I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep Series: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #2
Published by Barbour Publishing, Incorporated on September 1st 2018
Genres: Christian, Fiction, Holidays, Romance, Suspense
Pages: 192
Source: NetGalley
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Book 2 in Reader Favorite Michelle Griep's Charming Once Upon a Dickens Christmas Series
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?
I read Michelle’s first book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series last year so when I saw the new one come up this year I needed to read it. Needed. While ‘12 Days at Bleakly Manor‘ didn’t ring all my bells I enjoy her other books and writing style so I wasn’t counting out another Christmas book and I am so glad I didn’t. I truly enjoyed ‘A Tale of Two Hearts’. It was a little bit Christmas, a little bit poor decisions, a little bit romance, with a smidge of intrigue thrown in for good measure. Mina Scott is a typical Innkeepers daughter, except for the fact that she’s an avid reader and not so inclined to follow all the rules. She’s got her hero (from every book she’s ever read) pegged as William Barlow, a patron of the inn’s taproom that meets are her fancies and desires. He’s got his own checked past of not quite following the rules as well. Together, they make an interesting friendship with some interesting adventures and an interesting finding love story all it’s own.
I enjoyed the interplay between Mina and Will. They were both caught up in the big secret while tangling with their own secrets. Mina and her infatuation with Will and her secret society of single ladies. Will with his past bad choices and past failed relationship. And their combined desire to help him secure an inheritance which would ultimately save his beloved uncle from an unbearable future. Will’s family, namely his cousin, is bizarre. The cousin and cousin’s wife are about as likable as the smell of burnt popcorn or soggy bacon. I mean really, not even tolerable. Uncle Barlow is about as different of a stereotypical titled man as you can find. His love of laughter and personality and all things bookish make his as endearing as his other nephew is unlikable. The interplay of personality types really added depth to this story that wasn’t even really lacking, just an amazing added bonus.
I truly did enjoy this book. So much so I sat down and read it in one setting forgoing all adult-y important things like sleep. I don’t regret it one bit, in the moment. The next day was rough however as it accidentally started about 3 hours earlier than I anticipated. I missed the sleep at that point. However, still worth it. I know it’s technically after Christmas because life tends to throw me whirls like that but it’s the perfect book to bring you a smidge of Christmas. However, it’s so much more than that. It’s the perfect book to entertain you and allow you to believe that love wins at any time of the year. Or, if you are a Kristin a 25thmas book.
About Michelle Griep
Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild).
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