Adela just want to mingle in town, exploring without people recognizing her as the youngest of the Hagenheim girls. Frederick wishes to be away from the farm and his abusive father, bringing his mother and sisters with him someday. They meet by chance, and have an immediate connection due to both being interested in the arts. We meet Lord Barthold and his advisor, Lord Conrat and Frederick’s family, Basina, Stenngle, Ursala and Eulaly, and a few other townspeople from Hagenheim and Grundelsbach. An engaging story, with some upheaval and revelations throughout that keep the pages turning. The banter between the main characters, as well as some of the minor characters are fun as well. A lovely addition to this amazing family and series.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts are my own.

I had no idea that this book was the final installment of an entire saga regarding this fantasy world. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, because this book stands alone in plot and characters (for the most part).

From the blurb, I was super excited to get into the novel. An adventurous daughter of a duke? A farmer wrapped up in the scheme to ransom her? And all wrapped up in a Christian retelling? What more is there to love? I thought it would be amazing! Too bad I was sorely disappointed.

From the beginning, the writing was lackluster. There was no description of setting, nothing for characters (other than the love interests), and everything felt very surface level. The plot was contrived and not deep or climactic.

The characters had absolutely no depth. I think secondary characters had more going on in their motives. Besides, if the protagonist starts the story not wanting to have an adventure, what kind of story does that promise the reader? The fact that Adela was so weak and soft-spined was just annoying, and her obsession with Frederick's muscles was far too great to be realistic. The personalities of Frederick and Adela consisted only of wanting to kiss each other consistently, and yet they each held onto the desire to simply be friends? What kind of an example is that? It felt wholly unrealistic and not relatable.

I really tried to like this book, even when the action picked up half-way through, but with the surface-level characters, simple plot, and predictable ending, I was left wanting a lot more.

2.5/5 stars

I’ve got to be honest… this book barely did anything for me 😬 I hate to be a hater, but this review is definitely a rant review.

The Peasant’s Dream follows a young girl named Adela. All she wants for her life is to go on an adventure, albeit a safe one, and explore the world to paint. Her kind parents wish for her to marry though, and she begins a courtship with Lord Barthold. But when a young, poor wood-carver named Frederick catches her eye in town, she tests the limits of her heart.

Honestly, the blurb sounds way more exciting than the book actually is. From the get-go, The Peasant’s Dream is boring. BORING. I trudgeddd through this book. The two main characters, Adela and Frederick, have no personality. The plot is surface level, way too predictable, and extremely anti-climactic. I was beyond excited to finally dive into Melanie Dickerson’s work. Christian fairytale retellings?? Sounds amazing!! Right? Yeah, I was looking forward to seeing my favorite fairy tales as YA romance within Christian parameters, as a model for how romance really is for those who follow Jesus.

But what I got was a stuffy, overly polite semi-relationship. WHAT?? I feel bad for young Christian girls who might read this book and think danggg this is what love is when you’re a Christian? It’s really this boring? Count me out.

Ok, I appreciated the elements of God, how the characters pursue Him in their lives everyday and trust Him with everything; in that way, they are good role models. But dang, those who follow God are still allowed personality. Yeah this book is boring, but beneath that is the idea that to follow God one has to be suffocatingly polite. I promise that when I like a boy, I’m NOT going to agree with everything he says and compliment his every move and tell him his name is masculine and strong because I’m a submissive Christian girl. Not like Adela does. No, sir, that’s not how we roll, and it’s frustrating to know this book promotes that. And don’t even get me started on Frederick’s role in this - I’m all for a gentle, handsome hero love interest, but he was equally as boring and I guess has a thing for submissive girls?? I don’t know.

Maybe her other books are better - I have a couple more that I’ll try. But as a Christian book, I’m sure there are better out there (at least, I hope so), and girls reading this, you’ll have a more interesting love story!! 😆

Thank you so much, The Fantastic Flying Book Club and Thomas Nelson for providing me an ARC copy for the blog tour. If the blog tour was still occurring, I probably would have held off on the rant… but I couldn’t help myself. This is an honest review, all opinions are my own.

I was excited about the reverse Cinderella premise of this book, and found the writing pretty easy to read (although conversations were a bit stilted at times). There were also some fun moments that made me smile or laugh in places.

However, on the whole this story and the characters fell flat. The characters (even the main ones) and the insights we get into their lives seemed to stay on a surface level, so I found it a bit difficult to care about the story or the characters' lives. I ended up skimming the second half as the story didn't hold my interest, but perhaps for younger readers this would be a more enjoyable read.

As the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm, Adela was never let outside the castle walls. She sneaks out to the market and meets a handsome young man. Meeting Frederick makes her wonder about a simple life as a farmer’s wife rather than the complicated arrangements chosen for her. Frederick is poor and has to earn supplemental income by carving when he dodged his mother’s rages. He’s asked to kidnap Adela, and the two finally learn each others’ identity. What will they risk for love?

The Peasant's Dream is listed as book 11 of a fairy tale romance series. I had no problem getting into this story since it doesn't refer to events prior to this book often. Adela wants to be loved for herself and to get a chance to paint or have an adventure before she's married and her husband dictates her future. I understand the sentiment and can see why she's so infatuated with Frederick. He's steadfast and honest, working hard for a father willing to beat him and put him down with barely any provocation. The two meet and spend time in the market, and are adorable even as they skirt around the truth of their identities.

I am less invested in the rest of their story, as I find it falling in a very predictable way. It's circumstance that drives them apart, then other circumstances that allow them to get back together. Adela had far too much input into her father's investigation, and several characters were little more than caricatures. I was definitely reading this with a critic's eye rather than one who reads fairy tales. I wasn't as deeply immersed in the second half of the story, but I did like the setup.

The storyline was intriguing, but this book just fell flat for me. I didn’t feel invested in what was happening, and ended up skimming the last half of the book.

I’ve read several of Ms. Dickerson’s YA fairytale romances and enjoy her easy writing style and retellings of classic tales. The Peasant’s Dream is part of a series, but they are not continuations. Each stand on their own.

This story didn’t feel as much of a retelling as some of her others, and it was a bit more difficult for me to connect with the main characters, but that could be due to having just read a highly emotional book immediately before delving into this one. Although it isn’t one of my favorites of the series, I still enjoyed it.

I liked Adela and Frederick’s initial meeting and the dilemmas that ensue from her keeping an important secret from him. Their difference in social classes offers a wonderful Cinderella-esque theme and the romance is sweet, making an enjoyable clean tale.

I was blessed to receive a complimentary digital copy of this book via Netgalley.

The story starts quite simply and maybe a bit too conveniently. I was not into the story at the beginning. The characters are beautiful, very pure, this is like the most defining thing. They do have more sides to them and they are definitely not simple, but on the other hand, they were a bit too “perfect”. As the story unfolds it takes quite a turn. The story became very gripping and full of action and I forgot everything about the too convenient beginning. I was at the edge of the seat waiting to see how the things resolve. The ending was predictable, but at times I was really like, but how are we going to get there. However, I must say I did not really see the Cinderella retelling in it…
I was interested in this book seeing as it is Christian fiction and I liked the portrayal of faith just being part of the characters, part of their daily lives. This also makes it more accurate to the time period. Overall, I would say this is a beautiful, pure love story filled with action and tension that is perfect for teenagers. For an adult, but maybe adults are not the intended audience. I think this book makes a wonderful difference in standing in for more traditional values and fills an empty space in the YA book selections.

*Some physical abuse triggers


I've never in my life given a book 1 star before, but this book was just so disappointing in all the ways. I came in expecting a fun twist on the classic Cinderella story and what I read shared little resemblance to Cinderella other than that the man was poor and came from a not so great family, and the woman was the daughter of a duke, which we were reminded about almost every other page. The writing style of the author was mediocre at best. It felt like it needed to be edited again, as if it was the first draft of the book. I basically hated all of the characters, Alana most of all. She was so annoying, I could not stand it. She basically hopped from man to man pretending as if she had feelings for Fredrick, and then abandoning him the moment he disappears. She continually questions how she'll live with someone poorer than her, and how she'll learn to do chores, etc. She talks constantly about how privileged she is and everything she did in this book just drove me insane. She had zero depth to her. Fredrick on the other hand, also a poorly constructed character, really only cared about Alana at first because she looked pretty (all the feelings between characters felt shallow) and continually just thought of her an uncomfortable amount. He didn't even get mad at her for lying to him in the beginning! This mad was just really dumb and for someone who was supposed to be intelligent, emotionally he basically just wanted to marry Alana for his life to be fulfilled. The plot of the book was boring, nothing new or interesting. I honestly found it funny how bad this book was at times. If you're into Christian fairy tale retellings that aren't really retellings you might like this book. There was a lot of symbols and mentions of Christianity, a faith I do not follow, or personally care too much about. I don't even think it was necessary for the plot. I think my rant is over. Thanks for listening. 


Writing: 3/10
Characters: 0/10
Plot: 2/10
Ending: 2/10
Originality: 2/10
Overall: 9/50
Cover: 1/10

The final installment The Peasant's Dream, is the eleventh book in the much loved Hagenheim series reverse Cinderella story,

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me a print copy The Peasant's Dream
by Melanie Dickerson.

A sweet romance that is a wholesome story of sacrifice and friendship. In this satisfying conclusion to the Hagenheim series. A captivating coming of age tale with a bit of a twist on a Cinderella plot.

The Peasant’s Dream is set during the Middle Ages in Germany. The authors writing is a delightful more contemporary. This warm enduring tale is currently ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s Teen & Young Adult Clean & Wholesome Romance category.

Frederick a hard-working, kind-hearted young man who wants nothing more than to provide a better life for his mother and sisters. Who suffers under the hands of tyrant father. He is a talented woodcarver, when the opportunity to sell some of his carvings at the market, a priest notices Frederick ability and talent, and convinces the bishop to hire Frederick to carve the new doors for the cathedral.

Adela is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Hagenheim
Dreams of pursuing her creative talent of painting. She disguises herself as a servant and goes off to explore the marketplace where she meets Frederick. This allows her to be unprotected and not be recognized as the Duke's daughter.

A chance meeting at the marketplace the two young adults find common ground.
Adela is drawn to commoner Frederick, and returns her feelings.
But alas, what happens when Frederick finds out the truth who Adela actually is?
In a series of events will the two ever be together, or is someone trying to thwart the young couples happiness.

This immersive reverse Cinderella story has the hero coming from a lowly background while the heroine is of noble birth. Which I found quite refreshing to say the least.


Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Although this is book 11 in the series, you can read all the books as standalones! I’ve only read this one and the previous one, The piper’s pursuit. As far as I know there is no connection between the characters, but they do take place in the same neighbourhood! They are also all fairytale retellings!
This particular story was a reversed Cinderella retelling! You could really see the Cinderella aspects in the story, but it was also not a direct retelling. It really was a story on its own!
We read the story from both perspectives, and I really liked both characters! Also most of the side characters were very well done! Although some of the relations felt a bit unrealistic for the time, but also the modernisation did fit the story well!
This is just a really nice quick romance story. But don’t go into this story expecting many romantic scenes, this book is really about their relation slowly developing. And also what all the other characters thought about this relation, and how this relation development impacted their other relations! And because of their relation development, they got stronger and were able to ‘fight’ some darker aspects in their life!
I really like Dickerson’s writing! If I want another quick romantic story I will definitely check out some of the earlier books from this series!

The summer following my sophomore year of college, I needed a break. I needed to get lost in the written word and have some personal time. Have you ever felt that? My saving grace was finding the Hagenheim Fairytale series. I rarely slept, I simply read each book from start to finish. This series holds a special place in my heart. After several years now, I still find great pleasure when a new book from the series is released. I am excited to announce that the eleventh and final book in the series is released today!

Retellings of some of your favorite fairytale stories, the Hagenheim series follows two families. One in England and the other in Germany. Although I have enjoyed each and every book, Silent Songbird holds a special place in my heart. I am hoping to reread soon and write a review for it soon!


I appreciated Melanie Dickerson’s willingness to write such real and difficult situations such as an abusive father, pregnancy out of marriage, discrepancies between social classes, the destructiveness of ill-used alcohol, and the importance of choosing the right spouse. As the series is written for young adults, these topics are very important to discuss. Many are experiencing one of these issues and Melanie Dickerson handled it so well. Although written as a fairytale, not everyone’s story progresses perfectly. I appreciated the Christian undertones and stories as Frederick and Adela sought after the heart of God.

I have to be honest and say this was not my favorite in the series. It seemed a little repetitive of the others. However, it was still a joy read and a good book to end the series. I am sad that the series has come to end, but I look forward to many great rereading in the future!

Although written for young adults, the Hagenheim series is a great read for all ages. I personally always enjoy a good fairytale retelling and happily ever afters. If you have daughters, I would suggest reading the series with them. Many great discussions and topics can be derived from the pages of the series!

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️
***3 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline (.5), Unable to Stop (.5)

This wasn’t really for me, it just felt a bit run of the mill, it’s not a bad story and it was pleasant enough, I just wanted a lot more from the story than it gave.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

When I heard this was a reverse Cinderella story, I hesitated to pick it up. After all, this series already had a loose Cinderella retelling. But this is also the finale in this beloved series, and I have enjoyed these stories so very much. And I found the story has enough uniqueness to set it fresh and apart from the other books.

Another beautiful cover paired with the story of the last and youngest of Wilhelm's daughters and a poor farm boy who aspires for more. I was drawn in to an interesting, sweet story and setting.

Sheltered all her life, Adela begins to exercise boldness against this protection from her parents--a very young woman who wants to spread her wings and convinces herself that she is doing no wrong in disguising herself and telling a little lie: that she is just a servant and not the daughter of the duke. But besides risking danger from those who would see her in harm, actions have consequences. And meeting Frederick has her realizing her deceit may not only hurt herself, but someone she is coming to care for in a way new and exciting for her.

Adela is very young and has a lot of maturing to do--in both mindset and behavior. But she is sweet and innocent and I loved watching her grow and learn...in life and in romance; to understand her own heart and the direction her future might take. Frederick is as kind and chivalrous as any hero can be, despite a harsh past at the hands of a cruel and drunken, lazy father. He is admirable in protecting his mother and his sisters--and that protective nature flows over to Adela and his growing love for her.

What a beautiful, gentle love story! I rate their story up alongside my favorite of the series--that of Adela's parents in "The Healer's Apprentice"

I also loved some of the side characters' stories...especially the other potential love interest. Let me just say: I found it refreshing and different!

A wonderful conclusion with all the feels. Now, excuse me while I go cry that this series is over.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Take one well-known fairy tale, reverse the gender roles, add a sprinkling of Bible stories, and the writing ability of the ever-so-talented Melanie Dickerson to create The Peasant's Dream which is book 11 in the Hagenheim sereis..

The book summary for this new release indicates it is "a reverse Cinderella" story. While reading the story, I did not recall this bit of information and did find myself wondering "Which fairy tale is this?" In fact, I found the Bible parallel more apparent until near the end of the story when the fairy tale aspect became unmistakable. Dickerson's books, as they are published by HarperCollins Thomas Nelson Publishing, always have some Christian themes. Most often this includes the characters praying, receiving advise from their priest, and in a general a "clean," unobjectionable book. However, Bible stories are mentioned more frequently in The Peasant's Dream due to the main characters job. The mentions are appropriate due to the medieval setting of the books and not heavy-handed. Previous familiarity with the Bible stories or characters mentioned is helpful in understanding the story but readers who are not familiar with them will be able to follow the plot.

One of the things I enjoy about Dickerson's books is that while they are written for YA and are completely clean and appropriate for even early teens, they are written in a manner that holds the interest of even adult readers and she includes just enough sexual tension between the couple. The Peasant's Dream does not disappoint in that regard. A slight change is the non-descriptive reference to the main character's parentage and the emphasis that a person's character and future is not dependent on the circumstances of their birth.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA books. If you have been following the Hagenheim story, you will definitely want to read The Peasant's Dream. If you have not yet read any of the previous books, you can definitely start with The Peasant's Dream but will want to go back and read the previous books.

The Peasant's Dream
by Melanie Dickerson
Back of the Book: “In this reverse Cinderella story, a poor farmer’s son, who dreams of using his talent as a woodcarver to make a better life for himself, falls in love with a duke’s daughter and must fight for a chance to win her heart.
Adela is the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim and is never allowed outside of the castle walls. She loves her family, but she sneaks away one day to the market in the town center. There she meets a handsome young man and wonders what it might be like to fall in love with a poor farmer with a kind heart instead of marrying the man her family is suggesting for her.
Frederick earns the income for his family and defends his mother from his father’s drunken rages. He also uses his talent and creativity to carve figures, animals, and scenes into wood, and he's asked to carve these scenes into cathedral doors when his talent is noticed. Frederick is inspired by the sweet and beautiful Adela, but he has no knowledge of her true identity. When he gets swept up into a plan to kidnap the duke’s daughter, both are shaken by what they learn about the other.
With the heartbroken Adela resigned to an arranged marriage with her noble suitor, Frederick must decide what he’s willing to risk for love.”
Impressions: This was a sweet and clean young-adult romance.
Liked: I think this was a fun and different take on the traditional Cinderella story.
Disliked: The story seemed a bit dramatic but alas it is a fairytale retold so I suppose that gives it some extra allowance of drama.
Learned: Being honest and true consistently builds your reputation and character. You never know when this will play in your favor. More so, God is faithful in caring for us and providing.
Quotes:
“Once she was married, she’d be trapped in the dullness of daily life.” – I feel like this is a common thought for young people, referring to marriage. I don’t feel trapped… all the time. 😉
“You should choose a man with good character; someone you can trust to love you and always do what is best for his wife and children.”
“She realized it was easier this time. Was that always how it was when one did something wrong? Easier each time they did it?” – Sin is so deceiving. It might seem like it is getting easier but coming clean is going to be a lot harder. Putting sin into your life also puts a wedge in your relationships with others. The more you lie to yourself that everything is ok the further you get from having good relationships around you.
“God, it rained on Noah for forty days and forty nights. How long will you let it rain on me?” – Oh, how I feel this pain. This statement really hit home for me. Have you ever struggled for such a long time that you think it will never end? I was never stuck in jail but I have and do suffer from anxiety and depression. I love how the Bible is full of so many real people struggling though. God used these ordinary people like you and me to show us that he provides. He loves us and even when things seem hopeless and out of our control it is balm to my soul to know He is my hope and He is in control. He sees me and knows me."

Frederick, a poor farmer’s son, longs to spend his life carving wood and pursing the artistic talents God has given him. But his cruel father can no longer support his mother and sisters, and Frederick bears the burden of providing for his family alone.

On a rare market day when his father sleeps late, his mother urges him to take his woodcarvings to Hagenheim. While there, two incredible things happen. Someone purchases one of his carvings and asks him to meet with the bishop the following week, and a beautiful fellow artist shows up to admire his work.

He makes plans to meet her the following week, and thoughts of her and a future in woodcarving carry him through another week under his father’s thumb.

Adela, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Hagenheim, longs to escape her sheltered life to travel. She wants to spend time developing the artistic talent God has given her. None of her siblings seem to understand her desire to paint. While she admires her siblings and wants to find adventure and true love—she doesn’t want to experience great danger in her quest for love.

Her parents have invited a duke’s son to visit in hopes she’ll fall in love with a suitable young man. When she sneaks into town dressed as her maid, she encounters a fellow artist whose kindness and understanding speak to her heart.

When Frederick saves her from an attempted kidnapping, he ends up in the Hagenheim dungeon because the kidnappers falsely accuse him.

This reverse Cinderella story will delight Dickerson fans (and make fans out of new readers). Although written with young adults in mind, the storyline and action are appropriate for younger readers (10 and older). Dickerson knows how to weave an engaging fairy tale while tackling problems today’s readers face—career choice, honoring parents, and escaping abuse.

Characters rely on scripture and prayer for personal strength, and the novels never sound preachy or heavy-handed. If you have daughters, nieces, granddaughters, or mentees, The Peasant’s Dream would make a great gift (as well as the rest of Dickerson’s fairy tale retellings).

It was fine. Not the best, but fine. There are better takes on Cinderella to look out for. This title fell flat, unfortunately.

Title: The Peasant’s Dream
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Release Date: 7.7.2020
Review Date: 7.5.2020

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


I have been following this book series almost since the beginning and I can honestly say I am kinda glad it’s over. I enjoyed it while it lasted but every single one was basically the same. And throughout this whole book I just kept thinking Wilhelm ya just gotta story trying to pick out your kids marriage partners. I thought the last book was the final one but he still had one daughter to try pairing with someone unsuited to her didn’t he. I still really liked it but come on man. I enjoy a good historical romance because of this series and will eventually reread it probably. I don’t have any more thoughts on this one but I will continue to read books by this author.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I am a fan of Melanie Dickerson, but it's been a little while since I read one of her books. Once again, the author, successfully retold a fairy tale with a Christian perspective. I think reversing the Cinderella fairy tale served Dickerson well, as this one seemed to give new breath and life to the Hagenheim series, which I had lost interest in previously. This novel was good enough to make me want to go back and pick up the stories I missed.