Saturday, November 3, 2018

Book Review - A TALE OF TWO HEARTS (Once upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 2) by Michelle Griep

Title:  A Tale of Two Hearts (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book #2)
Author:  Michelle Griep
Genre:  Historical Fiction, Mystery, Holiday, Romance, Inspirational
Release Date:  September 1, 2017

About the Book:

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

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

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

Can two hearts survive such deception?

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

A Tale of Two Hearts is a whole new story in Michelle Griep's 'Once Upon a Dickens Christmas' series.  After reading Book #1 last year, I jumped at the chance to read another of these fabulous Victorian novels.  This book had so much of what I love within its pages… History, Holiday and Sweet Romance… all with a hint of Christianity.  And that history was right on target with a bonus of some historical clarifications toward the back of the book.

Once I started reading, I could not put this book down.  Not extremely lengthy, but just enough to be thorough with the story.  Once again, Charles Dickens would be proud!

Set in London in 1853, Mina Scott, working at her father's Inn, secretly admired William Barlow who frequented the Inn for an occasional glass of ale.  When Will asked Mina to be his pretend bride in order for him to impress his uncle and to be named heir to his fortune, Mina knew it was wrong to deceive the man, but agreed anyway. Not to give away spoilers, but the plot thickens and the reader is left wondering if the charade will continue or will the truth come out.

The characters Ms. Griep created are so charming and the story is one that will remain with me for a long time to come.  As with the first book in this series, I would love to see A Tale of Two Hearts made into a Christmastime movie.  Hallmark, are you listening?   

Disclosure:  A complimentary ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own. 


My Rating:


About the Author:


I 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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