MrsK Books: Fairy-Tale Retelling

Showing posts with label Fairy-Tale Retelling. Show all posts

Sunday, July 1, 2018

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson

ISBN: 978-0-7180-7483-8

Publisher's Synopsis:

From the streets to an orphanage in a faraway kingdom, Aladdin has grown up alone. Until he meets Kirstyn. With a father who is the duke of Hagenheim and a mother who is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives, Kirstyn is a member of the most powerful family in the land . . . and way out of his league. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion for taking walks in the forest, and their childhood friendship grows along with them.

Through his scrappy skills, intelligence, and hard work, Aladdin earns a position serving in the duke’s house. But he knows it isn’t enough to grant him his one desire: Kirstyn’s hand in marriage. If he hopes to change his station in life and feel worthy of marrying Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim to seek his fortune.

But once Aladdin leaves, no one is around to protect Kirstyn, and the greedy men desperate to take advantage of her father’s wealth take notice. Now, more than Aladdin’s background stands in the way of the future he’s worked so hard to obtain. His only hope is to rescue Kirstyn and somehow manage to win her hand as well.

"You're a thief, and you'll never be anything but a thief."

MrsK's Review:

In 1401, Aladdin's life changes. Mustapha enters his life and appears to be a welcoming guardian. Right away Aladdin knew that Mustapha's ways were not what his mother would want for him. It took one kind hand, a small loaf of bread, and a promise about a place called Hagenheim to bring Aladdin "away from the bazaar and away from his Arab homeland."

For the past few years, Aladdin has been learning a new language, as well as the ways of a scribe at the Hagenhiem Cathedral. While on an outing to the Hagenheim Castle, Aladdin sees the "girl angel." His introduction to Lady Rose and her daughter Lady Kirstyn will once again change the path of his life. In all the he has learned, he recognizes that Hagenheim is a "safe place full of families who were kind to each other. And so, for now, his life would be centered around his daily learning, his walks with Lady Kirstyn, and becoming the best steward for the castle's orphanage.

Yet, by the time 1414 arrives, Aladdin awakened to the revelation that he would need to make a fortune for his future to become his reality. Although leaving Hagenhiem would bring a heaviness to the hearts of those who have given him a life beyond his imaginings, he had to fulfill his quest or he would never be able to ask for the hand of the one whom already held his heart.

With Aladdin's decision to leave, Lady Kirstyn's heart would become burdened beyond the edge of its brokenness. The heaviness "...seemed to foretell evil happenings." How would she overcome the long separation from her dearest friend? Will it be possible for her to focus her attention on the needs of the orphans at Hagenhiem? Over time, would Aladdin even want to return to Hagenhiem or her?

Aladdin's story-line weaves a reader's emotions in and out of bear attacks, jealous heirs, kidnappings, and killings. Those characters which will tug at your heart will know a victory that is priceless. Those characters of whom ill-got-gains is their "soul" focus will be held accountable.

Melanie's "gifted" talent for re-telling our most beloved tales continues to enthrall, captivate, and endear her readers. These novels are crafted for the generations of readers beyond our place in time!
MrsK

"God, please let me asleep."

An adventurous quest...
A spirited tale...
An endearing ever-after victory...
Delightful!

Meet the Author:

Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author, a two-time Christy Award finalist, two-time Maggie Award winner, Carol Award winner, two-time winner of the Christian Retailing's Best award, and her book, The Healer's Apprentice, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best First Book. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Melanie earned a bachelors degree in special education of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ukraine. She lives with her husband and two children in Huntsville, Alabama.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson

ISBN: 9780718026318

Publisher's Synopsis:

Evangeline is the ward and cousin of King Richard II, and yet she dreams of a life outside of Berkhamsted Castle, where she might be free to marry for love and not politics. But the young king betroths her to his closest advisor, Lord Shiveley, a man twice as old as Evangeline. Desperate to escape a life married to a man she finds revolting, Evangeline runs away from the king and joins a small band of servants on their way back to their home village.

To keep her identity a secret, Evangeline pretends to be mute. Evangeline soon regrets the charade as she gets to know Wesley, the handsome young leader of the servants, whom she later discovers is the son of a wealthy lord. But she cannot reveal her true identity for fear she will be forced to return to King Richard and her arranged marriage.

Wesley le Wyse is intrigued by the beautiful new servant girl. When he learns that she lost her voice from a beating by a cruel former master, he is outraged. But his anger is soon redirected when he learns she has been lying to him. Not only is she not mute, but she isn't even a servant.

Weighed down by remorse for deceiving Wesley, Evangeline fears no one will ever love her. But her future is not the only thing at stake, as she finds herself embroiled in a tangled web that threatens England's monarchy. Should she give herself up to save the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?

"She would never be free to go wherever she wanted,

to work and play and live in the sunshine."

MrsK's Review:
In the summer of 1384, Evangeline could sing of the morning but not choose whomever she wanted to marry. Since the king has accepted Lord Shiveley's offer of marriage, Muriel tries to encourage Evangeline that she must follow through with the king's order and not risk his anger. Given the kings refusal to reject the marriage proposal, Evangeline, knew she had no choice. She must run away!

Once Westley had insured that the little girl was safe, he once again glances towards the window in which he had only a momentary glance of the lovely young lady who had been singing with "an ethereally beautiful voice." Never did it occur to Westley that before he reached Glynval there would be an old servant or a mute joining his group as he journeyed home.

At Glynval, Westley asks his mother, Lady le Wyse, to help Eva and the old servant get settled and begin working. Trying to find some type of work for Eva would not be easy. Cooking, sewing, or churning butter would not prove fruitful. What skills did Eva have? What type of disaster might a runaway charge of the king bring upon a small unsuspecting village?

As the days passed, the only thing that Evangeline had learned well was that Westley's parents, Lord and Lady le Wyse, had married for love. If only Muriel would accept her decision to run away. Maybe they both could be happy in Glynval. What Evangeline had not noticed was the depth of Muriel's unhappiness. If Muriel does return to Berkhamsted Castle what sort of danger might follow? Would the king, or even Lord Shiveley search for her? Would Muriel be allowed to live? Would Westley understand her deception? Where should she go?

If you enjoy fairy-tale re-tellings or medieval romance novels, this story is delightfully entertaining. Both Evangeline and Westley are flawed and yet, they are both enchanting characters. The story is as old as any fairy tale, although, the fun is found in their exploits as romance begins weaving a match made for ever after.
MrsK

"God, keep Evangeline safe, and make us victorious."

Once love finds a way...

Your path becomes your destiny.

Meet the Author:

Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author, a two-time Christy Award finalist, two-time Maggie Award winner, Carol Award winner, two-time winner of the Christian Retailing's Best award, and her book, The Healer's Apprentice, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best First Book. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Melanie earned a bachelors degree in special education of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ukraine. She lives with her husband and two children in Huntsville, Alabama.

More Fairy Tale Retellings

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Sunday, April 24, 2016

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson

ISBN: 9780718026264

Publisher's Synopsis:

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

MrsK's Review:

"Mother, you promised someday you would find someone who could teach me to read."

In this charming retelling of Rapunzel you will be enchanted with a "spiritual" dimension to an endearing young heroine. Of course most of us know that "Once upon time" Rapunzel was held captive in a tower. Yet, there is so much more to the story!

Rapunzel wasn't locked away in that tower until she was older. She actually learned many skills from the various villages her mother traveled to. With an inquisitive mind, a longing to read, and a desire to be true to the precepts and principles of God, Rapunzel proves to be a noble servant and friend. As an excellent marksman, Rapunzel will defend anyone in need. She will display a wisdom that is acquired by truth-filled and loyal heart.

As Rapunzel's story begins, she is on the road to Hagenheim. Her mother once lived there a long time ago. It is on this road that Rapunzel will meet two robbers and one knight. Sir Gerek will need some attending after rescuing Rapunzel and her mother, of course I'm not certain as to who saved whom. It will be during Sir Gerek's recovery at the monastery that Rapunzel will begin reading, knowing others, and discovering that she can not stay with her mother any longer. Her quest will be to live a good life and it will begin as a servant at Hagenheim Castle.

All the while, Rapunzel is aware of the repercussions that would come from her mother if she was ever found. With many diabolical plots and menacing schemes unfolding, Rapunzel will find herself locked away and in need of Sir Gerek.

"She let the tears squeeze free and run down her cheeks.

She would allow herself to cry, to hurt and mourn,

but only for a few minutes.

Then she would be strong, and she would escape."

For all readers who once enjoyed the traditional Fairy Tales, or for those whom are captivated by the newer fractured versions... Take a moment to meet a Rapunzel with depth, spiritual wisdom, spunk, and wit.

MrsK

"It's not a trick... It is a skill, and you will never learn it if you do not practice!"

A Christian retelling of an endearing Fairy Tale!

Meet the Author:

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama.
She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine.
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)