The Beautiful Pretender (Young Adult Fiction) (#02 in Thornbeck - Medieval Fairy Tale Series)

Avelina is probably the most relatable character I have ever encountered. As the protagonist of the novel, she brings a new depth and wholeness to the story. Her thoughts very much reflect mine, as well as her mistakes, but she fights for love which is why she is so inspirational and why I think you need to read this book! (I totally sound like an advertiser, but seriously, I recommend!) \\nAlthough Avelina makes plenty of mistakes, she always directs herself back to God and that is how I think we should be living. Day by day in the footsteps of our heavenly father. This novel has been extremely eye opening for me and many times I felt like crying because I felt like I was living the tale. I was hooked onto it like a fish refusing to let go of the bait (a really bad metaphor, sorry)\\nSo buy the book, grab a cup of hot coca, snuggle under your covers and enjoy as this tale whisks you to neverland and back!

I enjoyed the medieval setting and the concept, but I felt the romantic scenes were unnecessary and not realistic for the time period. Obviously there was going to be a happy ending, but 'Love rarely crosses the great divide of social class'- (Larkrise to Candleford) and in this case I'm convinced it wouldn't have.

If you love fairy tales and historic settings then this is the book for you!! Melanie Dickerson is a super talented author who is able to capture the pure beauty of our most beloved childhood fantasies and weave a fresh new perspective throughout. Beauty and the Beast meets the Princess and the Pea!! Who would have thought it was possible for these two very distinct and different characters to crossover? Brilliant read that I can guarantee won't just peak the interest of the younger generation but also will appeal to more mature readers. Give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

The story is of a maidservant pretending to be a noble lady at a 'future bride selection' castle party. The noble ladies are put through a series of 'character tests' in order to discover which lady is most suitable and worthy of becoming the chosen bride. One of the contestants will stop at nothing to reach her goal, which makes her plot evil against the one lady who seems to be winning his favor. \\r\\nThis story brings out the value of friendship, as well as the medieval class system expectations and life conditions. It is an action-filled romance. The book is very well written and readers can easily picture themselves in the castle. It was unpredictable in the sense that the reader never knew what was going to happen next. Although predictable in that it resulted in a happy ending. \\r\\nI enjoyed reading about bows and arrows, horses and guards, balls and dancing, wolves and dungeons. I would recommend this book to those who want to experience a dangerous love story in this historical time period.