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Celebrating a Friend’s Release with a Giveaway!

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It’s always a pleasure to attend a sister-writer’s book launch and help her celebrate a new release. I recently joined other friends and readers at the launch of Michelle Griep’s new Dickens-inspired Christmas novella, A Tale of Two Hearts. She looked gorgeous in her new gown, spencer, and bonnet!

Michelle is quite talented. She writes vivid, quirky characters, heartwarming romance, and delivers up some fun surprises along the way. I think this is a story many readers will enjoy as I did.

A Tale of Two Hearts is a lovely tale of second chances, surprises, and love that will leave you with a sweet sigh of satisfaction. Perfect for Dickens fans at Christmas or anytime of year.”

—Julie Klassen

To help celebrate Michelle’s release, I am giving away a signed copy of A Tale of Two Hearts. (I have not read its namesake, A Tale of Two Cities, have you? I admit I am daunted by the length of many Dickens novels—David Copperfield is over 357,000 words; almost 3 times longer than most of my novels! I have read Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol, and thoroughly enjoyed the mini-series adaptations of Bleak House, Our Mutual Friend, Little Dorrit, and others.) What about you?

To enter the giveaway, simply comment below (by 10/31/18) with either your favorite of Michelle’s books or, if Michelle’s books are new to you, your favorite Dickens novel or adaptation.

Merry (early) Christmas!

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Julie Klassen

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Comments

    • This author is new to me, but I really want to read this book. Not only have I read A Tale of Two Cities a couple of times, when I taught English I taught it at least twice. It is a fantastic story.

  2. I am currently listening to the audiobook for the first one in this series, 12 Days at Bleakley Manor. It is wonderful!

    Yes, I read Tale of Two Cities many years ago for school.

    I adore Michele Griep ‘s books. Thanks for the chance to win.

  5. I haven’t read any books by Michelle, but I do enjoy Dickens. One of my favourites is Nicholas Nickleby, and I also enjoy David Copperfield (even though it is a bit long). I’ll never forget A Tale of Two Cities though, it was my first of dickens and my high school teacher presented it soooo well. Can’t wait to pick up this similarity!

  6. I have never read her books before, but would like to! This book has a lovely cover. It won’t be long until Christmas is here! 🎄🎁☃️

  8. As both a French and English major in college, I found A Tale of Two Cities to be fascinating from an historical perspective. From a human perspective, it would have been a frightening time.

  9. I have never read Michelle’s books, but really like “A Christmas Carol” (short!). I have read A Tale of Two Cities, but think I would appreciate it more as an adult, rather than as a high school student completing an assignment.

  10. I’ve not been fortunate enough to read one of Michelle’s books YET. However, I’ve had “A Tale of Two Hearts” on my TBR list since I first learned about it. It sounds like an amazing book and one that I would enjoy reading.

    My favorite has to be “A Christmas Carol”. Love not only the book but all the movies adapted from it. I think I’ve seen every version and search them out during the holiday season to see over and over again.

    Thank you for the wonderful chance to win a signed copy of this very much want to read book!

  11. I haven’t read Michelle’s books yet. Looking forward to reading a new-to-me author. My favorite Dickens is Great Expectations. I’ve taught it to 9th graders for years. I will admit, however, that I prefer George Eliot and Jane Austen.

  12. I have not read any of Michelle’s books, but I think that needs to change!! I would love to win this. Thanks for the give-away!!

  14. I think my favorite of Michelle’s books is whichever one I finished most recently…which would currently be The Captured Bride. I am really looking forward to reading this one…I’ve got the first book on hold at my library!

  15. It would be worth it to write a Christmas tale so you could go to the store wearing fabulous clothes! These books are new to me, so I’ll say A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite Dickens’ books. We enjoy new versions every year. Congratulations! Merry Christmas!

  16. Michelle is a new author for me! I’m sure i read a Dickens’ book in school but that’s been a long time ago. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  17. Michelle’s books are new to me, but I love Dickens’ books (Bleak House, Little Dorrit) and would love to try one of Michelle’s novels.

  19. I have not read Michelle’s books but maybe that will change soon.
    I have read A Tale of Two Cities years ago and think of it now and then. I consider that a sign of a good book.😁

  20. I read Tale of Two Cities many years ago in High School, but I really enjoyed it. I have seen Michelle’s books on the shelves at the library, but have yet to read hers. I am very intrigued now!

  21. I loved The Captured Bride!!
    And my favorite Dickens Novel is A Christmas Carol! Oliver Twist too!

  22. I read the first book in this series at your recommendation, Julie, and am looking forward to this one. A Tale of Two Cities is so different from most Dickens’ books. I loved it and David Copperfield.

  23. The first book I read of Michelle’s was The Captive Heart. And I LOVED it! I’ve read a couple more of her books and enjoyed every one. Read the first book in her Dickens series and found it surprising, fun, and inspirational. I would LOVE to win this second book. Thank you for the opportunity.

  24. Thanks for the giveaway! The cover of Michelle’s new book is lovely!
    I love the “old-fashion” feel it has. Thanks for the giveaway!

  25. I have not read any of Michelle’s books yet!!! I am looking forward to reading this one because I love reading Christmas books! I think my favorite Dicken’s novel would be “A Christmas Carol”. I am definitely an Anglophile and have read all of your books. I can’t wait for your new one to come out. Looking forward to reading Michelle’s books too!

  28. I look to enjoy a new author thats comes recommend by one of my favorites Julie Klassen!

  29. I read the first Dickens adaptation, Twelve Days at Blakey Manor, and loved it!
    Would like to read this adaption too.

  31. I’ve just started on Brentwood’s Ward and I’m excited about it and this new one!! Love classics so this one will be right up there with them!

  32. My two favorite Charles dickens’ books are “A christmas Carol” and a tale of two cities.

  34. I have not read anything by Michelle, but I’m excited to have an author recommended by someone I admire. I love Dickens but only book of his I’ve read more than once would be A Christmas Carol, so I guess it is my favorite.

  35. I remember seeing the movie, “Great Expectations” in high school.
    It was the saddest movie I had ever seen.

  38. I love Michelle’s writing! And I am a huge Dickens fan even though his descriptions can get a bit excessive. A Tale of Two cities has a fabulous ending if you ever get the urge to read it!

  39. Last year I read 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and I enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading this one.

  40. Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities are probably my favorite Dickens’ books. The action in A Tale of Two Cities comes in the second half of the book, but it is a really great story! I remember my mom reading it aloud to my siblings and me during mealtimes.

  41. This is a new author to me. I enjoyed Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. Our local library hosts an evening with Charles Dicken’s great grandson acting all the parts of A Christmas Carol, and does a tremendous job.

  43. I have a couple of Michelle’s books on my Kindle, but I haven’t read them yet. I’ve heard such good things about her writing!

    I’ve read a few Dickens books and also seen some adaptations. Bleak House is my favorite – who doesn’t hope for good things for sweet Esther Summerson?

  44. How well I remember having to read and sometimes struggling to stay awake while reading “A Tale of Two Cities” as a freshman in high school. As an adult and being able to read it at a more pleasurable rate years ago, I fully enjoyed it. Michelle Griep is a new author to me, but her book sounds quite interesting. I would love to read Michelle’s book.

  45. I think my favorite book by Michelle Griep, so far, is Brentwood’s Ward. I would love to read A Tale of Two Hearts.
    Like you, I have read A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations and have enjoyed dramatic productions of several other Dickens’ stories.

  47. I’ve read and enjoyed several of Michelle’s books. The most recent was The Innkeeper’s Daughter. I don’t think I’ve ever read any of Charles Dickens’ books. My daughter has and said they were too wordy. Apparently back then authors were paid by the word. Thanks for giving away a copy of A Tale of Two Hearts. I liked 12 Days at Bleakly Manor.

    • Brentwood’s Ward is a good book! There’s a companion novel that follows it too. I think the title is “The Inn keepers Daughter”.

      • Thanks for letting me know. I have that book but haven’t read it yet. I didn’t realize the connection. I’ll have to read it sooner rather than later.

  50. Michelle is a new-to-me author. I have not read any of her works.
    An adaptation I like is `A Christmas Carol` I actually just finished listening to the original version.

  51. I’ve not had a chance to read any of her books. I remember A Tale of Two Cities in high school a long, long time ago!

  52. Michelle Griep is a favorite of mine, as is Dickens. My favorite from Michelle is “The Captive Heart” while my favorite book by Dickens is, without a doubt, Oliver Twist. Tale of two cities is a close second 😉

  54. I don’t know if I am too late for the giveaway, but my favorite is A (or The) Captive Heart. Looking forward to this Christmas story.

  55. I have read The Innkeeper’s Daughter and it was amazing. My favorite Charles Dickens is is a toss up between A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities.
    Heart felt thanks for this giveaway.

  57. Michelle is a Have Not Read yet so she’s New to me. Her books sound good like –> A Heart Deceived & Out of the Frying Pan.
    As for a Favorite Book by CD I will say
    🎄❄🎄 A Christmas Carol 🎶💖🎶
    Thanks for the chance 😊🍯🐝😊Just to let everyone know
    There are quite a few of Dickens’ Books 📚 on Amz Kindle for Free

  58. I am always looking for a good new book and author. I would love to read this new book. Yes. I have read A Tale of Two Cities. I think that Great Expectations is my favorite Dicken’s book

  59. I love her books!! So far, my favorite is “The Captured Bride.” I’m so excited she has a new book!

  61. I am ‘new’ to Michelle Griep and I would love to read this novella as an introduction to her writing.

  62. Michelle’s books are new to me. I love the story of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. I’ve not read the book (huge books are daunting to me!), but Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, does a wonderful musical presentation of it every year during their Christmas Festival. I LOVE it! <3

  63. I really liked her book Brentwood’s Ward! I admit, it is the only book I have read of Michelle Griep’s, but I really enjoyed it and would love to read more of her works! 🙂

  65. This author is new to me but this sounds really good! I look forward to reading it soon! Thanks for the chance to win it!

  67. I have not read any of Michelle’s books yet. I have read A Tale if Two Cities (required reading in high school), but A Christmas Carol is probably my favorite (my sister and I always watched (Mickey’s Christmas Carol each year when we were in elementary school).

  71. I loved Twelve Days at Bleakly Manor. ThT was such a good book. Would love to read this new book. Thanks for the chance to win.

  75. The Innkeeper’s Daughter is my favorite so far, but I love everything about how this one sounds. Classic touches and Christmas setting? Yes please!

  76. The only book that I’ve read by Michelle was The Innkeeper’s Daughter, and it was so good! I can’t wait to read her other books, and several of them are on my TBR list!

  77. Michelle is a new author for me. I really enjoyed A Tale of Two Cities when I read it in high school. I reread favorite scenes periodically.
    But my favorite Dickens work is A Christmas Carol. 🙂

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