Thomas Nelson (May 17, 2016)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
A Medieval Fairy-tale Retelling - The Princess and the Pea meets Beauty and the Beast
Imposing stone castles, wolf-infested forests, and immensely gripping
characters—together with treachery, sacrifice, and love, ensures this medieval tale
emerging from 1363 in the Holy Roman Empire—is one that seizes the reader instantly from the breathtaking beginning!
Avelina, the beautiful maid-servant to Lady Dorothea of
Plimmwald Castle, is forced to go in Dorothea’s stead to the Margrave of Thornbeck’s
two-week party—from whence the Margrave will choose a bride from the invited noblewomen.
Dorothea’s father, the Earl of Plimmwald, insists Avelina impersonate his
daughter to attend the gathering after Dorothea ran away with one of his knights.
The Earl fears an attack on his castle from a threatening neighbor and must
find favor and an ally with the powerful Margrave. Upon fear of banishment for
herself and her family, along with the burden that many lives may be lost upon
Plimmwald being defeated, Avelina goes along with the masquerade with no small lack
of trepidation.
Avelina is a simple and pure-of-heart maiden, but possesses
spunk and is opinionated when it comes to injustice and the downtrodden. I
couldn’t help but champion for her. Though she’s meant to merely stay in the
background and above all avoid the Margrave choosing her as his wife; the scheme falters as the
Margrave becomes captivated with her. Avelina attempts to direct his attentions
elsewhere but this becomes increasingly heart-rending when her feelings deepen
for this austere but kind-hearted man. She knows a union between a maid and
Lord would never be permitted, but even so there is too much at stake for Avelina
to even contemplate the possibility. Before the fortnight is spent, a much direr
situation than her deception begins to emerge. Can this beautiful pretender help
truth and justice to triumph or will all be lost?
Truly, I devoured this medieval feast of treachery and
love so gluttonously I’m sure I must have burped at the conclusion! Masterful
storyteller Melanie Dickerson, once again delivers upon a feasting platter, an intriguing, original
tale with phenomenal characters, exhilarating suspense, and a sigh-worthy
romance. Enriching ‘The Beautiful Pretender’ is a meaningful reminder
of God’s enduring love and faithfulness. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Thomas Nelson for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
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This book may be purchased from these and other places:
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B&N;
BAM
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