Once Upon a Dickens Christmas: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas : 3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England (Paperback)

Such a delightful collection of Christmas stories by Michelle Griep! The three stories are loosely tied together by Charles Dickens and a coin that is passed on from person to person reminding each of that “second chance” gifted by God, even in the direst of circumstances. It's amazing that the author can move between vastly different settings during the Victorian era to bring forth these stories that fit so well as a package, brimming with hope, grace, forgiveness, and redemption. Each story is well-written with a seamless plot and lovable characters. “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” carries mystery and intrigue as invited houseguests vie for “something special” if they can last through the twelfth night of Christmas celebration at Bleakly Manor. “A Tale of Two Hearts” showcases two cousins vying for inheritance from an old rich uncle but both become embroiled in lies and half-truths. “Old Lace Shop” features former sweethearts broken by cruelty in previous marriage and life circumstances who end up as partners in a lace factory. This story is told in first person present tense, which makes it quite unique. In all three stories, there are snippets of England's history that provide the setting and events as well as spiritual truths. If you're a fan of historical romance, this collection of Dickensian Christmas stories will captive you. I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

The author has offered us three stories to get lost in, we travel back in time to old England and Charles Dicken's appears or is mentioned in each of the reads. The time period of Dickens is what threads these stories together, and you will be quickly immersed in each read. There is a common theme of forgiveness and giving a second chance, and you get to journey to how things are resolved. Be ready for danger, and you won't know what is about to happen next, but also won't be able to put this one down and once you finish one you will be moving to the next! I received this book through the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review.