Mocha with Linda: The Beautiful Pretender

The Beautiful Pretender
A Medieval Fairy Tale
Melanie Dickerson
(Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 978-0718026288
May 2016/320 pages/$15.99

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama. Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedickerson.com.

MY THOUGHTS

I somewhat "accidentally" signed up to review this book, as neither the medieval time period nor fairy tales rank in my favorites, but I'm rethinking that stance, at least if Melanie Dickerson is the author. What an enchanting story! Dickerson swept me away to the world of nobility, class distinction, and advantageous marriages. Avelina's circumstances and her loyalty to her family tugged at my heart, and I was inspired by her strength, kindness, and positive attitude. The tale thrums with romantic tension as Avelina desperately attempts to avoid the margrave's attentions and he seeks to know her better. Threads of danger and intrigue add depth, and I was caught in the conundrum of wanting to read faster to reach the resolution while yet wanting to savor every chapter. Don't miss this fabulous novel!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson & Litfuse Publicity Group for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!