Once Upon A Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep | Christmas Fiction Review

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas

Michelle Griep

Historical Romance | Christmas

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep

Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:

12 Days at Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?

The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

My Thoughts

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas is my first Christmas read of the season. I was thrilled to get my hands on it. It is a compilation of three different novellas. The first two, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts came out in the previous two years so I had already read them. I chose to skip over them and went right to The Old Lace Shop.

If you are a fan of Dickens then I think you will enjoy these three stories. Michelle Griep does an excellent job in capturing the essence of Dickens writing style with a unique twist that is all her own. There is a little bit of mystery and a little bit of romance thrown in to all three novellas.

This would make a lovely gift for the book lover on your Christmas list. 

Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. 

A Tale of Two Hearts (Once Upon A Dickens Christmas #2) by Michelle Griep | Christmas Book Review

A Tale of Two Hearts

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas #2

Michelle Griep

Historical Romance

London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

Can two hearts survive such deception?

My Thoughts

I have been looking forward to reading this book for a year now. It was worth the wait! Last year I read the first book in the series and knew that if it was any indication of what was to come I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't. This book shifts the story to an unlikely couple. William Barlow seems to be the perpetual bachelor and Mina Scott is a server at her father's tavern. Mina has had a crush on William since she first set eyes on William but he's not really paid that much attention. But when a family situation arrises Mina becomes the perfect person to help William.

This charming story takes a few twists and turns but on the whole stays pretty much as you would expect. It really is the perfect read for a cozy night in front of the fire. The characters are lively (just wait until you meet Uncle Barlow) and the romance is warm and fuzzy. If you've been binge watching Christmas movies then this will be a nice change of pace. The little shout outs to the wonderful works of Dickens are the perfect accompaniment to this delightful story.

I am eagerly anticipating the third book in this series which is slated to come out next year. I hope that this will become a nice little Christmas tradition from Michelle Griep for years to come.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

12 Days At Bleakly Manor (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #1) by Michelle Griep | Christmas Book Review

12 Days At Bleakly Manor

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas #1

Michelle Griep

Historical Fiction

A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas 

at an English manor home 

may bring danger...and love?

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds.

But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.

What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series--a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale--by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.

My Thoughts
Fans of Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie will surely enjoy this Christmas novella. The premise is one that you are familiar with in a storyline. Strangers receive invitations to come to Bleakly Manor and the one that remains until the end will receive the prize. 
But the resemblance ends there. Michelle Griep has taken those bones of an outline and fleshed them out with characters and scenarios that are fresh and interesting. As the characters are added one by one and then leave one by one you can't help but like them. They are quirky to a fault and really make the story come alive. The manor house is a perfect setting. As the story progresses it just gets creepier and creepier.
Just like a good Dickens story, when you think you have the plot figured out a turn in the story comes and takes you in a whole new direction. I was surprised and pleased with the ending which is exactly what I want in a story like this. I recommend you get this for one of those cold winter evenings that you need a good book to curl up with. You won't be disappointed.
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Stars in the Grass by Ann Marie Stewart | Contemporary Fiction Review

Stars in the Grass

Ann Marie Stewart

Contemporary Fiction

"The summer before I turned ten was idyllic--until August 3, 1970. It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever. What I couldn't know then, but try to remember now, is how fragile and delicate are the moments we most treasure, and if they break into pieces, repairing means seeing anew."

Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt's actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby's dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.

Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family's relationships and resiliency. Abby's heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with--and ultimately celebrates--life after loss.

My Thoughts
In a word I would say that Stars in the Grass is riveting. If you were to only read the prologue and the epilogue you would think that the book contains a lovely story about an ordinary family. You would think that life was an easy thing for them, full of funny scenarios and beautiful moments that made for an unbreakable family bond.
What is contained on the pages between those two portions is more realistic. Life is unpredictable. One moment you think things couldn't be more perfect and then out of nowhere things suddenly change. That's how a lazy vacation day happened for the McAndrews family. One moment they were leasurely walking along the roadside after spending a day at the beach and then suddenly their lives were changed completely and forever.
The story is told through the voice and perspective of Abby. She's a darling nine-year-old girl that suddenly finds herself carrying the weight of her family on her shoulders. In the midst of all the grief she gets lost and the story of how she makes it through is heartbreaking at times. I found myself wanting to reach into the story and hold her tight. 
While this is a story of tragedy and contains very depressing moments there is also a consistent glimmer of hope throughout. I found it interesting to look in at this family from the outside. As the reader I was able to see how the family was surrounded and loved even when they didn't have the capacity to accept and flourish in that love. In a note from the author she expresses that she hopes that the reader will see their story in Abby's. I certainly did and I think you will too.
This is Ann Stewart's debut novel and I am looking forward to reading her next. Her writing style evokes strong emotions and as the reader you can't help but be drawn into the lives of the characters. I'm looking forward to sharing this book with my reading group. If you have a book club there are discussion questions in the back that would make for some deep and thought provoking discussion.
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The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser | Historical Fiction Review

The Pattern Artist

Nancy Moser

Historical Fiction

CAN A LOWLY HOUSEMAID REALIZE HER OWN

AMERICAN DREAM?

Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there's more for her than a life of service.

Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy's department store. While at Macy's Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God's leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer--a pattern artist of the highest degree.

As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.

My Thoughts

It has been a couple of years since I read a novel by Nancy Moser and in that time I had forgotten just how compelling her stories could be. The Pattern Artist is about a young housemaid with a talent for sewing and designing outfits. Annie has aspirations of becoming a ladies maid because of that talent but soon finds those hopes dashed by deceit.

Annie comes from very humble beginnings and wants nothing to do with that sort of thing again. Her parents and their negativity about everything has left a bad taste and she is determined to have a different life. Annie is a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps type of person. Unfortunately she feels as if it's all up to her and that leads to some very selfish behavior, the exact thing she was trying to eschew.

The Pattern Artist is a delightful story of man (Annie and the others) making their plans but ultimately God guiding their steps. It is a story filled with dire circumstances and Divine intervention. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Nancy. 

If you like to read historical fiction with a twist of intrigue and romance then this book would suit you. If you are part of a book club that enjoys this genre this would be a wonderful addition. There are discussion questions included in the back that will help facilitate your discussions.

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Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce: Recipes & Ramblings From The Belle of All Things Southern Shellie Rushing Tomlinson | Cookbook Review & Giveaway

Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce:

Recipes & Ramblings From The Belle of All Things Southern

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Storytelling Cookbook

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, the Belle of All Things Southern, is serving up down-home southern dishes with a healthy side of laugh-out-loud entertainment in Hungry Is a Mighty Fine Sauce. Featuring dozens of tried-and-true recipes complemented by entertaining stories, your hunger--and your craving for humor--are sure to be satisfied! Uncomplicated, delicious recipes including Bodacious Black Bean Salad and Spicy Sausage and Crawfish Spread (125 recipes, to be exact!) fall into categories including Feeding the Funny Farm, Carnivores Are Us, Holidays in Dixie, and Watching the Curves. Eye-catching photos, guaranteed to make your mouth water, are included throughout. . .sure to be a much-appreciated gift or centerpiece on your very own kitchen countertop.

My Thoughts
I'm from a Southern family and there are three things that are universally important to us . . . faith, family, and of course FOOD! In fact those three facets are so interwoven it's hard to see where one begins and another ends. In my opinion there's not much better than Sunday dinners at grandma's house with all the loved ones.
Hungry Is A Mighty Fine Sauce is Shellie Rushing Tomlinson's newest storytelling cookbook that combines all those things except the stories are about her crazies instead of mine. (Trust me that's a good thing!) It was a total delight to get my hands on a copy. Several of the recipes were familiar and the ones that we've tried are quite tasty. 
One of the nicest things is that the stories about friends and family may be unusual but the recipe ingredients are not! In my opinion there's nothing worse than landing on a yummy sounding recipe only to be stumped by some of the ingredients. Never fear! All the ingredients are probably staples in your house and if not I guarantee they are just down the street at your local grocery.
The pictures are beautiful (I think you can almost smell the aroma coming from the dish) and the stories are hysterical. If you have a foodie on your gift giving list this would be the perfect item. It packs a double whamy . . . it's wonderful to look through and read and it's a delicious adventure to cook from. You seriously can't go wrong with this one.
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Now . . . how about a GIVEAWAY?!! Are you a foodie or do you know one? Would you like to give Hungry Is A Mighty Fine Sauce a try? We've partnered with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson to make a way for one of our readers to get their own copy of Hungry Is A Mighty Fine Sauce.

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.

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