Pages

02 January 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

The Fairest Beauty


Zondervan 2013


Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****


Enchanting!


In The Fairest Beauty, Melanie Dickerson sweeps us away on an enchanting, whimsical journey set during the medieval era in a captivating spin on the alluring classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The reader is immediately transported to another time and place -- one of lords and ladies, exotic castles, a wicked Duchess, and a lovely, charming cottage hidden deep in the forest...the Cottage of the Seven!

Our beautiful 17 year old heroine, Sophie, is trapped in the clutches of the abusive and evil Duchess Ermingard -- destined to spend the rest of her life in Hohendorf castle as little less than a servant. The duchess is envious of the maiden's enchanting beauty, and keeping Sophie's identity a secret from all, makes it her lifelong pleasure to torment and abuse her.

A mysterious, handsome nobleman, Gabehart, comes to Sophie's rescue, and whisks her off to safety -- to the Cottage of the Seven, narrowly escaping the duchess and her henchmen. Sophie and Gabe must fight off a budding romance because he informs her that he is already betrothed and shockingly so is Sophie -- to his brother. But just as Gabe and Sophie are being well taken care of by the seven dwarfs, new and life threatening danger appears and long buried secrets arise as darkness threatens to envelop the lovely lass.

Will the two make it to Sophie's betrothed's castle safely...or is there to be no happily ever after in her destiny? For even should they make it to Hagenheim, can Sophie even dare to think about life without Gabe in it? Will she be able to give up love for the sake of tradition? And will Sophie and Gabe allow God to heal their hearts of past wounds and hurts?

Melanie Dickerson is one of the finest writers in Christian fiction today. Her stories are filled with adventure, suspense, romance, twists and turns, and heart pounding action! Inside of every woman is still that little girl who once dreamed of her Prince Charming and "happily ever after", and Melanie satisfies that need in each of us to become that young lass again...even if only for a short while. This is a fantasy and the reader should regard it as such. The characters are very endearing...especially the delightful seven dwarfs...and I just love how much Gabehart evolves throughout the book! I really enjoyed this novel and could barely put it down once I got into it...very nicely written, Melanie Dickerson!

I received an ARC of this novel from Zondervan in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased from Amazon, CBD, and Barnes and Noble.




GIVEAWAY: Melanie is giving away a signed copy of The Fairest Beauty to a US commenter who answers the question below. 
International commenters cannot be entered in this giveaway.

QUESTION: When you were a child did you dream of a knight in shining armor who would whisk you away on his white horse or a certain career choice perhaps? Did your dreams come true?

138 comments:

  1. I really, really love your review, Diana! The book sounds so much fun!

    Well, I'm still dreaming about knights, horses and castles. The medieval era is my favorite historical time period, so I guess I'll never stop dreaming about it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MARIAN, we never DID grow up, did we? LOL It is a fun book and has all those things in it, so you should love it! Thanks for your kind words!

      Delete
    2. MARY, it is! Please come back and leave your email in case we draw your name to win it! :)

      Delete
  2. A wonderful review DIANA for this gorgeous book!! I'm REALLY looking forward to getting my copy in the mail and getting 'swept away on this journey'! I just LOVE Melanie's writing and I love getting carried away to other fascinating times and places... such as the medieval era! :)

    Not sure if I ever dreamt of knights in shining armour but my husband ended up being mine... and instead of a horse, it was a motorcycle! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A motorcycle will work, NOELA! haha Melanie is an extraordinary author and this book will definitely "sweep you away!" :) Thanks, NOELA!

      Delete
    2. I love motorcycles too, Noela! My dad bought one for my brother and me when we were kids, and that was so much fun. We lived in the country and had lots of great places to go riding. And I'm so glad your husband is your knight in shining armour!!! God gives us what we need.

      Delete
  3. Wow, GREAT review Diana! This is the book I've been waiting for and I'm thrilled it's being reviewed here :) LOVE the cover and anything Melanie writes I have learned is a MUST read!
    My goodness the trailer makes the story sound that much more captivating, can't wait to read this one! 5 stars!!! Not surprised but still impressed :)

    As a child I did dream of a knight who would be worthy of my heart so that we could venture off together and never be apart. I didn't dream of being rescued, but I dreamt of being on equal terms with the knight. His anointing, his heart, and his goals would match mine and we would have fun adventures together :) My dreams have not come true yet, but God has them in motion and me prepared while I wait for this knight :) I have learned to never stop dreaming and trust God with the results. GREAT question :)

    Thanks for the giveaway (please include me in this one) and best wishes to all who enter! Diana, it was truly a pleasure to see your comments in this one. So glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and blessings, Kara

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KARA, we must pray you up that special knight who is worthy of your heart! One of the brothers (no spoilers here!) in The Fairest Beauty is still available! :) Thank you so much for your kind comments today; always love reading what you have to say!!!

      Delete
    2. Oh, Kara, I do pray God will bring your knight to you! In the meantime, God is your knight! He knows your heart and all your needs and desires, and he longs to give good gifts to his children! So let him be your other half! And when I was single, I decided I was going to do the things that I might not be able to do after I got married, so I did what I had always wanted to do. I quit my job and went to Ukraine for a year to do mission work. And I treasure that time very much. And that was also when God brought me my husband!

      Delete
    3. Diana, you may already know this, but my next book, The Captive Maiden, is my Cinderella story, and Gabe's brother, Valten, is the hero!!! ;-)

      Delete
    4. No, I didn't know that, MELANIE!! He surely needed his own story! I can't wait!

      Delete
    5. Yes, Valten definitely needed his own story! He is my true Alpha-male hero! The strong silent type. My daughter, who has read all my books, really loved that story, even more than The Fairest Beauty! It's set to come out in October. I hope they don't push back the release! Say a prayer!

      Delete
  4. As with most young girls I guess I dreamed of a prince or a knight. God did send me one--I call him my "sweet prince". He doesn't fit the criteria of a medieval knight on a white horse, but he is my prince---the most precious gift---a man of love, loyalty and honor! Please enter me. Blessings! Darlene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A man of loyalty, love, and honor -- that IS a precious gift! And God sent me one as well, DARLENE! Lots of luck in the giveaway!!

      Delete
    2. Darlene, how awesome! God is good. :-)

      Delete
  5. Yes, when I was a child my mother died the month before my sixth birthday. All through my life I prayed for a Protector. After becoming a born-again Believer when I was 31, and read Psalm 139, I found my Protector had indeed been with me all through my life. Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net And He will never leave me nor forsake me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KATHLEEN, what a lovely and sad post...you made me tear up this morning. I'm so sorry about the loss of your mom at such a young age. That had to have been unimaginably difficult. And no, He will never leave thee nor forsake thee!

      Delete
    2. That is so true, Kathleen! God is with us, protecting us, even if we don't see it or know it. He knows the pain of our hearts and he is our healer. That was one of the themes of this book, and has been a theme of my life. God heals our pain, whether it be an abusive stepmother, as in my Snow White character, or the pain of losing a mother at such an early age. God heals us, but we have to give our hearts to him and let him heal us. Might not be easy, but worth it!

      Delete
    3. ♥ ♥ ♥ Yes. My very favorite Psalm 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

      Delete
    4. There are so many treasures in the Psalms!!! Great one, Kathleen!

      Delete
  6. Oh, thank you for that sweet, lovely review, Diana! You made my day!!!
    And yes, I did dream of something. I dreamed that I was really a princess and that my true identity would day be revealed! LOL! Actually, I did realize as an adult that I am in fact a princess, as we all are, because our Father is the King of the world, the one true King, who loves us more than even our parents love us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are indeed a lovely princess who makes all of us readers very happy, MELANIE!

      Delete
  7. Lovely review. It sounds like a wonderful book!

    I never dreamed of knights in shining armor, for some reason. I dreamed of weird places and battling food. I don't know what that says about me . . .

    katelynmwhitley@Yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, Katelyn! I always dreamed of going to exotic places, too, and my dreams came true when I spent 6 weeks in Germany and a year in Ukraine! But I don't think I've ever dreamed of battling food--but I do battle it in real life! Eating too much of it!

      Delete
    2. KATELYN, you are just too adorable!! lol Lots of luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  8. Great review...the book sounds very interesting. I like that time period and love historical Christian fiction that take me back to that time. Please enter me into the contest.

    I do remember dreaming of a "prince on the white horse kind of man" to come into my life. I did not have to wait long, I met him in high school and we married the year after I graduated. The Lord blessed me with a loving, caring, devoted man, we have been married 41 years!



    Blessing, Tina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like a happily ever after, Mrs. Tina, if I ever heard one!!! God is our provider. ;-)

      Delete
    2. I'm with MELANIE, Mrs. TINA! Sounds like a fairytale romance to me!

      Delete
  9. I am SO looking forward to reading The Fairest Beauty. The cover is beautiful.
    I really can't say that I dreamed of a knight in shining armor would whisk me away. Not sure if I believed anything like would ever happen. I did dream of being an artist or do something with my creativity. My biggest dream was having a beautiful family and have the feeling of belonging.
    With God, I have that feeling of belonging, have a beautiful family with my husband (there really is a knight and shining armor, after all) and two little babies, and I have a chance to work on my creativity when time permits. I hope one day to be able to sell my work. Dreams do come true.
    amyc
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AMY, you do have the most beautiful babies, and yes, dreams do come true! I can attest to that and so can MELANIE, I'm sure!

      Delete
    2. Amy, dreams really do come true! I'm so glad your dreams came true! God knows our hearts, and he knows our hearts' desires, and since he loves us so much, I'm not surprised when he gives them to us! God is good.

      Delete
  10. I'm new to this blog and absolutely love it! :o) To answer the question, I married my prince.. minus the white horse.. Well.. I already had the horses, so I guess I provided the horse. LOL! Thank you for the giveaway!! :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WHATS BEYOND FORKS, thank you so much! We are so delighted to have you here and hope to see you often! I guess you had the dowry. lol Dropping your name in my cyberhat here and good luck to you!

      Delete
    2. Ha! You provided the horse! Good for you! ;-)

      Delete
  11. Well, I was already dying to read The Fairest Beauty, so your review, Diana, is just plain cruel!!! Now I'm salivating and drool is NOT good for the laptop ... ;)

    Stellar job, my friends, both the review AND the book, I'm quite sure.

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, you're so sweet, Julie!!! :-) Julie, who is a superstar-amazing author! But also one of the best people in the world!

      Delete
    2. No, drool is definitely not good for the laptop, JULIE, but it's probably all over my MS of The Fairest Beauty! lol Thank you for your kind words and yes, a totally stellar job on the book! Oh, and that cover!!

      Delete
  12. I just finished The Merchant's Daughter and I enjoyed it very much. I agree, she's a fabulous writer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you, Jessica!!! ;-) Hope you will like this one too.

      Delete
    2. JESSICA, so great to see you here! Lots of luck in the giveaway!!

      Delete
  13. What a lovely cover! Thanks for the review Diana, the book sounds intriguing.

    I can't say I dreamed of knights but I would live to travel Europe and visit castles.

    I have yet to read any of Melanie's books so thanks for the chance to win The Fairest Beauty.
    Blessings
    Janella

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janella, what a beautiful name! And Grace is my daughter's name, so I love that too! ;-)
      I've always loved castles and I got to visit a couple when I was in Germany. Would love to go back, and would love to go to England too!

      Delete
    2. JANELLA, I have never visited a castle in my life! So I just have to do it thru MELANIE'S books which is just fine with me!

      Delete
  14. I can't wait to read this book!

    I definetly had dreams, and they have come true :). I dreamed of being a writer since I was seven years old. Sometimes I can't believe I actually get to be one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie, I'm so excited for you!!! ;-) God is good. Sometimes we have to wait, but He always blesses!!!

      Delete
    2. KATIE, congrats to you! Can't wait to read one of your books!

      Delete
  15. I have my Kindle copy pre-ordered, Diana, and am looking forward to reading this book!!! Melanie is such a sweetheart--and a great accountability partner, too! Great review! Loved the last book so am hoping I love this book as much as you did, Diana--am sure I will!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, CARRIE! And since you want to be Cinderella (see Carrie's interview with Debbie Lynn Costello), you will love Snow White...er uh, Sophie that is! ;)

      Delete
    2. Yes, it is great getting in touch with my inner child and romantic, lol! I was obsessing over that question and that is the story and heroine that came to me, lol! Of course, since we are going to Disney soon, that might have influenced me!

      Delete
    3. We lived 10 minutes away from Disney in CA, so I've been there so many times and we all love it for that very reason, CARRIE! We get to be in touch with our inner child, and that's what Melanie's books do for me, although they are not for children -- if that makes any sense.

      Delete
    4. Yes, that does make sense! We've been to both Disneys, Diana, and they each have their own charms. The one in FL is so huge, though...

      Delete
    5. Hey, Carrie! I hope you like it! And I can't wait to hold your first published book in my hands one of these days!!!

      Delete
  16. HMMMM. Well, I always loved fairy tales, and day dreamed, but I never really dreamed about the knight in shining armor thing. I always imagined a great adventure where we both did amazing things. I don't know why but I was never interested in the Cinderella version where the prince rescues her. I preferred Disney's Little Mermaid, where she is just as strong as he is. :)

    Melanie I can't wait to be able to read your book! Thanks for the opportunity to win it here! Thanks Diane!

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a.) Chavez

    amada_chavez[AT]yahoo{DOT}com

    Exodus 14:14

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sophie has her very strong points, but must have a handsome hero to at least help get her started on her journey, AMADA! ;) Good luck to you!! Loved The Little Mermaid, too!

      Delete
    2. Hi, Amada! You made me think of the Stasi Eldredge book, Captivating. It talks about how each girl has a longing in her heart to live a great adventure! It's a great book about God and his love for each woman. Truly powerful.

      Delete
  17. I'm not sure that the knight in my dreams had a white stallion, but the real-life one I got has a really great truck. :D Funny, how life seldom turns out like you thought it would.

    This author is new to me, so thank you for 'introducing us.'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Truck...stallion, it's all good, RHONDA! LOL This is MELANIE'S 3rd book and I would highly recommend the other two as well...The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter (my personal favorite!) All fabulous reads!!

      Delete
    2. Hi, Rhonda! I glad you got a real-life knight. Does he let you drive the truck? ;-)

      Delete
  18. I never did dream of a knight on a white horse, mine was a little more of a Roy Rogers on a palomino or a black... I also had dreams of being everything from a ballerina to a detective, but by the time I reached 12 or so I decided I wanted to work in a library, I don't work there but I spend a lot of time volunteering there and at the Museum. BTW, I am still waiting for the knight/cowboy....

    I am really looking forward to reading this book. I enjoyed the first 2 so much that I have recommended them to friends. Keep up the good work Melanie, can't wait to read more of your stories!
    Jasmine A.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JASMINE (love your name), we must pray you up a wonderful cowboy/knight! I have so enjoyed MELANIE'S books as well, and like you...I can't wait to read the next one! Here's hoping for a win for you, gf!

      Delete
    2. Hi, Jasmine! Thank you so much for recommending my books to your friends! That makes me very happy! :-) And I do pray God will send you a cowboy-knight! And I've always wanted to volunteer at a museum! I love museums.

      Delete
  19. I've been salivating over this book since I saw the cover revealed! I can't wait to read it.

    My prince charming definitely swept me off my feet and has continued to be a prince among men for the last 30 yrs! I couldn't have asked for a better man :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that cover just the best, ANNE?! MELANIE sure is blessed in the cover dept. Sounds like you and JULIE above have something in common...except she is drooling all over her laptop. LOL

      Sooo very thankful for your Prince Charming, ANNE -- not everyone is blessed to have hubbies like ours. We will hit 40 yrs in April. He said his vows and meant them.

      Delete
    2. Aw, that's sweet, Anne. God is good. And I hope you will like what's inside the book as much as the cover on the outside! :-) They did a great job on the cover.

      Delete
  20. I love medieval tales, and I love Melanie's books (and Melanie). Thanks for the opportunity to win. Yes, I most definitely dreamed of being whisked away on a white horse, well, to be honest I dreamed of a black horse (you know...Black Beauty), but hey it's a horse. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unless it's that talking horse, Mr Ed, GINGER! lol

      I love medieval tales as well as long as they are well written...which of course with Melanie isn't an issue! Thank you for dropping by and lots of luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
    2. Hey, Ginger! Thanks for coming by! I know how much you love horses! ;-)

      Delete
  21. OH, I was quite the dreamer when I was a child. I was always pretending to be the "fair maiden" and the "damsel in distress" looking for her "prince charming" to come charging in on his white horse and sweep me off my feet. When I grew up I quickly realized that real life wasn't like in the fairy tales I loved to read as a child, never the less I am now married to the love of my life. He isn't the most romantic but he is the most loving, supportive, protective, hard working man and I love him with all my heart. The only one I love more is Jesus.

    enter me in the contest please. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOUISE, I suppose after years and years of being wed, we can't expect them to be as romantic as we would like, or perhaps as when we were dating, but sigh....
      But it certainly sounds as though God gave you a wonderful hubby! You are entered, LOUISE, and good luck!

      Delete
    2. Hi, Louise! I was tomboy when I was a kid, usually playing superheroes with my brother. But I did my share of dreaming about a prince charming! So glad God gave you such a great man!

      Delete
  22. I am a big fairy tale fan. I love everything about them: the magic, the classic fairy tale, the adventure, the romance, the good vs evil, the imagination, the ability to take you to another world. I look at them as a story for entertainment that allows me to escape and I absolutely love them for that.

    I, like so many other girls out there, dreamed of a knight of shining armor coming to her distress and whisk her away from everything and living happily ever after together. Sadly, I never met my knight yet. I am turning 25 in a couple of days, so I still am young yet to find him.

    Once I found out The Fairest Beauty is coming out, I knew I have to read this because Melanie's books are simply the best and unique way of twisting the fairy tale based theme books. I loved the Merchants Daughter and can not wait to read this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christy Netzband
      ChristyNetzband@gmail.com

      Delete
    2. Oh, CHRISTY, you are still so young yet! If you pray for your husband God will send the one that is just perfect for you at the right time! But in the meantime follow your dreams, honey. I loved The Merchant's Daughter as well!

      Delete
    3. Hi, Christy! I met my husband when I was 25, so there's still time! :-)
      There's just something about a fairy tale, isn't there? I can't resist playing with them! :-)

      Delete
  23. I have always enjoyed fairy tales especially the ones from Disney that I watched as a little girl. I think that's what drew me to this story along with the beauty of its cover.

    The story is very imaginative, and I would love to read it!

    Answer to question: I dreamed of a knight in shining armor that would whisk me away on his white horse.

    Amber
    amccalli(at)gmail(dot)(com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AMBER, the beauty of the cover drew me in; the intriguing storyline kept me there! I was very ill with the flu when I first started reading it and had to read a little bit at the time, but once I started feeling better I finished the rest of it practically in one evening. I'm sure you will love it as much as I!


      Delete

    2. Amber, I love what Disney does with the fairy tales too, taking out the darker aspects and making them a little more romantic. Me, I try to flesh them out and make them real. By the time I'm finished, I think they're real too!

      Delete
  24. I didn't really dream of those things as a girl, but I love a good book that will make me forget the laundry that is always piling up! This sounds like a wonderful get away!

    Donna
    lostie815@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, DONNA! We need that escape from reality, don't we! Wishing you luck in the drawing!

      Delete
    2. I like to forget those things too, Donna! ;-)

      Delete
  25. My dream was to be a teacher. I guess as a mom that dream has come true.

    thanks for the chance to win this book

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I think it did, APPLEBLOSSOM, if you are a parent! lol Always teaching them even when they become adults... Love the job, though!

      Delete
    2. Child rearing is all about teaching! Thanks for stopping by, Apple blossom!

      Delete
  26. When I was little I really thought I could have a prince. I do have a prince charming now, but he doesn't ride a white horse ; ) Loved the interview!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you got your prince, MEGAN! With or without a horse. :) Thank you and good luck to you!

      Delete
    2. Princes come in all types, Megan. :-)

      Delete
  27. While I was captivated by the idea of a knight in shining armor and all the fairy tales associated with it, I can't say I dreamed of one coming along. I DID, however, daydream a lot about a career choice as a novelist who would WRITE about heroes and heroines. That one came true -- as did getting to meet and marry my frontiersman hero, Jeff. ;)
    muschfarm at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WOW, that is awesome, NAOMI! Two fabulous, lifelong dreams coming true! God is an awesome God!

      Delete
    2. God provides and gives us the desires of our heart, doesn't he? I for one am thankful!

      Delete
  28. I'm a child at heart and when I saw the cover of this book that is so beautiful I had to write you. I've never read one of Melanie books but after reading this Diana Flowers review I sure want to. Blessings to you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SANDI, thank you so much! You are such a blessing and I hope you get a chance to read one of MELANIE'S novels ASAP! They are as wonderful as their lovely covers!

      Delete
    2. Sandi, I'm so glad you stopped by! They did do a great job on the cover!

      Delete
  29. i only had dreams to be like my mother, a good wife and mother. and, that came true.
    I would love to win this book Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MAXIE, what wonderful aspirations and I'm sure that you're all of those things...as well as a good friend!!

      Delete
    2. Maxie, I don't think there is anything in the world more important than a good wife and mother!

      Delete
  30. Yes, I did daydream A LOT about a handsome man coming and taking me away to live happily ever after. My 'knight' did come and we have been married for 28 years, not all 'happily', but for the most part. All I ever wanted to be was a wife and mother.....and now, I get to be a grandmother as well.
    I would really love to win this book! God bless.
    debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, CHAPLAINDEBBIE! I wanted to be a good wife, mother, and never got to the grandma part. Now I'm there! Where did the time go? Blessings and hoping for a win for you!

      Delete
    2. Time does seem to be going by very quickly! It's like God pushed the fast forward button. :)
      Hoping I win, too, I really want to read this!

      Delete
    3. ChaplainDebbie, I'm glad it was Happily MOST of the time! (I know what you mean too!) And thank you for blessing your family, as I know you have! God bless YOU!

      Delete
    4. I'm so hoping you will get the chance to read it, DEBBIE! Yep, the good ole fast forward button! :(

      Delete
    5. Thanks Melanie, I'm sure that most couples who have been married for awhile know that it's not all fairy tale living. LOL
      If I don't win the book here, I will do my best to purchase it as soon as I am able. :)

      Delete
    6. Diana, the only good thing about that fast forward button, is the fact that we will see Jesus sooner! :)

      Delete
    7. That's the only good thing about it, DEBBIE! A very good thing....

      Delete
  31. This was a great review. As I was reading it, I thought of how much I enjoyed Melanie's first book (and I'm sure I'll enjoy the second when my daughter lets me borrow her copy to read) and how her books enable us to become little girls reading fairy tales again. Then I read farther in Diana's review and discovered she said much the same thing! As for dreaming of a knight in shining armor on a white horse, I don't think so, though I certainly dreamed of the "perfect" man who would want to marry me. Did it happen? Not really.
    Thanks for this chance to win a copy of The Fairest Beauty.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PAM, I'm sorry but your "not really" in such a matter of fact way brought a smile to my lips. :) Is there such a thing as a "perfect" man? Nah...

      Delete
    2. Pam, well, I'm afraid I understand! I think we all dream of that "perfect prince" but no one is perfect. I've come to realize that the One who will always satisfy and never disappoint us is God. He knows our hearts, and He can give us the emotional healing and love that we need! But we rarely allow him to! Or at least, that's my problem. But I'm getting better! God's not finished with me yet! :-)

      Delete
  32. DIANA thanks for the wonderful review. This is the first book I've read by Melanie so now I need to find the other ones. And boy I can't wait to read Cinderella and Valten's story! EXCITING!!

    I read all the Fairy Tales when I was little and yes I daydreamed about being a Princess and about meeting Prince Charming and then when I thought he would never show up...I married him at the age of 25. :D Good things do come to those who wait.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, TERESA, you just HAVE to read The Merchant's Daughter! Spin off of Beauty and the Beast! And we have til October for Melanie's Cinderella story, but you know how fast time flies!

      Carlton is Prince Charming? hmmm He is charming, I have to admit. hehe

      Delete
    2. Isn't that great how I have kept his little secret until tonight? Oh well after 25 years I guess it's ok to tell everyone he is Prince Charming. :D

      Delete
    3. Amazing! I'm glad the secret is now out! Bet he isn't though! lol

      Delete
    4. Ha! Teresa, you're funny. :-) And thanks for being excited about Valten's story! I can't wait for everyone to read it! It was my daughter's favorite--except for The Merchant's Daughter. She says that one is her very favorite. A lot of people like my "Beast" character, Lord Ranulf. :-)

      Delete
    5. Me too, MELANIE! Loved Lord Ranulf -- 0ne of my fav heroes!

      Delete
  33. My oh my! I admit I didn't read all the comments - there are so many! Congratulations, Melanie! i'm sure this will be just as well-received as your others. It's sitting in my 'cart' on Amazon right now... Should I buy or wait and see if I win?

    I really wasn't thinking of a prince charming at any age. I did, however look forward to a day when I had my own little kingdom to rule and here I am--dream come true!

    Have a super new year, ladies! Thanks for all you do to promote Christian fiction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, DEBRA! Your own little kingdom to rule -- that's one way to look at it, I suppose! :) I started to go ahead and order a book the other day and I ended up winning it, so maybe you should wait. You can enter again on TERESA'S review tomorrow, too! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Aw, Deb, you are precious! I took an instant liking to you when I met you at the ACFW conference a few years ago! And I love reading what you have to say on facebook and on Seekerville. :-)
      And I'm quite sure you rule your kingdom quite well!!!
      And since the book doesn't come out until Jan. 8, you might as well wait and see if you won! ;-)

      Delete
  34. Diana, your review makes me want to read this book. You captured the flavor of the story, the setting, and characters.
    As for daydreaming, as a child I used to have my mom's old Singer sewing machine in the corner of my bedroom, next to a window. On rainy days I'd open the window, sit on the machine, and gaze at the woods behind our house, making up stories about Robin Hood and his men. Of course, I was Maid Marian. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course, SUSAN. :) Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you imagined making up stories...now we reap the benefits! :)

      Delete
    2. Oh, Susan, I LOVED Robin Hood! What an awesome, noble character he was!

      Delete
  35. Can't wait to read this one!! I dreamed all the time of a knight in shining armor-still do!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One day, MARISSA, one day! We'll have to pray you up a knight in shining armor -- the one God wants for you! Hope you get a chance to read this one ASAP! It's a goody!

      Delete
  36. I dreamed of the knight; I loved fairy tales and still do! Still waiting, however! I'll just have to live vicariously through books until then! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I live many wonderful fantasies and visit alot of exciting places through Christian books, VERONICA! So I'm with you!

      Delete
    2. I love your "shopgirl" email address, Veronica! I so love the original "Shop Around the Corner" movie with James Stewart, but "You've Got Mail" is also a winner! :-)

      Delete
  37. I am so excited to read this book!! Such a lovely review!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sarah! You are so sweet! Love ya!

      Delete
    2. Isn't the cover a beauty, SARAH! Pardon my pun and thank you for your kind words!

      Delete
  38. I think every girl has had that dream and in some ways we do still as adults. Mine hasn't come true but I trust God to bring him one day :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AND when you trust Him, SAMANTHA, He does exceedingly, abundantly above what we can even think or ask! So you have something to look forward to!

      Delete
  39. were the winners announced?

    ReplyDelete
  40. I cant wait to read The Fairest Beauty, love the cover sure hope i can win this book thank you

    ReplyDelete
  41. I cant wait to read The Fairest Beauty, love the cover sure hope i can win this book thank you, Shirley Blanchard, jcisforme@aol.com

    ReplyDelete

Google Analytics