Celebrate the Season with Three Timeless Tales Inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter.
When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop in the snowy Cotswolds after heartbreak and job loss, she hopes to find clarity. Instead, she finds a collection of heirlooms—a portrait, a rare book, and a charming figurine—that unlock stories from the past. As each tale unfolds, Emma is drawn into the lives of three remarkable women whose lives were touched by England’s greatest storytellers.
In A Portrait of Faith, dutiful daughter Violet Walford longs for a life beyond duty to her family. When she is asked to paint a portrait of lively Regency-era author Jane Austen, their unexpected friendship inspires Violet to pursue life and love with new courage.
In A Victorian Christmas Tale, Clara Reynolds struggles against physical challenges and family expectations while falling in love with John, a writer with ties to Charles Dickens. Their work at the London Foundling Hospital brings healing, hope, and a Christmas transformation that would make Scrooge proud.
And in A Tale of the Season, Edwardian heiress Arabella Graham escapes to the Lake District and meets a charming country veterinarian—as well as artist and children's author Beatrix Potter. With gentle wisdom and the peace of a country Christmas, Arabella discovers the joy of finding her own path.
Blending romance, inspiration, and literary nostalgia, A Very English Christmas is the perfect holiday escape for fans of historical fiction and classic English authors.
Bestselling Author Carrie Turansky writes inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "A touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written" . . . "My new favorite author!" Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook and Instagram.
“Christmas in Tetbury” - contemporary story (Beginning, Ending, & In-between each novella)
About this book:
“When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop in the snowy Cotswolds after heartbreak and job loss, she hopes to find clarity. Instead, she finds a collection of heirlooms—a portrait, a rare book, and a charming figurine—that unlock stories from the past. As each tale unfolds, Emma is drawn into the lives of three remarkable women whose lives were touched by England’s greatest storytellers.”
Series: Does not seem to be connected to any of the authors’ other books.
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Blessings over food; Talks about God, trusting Him, & praying; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Set during Christmastime; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers, praying; A few mentions of books of the Bible, Bibles, & Bible reading; Mentions of churches, church going, & services.
Negative Content- A few mentions of deaths & grief; *Note: Many mentions of authors, books, & fictional characters (Beatrix Potter, Jane Austen, & Charles Dickens); A mention of a movie (While You Were Sleeping).
Sexual Content- Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Emma’s boyfriend recently broke up with her; Mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, & break-ups; Some attraction/possibly falling in love.
-Emma Grace Langley, age 27 P.O.V. of Emma
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- Two Stars Early High School Teens- Three Stars Older High School Teens- Four Stars My personal Rating- Three Stars
“In A Portrait of Faith, dutiful daughter Violet Walford longs for a life beyond duty to her family. When she is asked to paint a portrait of lively Regency-era author Jane Austen, their unexpected friendship inspires Violet to pursue life and love with new courage.”
Series: Does not seem to be connected to any of the author’s other books.
Spiritual Content- Psalm 23:5 at the beginning; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; A couple talks about God & His will; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Set during Christmastime & a hymn is sung; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of church, church going, rectors, services, & sermons; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of Heaven.
Negative Content- Some eye rolling & sibling bickering with mean/hurtful intent; Mentions of illnesses, mothers being unwell (including mentally and nervous disorder), & grief; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of possible alcohol drink at a party; *Note: Violet’s mother stays in bed all day (*Spoiler, but mention of a baby’s death* ) & Violet has been responsible for all of her siblings and household work from a young age; Violet struggles with being short tempered with her family members & wishing her mother would “pick herself up and do something”; Violet believes that her life is not her own due to caring for her family (and thus unable to have a life of her own or be able to get married); Violet’s father verbally lashes out at her and her siblings when frustrated (which causes her to use a sharp tone on her siblings as well; He later apologizes to her); Violet’s father’s behavior has no sympathy towards his wife because he believes that she could control her mood if she wanted & calls her selfish; *Spoilers* ; Featuring & many mentions of Jane Austen (also a couple quotes by her are said/shared); Mentions of the death of an infant, grief, & the difficult labor; A few mentions of a mother thinking she’s being punished to having only daughters after being very disappointed when her firstborn is a girl; A couple mentions of sons being “esteemed” over daughters (which Violet thinks is unfair).
Sexual Content- Two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Fingers to lips touches, Wanting to kiss, Staring at lips, & Thinking about being kissed (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Touches, Dancing, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of blushes & crushes; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions.
-Violet Walford, age 24 P.O.V. of Violet Set in 1816
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- One Star Early High School Teens- Two Stars Older High School Teens- Two Stars My personal Rating- Two Stars
“In A Victorian Christmas Tale, Clara Reynolds struggles against physical challenges and family expectations while falling in love with John, a writer with ties to Charles Dickens. Their work at the London Foundling Hospital brings healing, hope, and a Christmas transformation that would make Scrooge proud.”
Series: Does not seem to be connected to any other book.
Spiritual Content- 1 Samuel 16:7 at the beginning; Many prayers & Thanking God; Talks about God, His will and direction, & praying; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Set during Christmastime; Mentions of God, His will, trusting Him, & the Holy Spirit; Mentions of prayers, praying, & answered prayers; Mentions of churches, church going, a reverend, & sermons; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of baptisms; *Note: ‘Thank heavens’ is exclaimed one; Mentions of the ghosts in ‘A Christmas Carol’; A mention of luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blast’, A mention of a curse (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of an accident & death; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a young girl being treated differently by other children because of her disability; *Note: Clara has a “weak leg” that is “several inches shorter than the other” and has faced men who look down on her because of her “deformity” or like she is a “cripple”; Clara wishes her mother could be more understanding about her “defects”; Clara’s sister tells her to start making her own decisions and live her own life rather than follow what their parents want her to do (Clara thinks that it’s time to stand up for herself after this conversation); Mentions of prejudice towards orphans, those who don’t know their biological parents or could have been illegitimate, & those in the lower class; Featuring & many mentions of Charles Dickens, his books, & fictional characters.
Sexual Content- A forehead kiss; Touches, an Embrace, Warmth, Tingles (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Clara and John go into a hotel to eat without a chaperone and while she’s nervous at first, she decides that because her conscience is clear, she’s going to stop worrying about what others think; Mentions of chaperones; A few mentions of a man possibly illegitimate; A few mentions of an unfaithful fiancé; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions; *Note: A couple mentions of a mother passing away after birthing complications.
-Clara Raymond, age 24 -John Stafford, age 28 P.O.V. switches between them Set in 1843
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- Two Stars Early High School Teens- Three Stars Older High School Teens- Four Stars My personal Rating- Four Stars
“In A Tale of the Season, Edwardian heiress Arabella Graham escapes to the Lake District and meets a charming country veterinarian—as well as artist and children's author Beatrix Potter. With gentle wisdom and the peace of a country Christmas, Arabella discovers the joy of finding her own path.”
Series: Does not seem to be connected to any other book.
Spiritual Content- Philippians 2:13 at the beginning; A couple Scriptures are quoted & thought about; Prayers; Church going & sermons; Talks about God & His plans; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Set during Christmastime; Mentions of God, finding your purpose from God, His will, & His plans; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, vicars, services, sermons, & stained glass; A few mentions of a nativity; A few mentions of miracles.
Negative Content- Mentions of deception; A few mentions of taverns/bars & alcohol; A couple mentions of deaths & grief; A couple mentions of gossip; *Note: Arabella wants a different life than want her parent’s want for her (such as living in the country instead of the city); Featuring & many mentions of Beatrix Potter, her books, & fictional characters; A couple mentions of daughters keeping their parents happy with a “mask of obedience”; A mention of Beatrix saying that marriage “in general is not for every woman”.
Sexual Content- Three hand kisses, a nose kiss, a forehead kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Remembering a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Warmth, & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to touch, embrace, & kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Some flirting & blushes; Noticing & Staring (including muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of kisses & kissing; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions.
-Arabella Graham, age 21 -Thomas Rowe P.O.V. switches between them Set in 1906
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- One Star Early High School Teens- Two Stars Older High School Teens- Three Stars My personal Rating- Three Stars
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Overall Ratings: Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- Two Stars Early High School Teens- Three Stars Older High School Teens- Four Stars My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Unlike other novella collections I’ve read, this book had a contemporary story at the beginning, end, and in-between each of the historical novellas to connect them all together. I preferred the historical novellas compared to the contemporary one, but I think that might have been because the contemporary story seemed to be the shortest of the four novellas.
I’m not really familiar with Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, or Beatrix Potter as actual people (as opposed to knowing only a bit about their fictional works), so I’m not sure how accurate they were and can’t really judge those elements. I’m not one for adding fictional details for an actual well-known historical figure, personally, but that probably wouldn’t bother many readers.
As far as the historical novellas, I personally found the first historical one (by Carole Lehr Johnson; featuring Jane Austen) a little…depressing. It had a melancholy feel to it because of the main character’s home life, responsibilities, her being a caretaker for her mother, and feeling trapped in her situation and duty for her family. Thankfully it ends happier, which was good because I struggled to finish it at times. ⭐️ 2 stars, personally.
The second story was by far my favorite of this collection. It was a sweet one (by Carrie Turansky; featuring Charles Dickens) and had one of the sweetest male leads. John was such a dear and so was Clara! Their faiths were wonderful and this novella had such a sweet premise and message. 4 stars, personally ⭐️
For the final historical novella, this third story (by Marguerite Gray; featuring Beatrix Potter) was enjoyable, though it was mostly set in the summer. Only the last few of chapters were set during Christmastime. I liked both of the main characters well enough and liked the amount of faith content and discussions as well. 3 stars, personally ⭐️
This Christmas collection ended up being quite different than I was expecting, but still an overall pleasant and calm read.
We invite you to step into a world of snowy English landscapes, heartfelt romance, and literary charm in this trio of holiday novellas. A Very English Christmas features three stories set in Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian England—each with a beloved British author as a character. Jane Austen helps a young woman find courage. Charles Dickens inspires a forbidden romance at the London Foundling Hospital. And Beatrix Potter offers quiet wisdom to a runaway heiress in the Lake District. Uplifting, romantic, and perfect for the season, this collection is a cozy treat for fans of classic literature, Christian fiction, and heartwarming holiday tales.
Carole, Maggie, and I love traveling to England to research our stories, and we admire the authors we've included as secondary characters in our novellas. Learning more about the lives and writing of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Beatrix Potter was a joy as we worked on this project.
Snow hushes the Cotswolds. The air whispers of stories waiting to bloom.
When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop after heartbreak and loss, she doesn’t expect three forgotten heirlooms to become doorways to faith, courage, and hope. Through a portrait, a rare book, and a small figurine, the voices of Violet, Clara, and Arabella rise… each touched by England’s beloved storytellers—Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter.
I was drawn into how gentle the wonder is… no sweeping miracles, only grace threaded through ordinary days. Violet’s brushstrokes mirror courage learned in friendship. Clara’s compassion deepens amid struggle and self-doubt. Arabella’s journey toward peace and purpose glows beneath Beatrix Potter’s quiet wisdom.
Each author captures something rare: faith that doesn’t demand attention but transforms everything it touches. A Very English Christmas isn’t simply nostalgic; it’s luminous. Prayer, thanksgiving, forgiveness, and love are woven like golden threads through winter’s gray, reminding readers that redemption often begins in silent stillness.
I lingered in the chapters, letting the English winter settle in my soul. These stories became companions because of the women who search, falter, wait, and discover that the Author of every true tale never writes without mercy.
Perfect for readers who love clearly Christian Christmas stories shaped by faith and English literary grace… and for anyone who treasures the beauty of story itself. Even those who have not yet met Jesus will find these pages enchanting where faith is lived out authentically and hope lingers like warm and peaceful candlelight.
I received a digital copy from one of the authors. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book and audiobook review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, the story’s content, and the narration ensuring transparency and reliability.
“A Very English Christmas” is a series of three Christmas novellas all tied together by a main storyline. Each novella features a cameo from a famous author, which was such a fun twist! The present day main storyline had a strong small town, Hallmark Christmas vibe. It was very sweet, and I especially loved Mimi’s character. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now for the novellas: A Portrait of Faith – 2 stars ⭐️⭐️ I was really excited for this one since it included Jane Austen but it ended up being my least favorite of the three. The story felt unrealistic, and I was left disappointed.
A Victorian Christmas Tale – 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was by far my favorite! Featuring Charles Dickens, it carried a great message about how man looks at outward appearances while God looks at the heart. I would have enjoyed a full length novel on this story!
A Tale of the Season – 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ A playful story featuring Beatrix Potter. I did find myself skimming the second half due to some whiplash from the back-and-forth in the main characters’ actions, but it was still enjoyable enough.
• A Portrait of Faith by Carole Lehr Johnson, 2* • A Victorian Christmas Tale by Carrie Turansky, 4* • A Tale of the Season by Marguerite Gray, 3*
My biggest disappointment with this collection is how little actual Christmas there is in the first and last novellas. I feel a reader will get more enjoyment from these stories if they approach them as a seasonal trio. I suggest reading A Tale of the Season in the summer, A Portrait of Faith in the autumn, and a Victorian Christmas in December.
I loved this delightful, heartwarming, faith-filled book that left me smiling after each story! Three extremely talented authors contributed to this book with three captivating, beautifully written novellas. Each features a revered English author as a supporting character--Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. What fun! These are the kind of stories that you not only read but also experience. The main storyline features Emma and her Mimi who, in modern day, explore the historical stories behind three heirlooms in Mimi's store. As the lives of the women in the stories are touched and changed, so is Emma's. Each author excels in painting authentic and immersive English settings. I appreciate the infusion of faith into each story. I am adding A Very English Christmas to my all-time favorites list. I highly recommend this ingenious collaboration as a cozy, feel-good holiday (or any day) read! I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading A Very English Christmas. It consists of three historical novellas connected by a contemporary tale. Each of the novellas have an historical author as a secondary character and all three stories are quite charming. This is a great book to settle in for a relaxing evening with a cup of tea and freash baked good as an escape during the coming holiday season.
Oh, how I love this collection of Christmas novellas all connected to British literary figures! The story that weaves them together is charming and a fitting way to draw different eras into the same reading experience. This is a book that I cannot wait to add to my bookshelves based on how well it transports readers into the Christmas spirit. After encountering the stories of vibrant and faithful women such as Violet, Clara, Arabella, and Emma, it is no wonder that their characters live on in my mind. I am absolutely captivated by their resilience and steadfastness in the face of difficulty, and humbled by how they surrender their lives to Christ.
With each novella being rich in prayer and meditation on the Bible, this book is a special way to usher in the Advent season, by way of storytelling. The themes of honouring others and trusting in God are in abundance and carefully crafted to demonstrate how important it is that we wait on His will instead of rushing forward imprudently with our own plans. Anyone with a love of English literature and Christmas romances will be utterly enchanted by the stories of devoted Christian women spanning the Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, and modern ages in A Very English Christmas.
A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Carol Lehr Johnson and Margurite Martin Gray is just the book to read this holiday season. An antique shop ties the three stories together by highlighting three items and thus three notable authors: Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Beatrix Potter. These modern day authors crafted sweet romances of fictional people who had a connection to the famous authors. And there is a hint of another romance about to bloom in the contemporary tie in. The authors each captured the flavor of Austen, Dickens and Potter in their segments, giving each one a friend who brought out exceptional qualities. The stories conveyed a true message of faith in a natural way. It was hard to choose a favorite story because they all felt so cozy and true to life. A Very English Christmas was a real joy to read. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Flowing Streams Books on behalf of the authors. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
What a delight! I have read books by Carrie Turansky and Marguerite Gray. I never read anything by Carole Lehr Johnson. I was thrilled by all three stories that brought three of my favorites authors from the past alive.
The main story is of Emma Grace who was helping her Grandmother at her antique shop. Her life took a turn when a young man came to the shop to look for an unique Christmas present for his mother. This tale introduced the following three stories.
Story one introduced Violet. Violet became friends with Jane Austen. Who doesn't love Jane Austen? A family hardship threatens the chance of Violet ever having true love and a family of her own.
Story two- Clara did not expect to ever marry. But with a little help from Mr. Dickens her dreams might just come true.
Story three-Arabella escaped London's expectations by visiting her grandmother in the lake district. She never expected to find love and romance. But with the help of Beatrix Potter and a squirrel, she found true happiness.
Prayers and giving thanks were themes in all three stories. I appreciated this as I, too, give thanks for all my blessings.
I loved the chance to read this. It was wonderful to read on this hot, hot day in August. Looking forward to Christmas!!
Emma and her Mimi tell three stories of how the Lord uses our connections and friendships to help each other. A must read for Christmas and any time! Violet, who cares for her whole family, strikes up a friendship with Jane Austin. Trying to find something to help her mother’s depression and while waiting for the drs return Violet starts a portrait of Jane. Her friendship helps her realize Nate cares for her and she finds her own happiness. Carrie Turansky’s story of Clara and Emily start at the Foundling Hospital. There the young ladies meet Charles Dickens and his associate, John Stafford. Soon, Clara, Emily and John are planning a Christmas party for the Children’s Ophanage. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol plays a pivotal role in bringing together families and friends like. The third story is about Arabella and her friendship with Beatrix Potter and Mr Thomas Randolph, but there’s more to him than first thought. Can they find common ground and overcome society’s expectations? “Prayer is a gift we give God and ourselves.”
What a beautifully done story! I have read books by each of these three authors, Carrie Turansky, Carole Lehr Johnson, and Marguerite Martin Gray, and loved all of their books. This was no exception. I find myself wanting to read it again to glean every part of it that I may have missed. These separate stories were artfully connected and then woven to a close at the end. I have enjoyed Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter books, and it is a treat to see them all in one collection. Each story highlights the life of a friend receiving advice from these now well-beloved authors. This will easily become one of those favorite reads that stay with me long after I have finished reading. I highly recommend this book.
It might not be Christmas just yet, but I was so thrilled to settle in with this sweet holiday read. Four stories in one, each part of this book (three novellas and a contemporary wrap-around story) was delightful. I especially loved the literary characters who were woven into the stories: Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. I loved the historical fiction stories, but--unusually for me--I wanted the contemporary story to keep going so I could follow Emma's love story through to its full happy ending too!
If you're looking for a sweet holiday story to pair with your cozy warm drink this season, look no further than A Very English Christmas!
(I received an advanced reader copy of this story. All thoughts are my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review).
As Emma Grace Langley opens the door to her grandparents’ bookstore, we are taken on a journey with three wonderful heartwarming stories. Three of our beloved authors Jane Austin, Charles Dickens, and Beatrice Potter are featured in their own story of friendship, hardship, forgiveness, gentle romance, hope and faith during an English Christmas time. The three novellas are woven together seamlessly with the opening and closing that take place in modern times. I enjoyed this book so much and it now has a place on my reading every Christmas shelf. It is a tale of simpler times and the peace it leaves as you close its pages lingers with you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading stories of Christians, sweet romance and interesting characters.
This retired high school English teacher enjoyed every story in A Very English Christmas featuring a holiday story with an English author as a supporting character. A Portrait of Faith features Jane Austen, A Victorian Christmas Tale features Charles Dickens, and A Tale of the Season features Beatrix Potter. The stories are woven together in modern day by Mimi telling her granddaughter Emma the historical stories behind three heirlooms (painting, book, and figurines). A unique and delightful Christmas read to experience a British Christmas in 1816, 1843, and 1906. Three talented authors and three unforgettable stories.
These stories are delightful! How can they not be when they each feature a beloved historical author - Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter?! I loved the characters, the modern day storyline that connects the historicals, and the romance. These are well done novellas! One of the stories was so tender that I cried. I had not read two of the authors before, but I am definitely adding more of their novels to my TBR. Highly recommended!
Each story opens with a scripture and a quote. A favorite quote within a story: "A new friend was not an insignificant thing."
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
These multi author books are fun. In this one, I am reading two new authors as well as a favorite author. Each of these stories features an author from the past. The connecting story involves a present day setting. The authors in each story are Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. Each story is well written. First, a family will mend. Second, there will be a Christmas party for underprivileged children and the social structure will get messed with. Lastly- things aren't quite as they seem to be, but maybe that's okay? I received an Advanced Reader's Copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
When Emma visits her grandmother who runs an antique store in Cotswold after being let go from her job and dumped by her boyfriend in London, she becomes intrigued with the many mementos from famous authors. The novel surrounds the background stories of Jane Austen, Charles Dicken's assistant and Beatrix Potter written by other contributors. It then concludes with her meeting a young man with similar interests who is involved with estates for an open-ended conclusion. Quite intriguing format that maintains one's interest throughout in this sweet and clean novel for those who enjoy a background story of their favorite authors.
I love this delightful anthology of 3 complete Christmas stories based on English historical novelists, interspersed into a modern day Christmas tale set in England. The 3 authors featured in the historical stories are Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. All 4 Christmas romances are so absorbing and well-written, and I utterly loved them. I highly recommend getting lost in these lovely Christmas stories and I plan to read more by these authors. I received an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
Great storytelling and literary delights await readers of A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Marguerite Gray, and Carole Lehr Johnson. Three novellas, each featuring a famous English writer, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter, are interwoven to create an inspiring novel of aspirations, hope, and love. Each story within a story immediately engages the reader, delivers heart-wrenching twists and heartwarming turns, and truly satisfying results. Readers will surely seek out more uplifting stories by these talented writers.
I loved this romantic set of three historical novellas wrapped up with a contemporary romance story that pulls each story together. I loved getting to know Emma and her grandmother, Mimi. I loved how Mimi tells three stories to help Emma through her troubles. I love that the stories include Jane Austin, Charles Dickens and Beatrix Potter. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.
A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Marguerite Gray and Carole Lehr Johnson is an entertaining three novella read. The first story involves Jane Austen, the second, Charles Dickens and the last one Beatrix Potter. The ladies did a wonderful job of showing us what the Christmas season would have been like in the time period of the authors mentioned. Each included a satisfying romance. I highly recommend A Very English Christmas.
Three lovely novellas woven within a present day storytelling. I enjoyed these faith-filled stories that bring Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Beatrix Potter to life within historical romances of their fictional acquaintances.
The audiobook is produced using Virtual Voice, yet is a fairly enjoyable listen.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.
3.75 Stars I'm not sure about this 1 to be honest, but then again I'm not much for novellas or romance. I kept hearing a lot of reviews about this book, and it was on Kindle Unlimited, so thought I'd give it a go. All that being said, it was unique, and interesting bringing in characters like Beatrix Potter etc in. I think I may have preferred it more, if they were all full length novels in their own right. Not especially Christmassy, but set around Christmas. A nice read though.
This is an enjoyable set of three Christmas stories from the past, tied together by a present day antique seller who tells the stories behind some of her items. Each story in the past features a famous English author, with fictional characters woven into the truth of their lives. A fun way to learn history and celebrate the eternal truths of Christmas.
A fun idea for a collection of short stories! I love the appearances of three beloved authors Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. Carrie Turansky’s story is my favorite, a beautiful love story! I also really like the modern day “bridge” between the stories (a story within the stories).
After losing her job at the British Museum, Emma Langley leaves London for the Cotswold town of Tetbury where her grandmother owns an antique shop. Three Christmas novellas with ties to Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter offer uplifting stories of romance during the holiday season. I loved each one!