“Miracles take place at Christmas, and magic too. If you let Christmas in, madam, you may find it is already there.”
Mrs. Dickens, aka Kate, finds herself on Christmas Eve at her and Charles’s Christmas party feeling anything but festive. When a kind servant and some adorable children with some beautiful sprig enter her life, she takes a journey through her own Christmas memories helping her rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
I enjoyed the parallels to A Christmas Carol and learning a bit about Mrs. Dickens. There were a lot of golden nuggets throughout the story with inspiring thoughts and messages. The focus was on the true meaning of Christmas with Christ’s birth and also finding joy and things to be grateful for. It was also a timely reminder of simply being good and loving one another, a good “food for thought” kind of book and I recommend it.
Thank you author Rebecca Connolly Shadow Mountain Publishing Austenprose for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars

What’s at the heart of Christmas? Catherine Dickens has lost the excitement and joy of past Christmases as she strives to continue her role as a seasoned hostess at grand parties orchestrated by Charles, a party enthusiast focused on appearances. The present-day retail stocking of decorations, blinking lights and artificial trees in the middle of summer clouds our minds and hearts, leaving us grumbling and exasperated instead of filling us with anticipation and joy. Catherine’s feelings exactly! She feels decorations are so much work and bother, but do they soothe the soul? Through three magical memory visits to her younger self, readers are wrapped in the powerful perspective of simplicity, kindness and love. Beauty and truth were buried deep in Catherine’s heart, but the Christmas spirit is renewed as she shares its magic with others. A Carol for Mrs. Dickens, including a history of Victorian Christmas traditions and a Christmastide Calendar, is the perfect book to refocus on the heart of Christmas.

I have been a fan of A Christmas Carol for a long time and was excited to be given the opportunity to read a story from Mrs. Dickens’ point of view, as written in A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly.

I enjoyed how Mrs. Dickens was taken through three distinct times to help her find her love for Christmas again, all with a sprig of holly that transports her. I liked how it was similar to A Christmas Carol in the way she was visited and the times she was reminded of.

This book reminded me that life can get busy and overwhelming, and it is so easy to forget the childlike wonder that comes with Christmas, the true meaning of the holiday, and how truly special the season is. Sometimes we have to allow ourselves to be open to the wonder and hopefully, with a few gentle reminders, we too can also feel the way we may have long ago on this special day.

This is a short read perfect for the Christmas season this year.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Rebecca Connolly for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

This short, sweet retelling of A Christmas Carol is a perfect book for holiday reading. In this story Mrs Kate Dickens, Charles Dickens' wife, is the main character and is struggling to recapture the wonder and joy of Christmas. Many people will recognize and identify with her feeling of being exhausted and overwhelmed with making the holidays special for their family while not feeling the joy and excitement themselves. Full of kindness, these quotes resonated with me, “My own happiness is a choice”, and “We take the good with the bad. And there is always good.” The book itself is a delight with illustrations at the start of chapters and the pages have decorative borders. This was just the book I needed, it allowed me to exhale and be engulfed in a story that left me smiling. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy a retelling of familiar stories or that are looking for a sweet holiday book.

This story was as lovely and heartwarming as its cover. It’s a quick read, but one that easily transports you back to the era of Charles Dickens, and gently reminds the reader what Christmas is really all about.

Adding to the story’s charm are some beautiful black-and-white illustrations, and bonus content that includes Victorian Christmas traditions.

This is a lovely, inspirational story, and a great read for the Christmas season.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Rebecca Connolly, Shadow Mountain Pub, and Austenprose for the #gifted ARC. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

"Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving."

I found as I read this book that I went back into my memories and could find a Christmas or two where I felt much like Mrs. Dickens. Too burdened with manufacturing the perfect Christmas for my family to be able to enjoy the holiday season myself. I think it is something that a lot of parents might relate to, at least some time during their lives. Even though I could relate to having felt that way in previous years I didn't quite start to feel the spirit while reading about her first couple memory visitations even though I enjoyed seeing Mr. Dicken's enthusiam for the day and how delightfully in love the two of them are. But for me, the magic moment came with the joy of giving. That is, of course, where A Christmas Carol gets me too. When Scrooge discovers the joy of giving and when Mrs. Dickens remembers the joy of giving, that is when my heart gets touched, in both books. I love just about everything relating to Christmas but my favorite thing is giving gifts.
Overall, I think this is a good book whether you are over burdened by Christmas or not but it might especially be helpful when it is all just a little too much. Merry Christmas to all...

I am an avid Christmas lover and also love A Christmas Carol, so I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read an early copy of A Carol for Mrs. Dickens.

There are times in life when we lose our joy in events and activities that previously brought great joy. It's so easy as a wife and mother to let life overwhelm us.

This story is a reminder that happiness is a choice. Our children, spouse and family are the key source of that happiness, even if we may forget it on occasion.

I love the spin on the classic story and the events that brought back Catherine's joy and her urge to spread Christmas cheer.

This is one that is just an overall feel good read, that I will definitely be reading each year for Christmas. It was truly a joy to read and my grandbaby loved having it read to her as well!

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a sweet Christmas novelle that makes for a fun Christmas read. I think that mothers especially will enjoy this book. It is short and a fast read. I liked getting a glimpse of the life of Charles and Kate Dickens. And what a fun twist of a classic. I am sure this will put many in the Christmas spirit. I received a copy of A Carol for Mrs. Dickens from Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed seeing Christmas time through the eyes of Mrs. Dicken's wife! This was a cute, quick holiday read and I really enjoyed how Kate saw Christmas through the telling of her husbands most famous story. A reminder that often it's the little things that we tend to take for granted that really mean the most. It's Christmas Eve, the Dicken's house is once again full of guests and Mr. Dicken's playing Mr. Christmas is just thrilled about his favorite holiday. Kate, heavy with child feels overwhelmed at having to always share Christmas and her husband with others. As the night progresses, Kate is taken through memories of years past and she comes to realize all the good there is with Christmas and times before. Being reminded about what Christmas really is about and not what it has become, she decides to make Christmas one to never be forgotten for another family. Spreading joy, happiness and friendship is really what this holiday should be about, keeping in mind that the son of God being born was the greatest Christmas present of all. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Austenprose tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

Oh how I loved this book! I deeply resonated with Mrs. Dickens, an overwhelmed mom and wife who finds herself exhausted by the demands of life at Christmastime. Like Mr. Scrooge in her husband's novel, she is permitted an out of body experience to change her perspective on the magic of Christmas.

"My own happiness is a choice. She could choose to be happy regardless of her circumstances. It would taketime, but even the certainty that one day she could find it made her even more hopeful that it could be try. She could choose for it to be true."

"All was not perfect, but all would be well. And that was enough."

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a quick read, I read the entire book during my daughter's soccer practice. I encourage any exhausted mom who is wondering how she is going to create the magic of Christmas again in just a few short months to read this book. It lightened my mood after a couple of heavy days with heavy world and personal events.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

This was such a sweet, Christmas novella! Such a bright, hopeful story about the power of Christmas and the beauty of serving others.

I enjoyed the clever premise of Mrs Dickens experiencing her own Christmas Carol moments. Her memories were engaging and sweet. I liked seeing her experience her memories years later -- an early memory of her young children, a memory when she was engaged to Charles, and a memory as a child herself. Each experiences builds on the last to brighten her Christmas spirit and bring the joy back into her holidays.

I enjoyed Kate's character and felt she was a relatable one. She has experiences intense grief and loss right before this story occurs and she feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities as wife and hostess of Charles' ambitious holiday parties. And she's pregnant! That's a lot! I found her story easy to connect with, and I enjoyed seeing her regain her enthusiasm for the holiday season through her experiences.

I really enjoyed the ending of the story and how Kate shares her newly rediscovered Christmas spirit with others. That beautiful scene on Christmas morning with Charles is really lovely.

I would have liked to see an author's note about the history of Kate and Charles Dickens' marriage. Although they are quite happy together in this story, their marriage eventually fell apart which I think is so tragic. I always appreciate when author's give a bit of historical background for stories like this one.

Overall, a lovely Christmas story perfect for the holiday season!

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens imagines a Christmas where Charles Dickens wife, Catherine, does not feel like she has the Christmas spirit.

Charles' book A Christmas Carol was a huge success, and now Charles' is being heralded as the man who invented Christmas. He has always had so much love and enthusiasm for Christmas, but for some reason, Catherine feels like she can not match his enthusiasm. In fact, she is feeling a little grumpy about the entire holiday.

It is Christmas Eve, and through a series of encounters and strong vivid (almost ghost like) memories, Catherine is gradually reminded of the true joy and meaning of Christmas.

I absolutely love historical fiction, especially when it brings real people to life through imagined events. I could absolutely believe that Dickens' wife might have found herself feeling less than enthusiastic about Christmas. And what is more fitting than to give her an almost Scrooge like treatment to help her regain her love of Christmas and to help remind her of the true meaning of the holiday.

This is a sweet novella that can remind us all of the true spirit of Christmas and refresh our joy for the holiday.

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a poignant Christmas story featuring a magical sprig of holly and three memories that restore Mrs. Dickens’ Christmas Spirit.

Catherine “Kate” Dickens is married to Charles Dickens and they are the parents of several children. Mrs. Dickens is feeling the stress of mothering, planning/hosting lavish parties, and decorating during the Christmas season. Through a magical sprig of holly, Kate revisits three memories from the past. Will these visits renew her Christmas spirit?

Fans of A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens will appreciate this atmospheric novella told from the perspective of Mrs. Dickens. This could be a fun companion read for the classic tale.

Many women (and maybe some men) can relate to the burnout that Mrs. Dickens experiences! Buying the presents, hosting the parties, decorating the house, and meeting everyone’s expectations can steal the joy of the Christmas season. In addition to having eight (living) children, grieving the loss of a ninth, and one more on the way, Mrs. Dickens has a great deal on her plate. Mr. Dickens is a large and colorful personality who is kind, but he is not fully empathetic to his wife’s stress, circumstances, or mood.

Through a magical sprig of holly and revisiting three memories, Mrs. Dickens rediscovers the joy and meaning of Christmas. I love how the author reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas as Mrs. Dickens puts this rediscovered joy into action in the concluding pages of the novella.

Fans of Rebecca Connolly know they are in good hands. A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is atmospheric, compelling, and poignant. Mrs. Dickens is relatable, and we cheer for her well-being throughout. With its message of the true meaning of Christmas, this will be an inspirational and wonderful Christmas read and gift! (Also, a great selection for #NovellasInNovember)

Content Consideration: death of a child (in the past), grief, depression

Thanks #NetGalley @ShadowMountn @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #ACarolForMrsDickens upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" has always been a favorite of mine. "A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" offers a fresh take on the classic story. Catherine Dickens, busy with holiday plans for family and friends, finds her Christmas spirit dimmed by the grief of losing a child. Just like Ebenezer Scrooge in the original tale, Catherine experiences a series of events on Christmas Eve. These encounters shift her views on Christmas, her husband, children, and life. Catherine is a kind soul who deeply loves her family and husband. I really liked Catherine as a character. She was searching for the true meaning of Christmas and longed for the joy she felt was missing in her life.

This new Christmas Carol, though only 170 pages, is rich with important messages. It explores the Christmas spirit, the birth of Jesus, and the importance of helping those less fortunate. This book makes a perfect gift for loved ones or a welcome addition to your own holiday reading. It will warm your heart and fill your life with the Christmas spirit.

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens
Wife to Charles Dickens, Catherine is feeling exhausted raising a houseful of children with another on the way while planning huge holiday parties at her husband’s request when a sprig of holly triggers past memories that help her rediscover the love she once had for the Christmas season.

I really enjoyed this new prospective from Catherine Dickens. A very sweet message with a focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank you NetGalley & Shadow Mountain Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @shadowmountainpress and Rebecca Connolly for the gifted copy of A Carol for Mrs. Dickens.

It’s a short story about the wife of Charles Dickens, imagining one Christmas Eve and morning when she must have been exhausted and perhaps struggled to feel the Christmas spirit. It’s relatable as a mom of multiple kids with immense responsibilities, and it’s a lovely reminder of the true meaning of the season, both religious and secular.

Perfect to give to the busy moms in your life as they celebrate the Christmas season, sooner than we probably think!

This is the perfect book for Christmas. This is a story from Catherine Dickens point of view. She is struggling with getting into the Christmas spirit this year. It seems that everything is just a little too much, she yearns for simpler things. Through a series of special experiences she is able to regain her love of Christmas and the joy of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I believe I will be making this a new Christmas tradition to read it each year.

We are invited to explore the life of Catherine Dickens, the wife of the renowned author of A Christmas Carol. Her journey through cherished memories and the search for the true meaning of Christmas beautifully highlights the joy that can sometimes feel lost amidst the holiday hustle. In this tale, she’s taken back to her childhood Christmas, and here, she finds what had been missing. Gifts, decorations, and parties were lovely, but the season’s meaning was that God was the source of true joy and peace. This inspiring story serves as a heartfelt reminder of why we celebrate the season. It would make a thoughtful gift.

“She has found Christmas alive and well within her life and her memories.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Rebecca Connolly and Shadow Mountain Publishing.

This Christmas novella really packs a punch. Don't let the size fool you, it has more insight and wisdom in its pages than I had expected. It touched my heart and made me look forward to the Christmas season even though I was reading it poolside in the heat.

Charles Dickens was all the rage in London in the mid 1800's. His famous story had transformed the holidays for his family and several others. He absolutely loved the season and wanted to celebrate bigger and grander each year. His wife, however, was tired. She had recently lost a daughter, was pregnant again with their 10th, and just didn't quite feel up to the festivities. She put on her brave and happy face, planned and prepared and knew it would go off without a hitch. She, however, needed to escape for some fresh air amidst the celebrations.

She wants to discover her lost love of Christmas and of herself, and through some small Christmas miracles is sent to revisit some of her most cherished memories of Christmases past. Will it be enough to reignite her love of the holidays and her passion for helping others? Will she be able to find the goodness amongst the noise of the holidays and remember it among the chaos?

From the simplicity of the first Christmas, to the grandeur of decorating and festivities of the time, it can all be beautiful. It reminds us to take the good with the bad, and that there will always be good.

The cover of this book caught my eye and I had to request to read it. I'm so glad I did!
I loved the relationships between characters, the quirkiness yet love shown by Charles. The pain, exhaustion and struggle but still love portrayed by Kate. I love the personal stories that made Kate remember, and yet the Scriptures and sermon that made her also focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
I also really liked that the author added the history of Christmas traditions and a Christmastide calendar of events and what they were at the end of the book.
This was such a sweet book. If you need a quick read full of emotions and love, be sure to indulge in this one!