Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

This book combines many things I love:  novellas, Christmas stories, Victorian England, and Charles Dickens. What a treat to have it all in one place! Each story had a thread that was common to all three, a second chance coin, as well as some reference to or appearance from Dickens.

The first story “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” had such an unusual premise.  I couldn’t figure out why such a mysterious gathering with unusual people was conceived or what purpose there was for it.  It’s always nice to be surprised with an unknown direction to a story.

The second story “A Tale of Two Hearts” gave proof to the adage, “Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive.”  A simple deception grows and becomes problematic as William strives to protect his uncle and provide for his mother. I really liked William and Mina. Mina has an uncommon strength and I enjoyed her quote quiz-offs with William’s uncle.

In “The Old Lace Shop” I liked that Bella went into a new situation and did what she did best.  She saw ways to make improvements and to help others less fortunate in a way that maintained their dignity.

Throughout the stories, I enjoyed the writing. “Sucking in a breath, I package up regret, ignorance, and fear and stow it deep inside my heart to open later in a quiet–and very alone–moment with God” (location 4119).

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  I would recommend it.  All opinions are my own.

#OnceUponADickensChristmas #Netgalley