12 Days At Bleakly Manor Review and Giveaway!

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 15 Comments

12 days at bleakly manor copy

About the Book

Bleakly Manor COVER

Name of book: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christmas

Release Date: September 1, 2017

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.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.
My Perspective

Can someone please take me back to 1850 in London, so that I may share this exciting experience with Clara? Oh my goodness what a creative storyline! The author had me right from the very start, trying to figure out just who did invite Clara to Bleakly Manor, and why? As she arrived and other characters were introduced, my interest heightened even more. The grand setting combined with twist, turns, and let’s face it – fun, made this a wonderful Christmas read. Or any time of year really.

Michelle Griep did a wonderful job of holding my attention through the entire story. There was so much going on that there was no time for sleep! I needed to solve the mystery, and I needed to see just who was behind all the strange things that were happening. And let’s face it, when you stick two characters together that had an abrupt ending to their relationship, there is bound to be some tension and excitement. And yes, the author delivered there also!

I recommend that you read this book immediately. Okay, if you don’t have time, then read it soon. It will be worth your time. And once you find the last words of the book, you will sigh, and begin the countdown for book number two!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of both Regency and Colonial historical romances but also leaped the writerly fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. Keep up with her escapades at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

 

Guest Post from Michelle Griep

Go Green With Victorian Christmas Décor

Guest post by Michelle Griep

Walk in any store and you’ll be bombarded with displays of Christmas lights, gaudy ornaments, and inflatable life-size lawn characters. Commercialization at its worst. 150 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Yearning to decorate in a simpler fashion this year? Here are some ways you can bring a bit of the nineteenth century to your home this Christmas…

TREE DECORATIONS

Queen Elizabeth’s husband, the German Prince Albert, introduced the concept of a Christmas tree to Windsor castle. And you know, if it’s good enough for royalty its good enough for the common folk, right? So, the tradition spread. Generally trees were brought inside on Christmas Eve and taken down on January 6th. Trees were decorated with homemade ornaments from paper or fruits and nuts, strings of popcorn or cranberries, or hanging cookies such as gingerbread men from the branches. And remember, an authentic Victorian Christmas tree would’ve been small, like small enough to stand on a table.

GREENERY

Holly. Evergreens. Mistletoe. Most Victorians couldn’t afford store-bought decorations even were there a commercialized industry at the time (which there wasn’t). So the next best thing was to bring in some free/natural ornamentations. Greenery would’ve been perked up with berries, ribbons, dough ornaments or flowers. Pinecones were also scattered throughout the house.

WREATHS

“Writhen” is the root word where we get the word wreath from. It’s an old English word meaning “to writhe” or “to twist.” While the art of hanging wreaths goes back to Roman times, Victorians continued the tradition.

CANDLES

Candles were primarily placed in one of two spots during a Victorian Christmas. A single candle in a window was lit to show that the house was willing to provide food and shelter to travelers. Candles were also used on each and every branch of a Christmas tree, which meant a huge danger of fire. Usually a servant would stand nearby with a bucket of water just in case the thing started to burn.

DRESDENS

Dresdens are ornaments hung from the tree, from a window, or really hanging pretty much anywhere. These were handmade by cutting out shapes (usually animals or trains) and painted with metallic paint so that they looked like metal.

And that’s about it. No obnoxious Santas or reindeer inflated on the front lawn. No psycho Christmas lights strobing enough to give every passerby a seizure. Just plain and simple decor that made the home feel cozy.

And speaking of cozy, how about grabbing a blanket and a cup of hot tea and settling in for a holiday read that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit? My latest release is 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, a Victorian blend of Dickens and Agatha Christie.

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Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift card and a signed copy of 12 Days of Bleakly Manor!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5b8

15 responses to “12 Days At Bleakly Manor Review and Giveaway!

  1. Yes! I just loved reading this book! Guess what?!?! A second one will be coming out in 2018!!! I’ve seen the cover…. EEEP!! I’m Super excited! <3

  2. Kay Garrett

    Thank you for your perspective of 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. After reading it, I know I must read this book. It sounds so interesting and exciting!

  3. Paula Shreckhise

    Michelle writes just what I want to read! I’ve wanted this book the minute I read the blurb! Thanks for the chance to win!

  4. Savings InSeconds

    I saw this book over on Sarah Ruut’s blog and immediately pinned. The cover and story intrigued me.
    Dianna

  5. carol L

    Thank you for that great review. I’ll definitely be reading it. Perfect time to read it too.
    I enjoyed your post with the Author Michelle Griep. Happy Holidays.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com