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| The Silent Songbird |
The Silent Songbird
Thomas Nelson (November 8, 2016)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
An Enchanting Happily Ever After
There’s just something about Melanie Dickerson’s
fairy-tale inspired tales that without fail sweeps me far, far away on a
fanciful journey of the imagination and heart. Each and every book is a cherished
must-read in which I long to visit and lose myself in! The Silent Songbird being no different, flew me back
to 1834 to Hertfordshire, England, where an enchanting journey was just
beginning..
The beautiful songstress Evangeline is ward to King
Richard and spends much of life sequestered away within Berkhamsted Castle for her
own protection. When the King demands she marry his advisor, the predatory Earl
of Shively, the red-haired beauty escapes the castle’s confines in disguise and
joins up with Westley le Wyse and his party of travelers setting out for their village.
Evangeline discovers a whole new world outside the
castle—one of freedom and beauty, hardship, and toil. How will the
once-sheltered maiden endure the taxing work of a maid in Westley’s village?
There are many amusing and tense moments when one wonders if and when all will
fall apart.
Having easily fallen for the handsome, kind, and courageous
Westley, Evangeline is burdened… for part of her disguise is a pretense to be mute. If her
secrets are revealed, not only will she have betrayed Westley with her lies but
she might be hauled back to the castle, for who would want to defy the King knowing
he was searching for her? Evangeline’s new world however, is about to become
even more fraught with dangers as revenge, murder, and a sinister plot comes to
light. Will there be songs again in this brave but gentle maiden’s future?
Author Melanie Dickerson knows how to bring to life some
of the most enchanting characters, like the sigh-worthy, compassionate hero
with sky-blue eyes and the plucky, perceptive, and innocent heroine. Together,
the sparks fly in this sweet as molasses, toe-curling, romantic medieval
adventure! Faith threads such as trusting in God’s
loving-kindness and forgiveness, are deftly interwoven within this beautiful and memorable happily-ever-after tale!
You may find this book for purchase at these and other places: AMAZON; CBD; B&N; BAM
*Thank to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
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| Berkhamsted Castle Where The Lovely Evangeline Spent Most Of Her Years Growing Up Inside The Castle Walls |
You may find this book for purchase at these and other places: AMAZON; CBD; B&N; BAM
GIVEAWAY: We have a hardcover copy of Melanie Dickerson's 'The Silent Songbird' for giveaway!! (US only) Leave a comment on this review to enter, and please include your email using (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.
What a lovely sounding story Noela and the girls name, Envageline is so pure and sweet. I also love that picture above of what was her home...Is this a true story? Your review is beautifully written and extremely sensitive. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Crystal. I love the name Evangeline also... Just perfect for the lovely heroine of this beautiful story. The place (in the pic) is real and this is where the story was based, but no it's not a true story but actually a Little Mermaid re-telling in Melanie's Hagenheim Fairytale Romance series.
DeleteLovely review Noela. Beautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Melanie Dickerson has a way of spinning enchanting stories & The Silent Songbird sounds, well, enchanting. It is on my ever so long TBR list.
Congratulations Melanie Dickerson on your book!
Blessings, Tina
It really is the perfect word to describe Melanie's books isn't it, Tina? ;) But why I love them so much! We all need to be enchanted every so often, and I'm so glad Melanie is there to provide the enchantment in this sometimes ugly world. All the best, Tina, and I hope it can make it to the top of your pile soon!
DeleteI would be excited to read this book! The cover is beautiful! mhenretty(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to be able to read this wonderful book soon too, Margaret! So here's hoping! :)
DeleteSuch a gorgeous cover, isn't it Kate! And yes, this beautiful story is absolutely just as enchanting! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing review -- you've captured the very essence of this novel beautifully, NOELA! I actually have this book on display in my home (not stuck in my bookcase!) bc it is THAT lovely! I so loved the return of one of my fave heroes from another of Melanie's books, too! What an awesome book this is!
ReplyDeleteIt really does look just absolutely gorgeous and I love that it comes in hardback too. It's on my wishlist for Christmas... Now to just get someone in the fam to look at that list! ;) Thanks for your sweet and kind words too, Diane!
DeleteI just love her books and this one will be no exception. I cannot wait!!
ReplyDeleteI hope your wait isn't too long, Amy! :) Melanie's books are ones to look forward to, that's for certain!
DeleteMy daughter would love to win this!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure her kind mum would too or have you already read it? Anna, do we have your email addy? We'll need it should you win. I hope your lovely daughter gets to read this soon!!
DeleteThanks so much for the great review, Noela, and for Carrie for doing the giveaway! I so appreciate it! Your reviews are always so lovely! Thanks everyone who comments and enters! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Melanie! And we appreciate you writing these wonderful stories!! :)
DeleteOh, and I love the picture you posted, Noela! That is what the place looks like now. Nobody really knows what the castle looked like, exactly, in the 1300s when my story takes place. But they do know it had two moats, one encircling the other, and two gates where someone might enter or leave. It is a lovely area, don't you think? And my voice artist, Jude Mason, who does the audiobook, actually grew up close by here and has visited this site! Isn't that so cool?
ReplyDeleteIt's a gorgeous area and you can see just how large the castle and it's walls would have been! It'd be unreal to see how it looked all those years ago, but your book does a wonderful job for our imaginations! I'd love you have a chance to visit there!!
DeleteThis sounds wonderful!! I adore her books and her covers and Melanie herself! :) My email is - Ninjaspy13 (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI fully agree Megan, there's a lot to love as Melanie does it all so well and is the sweetest person! :) All the best!
DeleteLooking forward to reading this book. It sounds both inspirational and adventurous.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, all that and a whole lot more Unknown! We would love to 'know' you though, especially so we can give you a chance at winning this beautiful book! So if you come back, please an email!
DeleteWe adore your books Melanie!! Each one keeps getting better and better. It has been fun sharing them with others especially with young daughters they never disappoint. They are just what we needed as we approach young adult life we are already using suitors/ characters from these stories to help identify young men's character strengths and weaknesses that show an interest around my 14 yr old daughter! We need some of these books for young men!!!! My daughter was just asking me about this exact book as we went to the library just now. Oh yeah we turned them on to Melanie Dickerson too!! They're putting in orders. The artistry with word and weaving of fairytales into so many aspects of life are brilliantly done! So hard to put down cover to cover. Congratulations!! Keep up the amazing job! chevybutler at cleaninter dot net.
ReplyDeleteMelanie sure does a wonderful job of re-telling those fairy-tales! I'd rather read Melanie's books any day than a fairy-tale that's for certain. That's a great idea for the young men, too. Another range of books perhaps, Melanie? ;)
DeleteWhat a gorgeous cover! This tale sounds wonderful, I would SO love to win!
ReplyDeletedebsbunch777(at)gmail(dot)com
Isn't it just, Debbie!! It would certainly stand out on anyone's bookshelves! :) Here's hoping for a win!
DeleteI am just beginning to read Melanie's books so would love to add this one to my pile!!
ReplyDeleteShe is a great writer! Thanks for your review and giveaway.
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
Thanks and you're welcome, Jackie! Appreciate you coming by to read about Melanie's latest, which would be gorgeous addition to your library and a very enjoyable read!!
DeleteWould love to win this one. Have enjoyed all of her books. Ruth dot kyser at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Ruth, and I hope you get to read Melanie's latest gem soon! God bless!
DeleteThat cover is beautiful. The story sounds so interesting.Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
It certainly is, Joan. Thanks for coming by! Just a reminder, we can only allow one entry from everyone into the draw.
DeleteWhat a lovely book and a lovely cover. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
ReplyDeleteMarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
I love the cover of this book. It looks like a great read. Thank you for this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
The Little Mermaid, which this is based off of, has always been one I've enjoyed. I have started reading the Golden Braid and enjoyed it so far, so I would love to see how Melanie writes this story. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!
ReplyDeletelisey(dot)boss(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh you will love it Elise! They're always so creative and delightful. It's been too long since I've watched The Little Mermaid but I find I'm wanting to again now! :)
DeleteI can't wait to read Melanie's newest book. It sounds so good and promises to be just as entertaining as her previous ones. mallori(dot)norris(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI couldn't wait to read it myself, so I know how you feel Mallori! :) You'll love it!
DeleteWould love to read this. Thank you for the nice review and chance. Blessings, Noela.
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you Lucy and blessings to you too! And all the best with your entry for this gorgeous book!!
DeleteThis looks like a fun book and I so enjoy historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteThe Silent Songbird is a very enjoyable story and has fascinating medieval history entwined so I'm positive you'll love this too! But we do need your email Dell so that we can enter you in the draw.
DeleteIt's fun to see the photo of the castle. It's lovely but I can see why Evangeline wanted to escape those walls and venture into the outside world. My daughter and I are great fans of Melanie's books. I've given all of them to my daughter. The Silent Songbird will be one of her Christmas gifts. Thanks for the great review and the chance to win the book (I could give it to someone else!).
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
What an awesome Christmas gift, Pam! It's exactly what I want for Christmas too. ;) Thanks and all the best!!
DeleteBeautiful review, Noela - thank you!! I loved reading Melanie's comments about the castle. I just received this wonderful story last week, can't wait to read it!! Such a beautiful cover also - I love that it's hardback, as I keep all my books. In fact, my brother just delivered 4 bookcases, yesterday, to arrange more of my books on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie. I'm sure this book will beautify those new shelves! :) I could do with some more too, but alas I have no more room. Sounds like the Christmas story, lol.
DeleteI've run out of room also - but where there's a will, there's a way, as they say, LOL!! Furniture has been moved around, if necessary - a couple of things will go, however, the books will always stay, LOL!!
DeleteThank you Noela for this review! I've been anxious to read this sequel to the Merchant's Daughter (my favorite Melanie Dickerson book) and after reading this I'm looking forward to it even more. Special thanks,also to Melanie Dickerson for writing these wonderful stories that put a interesting twist to classic fairy tales. She always gives them a heartfelt meaning we never realized they could have. lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put, Lynne! I just love what Melanie does with these tales. She puts the love and faith into them that is the real magic. :) Bless you!
DeleteWhat a beautiful cover! I would LOVE to receive this book and treasure it. Today is my birthday so I'm feeling lucky! God bless.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY Evelyn!! I hope all your wishes come true, including being able to win or read this book soon! But we really need your email Evelyn for you to go in the draw, so that we can contact you should you win. God bless you too!
DeleteGreat review as always, Noela! The cover is beautiful!! I would love to visit a castle but that's a pipe dream, I would never be able to travel overseas with my health conditions. Hugs and blessings, Noela!!
ReplyDeleteI know you all already have my email but here it is.... fujitani69(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteThanks Regina! Totally agree with you on that gorgeous cover!! Regina, I would LOVE to visit a castle, too! Not sure how either, but I'd give my best shot! ;) Blessings!
DeleteBeautiful review, NOELA! The Silent Songbird sounds enchanting! The cover is GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Wouldn't it wonderful to have that beautiful book gracing the bookshelves, Caryl?!! I hope you get that opportunity! Thanks! :)
DeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful review, Noela. I love Melanie's stories and am eager to read this one!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Thanks Britney, it's always a pleasure writing reviews for Melanie's wonderful stories! I truly hope you get enjoy this one soon, too!!
DeleteLovely review, Noela. This one sounds like a keeper. Thanks for the giveaway - I certainly would love to win.
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love for you to win also, Betti! Thanks, and all the best in the draw. It's definitely a keeper! :)
DeleteWhen I received my first Kindle, I downloaded the first four books of Melanie's Fairy tale Romance Series (those were all that were available at the time.) Between 1/4 to 1/2 of all that I read is young adult and I love re-tellings. I even have a wish list on Amazon dedicated solely to re-tellings. Needless to say, The Silent Songbird has been on that list since it was first available for pre-buy. :-) Wonderful review, Noela. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSounds like you NEED this book then, Terrill! Hopefully we can help you out with that if you win!! :)
DeleteNoela, you & Diana write some of the most beautiful reviews *sigh*! I definitely have this one on my most-wanted book list as I have most of Melanie's books either on my shelf or Kindle. My 28 yr old niece also loves her writing so I'd be passing my copy on to her :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this beautiful book!
I wonder if Melanie realizes she's on a Most Wanted list! ;) It'd certainly be a beautiful book to have on your shelves! Thank you Trixi for your sweet words... You are such a blessing and encouragement! I'm about to do the draw now, so all the best!! :)
Delete