After the Spirits Come
Beth Ford
UK release date 11th February

'My advice is never to look down on kindness no matter where you find it. It's rare enough as it is ...'

Dickens' A Christmas Carol is one of the finest pieces of literature ever written - but, have you ever wondered what happened to Scrooge after Christmas Day? Did he change? Did he make amends? Well...this very well written, original, inventive and very thought provoking story is about to make you stop wondering. It explores the effects that Scrooge's actions had on people, their lives and their families as he attempts to rectify all his past wrongs.

We are reintroduced to old friends, Bob and Mrs Cratchit, Fred and Clara and Bob's children. We are also introduced to some questionable characters who are sent to make Scrooge pay and seek revenge for his past wrongs. It brilliantly explores how distrustful and pessimistic the human race can be as many close to Scrooge find it hard to believe how a person who has done so much wrong in their lives can change and make amends.

There were some real heart in your throat moments as Scrooge is taken in by a doctor who believes he has severe mental health issues. Some very thought provoking and heart wrenching moments and other parts that make you remember that anyone can change and love again no matter their age. Easy to read, gripping, quite funny, sad and uplifting. A perfect follow up to such a brilliant book 🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank you Peony Books and Victory Editing Net Galley for the advanced e-copy

Thanks to Peony Books and NetGalley for this ARC of 'After the Spirits Come: A Continuation of Dickens's A Christmas Carol' by Beth Ford.

I love Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' - have read the book umpteen times, seen all of the TV and film adaptations, the stage adaptations - so was intrigued by the premise which, essentially, is 'what happens next?'

Starting a week after his famous Damascene conversion it becomes clear that just because an individual has changed and wants to live a different life doesn't mean that they leave their past behind them and the impact they have on others and circumstance goes away.

This premise is very well carried through by the author - she marries the individual stories with cultural and societal views at the time and weaves an believable yarn in which all of the characters of the original novel are fleshed out and new characters introduced.

The only slight jarring element was the use a couple of times of modern/US idioms - 'jerking' people around springs to mind immediately as a term that I can't imagine being a colloquialism in Dickens-era London.

Very enjoyable.

For all lovers of Dickens and Scrooge.
Great storytelling, it was lovely to find out Scrooges future and how he continued along his path of doing good. Great to see him sharing his business with a new partner. The book really evoqued 1844 in Victorian London.

Oh what joy. This book is so lovely to read and as I love love love the familiar story of Ebenzer Scrooge this was a great 'follow up'

It is well written and the story well thought out. I am not giving any spoilers but I think that everyone will love this as much as I did ..

Marvellous