Saturday, June 4, 2016

Fiction Book Review: The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description: 
What happens when a margrave realizes he's fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave's bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina's best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can't deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse---far deadlier---consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost? 

My Review:
Melanie Dickerson is an expert writer of fairy tales. From the setting to the language she uses, I felt ensconced in the story from beginning to end. I loved the story of a maiden servant put in the dilemma of pretending to be a noble lady. Then she was told not to let the margrave (prince) fall in love with her. But she's so sweet and lovable! The internal struggle mixed with physical situations led to some real predicaments. Avelina's brave heart opens for her friends as she shows her true self despite her hidden agenda. Melanie did a superb job developing intriguing  characters and creating a wonderful world to get lost in for awhile. I'm so glad there are fairytales for adults, because I've never outgrown my love of them. Escape into The Beautiful Pretender this summer. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.


About the author:
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

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