Apologetics(168)
Bible Covers(101)
Bible Studies(40)
Bibles(531)
Christian Living(431)
Devotionals(197)
Fiction(2,119)
Action/Adventure(68)
Amish(45)
Contemporary(803)
Historical(162)
Romance(124)
Sets(43)
Suspense & Intrigue(113)
Issues(101)
Jewelry(548)
Novelty Items(34)
Personal Growth(416)
Reference(6)
Relationships(316)
Shop Now At Christianbook.com
Shop Romance or
Choose a Category
- Academic
- Accompaniment Tracks
- Advent
- Adventures in Odyssey ™
- Audiobooks
- Bible Accessories
- Bible Covers
- Bible Studies & Curriculum
- Bibles
- Blooming Bargains
- Books
- Catholic
- Children
- Christian Living
- Christmas
- Church & Pastoral
- Church Supplies
- Closeouts
- Clothing & Accessories
- Crafts & Recreation
- DVDs
- Download
- Easter
- Education
- Fall
- Family
- Father's Day
- Fiction
- Focus Magazines
- Focus Resource
- Focus Reviewed
- Focus on the Family
- Gift & Home
- Graduation
- Homeschool
- MP3 Music Downloads
- Mother's Day
- Music
- New Release
- Patriotic
- Pre-Order
- Radio Theatre
- Slightly Imperfect
- Software
- Spanish
- Spring
- Subscriptions
- Sunday School
- Teens
- Thanksgiving
- VBS
- Videos
- Winter
- eBooks
Top-Rated Products
Customer Reviews for Zondervan The Fairest Beauty
Zondervan The Fairest Beauty
In this young adult fairy tale retelling by Melanie Dickerson, a woman arrives in Hagenheim claiming the young woman betrothed to the duke's son, Valten, is still alive. With Valten injured, his younger brother, Gabe, defies his family and travels to find Sophie himself. Meanwhile, Sophie hopes to escape her evil stepmother, believing she will be safe at the Cottage of the Seven. When Gabe arrives at the castle claiming she is to be married, Sophie must make a choice: go to the cottage and fend.
Average Customer Rating:
(17 Reviews) 17
Rating Snapshot (17 reviews)
5 stars
14
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
17 out of 17100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Fairest Beauty
Review 1 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Awesome story!
Date:April 11, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is an excellent Christian teen book! I gave this book 5/5 stars. I enjoyed the story especially since you do not see many Christian books written with settings like this one or even in the time period as this one. I thought the authors’ descriptions and conversations were incredible and they really helped this book be more enjoyable. I even liked the characters as they showed real human characteristics and emotions. I would recommend this book to any Christian teenager to read, they will really enjoy it!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
A Clean Teen Read!
Date:April 10, 2013
Carol Gehringer
Location:Raleigh, NC
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Award-winning Melanie Dickerson pens her third young adult novel loosely based on the story of Snow White.
In The Fairest Beauty, Duchess Ermengard fakes the death of her stepdaughter Sophie, driving her husband, Duke Baldewin, to disappear in despair. For over fifteen years, she convinces everyone the scullery maid Sophie she torments, is only an orphan girl. Even Sophie is unaware of her true identity. A former nurse, the only one left with knowledge of the deception, fakes her own death and travels to Sophie’s betrothed. But Valten is laid up with a broken leg and unable to come. His impulsive younger brother, Gabe, decides to rescue Sophie on his own.
He tells Sophie of her true identity, and convinces Sophie to escape with him because her life is in danger. When Gabe is severely injured by pursuing guards, they take refuge in the Cottage of the Seven. While he recuperates, Sophie and Gabe discover they are falling in love, but they are both betrothed to others. News reaches Gabe that Sophie’s father is not dead but alive, and he leaves to find out the truth. While he is away, the Duchess, in the guise of an old woman, visits Sophie in the Cottage of Seven with the intent of killing her.
Like her earlier books, the faith element is clearly evident. Sophie prays for her stepmother instead of hating her. Both Gabe and Sophie struggle with past hurts needing God’s healing. They also struggle to seek God’s will and act honorably with others.
Dickerson is a masterful storyteller with a carefully crafted plot, richly drawn characters, and detailed medieval setting. The reader is pulled into the story, forgetting it is based on a familiar tale. All of her books are a delightful retelling, but this one is her best so far!
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
The Fairest Beauty is a True Delight!
Date:April 8, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Fairest Beauty
By Melanie Dickerson
By Melanie Dickerson
Hidden away by lies, deceptions and a jealous step-mother, Sophie lives as a scullery maid in the very castle she should be mistress of. Presumed dead since she was 2 years of age the truth of who Sophie is has been hidden away from everyone. But two servants within the castle's walls know the truth!
Pinnosa is traveling to Hagenheim Castle and Duke Wilhelm hoping that she can live long enough to save Sophie from the death that Duchess Ermengard is planning for her. With her last breath she is able to tell Duke Wilhelm and his youngest son Gabe about Sophie and her danger.
Years ago Sophie was betrothed to Valten, Duke Wilhelm's oldest son. But Valten is unable to rescue the young woman who is to become his bride as he has broken his leg and unable to even walk at present.
Gabe, is headstrong and unwilling to wait until Valten is healed, as he has a feeling that makes him determined to discover the truth about Sophie and rescue her.
Duchess Ermengard enraged that Sophie has taken food to Roslind in the dungeon and has saved 5 puppies that she had ordered drowned has the young scullery maid thrown into the dungeon. While Sophie sits in the dungeon, her step-mother orders her huntsman Lorencz to befriend and then kill Sophie when she is released.
When Gabe discovers the young woman who is Sophie he is further drawn to her and wants to protect her. When Gabe makes a mistake Ermangard is enraged and his life as well as Sophie's are in even greater danger. As Gabe makes his escape to rescue Sophie, the words of kindly Petra ring in his ear, Ask for Dominyk the Wise and to take refuge at the Cottage of the Seven.
When Gabe locates Sophie they head north towards Hagenheim Castle. But less than a day into their seven day journey they are being pursued by Ermangard's archers. Though he is determined to bring Sophie home to his brother, Gabe's heart betrays him when Sophie begins to touch his heart in ways he never though she could. But does Sophie feel the same or is she pleased with her betrothal to his brother? And if she does have feelings for him, how can they break two betrothals and not incur the king's wrath?
When an arrow finds a mark can the two of them make their way to the safety promised at the Cottage of the Seven? Or will Ermengard destroy them both before the truth of who Sophie is be made known?
The Fairest Beauty is a thoroughly delightful retelling of Snow White that is Biblical based. Melanie Dickerson has created another beautiful story that you want to read again and again!
I was provided a digital loan of this title by the publisher for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
A sweet and daring romance for young adults.
Date:April 4, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I was so excited to read this book—the cover is just gorgeous and that was the sole reason I was compelled to read this book. Well, I won’t lie; I am a huge fan of fantasy, fairy tales and the show Once Upon a Time. So, when I saw this cover I had to have this book and luckily my dad got it for me for my birthday. I enjoyed the book well enough though I do wish there had been less realistic situations and more fantasy. Really, despite this being a retelling of a fairy tale there wasn’t a fairytale element to it at all and I really missed that. A fairy tale just needs a good dose of magic in my opinion and that was seriously missing in this story. Otherwise it was pretty good!
About the Story:
Sophie has been raised as a lowly scullery maid for an overbearing and evil duchess. She wishes for nothing but to please the Lord and to live her life serving others and being a blessing. Now, I really thought this was an unusual element to this story. I knew going into it that it was Christian fiction but I’m used to Christian fantasy using allegory rather than actually saying “Jesus Christ” or quoting the scripture. I’m not sure why but this element just didn’t seem to flow with the theme. Perhaps that’s just because I have a preconceived notion of how a fairytale typically reads…
Sophie has been raised as a lowly scullery maid for an overbearing and evil duchess. She wishes for nothing but to please the Lord and to live her life serving others and being a blessing. Now, I really thought this was an unusual element to this story. I knew going into it that it was Christian fiction but I’m used to Christian fantasy using allegory rather than actually saying “Jesus Christ” or quoting the scripture. I’m not sure why but this element just didn’t seem to flow with the theme. Perhaps that’s just because I have a preconceived notion of how a fairytale typically reads…
Anyway, Gabe is nobility from a neighboring kingdom and he learns of Sophie’s plight and of her true origin as the daughter of the late Duke and though she was betrothed to his older brother in her infancy—Gabe is determined to rescue her and steal the glory that would belong to his brother.
However, it was never Gabe’s intention to fall helplessly in love with Sophie and when they find themselves in the Cottage of the Seven while Gabe recovers from an injury—Sophie finds she can no longer deny her attraction to the handsome Gabe. This provides quite a problem as Gabe is already engaged to another and of course there is the problem of the legally binding betrothal of Sophie to his brother.
As always the story wraps up with a fairytale ending but I thought this one was almost a little too clean of a wrap up. I can’t quite put a finger on what I would change as I really did enjoy the story but there were little things I felt made the story disjointed or perhaps out of place? As a Christian I really do enjoy a book that pulls in a Christian element but it just didn’t seem to fit in well in this story. Otherwise, it was a really good read and I do think I’ll pick up a few more of her books to check them out.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Snow White, but better
Date:March 21, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Melanie Dickerson gives us another wonderfully retold fairy tale. This time we get to see Snow White reborn.
While I preferred The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter to this one, I enjoyed it. Melanie added a depth to the character's that the original did not have. And who can resist a hunky hero?
***I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of review. The above opinion is my own.***
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
The best of the three
Date:March 19, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Of the three novels that this author has written to date, I think I enjoyed this one the most, though I gave all three of her books five star reviews. Any time a book is so compelling that I can't stop reading it gets high marks from me as a reader. I get bored easily and this novel held my attention. I loved how this story paralleled Snow White, but with an added spiritual twist that made it even more interesting.
It's hard to say much without giving away plot points, though it does follow Snow White's fairy tale. I'm sure this is what the author intended. The strong faith thread in this book as well as a desire to do God's will and to please Him is what makes it unique. I appreciated that. I also enjoyed the fact that there was an element of forbidden love, which makes the love that much harder to resist. No one wants to betray anyone else, but sometimes doing the right thing means following your heart. If it is God's plan, it will all work out in the end.
The author did a great job with the setting. I truly felt like I was living in the past and experiencing the sights and smells from the days when people lived in castles. I also enjoyed the way the author slowly built the tension between the hero and heroine. It bless me to see the tenderness expressed in so many ways from people who cared about Sophie.
The portions of the story where the heroine longs for a family are quite touching. The stepmother was truly wicked and creepy. She gave me the shivers. I suppose extreme jealousy and insecurity can do that to a person. Anyway, I don't want to spoil the story for readers by alluding to too much, but I can say this novel is for all ages, though geared toward young adults. If you want a warm romance with a strong faith thread that's clean, but by no means dull, then this is the perfect book to recommend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Totally Awesome
Date:March 11, 2013
Swifty2012
Location:Topeka, KS
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic and the plot was very good. I don't usually enjoy retellings of fairytales, but Melanie Dickerson has done a fabulous job on all of her books.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
It's a fun, beautifully told tale full of wisdom.
Date:March 9, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I loved Melanie Dickerson's The Fairest Beauty. I closed that book and just thought, "Melanie is doing something that no one else does. She's got the whole market and she's absolutely excellent." It's a fun, beautifully told tale full of wisdom.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
I love Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale romances
Date:March 2, 2013
Sophie is a maid in Duchess Ermengard’s castle. She has never understood why the duchess hates her so much until a handsome young man arrives, claiming she is the duchess’s stepdaughter. This young man, Gabe, also wants to rescue her from the duchess’s service and take her to meet his brother, to whom she was betrothed at birth. This could be Sophie’s change to get away from the duchess and be free. But how can she be certain Gabe is who he says he is?
Gabe went after his brother’s betrothed to prove to his family that he was capable. He’s not supposed to have romantic inclinations toward the girl. It’s impossible not to, though, with her beauty and kindness and knowing all she’s suffered at the hands of Duchess Ermengard.
When the duchess sends her soldiers after them, the two flee to the Cottage of the Seven, where a group of outcasts take them in. The longer they stay there, the stronger their feelings for each other grow. What will they do?
Oh how I love Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale romances. Her research is done so well that I feel like I’m in a medieval time and place. And her characters are always so endearing that I can’t put down the book until I’ve read the whole thing. I especially liked reading about the men in the Cottage of the Seven. They were all such fun characters. If you like fairy tale retellings, romance, and a historical setting and have never read any of Dickerson’s novels, you must! They’re fabulous!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Long awaited - so worth the wait!
Date:February 10, 2013
Ah yes, I have a short list of authors that I anxiously await new releases from and Melanie Dickerson has pushed herself to the top part of that list because of the way she has been taking the fairy tales of my childhood and is reinventing them into these amazing stories that move me emotionally. I love the first two, but Snow White has always been a favorite for me and so this story was definitely anticipated! It does not disappoint. I love the way she turns this classic into a story that I enjoyed in a fresh, new way. Gabe and Sophie are strong characters that aren't promised to each other, but they just might be destined for each other... or are they? And the seven - LOVE how that happens! The tie in back to The Healer's Apprentice is fantastic and left me smiling and satisfied. What a great book, be sure to read all of Melanie's books!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Absolutely Amazing!
Date:February 5, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Melanie’s third book is nothing short of amazing! The stunning cover ushers the reader into a dark land where the loveliness of one young lady shines likes a precious jewel. From her first appearance, Sophie’s inner beauty captured my heart, & it was easy to see why everyone loved her except, of course, those blinded by jealousy. Gabe might’ve had to work to gain Sophie’s trust, but he had mine as soon as he decided to follow the Spirit’s urging. Although his initial motivation was a little self-serving, it didn’t take long for his truly heroic nature to surface as he protected & cherished this princess with the heart of an angel. Throughout the story, Melanie’s writing was so vivid & mesmerizing that I could envision the story playing through my mind just like a movie. I can still recall several favorite scenes & hear the enchanting theme music that they inspired. Beauty, grace, self-sacrifice, thrilling adventure, suspense, & honor make this story worthy of many more readings. There was also an extra layer of joy in seeing how Rose blossomed inside the safe haven of Wilhelm’s love - finding characters from previous books tucked into the current story is such a delightful bonus! Melanie even wove a perfect touch of humor into the spectacularly romantic conclusion!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Date:February 1, 2013
MMTM
Location:PA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"The Fairest Beauty" by Melanie Dickerson is my favorite book yet by this author. I thought the retelling of the fairy tale story "Snow White" was very nicely done. It was truly romantic with a lovable hero that was so gentle and good to Sophie. A very enjoyable read. It was nice to read about Rose and Wilhelm again and their wonderful family.
Looking forward to reading about Valten in the next fairy tale retelling.....Cinderalla!!
Looking forward to reading about Valten in the next fairy tale retelling.....Cinderalla!!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Another Great Read from Melanie Dickerson
Date:January 29, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Another Melanie Dickerson book!!! {insert squeal} I love fairy tales. I do. And I love Christian books- but it’s not often those two genres collide. But every once in a while, they do.
And that is cause for celebration.
The Fairest Beauty is (aptly titled) a re-telling of Snow White. I really liked it. Probably not as much as the other two books in this “series”, but very much. My favorite, favorite, bits were where Sophie and Gabe visited the Cottage of the Seven. Mrs. Dickerson’s take on the seven dwarfs was great- I only wish the seven of them were in the book even more!
The only thing I didn’t like so much about this book was the romance part, mainly because I felt Gabe was making excuses for liking Sophie when he knew she was engaged to his brother. Yes, he fought against his feelings at first, but when he realized he was in love with her, he just kind of threw everything out the window and pursued her. So that bothered me. But, on the plus side, this had a bit more action than The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter.
I think there’s some perverse reading gene that always makes me interested in secondary characters more than the main ones, because as soon as the reader was introduced to Valten, I wanted to know more about him, and I’m SO happy that Melanie Dickerson’s next fairy tale retelling is about him! I really enjoyed this book, and I’m dearly looking forward to the Cinderella retelling that is set to release sometime this fall!
And that is cause for celebration.
The Fairest Beauty is (aptly titled) a re-telling of Snow White. I really liked it. Probably not as much as the other two books in this “series”, but very much. My favorite, favorite, bits were where Sophie and Gabe visited the Cottage of the Seven. Mrs. Dickerson’s take on the seven dwarfs was great- I only wish the seven of them were in the book even more!
The only thing I didn’t like so much about this book was the romance part, mainly because I felt Gabe was making excuses for liking Sophie when he knew she was engaged to his brother. Yes, he fought against his feelings at first, but when he realized he was in love with her, he just kind of threw everything out the window and pursued her. So that bothered me. But, on the plus side, this had a bit more action than The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter.
I think there’s some perverse reading gene that always makes me interested in secondary characters more than the main ones, because as soon as the reader was introduced to Valten, I wanted to know more about him, and I’m SO happy that Melanie Dickerson’s next fairy tale retelling is about him! I really enjoyed this book, and I’m dearly looking forward to the Cinderella retelling that is set to release sometime this fall!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Good YA Novel
Date:January 15, 2013
MedievalGirl
Location:Winchester, UK
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
‘The Fairest Beauty ‘was a good and original retelling of the Snow White stories, which stood out from the crowd of some of the recent dramatic adaptations of the day. Melanie Dickerson seems to have a knack for cleverly transferring fairy tales into a real historical background, in this case Germany in the early 1400s, and whilst removing the more fantastical elements (magic, fairy godmothers) retaining the basic elements of stories as well as their charm.
The Christian themes in this novel seemed to be well presented, especially that of forgiveness and reconciliation which could be seen to fit the story well.
There are some interesting and well-drawn characters, Gabehart the hero being my favourite. He seemed to be something of a lovable rogue at first. Impetuous and determined to prove himself, perhaps even with a slightly rebellious streak which caused him to defy his family to go and save Sophie, he nevertheless seemed rather an endearing character.
Then there was of course Sophie (Snow White) who has been raised as a servant unaware of her true status as a Duke’s daughter. Sophie’s life is endangered by the Duchess Ermengard’s murderously egotistical rage, and has to be rescued by Gabe, but she is not shrinking violet and seems sufficiently spunky and independent to please most people. This said, she was not my favourite character, although she had her moments, she seemed a little too passive sometimes. She and Gabe’s developing love, whilst also sweet did seem a little predictable in its culmination, with the possibility of Sophie marrying Gabe’s brother to whom she was betrothed seeming very unlikely. Of course she would fall for the dashing hero who saved her. Naturally.
Then there was Duchess Ermangard herself- the archetypal fairy-tale baddie of the Wicked Stepmother. She was indeed an egotistical megalomaniac, as could be expected, yet I found her to be rather a disappointment. Rather like Tilda Swinton’s White Witch in ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ movie, she just did not seem to very threatening or menacing, as much as she was meant to be so.
Her actions sometimes seemed predictable, and very typical bad guy cum bully. The famous scene in which she offers the signature poisoned apple to Sophie was probably the greatest let down.
Her actions sometimes seemed predictable, and very typical bad guy cum bully. The famous scene in which she offers the signature poisoned apple to Sophie was probably the greatest let down.
Finally, ‘The Seven’ who were not seven dwarves, (though one match the description) but seven men with what we would now call learning and physical disabilities. Each was unique, but not all seemed to be developed, though that may have been because some played a more prominent role, whilst others seemed to be very much minor characters.
Then there was the story itself. It is sweet and charming, and in some places engaging, yet it somehow reminds me of a children’s drama or movie that could be corny and unrealistic in places. For instance, it is supposed to be almost impossible to escape from Hohendorf Castle, the Duchesses dominion, and the characters state that few have ever done so.
Yet no fewer than three characters are literally able to walk (or ride) out in a short space of time, with nobody seeming to notice. Nobody except Sophie’s noting that Gabe, when disguised as a poor man, was still wearing a large gemstone ring also seemed a little implausible.
Yet no fewer than three characters are literally able to walk (or ride) out in a short space of time, with nobody seeming to notice. Nobody except Sophie’s noting that Gabe, when disguised as a poor man, was still wearing a large gemstone ring also seemed a little implausible.
The novel also seemed to lag a little towards the middle and the end, though this was the part in which Gabe and Sophie love developed, it was not perhaps entirely engaging.
Sophie and Gabe’s pursuit by the Duchess soldiers through a forest provided some excitement, but also would not be out of place in a movie. Though unlike in some of these, not all the arrows loosed by the bad guys miss, and Gabe does get wounded.
That said, the talk of him ‘taking’ an arrow (as one would ‘take’ a bullet), seemed like too much of a modern phrase out of keeping with the period. Some other terms the character’s used also seemed a little too modern, but one passage which really seemed cringe-inducing was the description of the Seven playing their instruments as a ‘band’ and Sophie thinking they looked like one.
This was the fifteenth century, for goodness sake, they didn’t have boy bands.
That said, the talk of him ‘taking’ an arrow (as one would ‘take’ a bullet), seemed like too much of a modern phrase out of keeping with the period. Some other terms the character’s used also seemed a little too modern, but one passage which really seemed cringe-inducing was the description of the Seven playing their instruments as a ‘band’ and Sophie thinking they looked like one.
This was the fifteenth century, for goodness sake, they didn’t have boy bands.
The only other historical issue was the notion of Gabe, the second son of a Duke wanting to pursue a profession as a Master Mason, to the point of even turning down rejecting the offer of inheriting the Lands and titles of a Duke himself. I cannot imagine a medieval nobleman’s son turning down acting thus to take up a profession that would probably have been regarded as ‘beneath’ him and reserved for commoners.
Aside from some characters referring to the Duchess Ermengard dabbling in Black Magic, and Sophie and Gabe’s relationship blossoming when she was still betrothed to Gabe’s brother, there was little objectionable in the book.
This said, Sophie and Gabe did kiss and embrace, though nothing that was actually immoral actually conspired between them when the betrothal still stood. This said their behaviour may well have been considered improper by the standards of the time.
This said, Sophie and Gabe did kiss and embrace, though nothing that was actually immoral actually conspired between them when the betrothal still stood. This said their behaviour may well have been considered improper by the standards of the time.
There are also references to the Duchess having murdered and poisoned a number of people, and she tries to kill Sophie a number of times, though there is nothing especially violent or gratuitous.
Overall, the Fairest Beauty is a worthwhile read, and I think would certainly appeal to teenage girls, but also in some ways to adults too, though maybe not universally. It was original, imaginative and enjoyable enough, though I felt rather corny, predictable and implausible in places.
As with a previous novel read by the author , I also felt that the writing style of this one seemed a little too simplistic, as did some parts of the story as a whole, and some of the characters a little wooden. This said, as an adult reading a novel aimed at children, it is possible my expectations were too high, and the writing style was intended to appeal to a younger audience.
As with a previous novel read by the author , I also felt that the writing style of this one seemed a little too simplistic, as did some parts of the story as a whole, and some of the characters a little wooden. This said, as an adult reading a novel aimed at children, it is possible my expectations were too high, and the writing style was intended to appeal to a younger audience.
I received an advance copy of this book free from the Publisher in return for a review. I was not required to write a positive one.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
FAIRY TALE PERFECTION!
Date:January 7, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Melanie Dickerson has beautifully mastered the re-telling of Snow White in a way that all I can say is: I wish the first one had been this good. With this version Melanie takes us back to the land of make-believe where a damsel in distress can be rescued by a handsome Lord and live happily-ever-after.
Sophia has no memories of her life as a child except being here in Hohendorf Castle with the evil Duchess Ermengard. Every thing she does seems to bring the wrath of the Duchess on her. She has spent days in the dark, dank dungeon with no food or water as punishment; it seems the Duchess has always hated her. It is only by her faith in God she keeps going on day after day. Will she ever be able to escape this horrible life?
When a handsome stranger shows up and starts asking Sophia all sorts of strange questions she has no clue what he is talking about. Her, a lowly scullery maid, the daughter of a Duke? That can’t be true, the Duchess told her she was an orphan, could she have lied to Sophia?
Lord Gabehart Gerstenberg didn’t know if he believed the old lady Pinnosa or not, her story seemed far-fetched. They all knew that Duke Baldewin’s daughter Sophia died as a small child, could she really still be alive and being held captive by her evil step-mother? Gabe knew that Valten should be the one to rescue his betrothed but something in his heart was urging him to go and not wait for Valten‘s broken leg to heal. Will he find Sophia and be able to bring her back to his brother? Or will the unthinkable happen and Gabe fall in love with his brother’s betrothed?
When Gabe arrives at Hohendorf Castle and meets the beautiful Sophia, he knows he cannot leave her there in the clutches of the evil Duchess. When Pinnosa’s story is verified by the only other person who knows the truth, Gabe makes haste to whisk Sophia away before the Duchess has her killed. When a wicked huntsman follows them will he succeed in killing them before they make it to the safety of the Cottage of the Seven?
This story was absolutely charming; Melanie took one of my favorite fairy tales and improved it to the point of perfection. We have the basic story we grew up with but Melanie has taken it and woven God’s love and the power of His forgiveness throughout the story and that is perfection! Thank you Melanie for helping me remember that with God’s love, fairy tales do come true!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Enchanting!
Date:January 3, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
In The Fairest Beauty, Melanie Dickerson sweeps us away on an enchanting, whimsical journey set during the medieval era in a captivating spin on the alluring classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The reader is immediately transported to another time and place -- one of lords and ladies, exotic castles, a wicked Duchess, and a lovely, charming cottage hidden deep in the forest...the Cottage of the Seven!
Our beautiful 17 year old heroine, Sophie, is trapped in the clutches of the abusive and evil Duchess Ermingard -- destined to spend the rest of her life in Hohendorf castle as little less than a servant. The duchess is envious of the maiden's enchanting beauty, and keeping Sophie's identity a secret from all, makes it her lifelong pleasure to torment and abuse her.
A mysterious, handsome nobleman, Gabehart, comes to Sophie's rescue, and whisks her off to safety -- to the Cottage of the Seven, narrowly escaping the duchess and her henchmen. Sophie and Gabe must fight off a budding romance because he informs her that he is already betrothed and shockingly so is Sophie -- to his brother. But just as Gabe and Sophie are being well taken care of by the seven dwarfs, new and life threatening danger appears and long buried secrets arise as darkness threatens to envelop the lovely lass.
Will the two make it to Sophie's betrothed's castle safely...or is there to be no happily ever after in her destiny? For even should they make it to Hagenheim, can Sophie even dare to think about life without Gabe in it? Will she be able to give up love for the sake of tradition? And will Sophie and Gabe allow God to heal their hearts of past wounds and hurts?
Melanie Dickerson is one of the finest writers in Christian fiction today. Her stories are filled with adventure, suspense, romance, twists and turns, and heart pounding action! Inside of every woman is still that little girl who once dreamed of her Prince Charming and "happily ever after", and Melanie satisfies that need in each of us to become that young lass again...even if only for a short while. This is a fantasy and the reader should regard it as such. The characters are very endearing...especially the delightful seven dwarfs...and I just love how much Gabehart evolves throughout the book! I really enjoyed this novel and could barely put it down once I got into it...very nicely written, Melanie Dickerson!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for The Fairest Beauty
Overall Rating:
Another enchanting read from Melanie Dickerson!
Date:December 15, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Another enchanting read from Melanie Dickerson!
The Fairest Beauty revolves around Gabe, son of Rose and Wilhelm (their story was told in The Healer's Apprentice), and Sophie, daughter of Duke Baldwin and betrothed to Gabe's older brother, Valten. Having only read The Healer's Apprentice previously by Melanie, it excited me to know that I'd learn more about Rose and Wilhelm and their family.
This retelling of the story of Snow White (who seems to be quite popular this year!), is fabulously done. It incorporates twists I could have never anticipated and brings the story to life, especially after a year of Snow White movies and shows. I am quite impressed with The Fairest Beauty. The writing and characters meet expectations and the story will pull you in until the last page.
As always, the underlying Christian message slid in like a puzzle piece with Sophie's troubles as well as Gabe's. I really hurt for Sophie as she tried to heal from all of the hurtful lies the evil Duchess spewed at her over the years. It certainly isn't something that occurs overnight! While, Gabe's problems might seem trivial compared to Sophie's they are real. I won't say too much more, I'd hate to spoil a great book like this one!
In conclusion, I really, really, liked Melanie's latest! I'm crossing my fingers as to which fairytale she'll do next! And I secretly hope it will involve Valten. :-)
I received this book from DJC Communications in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.