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| 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?
I really, really love your review, Diana! The book sounds so much fun!
ReplyDeleteWell, 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. :)
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!
DeleteMe too, Marian!!! Me too!!!
DeleteSounds like a fun read.
DeleteMARY, it is! Please come back and leave your email in case we draw your name to win it! :)
DeleteA 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! :)
ReplyDeleteNot 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! :)
A motorcycle will work, NOELA! haha Melanie is an extraordinary author and this book will definitely "sweep you away!" :) Thanks, NOELA!
DeleteI 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.
DeleteWow, 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!
ReplyDeleteMy 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
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!!!
DeleteOh, 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!
DeleteDiana, you may already know this, but my next book, The Captive Maiden, is my Cinderella story, and Gabe's brother, Valten, is the hero!!! ;-)
DeleteNo, I didn't know that, MELANIE!! He surely needed his own story! I can't wait!
DeleteYes, 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!
DeletePrayer said!!
DeleteAs 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
ReplyDeleteA 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!!
DeleteDarlene, how awesome! God is good. :-)
DeleteYes, 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
ReplyDeletelanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net And He will never leave me nor forsake me!
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!
DeleteThat 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♥ ♥ ♥ 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.
DeleteLove it, KATHLEEN!!
DeleteThere are so many treasures in the Psalms!!! Great one, Kathleen!
DeleteOh, thank you for that sweet, lovely review, Diana! You made my day!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd 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.
You are indeed a lovely princess who makes all of us readers very happy, MELANIE!
DeleteAw, you're too kind, Diana!!! :-)
DeleteLovely review. It sounds like a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteI 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
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!
DeleteKATELYN, you are just too adorable!! lol Lots of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
Sounds like a happily ever after, Mrs. Tina, if I ever heard one!!! God is our provider. ;-)
DeleteI'm with MELANIE, Mrs. TINA! Sounds like a fairytale romance to me!
DeleteI am SO looking forward to reading The Fairest Beauty. The cover is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI 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
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!
DeleteAmy, 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.
DeleteI'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:-) Like!!!
DeleteWHATS 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!
DeleteHa! You provided the horse! Good for you! ;-)
DeleteWell, 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 ... ;)
ReplyDeleteStellar job, my friends, both the review AND the book, I'm quite sure.
Hugs,
Julie
Aw, you're so sweet, Julie!!! :-) Julie, who is a superstar-amazing author! But also one of the best people in the world!
DeleteNo, 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!!
DeleteI just finished The Merchant's Daughter and I enjoyed it very much. I agree, she's a fabulous writer!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, Jessica!!! ;-) Hope you will like this one too.
DeleteJESSICA, so great to see you here! Lots of luck in the giveaway!!
DeleteWhat a lovely cover! Thanks for the review Diana, the book sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI 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
Janella, what a beautiful name! And Grace is my daughter's name, so I love that too! ;-)
DeleteI'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!
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!
DeleteI can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
Katie, I'm so excited for you!!! ;-) God is good. Sometimes we have to wait, but He always blesses!!!
DeleteKATIE, congrats to you! Can't wait to read one of your books!
DeleteI 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!!!
ReplyDeleteThank 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! ;)
DeleteYes, 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!
DeleteWe 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.
DeleteYes, 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...
DeleteHey, Carrie! I hope you like it! And I can't wait to hold your first published book in my hands one of these days!!!
DeleteHMMMM. 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. :)
ReplyDeleteMelanie 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
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!
DeleteHi, 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.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteThis author is new to me, so thank you for 'introducing us.'
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!!
DeleteHi, Rhonda! I glad you got a real-life knight. Does he let you drive the truck? ;-)
DeleteI 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....
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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!
DeleteHi, 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.
DeleteI've been salivating over this book since I saw the cover revealed! I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteMy 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 :)
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
DeleteSooo 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.
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.
DeleteI 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. :)
ReplyDeleteUnless it's that talking horse, Mr Ed, GINGER! lol
DeleteI 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!
Hey, Ginger! Thanks for coming by! I know how much you love horses! ;-)
DeleteOH, 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.
ReplyDeleteenter me in the contest please. :D
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....
DeleteBut it certainly sounds as though God gave you a wonderful hubby! You are entered, LOUISE, and good luck!
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!
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI, 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!
Christy Netzband
DeleteChristyNetzband@gmail.com
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!
DeleteHi, Christy! I met my husband when I was 25, so there's still time! :-)
DeleteThere's just something about a fairy tale, isn't there? I can't resist playing with them! :-)
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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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)
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
DeleteAmber, 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!
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!
ReplyDeleteDonna
lostie815@hotmail.com
LOL, DONNA! We need that escape from reality, don't we! Wishing you luck in the drawing!
DeleteI like to forget those things too, Donna! ;-)
DeleteMy dream was to be a teacher. I guess as a mom that dream has come true.
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to win this book
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Yep, I think it did, APPLEBLOSSOM, if you are a parent! lol Always teaching them even when they become adults... Love the job, though!
DeleteChild rearing is all about teaching! Thanks for stopping by, Apple blossom!
DeleteWhen 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!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got your prince, MEGAN! With or without a horse. :) Thank you and good luck to you!
DeletePrinces come in all types, Megan. :-)
DeleteWhile 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. ;)
ReplyDeletemuschfarm at yahoo dot com
WOW, that is awesome, NAOMI! Two fabulous, lifelong dreams coming true! God is an awesome God!
DeleteGod provides and gives us the desires of our heart, doesn't he? I for one am thankful!
DeleteI'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
ReplyDeleteSANDI, 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!
DeleteSandi, I'm so glad you stopped by! They did do a great job on the cover!
Deletei only had dreams to be like my mother, a good wife and mother. and, that came true.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
MAXIE, what wonderful aspirations and I'm sure that you're all of those things...as well as a good friend!!
DeleteMaxie, I don't think there is anything in the world more important than a good wife and mother!
DeleteYes, 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.
ReplyDeleteI would really love to win this book! God bless.
debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com
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!
DeleteTime does seem to be going by very quickly! It's like God pushed the fast forward button. :)
DeleteHoping I win, too, I really want to read this!
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!
DeleteI'm so hoping you will get the chance to read it, DEBBIE! Yep, the good ole fast forward button! :(
DeleteThanks Melanie, I'm sure that most couples who have been married for awhile know that it's not all fairy tale living. LOL
DeleteIf I don't win the book here, I will do my best to purchase it as soon as I am able. :)
Diana, the only good thing about that fast forward button, is the fact that we will see Jesus sooner! :)
DeleteThat's the only good thing about it, DEBBIE! A very good thing....
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this chance to win a copy of The Fairest Beauty.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
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...
DeletePam, 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! :-)
DeleteDIANA 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!!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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!
DeleteCarlton is Prince Charming? hmmm He is charming, I have to admit. hehe
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
DeleteAmazing! I'm glad the secret is now out! Bet he isn't though! lol
DeleteHa! 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. :-)
DeleteMe too, MELANIE! Loved Lord Ranulf -- 0ne of my fav heroes!
DeleteMy 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?
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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!
DeleteAw, 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. :-)
DeleteAnd 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! ;-)
Diana, your review makes me want to read this book. You captured the flavor of the story, the setting, and characters.
ReplyDeleteAs 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. :-)
Of course, SUSAN. :) Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you imagined making up stories...now we reap the benefits! :)
DeleteOh, Susan, I LOVED Robin Hood! What an awesome, noble character he was!
DeleteCan't wait to read this one!! I dreamed all the time of a knight in shining armor-still do!!
ReplyDeletemarissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
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!
DeleteMarissa, I pray he comes soon! :-)
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI live many wonderful fantasies and visit alot of exciting places through Christian books, VERONICA! So I'm with you!
DeleteI 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! :-)
DeleteI am so excited to read this book!! Such a lovely review!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! You are so sweet! Love ya!
DeleteIsn't the cover a beauty, SARAH! Pardon my pun and thank you for your kind words!
DeleteI 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 :)
ReplyDeleteAND 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!
Deletewere the winners announced?
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to read The Fairest Beauty, love the cover sure hope i can win this book thank you
ReplyDeleteI 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