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lizzybd's review
4.0
This was such a fun book to read. I really enjoyed it. I liked most of the characters, and the plot reminded me of And Then There Were None. I did find it strange that it is classified as Christian fiction. There were references to God and Christianity thrown in in the most random places. It was as if the author wanted to make sure it could be sold as Christian fiction so a few weird mentions of God were thrown in there. I am all for Christian fiction. I love it, but this book would have done just fine simply as fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other two in the series.
ingypingy2000's review
4.0
This book was a Christmas gift from a new friend and I had no clue it was Christian fiction when I started it! I was pleasantly surprised at what a sweet read this was. A bit intriguing and creepy at times, but overall very sweet and feel good. A perfect Christmas read!
ioanaisreading's review
3.0
2.5*
This is a Christian Christmastime romance. If any of these three words is not what you want your novel to be about, move on, this is not for you.
This is the love story of a man who's apparently Christian because at the very end he prays to God for help after throughout the events of the novel he didn't even mention God. I need to add that this man is handsome and broadshouldered, despite coming from middle/upper class, and therefore hasn't worked that much physically in his life. His name is Benjamin Lane, but we'll call him Ben. It's also the story of a woman who's lost her status because the men in her life are unwise and she's the victim. This woman is rather short, but beautiful, and her height makes is so that she perfectly fits into the man's embrace. Her name is Clara Chapman. Of course the two share a history, and they will end up patching this back together and declaring their love for one another. But how will they get there?
Despite my salty tone, this is a sweet story, perfect for a lazy winter afternoon or a train ride, as it was the case for me. It read like a mystery novel that reminded me of Agatha Christie. I enjoyed the glimpses in the past and the not too preachy Christian tone, as some novels of this type tend to have. The collection of characters gathered at the Manor is interesting, and I had the impression that there was something ominous looming over the house.
The plot is rather simple, but it creates enough mystery and suspence to keep you reading. I must admit there are still moments when I think about this novel, probably because I don't read a lot of Christian novels, and this one is different from what I've read so far.
It's the perfect read for those looking for a novel set around Christmas time, and told from a Christian point of view. Of course the cheesyness specific to this genre is there, but if this doesn't bother you, you might give it a try.
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
This is a Christian Christmastime romance. If any of these three words is not what you want your novel to be about, move on, this is not for you.
This is the love story of a man who's apparently Christian because at the very end he prays to God for help after throughout the events of the novel he didn't even mention God. I need to add that this man is handsome and broadshouldered, despite coming from middle/upper class, and therefore hasn't worked that much physically in his life. His name is Benjamin Lane, but we'll call him Ben. It's also the story of a woman who's lost her status because the men in her life are unwise and she's the victim. This woman is rather short, but beautiful, and her height makes is so that she perfectly fits into the man's embrace. Her name is Clara Chapman. Of course the two share a history, and they will end up patching this back together and declaring their love for one another. But how will they get there?
Despite my salty tone, this is a sweet story, perfect for a lazy winter afternoon or a train ride, as it was the case for me. It read like a mystery novel that reminded me of Agatha Christie. I enjoyed the glimpses in the past and the not too preachy Christian tone, as some novels of this type tend to have. The collection of characters gathered at the Manor is interesting, and I had the impression that there was something ominous looming over the house.
The plot is rather simple, but it creates enough mystery and suspence to keep you reading. I must admit there are still moments when I think about this novel, probably because I don't read a lot of Christian novels, and this one is different from what I've read so far.
It's the perfect read for those looking for a novel set around Christmas time, and told from a Christian point of view. Of course the cheesyness specific to this genre is there, but if this doesn't bother you, you might give it a try.
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
michellef's review
5.0
`12 Days at Bleakly Manor` is a Christian fiction book by author Michelle Griep. It is book one in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Book two, `A Tale of Two Hearts` is set to be published fall of 2018. There is an extended preview of book two in the back of book one.
The setting of `12 Days at Bleakly Manor` is London, England - 1850. The female protagonist, Clara Chapman, is respectfully heralded to stay at Bleakly Manor for twelve nights. If she stays she will earn 500 English pounds.
I am reminded of the game `Clue` because of the ingenious names (the butler, Mr. Minnow, Mademoiselle Pretents, Miss Scurry, Clara, and Mr. Pocket) as well as the huge roomy mansion, like that in the game of `Clue`, and a who-done-it mystery. The last person to remain at Bleakly Manor will receive a reward.
This was a clean, wholesome story and would make a great book club choice. There are historical notes on Victorian Christmas traditions at the back of the book which I found to be of interest. I was especially interested in the fact that the traditional Wassail drink came from a Victorian tradition of revelers holding up a mug of spiced cider and shouting, `Waes Hael!` which means be hale or be well.
I recommend this book as a book club read and to anyone who likes a great mystery.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own."
The setting of `12 Days at Bleakly Manor` is London, England - 1850. The female protagonist, Clara Chapman, is respectfully heralded to stay at Bleakly Manor for twelve nights. If she stays she will earn 500 English pounds.
I am reminded of the game `Clue` because of the ingenious names (the butler, Mr. Minnow, Mademoiselle Pretents, Miss Scurry, Clara, and Mr. Pocket) as well as the huge roomy mansion, like that in the game of `Clue`, and a who-done-it mystery. The last person to remain at Bleakly Manor will receive a reward.
This was a clean, wholesome story and would make a great book club choice. There are historical notes on Victorian Christmas traditions at the back of the book which I found to be of interest. I was especially interested in the fact that the traditional Wassail drink came from a Victorian tradition of revelers holding up a mug of spiced cider and shouting, `Waes Hael!` which means be hale or be well.
I recommend this book as a book club read and to anyone who likes a great mystery.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own."
momwithareadingproblem's review against another edition
5.0
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep is a Christmas retelling of the Dickens classic Bleakly Manor. I started this story with zero expectations but quickly fell in love with the writing style of Michelle Griep, the mystery surrounding the manor and its guests, and the jilted romance between Ben and Clara. It reminds me a little of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None minus the murdering of course.
Clara is a young woman who has lost everything in the last year. On Christmas Eve the year prior she was to wed a man who not only left her at the alter but was arrested for stealing her family’s fortune, leaving her destitute and at the mercy of her older brother and aunt. Clara has hardened herself since that time, but her mind never strays too far from the thoughts of her fiancé and what he done. She’s angry, bitter, yet accepted what has befallen her.
Ben breaks my heart. This is a man who has spent a year in jail thinking his beloved put him there and is living the high life without him. This is a man wrongly accused who has been sentenced to transfer to Australia and a work camp there. Ben is angry and it’s his need for revenge that keeps him going. The kind man he once was is missing and his heart is full of anger.
Then both Clara and Ben receive an anonymous letter inviting them to spend the Christmas holidays at Bleakly Manor. If they stay the full 12 day holiday, each will receive what they want most. For Ben, that’s a full pardon and release. For Clara, it’s the money that was stolen from her a year earlier. Neither knows the other will be at the manor until they arrive which creates some fantastic dramatic irony as the reader knows thanks to the alternate POVs. On arrival, Ben and Clara are faced with what happened a year prior and forced to acknowledge the past and who may have wronged them.
In addition to Clara and Ben there are other guests who have also been promised their own heart’s desires, and it becomes a competition to see who will be left on Christmas Day. I LOVED the mystery surrounding the manor, the guests, their desires, and their host. It was a suspenseful read with just the right amount of romance to balance it out. If you enjoy Victorian era fiction, I highly recommend this holiday tale!
12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep is a Christmas retelling of the Dickens classic Bleakly Manor. I started this story with zero expectations but quickly fell in love with the writing style of Michelle Griep, the mystery surrounding the manor and its guests, and the jilted romance between Ben and Clara. It reminds me a little of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None minus the murdering of course.
Clara is a young woman who has lost everything in the last year. On Christmas Eve the year prior she was to wed a man who not only left her at the alter but was arrested for stealing her family’s fortune, leaving her destitute and at the mercy of her older brother and aunt. Clara has hardened herself since that time, but her mind never strays too far from the thoughts of her fiancé and what he done. She’s angry, bitter, yet accepted what has befallen her.
Ben breaks my heart. This is a man who has spent a year in jail thinking his beloved put him there and is living the high life without him. This is a man wrongly accused who has been sentenced to transfer to Australia and a work camp there. Ben is angry and it’s his need for revenge that keeps him going. The kind man he once was is missing and his heart is full of anger.
Then both Clara and Ben receive an anonymous letter inviting them to spend the Christmas holidays at Bleakly Manor. If they stay the full 12 day holiday, each will receive what they want most. For Ben, that’s a full pardon and release. For Clara, it’s the money that was stolen from her a year earlier. Neither knows the other will be at the manor until they arrive which creates some fantastic dramatic irony as the reader knows thanks to the alternate POVs. On arrival, Ben and Clara are faced with what happened a year prior and forced to acknowledge the past and who may have wronged them.
In addition to Clara and Ben there are other guests who have also been promised their own heart’s desires, and it becomes a competition to see who will be left on Christmas Day. I LOVED the mystery surrounding the manor, the guests, their desires, and their host. It was a suspenseful read with just the right amount of romance to balance it out. If you enjoy Victorian era fiction, I highly recommend this holiday tale!
wintermote's review
4.0
Ended up with 4 stars because I was as emotionally engaged as some books, but the suspense of what was really going on and wondering what happened next was 5-star-worthy. A wonderful read!! I can’t wait the others in the series.
amandainpa's review
4.0
This was such a fun book! It was very atmospheric, portraying a Victorian Christmas in a slightly creepy mansion. It had an "And then There were None" by Agatha Christie feel as several strangers are brought together under mysterious circumstances with dangers lurking around the corner.
There were some very fun surprises that I didn't expect. The story is full of colorful, quirky characters, each with a very defined personality.
I adore atmospheric books and the author was very gifted at creating the setting. I was in the story with the characters, walking the drafty halls of Bleakly Manor and trudging through the woods to gather the yule log.
This book also explains some Victorian Christmas traditions that I hadn't known about...I found these very interesting, particularly the origins of The Coventry Carol.
I highly recommend this book...it's a nice change from the typical Christmas stories that are out there.
My Rating: 4 stars
I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review. All opinions are my own.
There were some very fun surprises that I didn't expect. The story is full of colorful, quirky characters, each with a very defined personality.
I adore atmospheric books and the author was very gifted at creating the setting. I was in the story with the characters, walking the drafty halls of Bleakly Manor and trudging through the woods to gather the yule log.
This book also explains some Victorian Christmas traditions that I hadn't known about...I found these very interesting, particularly the origins of The Coventry Carol.
I highly recommend this book...it's a nice change from the typical Christmas stories that are out there.
My Rating: 4 stars
I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review. All opinions are my own.