I fell in love with Melanie Dickersons writing with The Merchants Daughter and as soon as The Fairest Beauty was released I knew I had to get a copy. Also, who has read The Healers Apprentice? *raising hand* If you read the above summary carefully youll notice there are two lovely characters in this story that youll remember from that one, sigh :) I recently watched Once Upon a Time Season 1 and decided to use those characters to illustrate what youll find in The Fairest Beauty.
Snow White is Sophie and this young beauty has been enslaved to the Duchess Ermengard as a scullery maid for 15 years forced to endure whatever torment the duchess deems appropriate, from locking Sophie in the dungeon without food or water to slapping her across the face. Mostly, the duchess likes to watch Sophie cower in her presence and insult her with lies. Sophie is adamant in her prayer life, owns a secret wooden cross she made herself, and with the help of Christ is determined not to hate the duchess no matter how cruel she is. Unbeknownst to the duchess, Sophie received a brief education from the local priest on reading the Bible and has managed to memorize one of the gospels. The church has been torn down during the reign of the duchess, but Sophie clings to her faith and draws strength from it.
Then one day, Gabe shows up and has made up his mind to rescue this dark haired beauty. An old woman died in Gabes presence confessing that Duke Baldewins daughter is still alive despite rumors that she died 15 years ago. Against his parents wishes, Gabe sets out to bring her back safely after getting proof that the deceased woman was correct.
Some of the challenges Gabe and Sophie face are:
The huntsman and his intentions
The evil Duchess Armengard and her ploys
One deadly archer
Wolves
Sophie and Gabe find shelter at the Cottage of the Seven where they heal physically, emotionally and spiritually while trying to do the right thing despite their feelings. It was wonderful experiencing the relationships formed with these seven honorable miners/woodsmen. They are fiercely loyal to Sophie and will do anything to protect her. There is nothing new in the story, but Dickerson manages to throw in a few twists that I did NOT see coming. Sophies faith and street smart instincts add a level to her beloved character that Ive not seen before. Gabes naïve and irresponsible motives nearly get him killed more than once, but watching his attitude change and grow during the story was even more enjoyable than the romance he experiences. I did not fall in love with Gabe, but my admiration and respect for him developed with each chapter of the story. The one thing I did fall in love with was the cover to this book and I mustve glanced at it 20 times while reading the story.
For some reason as I read this book, I heard Sophies voice with an Irish/Scottish accent like the girl from the movie Brave. It made things more interesting for me :) All in all, The Fairest Beauty is a wonderful tale filled with danger, deception, deadly archers, betrayal, vanity, revenge, faith, romance, family, seven loyal men, and even a few new characters that are refreshing and add intrigue to an already favorite story that never gets old. Even though I didnt connect with the story in every way or fall in love with its hero, I always enjoy the stories this author writes and I pray she continues to bring these stories to life. Dont miss this latest book from Melanie Dickerson, you will see Snow White in a whole new way! Please visit the authors website to learn more about her books, http://www.melaniedickerson.com/
I want to thank Zondervan for the review copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Snow White is Sophie and this young beauty has been enslaved to the Duchess Ermengard as a scullery maid for 15 years forced to endure whatever torment the duchess deems appropriate, from locking Sophie in the dungeon without food or water to slapping her across the face. Mostly, the duchess likes to watch Sophie cower in her presence and insult her with lies. Sophie is adamant in her prayer life, owns a secret wooden cross she made herself, and with the help of Christ is determined not to hate the duchess no matter how cruel she is. Unbeknownst to the duchess, Sophie received a brief education from the local priest on reading the Bible and has managed to memorize one of the gospels. The church has been torn down during the reign of the duchess, but Sophie clings to her faith and draws strength from it.
Then one day, Gabe shows up and has made up his mind to rescue this dark haired beauty. An old woman died in Gabes presence confessing that Duke Baldewins daughter is still alive despite rumors that she died 15 years ago. Against his parents wishes, Gabe sets out to bring her back safely after getting proof that the deceased woman was correct.
Some of the challenges Gabe and Sophie face are:
The huntsman and his intentions
The evil Duchess Armengard and her ploys
One deadly archer
Wolves
Sophie and Gabe find shelter at the Cottage of the Seven where they heal physically, emotionally and spiritually while trying to do the right thing despite their feelings. It was wonderful experiencing the relationships formed with these seven honorable miners/woodsmen. They are fiercely loyal to Sophie and will do anything to protect her. There is nothing new in the story, but Dickerson manages to throw in a few twists that I did NOT see coming. Sophies faith and street smart instincts add a level to her beloved character that Ive not seen before. Gabes naïve and irresponsible motives nearly get him killed more than once, but watching his attitude change and grow during the story was even more enjoyable than the romance he experiences. I did not fall in love with Gabe, but my admiration and respect for him developed with each chapter of the story. The one thing I did fall in love with was the cover to this book and I mustve glanced at it 20 times while reading the story.
For some reason as I read this book, I heard Sophies voice with an Irish/Scottish accent like the girl from the movie Brave. It made things more interesting for me :) All in all, The Fairest Beauty is a wonderful tale filled with danger, deception, deadly archers, betrayal, vanity, revenge, faith, romance, family, seven loyal men, and even a few new characters that are refreshing and add intrigue to an already favorite story that never gets old. Even though I didnt connect with the story in every way or fall in love with its hero, I always enjoy the stories this author writes and I pray she continues to bring these stories to life. Dont miss this latest book from Melanie Dickerson, you will see Snow White in a whole new way! Please visit the authors website to learn more about her books, http://www.melaniedickerson.com/
I want to thank Zondervan for the review copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely loved this adult rendition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Of course, it helps that I was a primary reading teacher and always loved the fairy tales! Dickerson did a great job of fleshing out this fairy tale plus giving it a few unusual twists of her own while including a faith element as well. My favorite character was Gabe because this adventure truly made him look more closely to God and become more mature and responsible. It was nice to see both his strong side as well as his loving and compassionate side. I loved each of the 7 because they were all special in their own unique way. Great book!
Not all books are all unicorns and rainbows. Some, more than most, have cruel villains that you absolutely loathe. Some have characters that you fall in love with and cannot stop thinking about. This book was a pure delight to read. It has it all... action, adventure, torment, villains, love, an irresistible hero, a heroine that you find yourself cheering on, and so many wonderful secondary characters too many to name.
The book blurb basically covers all the story so I'll try my best not to repeat what it says. This book is Teen Fiction but I'm in my thirties and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the kind of book you wouldn't mind your teenage kids reading or would be perfect to give as a gift.
And I love the fact that it has the whole Snow White vibe to it! I love, love, love it.
The story starts off with Sophie being sent to the dungeon for disobeying the duchess. The duchess is extremely jealous of Sophie (who is really her stepdaughter but Sophie isn't aware of that fact until later on) and means to kill her in due time.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yes. I need you to do something."
"Anything, Your Grace."
..."I want you to kill someone for me."
Lorencz did not look away from her direct gaze, a quality she admired in a man.
"I have just sent the scullery maid, Sophie, to the dungeon. I want you to gain her trust. Then, when she gets out, I want you to take her somewhere in the woods and kill her."
There, the look on his face.... was that disgust? Or merely distaste? Her huntsman wasn't going soft on her, was he?
"You will have to bury her afterward. I don't want anyone finding her body. We'll say she ran away, and no one will be the wiser." And no one will ever know who she truly is.
Unless she was mistaken, Lorencz had turned a shade paler.
"It shall be done as you say, Duchess Ermengard."
Gabe, the second son of Duke Wilhemlm, listens patiently as an old woman arrives at their doorstep and tells them tale that Duke Baldewin's daughter is alive but will soon die at the hands of her stepmother if someone doesn't rescue her. The poor girl had been subjected to the horrors of living underneath the duchess's thumb her whole life. Gabe shouldn't have been concerned about this situation, except that the girl, Sophie, was his brother's betrothed....but Valten was in bed with a broken leg and couldn't rescue her. It was up to Gabe to rescue Sophie and bring her back safely to his brother. So, defying his parents, he snuck away and set out to find Sophie. When he finally does find her and makes sure that she is indeed his brother's betrothed he thinks of a plan for them to flee. Except Duchess Ermengard has other plans.
With the help of an unlikely source (Lorencz, Duchess Ermengard's huntsman), Gabe and Sophie escape. Traveling for days until they reach the Cottage of the Seven. This would be the part where they meet seven men of all shapes and sizes. Outcasts. Misfits. And completely perfect to befriend. It doesn't take Sophie long to love the Seven... and she finds it hard not to have feelings for another certain person.
No matter how hard they try not to be attracted to each other, the harder it is to resist these feelings... And even something simple as washing and drying dishes together becomes difficult.
His upper arm was rock solid against her shoulder. His face hovered just above hers and his warm breath brushed her temple. Her knees were like pottage. His nearness made her want to press her closer, but if Bartel were to walk in now, she'd be even more embarrassed than when Siggy and Heinric had walked in on them before the midday meal. But Gabe's arm pressing hers was so exhilarating, and the gentleness of his hands sent pleasant shivers all through her, and when he started rubbing his fingertips inside the cocoon of the towel...
His warm breath loosed a strand of her hair and it brushed her cheek. She desperately wanted him to kiss her.
"Someone needs to take out the dishwater." Sophie's voice sounded strained and breathless, betraying just how his touch was affecting her. She stood still as a stone, afraid to move, her head bent, as he took the towel off her hands and threw it to the counter.
"I'll take it out in a moment." His voice sounded gruff.
She waited for him to move away. Instead, with slow and deliberate movements, he placed one hand on her shoulder and he cupped her cheek with the other as he turned her body to face him.
She placed her palms against his chest, feeling as if she were in a slow-moving dream. She couldn't avoid looking up at him any longer. She met his smoldering eyes, the golden flecks all but swallowed up in the dark irises. In their depths, there was only a solemn tenderness as he drew her nearer. He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers.
The world vanished. She was engulfed in warmth and exhilaration and strength--and guilt. But she pushed the guilt away. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck. he pulled away slightly, then kissed her again.
The events of the last few days flitted through her mind. Gabe, looking so noble and sure of himself when he'd lifted her onto his horse the day they left Hohendorf. Gabe, so sweet and vulnerable when he'd stared into her eyes after taking the arrow in his shoulder to save her. Now he was kissing her.
This story does have verses of the Bible quoted throughout the book and thoughts such as:
God, protect us today.
Thank you, God, for freeing us and keeping us safe.
I found the whole thing to be refreshing. I love that this story doesn't have sex, curse words, or anything else I would have to worry about with my daughter about to read it.
I love that Sophie doesn't throw herself at Gabe like most romances would have the heroine do, and that Gabe is respectful of Sophie. You just don't find good romances like this anymore. Seriously.
The secondary characters are a real treat. The author created them with unique personalities and emotions and you cannot help but fall in love with them. All the Seven will have you smiling.
I highly recommend this book if you love fairytale stories or if you just want to read a good wholesome book that will have your heart smiling in the end.
Brava, Ms. Dickerson! I'm hooked.
The book blurb basically covers all the story so I'll try my best not to repeat what it says. This book is Teen Fiction but I'm in my thirties and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the kind of book you wouldn't mind your teenage kids reading or would be perfect to give as a gift.
And I love the fact that it has the whole Snow White vibe to it! I love, love, love it.
The story starts off with Sophie being sent to the dungeon for disobeying the duchess. The duchess is extremely jealous of Sophie (who is really her stepdaughter but Sophie isn't aware of that fact until later on) and means to kill her in due time.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yes. I need you to do something."
"Anything, Your Grace."
..."I want you to kill someone for me."
Lorencz did not look away from her direct gaze, a quality she admired in a man.
"I have just sent the scullery maid, Sophie, to the dungeon. I want you to gain her trust. Then, when she gets out, I want you to take her somewhere in the woods and kill her."
There, the look on his face.... was that disgust? Or merely distaste? Her huntsman wasn't going soft on her, was he?
"You will have to bury her afterward. I don't want anyone finding her body. We'll say she ran away, and no one will be the wiser." And no one will ever know who she truly is.
Unless she was mistaken, Lorencz had turned a shade paler.
"It shall be done as you say, Duchess Ermengard."
Gabe, the second son of Duke Wilhemlm, listens patiently as an old woman arrives at their doorstep and tells them tale that Duke Baldewin's daughter is alive but will soon die at the hands of her stepmother if someone doesn't rescue her. The poor girl had been subjected to the horrors of living underneath the duchess's thumb her whole life. Gabe shouldn't have been concerned about this situation, except that the girl, Sophie, was his brother's betrothed....but Valten was in bed with a broken leg and couldn't rescue her. It was up to Gabe to rescue Sophie and bring her back safely to his brother. So, defying his parents, he snuck away and set out to find Sophie. When he finally does find her and makes sure that she is indeed his brother's betrothed he thinks of a plan for them to flee. Except Duchess Ermengard has other plans.
With the help of an unlikely source (Lorencz, Duchess Ermengard's huntsman), Gabe and Sophie escape. Traveling for days until they reach the Cottage of the Seven. This would be the part where they meet seven men of all shapes and sizes. Outcasts. Misfits. And completely perfect to befriend. It doesn't take Sophie long to love the Seven... and she finds it hard not to have feelings for another certain person.
No matter how hard they try not to be attracted to each other, the harder it is to resist these feelings... And even something simple as washing and drying dishes together becomes difficult.
His upper arm was rock solid against her shoulder. His face hovered just above hers and his warm breath brushed her temple. Her knees were like pottage. His nearness made her want to press her closer, but if Bartel were to walk in now, she'd be even more embarrassed than when Siggy and Heinric had walked in on them before the midday meal. But Gabe's arm pressing hers was so exhilarating, and the gentleness of his hands sent pleasant shivers all through her, and when he started rubbing his fingertips inside the cocoon of the towel...
His warm breath loosed a strand of her hair and it brushed her cheek. She desperately wanted him to kiss her.
"Someone needs to take out the dishwater." Sophie's voice sounded strained and breathless, betraying just how his touch was affecting her. She stood still as a stone, afraid to move, her head bent, as he took the towel off her hands and threw it to the counter.
"I'll take it out in a moment." His voice sounded gruff.
She waited for him to move away. Instead, with slow and deliberate movements, he placed one hand on her shoulder and he cupped her cheek with the other as he turned her body to face him.
She placed her palms against his chest, feeling as if she were in a slow-moving dream. She couldn't avoid looking up at him any longer. She met his smoldering eyes, the golden flecks all but swallowed up in the dark irises. In their depths, there was only a solemn tenderness as he drew her nearer. He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers.
The world vanished. She was engulfed in warmth and exhilaration and strength--and guilt. But she pushed the guilt away. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck. he pulled away slightly, then kissed her again.
The events of the last few days flitted through her mind. Gabe, looking so noble and sure of himself when he'd lifted her onto his horse the day they left Hohendorf. Gabe, so sweet and vulnerable when he'd stared into her eyes after taking the arrow in his shoulder to save her. Now he was kissing her.
This story does have verses of the Bible quoted throughout the book and thoughts such as:
God, protect us today.
Thank you, God, for freeing us and keeping us safe.
I found the whole thing to be refreshing. I love that this story doesn't have sex, curse words, or anything else I would have to worry about with my daughter about to read it.
I love that Sophie doesn't throw herself at Gabe like most romances would have the heroine do, and that Gabe is respectful of Sophie. You just don't find good romances like this anymore. Seriously.
The secondary characters are a real treat. The author created them with unique personalities and emotions and you cannot help but fall in love with them. All the Seven will have you smiling.
I highly recommend this book if you love fairytale stories or if you just want to read a good wholesome book that will have your heart smiling in the end.
Brava, Ms. Dickerson! I'm hooked.
The Fairest Beauty is book three in the Hagenheim series. I have not read the first two books in this series, and didn't feel like I was missing anything. Sophie has grown up believing she is a servant to an evil queen, but then Gabe shows up telling her she is a princess,the evil queen is actually her stepmother and she is betrothed to Gabe's brother. As they flea the queen and return to Gabe's home they stop at the cottage of the seven and struggle to deny the feelings developing between them. Overall, a solid retelling of Snow White.
About this book:
"A daring rescue. A difficult choice.
Sophie desperately wants to get away from her stepmother's jealousy, and believes escape is her only chance to be happy. Then a young man named Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and everything twists upside down. This could be Sophie's one chance at freedom--but can she trust another person to keep her safe?
Gabe defied his parents Rose and Wilhelm by going to find Sophie, and now he believes they had a right to worry: the girl's inner and outer beauty has enchanted him. Though romance is impossible--she is his brother's future wife, and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else--he promises himself he will see the mission through, no matter what.
When the pair flee to the Cottage of the Seven, they find help--but also find their feelings for each other have grown. Now both must not only protect each other from the dangers around them--they must also protect their hearts."
Series: All of Melanie Dickerson's books are connected: "The Fairest Beauty" in considered #3 in this series. "The Healer's Apprentice"(#1, review Here!), "The Merchant's Daughter" (#2, review Here!), "The Fairest Beauty"(#3), "The Captive Maiden"(#4) and coming in November, "The Princess Spy"; should be read in this order for the least amount of spoilers.
Spiritual Content- Sophie has a very strong Faith & prays a lot; Sophie has most of the book of Saint Luke memorized & quotes it; Gabe quotes Scriptures as well; Monks are in these book; Very strong Faiths; Talks about God, His Will, & trusting Him.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a shut up', four stupid's, and an item is called cursed once; The Duchess had a guard drown a sack of puppies but Sophie saved them in time (barely above not-detailed); the Duchess slaps Sophie; hints & mentions of drinking; hare gets killed & eaten (not-detailed); Blood, hitting, slapping, almost killing, and poisoning (it is the story of Snow White, after all).
Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss & a very detailed kiss; two wretch's; hints of flirting; a jerk kisses Sophie & tries to touch her cheek (she slaps him away); Gabe gets hurt and his shirt has to come off (Sophie tries not to look); Love, falling in love, the emotions & touches (semi-detailed being the highest).
-Sophie
-Gabehart
P.O.V. switches between them, Pinnosa, Duchess Ermengard & Vallen
Set in {Medieval}
323 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Because the story of Snow White is kinda harsh and all the lovey-dovey stuff, I had to lower the ratings}
This retelling of the story of Snow White with a lot of twists and turns--and characters with amazing Faiths. It was refreshing to read a "romance" book with both main characters having a strong Faith, as most Christian Romance novels have one of them struggling in that area.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*{{'Books for Christian Girls' reviews all genres of Christian books, writing down all the Spiritual, Negative & Sexual content and does ratings for girls ages 9-19.
Keep in mind, when reading a BFCG review, ignore the things that don't bother you, but take notice of the things that do.}}
"A daring rescue. A difficult choice.
Sophie desperately wants to get away from her stepmother's jealousy, and believes escape is her only chance to be happy. Then a young man named Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and everything twists upside down. This could be Sophie's one chance at freedom--but can she trust another person to keep her safe?
Gabe defied his parents Rose and Wilhelm by going to find Sophie, and now he believes they had a right to worry: the girl's inner and outer beauty has enchanted him. Though romance is impossible--she is his brother's future wife, and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else--he promises himself he will see the mission through, no matter what.
When the pair flee to the Cottage of the Seven, they find help--but also find their feelings for each other have grown. Now both must not only protect each other from the dangers around them--they must also protect their hearts."
Series: All of Melanie Dickerson's books are connected: "The Fairest Beauty" in considered #3 in this series. "The Healer's Apprentice"(#1, review Here!), "The Merchant's Daughter" (#2, review Here!), "The Fairest Beauty"(#3), "The Captive Maiden"(#4) and coming in November, "The Princess Spy"; should be read in this order for the least amount of spoilers.
Spiritual Content- Sophie has a very strong Faith & prays a lot; Sophie has most of the book of Saint Luke memorized & quotes it; Gabe quotes Scriptures as well; Monks are in these book; Very strong Faiths; Talks about God, His Will, & trusting Him.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a shut up', four stupid's, and an item is called cursed once; The Duchess had a guard drown a sack of puppies but Sophie saved them in time (barely above not-detailed); the Duchess slaps Sophie; hints & mentions of drinking; hare gets killed & eaten (not-detailed); Blood, hitting, slapping, almost killing, and poisoning (it is the story of Snow White, after all).
Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss & a very detailed kiss; two wretch's; hints of flirting; a jerk kisses Sophie & tries to touch her cheek (she slaps him away); Gabe gets hurt and his shirt has to come off (Sophie tries not to look); Love, falling in love, the emotions & touches (semi-detailed being the highest).
-Sophie
-Gabehart
P.O.V. switches between them, Pinnosa, Duchess Ermengard & Vallen
Set in {Medieval}
323 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Because the story of Snow White is kinda harsh and all the lovey-dovey stuff, I had to lower the ratings}
This retelling of the story of Snow White with a lot of twists and turns--and characters with amazing Faiths. It was refreshing to read a "romance" book with both main characters having a strong Faith, as most Christian Romance novels have one of them struggling in that area.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*{{'Books for Christian Girls' reviews all genres of Christian books, writing down all the Spiritual, Negative & Sexual content and does ratings for girls ages 9-19.
Keep in mind, when reading a BFCG review, ignore the things that don't bother you, but take notice of the things that do.}}
