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Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #2
A Tale of Two Hearts
Can two hearts survive such deception?
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 lovely stories and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catching 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 William or his scheming cousin Percy. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married—a perfect plan until Uncle invites William 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 may mean that more than just money is lost.
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 lovely stories and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catching 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 William or his scheming cousin Percy. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married—a perfect plan until Uncle invites William 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 may mean that more than just money is lost.
178 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2018
29 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Griep
42 books2,597 followersI hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
August 30, 2018
Isn't it just a wonderful feeling when you read a book and while reading it you feel so happy and content? Then to finish it and you're still contemplating the story and characters that have left you changed and wanting to do better/be better? I sure love that feeling and that is definitely how I felt while reading Michelle Griep's latest book. I absolutely love Charles Dickens. Confession-I've read several of his books but not all, but I have watched and rewatched several different adaptions of most of his books and absolutely love his characters and his way of showing life and people, struggles and triumph. I loved his little cameo in one of the scenes of this book but I especially loved how much our heroine, Mina Scott, loved Dickens' works. Plus as readers we get a little bonus throughout this book, the beginning of every chapter has a quote from different books by Dickens and the quote fits perfect with the chapter and what is happening with the characters in the upcoming scenes.
I loved the title of this book and the play on Dickens' book title A Tale of Two Cities. I loved these two characters who are flawed, have past mistakes, struggles and yet there is hope and goodness in them. They have dreams and desires that are good and are trying to navigate life the best they can. Sometimes they don't make the best choices and problems ensue because of those choices. But, I loved watching the inner turmoil. Isn't that how we all are? We have to make choices constantly. Sometimes those choices lead us where we want to go, or where we think we should go. And sometimes those choices lead us down paths that we shouldn't go and we wish we could take back heading in that direction. Michelle Griep illustrates so beautifully this concept of choices, mistakes and redemption in this story. Second chances can mean the world of difference in a life. Are we willing to offer them so that we might receive them?
Mina is such a sweet character. I loved her hope, her character not dwelling on her past struggles as much as she could have. Her dreams are very real and she tries to reach for them as well as trying to be kind and helpful to those in need. She's not afraid to own up to her mistakes even though it is hard. Fabulous character and perfect for William Barlow who needs a little bit more patience, love and understanding than he sometimes might deserve. That said, I didn't quite know if I would like his character at the beginning. But as more was revealed, I grew to like him. I wasn't always impressed with his choices but I could see his intent and cheered him on when he finally started realizing the path that would lead him to happiness.
If you haven't read the first book in this Once upon a Dickens Christmas series, it isn't necessary for reading this second book. But it is also an enjoyable read and another fun tribute to Charles Dickens. Definitely two books that I would recommend. And it doesn't even have to be Christmas time to read them, although that would be a great time to read them.
Content: Clean. Nothing beyond kissing. Christian topics are discussed, especially redemption and second chances but was not preachy for those readers who don't necessarily like Christian fiction because of a lot of religious talk. I think most readers would enjoy this book, Christian fiction fans or not.
I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I loved the title of this book and the play on Dickens' book title A Tale of Two Cities. I loved these two characters who are flawed, have past mistakes, struggles and yet there is hope and goodness in them. They have dreams and desires that are good and are trying to navigate life the best they can. Sometimes they don't make the best choices and problems ensue because of those choices. But, I loved watching the inner turmoil. Isn't that how we all are? We have to make choices constantly. Sometimes those choices lead us where we want to go, or where we think we should go. And sometimes those choices lead us down paths that we shouldn't go and we wish we could take back heading in that direction. Michelle Griep illustrates so beautifully this concept of choices, mistakes and redemption in this story. Second chances can mean the world of difference in a life. Are we willing to offer them so that we might receive them?
Mina is such a sweet character. I loved her hope, her character not dwelling on her past struggles as much as she could have. Her dreams are very real and she tries to reach for them as well as trying to be kind and helpful to those in need. She's not afraid to own up to her mistakes even though it is hard. Fabulous character and perfect for William Barlow who needs a little bit more patience, love and understanding than he sometimes might deserve. That said, I didn't quite know if I would like his character at the beginning. But as more was revealed, I grew to like him. I wasn't always impressed with his choices but I could see his intent and cheered him on when he finally started realizing the path that would lead him to happiness.
If you haven't read the first book in this Once upon a Dickens Christmas series, it isn't necessary for reading this second book. But it is also an enjoyable read and another fun tribute to Charles Dickens. Definitely two books that I would recommend. And it doesn't even have to be Christmas time to read them, although that would be a great time to read them.
Content: Clean. Nothing beyond kissing. Christian topics are discussed, especially redemption and second chances but was not preachy for those readers who don't necessarily like Christian fiction because of a lot of religious talk. I think most readers would enjoy this book, Christian fiction fans or not.
I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 6, 2018
'Either he believed all he'd heard and read of God, or he didn't.'
I enjoyed every moment of this book. Michelle Griep continues her 'Once Upon a Dickens Christmas' series with this second book. A second chance coin features in each novel and it was used so sweetly in this one.
Will is having tea with his rich Uncle Barlow, he and his loathsome cousin Percival and his equally obnoxious wife Alice. Uncle Barlow is going to let the men know which he intends to leave his worldly belongings to. But...Uncle Barlow wants Will to be married. So, Will asks Mina, the young woman who works in her father's tavern which he frequents if she will play the part of his wife for the evening, not knowing that Mina has a huge crush on him. Or did they call it a crush in those days? No matter. Mina really, really likes Will and agrees to the deception. However, her sensibilities betray her after the meeting and she cannot agree to continue with the lie. More is afoot here than meets the eye, though, and the charade must continue in order to protect Uncle Barlow from a very serious fate indeed. Will Mina agree? Will her heart get truly broken into little pieces from a man who merely desires her to play a role?
Michelle Griep is a forever favorite of mine. I truly love how adept she is at switching genres so smoothly and making each work great! I just love her work and I don't ever think I'll change my mind. She makes you feel her characters' pain and joy, lets you 'see' the setting. Even her secondary characters are wonderful. Well, except for the loathsome and obnoxious ones. Don't miss this one, folks. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed every moment of this book. Michelle Griep continues her 'Once Upon a Dickens Christmas' series with this second book. A second chance coin features in each novel and it was used so sweetly in this one.
Will is having tea with his rich Uncle Barlow, he and his loathsome cousin Percival and his equally obnoxious wife Alice. Uncle Barlow is going to let the men know which he intends to leave his worldly belongings to. But...Uncle Barlow wants Will to be married. So, Will asks Mina, the young woman who works in her father's tavern which he frequents if she will play the part of his wife for the evening, not knowing that Mina has a huge crush on him. Or did they call it a crush in those days? No matter. Mina really, really likes Will and agrees to the deception. However, her sensibilities betray her after the meeting and she cannot agree to continue with the lie. More is afoot here than meets the eye, though, and the charade must continue in order to protect Uncle Barlow from a very serious fate indeed. Will Mina agree? Will her heart get truly broken into little pieces from a man who merely desires her to play a role?
Michelle Griep is a forever favorite of mine. I truly love how adept she is at switching genres so smoothly and making each work great! I just love her work and I don't ever think I'll change my mind. She makes you feel her characters' pain and joy, lets you 'see' the setting. Even her secondary characters are wonderful. Well, except for the loathsome and obnoxious ones. Don't miss this one, folks. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
February 6, 2019
update 12/3/18: updated my rating
"And in the meantime, when ere your fingers rub against the metal, think on more than just the second chance I gave you. Think on the second chance God gives us all, eh love?"
A Tale of Two Hearts (2018, Barbour), second in the Once Upon A Dickens Christmas series by Michelle Griep, is a Christian historical romance set in 1853 London. The novel is a standalone story, and is only connected to 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by the Dickens theme and the presence of a certain second chance coin, passed along by a secondary character present in both books. I wanted to read this book simply because I read everything I can by this author!
Rating: 4.5 stars (update: When I originally gave this book 5 stars, I checked the "dislike" section in the review and felt that all the negatives were either very minor or only reflective of my personal preferences. I overlooked my comments about the language in a different section. While the language issues outlined below were not prevalent, they were present, and not quite what I think should be in Christian fiction.)
The heroine: Wilhemina Scott, 23, is the beautiful daughter of an innkeeper. Her life revolves around helping her father, Jasper Scott, run the Golden Egg Inn. Mina loves to read Charles Dickens books and is involved in helping her community. She has quite a crush on William Barlow, one of their patrons. So when he asks a favor of her, "how could she refuse the man she'd cast as the champion in every story she'd read?"
The hero: William Barlow has lately been invited to tea by his uncle, who insists that William bring his wife with him. Uncle Barlow is trying to decide which deserving married relative to bequeath his estate to. Will explains to his good friend, "Well, I gave Uncle Barlow the impression I'd recently wed, or I'd not even be considered." Which, of course leads right into a fake marriage trope. As Mina serves him at the inn, he asks, "Say, Mina. You wouldn't be willing to be my bride, would you?"
Christian elements:
*Prayers are uttered. "Lord, though I don't deserve it…"
*There's contemplation on the nature of God during prayer.
*"My mother - God rest her - always told me to think of eternity, then live backward from that. Such a view has a way o' whittlin' down our current troubles to a size we can crumple up into a ball and toss aside."
Is it clean/chaste? Yes, certainly!
Language
*The cook surprisedly exclaims, "Peas and porridge!" Substitute swear?
*The hero of this story utters these British swears: "Thunderation!" and "Blast it!"
*"Sweet Heavens! What was he to do?"
*"What in all of God's great goodness could…?"
What I liked:
*I'm not a Dickens expert, but I definitely found some nods to Dickens' stories!
*Quotes from Dickens at the beginning of each chapter. I just love to see this in books I read, and these quotes are fabulous. Also, the names of some book titles unknown to me are downright delightful. Martin Chuzzlewit, anyone? I think I need to read more Dickens.
*"Pen nibs scritch-scratched like little feet running across so many pages, and the hushed whispers of conferring clerks circled the room, as dry and rustling as leaves caught up in an eddy."
*"Pay her no mind, my dear. I should much rather live in a world of unicorns and faeries."
What I didn’t like: (all nitpicks or personal preferences)
*"Just thinking his name lit a fire in her belly." The on-fire bellies grates on me even though I don't believe the author overdoes it.
*At one point, Mina thinks, "Why was God so good to her?" I objected to this statement because she's experiencing something under false pretenses. The reader likely knows that this is a misguided statement, but I think it would have been better left out - or better to have Mina call herself out on her own statement.
*Just a couple of nitpicks regarding period language: The phrases "out of context" , "...it's not like I can…" and "...not knowing how the plot wil twist…" feel anachronistic. However, I think Griep does a great job with period-appropriate language in general.
*The fake marriage scenario is NOT my favorite romance trope, but as the characters have misgivings about it, it assuaged my feelings. "Her heart twisted, and she drew back her fingers. The old fellow would not say such things if he knew he held the hand of a deceiver."
***********
The bottom line: A Tale of Two Hearts was a delightful Christmas read. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Christian historical fiction or Charles Dickens fans. In the very near future, I'll be reading Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery, also by Ms. Griep.
"And in the meantime, when ere your fingers rub against the metal, think on more than just the second chance I gave you. Think on the second chance God gives us all, eh love?"
A Tale of Two Hearts (2018, Barbour), second in the Once Upon A Dickens Christmas series by Michelle Griep, is a Christian historical romance set in 1853 London. The novel is a standalone story, and is only connected to 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by the Dickens theme and the presence of a certain second chance coin, passed along by a secondary character present in both books. I wanted to read this book simply because I read everything I can by this author!
Rating: 4.5 stars (update: When I originally gave this book 5 stars, I checked the "dislike" section in the review and felt that all the negatives were either very minor or only reflective of my personal preferences. I overlooked my comments about the language in a different section. While the language issues outlined below were not prevalent, they were present, and not quite what I think should be in Christian fiction.)
The heroine: Wilhemina Scott, 23, is the beautiful daughter of an innkeeper. Her life revolves around helping her father, Jasper Scott, run the Golden Egg Inn. Mina loves to read Charles Dickens books and is involved in helping her community. She has quite a crush on William Barlow, one of their patrons. So when he asks a favor of her, "how could she refuse the man she'd cast as the champion in every story she'd read?"
The hero: William Barlow has lately been invited to tea by his uncle, who insists that William bring his wife with him. Uncle Barlow is trying to decide which deserving married relative to bequeath his estate to. Will explains to his good friend, "Well, I gave Uncle Barlow the impression I'd recently wed, or I'd not even be considered." Which, of course leads right into a fake marriage trope. As Mina serves him at the inn, he asks, "Say, Mina. You wouldn't be willing to be my bride, would you?"
Christian elements:
*Prayers are uttered. "Lord, though I don't deserve it…"
*There's contemplation on the nature of God during prayer.
*"My mother - God rest her - always told me to think of eternity, then live backward from that. Such a view has a way o' whittlin' down our current troubles to a size we can crumple up into a ball and toss aside."
Is it clean/chaste? Yes, certainly!
Language
*The cook surprisedly exclaims, "Peas and porridge!" Substitute swear?
*The hero of this story utters these British swears: "Thunderation!" and "Blast it!"
*"Sweet Heavens! What was he to do?"
*"What in all of God's great goodness could…?"
What I liked:
*I'm not a Dickens expert, but I definitely found some nods to Dickens' stories!
*Quotes from Dickens at the beginning of each chapter. I just love to see this in books I read, and these quotes are fabulous. Also, the names of some book titles unknown to me are downright delightful. Martin Chuzzlewit, anyone? I think I need to read more Dickens.
*"Pen nibs scritch-scratched like little feet running across so many pages, and the hushed whispers of conferring clerks circled the room, as dry and rustling as leaves caught up in an eddy."
*"Pay her no mind, my dear. I should much rather live in a world of unicorns and faeries."
What I didn’t like: (all nitpicks or personal preferences)
*"Just thinking his name lit a fire in her belly." The on-fire bellies grates on me even though I don't believe the author overdoes it.
*At one point, Mina thinks, "Why was God so good to her?" I objected to this statement because she's experiencing something under false pretenses. The reader likely knows that this is a misguided statement, but I think it would have been better left out - or better to have Mina call herself out on her own statement.
*Just a couple of nitpicks regarding period language: The phrases "out of context" , "...it's not like I can…" and "...not knowing how the plot wil twist…" feel anachronistic. However, I think Griep does a great job with period-appropriate language in general.
*The fake marriage scenario is NOT my favorite romance trope, but as the characters have misgivings about it, it assuaged my feelings. "Her heart twisted, and she drew back her fingers. The old fellow would not say such things if he knew he held the hand of a deceiver."
***********
The bottom line: A Tale of Two Hearts was a delightful Christmas read. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Christian historical fiction or Charles Dickens fans. In the very near future, I'll be reading Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery, also by Ms. Griep.
June 26, 2018
The magic of Michelle Griep is that you know she is enjoying what she is writing. That knowing wink to the reader is more alive than the paper and ink of a manuscript ( or at least the type and screen of an e-device). Here, she takes those who spend too much time in the pages of Dickens, his life, writing and work and those who just want a nice Victorian Christmas confection and throws it altogether.
The premise is delicious, of course, a young impoverished woman who will go to great lengths to marry well, a roguish gentleman's son who is very much in need of a bride ---and quickly.
This is a sumptuous feast that features two sparkly and indelible characters who are flint and fireworks in their navigation of an unlikely added layer to their deception: William's uncle.
I really loved the fact that I closed the last page of this book with my cheeks hurting from a broad and stretching smile.
A lovely homage, a Christmas scheme worthy of your favourite Hallmark and a perfectly rendered Victorian tapestry of traditions. At the center, a lovely, lovely, love story.
The premise is delicious, of course, a young impoverished woman who will go to great lengths to marry well, a roguish gentleman's son who is very much in need of a bride ---and quickly.
This is a sumptuous feast that features two sparkly and indelible characters who are flint and fireworks in their navigation of an unlikely added layer to their deception: William's uncle.
I really loved the fact that I closed the last page of this book with my cheeks hurting from a broad and stretching smile.
A lovely homage, a Christmas scheme worthy of your favourite Hallmark and a perfectly rendered Victorian tapestry of traditions. At the center, a lovely, lovely, love story.
June 18, 2018
Another delightful Victorian era story by one of my favorite authors! A faster paced read with a lot of depth. Set in 1853 London around the Christmas season, this shorter novel is full of wonderful characters, Dickens quotes, and plenty of dilemmas to bring the tension level up.
Loved the Dickensworthy descriptions of people such as, "He wore his wrinkles like a garment, the deep creases on his face in sore need of a good ironing." A few cameo appearances of recognizable names adds a bit of fun too. Inspirational discussions are plentiful, without being preachy, as the main characters wrestle with an ethical dilemma as well as their own faith. Lies and deception underlie motives on all sides, but grace and truth eventually win out in the end. Trusting God and being content with His plan to bring good for those who look to Him, is a hopeful theme. He is the God of second chances as emphasized in Will's life, He gives us grace to start over and extend grace to others. This was an inspirational theme that really stuck
with me.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a historical setting with a bit of romance and inspiration.
(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
Loved the Dickensworthy descriptions of people such as, "He wore his wrinkles like a garment, the deep creases on his face in sore need of a good ironing." A few cameo appearances of recognizable names adds a bit of fun too. Inspirational discussions are plentiful, without being preachy, as the main characters wrestle with an ethical dilemma as well as their own faith. Lies and deception underlie motives on all sides, but grace and truth eventually win out in the end. Trusting God and being content with His plan to bring good for those who look to Him, is a hopeful theme. He is the God of second chances as emphasized in Will's life, He gives us grace to start over and extend grace to others. This was an inspirational theme that really stuck
with me.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a historical setting with a bit of romance and inspiration.
(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
October 13, 2018
This book was more than a romance it was a reminder we get second chances in God and with people. Mina wants nothing more than to be with Will in more than a fake marriage. Though she is happy to pretend for his Uncle’s sake, and Will’s. She is a sweet girl with a heart of gold, one that is willing to do anything for those that she love. Her dear friend Effie was the one to remind her of the second chance and give her the second chance coin. Which was the sweetest gift ever, in my opinion. Uncle Barlow is the eccentric character that readers come to expect in the series, he is wonderfully and joyfully my favorite character. The way he and Mina took to each other and fondly shared a passion for books made it easy to enjoy each chapter with him in it.
I think Will has the biggest growth in this novel. He learns from his past and present. He is seeing that Mina is a wonderfully and beautifully made woman from God. I liked him from the start, but really liked him in the end.
I have fallen in love with Michelle Griep’s words in this book. She has brought to life a era and family that makes this reader smile and think fondly of Dickens. A Tale of Two Hearts will give readers the warm and cozy feelings they look for around the Christmas season.
I think Will has the biggest growth in this novel. He learns from his past and present. He is seeing that Mina is a wonderfully and beautifully made woman from God. I liked him from the start, but really liked him in the end.
I have fallen in love with Michelle Griep’s words in this book. She has brought to life a era and family that makes this reader smile and think fondly of Dickens. A Tale of Two Hearts will give readers the warm and cozy feelings they look for around the Christmas season.
September 2, 2019
This is book 2 in the Once Upon a Dickens' Christmas series, but it reads well as a standalone. This book is delightfully enchanting as you stroll through Dickens' era with Mina Scott and William Barlow. A topsy turvy tale as William embroils Mina in his attempt to appear married for his Uncle Barlow as Barlow decides which of his two nephews would become his heir. Even though William had good intentions to protect his uncle from his cad cousin Percy, the truth from the beginning would have probably saved William as well as Mina from the problems they encountered with Uncle Barlow and Mina's father.
The Dickens' quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfectly connected to whatever took place in the chapter, and Dickens cameo appearance at the fancy restaurant where William took Mina was a cute touch. The play on the title of the story to Dickens A Tale of Two Cities was clever as well. This was definitely an enjoyable Victorian read in which Michelle Griep kept me entertained from start to finish. I will be looking for book number 1 to see what else takes place in Once Upon a Dickens' Christmas.
The Dickens' quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfectly connected to whatever took place in the chapter, and Dickens cameo appearance at the fancy restaurant where William took Mina was a cute touch. The play on the title of the story to Dickens A Tale of Two Cities was clever as well. This was definitely an enjoyable Victorian read in which Michelle Griep kept me entertained from start to finish. I will be looking for book number 1 to see what else takes place in Once Upon a Dickens' Christmas.
September 27, 2018
A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep is the second installment in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas. Mina Scott works at The Golden Egg Inn owned by her father, Jasper Scott in 1853 London. Mina is engrossed in David Copperfield when her father finds her and sends her back to work. He fails to understand her love of literature. She enters the taproom and finds her crush William Barlow along with his friend Thomas Fitzroy. William is a law clerk with a gentleman’s upbringing and an ailing mother with crippling medical bills. His uncle, Charles Barlow is ready to name his heir. It is between William and his conniving cousin, Percy. When William learned his uncle would prefer to leave his estate to a married man, William may have given him the impression he had a bride. Now Charles is hosting a tea for his heirs and their wives and William needs to find a woman willing to play the part. When Mina appears, Williams asks if she will do him the favor of playing his wife for the tea. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned and the deception will need to continue until Christmas. Uncle Barlow is kind, gracious and a lover of literature just like Mina. While she dislikes Percy and his equally odious wife, Mina does like deceiving the sweet man. What happens when the truth is revealed?
After reading A Tale of Two Hearts the phrase “oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive” came to mind. I enjoyed reading the book to see how the tale would play out. A Tale of Two Hearts is the second book in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series, but it is a standalone. Michelle Griep brought London in 1853 to life with her descriptions of the clothing, language, literature as well the architecture, cobbled streets, the inn and the insides of the buildings as well as the class stations of the characters. I especially loved the imagery of Purcell’s where they had tea with Uncle Barlow. A Tale of Two Hearts has delightful characters. I especially liked Uncle Barlow and Miss Whymsy. They are two charming people who have a touch of whimsy. There are some good life lessons included in the story. Second chances, forgiveness and Christian charity being the main themes. Every one of us has needed a second chance at one time or another. I thought A Tale of Two Hearts was well-written and had steady pacing which made for an engaging story. The book is told from William and Mina’s point-of-views giving us different perspectives. It is always fascinating to see how different men think from woman. There are references to Charles Dickens work scattered throughout the story. Uncle Barrow loves discussing literature with Mina and challenging her to guess the book title from a quote. My rating for A Tale of Two Hearts is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I highly recommend reading the first book in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series which is 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. It has an intriguing mystery and a mysterious atmosphere. A Tale of Two Hearts is the type of story that will leave you smiling and have you longing for Christmas.
After reading A Tale of Two Hearts the phrase “oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive” came to mind. I enjoyed reading the book to see how the tale would play out. A Tale of Two Hearts is the second book in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series, but it is a standalone. Michelle Griep brought London in 1853 to life with her descriptions of the clothing, language, literature as well the architecture, cobbled streets, the inn and the insides of the buildings as well as the class stations of the characters. I especially loved the imagery of Purcell’s where they had tea with Uncle Barlow. A Tale of Two Hearts has delightful characters. I especially liked Uncle Barlow and Miss Whymsy. They are two charming people who have a touch of whimsy. There are some good life lessons included in the story. Second chances, forgiveness and Christian charity being the main themes. Every one of us has needed a second chance at one time or another. I thought A Tale of Two Hearts was well-written and had steady pacing which made for an engaging story. The book is told from William and Mina’s point-of-views giving us different perspectives. It is always fascinating to see how different men think from woman. There are references to Charles Dickens work scattered throughout the story. Uncle Barrow loves discussing literature with Mina and challenging her to guess the book title from a quote. My rating for A Tale of Two Hearts is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I highly recommend reading the first book in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series which is 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. It has an intriguing mystery and a mysterious atmosphere. A Tale of Two Hearts is the type of story that will leave you smiling and have you longing for Christmas.
December 21, 2022
Story rating 9/10 Christian Faith Rating 3/3 A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep is the second novella from her series Once Upon a Dickens Christmas. It takes place in Victorian times. It follows a girl called Mina, who is a barmaid in her father's tavern. She has a crush on a man called Will, who regularly comes to the pub. He asks her to be his fake wife so that he can try to become his uncle's heir. Mina ends up on a fake date to meet his family, and things spiral out from there.
I thought it was really good, fun and Christmassy. I enjoyed the romance. I liked the amount of faith content and the dilemmas that arose from that. I really liked the character of Will's uncle as well as all of the Dickens references.
I thought it was really good, fun and Christmassy. I enjoyed the romance. I liked the amount of faith content and the dilemmas that arose from that. I really liked the character of Will's uncle as well as all of the Dickens references.
December 30, 2023
An engaging Christmas tale by Michelle Griep !
This is the second short novel in a series of three and I read the first one last year, it was also very good ! Each story is readable as a standalone.
____ THE PLOT___ London, 1853: Mina Scott, is the daughter of an innkeeper and dreams of living a life with more adventures like in the books she loves to read so much and dreams of becoming the wife of William Barlow, a regular guest at the inn, with whom she has become infatuated.
William is the son of a gentleman, but due to a dissolute past full of fun and zero responsibilities, he now finds himself working as an employee and longs to become his uncle's heir, also to be able to have the means to care for his very ill mother.
To achieve this goal he needs a wife immediately and must be able to unmask his wicked cousin's evil plans.
___MY OPINION ___ This is a second chance sweet tale.
The story is sweetly romantic in a clean way, so I don't recommend it to those looking purely for a Christmas love story, with passionate kisses or something more extreme, you won't find it here (nor obviously did I expect to find it).
On the Goodread page you will see that it is tagged as Christian fiction, but unlike other Christian fiction that, by chance, I happened to read, fortunately here there you'll not find mental prayers to God every 3 pages.
The meaning of Christianity is given by the moral of the story:
forgiveness, the ability to give others another chance and the ability to appreciate what we have, without envy and without considering "the neighbor's grass always greener than ours".
Values that should apply to every good person of any religion (and therefore there is no need to read Christian fiction to be a good believer in God or a good person... sometimes I am shocked by the bigotry I read in some reviews of Christian fiction)
Th second chance is given to many characters in the story :
1) to Mina who will be able to understand how much value family ties have and how lucky she is in her simple life.
2) to William who has already had a second chance in the past, but now he will have a second chance to find true love and show mercy towards those who they are hostile to him.
3) to William's uncle who opens his heart to his nephew
4) to Mina's elderly friend, who in her youth had lost her true love
5) .
__ANOTHER THING APPRECIATED __ The quotes from Dickens' novels at the beginning of each chapter and the interesting historical notes at the end of the novel.
I was already aware of many of the notions reported, but I nevertheless appreciated them and a couple of them were totally new to me (read the story to discover them).
___ THE FLAW __ The book involved me from beginning to end, but in reality I only rate it 4 stars instead of a full 5, because while at the beginning of the story, the reader can find a nice humor that makes the read cheerful and pleasant, from about 40 % of the story this humor disappears.
A quality that I love about this author (and in authors in general) is precisely the sense of humor, the ironic and funny jokes, which are fundamental to me both in whodunits and in romances.
Here not only after a while the story has lost this precious element (precious to me ), but the author wanted even to reinsert it at the exactly wrong moment:
In this the author miserably failed and made me angry. So only 4 stars.
FINAL NOTE : I'm from Italy, so you will probably have found some form/grammar errors in my text, but I hope I have still managed to convey my thoughts to you in the right way.
:-) Christmas has just passed, so I count on your forgiveness and I wish you a Happy New Year!
This is the second short novel in a series of three and I read the first one last year, it was also very good ! Each story is readable as a standalone.
____ THE PLOT___ London, 1853: Mina Scott, is the daughter of an innkeeper and dreams of living a life with more adventures like in the books she loves to read so much and dreams of becoming the wife of William Barlow, a regular guest at the inn, with whom she has become infatuated.
William is the son of a gentleman, but due to a dissolute past full of fun and zero responsibilities, he now finds himself working as an employee and longs to become his uncle's heir, also to be able to have the means to care for his very ill mother.
To achieve this goal he needs a wife immediately and must be able to unmask his wicked cousin's evil plans.
___MY OPINION ___ This is a second chance sweet tale.
The story is sweetly romantic in a clean way, so I don't recommend it to those looking purely for a Christmas love story, with passionate kisses or something more extreme, you won't find it here (nor obviously did I expect to find it).
On the Goodread page you will see that it is tagged as Christian fiction, but unlike other Christian fiction that, by chance, I happened to read, fortunately here there you'll not find mental prayers to God every 3 pages.
The meaning of Christianity is given by the moral of the story:
forgiveness, the ability to give others another chance and the ability to appreciate what we have, without envy and without considering "the neighbor's grass always greener than ours".
Values that should apply to every good person of any religion (and therefore there is no need to read Christian fiction to be a good believer in God or a good person... sometimes I am shocked by the bigotry I read in some reviews of Christian fiction)
Th second chance is given to many characters in the story :
1) to Mina who will be able to understand how much value family ties have and how lucky she is in her simple life.
2) to William who has already had a second chance in the past, but now he will have a second chance to find true love and show mercy towards those who they are hostile to him.
3) to William's uncle who opens his heart to his nephew
4) to Mina's elderly friend, who in her youth had lost her true love
5) .
__ANOTHER THING APPRECIATED __ The quotes from Dickens' novels at the beginning of each chapter and the interesting historical notes at the end of the novel.
I was already aware of many of the notions reported, but I nevertheless appreciated them and a couple of them were totally new to me (read the story to discover them).
___ THE FLAW __ The book involved me from beginning to end, but in reality I only rate it 4 stars instead of a full 5, because while at the beginning of the story, the reader can find a nice humor that makes the read cheerful and pleasant, from about 40 % of the story this humor disappears.
A quality that I love about this author (and in authors in general) is precisely the sense of humor, the ironic and funny jokes, which are fundamental to me both in whodunits and in romances.
Here not only after a while the story has lost this precious element (precious to me ), but the author wanted even to reinsert it at the exactly wrong moment:
In this the author miserably failed and made me angry. So only 4 stars.
FINAL NOTE : I'm from Italy, so you will probably have found some form/grammar errors in my text, but I hope I have still managed to convey my thoughts to you in the right way.
:-) Christmas has just passed, so I count on your forgiveness and I wish you a Happy New Year!
October 6, 2018
4.5 stars
“… think of eternity, then live backward from that.”
Y’all! I loved this story so much! And for a shorter page count, it’s full of delicious gems – multiple sentences that I’ve highlighted in my Kindle copy to remember later.
Mina is an absolutely delightful heroine – a romantic bookworm with a big heart. (“Were this a novel, she’d skip to the next chapter to see how things turned out.”) Though poor by most standards of the day, she is rich in things that truly matter. A love of books. Dear friends. A loving father (even if he is somewhat misguided at times). A sweet spirit. It’s this sweet spirit, however, that gets her in a spot of trouble when she’s compelled to help Will Barlow (her ‘hero’) by pretending to be his wife.
The Dickens references, style, and even a brief appearance by the man himself are deliciously cozy and Christmasy and will warm your bookworm heart. Griep has such a talent for prose, setting, and characters that leap off the page. Such is the case again with A Tale of Two Hearts. The secondary characters (Uncle Barlow) are as vivid & delightful as the protagonists, and I wished for the ability to claim a chair in Uncle Barlow’s library to talk books & Dickens with him and Mina.
A gentle thread of faith weaves throughout the story as well, never overpowering it but rather making it more well-rounded and complete. Our God is a God of grace and second chances, even as He is a God of justice. And as Miss Whymsy tells Mina, “You see, my dear, real joy is not found in the best moments of life, but in trusting that God is making the best of every moment… even those as dreadful as death.”
Bottom Line: The perfect choice for anyone who must have always a book in hand, for you’ll feel right at home with Mina, particularly if that book is often a Dickens novel. Delightful and meaningful quotes from his books introduce his chapter, and the overall tone and cadence of the story is an homage to his writing. But even if you’ve only watched the Muppets’ Christmas Carol and never actually read a Dickens novel, you will adore Mina and Will and A Tale of Two Hearts. Cozy, Christmasy, and deliciously written, this is a story to savor and reread every holiday season. Already looking forward to the next installment!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
“… think of eternity, then live backward from that.”
Y’all! I loved this story so much! And for a shorter page count, it’s full of delicious gems – multiple sentences that I’ve highlighted in my Kindle copy to remember later.
Mina is an absolutely delightful heroine – a romantic bookworm with a big heart. (“Were this a novel, she’d skip to the next chapter to see how things turned out.”) Though poor by most standards of the day, she is rich in things that truly matter. A love of books. Dear friends. A loving father (even if he is somewhat misguided at times). A sweet spirit. It’s this sweet spirit, however, that gets her in a spot of trouble when she’s compelled to help Will Barlow (her ‘hero’) by pretending to be his wife.
The Dickens references, style, and even a brief appearance by the man himself are deliciously cozy and Christmasy and will warm your bookworm heart. Griep has such a talent for prose, setting, and characters that leap off the page. Such is the case again with A Tale of Two Hearts. The secondary characters (Uncle Barlow) are as vivid & delightful as the protagonists, and I wished for the ability to claim a chair in Uncle Barlow’s library to talk books & Dickens with him and Mina.
A gentle thread of faith weaves throughout the story as well, never overpowering it but rather making it more well-rounded and complete. Our God is a God of grace and second chances, even as He is a God of justice. And as Miss Whymsy tells Mina, “You see, my dear, real joy is not found in the best moments of life, but in trusting that God is making the best of every moment… even those as dreadful as death.”
Bottom Line: The perfect choice for anyone who must have always a book in hand, for you’ll feel right at home with Mina, particularly if that book is often a Dickens novel. Delightful and meaningful quotes from his books introduce his chapter, and the overall tone and cadence of the story is an homage to his writing. But even if you’ve only watched the Muppets’ Christmas Carol and never actually read a Dickens novel, you will adore Mina and Will and A Tale of Two Hearts. Cozy, Christmasy, and deliciously written, this is a story to savor and reread every holiday season. Already looking forward to the next installment!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 29, 2018
4.5 stars
"There is no playing fast and loose with the truth, in any game, without growing the worse for it." - Charles Dickens, "Little Dorrit"
And yet . . . . . the truth of the matter was, William Barlow was in a bit of a pickle and the lovely innkeeper's daughter seemed just the right person to ask for a favor; of the honorable kind, that is. (if you could call pretending to be one's wife an honorable role) Much was riding on a family inheritance; a contest of sorts between Will and his pompous cousin, and while Will felt no compunction about risking his own heart. . . . . was it fair to risk Mina's?
Plucking Will and Mina directly into a delightful Christmas conundrum, the author almost gleefully declares, "if we knew how things would turn out, then there'd be no need for faith". Indeed!
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own!
"There is no playing fast and loose with the truth, in any game, without growing the worse for it." - Charles Dickens, "Little Dorrit"
And yet . . . . . the truth of the matter was, William Barlow was in a bit of a pickle and the lovely innkeeper's daughter seemed just the right person to ask for a favor; of the honorable kind, that is. (if you could call pretending to be one's wife an honorable role) Much was riding on a family inheritance; a contest of sorts between Will and his pompous cousin, and while Will felt no compunction about risking his own heart. . . . . was it fair to risk Mina's?
Plucking Will and Mina directly into a delightful Christmas conundrum, the author almost gleefully declares, "if we knew how things would turn out, then there'd be no need for faith". Indeed!
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own!
November 21, 2018
This second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series is like a cupcake. The plot is the cake. It is sweet and on the light side -- just perfect for holiday reading. Our cupcake is frosted with truths about God -- his grace and providence. Finally, the sprinkles are the Dickens quotes that begin and complement each chapter. Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy!
August 30, 2018
This is a wonderful Christmas story about second chances and redemption. It is such a sweet love story and it holds your attention. This book was a joy to read. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.
October 10, 2018
A Tale of Two Hearts was a delightful story. I felt thoroughly immersed in the time period. Mina and William were characters that I couldn’t help but like, as they matched wits against some truly deplorable relations of William’s.
The story had a gentle flow to it, as did the romantic feelings that blossomed between Mina and William. I felt that the author captured the time and place nicely in this story, while also peppering the novella with nods to Dickens throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The story had a gentle flow to it, as did the romantic feelings that blossomed between Mina and William. I felt that the author captured the time and place nicely in this story, while also peppering the novella with nods to Dickens throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
October 28, 2018
Michelle Griep has fast become one of my favorite, new-to-me authors. In her latest addition to her Dickens Christmas series, she weaves a warm-hearted Dickens-ish story that left me smelling Christmas spices, sensing holiday warmth, and seriously wanting to decorate my house for Christmas (before HALLOWEEN!). It’s a Can’t-miss Christmas novel that will stay with me through the holiday season.
Read
October 27, 2018A Dickensian delight! Victorian London and the characters within come alive within these pages. I thoroughly enjoyed riding the characters coattails through bustling streets between the Golden Egg Inn, the Palace Tea Room, and more as they wove a tangled web of their own design—and then desperately tried to unravel it before falling through the strands. A refreshing tale perfectly paired with a cup of Christmas tea.
October 2, 2018
What a delightful Christmas read to get you in the spirit. This is book two in the Once Upon A Dickens Christmas series, but worked fine as a stand-alone. I loved the Dickens quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Mina is an identifiable character that you will love and root for in this story of unrequited love. William is flawed but saved by grace. A quick but entertaining read to curl up with your cup of tea, as this is a great Cup of Tea read. It has great detail and is complete unlike some shorter reads. This will go on my Christmas keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
July 23, 2018
In this second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series we meet Will and Mina along with a cast of secondary characters you love and hate. Will and Mina learn that deception is never the answer to problems, as well as how beautiful grace and second chances can be. Loved the literary allusions and quotations from Ms. Griep. Looking forward to The Old Lace Shop coming in 2019.
Thanks to Net Galley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks to Net Galley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 10, 2018
Now I'm in the Christmas spirit. I wish #3 was out, and I'd go on a Dickens Christmas binge. What a delightful series....
December 8, 2021
*updated: I just read this in one evening, a quick but thoroughly enjoyable romp through Dickens' England. I will read this every Christmas!
1. How did you feel about the setting?
London, 1853, at the time when Charles Dickens was writing. It was obviously well-researched. I even learned what a reticule was by the author's description.
2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?
Mina is a poor innkeeper's daughter who dreams of her crush, William Barlow. When William asks her to help him by pretending to be his new bride for an afternoon, she can't say no. But her heart is more than just an infatuated youth. She is compassionate for not only his rich Uncle Barlow but also for the less fortunate sick whom she sacrifices to help. Mina is also an intelligent girl, always trying to read the latest Dickens novel, her penchant for reading landing her in Uncle Barlow's good graces, as well as bonding her to my heart as a friend who understands my own hobby. William Barlow, on the other hand, is not quite so likable. It's a good thing the author mentioned his care for his sick mother early on, or I might have been inclined to think of William as a cad, a flirt. He doesn't have the squeakiest past. But he did seem to have changed. I enjoyed the tension of wondering if he really had.
3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?
Uncle Barlow, of course, a merry, intelligent, merciful man, gave William a second chance and took an instant liking to Mina. He also reads, quoting Dickens as much as Mina, which of course warms my heart, too.
4. What journey does the main character take?
Mina journeys from working for her father and escaping through books to living out a real adventure beginning with deception, fear, and pining, ending with integrity, courage, and romance.
5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?
Excellent! From the first line, we get a sense of Mina's character and the second paragraph pulls us directly into her life, the setting, the dreariness of her current existence. Masterful storytelling, beautiful editing, and likable, relatable characters! My kind of book! I read 11 chapters in one sitting because I kept wanting to know the character's reactions. I finished in just one more sitting.
6. Is there humor in the book?
Yes, some, not much.
7. (for Christian fiction) Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?
The mentions of God and religion are light. However, William does credit God, along with Uncle Barlow, for his reformation. Whether that was a true conversion or not is finally revealed in chapter 27. Also, the theme of truth and deception is summed up in this great quote: “Maybe—perhaps—true meaning in life had nothing to do with outward trappings but with inward genuineness.”
8. For whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who loves literature, especially Dickens, will enjoy his quotes throughout, not only at the beginning of each chapter but also woven into the dialogue and thoughts of the characters themselves. I also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a delightful read, suspenseful but light on the mystery, a quick but satisfying read.
9. Who will not like this book?
I don't know how anyone could not love this book!
10. Favorite quotes?
"'One day, my friend, your deceptions will catch up to you.'" (p. 12)
"Autumn was such a fickle friend: warm one day, frigid the next. Today, November's rude manners chased away the remnants of October's warmth." (p. 18)
'Moths, and all sorts of ugly creatures ... hover about a lighted candle. Can the candle help it?' Quoting Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
“'Oh, pardon me. Did I say that out loud?'”
“Uncle Barlow's shoulders shook with a great chuckle. 'Ahh, but you do a heart good.'”
“A heroine would've given him some kind of explanation instead of running off like a coward. Oh, what a humbling truth.”
“Reading about such intrigues was far different from living it—and she wasn't sure she liked it. At all.”
“'My mother—God rest her—always told me to think of eternity, then live backward from that. Such a view has a way o' whittlin' down our current troubles to a size we can crumple up into a ball and toss aside.'” (p. 111)
"Maybe -- perhaps -- true meaning in life had nothing to do with outward trappings but with inward genuineness." (p. 149)
(I received this book for free from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
1. How did you feel about the setting?
London, 1853, at the time when Charles Dickens was writing. It was obviously well-researched. I even learned what a reticule was by the author's description.
2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?
Mina is a poor innkeeper's daughter who dreams of her crush, William Barlow. When William asks her to help him by pretending to be his new bride for an afternoon, she can't say no. But her heart is more than just an infatuated youth. She is compassionate for not only his rich Uncle Barlow but also for the less fortunate sick whom she sacrifices to help. Mina is also an intelligent girl, always trying to read the latest Dickens novel, her penchant for reading landing her in Uncle Barlow's good graces, as well as bonding her to my heart as a friend who understands my own hobby. William Barlow, on the other hand, is not quite so likable. It's a good thing the author mentioned his care for his sick mother early on, or I might have been inclined to think of William as a cad, a flirt. He doesn't have the squeakiest past. But he did seem to have changed. I enjoyed the tension of wondering if he really had.
3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?
Uncle Barlow, of course, a merry, intelligent, merciful man, gave William a second chance and took an instant liking to Mina. He also reads, quoting Dickens as much as Mina, which of course warms my heart, too.
4. What journey does the main character take?
Mina journeys from working for her father and escaping through books to living out a real adventure beginning with deception, fear, and pining, ending with integrity, courage, and romance.
5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?
Excellent! From the first line, we get a sense of Mina's character and the second paragraph pulls us directly into her life, the setting, the dreariness of her current existence. Masterful storytelling, beautiful editing, and likable, relatable characters! My kind of book! I read 11 chapters in one sitting because I kept wanting to know the character's reactions. I finished in just one more sitting.
6. Is there humor in the book?
Yes, some, not much.
7. (for Christian fiction) Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?
The mentions of God and religion are light. However, William does credit God, along with Uncle Barlow, for his reformation. Whether that was a true conversion or not is finally revealed in chapter 27. Also, the theme of truth and deception is summed up in this great quote: “Maybe—perhaps—true meaning in life had nothing to do with outward trappings but with inward genuineness.”
8. For whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who loves literature, especially Dickens, will enjoy his quotes throughout, not only at the beginning of each chapter but also woven into the dialogue and thoughts of the characters themselves. I also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a delightful read, suspenseful but light on the mystery, a quick but satisfying read.
9. Who will not like this book?
I don't know how anyone could not love this book!
10. Favorite quotes?
"'One day, my friend, your deceptions will catch up to you.'" (p. 12)
"Autumn was such a fickle friend: warm one day, frigid the next. Today, November's rude manners chased away the remnants of October's warmth." (p. 18)
'Moths, and all sorts of ugly creatures ... hover about a lighted candle. Can the candle help it?' Quoting Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
“'Oh, pardon me. Did I say that out loud?'”
“Uncle Barlow's shoulders shook with a great chuckle. 'Ahh, but you do a heart good.'”
“A heroine would've given him some kind of explanation instead of running off like a coward. Oh, what a humbling truth.”
“Reading about such intrigues was far different from living it—and she wasn't sure she liked it. At all.”
“'My mother—God rest her—always told me to think of eternity, then live backward from that. Such a view has a way o' whittlin' down our current troubles to a size we can crumple up into a ball and toss aside.'” (p. 111)
"Maybe -- perhaps -- true meaning in life had nothing to do with outward trappings but with inward genuineness." (p. 149)
(I received this book for free from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
July 24, 2018
•°o•:*:•. Book Lover’s Dream .•:*:• o°•
London, 1853 Miss Wilhelmina Scott, aka Mina, serves in her father’s inn, The Golden Egg. But, she much prefers to have her nose in a good book such as ‘David Copperfield’ or daydream of her ‘brown-haired hero’, William Barlow. Miss Whymsy is her former governess and co-conspirator in lending her books and enlisting her help with The Single Women’s Society of Social Reform. Effie is another dear friend who helps guide her in the story and added prayer, older wisdom, and grounding in her life.
William Barlow frequents her father’s taproom with his good friend and fellow law clerk, Mr. Fitzroy. Mina has been taken with him for the better part of a year and is shocked when he suddenly suggests she become his pretend bride. He is trying to overcome a besmirched past and to win the favor of his uncle while thwarting his scheming cousins, Percy and devious wife Alice.
Uncle Barlow is a dear, kind man who enjoys books as much as Mina and is trying to ascertain the best candidate to inherit his home and fortune before he formally names an heir.
TEA MOMENT: “He’s invited me to a tea of all things.” His voice smooth as fresh flowing honey, grew louder the closer she drew to his table. Can you imagine that Fitz? A tea. How awful.” A smile curved her mouth as she imagined taking tea with William. Just the two of them. Him in his finest frock coat with a snowy cravat. Her in a new gown. She’d pour a steaming cup for him, and he’d lift a choice little cake to her lips while speaking of his deepest affections. She sighed, warm and contented. “I should think a tea would be very pleasant she murmured.” Both men turned toward her.
Tea is referenced several times in this story.
SPECIAL QUOTE: “God’s children are never truly alone – especially in a world filled with books.” Miss Whymsy Ch.19
A SURPRISE guest happily appears at the end of the story that caused my mouth to fall open.
I truly enjoyed this story.
To be released September 2018, Barbour Publ., Shiloh Run Press, – 30 chapters
I received an advance eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I am privileged to provide, with no further compensation.
SERIES: Once Upon A Dickens Christmas
Book #1 - 12 Days at Bleakly Manor September 2017
Book #2 A Tale of Two Hearts is expected in September 2018
Book #3 The Old Lace Shop September 2019
London, 1853 Miss Wilhelmina Scott, aka Mina, serves in her father’s inn, The Golden Egg. But, she much prefers to have her nose in a good book such as ‘David Copperfield’ or daydream of her ‘brown-haired hero’, William Barlow. Miss Whymsy is her former governess and co-conspirator in lending her books and enlisting her help with The Single Women’s Society of Social Reform. Effie is another dear friend who helps guide her in the story and added prayer, older wisdom, and grounding in her life.
William Barlow frequents her father’s taproom with his good friend and fellow law clerk, Mr. Fitzroy. Mina has been taken with him for the better part of a year and is shocked when he suddenly suggests she become his pretend bride. He is trying to overcome a besmirched past and to win the favor of his uncle while thwarting his scheming cousins, Percy and devious wife Alice.
Uncle Barlow is a dear, kind man who enjoys books as much as Mina and is trying to ascertain the best candidate to inherit his home and fortune before he formally names an heir.
TEA MOMENT: “He’s invited me to a tea of all things.” His voice smooth as fresh flowing honey, grew louder the closer she drew to his table. Can you imagine that Fitz? A tea. How awful.” A smile curved her mouth as she imagined taking tea with William. Just the two of them. Him in his finest frock coat with a snowy cravat. Her in a new gown. She’d pour a steaming cup for him, and he’d lift a choice little cake to her lips while speaking of his deepest affections. She sighed, warm and contented. “I should think a tea would be very pleasant she murmured.” Both men turned toward her.
Tea is referenced several times in this story.
SPECIAL QUOTE: “God’s children are never truly alone – especially in a world filled with books.” Miss Whymsy Ch.19
A SURPRISE guest happily appears at the end of the story that caused my mouth to fall open.
I truly enjoyed this story.
To be released September 2018, Barbour Publ., Shiloh Run Press, – 30 chapters
I received an advance eCopy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I am privileged to provide, with no further compensation.
SERIES: Once Upon A Dickens Christmas
Book #1 - 12 Days at Bleakly Manor September 2017
Book #2 A Tale of Two Hearts is expected in September 2018
Book #3 The Old Lace Shop September 2019
September 6, 2018
Christmas. London. Victorian era. What could be the better makings for a novel? Maybe some suspense. But Michelle Griep creates a wonderful short story that fits in with the makings of a true Dicken's novel. I enjoyed the first book in the series entitled 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on A Tale of Two Heart too. Boy, am I glad I did. The story comes to life and brings the good feelings that Christmas brings only a couple of months earlier.
I really enjoy traveling to London during the Victorian age with Griep. She wove together a timeless love story filled with intrigue and romance. I loved how well-described Griep make London. I have never been there, but she did a wonderful job at bringing London from a long time ago to life. She dove into the characters personalities and allow me to see how the characters feel and perceive things.
The plot kept me spellbound. The top item on my bucket list is to visit London during the Christmas time. I loved how Griep created a story with a fake marriage to win an inheritance from an uncle. The competition between the two cousins captured my imagination. I couldn't wait to see how the story ended. I finished the novel in under a day. It didn't feel like a novella because Griep does a good job at diving into the characters and intermingling them with the plot.
The romance was not the typical Victorian romance. I mean, what girl allows herself to pretend to be someone marriage to help them earn an inheritance? What does she get out of it? Slowly, through all the conflicts and moments that could have blown their cover, the romance between Mina and William blossomed into true love.
The theme of second chances is created and fulfilled by the uncle and passed onto his nephews. What person does not need a second, or even a third or fourth chance from their past mistakes or encounters?
In conclusion, TheTale of Two Hearts is a wonderful, Christmas-type of feeling story. With a different type of plot, Griep captures my attention by creating another keeper for the shelf. I anxiously await the next installment in the story, which is teased at in the final pages of the book. Fans of Johanna Davidson Politano would enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I really enjoy traveling to London during the Victorian age with Griep. She wove together a timeless love story filled with intrigue and romance. I loved how well-described Griep make London. I have never been there, but she did a wonderful job at bringing London from a long time ago to life. She dove into the characters personalities and allow me to see how the characters feel and perceive things.
The plot kept me spellbound. The top item on my bucket list is to visit London during the Christmas time. I loved how Griep created a story with a fake marriage to win an inheritance from an uncle. The competition between the two cousins captured my imagination. I couldn't wait to see how the story ended. I finished the novel in under a day. It didn't feel like a novella because Griep does a good job at diving into the characters and intermingling them with the plot.
The romance was not the typical Victorian romance. I mean, what girl allows herself to pretend to be someone marriage to help them earn an inheritance? What does she get out of it? Slowly, through all the conflicts and moments that could have blown their cover, the romance between Mina and William blossomed into true love.
The theme of second chances is created and fulfilled by the uncle and passed onto his nephews. What person does not need a second, or even a third or fourth chance from their past mistakes or encounters?
In conclusion, TheTale of Two Hearts is a wonderful, Christmas-type of feeling story. With a different type of plot, Griep captures my attention by creating another keeper for the shelf. I anxiously await the next installment in the story, which is teased at in the final pages of the book. Fans of Johanna Davidson Politano would enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
August 20, 2018
I love Michelle Griep's writing! Her Dickens Christmas series is neat in that although the books are sequential, their ties to each other are not such that they have to be read in order (that I can tell...) Book one ties to book two with a side character. She works making hatboxes in the first book, and changes jobs at the end. In the second book she turns up as a fast friend of the main character, but is not central to the story line in either. Then based on the excerpt for book three, a secondary character from book two turns up in his new capacity as part of the initiation of the story line. So there are various secondary and side characters who tie the series together, but it does not require reading in order. I also like how Charles Dickens just kind of floats around as someone various people know, and he floats through in public scenes now and again. I've actually learned much about Dickens's writing from this series, and found I might be more interested in his writing than I thought. Ms. Griep opens each chapter of this story with a quote from Charles Dickens or his characters.
This is the story of Will and Mina. Mina lives with her nose in a book. She longs to live just one day in the life of one of the grand ladies in her stories. She spends her days serving ale to the customers at her father's inn, the only bright spot being Will Barlow - the handsome man she's cast as the hero of her own imaginings. But when a fake marriage turns to true feelings and a mad dash to expose a dastardly plot by scheming relatives, Will and Mina may find themselves buried in a web of deceit too tangled to undo... It will take all of their faith, and the grace of God to work things out!
I can always count on Ms. Griep for sweet, clean romance with twists and turns worthy of Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen. I love her characters, and I love that their faith in God plays a central role to their character development. I pretty much read anything she writes now, no question, and buy her books as gifts for my family and friends.
This is the story of Will and Mina. Mina lives with her nose in a book. She longs to live just one day in the life of one of the grand ladies in her stories. She spends her days serving ale to the customers at her father's inn, the only bright spot being Will Barlow - the handsome man she's cast as the hero of her own imaginings. But when a fake marriage turns to true feelings and a mad dash to expose a dastardly plot by scheming relatives, Will and Mina may find themselves buried in a web of deceit too tangled to undo... It will take all of their faith, and the grace of God to work things out!
I can always count on Ms. Griep for sweet, clean romance with twists and turns worthy of Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen. I love her characters, and I love that their faith in God plays a central role to their character development. I pretty much read anything she writes now, no question, and buy her books as gifts for my family and friends.
December 15, 2021
A nice sweet & short Christmas read.
August 8, 2018
This was my first introduction to Michelle Griep's Dickens Christmas Series. I found it to be delightful as she cited quotations from Dickens at the beginning of each chapter and then mined the premise throughout.
Michelle has a gift of weaving a tale to produce a fun story that the reader can't put down while also providing a tapestry of spiritual truths along the way. I highly recommend her work.
This book was provided free and I was not obligated in any way to give a favorable review - 2018.
Michelle has a gift of weaving a tale to produce a fun story that the reader can't put down while also providing a tapestry of spiritual truths along the way. I highly recommend her work.
This book was provided free and I was not obligated in any way to give a favorable review - 2018.
December 9, 2021
Well, while just as well written as the first story, I didn't like it as much as the main characters lie through most of the book. It's for a "good cause" but still, I hated that. And just once, I would like a book that shows the reality that when you lie to get something, you usually lose what you were after when your lie is discovered, no matter how well intentioned.
January 3, 2020
Mina finds herself with big troubles when she chooses to go along with William Barlow's crazy scheme. She is in love with him though, so pretending to be his wife should be no hard task, or so she thinks. When she finds herself face to face with William's wicked cousins and learns of their evil plot to harm his uncle, she must choose between telling the truth or protecting an innocent. Both learn a valuable lesson about second chances to do the right thing and trusting in the All-Mighty to protect all of his children.
This Victorian tale is a fascinating exploration of the difference between rich and poor. The author has brought to life the amazing traditions of the Christmas season and allows the reader to take a step into the past. I enjoyed this book immensely and love that the author has given details about the historical significance of the traditions portrayed throughout the book. Another new fave and a definite addition to my Christmas reading list.
This Victorian tale is a fascinating exploration of the difference between rich and poor. The author has brought to life the amazing traditions of the Christmas season and allows the reader to take a step into the past. I enjoyed this book immensely and love that the author has given details about the historical significance of the traditions portrayed throughout the book. Another new fave and a definite addition to my Christmas reading list.
October 3, 2018
"A farthing for your thoughts?"
What a delightful short read Michelle Griep's A Tale of Two Hearts is! This is the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas story, but can easily be read as a standalone. I've enjoyed it from start to finish, with the desire to get to the third book too! That ending was sweet, and though not unexpected, it still put a warmth in my heart and a smile on my face.
"...there's great deal of difference between self-love and self-sacrificing love."
A story of second chances and finding the beauty of the unexpected, while extending the grace of God, A Tale of Two Hearts have all the hallmarks of a Christmas story. Simply a story of two hearts turn one, it gave our characters distinctive personalities and back story, but also learning the truth of their hearts along the way. Nods to literary works, plus the greatness of sacrificial love, this is one story one will love to reread and remember.
"God’s children are never truly alone – especially in a world filled with books."
Yes indeed, and A Tale of Two Hearts is one prime example.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
What a delightful short read Michelle Griep's A Tale of Two Hearts is! This is the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas story, but can easily be read as a standalone. I've enjoyed it from start to finish, with the desire to get to the third book too! That ending was sweet, and though not unexpected, it still put a warmth in my heart and a smile on my face.
"...there's great deal of difference between self-love and self-sacrificing love."
A story of second chances and finding the beauty of the unexpected, while extending the grace of God, A Tale of Two Hearts have all the hallmarks of a Christmas story. Simply a story of two hearts turn one, it gave our characters distinctive personalities and back story, but also learning the truth of their hearts along the way. Nods to literary works, plus the greatness of sacrificial love, this is one story one will love to reread and remember.
"God’s children are never truly alone – especially in a world filled with books."
Yes indeed, and A Tale of Two Hearts is one prime example.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
November 17, 2018
This a fun and intriguing read. Readers first meet Mina Scott at the Golden Egg Inn, Mina Scott (the innkeeper’s daughter) is taking a break to read David Copperfield. She loved reading. She could go on so many adventures and take her mind off of work and her father. He didn’t enjoy reading, couldn’t understand why she loved it so much.
This is a charming, fun story set in 1853 London when Charles Dickens was doing his writing. Each chapter has a quote from him and/or one of his novels. I enjoyed this one from Charles Dickens himself, “Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.”
I liked the historical notes at the end of the book describing types of food they would prepare for Christmas Even and Christmas day. She talks about Christmas pudding, Victorian Oyster Stew, Drinking Chocolate, Secret Societies, Florence Nightingale, and the song God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Fun facts that enhanced the story.
This novel is just plain fun to hang out in this time period with characters I enjoyed This book and it’s message gets you in the Christmas spirit.
If you like Christmas stories, Charles Dickens and this time period, you’ll love this book. It would be fun as a book club pick as well. The third book in this series comes out in 2019. The title The Old Lace Shop.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
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This is a charming, fun story set in 1853 London when Charles Dickens was doing his writing. Each chapter has a quote from him and/or one of his novels. I enjoyed this one from Charles Dickens himself, “Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.”
I liked the historical notes at the end of the book describing types of food they would prepare for Christmas Even and Christmas day. She talks about Christmas pudding, Victorian Oyster Stew, Drinking Chocolate, Secret Societies, Florence Nightingale, and the song God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Fun facts that enhanced the story.
This novel is just plain fun to hang out in this time period with characters I enjoyed This book and it’s message gets you in the Christmas spirit.
If you like Christmas stories, Charles Dickens and this time period, you’ll love this book. It would be fun as a book club pick as well. The third book in this series comes out in 2019. The title The Old Lace Shop.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
SVP Promotion
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