Once Upon A Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Michelle Griep brings a new look at some classic Dickens tales that have a little of the old mixed with some lovely new inclusions that readers will find charming.

Charles Dickens is certainly acknowledged as one of the greatest authors to ever write so it is not surprising that many would want to read and write more like his stories. Michelle Griep has taken three of his stories and given them a Christmas touch which for the most part are well done. She began with her take on Bleak House entitled “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” and I truly think this was the best of the three. It begins with a young woman named Clara who receives an invitation to spend Christmas at Bleakly Manor from a mysterious person. Not sure why but convinced by her aunt to go, Clara sets off on an adventure that will test her meddle and answer her hearts desires. Upon arrival she is met with a cast of characters that will have readers laughing and rolling their eyes in turn as they read of their antics. If only she can survive the twelve days, she will have the chance at a better life. I loved how Ms. Griep kept the essentials of the characters of Bleak House while changing their names and giving them some more outlandish ways. She even used some of my favorite lines which made this story even better in my opinion. I will not describe the story any further as it will give away important plot points but suffice to say this story had excellent writing, characters and plot along with a good dose of sharp wit to make it complete. The second story was fairly good but does not compare with the first. In “A Tale of Two Hearts” Ms. Griep introduces a young woman in love with a man named William who frequents her father’s tavern. She looks forward to his visits and he always treats her with kindness. So when he presents her with a personal dilemma and requests her help, Mina cannot help but agree. But what starts out as a simple deception grows into a larger scheme that leaves both Mina and William scrambling to save a man’s life and figure out if they might have a real chance at a life together. This story has a lovely plot but the fleshing out seemed rushed and scattered. I loved the characters and the story line butI felt like things got left out that would have made the story more well-rounded than it was. But it was much better than the last story had a hope to be. “The Old Lace Shop” was the oddest story I’ve read in some time. It seemed to cobble together both “The Old Curiosity Shop” by Dickens and “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell but not in a good way. I constantly felt like I was missing something as I read and longed for the strong characters I love from both of the original stories. It was a nice story in its elements but just didn’t spark my imagination very well. Overall, I gave this collection a 4 out of 5 but that was mainly because of the first story being such a good one. I think Ms. Griep should have spent more time developing the second two stories to line up better with the development of the characters and plot of the first. I will still recommend this collection as it was a nice Christmas series that could be easily read during the busy holiday times. Hope the next books are better.

I received a complimentary ARC of this E-book from Shiloh Run Press/Barbour Books in order to provide a review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I've always enjoyed stories by Michelle Griep, so to have a three-in-one was like opening an extra special Christmas present! Which is exactly what these are based on, Christmas. Step back in time and walk in the Victorian era, Dickens classics come to life.

Each story has its unique blend of cast, characters, plot and a little mystery behind them. I like the recurrence of a “second chance coin” that blended these three together beautifully. I also loved how circumstances brought two people together and how by the end, they fell in love. If I had to choose a “favorite” among them, I'd have to go with “The Old Lace Shop” as it reminds me of “North & South”. My favorite four-part TV show made into full length movie in the history of movies! And let's not forget the unique dialogue Griep uses to tell these tales of old; all in her own writers voice that I know so well. I've never been disappointed by any of her novels and know I'm in for a treat with each story she pens!

If you're looking for those perfect Christmasy reads for the holidays, be sure to pick up “Once Upon a Dickens Christmas”!

“You see, my dear, real joy is not found in the best moments of life, but in trusting that God is making the best of every moment...” A Tale of Two Hearts.

*I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing through Netgalley and was not obligated to leave a review. *

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a collection of three stories. These stories include:
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
A Tale of Two Hearts
The Old Lace Shop
I enjoyed this collection. I found the stories to be charming, delightful and entertaining. My favorite is A Tale of Two Hearts. I give this book four stars.

Michelle Griep is such a versatile writer and I have yet to find a novel of hers that I haven’t liked. So it was no surprise to me that I very much enjoyed this collection of novellas.
Each of these novellas strikes a note that feels very Dickens-like, and yet still feel unique from each other and other stories I have read. I loved the cast of quirky characters each book introduced, as well as the setting which often felt as much a character as any of the others.
I particularly enjoyed The Old Lace Shop and the different point of view that Michelle used. It really set it apart from the others, and I liked the change.
If you’re looking for a collection to put you in the Christmas spirit, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is one you’ll want to pick up soon! Or if you’re looking for some fun holiday reading but don’t have a lot of time to devote to one full-length story, then this is the collection for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This was a well written journey through Victorian England. Fans of a Dickensian view of life will cherish this collection of three Christmas novellas, written in a similar style to the great storyteller. I found the first story, set at Bleakly Manor to have too many loose ends and characters I didn't warm too, but the second was tension filled and sweet and the third was completely lovely.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a three in one novel filled with believable characters and storylines that you won’t forget. I loved that the characters had real struggles of faith and back stories weren’t always the classic ones. Another plus was Michelle Griep did an amazing job weaving the plot and some characters in a very Charles Dickens way. Extremely heartwarming and refreshing! I felt several times reading those warm and cozy Christmas feelings!
My one critique is with the third story. The first two stories were so good and the characters were wonderful. However, I did not enjoy the huge first person writing style change. It seemed disjointed and odd to do so. And so I could never connect with the character or the story.
Overall, I’d still recommend the book because of the first two stories!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I had already read the first two offerings in this 3 novella collection. However, it was fun to go back and meet the characters again before reading The Old Lace Shop. Bella and Edmund have a past which collides in the present as they meet at the Nottingham Lace and Hose factory. Through the death of her husband, Bella becomes the majority owner of the factory, while Edmund (a widower) is the minority owner—but the one who runs it. Sparks fly as Bella tries to get Edmund to see things her way. There is a bit of suspense before a very satisfactory outcome. Read all three of these and enjoy a blessed Dickensian Christmas.

This book contained three stories that were sweet and clean and wonderful. Each story progressively wove a character or two from a previous story to tie the stories together. There is also a "second chance coin" that makes its way through each of the three stories, as well.

Each story reminded me of another victorian romance that I had read before. Each story was unique but subtly reminded me of those other stories.

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a series of feel good stories that have happy endings. In each story, the main character has a difficult circumstances to overcome to find true happiness.

This collection of three novellas all take place during the Victorian Era and feature allusions to (and appearances by) the inimitable Mr. Dickens, author of A Christmas Carol. In each story, the protagonist is given a "second-chance coin," which allows them to redo something they bungled or rekindle a relationship that ended badly.

The first story, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, is the most mysterious of the bunch. Clara Chapman is invited to spend Christmas at a strange country manor, with the promise of a large sum of money if she stays for the entire holiday house party. Once there, she finds an assemblage of other peculiar guests, each hoping for their own reward. To her horror, Clara discovers that her cold-hearted ex-fiance Benjamin Lane is also in attendance. As if being jilted at the altar by the man who stole her family's fortune wasn't enough, he is now competing with her for the prize of staying out the twelve days at Bleakly Manor! Thrown together by harrowing circumstances, however, Clara soon discovers that Ben might just have a good explanation for his past behavior...could a second chance be what they need to fall in love all over again? Now, if they can only survive the house party that has eerie parallels with Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None...

In the second story, A Tale of Two Hearts, Mina Scott escapes from her daily duties at her father’s inn by delving into Charles Dickens’ books and daydreaming about handsome customer William Barlow. Although William is far above her in class, he asks her to pose as his wife in order to lend him more respectability as he vies for a place as his uncle’s heir. Mina is concerned about the deception, but she doesn’t have the willpower to refuse him. Soon, she finds herself enjoying Uncle Barlow’s company as a fellow-Dickens-lover and deploring William’s odious cousins who want the inheritance for themselves. The deception increases as William asks her to spend Christmas at his uncle’s estate, gaining her father’s goodwill by pretending to court her in earnest. The truth will out–Mina is sure of it–and when it does, will any of Will’s affection prove to be real?

In the third story, The Old Lace Shop, Bella White decides to make something of herself after the death of her abusive husband and become a woman of business. But when she decides to act as full majority partner at the lace factory she has inherited, she discovers that she must work in sync with Edmund Archer, the very man who deserted her long ago. As she struggles to balance her charitable concerns for the blind women of the town and the necessity of making the factory profitable, Bella must decide whether to give Edmund a second chance. Will his kiss re-ignite the passion they once had or will the whole factory go up in flames because of their nefarious lace-making competitors? 

Although I typically enjoy a novel more than a novella, sometimes a short read is just the ticket when there's only an hour till bedtime. These stories entertained, each an original romance with a load of allusions to Dickens' works. I had read the middle story, A Tale of Two Hearts, when it was released on its own last year, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how diverse the storylines were of the other two tales included in this collection. This would make a great addition to your Christmas collection.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

3 fabulous Victorian stories to get you in the spirit of Christmas. And all have a Dickens theme.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a collection of heartwarming that are stories perfect for the Christmas season. Griep’s signature style of writing that is rich in Victorian detail with a good dose of whimsy makes this anthology a treat that avid historical fiction readers will not want to miss. With nods to some of Charles Dickens’ most beloved novels, each story boasts a heartwarming tale in a variety of genres that offer something for every reader. From mystery to sweet romance to a tale of redemption, these three stories have central themes of faith, grace, forgiveness, and love wrapped in a cozy atmosphere of the Victorian Christmas celebrations that gave us what are some of our most treasured traditions to this day.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book contained three stories inspired by the writings of Charles Dickens. Mr. Dickens even makes a guest appearance in each story. Another link in each story was the presence of a special coin representing second chances. I really enjoyed the first two tales and found the third story interesting. The intrigue was inviting and led to some late night reading. For history lovers and Dickens fans, there are historical references and ties to the master story teller's classic tales. This author writes in an appealing voice that is easy to read and pulls the reader into the story.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor was full of mystery as star-crossed lovers, separated by an apparent betrayal, are forced to once again meet in a house filled with greed and violence. Only one person can win the gift they have been promised, if they stay in the house for twelve days. Will they be able to resolve their differences and who will win what they are seeking?

In A Tale of Two Hearts, Mina makes the difficult choice to pose as a new bride to help her friend (and crush) Will win his Uncle's favor. Things get complicated as the duplicity continues, and her conscience prods her to do the right thing . Will's cousin is determined to win the inheritance at any cost. The situation seems hopelessly caught between duplicity and evil plotting. Which deceiver will the Uncle choose?

The Old Lace Shop was told in first person with both the hero and heroine taking turns telling their story. The story was one of romance and tragedy. It was also one of overcoming the past and finding forgiveness and acceptance. Though it paled in comparison to the other two stories, it was still a well written romance with some interesting historical ties..

4 stars- This collection of 3 stories are written in Dickensian fashion and are a great way to kick off the Fall season as we head into the Christmas season. Each of the characters in these stories was struggling with hard circumstances and life experiences that could have easily killed a weaker person’s spirit. But each of them refused to give up hope and fought for their happy ending.
In “12 Days at Bleakly Manor”, Clara Chapman is invited to spend the 12 days of Christmas at Bleakly Manor where, if she can remain for all 12 days, she will be rewarded with a much needed monetary reward. Little does she know she will be reunited with her former fiancé Benjamin Lane while there. Having left her waiting at the altar and believing he has stolen her family’s fortune and left her destitute, she is none too happy to see him. But things are not always as they appear. With a host of quirky house guests, this story examines what it means to get a second chance.
“A Tale of Two Hearts” was my favorite of the three stories. I really liked the main characters, William Barlow and Mina Scott. They were both kind and strong willed, trying to take care of the people they loved. William’s Uncle Barlow is also a great character and it’s easy to see why William would want to go out of his way to please him. William’s cousins were despicable and so fun to read about. I imagine the author had a great time writing their scenes.
In “The Old Lace Shop”, my heart hurt for the main character Bella White. Having been married off by her greedy father to a man 50 years her senior, Bella has spent the last 8 years simply surviving. Finally her husband dies and she is free from his physical and verbal abuse. She decides to keep one of her late husband’s companies- a small lace factory and help run it with her anonymous business partner. Although when she arrives she realizes her business partner isn’t so anonymous after all, but is Edmund Archer, her former beau. God certainly has a sense of humor doesn’t He? Could Bella and Edmund get a second chance?
This story was at times dark and deep with the struggles in both Bella and Edmund’s lives and the harshness of the lace factory. But a thread of hope was woven throughout, through the opportunity at a second chance in both their lives and through the grace and wisdom of the old blind ladies outside the factory. And I loved the ending in so many ways. I think Charles Dickens would have approved.
The author did a great job with the stories and giving them a strong Dickensian thread throughout. I love that she even included the author himself in her stories. I also liked how she connected the stories through minor characters and a very cool trinket.
As always Michelle Griep is a wonderful storyteller and I look forward to her next offering. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas captivated me. Although I have never read much of Dickens, the three tales were so delightful.

The Second Chance coin makes it's appearance in each story. Which tells you that each story conveys the hope of second chances. 12 Days at Bleakly Manor brings a group of strangers together. Each one offered something they want if they can stay the 12 days. The story and characters were so interesting and how they manage the 12 days a mystery.

A Tale of Two Hearts passes the Second Chance coin to Mina Scott. William Barlow embroils Mina in a scheme when he learns that his uncle is likely to name him as an heir if he is married. I won't say more, not wanting to give anything away, but nothing goes as smoothly as Will thought..

The Old Lace Shop is reminiscent of North and South with the industrial revolution.in play. When Bella White is given the Second Chance coin after being widowed, she finds a former love as a business partner. Her heart is torn with the hardship people have experienced from working in the Nottingham Lace and Hose factory.

This is a delightful collection of historical fiction with a touch of romance. Finding truth, forgiveness and faith makes for an inspiring collection. Michele Griep has researched this well with historical facts from the 1800's

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

With Michelle Griep at the helm I know I will enjoy a good story and this one was just as delightful!
Each story has it's own charm and I loved seeing the world through these characters' lives!
I wanted to read each story one at a time but of course that didn't happen at all!!! They were just begging to be read all at once!!
I enjoyed going back to the 12 days at Bleakly Manor but the other two I hadn't read before.
Michelle has done a great job in her writing style by adding the Charles Dickens feel to these marvelous stories.
I think my favorite thing about these stories are the second chances and how each person benefits from it.
I quite agree with another reader about feeling the Christmas spirit all year round. It all has to do with what's truly in our hearts y'all!!
This book will make a great gift for your friends, family. We need to spread the love readers!!
The cover y'all is just beautiful and yellow is my favorite color!! The story was just wow!! I can't wait for y'all to read this awesome book!
I'm rereading it again at Christmas. This was just too good to pass up!
My thanks for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own

I read the first two books that last two years, but this year was the first time I read The Old Lace Shop. Oh, I loved going back in time and seeing the world through Bella and Edmund’s eyes.
Michelle just does an outstanding job of bringing the past to life. She did it with each of the stories in this book.
If you love historical romance and want a bit of Christmas thrown in I highly recommend this collection, you can’t go wrong.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Fan's of Dickens will be delighted with Michelle Griep's 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. The setting is a large country manor with limited staff. A group of people each receive an invitation to spend the 12 days of Christmas at the Manor. If they stay the entire time, they will be granted something they really desire. the characters are an odd group, some endearing, others truly weird. I enjoyed the story and look forward to re reading it on a cold snowy day with a large cup of tea and a cozy blanket!

`Michele Griep's A Tale of Two Hearts is every bit as delightful as her first Christmas story Twelve Days at Bleakley Manor. She fills her stories with charming characters in interesting settings. Ms. Griep's books always teach a lesson but in a way that entertains. I loved the characters Mina and William. They are from different classes but meet at Mina's family's pub. Set at Christmas time the story definitely has a Dicken's feel to it. I read this during one of the hottest weeks of summer, so I turned the AC on high, curled up in a blanket and drank hot tea LOL.
So grab your mug of tea and enjoy a good read!

So now I have finished The Old Lace Shop. I was not disappointed, in fact I think it is my favorite of the three novellas! This was a lovely story about second chances. The plot was lively and the characters were just as quirky as in her other tales. So grab a mug of hot tea and settle in for a fantastic tale!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations! All thoughts are my own.

Wonderful, feel good reads in novella style. Full of what you want to feel for Christmas and so charming very true dickens style.

This lovely collection of three Christmas stories is the perfect holiday read. Once again author Michelle Griep, delivers an emotionally charged story set in Victorian times. Each story is connected by a second chance coin, a gold piece with a faded Latin phrase “second chance”, and the infamous author, Charles Dickens.
I absolutely loved the first two stories. I was hooked from page one and missed early bedtimes because of these two stories (not that I’m complaining too much).

12 Days At Bleakly Manor would not have been my idea of a relaxing two week vacation. Clara and Ben are reunited after a mysterious invitation to Bleakly Manor brings them and other strange guests together for the 12 nights of Christmas. With each invitation comes a promise that the last person standing will be granted a Christmas gift that will change their life forever. The catch, there is only one winner. What follows are strange “mishaps” and the eerie feeling of being constantly under surveillance. One by one, guests are decommissioned until the last person is standing.

There is so much tension, intrigue, and suspense that it is difficult to put this story down. I quite enjoyed Clara and Ben’s journey as they were likeable characters so tragically torn apart. Their inner turmoil was evident throughout each page. The guests – were quirky and humorous, and added so much life to the story.
Charles Dickens has a key role in this particular tale (but I won’t spoil it!), and the second chance coin begins its journey in the hands of Clara (who gives it to a former maid).

A Tale of Two Hearts is a fake marriage story that has some disastrous results. Mina, server in her father’s pub, has been secretly in love with regular patron William. She is totally floored when he asks her to pose as his wife in order to gain an inheritance from his well to do uncle. At first, William seems to be a money-hungry nephew, but as the story is revealed, so are his true intentions. This was a beautiful transformation and I couldn’t help but to root for William in accomplishing his goal.

Secondary characters play a huge role, and even throw some difficult obstacles in Mina and William’s way. William’s cousin who is vying for the inheritance is nasty, but his wife is even more.
Mina’s friend, (maid to Clara, heroine from the first story) passes the coin to Mina. The coin eventually ends up in the hands of the cousin.

Charles Dickens makes a brief appearance in this story, but several of his works are referenced.
I quite enjoyed this tale, simply for the amusement of anticipating the next conundrum Mina and William would find themselves in.

The Old Lace Shop was my least favourite tale of the collection. The narration changes to first person, for BOTH main characters. It really had a different feel than the first two stories and was enough to squash my enthusiasm for this book entirely. That’s not to say the story was without charm. It was a very good story. I just had a hard time getting past Bella and Edmund telling their story from their points of view.

Bella, recently widowed and eager for independence from a loveless and abusive marriage, decides to hold onto one business from her husband’s estate and begin a new life as co-manager of the lace factory. Edmund is shocked to find Bella, the woman he’d wanted to marry, standing on his doorstep. The tale follows Bella’s efforts to become independent and to revive the Old Lace Shop for a means to provide employment for the less fortunate in their town.

Charles Dickens plays a significant role in this story, but this time he’s not behind the scenes.

The second chance coin is passed from William’s cousin (who is a law clerk for Bella’s husband’s legal firm) to Bella. Bella passes it to Ben, who eventually loses it in a tragic circumstance, and is found by an orphaned boy.

If you’re looking for an intriguing Christmas read, the first two stories more than deliver.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this collection of Christmas novellas.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The past two years I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Michelle Griep’s Christmas novellas 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts. To complete the series this year both previous novellas have been included in one volume Once Upon a Dickens Christmas which also includes a totally new novella The Old Lace Shop. This large book is beautiful with deckled page edges which make it a truly special volume appropriate for gift giving. I will include my previous reviews here as well as a new review for The Old Lace Shop.

12 DAYS AT BLEAKLY MANOR:

I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed 12 Days at Bleakly Manor nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.

The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!

I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of 12 Days at Bleakly Manor for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.

A TALE OF TWO HEARTS:

A Tale of Two Hearts is the second book in Michelle Griep’s delightful Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Set in Dickens era England the story features Mina Scott who secretly admires William Barlow. When he asks her to pose as his bride for just one evening to help him gain a desperately needed inheritance, Mina jumps at the chance only to find herself caught in a rapidly growing trap of lies and deceit. This story is a fine example of the often quoted “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” by Walter Scott. One lie led to another one as Mina and William’s good intentions seemed to offer them excuses to continue the charade.

The plot was creative and expertly crafted with wonderful characters, some of whom were extremely easy to dislike. A strong theme of grace, mercy, and redemption was skillfully woven throughout the tale and I loved how the author wrapped it all up at the end.

A Tale of Two Hearts is a perfect Christmas story, especially for lovers of Dickens and historical fiction. Both this book and the previous one 12 Days at Bleakly Manor would make excellent gifts for readers in your circle of family and friends.

THE OLD LACE SHOP:

Once again the second chance coin plays a role in the lives of two people who indeed need a second chance. Young widow Bella decides to keep one of her late husband’s businesses only to find an unexpected partner from her life before marriage. Edmund Archer is not at all happy that Bella has shown up in his life again but soon finds himself falling for her sweet and generous spirit. Of course everything cannot go well and lead up to a happily-ever-after in this final novella of the series. There is evil afoot and both Bella and Edmund will need their second chance, possibly more than once before their story is resolved.

I loved all three of these stories and will most likely want to read them all again next Christmas season. This gorgeous book will definitely find its place on my keeper shelf. And like I mentioned earlier, Once Upon A Dickens Christmas would make someone on your Christmas list a special gift.