Once Upon A Christmas Past

by Lorie Langdon

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CRACHIT FAMILY AFTER A CHRISTMAS CAROL?

The Cratchit family has come a long way since Ebenezer Scrooge's glorious transformation many Christmases past, none more so than Lucy Anne 'Raven' Cratchit. Inspired by Tiny Tim's childhood illness and miraculous recovery, Raven is working to become London's first female physician, donating her time to those who cannot afford medical care.

Brit Crane grew up fighting for his life in the slums of London, protecting his ragtag gang of orphan thieves until Olivia 'Twist' Brownlow and Jack 'The Artful Dodger' MacCarron rescued them all and Brit became a teacher in their new orphanage. When Brit discovers he is the rightful Earl of Wexford and stands to inherit a fortune if he marries by Christmas, he isn't at all sure he wants the title or the money. That is, until a beautiful physician saves his life, and they form a bond that neither of them can deny.The catch? Doctor Raven Cratchit is engaged to Brit's conniving half-brother, the current illegitimate Earl of Wexford who has no intention of losing the earldom or the girl to an upstart ex-thief. Brit learns the hard way that his aristocratic brother doesn't play by 'street rules' and he struggles to fight for what is his in a world where he doesn't belong.

With the help of Raven and three meddling spirits, can Brit regain everything that was taken from him before the clock strikes twelve on Christmas Eve?

Genres: Christmas, Young Adult, Audiobook

252 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2024

About the author

Lorie Langdon is an Amazon best-selling author of YA novels such as: the Doon Series, Gilt Hollow, and Olivia Twist, which has received a starred review from Booklist Magazine and was picked up by Target Stores across the nation. In 2018, Chapters Interactive Stories developed her Doon series into a ‘choose your own ending’ mobile video game. Olivia Twist has been contracted for film development by Lonetree Entertainment.

In 2020, Lorie was selected by DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE to write a three-book young adult villain series. Each darkly romantic story will feature a different infamous villain years before their big-screen debuts, and will tell their heartbreaking journeys of first love. The series will release internationally under the Disney publishing imprint.

Lorie’s upcoming co-authored novel, Catch the Light, a YA contemporary fantasy, is releasing Spring 2021.


*Please note that I don't regularly monitor this account. But I love to hear from readers so come find me at www.LorieLangdon.com

Reviews

[Kay’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

*real review to come soon but I adored this!!*

[Tales and Treats with Tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had such trouble culminating my thoughts for this book because while there were aspects of it I really loved, there were several parts that I did not like, felt uncomfortable with even.

Let's start with what I did like. The cover is gorgeous, I was immediately drawn to it. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an absolutely phenomenal job. I loved the characters individually, they were each distinct and complex. All of the Christmas celebration elements were so fun to read, particularly the Cratchett family competitions.

Now for what I didn't, which is hard to relay without giving spoilers. All I will say is that if you are at all sensitive to cheating, this is not for you. Also, there were some theological components that were odd/contradictory: some things were correct but other times something would be off in explanation. There was also moderate language, mostly British cursing so it didnt bother me as badly since thats nit my culture.


Content: cheating, moderate language (bas***d, he**, bl**dy, etc)

Christian faith rating: 0/3

[Havelah McLat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this cover when it came out but haven’t read it till now. I like how the author took the classic and wrote a story years after Scrooge passed away. I like Brit, the male love interest. character. He is a complex but interesting character with a troubling past and learns how to deal with his true identity. Raven is an interesting female character and likes how she navigates her career and who she wants to marry. The chemistry between them is cute. While I enjoyed the story, the only thing that threw me off is Raven’s sister’s POV and Brit’s friend’s POV. We spend a lot of time between the couple’s POVs that we switch up to their views. That is the only thing that took out the enjoyment. The chapters are long, but I didn’t stop reading.

If you like a classic retelling with sweet romance but no spice, then you will like this.

[Ronie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute Christmas tale set in the world of Scrooge. It was fun in many respects, and I enjoyed it. The story and pacing really picked up about halfway through. I was disappointed at the language in the book (felt out of context for the story), as well as some pretty obvious modern phrases. But these things didn't ruin the story for me.

[K Whatsherface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Olivia are in this?! never got the title before deciding to read this. I read Olivia Twist years ago and loved it. the title alone was enough to sell me on this book. I do love a Christmas Carol. this has been on my tbr for a while but I keep forgetting about it every time Christmas comes around but when I remember it I aways say I'll save it for Christmas

[Maci D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This took a minute for me to get into. But once I got the hang of things I was fully invested! I loved following the Crachet kids in their older years and the addition of ghosts!

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time
putting this wonderful book down! I loved this retelling of A Christmas Carol!

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment for me! It is a book that is a continuation of A Christmas Carol. It could have been a great story, but fell short of the mark. I feel like I needed more details about certain things, and then other things were just kind of thrown in after we were given a different idea. Many things about this book did not say Christian, but then scripture was quoted in a way that makes you think that the author wanted the reader to come away spiritually changed. Then there were aspects about this book that showed questionable theology. Things I did like about the book include the stunning cover and the couple of mentions of scripture. Things I did not like: (no spoilers) weird relationships, weird theology, cursing, and a couple slightly steamy and strange scenes.

[Melissa Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story following an older sister of Tiny Tim from "A Christmas Carol."

I was a little confused starting it, but it got figured out and picked up the pace. I loved the characters and wished we'd gotten a little more time seeing Brit and Raven interacting. I wish others could have seen more about how Brit felt about John *before* Brit entered the picture. Regardless, I loved Brit's protectiveness toward Raven and was glad the difference between him and John was shown in front of many.

There were a couple of timeline things that threw me off. The other thing that bothered me was a questionable theological implication at the end. I understand it's fiction, but the explanation of the ghosts and the idea of becoming angels after death didn't sit well with me. If there hadn't been Scriptural references tied in with things, I wouldn't have minded so much.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others.

[Renee Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Christmas Past is the perfect way to start the Christmas season. Lorie Langdon puts a fresh spin on A Christmas Carol. Romance, intrigue, a dastardly plan, this story has it all, including a nice little update about Jack and Olivia from Olivia Twist. The cover is beautiful (I got the special edition hardcover, with painted edges, and it is gorgeous), as is the story inside. Brit and Raven are surrounded with a delightful cast of side characters, who add even more charm and love to the story. I loved Brit and Raven's love story, and the message of hope it delivers. A delight for the start of the holiday season!

[Mylie Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this continuation of the beloved Christmas classic! Laurie did a wonderful job of blending the stories together, but also making this book its very own. I instantly fell in love with both Brit and Raven, and both of their unique backgrounds and how they develop throughout the story. Archie and Belinda were both fantastic side characters that helped developed the others and added a bit of mischief and emotion to the story. The reveal about Belinda literally had my jaw on the floor!
This was such a beautiful book, and would’ve been wonderful to read during Christmas time, but I loved the Christmas in July feel!

Four stars from my shelf to yours!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a Christmas past is a charming story with new yet seemingly familiar characters that you quickly grow to love. It is filled with Christmas spirit, good-will and everything that makes Christmas Christmas. The story has depth and was interesting. Unexpected to find characters that were ghosts but that fit in with the Christmas Carol theme. Plenty of romance and strong characters. A Christmas read you will love!

[The Bookworm Girl Bethany]

Thank you to Quill and Flame Publishers for an ARC copy of the book. I sincerely apologize for taking so long to read it. Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book. I REALLYYY liked it and the author’s style of prose. However, the ghost aspect was much too strong for me. I’m really sad about it, but I just can’t commit to reading a book with supernatural elements that go against my beliefs. I am curious to try the author’s other books at some point.

[A.J. Skelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single thing about this book! Such a beautiful, poignant story set against a lush background of Victorian elegance contrasted with the stark reality of the Victorian slums. A gorgeous continuation of Dicken's A Christmas Carol, and the author's book, Olivia Twist, I highly recommend this swoony, holiday read!

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 1864 London, Lucy Anne “Raven” Cratchit is a physician.
Brit Crane is a proctor(teacher).
When Brit is told that he is the lost Earl of Wexford, he is also told that in order to keep the inheritance, he must be married before his next birthday.
Langdon’s historical romance draws inspiration from Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol.
She also has characters from: Olivia Twist pop in.

[Nova McBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon, you will love this book even more. I flew through this book last December. It was such a joy to read. It was cute and charming, with lovable characters and relatable goals and had just the right atmosphere of mystery and holidays. A perfect Christmas read!

[Heather Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book without even reading the back blurb because I wanted something Christmasy, and it ended up being SO good! Such great tension between the characters. Such great suspense as you wonder how everything will work out! And goodness-Lorie Langdon is incredibly skilled at making you dislike the bad guy!
Excellent writing, great story that I sped through. Definitely recommend!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a joy to see some Olivia Twist characters that felt like old friends. I wished we'd gotten to spend longer with Raven and Brit, and I wished there relationship had felt more substantial. But seeing Brit interact with the Cratchit family and their family traditions felt like a warm Christmas hug.

Fav quote:
"Keeping Christmas is a choice, an action. It is love and light, and the spirit in which we live year-round. What better way to stay joyful than to play games with those you love?"

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down

This was an interesting continuation of A Christmas Carol, but this time, we’re following the Cratchit family as older teens (including the former Tiny Tim who just goes by Tim) and young adults.

This is also a spinoff of this author’s other book, Olivia Twist, (which I have not read) so I was a bit confused about a couple of the secondary characters, but was still able to follow along.

The story was interesting, with a slight fantasy/supernatural element. However, I found that the book ended very abruptly, especially the resolution of the villain.

[Moriah Chavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas read!

[Naoma Hoten emmendorfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book!

[Barbara Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book jumped right into it and did not stop. I loved all the details and stories inside the story. This could easily be a Christmas movie. Full of love and hope of future.

[V. Romas Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this story. Filled with Christmas magic and romance, Once Upon A Christmas Past is the perfect story of love, forgiveness and staying true to who you are.

[Alyssa Skaggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok just wasn’t for me. It had to slow of a pace for my likening.

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique story! I listened to the audio, which is well done.

[Hope Griffin Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

pending

[K Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, whimsical Christmas story that I will definitely re-read during future holiday seasons.