A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a poignant Christmas story featuring a magical sprig of holly and three memories that restore Mrs. Dickens’ Christmas Spirit.

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction (1851), Inspired by a Classic, Charles Dickens, Magical Realism, Biographical, Inspirational, Novella, Christmas

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My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @ShadowMountn @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #ACarolForMrsDickens upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Catherine “Kate” Dickens is married to Charles Dickens and they are the parents of several children. Mrs. Dickens is feeling the stress of mothering, planning/hosting lavish parties, and decorating during the Christmas season. Through a magical sprig of holly, Kate revisits three memories from the past. Will these visits renew her Christmas spirit?

My Thoughts:

Inspired by a Classic

Fans of A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens will appreciate this atmospheric novella told from the perspective of Mrs. Dickens. This could be a fun companion read for the classic tale.

Relatable

Many women (and maybe some men) can relate to the burnout that Mrs. Dickens experiences! Buying the presents, hosting the parties, decorating the house, and meeting everyone’s expectations can steal the joy of the Christmas season. In addition to having eight (living) children, grieving the loss of a ninth, and one more on the way, Mrs. Dickens has a great deal on her plate. Mr. Dickens is a large and colorful personality who is kind, but he is not fully empathetic to his wife’s stress, circumstances, or mood.

Rediscovering the Joy

Through a magical sprig of holly and revisiting three memories, Mrs. Dickens rediscovers the joy and meaning of Christmas. I love how the author reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas as Mrs. Dickens puts this rediscovered joy into action in the concluding pages of the novella.

Recommending Title:

Fans of Rebecca Connolly know they are in good hands. A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is atmospheric, compelling, and poignant. Mrs. Dickens is relatable, and we cheer for her well-being throughout. With its message of the true meaning of Christmas, this will be an inspirational and wonderful Christmas read and gift! (Also, a great selection for #NovellasInNovember)

Content Consideration: death of a child (in the past), grief, depression

Related: Also by Rebecca Connolly: A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice, Hidden Yellow Stars, The Crime Brulee Bakeoff

My Rating: 5 Stars

More Information Here

Meet the Author of A Carol for Mrs. Dickens, Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She’s always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master’s degree from West Virginia University, and is a hot cocoa addict.

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QOTD:

Are you a fan of A Christmas Carol or Charles Dickens?

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All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).

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