Beautiful "Ugly Duckling" Retelling--"Castle of Refuge" by Melanie Dickerson—Review

 

My Review

"Castle of Refuge" by Melanie Dickerson is the second book in the “Dericott Tales” series. This is a young adult “Ugly Duckling” retelling. I was very excited to read more about one of my favorite side characters in the first book of the series, Edwin.  

Audrey and Edwin are the main characters of this story. I really appreciated that this tale includes someone with scars (Audrey has a deformity), someone physically disabled (Edwin lost one arm) and someone who struggles with a mental disability (Audrey’s sister).  It is wonderful to follow along with Edwin and Audrey and see how they grieve and learn to live with their scars and deformities.  One does not see a lot of main characters with disabilities.

Besides overcoming hardships, the characters also encounter adventure, danger and romance.  I love the faith aspects in Dickerson’s books and how the characters truly rely on and grow in their faith.  The lessons are always so beautiful.  Edwin wrestles with blaming and being angry with God for the bad things that happened to him.  He realizes God does not cause evil, but may have plans to use it in ways we cannot understand.  God brings the beautiful from the ugly.  Audrey learns scars are what make her beautiful--the things she has overcome and how she stayed gentle and kind despite it all. 

As with all Melanie’s books, I think readers of middle grade and young adult novels will love this newest addition. It’s a fun, clean, faith-filled and heartwarming adventure!

Content: I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are:  there is an emotionally and physically abusive and mentally ill sister; people drink ale; a girl was physically abused in the past; mention of the devil and of being possessed by a demon; mention of a large-busted woman; mention of other masters taking advantage of their servants; mention of a concubine.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson 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 the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

A Promising New Series by Beloved Author--"Court of Swans" by Melanie Dickerson---Review

 

My Review

“Court of Swans” by Melanie Dickerson is the first installment in her new fairy tale retelling series called “The Dericott Tales.”  This book is a retelling of “The Wild Swans.”  You do not need to be familiar with the tale to enjoy this sweet story.  

This story seems to be aimed mostly for the middle grade and young adult audience, but I also enjoyed it as an adult.  It is a plot-driven, quest type tale.  Our main character, Delia, must rescue her falsely accused brothers before they are killed.  I love the focus on the sibling relationships in this story and how much Delia will do for the love of her brothers.  Delia is very brave as she faces many obstacles.  She learns to be strong and courageous and to rely on God.  In the treacherous palace, she must find out who is her friend and who is her foe.  Who can she trust?  Both Delia and the other main character, Sir Geoffrey, are brave and put themselves in danger to do what is right and just.  They also pray and wrestle with the question of why God allows injustice.  I found the pacing of the story to be a little slow at times, but it is still a great read.

I love the lessons that can be taken away from this fun, wholesome read.  A big lesson the characters must learn is that sometimes God does not take away trials, but that He does walk with us through them.  Delia and Geoffrey learn about not judging others, justice, and that God is the ultimate authority.  They must learn that they have a choice as to how they respond to unfair things in life.  I love how Ms. Dickerson incorporates faith and lessons into her stories.  

Content: I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: mention of paramours and of a man who violated a woman; some men are drunk; mention of alcohol; a man accosts a woman with the intent of raping her but is not successful and nothing really happens; someone curses, but the words are not actually written.

 

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson 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 the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

Sweet Tea and Southern Charm--"Vixen's Diner" by Penny McIntosh—Review

 

My review:

"Vixen's Diner" by Penny McIntosh is “full of sweet tea, Southern charm and romance” (Goodreads).  I could not have said it better myself. Ms. McIntosh writes a contemporary romance with some magical realism.  The story takes place in a small Southern town.  I love the premise.  In the beginning, we meet Granny, who previously owned the family diner.  She wants Emmy to live the life Granny wanted for her and to not repeat the same mistakes of her ancestors.  She desires for Emmy to be strong and brave.  The only problem is Granny is dead and does not know how to contact Emmy. 

Throughout the story we watch as Emmy navigates life without her grandmother and is trying to run the family diner on her own.  We follow Emmy as she grows, makes choices and figures out who she is and what she wants in life.  Also, if you are into “book boyfriends,” I think you will really like Nick. 

Emmy learns some lessons along the way about not letting the past control her and that she has a choice in how she lives her life.  Be sure to read the special edition if you are sensitive to content.  There are some more serious themes in "Vixen's Diner,” especially surrounding a past boyfriend who is abusive and displays stalker-like behavior.  It is unsettling to read about his thoughts at times.  Overall, I really enjoyed this charming, nostalgic read!  I would recommend "Vixen's Diner" to anyone who enjoys Southern stories, romance, and contemporary women’s fiction. 

Content:  I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Be sure to read the special edition if you are sensitive to content.  Some examples of the content are: a woman is in an abusive relationship; women get pregnant and have children out of wedlock; the words “hell,” “sh*t,” “a**hole,” “b*tch,” and “da*n” are used; a woman is raped, but the book doesn’t go into detail; there is mention of losing one’s virginity; a man has an affair; sexual innuendos; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; characters drink alcohol and get drunk; there is a scene with a little foreplay.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars!

I bought this book with my own money.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Penny McIntosh is a stay at wife, and mom of three. She has a degrees in Religious Studies and Teaching, and has always been drawn to the mystical and the unknown (something she tries to incorporate into all her books). She is an avid reader, and finds that the silence of the twilight hours offers the most inspiration for writing.

To purchase the book click here (make sure to get the special edition if you are sensitive to content)
To visit the author's website click here