12 Days at Bleakly Manor: A Review

Books were everywhere in our house when I was growing up. My parents were voracious readers, and early on I learned to love escaping into a different world through the pages of a book. I was fortunate that most of my English teachers recognized my penchant for reading and introduced me to a wide range of authors, old and new. I looked forward to every Christmas when I knew I would receive at least one book as a gift. After stuffing myself at the meal, I'd curl up in a corner and begin to devour my new adventure.

Some of the classic authors I read were Poe, Bronte, Hawthorne, Stevenson, Twain, and Verne. Two of my favorites were Louise May Alcott and Charles Dickens. Not that I was raised in poverty or as an orphan, but I somehow managed to relate to the characters in their stories. 

I recently participated in a blog tour for Michelle Griep's 12 Days at Bleakly Manor.  I don't intentionally seek out Christmas books, but I read several this year, and Michelle's was one of my favorites. Here's my review: 

Clue meets Survivor in this Victorian-era story in which seven invitees be the last person standing-so to speak-to gain their hearts’ desires (which is different for each character). I loved the descriptive way the author wrote which allowed me to visualize “ancient buildings with rheumy windows” and feel the fog “cold as an embrace from the grim reaper.” Clara and Hunter are well-written complex characters with real life struggles and insecurities. I enjoyed following their journey toward a deeper faith. 

Despite the large number of characters, each was unique with her or her own voice, and thus I was able to keep track of them. I was surprised at the solution of the mystery, but perhaps I missed some of the clues along the way. I love historical novels that educate me about the era in which they are written, and 12 Days didn’t disappoint. There were a couple of “laugh out loud” moments which lightened the tension. The good news is that this is the first in a series. Dickens fans will especially enjoy the book, and it certainly should be read at any time of year.

May you and your family have a blessed New Year!

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for her local public library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, and choir member. To find out more about Linda and her books visit http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com.

Interview with Author Michelle Griep

 Today I am pleased to introduce author Michelle Griep!

Michelle's been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Welcome Michelle! We're so glad you could visit us today. Tell us about your book.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor is the first in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. The entire series revolves around the concept of second chances. I know, that doesn’t sound very Christmasy, eh? But think about it . . . at Christmas we celebrate Jesus coming down to earth to give man a “second chance.” Here’s a blurb for the first story:

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 five hundred 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.

Where did the inspiration for your story come from? 

3 different British authors.

I adore Bleak House. It’s my favorite story of all of Dickens’ work. I fashioned many of the characters after that quirky lot. I also thought it would be fun to combine those characters with an interesting situation, such as in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. As for the coin, that inspiration came from the ring in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing? 

Nobody likes to be whacked over the head with a Bible, yet Biblical truth is so needed in this day and age. Okay, well, in every age, honestly. I try to weave faith in to my main characters, either in their searching for it or in their sharing it.

Why did you choose a Dickens style story?

Mostly because my publisher wanted me to. But other than that, I’m an Anglophile at heart, so honestly anything set in England works for me. Plus, last time I visited England I toured the Dickens home in London. An actress posed as his housekeeper and did a smashing job of showing us around as if Dickens had just left his home. That really put me in the mood!

Oh, that sounds like SO much fun. What are you working on next? 

Currently I’m finishing up a French & Indian War story for the Mayflower Brides series. My story is The Captured Bride. Here’s a blurb:

Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he’s offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he’s the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought. Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Very interesting. I love that time period, so I'm definitely going to look that one up. Thank you so much for being with us! 

Thanks for hosting me!

Readers, leave Michelle a comment to get your name in the hat for her book!