The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews
5 Stars*****
Once again the beautiful Queen of fairly tale retellings, Melanie Dickerson, has breathed new life into an old classic by the Brothers Grimm, The Goose Girl.
Magdalen of Mallin, can’t believe she has been chosen by the handsome Duke of Wolfberg to become his bride, after all it has been two years since their brief meeting and she wasn't sure he even remembered her. She, the daughter of a poor baron, whose own mother has nothing good to say to her, is finally going to be able to save her country from the poverty and starvation that has threatened them since her father's passing.
On the way to meet her charming husband-to-be, Magdalen is betrayed by an evil servant who makes Magdalen trade places with his daughter. Arriving at Wolfberg, Magdalen hopes the Duke will realize the deception and rescue her, but as soon as she arrives at Wolfberg Magdalen is forced to tend the geese. With her identity stolen and no hope in sight of a rescue, Magdalen’s sadness is lifted somewhat by the friendship of a handsome shepherd who tugs at her memory as someone she should know. When Magdalen glimpses the Duke of Wolfberg, something seems amiss, why does the shepherd look more like the Duke she was to marry than the man claiming to be the Duke?
This story was enchanting from the beginning to the end, with lots of intriguing characters, including quite a few that were nefarious, but what’s a good fairy tale without a few miscreants? Reading fairy tales as a kid was always a favorite for me. Dreaming of happy ever afters with my own special prince would always bring joy to my heart and now as an adult rereading these stories brought to life again from the imagination of Ms. Dickerson is even more thrilling. I cannot wait to see where her next adventure leads me. You can never be too old to yearn for a happy ever after!
***Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for providing a copy
of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***
GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment and your email address and you could be the blessed winner of a copy of this exciting tale that Melanie has graciously offered for our weekly giveaway! US RESIDENTS ONLY PLEASE!!
I was going through some funny old pictures and found my own version of Magdalen and her sweet shepherd; myself and my husband Carlton. I had to share them! :-)
Wonderful review Teresa. I enjoy reading Melanie's retelling fairy tales & this one sounds enchanting. Enjoyed your pictures Teresa.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
Hi TINA, I'm so glad I was able to concentrate enough to read this, MELANIE's books have always been some of my favorites! :-) Thanks for coming by!!
DeleteWhat a wonderful review, Teresa! Loved it! I have a hardback copy of this beautiful book, and I need to move it to the top of my TBR pile. Sure did enjoy the pic of goose girl Teresa! :P
ReplyDeleteHello my BFF, you need to hurry and read it and BTW I'm a little jealous about that hardback copy! :P lol When I was looking through pics during Carlton's anniversary I found those and had a good laugh and cry. That was BC.....before children. lol
DeleteGreat review! I love fairy tales and especially this author's retellings. They are so creative!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
HI HEIDI, so good to see you here!! MELANIE sure does have a way with words. I have never loved fairy tales as much as I love hers! :-)
DeleteGoose Girl Teresa! :-) I love it. What fun pictures. Thanks so much for this review, Teresa. I so appreciate it! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteMELANIE, I didn't want to take away from beautiful MAGDALEN, but when I found them I had a good laugh, and I couldn't resist sharing them!!
DeleteThank you so much for the hard work that shows in her books. You are certainly blessed with oodles of talent!! :-)
Thanks for the AWESOME review, Teresa! I love fairy tales. Melanie Dickerson has such a gifted way of retelling them and wisking you off into her spell-binding tales. I am so excited to read The Noble Servant! Thanks so much for the opportunity of this giveaway!!! ~ Alison
ReplyDeletenj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
ALISON, I can't wait for you to get to read it. I was so entranced through out the whole story! MELANIE has a way of quickly pulling you in! :-)
DeleteI loved your enticing review, Teresa!! I'd pre-ordered this book and so have it on my Kindle eagerly awaiting me! I can barely wait to read it now!! :D
ReplyDeleteOh, forgot to mention how much I enjoyed those pics you shared too!! Love them Shepherd girl! x
DeleteHi SISSY it's so good to see you here! You are really going to love this story.
DeleteBet you didn't know I had so much talent....feeding all those crazy geese. I remember we were having a picnic and they just started following me around, probably had nothing to do with my giving them my bread! lol :-)
I still haven't had a chance to read one of Melanie's fairy tales, but they all sound so exciting! I do love a good underdog story and can't wait to see how The Noble Servant goes!
ReplyDeletemylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com
Oh, KAREN you are in for a treat!! MELANIE's books are an absolute delight! Thank you for dropping in and good luck in the drawing!! :-)
DeleteCan't wait to get a chance to read it.
ReplyDeletenlgriggs902atgmaildotcom
NANCY I hope you will have that chance soon!! Good luck in the drawing! :-)
DeleteI love a good retelling of fairy tales. It brings back good memories and provides new ones. fishingjanATaolDOTcom
ReplyDeleteJAN, it does make you feel good to go back and re-read fairy tales and MELANIE's always make you smile or make you angry at the bad guys for a little while! lol Thanks for coming by! :-)
DeleteThank you for a great review, Teresa!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Hi MELANIE, thanks!! MELANIE D always makes for a wonderful read! Good Luck!!
DeleteFabulous review, Teresa!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
HI CARYL!! Thanks, Melanie makes it easy to say lots of good things about her books!! :-)
DeleteThanks Teresa for this review,this sounds like a wonderful story! Always enjoy classic fairy tales and have noticed many modern retellings. While some have turned out a bit too dark and cynical for me,Melanie always come out inspirational and romantic. Thank you Melanie for writing this latest story and for this generous giveaway lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLYNNE, my oldest son took a children's lit class and told me about some of the stories he had to read and somehow I didn't remember them being quite so dark. So glad that MELANIE's always leave you smiling. :-)
Deletethis sounds like such a fun and great book. i would love something light right now.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Hi LORI I hope you will get the chance to read this, there are a few "meanies" in it but I promise you will love it! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteMs. Dickerson's books are always a great read.
ReplyDeleteJoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
JOAN you are so right, I always enjoying reading MELANIE'S book, they are so worth the time. :-)
DeleteThank you for the opportunity to win this lovely book.
ReplyDeleteMarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
MARION, you are quite welcome, thank you so much for dropping in! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThis looks like a great book.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
MARILYN, from cover to cover it was a terrific book!! Thanks for dropping in! Good Luck in the drawing!!
DeleteSounds like a cute book, Teresa! Thanks for sharing! I wonder if this will be available on audiobook soon, too.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE fairytales! I'd love to read this retelling. :)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, Thank You for your review. I must say I was immediately captivated by the cover and title, let alone the story! I would so love to win! flowersmarylou85 (at)gmail (dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with retellings and Melanie Dickerson always does an amazing job. I'm so thrilled to see your reviews going strong. 😊 tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLove your review Teresa! I like your pictures too ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!