. Who should turn out to be her business partner but an old love, a Mr. Edmund Archer. Can these two learn to work together and make a success of it?

Is this one my favorite in the collection?!?! Perhaps.

I enjoyed all three stories or novellas. I did. I don't think it was really necessary to try to force a connection between each story and the actual Charles Dickens. Instead of being cute, charming, quaint...it felt a bit forced.

A wonderful collection of three short stories with a Victorian Christmas theme about 2nd chances. An echo of Charles Dickens as well. The first was my favorite, as it also had an Agatha Christie theme as well. Easy reads and fun echos of Dickens’ work, with plenty of quotes and echo scenes. Highly recommend this book and author, especially if you are a fan of Charles Dickens and Victorian traditions.

This was a well written book and the stories are charmingly fitting with the theme. If you are a fan of such stories then you will enjoy these and the characters as well. You will find a historical fiction book featuring love, mystery, redemption and a second chance at life that is wholesome. It is nice to read around the holidays to have a little story, or three, to read to bring the holidays to life and provide a connection to the traditional time of Christmas.
The book includes “12 Days of Bleakly Manor” is a Christmas love story with a little mystery. “A Tale of Two Hearts” about a man and his two nephews and he must decide who will get his inheritance. These nephews have been rivalries for most of their lives and this does not help. Who will deserve the inheritance? The next story has deception in “The Old Lace Shop” about a woman in 1855 London. She is part owner of a lace manufacturing business. This is the time of poor work conditions and a story of second chances, maybe. You will enjoy going back in time when reading these stories.

Three fun historical novellas set in Victorian London. All were fun, quick reads. Super enjoyable!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

OH where do I start...I was so enthralled in this story. It kept me guessing and surprised the whole way through.

I loved Ben Lane. He had so many challenges and was so wrongfully accused. To be branded would be so hard knowing you are marked for life. But Christ also brands our hearts and marks us as His own when we accept Him. I loved how Ben was so adventures and forgave Clara so easily once he knew she did not know.

Clara was such a special character. She had lots of characteristics we all face. She knew rejection and not feeling good enough. Jesus showed her that in Him she was loved and complete.

This story is one that I will definitely read again and can see myself reading every Christmas!

A Tale of Two Hearts:




LOVED this story!!




Mina is someone I wish was real so I could be friends with her in real life. I identified with her so much! She was kind, compassionate and caring. She loved books and dreamed BIG dreams.

Will was as handsome as ever and he wanted to regain his honor and good name. Maybe he went about it a little wrong but his heart was in the right place.

I honestly did not want this story to end! It was a beautiful Christmas Story!

I did love how this story and 12 Days at Bleakly Manor did connect a little...read to find out how.

The Old Lace Shop

This story was very well wrote! It kept you turning the pages to find out what happened next.

Bella had endured so much but came out of it stronger and more determined.

Edmund had so much fear that he allowed it to keep him shut in. But God has a way of breaking down our barriers.

This was a beautiful story.

I highly recommend this book.

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

I could not finish this book. Early on in the first story, there were unrealistic descriptions given about the time and place settings that I could not overlook. This made it difficult to go through the remainder of the book as my perspective of the authenticity of the setting had been skewed, and the story could not pull my thoughts away from the descriptive discrepancies I had noticed.

I have enjoyed all three tales in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas. They can each be read on their own, but why would you want to read just one of these charming novellas. 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is a well-crafted and entertaining novel. It is short, but it is packed full of action and intrigue. The mystery was delightful (see if you can figure out the culprit in this one) and the characters interesting. I like the Christian beliefs expressed in the story (compassion, prayer, faith, forgiveness, second chances, God is in control, trust, and hope). The Christian theme is light, but the point is gotten across. In A Tale of Two Hearts, Michelle Griep brought London in 1853 to life with her descriptions of the clothing, language, literature as well the architecture, cobbled streets, the inn and the insides of the buildings as well as the class stations of the characters. I especially loved the imagery of Purcell’s where they had tea with Uncle Barlow. A Tale of Two Hearts has delightful characters. I especially liked Uncle Barlow and Miss Whymsy. They are two charming people who have a touch of whimsy. There are some good life lessons included in the story. Second chances, forgiveness and Christian charity being the main themes. Every one of us has needed a second chance at one time or another. The book is told from William and Mina’s point-of-views giving us different perspectives. It is always fascinating to see how different men think from woman. There are references to Charles Dickens work scattered throughout the story. The Old Lace Shop is a well-crafted story with a good flow. I thought the characters were developed and realistic for the time period. Bella arrives in Nottingham and is surprised to see blind women outside begging for assistance. She soon learns that they lost their eyesight making lace. The kindhearted Bella wants to find a way to help them plus she has other improvements in mind for the factory much to Edmund’s dismay. We see the importance of faith and prayer. How we need to rely on God and turn our worries over to him. All three stories are captivating, but 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is my favorite. If you enjoy historical stories, you will not be disappointed with Once Upon a Dickens Christmas. It was interesting to see how Dickens came into play in each novella. I like how the author gave us three diverse yet complimentary tales. Once Upon a Dickens Christmas contains three engaging novellas that will put you in the mood for Christmas.

(I reviewed the first two novellas separately as they were released. This review pertains to The Lace Shop only.)

lternating first-person points of view and present tense (not usually a favorite of mine) drew me right into this historical romance. Bella, widow of an abusive husband almost thrice her age, is sympathetic as she tries to navigate the lace business she has inherited. Thank God her new partner is her former beau, Edmund, who is widowed now as well.

Edmund’s daughter Flora, who has Down Syndrome, is a bright light in this story, and Bella helps Edmund to let go of the fears he has regarding Flora as she revels in the joy the little girl brings.

With a bit of suspense and a generous helping of Christmas generosity, this third tale in the serious is, again, everything you could hope for in a Dickensian Christmas story.

"Once Upon a Dickens Christmas" features three novellas that mirror characters, settings, and themes from novels by Charles Dickens. While each novella could be read as a stand-alone, each one carries over characters and ideas from previous novellas. This allows the reader to see how the characters continue to develop and interact. The stories seemed slow to start, but quickly gained momentum as the plot in each develops. One common theme shared by all is the idea that when things seem to be falling apart, they are reforming and coming back together. The Christian aspect of the novellas is featured as a key component of the characters, and while it is overt, it is not preachy. The novellas reflect the writing of Charles Dickens in their attention to social causes and conditions of the poor. Romance and reunions are a key feature as well. Readers of Dickens will catch on to the connections in character names and descriptions.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas
3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England

by Michelle Griep
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 01 Sep 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas though Barbour Publishing Inc/Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley:

In the first tale 12 Days at Bleakly Manor Clara and Ben are brought together under mysterious circumstances where they learn what they have were striving for was not what truly mattered, but that in fact Christmas is about love.

The second story in Once Upon A Dickens Christmas is A Tale of Two Hearts, William Barlow is a pleasure seeker who needs a wife immediately if he has any hope in inheriting his Uncle’s estate, otherwise his Cousin Percy is likely to inherit it, and Percy will stop at nothing because he’s put himself in debt. This is where Mina Scott comes in, she’s just the person to make William look respectable at first she turns him down, but can he convince her to go along with the plan, and will something real come out of this?

In the final story The Old Lace Shop Bella White has been recently widowed which has finally given her freedom from the abuse she endured. But once she enters into a business with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to think that maybe marriage might be worth another chance.

I found that Once Upon A Dickens Christmas is worthy of five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Three different stories with a common coin! I really enjoyed reading this book. The stories all tugged at my heart in different ways. Michelle Griep is becoming one of the Authors I seek out books by and I look forward to her releasing new books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology! I haven't read much by Ms. Griep before this and I've never read anything by Charles Dickens, but the synopsis of these short stories intrigued me enough to convince me to try them. And I'm so glad I did! They left me with a desire to try a Dickens novel sometime... (We shall hope! My TBR is quite tall.)

Diving into my thoughts, I have to say that I wasn't all that sure what to expect when I pulled this up on my kindle. Even though I haven't read Dickens, I have watched a few adaptations of his novels, and was curious to see just how Ms. Griep would mesh his tendency towards dark and harsh environments with a sweet love story. I shouldn't have worried because it worked wonderfully. The mysterious and sometimes sort of spooky-ish settings certainly grabbed my attention. Yet it was the unforgettable characters and the way they each fought bravely for their happy ever after that kept me turning pages. Clara and Ben, Mina and William, Bella and Edmund...none of them have it easy, but that doesn't deter them from seeking out the small glimpses of joy and warmth just on the horizon. Even as they struggled, they knew there would be a prize worthy of the battle at the end.

Suffice it to say, I had a lot of fun with these stories. Rather than a hallmark-worthy fairytale, they have some darkness and a little raw emotion at times. There is a depth here that made me decide I want to try more of Ms. Griep's writing. She had a way of making the atmosphere around the characters just as mesmerizing as they themselves. To put it simply, it worked. And I am definitely intrigued for more! :)

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Three Christmas novellas set in 1850’s England, each with a cameo appearance from Charles Dickens, and each featuring a “second chance” coin—and a second chance at love.

The titles are nods to Mr. Dickens as well: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, A Tale of Two Hearts, and The Old Lace Shop.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas will charm readers who enjoy period historicals with quiet faith and feel-good endings. Each novella has a degree of suspense, but these aren’t stories that will keep readers up worrying what will happen next. They’re gentle, relaxing reads with winsome characters and some delightful turns of phrase.

Some of my favourites:

"It was the kind of late January day that crawled under the best of woollen capes and took up residence in the bones." [Kindle location 1797]

"He wore his wrinkles like a garment, the deep creases on his face in sore need of a good ironing." [Kindle location 2338]

"Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them." [Kindle location 4901]

The three novellas are available individually as well as in this collection. For more about Christy award-winning author Michelle Griep and her other books, visit michellegriep.com.

[Review copy provided by the publisher through #NetGalley.]

A wonderful, warm collection to get you right in the Christmas spirit!
Ms. Griep transports you to a different time and place. She balances settings nicely so you feel what the characters feel and experience, without becoming over narrative.
I enjoyed the second two stories more than the first in this collection. They held my attention and kept me looking forward to my reading time.
Stories that end well, fall in love, and have Christmas snowflakes- and of course roast goose or oyster stew!

Griep does a special job writing this collection of historical fiction pieces that nod to the great Charles Dickens. As you read, see if you can notice any other hints to authors of the time. She does a wonderful job weaving Dickens' stories together. Don't expect these to be a copy of the master's great stories; these are her own peeks into the world that he lived in. Griep also paints such sweet reminders of what faith in God can do. “Either your faith will move mountains or your doubt will create them.” Read this book and you'll come away refreshed and encouraged about the second chances that not only God gives us, but that we can gives others as well. Snuggle up by a cozy fire, grab your tea, and enjoy this read by Michelle Griep.

Between the pages are stories that are exciting and breathtaking. Two of the stories have previously been published with the addition of a new story to complete this beautiful book. The author really captures the Victorian era and treats readers to a look at a time period that was intriguing and fun.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

I enjoyed going to back in time to the late 1800s and finding very interesting historical facts scattered throughout the book. It definitely reads like a Charles Dickens story, but with a bit more flair of intrigue. The characters were quirky and somewhat hard to keep up with. I thought there was a lot going on in the book with so many characters.

I did like the idea of a group of people ascending upon a manor house to spend Christmas. Their task was to be the last person there and be rewarded handsomely. Clara is not sure about the invitation, but with a promise for money to help her family, she decides to go. I’m not sure I would go traipsing off to a strange place so quickly.

Ben is my favorite character. He has been wrongly accused of stealing from Clara’s family and sent to prison. It was no surprise to me that he would be one of the guests of the manor. There is friction between Clara and Ben when they first see each other. Clara believes Ben ruined her family business. Perhaps she was more upset by the fact that he had left her at the altar. It is a good story with emotions that run high at times , but overall a story that gives hope and peace to all.

A Tale of Two Hearts

It's another charming tale 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.

The Old Lace Shop

I really enjoyed this story because it takes an unlikely turn as Bella decides to keep one of her late husbands shops instead of selling it. The journey for her will be filled with resistance and an unexpected surprise waiting for her. What are the odds that Bella is now partnered with someone from her past? There is not a lot of joy when they meet again and this allows the author to explore a relationship that is fragile. The characters are easy to relate to and loved how they discover surprises, danger, and much more in this story that fills the pages with hope and forgiveness.

Edmund is none to pleased to see Bella. Thoughts from the past creep up and he quickly tries to bury them deep in his soul. He is in for changes as he learns that Bella will be working beside him to grow the business. I don't think I would be overjoyed to see someone waltzing into to my shop with an air of ownership. There is friction as Bella stands her ground and assures Edmund she is there to stay. It is a wonderful story of a woman who takes on a leadership role and a man who is not quite sure what his feelings are as the shop starts to change .

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep, three lovely books set in the Victorian era and they are all in one book. I have enjoyed all of Ms. Griep's books and each of these stories are so entertaining and witty. In 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, I enjoyed the premise of the story where they have to stay in the Manor for the 12 Days of Christmas in order to win the prize. And in "A Tale of Two Hearts Mina, an innkeepers daughter is interested in William. So he asks her to pretend to be his wife so he can deceive his uncle for an inheritance. In "The Old Lace Shop" can Bella take a second chance on love and marriage? Great stories! I enjoy the authors writing style.

I received this book from the publisher by way of NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Barbour Books has taken three novellas all written by the same author in a series and has published them in one cover. Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep was like talking to an old friend. Two of the novellas have previously been published and reading them again was a treat. All three revolve around a second chance coin, which brings grace and mercy to the holder of the coin.

Michelle's writing style is quaint and compelling. Her plot development is quite complete despite the length of the stories. It's a hard thing to make a novella to feel complete, and not to feel chopped off. Michelle is adept at this.

I truly enjoyed this collection and would read it again. It is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a second chance coin for your needs for do-overs.

I was provided the galley for this book by Barbour Books and NetGalley.com.