Noela reviews The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

The Golden Braid

The Golden Braid

by Melanie Dickerson

Thomas Nelson (November 17, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

‘The Golden Braid’ delivers a sublimely executed retelling of the classic tale Rapunzel ~ flourishing with chivalrous and daring deeds, burgeoning faith, and a beautifully enchanting though conflicted romance. Taking place during the 15^th century in a world so vastly contrasting to ours; we visit imposing castles and encounter heroic knights engaging in clanging swordfights. In reality, our worlds are not so dissimilar in the fact that evil and jealousies still reside in the heart of man. But the beauty of the author’s gifted and mesmerizing story-telling, is that we may escape with our imagination to an exquisitely inspiring and unforgettable, happy-ever-after!

Naïve and innocent, the fair maiden Rapunzel with golden, flowing hair, is once more torn from a village as her oppressive mother moves them on, after a young farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage. Again, her mother cites the evils and deception of men. Though uninterested in this man, Rapunzel is disheartened to be uprooted repeatedly, never having a chance to belong, to make friends, or especially to learn to read. She hopes that with this next move to the larger city of Hagenheim, she may yet fulfill her yearning to read at least. When along the road, they are set upon by some brigands; her mother’s dire warnings of men seem to be proving true.

In the wake of being rescued by the gallant knight, Sir Gerek, everything that is instilled in Rapunzel by her mother regarding men, has her questioning its validity. Though her knight protector seems arrogant, he also proves to be honourable and curiously pleasant to look at and be with, which greatly perplexes Rapunzel. In Hagenheim, she grows fonder of this gruff though kindly knight despite knowing he has vowed to marry only for riches and rank. Here though in this city of secrets, Rapunzel’s life is turned on its head as mysteries and betrayals uncovered will change her life forever. Will the poor, peasant maiden ever find liberty and love or stay chained to lies and deception?

It was almost dungeon-worthy torture having to set the book down, but then neither did I want to make it to the last page! There was also a wonderful anointing on this tale that lifted my spirit as well as imagination, illustrating the scriptural admonition of ‘not leaning unto your own understanding’. The Golden Braid is a truly charming book, and a top favorite of mine for 2015!

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Available to purchase at these places: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM; and others!

GIVEAWAY: (CFP) We have a copy of the book for one blessed winner!  Answer this question--what aspect of Noela's review has you yearning to read The Golden Braid?
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Teresa S. Mathews Reviews Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello

Sword of Forgiveness

Winds of Change Book 1

Debbie Lynne Costello

Published by Wakefield Press

With this enchanting story Debbie Lynne Costello leads us back to 1398 England where the land was under the rule of the powerful King Richard, and chivalrous knights helped keep order.

Since childhood Brithwin longed for her father's love but all she ever received from him was cruelty and torture. Thankfully she did have a protector in Thomas, the captain of her guard, and a spiritual father in Pater, the man who taught her of Christ. On the day her father died, she felt no sorrow, only relief that he could no longer torment her. Finally free, Brithwin vows she will take care of Hawkwood and never be under the rule of a man again. That vow was soon to be broken when the missive from the King arrives with the name of her soon to be husband; Sir Royce of Rosen Craig.

When Royce returns home from a skirmish to Rosen Craig he is expecting to be greeted by his beloved family, but the only greeting he receives is his servant telling him his parents and brother are dead; supposedly killed by men from Hawkwood. When Royce hears this news, he is angered that his future bride could have something to do with his family being killed.

When Lord Royce arrives to take possession of Hawkwood and his bride to be, Brithwin defies him at every turn, which makes Royce more determined than ever to tame her. Even though Thomas assures Brithwin Lord Royce is an honorable man, she fears he is a man like her father, only seeing her as chattel, not someone to cherish or love. Will Royce and Brithwin be able to overcome the misgivings they have for each other?

Debbie Lynne Costello has hit the mark when it comes to storytelling; I literally could not put this book down until I had devoured it. I must confess I have a soft spot for stories about fair maidens and the handsome knights that save them; this story was that and so much more. There are thrilling twists and a few surprises that will keep you enthralled. The storyline between Royce and Brithwin was quite breathtaking and exasperating at times as these flawed people seek to find a never ending love. So if you want to spend a few hours in an enchanted time, be sure to grab a copy of this book!

You may purchase this at Amazon. 

GIVEAWAY: One of our commenters this week will receive a copy of Debbie Lynne's stunning new book!!! Available in ebook or paperback (ebook only for foreign winners.)

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Zondervan Publishers

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews
5 Stars*****

If you love being taken back to the medieval era of handsome knights that roamed the country side looking for damsels in distress to rescue, do I have a book for you! Melanie Dickerson once again wants to take you on a journey to a beautiful land far, far away where she brings to life for you the story of Gisela.

Beautiful eight year old Gisela was left in the care of her wicked step-mother, Evfemia, when her father died. She has had to endure many horrible things in the ten years since he died and the only joy in her life is when Evfemia banishes her to the stable to help with the horses. There is nothing she loves better than her horse, except maybe the handsome Valten, the Earl of Hamlin, whom she has dreamed of marrying since meeting him as a child.

Valten has been away from home for the past two years competing in tournaments and usually winning them whether they are jousting, sword fighting, or hand-to-hand combat. Now that he has gotten over the sting of his younger brother Gabehart stealing his betrothed, Valten feels a need to head home and find his purpose in life.

While walking through the marketplace Valten comes across a young blonde-haired beauty that is having trouble with a vendor. While he watches he is amazed at the way she carries herself with grace and confidence; it's then he realizes she is the same young woman he saw riding a horse a few days before that looks identical to his own. When his nemesis Friedric Ruexner approaches Gisela and tries to accost her, Valten steps in to rescue her. This starts a chain of events that will forever change Gisela and Valten's lives. Will either survive the troublesome journey they will be forced to travel in order to fulfill their destiny?!

Once again Melanie Dickerson has taken a classic tale (Cinderella) and put her marvelously wonderful spin on it! She can take a fairy tale from centuries ago and with her superb writing abilities breathe life back into it! This book has a  vast amount of excitement from the descriptive jousting tournaments that make you feel as though you are sitting in the stands watching, to the bone-jarring ride fleeing from the enemy that seeks to kill you, Melanie has included it all! This is truly a book you can't wait to pick up and devour and when you quickly come to the end you will be tempted to start it all over again! Thanks Ms. Dickerson for another grand adventure!

You can purchase this at Amazon, Christian Book.Com, Barnes and Noble and other outlets!

GIVEAWAY: Two paperback copies of The Captive Maiden will be given away this week to two different blessed commenters, so be sure to leave a comment on all the "Melanie" posts! *Don't forget to leave your email address for contact purposes!*

Diana Flowers Reviews 'The Captive Maiden' By Melanie Dickerson

The Captive Maiden

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Zondervan Publishing, Nov. 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

(No Spoilers!)

Happily Ever After?

Masterful storyteller, Melanie Dickerson, has crafted another magical, enchanting novel that sweeps the reader away on a journey into the whimsical land of knights, castles, lovely maidens, and wicked stepsisters!

Since her father's death, the lovely maiden, Gisela, dreams of happier childhood memories when the Duke used to visit with his handsome son, Valten. Now she is forced to live in servitude to her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, daydreaming of the young knight in Hagenheim Castle. Her only happiness is her horses, which her cruel stepmother constantly threatens to get rid of if she disobeys. When Gisela sneaks off to the knights' tournament at Hagenheim, she catches the eye of Valten, and is invited to attend the ball during the festivities. There she is faced with a danger much worse than her stepmother's ire…one that threatens to destroy her life and hope of happiness—forever.

As I mentioned earlier, Melanie Dickerson is a master storyteller, who has the power to draw the reader in from page one and keep them mesmerized until the final climactic conclusion! Filled with an exciting storyline guaranteed to keep you flipping those pages well into the night, endearing main characters and some very nasty secondary ones, this novel is sure to bring out the "fairytale princess daydreams" in all of you ladies! As for you menfolk, there are plenty of tournaments, jousting, fighting, and "guy" stuff to keep you happy as well! An action-packed, beautifully written romance with a spiritual thread throughout, Melanie Dickerson has done it once again!!

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This book is available through Amazon, CBD, DeeperShopping, and your local bookstore.

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GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The Captive Maiden will be given away to one blessed commenter! We are having such a great response we MAY even give away TWO copies!! :)*Don't forget to leave your email addy for contact purposes!*

QUESTION: When you were little, did you like fairytales and daydream of being a princess with your knight in shining armor or were you a tomboy more into Huckleberry Finn type stories…or both?