A Carol for Mrs. Dickens - by Rebecca Connolly (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Connolly's short novel (it can easily be read in a single sitting) is a charming variant on Charles Dickens's famous story. Kate is an intelligent, capable heroine . . . A section on Victorian Christmas traditions (which have largely shaped our own celebrations) will add to the reader's enjoyment."

-- "Historical Novel Society" (11/4/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Readers will be drawn in by how Connolly imagines what it would have been like in the warm household of Charles Dickens, especially during the Christmas season. Fans of Dickens and his era will enjoy this quick and inspirational read. The book has black-and-white illustrations that add to the Victorian flavor."

-- "Booklist" (7/17/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than two 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 received a master's degree from West Virginia University.