Jacob T. Marley

This was by far one of the best and most poignant books I have ever read. It had an effect on my heart that not many books do. One of my favorite stories of all time is “Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.” However this book may supersede even it! It was fantastic and it stayed true to the original story. I couldn’t wait to sit down and open the book and continue reading on my kindle. I don’t purchase many hard copies anymore, mostly digital. But I have ordered a hard copy of this one that will be displayed for all too see among my favorite books of all time! Thank you William Bennett for creating this story.

While it seems somewhat superfluous to add another review, this novel deserves all the accolades it inspires. I am not a particular fan of the theology of Purgatory, yet William Bennett has masterfully crafted what it might look like for this particular individual, and in such a way that is difficult to put down. Our good works do not earn our redemption, yet their presence gives evidence of it. When you finish reading this, your heart will have much to contemplate and give thanks for to William Bennett. Blessings.

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I loved it. I have always loved the story of The Christmas Carol and the dreams that turned Ebeneezer's life around. But one does wonder about Jacob Marley, what caused him to carry those heavy chains and what decisions he made in his life to create this horrible world he had created for himself. It is a great read and something I think all of us need to read to prevent us from making the same mistakes. It will make you appreciate The Christmas Carol even more and you will see the love that one man can have for another.

An interesting take on Scrooge's partner. It was a quick read and one that I really enjoyed. I won't spoil it, but suffice to say if you enjoy the "A Christmas Carol" story, then you should give this short a try; I don't think you will be disappointed. The story was well crafted and flowed well. It had a good plot and I loved the way the characters from A Christmas Carol were interwoven into this story. It is a definite companion piece to the original. I can't think of a single thing that I disliked! I've read it twice already! 5 out of 5 stars.

If you are a Christmas Carol fan because you like stories about the human condition, redemption or lack thereof, this is a great book. Follows the source material without being an outright verbatim of it. R. William Bennett does a great job a borrowing from Dickens style of humor and well-placed comments as a narrator talking to the audience. Every year, I read A Christmas Carol as a place of respite during the overcommercialized holidays and this book will be a wonderful addition next year. I really loved this book and I'm buying it as a gift next year for the holidays to the readers in my family. Hardcore Dickens fans have criticized the book as certain elements weren't spot on but I give a lot of credit for thinking of an added realm that was only hinted at in A Christmas Carol. There's one small storyline glitch (no spoilers) that keeps it from getting a five but the book has wonderful moments, is well-written, exhibits a lot of creative thinking that I still recommend it heartily.

As the title of my review says, I honestly was surprised when I got into this book that it wasn't written by Charles Dickins. I grew up watching "Mickey's Christmas Carol" & "Muppets Christmas Carol", seeing the play "A Christmas Carol", and watching a few real-life Christmas Carol movies on TV. ...So I think I have a good idea of what Mr. Dickins' tone & syle is without ever reading the book.So when I listened to the amazing writing & performance of THIS book I was sucked right into the story and message that SO compliments the original that it is like another testament of the Christmas spirit. I definitely recommend this book. =)

Love, love, love this book! If you're a fan of the original Dickens story (like me), you're going to be amazed at how well this author's writing fits the mold of Charles Dickens. The style of writing and dialogue is SPOT ON for the Dickens era. The story is VERY well developed and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Dickens himself would give a standing ovation - I'm certain!

I thought this was extremely creative, and loved how it wrapped itself around the original Christmas Carol. The author has great original ideas for what Jacob Marley could have been like, and how that could have influenced Scrooge. I also like the ideas that extension beyond the end of the normal Christmas Carol. I’m a Christmas Carol junkie, and this meets my standards!!

Absolutely wonderful other side to A Christmas Carol. Window they become who they were and how Marley saved Scrooge. Brilliant concept and I imagine Charles Sickens would approve. Absolutely wonderful book.

Maintains the style and does well to use the grand old story of A Christmas Carol and give it a fresh twist. Moving and joyous. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This great story is of a similar length to Dickens A Christmas Carol and fills in many of the gaps left by the original story and throws in a few twists of it's own. The author deliberately uses similar language to give the story a Dickinson feel. A great little Christmas read.

Excellent. Love Marley music. It arrived on time and in good shape and I am enjoying it.