Stories by Firefly! : 12 Days of Christmas || Day 3 || Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

Good morning, lovelies!

I had hopes of getting this up earlier, but after Christmas shopping most of yesterday and then doing homework all evening/night, I didn't get my post written and readied ahead of time. So here we are. ;)

I had the joy of diving into some darling books by Michelle Griep in the not-too-decent past. And now, I will attempt to scream about my love for them enough to convince you to read them while also refraining from divulging spoilers. Also can we talk about these covers??

When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas 1850 at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds. That’s enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on the unknown person who stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is blindsided by the anger of the woman he left at the altar.

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the 12 Days of Christmas, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

• Started reading last Christmas and finished shortly into January. The beginning was slow, but the rest of the book made up for it.

• A group of strangers (except two and that wasn't planned) trapped in a dark creepy mansion, all uncertain what they're doing there and why? Mysteries and adventures and secrets abound!

• Clara and Ben were my favorites until I read book #2 and loved those people just as much... But I dunno, these two might still be my favs... I loved the full-circle effect of their past history and the way it shaped their futures.

• The Victorian style (in relation to literally everything) was so well done.

• THE PROSE. So beautiful. So amazing.

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.

• There is something about let's-pretend-to-be-a-couple plots that always draw me in. Whether it's a Hallmark movie or a book like this one, something about the trope always draws me in. Sometimes I end up enjoying the story that follows and sometimes not, but this was definitely one of the good ones.

• Will and Fitz's relationship <333

• Can we talk about the beautiful prose again?? I will most assuredly be reading more of Michelle Griep's eloquent words.

• Alllll the Dickens references and connections. <3

• I listened to most of this one on audiobook driving to and from school, and I absolutely adored it. The narrator did such a fantastic job with the accents—it was a true delight.

• May or may not be lowkey crushing on William Barlow.

• Miss Whymsy. Miss Whymsy. Miss Whymsy. <3

I've just started reading book #3, The Old Lace Shop, and I'm hoping I enjoy it was much as these two! <3