Ever wonder about the woman Ebenezer Scrooge once planned to marry? Belle’s Christmas Carol answers that question. Author Michelle Griep gives Belle a full story, and we loved it. Our latest episode of Rebecca and Rebecca breaks down why. Read on for our spoiler-free take.
What Is Belle’s Christmas Carol About?
Belle Beaumont is Ebenezer Scrooge’s former fiancée. Out of the blue, she inherits a struggling London orphanage called Haven House. She dreams of a magical Christmas for the children. Reality has other plans. Fire damage has made part of the building unsafe. Meanwhile, the paperwork is years behind.
Enter Rafe Monroe, a barrister with a case to win and a missing child to find. His search leads straight to Haven House. Together, he and Belle dig through chaotic records. Love may be waiting in the answers.
A Christmas Carol Prequel, Not a Retelling
Many authors retell Dickens. Griep does something different. Her novella unfolds before the events of Scrooge’s famous haunting. Readers meet Scrooge in his full Scroogeness, “Bah Humbug” and all. Because of that timing, the story is different than “A Christmas Carol.” Even better, it changes how you see the classic. One of us admits she’ll never watch the story the same way again. Belle is now impossible to forget.
Belle Beaumont: A Strong Heroine with a Tender Heart
Belle is strong. Yet she is also deeply kind. She has volunteered at the orphanage before. Mrs. Trumbull, its head, was a close friend. Still, Belle has no idea what awaits on the business side. She gets just one day to decide. Then she steps in and takes charge. Her courage carries the story.
Rafe Monroe and the Heart of This Historical Romance
Rafe is a kind, dashing barrister. He has a solid reason to need those records. A family loss drives his search. Society adds pressure on both leads. In Regency-era London, appearances mattered enormously. Scandal could damage a whole family, not just one person. Consequently, the stakes feel real.
The romance never feels forced. Motivations hold up from start to finish. A few twists keep things fresh along the way.
Quirky Caretakers and Comic Relief
The caretakers, the Graybills, are pure fun. Eccentric is the kind word. Responsible might be a stretch. Even so, the children adore them. Their antics lighten the heavier themes. Dickens balanced humor and social commentary, and this novella follows suit. We kept wondering what the pair would try next. Honestly, one of us kept a running list.
Dickens Details: Chapter Headings, Court Scenes, and Cameos
Every chapter opens with a quote from the original story. Each one fits its chapter nicely. Court scenes add vivid period detail, itchy wigs included. Scrooge appears too, and Marley joins in. Fans would have been disappointed otherwise. Spotting these touches is half the fun.
Why This Christmas Novella Packs So Much In
This book is short. Even so, it feels full. Several subplots weave together. Readers get plenty of story for their time. Plus, it’s a quick read for a busy season. Fans of historical romance will be happy. Dickens lovers will be too. Newcomers need not have read the classic at all.
Belle’s Christmas Carol Audiobook Review
Prefer listening? The audiobook works well. The narration stays out of the way. That’s high praise, because nothing distracts from the story. It’s a great companion for baking, wrapping gifts, or holiday travel.
Coming Soon: Our Michelle Griep Interview
On November 25, we’ll sit down with Michelle Griep herself. Expect talk about Dickens, character building, and making a classic your own. In the meantime, press play on our review using the links below or wherever you find your podcasts. Then grab your copy of “Belle’s Christmas Carol” and settle in. Tell us your favorite Christmas read in the comments!
