Book Description:
To live an unforgettable life, she would defy all expectations—including her own.
Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be
extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century
England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by
her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her prospects even further. Though
Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her
sister’s cruelty. So when her father announces his plans to marry off his
damaged daughter and bring Maris back home, Audrey decides to flee in search of
her true destiny.
However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon
finds herself attacked, sick, and in dire straits. She is taken in at Dericott
Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her
identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on
falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm
several months earlier and bears scars of his own.
Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new,
well-educated servant’s identity. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to
marry comes looking for her, each must make a life-changing decision about what
to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.
In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling
author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a highstakes, encouraging tale
about the power of love.
My Thoughts:
I love a good fairy tale, and Melanie Dickerson always delivers. In Castle of
Refuge, Audrey has a formidable enemy, her own sister. Edwin has an unexpected
burden to bear. Brought together by Audrey’s desperation to leave home, the two
fight the evil that surrounds them. Castle of Refuge is a beautiful tale of hope.
Audrey and Edwin must both confront their self-identity and see themselves as
those dear to them see them. This story has so many wonderful characters, even
the evil Maris. Dickerson does a wonderful job showing why Maris is the way she
is and how Audrey loves her sister despite her nasty ways. If you enjoy fairy
tales and Medieval times, or a good romance, you’ll love Castle of Refuge. I
received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.