Teresa S. Mathews Reviews "THE NOBLE SERVANT" by Melanie Dickerson

The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson 

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!  :-) 

Audiobook Review of Melanie Dickerson's "A Viscount's Proposal"

A Viscount's Proposal by Melanie Dickerson

A Viscount's Proposal
by
Melanie Dickerson
(Brilliance Audio, 2017)

A very enjoyable listen!

At first Leorah Langdon was not a very sympathetic character, seeming rather shallow and seemingly determined to show she could thumb her nose at society's rules. However, as the story progresses, her faith and her dislike of social behavior that is all for show and that restricts women, becomes more understandable. She perceives her parents have had an unhappy passionless relationship. Her nemesis, Edward, the Viscount Withinghall, seems to show up everywhere she goes and always has some complaint about her which he seems only too happy to announce in public, making him come across as a pompous prig. Edward has his life mapped out. He's in line to become Prime minister and has a suitable woman in mind for wife. But he does have a big heart and a huge sense of justice. 

Leorah's brother is friends with Edward and speaks highly of him. But she has already formed her own opinion of him. When she is injured and rescued by the Viscount and then a frightening accident occurs, the two are pressured to consider marriage. But strong-willed Leorah isn't about to be forced to accept a proposal from a man she can never imagine falling in love with and returning that love. 

Both the heroine and hero have to work through their pasts, their current relationships, and fend off a potential killer. A satisfying ending makes it worth it to have to have listen to the accident recounted over and over again in the audiobook. The narrator is pretty awful but I've heard worse. The plot is rather slow and redundant in parts but it really suits the audio format, making it easier to keep track of the plot lines. This reminds me of some Georgette Heyer audiobooks and should please her readers. Unlike many Regency stories, there aren't a lot of party scenes or social settings in this book but the plot doesn't need it for "dressing."

I am a member of audible.com and listened to a download from their site. This book is available in paperback, ebook, audio download, and MP3. As of February 17, 2017 this book was the #1 Bestseller in Historical Romance

Giveaway: We have a giveaway (USA only other than ebook) for one of our commenters on this post. Which of Melanie's books have you enjoyed most and why?

Noela reviews THE SILENT SONGBIRD by Melanie Dickerson

The Silent Songbird

The Silent Songbird

by Melanie Dickerson

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!

*Thank to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

Multiple Giveaways for Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter!!!

Jefferson Hotel Reception Room, Richmond, Virginia

Visit at my friend Debbie Lynne Costello's blog (click here) where she is hosting me today for a guest post! I'm talking about CELEBRATING!!! And there is a giveaway (winner's choice of format) of an ebook or paperback copy of Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter! Check out the pictures from my recent Tea with my daughter and best friend!

On Wednesday, June 22nd, Colonial Quills is having a Facebook Party (click here) as well as a Tea Party on the blog (click here), so mark your calendars!  Releases from Roseanna M. White, Angela Couch, myself, Elaine Marie Cooper, and Denise Weimer! We have giveaways both at the party and on the blog!

On Thursday, June 30th, June 30th, SIX Christian Fiction authors with European settings for their novels are celebrating together.  I will be giving away a KINDLE FIRE at this event and we have other prizes such as books from authors: Roseanna M. White, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Sarah Sundin, Debbie Lynne Costello, Melanie Dickerson and myself.

Giveaway: Which event(s) will you be attending? I'm giving away THREE ebook copies available now from Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo, and CBD as well as ONE paperback copy (available in July!) If you are a FOLLOWER on this blog put OWG and get TWO entries!  If you went by Debbie Lynne's blog and left a comment put DL for another entry!

Audiobook Review of The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

The Beautiful Pretender

The Beautiful Pretender A Medieval Fairy Tale

by Melanie Dickerson

Thomas Nelson (May, 2016)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

5 Stars *****

Will Be On My Best of 2016 Audiobooks!!! 

I listened to Melanie Dickerson's newest novel as a download from Audible.com. I was stuck in bed with a terrible headache but felt well enough to listening to this wonderful story! It might be my favorite story of Melanie's, yet! I have to admit that in the beginning, with the grisly start off with the wolves in the forest, I worried I was in for a darker story than this ended up being. 

Avelina, is the daughter of a former stableman who was crippled by injuries sustain by a horse. She has two younger siblings she helps provide for by being the maid to the Plimmwald Castle's spoiled Lady Dorothea. When Dorothea runs off, her father requires Avelina to pose as Dorothea when Thornback Castle's Margrave invites ten noble ladies to gather so that he may pick a wife.

Both Avelina and the Margrave are sympathetic and relatable characters. The narrator, Jude Mason, was very good. She has a heavy English accent, which I easily became accustomed to. As I was listening, I though that Melanie Dickerson has really hit her stride with this story! Don't miss out on this story and if you enjoy audiobooks, you'll love this one! A Wonderful Listen!

The audiobook may be purchased at: Christian Audio Audible.com Barnes & Noble Amazon
and the paperback and ebook at Amazon; CBD; B&N; BAM

GIVEAWAY: A paperback or e-book, winner's choice. Answer the question--which of Melanie's books is your favorite?

Noela reviews THE BEAUTIFUL PRETENDER by Melanie Dickerson

The Beautiful Pretender

The Beautiful Pretender

by Melanie Dickerson

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: Amazon; CBD; B&N; BAM

GIVEAWAY: Melanie Dickerson is generously offering a giveaway of a signed paperback or e-book to someone who leaves a comment below! (US entrants only) 
To be eligible please leave your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.

Diana's Spring Favorites!

Spring is by far my favorite season of the year! It's a time of renewed hope, beautiful weather, light gentle rains, spring flowers, and more great books! Here is my spring list of favorite books I have read so far in 2016 in no particular order.

*Click on to title to order any of these wonderful books!*


A Worthy Heart By Susan Ann Mason

Susan Anne Mason has penned a mesmerizing, impassioned Irish American saga of two families whose lives intertwine at the lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables, Irish Meadows, in 1914 Long Island, New York.

Charity's Cross By MaryLu Tyndall

MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader off on a turbulent, exhilarating seafaring journey—from the perils of frothy, turquoise waters filled with swashbuckling pirates and a dangerous jungle replete with exotic birds, foliage, and uncivilized natives—to the beauties of the Caribbean with its warm breezes, swaying palms, sugar cane, and tropical fruits of the West Indies.

The Steeplechase By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an outstanding, detailed story that is so jam-packed it reads like a full length novel. Action, intrigue, spies, breathtaking romance—it's all in there!

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson & Kim Woodhouse

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Sense And Sensibility By Sarah Price

What transpires when you blend Jane Austen's memorable characters with Sarah Price's unique Amish voice? A captivating classic retelling of Sense and Sensibility is born!

Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd

Lovers of Gothic & Victorian era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside!

A Flight Of Arrows By Lori Benton

I just finished reading an ARC of this historical masterpiece!! Review coming up later on OWG! Be sure to pre-order a copy by clicking on to title above this cover—release date April 19!

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MY SPRING TBR LIST!

Sofi's Bridge By Christine Lindsay

Dawn At Emberwilde By Sarah E. Ladd

The Beautiful Pretender By Melanie Dickerson

Do you have any good 2016 book recommendations for me??
~HAPPY READING~

GIVEAWAY: One blessed commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Noela reviews A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson

A Spy's Devotion

A Spy’s Devotion

by Melanie Dickerson

Waterfall Press (February 9, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 STARS *****

A Riveting Regency Romance

Melanie Dickerson’s sweeping new Regency novel encompasses a delectable Jane Austen aura and an exquisite charismatic romance. And with the combination of the additional heart-pounding suspense and thrilling pace, you’ll be left utterly breathless and completely spellbound!

In an era gone by where society was divided by classes and propriety was of the utmost import, Julia, the niece of Robert Wilhern of England’s high society, constantly strives to excel in gentility. She hopes it will help her to be accepted and loved without the condescension that accompanies being an unequal to her cousin, Phoebe Wilhern. When the self-absorbed Phoebe sets her heart upon marrying Nicholas Langdon who has temporarily returned from the war due to an injury, she enlists Julia to help garner Nicholas’ attention. What is Julia to do except assist her cousin, even while battling against her own intensifying affections for the handsome army officer. It is the way of things, for she has neither title nor worthwhile inheritance.

Before Nicholas Langdon returns to the war, he determines to fulfil a dying soldier’s wish for Nicholas to deliver a coded diary to a relative. Little did Nicholas realize the significance of the diary concerning England’s future or to the danger it held for him and others. When suspicions point towards Julia’s uncle, Nicholas must lean on her for help. Together they must stand against the evil intended for their country at enormous risk to themselves. Will they also have the fortitude to protect their hearts as well?

It’s hard to believe this is author Melanie Dickerson’s first Regency novel for it is a pure masterpiece! I flew through this novel in record time and while I wanted to linger, it was impossible to do so. I was swept up in a world of balls and dancing, of lowly maids and lonely governesses, and of treason and traitors. Filled with irresistible characters, surprises around each bend, and capped with palpable romantic tension, this was one satisfying novel! Highly recommended!

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.**

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You can purchase this book from: AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

GIVEAWAY: Melanie Dickerson is generously giving away a paperback copy or e-book of A SPY'S DEVOTION to one blessed commenter! *Outside of US, e-book only.* To be eligible, please leave your e-mail address for contact purposes, written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.

(Revised!) Audiobooks of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Whispers In The Reading Room AND The Painter's Daughter, TIED for Audiobook of the Year 2015 -- Stellar stories combined with wonderful narration. I had quite the conundrum because I had listened to Julie's book in 2015 and chose it for Audiobook of 2015 BUT then I listened to Shelley's book in January, but it released in 2015 and after much prayer I decided they were both tied.  That being said, the audiobooks that I include on my list are of such HIGH quality that it truly was hard to put them in order -- so next year I might not!!!

Audiobooks of the Year

Bibliotherapy Audiobook of the Year (Includes strong bibliotherapy elements as well as a wonderful book and narration.)

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Most Romantic Audiobook

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Best Final Audiobook in a Series

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Highly Memorable Audiobook of the Year 

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Contemporary Audiobook of the Year

A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach

Favorite Series on Audiobook 2015: Tracie Peterson's Bride's of Seattle (I am finishing the third book now.) All released in 2015 on audiobook.

(I accidentally left off Melanie Dickerson's and Kristi Ann Hunter's audiobooks in my original post  - these are both beautifully done audiobooks. I highly recommend and hope to post reviews of both very soon!!!)

My Backlist audiobook Series of the Year is by Jane Perrine: Tales from Butternut Creek! All wonderful!!! These released in 2012 and 2013 and are Women's Fiction with strong romantic

NOTE: I will have some books, available in audiobook, that I read rather than listened to, that are on my NEXT list, which release within the week! So if you are an author I love and weren't on here but have an audiobook, watch for those I read rather than listened to!

GIVEAWAY: Audiobook certificate for a book OR winner's choice of format.  Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which format do you prefer your books in - audiobook, Kindle, or paperback?  (Watch for my upcoming Kindle/paperback list of favorite books of the year, coming soon!)