A FanFiction Interview

There’s something delightful about welcoming a character who has stepped out of the pages of a beloved classic and into a story of her own.

Maybe you remember Belle Beaumont as the young woman who once captured Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart and then had the good sense to release it when she discovered he’d rather embrace his money?

What became of Belle? As it turns out, quite a lot!

This morning, I’m welcoming Miss Beaumont to the Character Café. She’s recently inherited a London orphanage called Haven House, where the children are, well, spirited. Very bold at times. Furthermore, the staff are eccentric, and the building itself appears determined to fall down around her ears.

And then there’s a certain handsome barrister. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

Amy: Miss Beaumont! Welcome to the Character Café. I’m delighted you could join me. I hope you’ve managed to escape Haven House without anyone setting fire to something.

Belle: [Laughs as she removes her gloves.] My dear Amy, I should think it a remarkable achievement if I return to find everyone wearing shoes and the furniture still standing. As for fire, I sincerely hope we’ve had our fill of that particular calamity.

Amy: Oh, dear. Perhaps we ought to begin there. I understand you’ve inherited an orphanage. That sounds like a rather wonderful Christmas blessing!

Belle: It does, doesn’t it? I certainly thought so. I pictured happy children gathered around a roaring hearth, Christmas greenery adorning the banisters, and perhaps a little snow drifting past the windows [takes a sip of tea.]

Instead, I discovered a hearth that had nearly burned the house down, records in a state of utter disarray, and children who seem to possess an extraordinary talent for turning the simplest household task into a major disaster.

Amy: That does sound rather overwhelming. How many children are we talking about?

Belle: A sufficient number to convince me that managing an orphanage requires the patience of Job and the organizational abilities of Noah.

Amy: Laughing. Surely they aren’t all that troublesome!

Belle: Oh, they’re perfectly lovely. Individually.

Amy: How are the younger children?

Belle: Well, let’s see… Little Cricket fancies himself a dragon slayer. He has been known to stand upon the dining table brandishing a spoon as a sword. Then there are the twins, Tibby and Pippin, who seem to consider walking an entirely unnecessary means of transportation. And Birdie—[Belle closes her eyes briefly.] Let us simply say that strawberry preserves are considerably more difficult to remove from a carpet than one might suppose.

Amy: I rather think I’d enjoy visiting Haven House.

Belle: You are most welcome. Though I recommend sturdy footwear and a willingness to be struck by flying root vegetables.

Amy: Now, Belle, I’ve heard that amid all this commotion, a rather interesting gentleman appeared at Haven House. A barrister, I believe. Mr. Rafe Munro?

Belle: Ah. Yes. Mr. Munro.

Amy: That’s all? Just “Mr. Munro”?

Belle: What else should I say?

Amy: Well, I’ve heard he’s rather handsome.

Belle: [Straightens her napkin.] I suppose one might describe him so.

Amy: One might?

Belle: He is certainly a gentleman of striking appearance. Rather tall. Dark hair. Very fine eyes.

Amy: What sort of eyes?

Belle: [She hesitates.] The colour of a storm gathering on an August horizon.

Amy: Goodness, Belle! You noticed all that?

Belle: Really, you mustn’t make something of nothing.

Amy: Hmm. And what brought this impressive gentleman to Haven House?

Belle: He’s searching for a child. His nephew, or possibly his niece. There is some uncertainty surrounding the matter, and the records at Haven House may contain the answers he needs.

Amy: That sounds rather mysterious.

Belle: It is. And there is more at stake than you might imagine. Mr. Munro is also working to clear an innocent man. He has a great deal weighing upon him.

Amy: So he’s not merely a handsome gentleman with striking eyes?

Belle: [Her expression softens.] No. Not merely that. He has a very determined nature. And beneath that rather commanding manner of his, I believe there is a kind heart.

[She pauses, then looks mildly annoyed with herself.] Though I cannot imagine why you insist upon discussing Mr. Munro when there are so many other matters requiring attention.

Amy: Well, there is something else I’d like to talk about… You’ve known disappointment in love before. Your history with a certain Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge is rather well known.

Belle: [Her smile fades a little.] Yes. I suppose it is.

Amy: Was it difficult to walk away?

Belle: Very. I cared for Ebenezer deeply. But there came a time when I understood that the young man I’d loved had given his heart to something else.

Money is a very demanding mistress, you know. She leaves precious little room for anyone else.

Amy: Do you ever regret your decision?

Belle: I regret what might have been. I think anyone who has loved sincerely must occasionally do so. But I do not regret refusing to spend my life competing with a ledger book.

Amy: Smiling. That’s rather well put.

Belle: Thank you. Though I doubt Ebenezer would have appreciated the sentiment.

Amy: And has that experience made you cautious about trusting another gentleman?

Belle: Naturally. A woman would be foolish not to learn something from a broken heart.

Amy: Even when the gentleman has storm-coloured eyes?

Belle: [Belle nearly chokes on her tea.] Amy! You are incorrigible.

Amy: I’ve been called worse.

Belle: I’m quite certain you have.

Amy: I don’t know about you, dear readers, but I have a feeling Belle Beaumont’s Christmas is going to be anything but ordinary.

Here’s my review of her story:

I’ve always enjoyed Michelle Griep’s writing, and Belle’s Christmas Carol is another example of why. She has a wonderful way with descriptions, bringing the setting and characters to life without slowing the story down. Her writing is rich and engaging, with just the right balance of humor, romance, and heart.

One of my favorite things about Griep’s books is the way she weaves classic literature into her own stories, giving us fresh perspectives on minor characters we thought we already knew. I loved revisiting Belle, Ebenezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, and imagining what life might have held for her beyond the pages of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.

The mischievous orphans, quirky supporting characters, and charming romance make this a particularly enjoyable Christmas read. I especially appreciated the deeper themes of faith, forgiveness, and recognizing the worth of others. And Rafe is the sort of hero readers can’t help but root for!

My only complaint? I would have happily spent more time with these characters! A delightful little Christmas story that captures the spirit of Dickens while offering something fresh and heartwarming.

About the Book

Book: Belle’s Christmas Carol

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England and perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her garden scaring away armadillos.

More from Michelle

Why I Gave Scrooge’s Belle Her Own Christmas Carol

Guest post by Michelle Griep

I’ve always been suspicious of characters who appear just long enough to break your heart and then vanish without so much as a forwarding address. Belle from A Christmas Carol is one of those.

Scrooge, of course, gets the full treatment. Ghosts. Doom. Moral terror. A dramatic overnight transformation. Turkey delivery. The works. And yes, yes, it’s all very moving. But Belle? Come on. All she gets is one aching goodbye and then is shoved neatly into Scrooge’s past. So, excuse me, Mr. Dickens, but I have questions.

What became of the woman who loved Ebenezer before greed got to him? Did she regret walking away? Did Christmas ever sting? Did she build a fine, sensible life or did some little corner of her heart still ache for him or not? That wondering became Belle’s Christmas Carol.

In my story, Belle Beaumont unexpectedly inherits Haven House, a struggling London orphanage with fire damage, muddled ledgers, eccentric staff, and children who are more than rambunctious. Naturally, Belle decides she will set everything to rights and give the children the most splendid Christmas imaginable because—like me—apparently the woman has never heard of pacing herself.

Then along comes Rafe Munro, a handsome barrister searching for a missing child, and Belle’s tidy plans start to change. Oh, did I mention he’s single? That’s because I wanted Belle to be more than Scrooge’s lost love. I wanted her to have grit, flaws, hope, purpose, and a future all her own.

Because sometimes the story doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes that’s where the real story begins.