I enjoyed the first two stories of this book, but the second one doesn't hold my attention as much as the other two. The story plot is good but seems unreasonable at times (women didn't go into business in the 1800s anywhere). I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Griep.

This is my first book that I have read my Michelle Griep. I found it for a good deal at Ollies and it not only had an attractive cover, but if also has the pages I like that have uneven edges. Both of those things plus that it is a Christmas book drew me to wanting to read it. This novel is a collection of three novellas, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, A Tale of Two Hearts, and The Old Lace Shop, all by Michelle Griep. All three novellas are slightly related and all of them are excellent reads. You will not be disappointed if you pick this book to read not just at Christmas but anytime of the year. Each story reminds you that it is good to give people second chances. They all have romance in the story and some intrigue as well.

this is such a wonderful group of stories. I had never read her before but she is now one of mt favorites

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by wordsmith extraordinaire Michelle Griep is a delightful collection of Christmas novellas. The first thing of notice is how thick this 450 page collection is. It has an eye-catching cover and old fashioned rough cut edges. This is a beautiful edition.

Author Griep does an excellent job drawing readers into her stories. Each one of these three tales grabbed my attention early and kept it throughout the entire story. I was invested within a few pages. Griep's writing style is a pleasant prose that flows effortlessly in a smooth rhythm.

These three novellas are set in 1850's Victorian England. They are tied together by a second chance coin, a twist of Charles Dickens, a bit of mystery, and inspirational spiritual content.

They are all so good!

I highly recommend this to lovers of historical fiction romances. It would make a lovely gift. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the publisher but these are my honest thoughts.

Written by the talented Michelle Griep, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a beautiful novella collection featuring three stories that are thoroughly engaging and wholly entertaining.

The collection begins with 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. Set during a dreary winter in Victorian England, this novella creatively explores the themes of loss, love, redemption, faith, and forgiveness through a diverse cast of entertaining and compelling characters. The well-paced plot, brimming with gothic mystery and eerie intrigue, deftly draws the reader fully into the story. As the mysteries unfold, heartwarming scenes provide a balance to those that are heavy with heartbreak. Abounding with surprises and unexpected twists, this novella is genuinely captivating and satisfying. It is a well-crafted story that is uniquely memorable for all the right reasons.

A Tale of Two Hearts, the second novella in the collection, is truly a delightful story. In this novella, Ms. Griep displays a remarkable talent for writing stunningly descriptive sentences that never fail to evoke emotional responses in the reader. The words she sows thoughtfully on the page are like seeds from which feelings, thoughts, and moods grow. Like deep, green vines, her descriptions take root and wind around the reader's heart and imagination. A Tale of Two Hearts is lush with writing that makes the characters, setting, plot, and themes vibrant with life and authenticity.

The characters in this novella are exceptionally engaging and endearing. Within the span of just a few pages, the characters feel like old friends, and their concerns, hopes, and dreams become a shared experience with the reader. Furthermore, the intrigue, suspense, and romance within the pages, combined with the Victorian Christmas setting, ensure that this novella is utterly compelling and extremely enjoyable.

The final novella in the collection is The Old Lace Shop. Written in the first person perspectives of the two main characters, this story is touching and unforgettable. With meaningful themes of generosity and compassion, this novella is remarkably moving and edifying. Its gripping plot provides plenty of mystery and romance to ponder and savor, and its characters are authentically relatable and memorable. It certainly succeeds at providing a felicitous ending to a wonderful novella collection.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas includes three stories of second glances and second chances. With new possibilities and new perspectives, they are stories of perseverance and forgiveness. This novella collection offers stories of reconciliation and renewed hope that beautifully depict the gift of God's grace that is freely offered to all. Like a timeless Christmas tradition, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas is a book that should be revisited again and again. It is charming, inspiring, and immensely satisfying. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.