Melanie DickersonBesprekingen

I enjoyed this creative retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. The author immediately captures readers’ attention and had them connecting with Louisa and her twelve-year-old sister Margaret as they plotted to derail their uncle’s plans to sell them off to the highest bidder. There were so many interesting side characters, as well as twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I stayed glued to the page awaiting the next turn.

Sir Charles is both a loyal knight and honorable hero. Louisa is so determined to find a means to free her sister that she hasn't considered the dangers she might encounter. She must do more than simply disguise herself as a boy. Sir Charles comes to the rescue. She was grateful to meet him but felt strange trying to act like a boy.

I liked how the cast grew as Sir Charles and Louisa neared their destination. Each encounter added to the plot; some were fun while other encounters made me wonder if this would all end well.

If you’re looking for a thrilling escape filled with knights, giants, and surprises, as well as characters you can relate to and root for, go no further. This book is for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I enjoyed this book much more on my reread.

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Writing this review is a struggle because I really don't know what to say about this book. For every thing that I liked, there was something that I was not fond of.
I loved the diversity and how Mulan grows throughout the story but I felt like her interactions with the other characters were scripted. . .a lot.
There was a lot of kissing in this book. I almost skipped to the end of the chapter. The romance was also super quick.
I liked the mentions of all the other books of the series. The family lines are explained in a clear manner but there were spoilers for the previous books of the series.
I can honestly say that I was a bit disappointed with this story, but it was still worth the read.

Personal Rating: 3 Stars
Content Rating: 2.5 Stars
*I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.

I knew there was a reason I DNF'ed the first time I tried to read this.

Celia is a spoiled brat. I'm sorry but that is as nice as I can be. Nearly every thought that she has is a complaint, and she can't see beyond her own nose. She is upset that she has to help take care of her siblings since her 14-year-old sister can't handle taking care of them by herself. I don't know a single 14-year-old who could handle what her sister did for as long as she did. Congrats to the sister.
I know that this book takes place sometime after the Civil War. Probably in the late 1870s or early 1880s yet Celia seems like a 21st century women. Throughout the whole entire store, she keeps on thinking that she can't get married or have a family until after she has established a career for herself. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a very modern opinion to have.
I do not understand why Celia and Truett like each other. Celia could never make up her mind and was like a pendulum when it came to Truett. One day she would be flirting and the next ignoring him. This happened for the entire book. I honestly don't know why Truett put up with that behavior. Just move on dude. Find someone who appreciates you.
This is more of a just me thing but I hated how Celia thought of the country and country people. No, we may not have all the sophistication of the city, but that does not make us any less. Celia went on a tirade every single chapter about wanting to be back in the city because the country has nothing to offer.
I was very unhappy with the ending. Truett drops everything important in his life to follow Celia to the city because she can't stand the country.

2 Stars

Content: lynching, gunshot wounds, kissing

If I'm being honest, this one exceeded my expectations but still was not my favorite by any means.
While I never go into these books expecting masterpieces, I expect that I'll get a quick and easy read that can just take me of whatever I'm worrying about at the moment. This book did just that.
I was not overly fond of the plot with the sister being the villain. To me, it always screams weak and somewhat unbelievable.
The only really big complaint that I have is the cover. If Aubrey is scarred, PLEASE for the love of cheese and crackers make the cover reflect what she looks like.
All in all, fans of Melanie Dickerson will like this one.

3/5

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

In the last Hagenheim story, Frederick and Adela meet by accident and what follows is a long period of difficulty for both of them.
One thing that is always fantastic in Dickerson's books is her prose. It has been consistent throughout the entire series and this book did not fail to meet expectations.
I fully expected this series to go out with a bang but alas, it did not. I know that I am always hit and miss for Ms. Dickerson's books, but this one was a miss, although there were some parts that I enjoyed. The story was a good idea but the characters were what people expect of lovestruck teenagers.
Also, this was quite the love-at-first-sight story. Adela and Frederick know each other for only a short time before they decide that they love each other, against the wishes of Adela's parents.

Rating: 3.5/5

Crude Language: N/A

Romance: quite a bit of kissing

Spiritual: both characters have strong faith

Violence: Frederick's father is a drunk who regularly beat him and his mother

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

When Steffen traves to Hamlin and learns of the beast terrorizing the people, he knows that he must stop it. Unfortionaly, to do that, he must work with Kat, the daughter of the mayor. They start hunting the beast and learn more than they could ever imagine, resulting in their lives being in danger.
Oh boy, so much of this book was phenomenal and I'm not quite sure where to start.
The plot was so intriguing that I could not put this book down, choosing to read it in one sitting instead. Everything about the plot and characters seemed more real than the previous books in the series. The characters struggled with forgiveness, their pasts, and what God has to say about that.
However, the writing seemed a lot more similar to Dina L. Sleiman's fairy-tale retellings as opposed to Melanie's typical book.
Overall, this was the best Dickerson book that I've read yet and I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates a clean fairy-tale.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 5 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Book uses several common fairytale themes (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White) in a believable medieval setting. It does have a fairly strong Christian line, which was unexpected based on the description of the novel, but its not too overpowering if its not your thing. It just fits in with the period and values its set in.

This book was a nice, if predictable, read. It's certainly not anything memorable, but it's definitely worthy of 2 stars.

In her latest Medieval Dericott Tale, Melanie Dickerson weaves a creative, romantic retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Lady of Disguise is a sweet hidden identity romance with a loving sister, handsome knight, treasure hunt, a giant, and plenty of adventure. As with all of Melanie Dickerson’s books, I enjoyed her clever twists on beloved fairytales and this book is no exception. It’s a sweet story of learning to trust in God and others while forging your own path and finding love along the way.

After Louisa’s parents died, she and her younger sister are forced to live with their ambitious aunt and uncle determined to find wealthy matches for the girls in order to increase their own standing. The gentleman they parade before the girls are often much older and unsavory. Determined to protect her sister and save them both from unwanted marriages, Louisa runs away seeking an ancient treasure guarded by a giant. She disguises herself as a boy and goes by the name of “Jack.” When she meets the handsome knight, Sir Charles on her journey, he joins her quest desiring to protect “Jack” who he clearly recognizes is a girl from the dangers that lie ahead. Along the way, they meet new friends, fierce foes, and even the fabled giant.

This was such a sweet story with lots of romance, action, and faith. I loved all the nods to Jack and the Beanstalk. Like Jack, Louisa is a bit naive in her quest to find the giant’s treasure. I loved the way Sir Charles took her under his wing and how their romance grew. Charles is recovering from a bitter betrayal and is not looking for a romantic relationship, but Louisa captures his heart and brings out his protectiveness. I loved how they worked together and helped not only each other but new friends in their quest. Their meeting with the giant offered a heartwarming twist.

Definitely recommend this cute YA Medieval romance to those 14 and up and to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Set in 1388, the Middle Ages, a tale of errant knights, an innocent maiden, with robbers, thieves, a giant and a wicked uncle, all thrown into the melting pot.
Eighteen year old Louisa Lenton didn’t want to marry the rich older men her miserly uncle kept presenting her with. Now he’s turning his eyes and plans towards her twelve year old sister, Margaret! Louisa has to break free, and find the hidden Viking gold their father had always talked to save them both.
Having grown up hearing about the giant and his Viking treasure up in Scotland, Louisa disguises herself as a boy and sets off to track down the treasure, the key to their freedom.
That’s when she meets a young, disillusioned knight who ignores the fact that Jack’s really a girl. He’s determined to protect her.
Off they go, Sir Charles Raynsford armed with his sword and knightly integrity, Louisa with her faith in Jesus, her prayers, and her goodness. Of course she keeps escaping bad situations by the skin of her teeth. The various people they meet include a widow making a pilgrimage to Canterbury (to my mind a character who could have been straight from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales). She’s by herself and of course the ever knightly Charles includes her in his protective orbit.
The tale is supposed to be based on Jack and the Beanstalk. I think the connection is somewhat tenuous.
A slightly otherworldly read where goodness naturally triumphs.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Hmm, (I suppose I need a new way to start my reviews, don’t I?), I tend to stay far away from young adult novels, as well as fairy tales. But a while ago Dickerson’s books popped up on my radar, they were reviewed by Lindsay from Books For Christian Girls, and I decided that I needed to try out the series. So over time I’ve read them and figure it’s about time I review them.
The Healer’s Apprentice is not the average sappy, happy, magical, cliche fairytale, it is a story of two successful people who fall in love even when they shouldn’t since one is promised to another. There is dark magic that isn’t truly magic at all, it’s a sinful man possessed by demons while I’m not sure of my thoughts on it but, ehh, the story was romantic, adorable, and perfectly lovable. A great thing young adult book series.

This book was so quick ... Or at least it felt like "The Peasant's Dream" was an easy book to read.

I wanted something sweet and yet adventurous to read before falling asleep, this fit the bill! Though I felt that this was more of a stand-alone than the 11th book in the Hagenheim series.

RTC

RTC

And I read this one this morning . . . RTC

RTC

RTC!!! Though it is stay up till almost 2 good...

Genre: Historical, fairytale,

My Rating: 4 Stars.

Recommendation: Anyone 13 .

My favorite character/s: Aladdin in this retelling is a different kind of hero, and I liked how he changed throughout the book. He was just so so hurt :-(, I felt bad for him when the book started... and the middle... and the whole book.... until he got his happyily ever after...

My Verse for Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. King James Version.


My thoughts: I have read most of Miss Dickerson's books, this one was good but not as great as her others. It felt rushed like it was written in a hurry and was not as well written. I still liked it a whole lot. I enjoyed how it was a little different from most of her books as well. This was a really cute and sweet story. I was really glad when I saw that this book was out.

Pretty good books! RTC...

Review to come

The Beautiful Pretender is a fitting sequel to The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. The book can stand on its own as a story, but is better having read the first book. Readers will be pleased to find Jorgen, Odette, and the Margrave of Thornbeck back in their lives. Both the beginning setup and ending are rather far fetched, but hey, it is literally a fairy tale romance, so what would you expect?! Dickerson's writing is exciting and engaging and she has deep sympathy for her characters. I would definitely read this book again.

This one is not nearly as good as the previous two in the series. It rehashes a lot of the same plot points as the other two, but not as well. The big twist is easy to guess about a hundred pages before it happens. The Christian messaging is too heavy handed.

I didn't enjoy this book very much. It cribbed heavily from the film Sabrina, and the final twist was telegraphed much too early. I had it figured out by page 47. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable, and the most interesting aspect of the protagonist (that she is a healer's apprentice) was barely relevant through most of the mid-section of the book. I was dissappointed because I had liked some of Dickerson's other books very much. Skip this one and read "The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" or "The Beautiful Pretender" instead.

This book takes place in England in 1388, a very different time, woman were to be owned and not really people, according to some. Two young sisters, one eighteen and the other twelve, are being raised by their aunt and uncle, or as you will soon see paying their way. The guardians now want more money to marry them both off, yes, both!

So the oldest decides to set off disguised as "Jack", can she pull it off? Wow what an adventure she is about to find and have, but can she return in time to save her sister?

I so enjoyed this story, could it be based on fact? Probably, a different time, but for this time it reads a bit like a fairy tale!

I loved the ending of this read!
I received this book though Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book had the potential to be a fantastic read. I mean, "Swan Lake meets Robin Hood"?! That sounded almost too good to be true. I love retellings, and am a huge fan of Robin Hood, so I delved right into this, expecting tons of action and swoon-worthy romance. And, partly I got it. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations, and I was left feeling just a little unsatisfied.

BUT! The good bits first. I really liked Odette as a heroine. She really has it all: she leads a secret double life, is a fantastic archer, and is compassionate and kind enough to take care of the city's poor children, feeding them and teaching them to read and write. I also liked the depth she had, struggling with all her internal conflicts (particularly when she questions whether her breaking the law in poaching can be justified by the fact that she is feeding the poor), as well as her past. I also quite liked Jorgen, who was also developed fairly well. And their romance really was swoon-worthy, and fluffy to the right point, so I was very happy and satisfied with that.

Unfortunately, there were also several things that didn't really work for me. For starters, the secondary characters just felt incredibly flat and one-dimensional, which for me is a really big deal in a book. And yes, there were a few "villains" that our heroes had to confront, but they never did feel particularly threatening or dangerous, except in a couple of scenes towards the very end. And this lack of tension was another of the reasons why I felt disappointed. From reading the blurb, I had gotten the idea that Jorgen and Odette would embark on a dangerous, action-filled adventure to uncover those responsible for the poaching ring. Well, no such thing ever happens! I'm not going to give any more details on this to avoid any spoilers, but this was a huge let down for me. And there were no big twists at the end to rescue this either, particularly since I saw the whole thing coming before I was even a quarter into the story...

I also had trouble being completely immersed in the story, since there were frequently points were I just had to stop and wonder how historically accurate this novel was. Of course, it is sold as a "Medieval Fairy Tale", so I wasn't expecting a history book, and I wasn't around in the 1300s, so I don't really know how things worked back then. But there were several instances where I just could not help but think that what I was reading felt really unrealistic, and that bugged me.

Now, let me be clear, this was not a bad read, and if you're even mildly intrigued by the blurb, by all means check it out by yourself! You may fall incredibly in love with this book, even though I didn't. I think I might have enjoyed it a bit more if I had been expecting less action (and magic! How can there be a fairy tale with no magic? I'm incredibly sad because of this...) and had gone for this just as a romance book. Because the romance really works, and the main characters are adorable, with all their complications and communication issues.

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