In The Noble Servant we meet Lady Magdalen who is to marry the Duke Wolfberg. On her way to the castle, her maid servant and the servant's father threaten her life. The Servant will pose as Lady Magdalen and in turn lady Magdalen will be a servant! While serving at the castle she meets the Duke who is in disguise as a servant too. They team up together to save the castle and get back their titles from the servant and Steffan's cousin and the evil uncle Lord Hazen. Meanwhile, both Steffan the Duke and Lady Magdalen begin to have feelings for one another. I found this similar to the fairy tale to The Goose Girl with a some different twists. While not my favorite novel of the author, I still enjoy her stories. She has a way of pulling you into the story. 3.5 Stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

Lady Magdalen has been infatuated with Steffan, the Duke of Wolfberg, ever since meeting him at a ball 2 years ago. She realizes, though, that while they may have enjoyed each other's company, her lack of dowry makes it unlikely that Steffan would ever pursue a romantic relationship with her. Much to her surprise, after 2 years of silence, Magdalen receives a summons from Steffan asking her to travel to Wolfberg and become his wife. Her maidservant Agnes, however, has a different plan. On their way to Wolfberg, Agnes and her father betray Magdalen and convince the people of the castle that Agnes is the the Duke's betrothed.

Finding herself minding Wolfberg's flock of geese, Magdalen watches and waits for an opportunity to prove her true identity. Much to her surprise, the supposed Duke of Wolfberg looks nothing like Magdalen remembers, while a new shepherd bears a striking resemblance to the man of her dreams. Will Magdalen and Steffan have the courage to trust one another with their identities in time to stop Steffan's uncle from stealing everything from them? Will the betrayals they have both endured blind them from the growing feelings they have for one another?

Melanie Dickerson tells an entertaining tale of mystery, intrigue, and romance in The Noble Servant.
I feel like a broken record in reviewing Dickerson's novels: the dialogue between characters often feels awkward and stilted, but her creative storytelling abilities always keep me coming back for more. This particular effort is true on both counts. Luckily, Dickerson's character development in The Noble Servant is better than usual. Both Steffan and Magdalen are real and believable characters, but not so flawed or obnoxious that they were difficult to root for as protagonists. I was so enthralled with their story, in fact, that I managed to finish the book in a single evening. I also enjoyed the chance to reunite with a few characters from The Beautiful Pretender. In my humble opinion, Dickerson's latest is one of her better efforts.

Melanie Dickerson has done it again. She has taken the beloved Little Goose Girl fairy tale and turned it into a plausible story. I love the theme of nobility and sacrifice that runs through the story. Both Lady Magdalen and Steffan learn to look for what truly matters. Avery satisfying book.

From Amazon:
She lost everything to the scheme of an evil servant.


But she might just gain what she’s always wanted . . .


if she makes it in time.


The impossible was happening. She, Magdalen of Mallin, was to marry the Duke of Wolfberg. Magdalen had dreamed about receiving a proposal ever since she met the duke two years ago. Such a marriage was the only way she could save her people from starvation. But why would a handsome, wealthy duke want to marry her, a poor baron’s daughter? It seemed too good to be true.


On the journey to Wolfberg Castle, Magdalen’s servant forces her to trade places and become her servant, threatening not only Magdalen’s life, but the lives of those she holds dear. Stripped of her identity and title in Wolfberg, where no one knows her, Magdalen is sentenced to tend geese while she watches her former handmaiden gain all Magdalen had ever dreamed of.


When a handsome shepherd befriends her, Magdalen begins to suspect he carries secrets of his own. Together, Magdalen and the shepherd uncover a sinister plot against Wolfberg and the duke. But with no resources, will they be able to find the answers, the hiding places, and the forces they need in time to save both Mallin and Wolfberg?


New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson beautifully re-imagines The Goose Girl by the Brothers Grimm into a medieval tale of adventure, loss, and love.

About the author:

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author whose two favorite time periods are Medieval, which she has combined with her love of fairy tales, and Regency England, which stems from her love of Jane Austen. She is a 2-time Christy Award finalist, a 2-time Maggie Award winner, winner of The National Reader's Choice Award for 2010's Best First Book, and winner of the 2012 Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing, hanging out on facebook, and being with her husband, two daughters, and two guinea pigs near Huntsville, Alabama.

I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Melanie Dickerson’s reimagined fairytales are always fun to read. And just like Disney, she slips some of the characters from her former books into her new ones.

Both Lady Magdalen and the Duke of Wolfberg are betrayed by people close to them. But in the betrayal, in the losing the trappings and status they’ve taken for granted, each of them finds their true character.

Lady Magdalen has always been sweet and concerned for her family as well as her people but what she finds out about herself is that she’s braver than she believed. The Duke of Wolfberg believed he took good care of his people but he didn’t allow himself to form relationships with them. When trouble strikes, he’s left with no one to turn to.

As Lady Magdalen and Steffan find themselves in the same predicament, they become allies, intent on exposing the lies going on in the duke’s castle. But they also see each other’s best traits coming to light.

This story that is based on The Goose Girl tale with a bit of The Prince and the Pauper thrown in has a bit of everything—intrigue, betrayal, friendship, growth, God, and love. Once again, Dickerson gives readers an engaging, entertaining story that brings light to her readers.
Disclosure statement:

I receive complimentary book via the author, publisher, or blogging programs, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Does not disappoint -- this is my favorite one so far. Both main characters change (for the better) over the course of the story. Excellent job, as one has come to expect from Ms. Dickerson.

Castles, dukes, lords, ladies, conspiracies, dangers, mines and geese are all part of The Noble Servant! Author Melanie Dickerson has written an exciting tale with interesting characters and twists! You will enjoy this medieval story. I read an early copy of this book through Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

In true Melanie fashion this latest story “A Noble Servant” is a delightful fairy-tale woven with Christian values and a reminder that through every hardship God is with us, guiding our steps.

Lady Magdalen has thought often of the handsome Duke of Wolfberg since meeting him two years ago at Thornbeck Castle. She is surprised to receive a letter from him asking her to be his wife and to travel to Wolfberg castle. Along the journey there she is forced to trade places with her trusted maidservant and assigned to tend the geese and watch from the fringes as her maidservant marries the Duke.

Steffan, Duke of Wolfberg has been away at university and during his absence, he has been ousted by his scheming uncle and cousin. Steffan is able to escape from the mercenaries that set upon him and disguises himself as a shepherd to gain access to Wolfberg and discover what is going on.

Magdalen & Steffan are reunited while tending the animals and begin to devise a plan to get back their stolen identities.

Will our hero and heroine get caught sneaking thru the castle to uncover the proof they need? Will they be able to get help from their friends at Thornbeck or from Magdalen’s family? How are their secrets getting discovered?

With believable characters and a story line that will draw you in and keep the pages turning, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Christian fiction. This is a delightful spin on the German fairy-tale of the Goose Girl and one you will not want to miss!

I give this book 5 stars

I am very pleased with this book!

This is the third book in the Thornbeck/ A Medieval Fairy Tale Series. I have read almost all of Melanie Dickerson’s books and for the most part I have been pleased with them all, including this one. I grew up being read fairy tales, so I like it very much that Dickerson’s books all include a retelling of a fairy tale. This book was a unique version of the story, the Goose Girl originally told by the Grimm Brothers. I would say Dickerson did a fine job with this retelling and made this story intriguing and fun.
Dickerson is one of those authors that you can read anytime, because her books are clean and have a good story line. That is why I like her books.

I love the story of The Goose Girl and didn't realize that was what this book was about. I'd previously read and listened to (multiple times) "The Goose Girl" by Shannon Hale and absolutely loved it! This was a fun retelling by another favorite author and it did not disappoint! This one is more of a Christian fiction than Hale's retelling but I loved how it was done.

This is a sort of Prince and the Pauper type story...except the switch between nobility and servant is not a mutual exchange. Deceit and lies run rampant throughout this story as certain characters wish to be raised in status and the only way they know how is to achieve it through cunning lies and force.

Steffan, the Duke, has been away at school. He is the only remaining member of his immediate family. His uncle has stepped in to help care for his castle and people while he is away but his sinister designs are put into action and Steffan will soon find himself in the center of it all, trying to save his people and himself. Then when he realizes who else is in danger, he must work extra hard to save her as well.

Magdalen is not as noble born as Steffan but has dreamed that he might remember her and their sweet night of dancing and talking together years ago. That he just might desire to marry her, but the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. So imagine Magdalen's surprise when she receives a missive from Steffan asking(maybe demanding is a better word here) that she come immediately and be married to him. Magdalen cannot believe her dreams could come true and her mother is beside herself and rushes Magdalen out the door and on her three day journey to her new home, village and husband.

Both Steffan and Magdalen encounter terror on their journeys back to Steffan's home and find themselves needing to disguise who they are. Magdalen's maid servant, Agnes, dresses as Magdalen and tells her if she tries to tell anyone the truth they will kill her and her friend. Steffan escapes from two servants trying to kill him. Both Steffan and Magdalen find themselves relegated to the servants position and in need to convince somebody of the truth of who they are and to overthrow the evil usurper Hazen, Steffan's uncle.

Help and strength come from some surprising sources throughout the story. Steffan and Magdalen find each other, in disguise, and work together to free his people and themselves.

Danger, intrigue, geese, cows, hidden rooms, mines, unlikely friends, kisses, God, cunning wits, peril, beautiful dresses, rags, towers, protection, love, marriage, stolen items and much much more is all contained within this gem of a book. I loved it! If you haven't read the story of the Goose Girl, now is your chance! It was sweet with some very fast paced moments, some tender moments, some moments of forgiveness and some of unrepentance. There were several characters that I thought I liked them only to be deceived and others I had a change of heart for the better about.

I love Melanie's books and I love how she connects her characters to God. If you enjoy Christian fiction, especially Fairy tales and medieval tales, I highly recommend reading her books.

Content: Clean, some fighting and a couple deaths but nothing graphic. Characters talk about God and pray several times asking for his help and guidance.

I received an ARC from the Publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Melanie Dickerson does a masterful job recreating fairy tales in their historical setting. This story is no exception, with Magdalen, a baron’s daughter, forced to follow a false role as a lowly servant when she should be marrying the duke. Little does she know that the true duke has also been forced from his rightful place and is masquerading as a servant. Can the two of them stop an evil plot and set things right before it’s too late? The interaction between quality characters, the lively plot, and the suspense make the novel a pleasure to read.

It was a simple story with good characters. The plot was familiar which left no surprises but we still different enough to feel new or refreshing.

The Goose Girl is one of my favorite fairy tail stories and I was very excited when I saw that Melanie Dickerson would be writing a retelling.
She did a fantastic job, as usual!
The book is filled with enough tension that makes it impossible to put down. I was curious to see how Magdalen and Steffan would eventually find their happy ending, considering that at least one part was pretty much aloof towards the other.
I adored Magdalen from the start. But I was surprised at how Steffan didn't call my attention from the start. Quite the contrary... but oh it didn't take long for him to show a noble side. I appreciated the work and transformation the author did with his character.
Magdalen and Steffan went through some challenging situations. It seemed like things would never work in their favor and they had enough reason to lose heart. But oh the way they persevered and encouraged each other! They held on to truth and God until the very end. And in the end they found out that the path of obedience and sacrifice, even if a difficult one, is worth it and in the end what you find is love and family. Precious gifts from the above!

I cannot say enough good things about The Noble Servant. It is a book that draws you in and you just enjoy the characters so much.

Lady Magdalen lives at home with her sisters and her mother. Magdalen's mother treats her poorly and insists she marry well so that she can bring economic relief to her community. Magdalen is surprised to receive a proposal of marriage from the Duke of Wolfberg. They danced two years ago but she had not heard from him since then. As she heads to his castle, her servants betray her and make her switch places with them. Her servant is now considered to be Lady Magdalen and Magdalen becomes a servant in charge of the geese.

Steffan is the Duke of Wolfberg. He has been away at school for two years. During that time, his evil uncle has taken over the castle and is using his son to pose as the Duke of Wolfberg. Steffan's only way of proving who he is lies in the castle walls. He poses as a servant so that he can gain access to the kingdom. When Steffan meets Magdalen he immediately knows who she is. She suspects him to be the Duke but she is unsure. When Steffan and Magdalen form a friendship and work together to reveal their true identities he gets dangerous for them. They are unsure who they can trust and learn they can only rely on each other.

The Noble Servant is so well written and tender. You have to love the two main characters and their integrity. Both are noble servants. The ending of the book is just so good.

Once again the beautiful Queen of fairly tale retellings, Melanie Dickerson, has breathed new life into an old classic by the Brothers Grimm, The Goose Girl.

Magdalen of Mallin, can’t believe she has been chosen by the handsome Duke of Wolfberg to become his bride, after all it has been two years since their brief meeting and she wasn't sure he even remembered her. She, the daughter of a poor baron, whose own mother has nothing good to say to her, is finally going to be able to save her country from the poverty and starvation that has threatened them since her father's passing.

On the way to meet her charming husband-to-be, Magdalen is betrayed by an evil servant who makes Magdalen trade places with his daughter. Arriving at Wolfberg, Magdalen hopes the Duke will realize the deception and rescue her, but as soon as she arrives at Wolfberg Magdalen is forced to tend the geese.
With her identity stolen and no hope in sight of a rescue, Magdalen’s sadness is lifted somewhat by the friendship of a handsome shepherd who tugs at her memory as someone she should know. When Magdalen glimpses the Duke of Wolfberg, something seems amiss, why does the shepherd look more like the Duke she was to marry than the man claiming to be the Duke?

This story was enchanting from the beginning to the end, with lots of intriguing characters, including quite a few that were nefarious, but what’s a good fairy tale without a few miscreants? Reading fairy tales as a kid was always a favorite for me. Dreaming of happy ever afters with my own special prince would always bring joy to my heart and now as an adult rereading these stories brought to life again from the imagination of Ms. Dickerson is even more thrilling. I cannot wait to see where her next adventure leads me. You can never be too old to yearn for a happy ever after!

This book is a sweet step back in time to medieval Germany. Magdalen has been forced from her rightful position by a servant and now works as a goose girl. The duke has also lost his position. Together they must try to save their positions so they can save their countries. The plot has threads of danger, romance, and intrigue. It was a sweet story, and one I enjoyed. It is also a retelling of a Grimm tale I wasn't familiar with. Perfect for teen readers and those who enjoy a great story.

It's always so fun to read a Melanie Dickerson book. Every single one is well plotted and well researched and this book is no different.
The world built around the story was on point, and the story was full of unforeseen twists and adorable characters. The romance was attraction at first sight but slow burning. It was clear that Melanie Dickerson knew exactly what she was doing in every aspect of the story.
The romance was adorable, and Magdalen and Stefan were just so, so perfect for each other! I loved how the "villains" were more than the eye could see, it made them feel more human and all of the characters more accessible.
One this I did find though was that Magdalen's perspective seemed to tell more than show, but I only noticed that because I was a writer and I was specifically paying attention because I was a reviewer. As simply a reader, the telling didn't bother me as much.
While there were more relatable villains, there was definitely on (the "main" villain, per se) that was just EVIL. like I hated him. Everything he did was selfish or mean.
Also I feel like I was supposed to recognize Avelina?? I've read all of the Hagenheim books but I didn't recognize her so maybe I need to reread or just ask a knowledgeable human??? My memory is crap 😛 (maybe I should pursue different jobs options 🤔)
But overall this was a really fun story and I loved all the new characters and the high stakes retelling of the goose girls tale, which isn't often retold.



CONTENT GUIDE
Sexual - kissing
Cussing - none
Imbibing - no drugs, no alcohol
Violence - threats

This books was a wonderful tale of disguise, betrayal and poetic justice. I loved the characters and the plot and cheered with good and frowned with the bad! I thought the story was interesting and kept me turning pages until the end!

Melanie Dickerson has done it again with another romantic tale of good versus evil in Medieval Germany. The story has many twists, turns, betrayal and suspense. You will be always on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who is loyal and who is trustworthy. I enjoyed the character development of Steffan and how it was similar to king David of the Bible. I recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction.

Oh man I loved this book but then again I love most Melanie Dickerson books.

Melanie Dickerson takes ordinary fairy tales and reworks them to make complete novels. She does a masterful job at taking the child-like story and making it an enjoyable narrative for adults to read. Magdalen has been called to Wolfberg to wed the Duke there. She only goes because she wants to better the lives of the people living in her demesne since the copper in her father's mines has played out. Steffen is the Duke, but he's been in Prague going to school and his uncle has been overseeing his land and castle. His uncle calls him home to get married, but. . .

The story is set in Germany and puts the The Goose Girl into a setting where she is allowed to bloom and grow even though her identity has been stolen from her. Steffen becomes her ally in this problematic situation because his life was being threatened by his uncle.

The Noble Servant is quite a story that is a quick read and hard to put down. I appreciate Melanie's talent in telling the tale and her ability to make it so enjoyable.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a goose-feather quill.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book.