"The Beautiful Pretender" by Melanie Dickerson ... and a Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway (Litfuse Blog Tour)

My Review...

Reinhart Stolten, the Margrave of Thornbeck, has a problem. The king has informed him that he needs to find a bride immediately. Reinhart invites ten noble-born women to Thornbeck Castle to determine which woman would be the best choice. One of the ladies invited is Lady Dorothea of Plimmwald. She has no intentions of going, much to her father’s dismay. As Earl of Plimmwald, he has a stake in the Margrave’s marriage. In place of Dorothea, he sends his servant Avelina. Though the Margrave is intrigued with Avelina, she plans to do all she can to not be noticed or chosen. This will be challenging, especially as another potential bride seems out to get her. Will Avelina’s secret be uncovered?

Dickerson is known for her fairy tale retellings, and it’s certainly well-deserved! This is second in her “Medieval Fairy Tale Romance” series. The story is full of intrigue, courage, adventure, romance, and risk. It weaves in The Princess and the Pea and Beauty and the Beast, and takes place in 16^th century Germany. It proves that fairy tales are not just for children. There will be some familiar characters to those who have read The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. However, this book could easily be read as a standalone. Avelina is a strong character, both in spirit and faith. Reinhart is gruff but lovable. This well-written romance will have the reader rooting for a happily-ever-after ending.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Litfuse and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

To purchase a copy...

http://bit.ly/1NZuPiD

Litfuse blog tour landing page...

http://litfusegroup.com/author/mdickerson

Friday Reads: "The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" by Melanie Dickerson (and a GIVEAWAY!)

This Friday, I'm reading and reviewing The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson.

Melanie has graciously offered to give away a hard copy of the book to one lucky person (US only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. Good luck! (Contest ends August 31, 2015.)

My Review...

Odette Menkels longs to help the poor. She does her part by poaching deer from the margrave’s game park to feed them. It is illegal, so she does it in the secrecy of darkness. She lives with her uncle Rutger, who has been her guardian since her parents died. Many her age would already be married, but he is agreeable to her pickiness. She is searching for one who would also be willing to help the poor and, for her uncle’s sake, one who is wealthy.

Jorgen Hartman is the margrave’s foerster. He is charged with capturing poachers and seeing to their punishment. He meets Odette at the Midsummer Festival. He is intrigued by her but fears that her uncle would find him unworthy of her hand.

Odette is interested in Jorgen, until she learns his job. Then the realization that he could send her to the margrave’s dungeon for poaching sets in. He is very determined to find the poacher, as he wants to avenge his father’s death from a poacher. She knows what she is doing is wrong, but she feels compelled to continue in order to help others.

When two men propose marriage, Odette must determine whether or not she will follow her heart or marry out of obligation.

Dickerson pens a medieval fairy tale which is perfect for adults, with Odette being a female version of “Robin Hood.” Odette is a feisty and courageous character who wants to do what is right for everyone. Feeling responsible for others, even when it is not one’s place to do so, is a common occurrence for many. This is a beautiful tale with the perfect blend of danger, intrigue, and romance. This is the first book I have read by Dickerson, and it is not my typical genre to read, but it will not be my last.

Here's the Amazon link for purchase...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PCU5PG2?redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

a Rafflecopter giveaway