This touching holiday novella takes readers into the heart of Kate Dickens, a wife and mother navigating grief, faith, and the pressures of family life during one of the hardest Christmas Eves of her life. Much like her husband’s famous tale, Kate’s journey reminds us of the power of reflection and rediscovering joy.
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Title: A Carol for Mrs. Dickens
Author: Rebecca Connolly
Series: N/A
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
Any one that is familiar with Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol, knows all too well that when things get overwhelming, the best treatment is to go back through our experiences and try to understand where we came from and what we might have lost sight of.
Catherina Dickens (Kate) is having one of the hardest Christmas Eve’s yet. She’s pregnant with their tenth child, after the lost of their most recent one not too long ago, and she finds herself struggling to put on an act to enjoy the holiday festivities. Her husband is the man who has reignited the Christmas spirit in London and she’s working alongside him to put together their festivities, but her heart just isn’t in it.
Struggling with remembering the joy she used to have from this holiday, what her and her husband shared in that enjoyment, and finding her faith again are some of the main themes of this very short and beautiful book.
Just like in A Christmas Carol, Kate is whisked away to earlier memories of herself during this time of year in a reminiscent manner so that she can reignite her own passions and find that driving force that lives inside her. For her, she doesn’t need the fancy decorations or the lavish parties, but helping those in need and remembering her Faith are the cornerstones.
The thing I loved most about this book was how much it focused on Kate’s needs as a wife, mother and woman. She is struggling with her place in the household, sometimes feeling overwhelmed with all that comes with running the house with eight previous children and a husband. Kate certainly has her hands full. But those little reminders throughout this story of finding joys in every one of those moments, was something I carried deeply from this one.
A perfect start to my Holiday reading season and one I know I won’t forget anytime soon!
Publisher’s Blurb:
Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.
By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.
But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.
Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?
Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.
Catherine Dickens struggles with the burdens of Christmas despite her husband’s success with A Christmas Carol. A magical sprig of holly leads her on three journeys into her past, rekindling her faith and holiday spirit. This heartwarming tale celebrates love, faith, and the simple joys of Christmas.
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Final Thoughts:
With its blend of historical charm, heartfelt emotion, and timeless holiday themes, this story beautifully captures the spirit of the season. It’s a gentle reminder that true joy comes not from grandeur but from faith, love, and the simple, meaningful moments we hold close.
What is a holiday story—classic or modern—that helps you rediscover joy and meaning in the season?
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