Have I mentioned before that Melanie Dickerson is one of my favorite authors? Yes, I know I have a lot of favorites, but she is one of them and her newest book has a beautiful story, fantastic characters, and a gorgeous cover to boot! I am also a lover of all things Austen and this series has many nods to Jane Austen's works.
"A Dangerous Engagement" by Melanie Dickerson is the third installment in "The Regency Spies of London" series. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but characters from the other books in the series do make appearances. Ms. Dickerson has mentioned before that she has gotten inspiration from Jane Austen while writing the books in this series. "A Dangerous Engagement" seems to have a lot of similarities to "Northanger Abbey" in particular. There are also some characters that remind me of characters from "Pride and Prejudice" and a certain section of the story brings "Emma" to mind. Ms. Dickerson inserts these tidbits from Austen, yet manages to weave her own delightful and unique story. I love that she adds the whole concept of spies and mystery. While some may find it a little slower than the first two books, it is still very good in its own right. At points it is especially hard to put down, as many of the chapters end in cliff hangers or a suspenseful plot twist!
The characters in this book are my favorite part. They are so well written and I really grew to love many of them and despise others. Felicity, our heroine (who doesn't think she is one), is nervous and emotional in the beginning. Her character changes a lot over the course of the novel and she is able to become more bold and courageous. She is more interested in wanting to make something of her life and instead of obsessing over the latest fashion; she can be found studying Chinese to become a missionary in China and quoting Hannah More. She often prays and learns to trust in God and look to Him when she feels anxious. What a great character and encouragement for those of us who struggle with anxiety! Philip, the hero, is very noble and has strong faith and morals. I also have a feeling many of us bookworms will find a kindred spirit in Aunt Agnes (I don't want to say any more and risk giving spoilers).
"A Dangerous Engagement" is another terrific book by Melanie Dickerson! It's a great read that can be enjoyed by young and old alike!
Content: This is a clean read, suitable for middle grade to adult readers. There is a mention that a character curses, but the curse isn't written. There is an instance where a character hears that at some house parties men take “liberties” with women. There is a reference to the marriage bed.
Genre: Christian historical fiction; Regency; Romance
Rating: I give this book four stars.
I want to thank Melanie Dickerson, Netgalley, Waterfall Press and Brilliance Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
About the Author:Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama.
She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine.
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.
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