A Carol for Mrs. Dickens

By: Rebecca Connolly

Narrated by: Evelyn McCauley

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.

©2025 Rebecca Connolly (P)2025 Shadow Mountain Publishing

A New Spin on an Old Classic

This is a sweet, fresh take on A Christmas Carol from the perspective of the wearied Mrs. Dickens. Rebecca Connelly does a beautiful job reminding the reader of the true heart and purpose of Christmas — first and foremost in Christ’s birth and also in the importance of family — without being heavy-handed. A quick, light read to get you in the holiday mood.

Evelyn McCauley was the perfect choice to narrate this book. Her voice is soothing and her performance of the characters was delightful.

Beautiful, sweet and lush

What a sweet Christmas story! I love the touch of magical realism, The, lifting up of Jesus’s name, and the family warmth of this story. Just precious. The only problem – I wish it would have been longer.. And that’s a good problem to have.