Book Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger…and love?

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds.

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 whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, 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.

Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series–a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale–by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.

What I Loved: You’re in for a Christmas treat with this one! Griep has a charming, yet quirky, story to offer for your Christmas reading. I really enjoyed the insight into the Victorian Christmas traditions. There were several that I had never heard of. Griep’s guide to the Christmas traditions in the back came in handy.
There was an intriguing mystery here alongside the romance that kept me engaged. There’s also a timeless lesson on the power of kindness and on not seeking revenge.
This is something of a shorter novel, so it’ll fit right in with your busy holiday season.

Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving 12 days at Bleakly Manor 5 stars and recommend it to fans of Christian Historical Fiction or Christian Christmas stories.

~I received a copy from the author. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.