3.5 Stars

Melanie Dickerson returns with another fairytale retelling. This time she takes on The Ugly Duckling.

The daughter of a nobleman, Audrey’s future is wrapped up in marriage but an attack that leaves her scarred (both externally and internally). She seeks refuge at Dericott Castle and meets kind and generous Edwin (Lord Dericott who we met in book one of the series).

While the message of the book is written well, the character development wasn’t what I’d hoped for. Both Audrey and Edwin had horrible things done to them and that’s what’s driven them to be the people they are at the beginning of the book but there’s little growth from there. Also, the villain came across as cliché (but maybe that’s just me).

That said, once I got past the first couple of chapters, the pacing of the book is excellent and kept me interested in what would happen to Audrey. Dickerson delivers another happy ending with justice served, and her readers, especially ones of the YA variety, will enjoy this story of love that looks beneath the surface.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I discovered the fairytale retellings from Melanie Dickerson a couple of years ago and since then I really make sure to keep up with them. Those stories are a calm in the storm for me. I read a lot of books, in a lot of different genres and with a lot of different themes, but the book by Melanie Dickerson have these soothing storylines and inspiring characters. I'm therefore very thankful that I got an ARC from the publisher for this one via Netgalley.

This story really touched a part of me that needed the soothing Dickerson's books give me. In every way possible this story is about self worth, about being whole and complete when scarred, wounded, hurt and broken. Audrey has been scarred by her older sister and is convinced she is no longer interesting enough to marry someone her rank. Edwin lost an arm while escaping the Tower of London and feels he can no longer be the man he used to be so proud of.

In every possible way we follow these two people discovering that they are still amazing people and they still have something to offer. It's a touching journey and also a journey they really had to go together. I'm usually not a big fan of love healing all wounds and needing love to grow, but in this case it works, because it's not just their love for each other helping them grow, but also the other giving them chances and challenging them to do things they never thought possible.

Dickerson has a certain writing style that you either love or hate, but her plots are always quite nice and heartwarming. Of course, there are moments of conflict and just like in true fairytales there is danger and there are some people hurting others. However, just like in all her books our characters have faith that God is guiding them and rightly so. Because isn't it God who makes sure the right people are at the right time at the right place?

I'm already looking forward to the next tale in this series!

Compared to her older sister, Audrey has always been plain. Deep down, she wants to do something remarkable, but her older sister Maris assures her over and over again she will never amount to much. As Audrey matures, she starts to wonder if Maris speaks the truth.

As the daughter of a fourteenth-century English viscount, her chances of accomplishing something remarkable are slim—regardless of what her sister says. Girls of her status grow up and marry to solidify alliances and relationships.

When her father enters negotiations to marry her to a handsome page, Maris intentionally trips Audrey, forcing her to fall into a fire on the hearth. As her burns heal, Audrey realizes no handsome young man will ever want her hand in marriage now. Her father sends Maris away to a convent, and Audrey starts healing on the inside, too.

But when her father enters negotiations to marry Audrey to an older widower and brings Maris back from the convent, Audrey feels she has no option but to leave the safety of her father’s estate.

Edwin, Lord Dericott, has returned to his estate after narrowly escaping with his life when his stepmother caused Edwin and his six brothers to face trial for treason in London. While escaping from the Tower of London, he loses his arm. Edwin struggles with his new identity. No longer a knight and no longer able to do all he could do with two arms he struggles to make the right decisions for his tenants and his estates.

When a mysterious young woman shows up seeking refuge, he feels an instant friendship with her. As their friendship deepens, they must learn to trust each other with their brokenness in order to heal completely.

Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is a YA retelling of the Ugly Duckling written by Hans Christian Andersen. I'm not familiar with the fairy tale so I likely missed some plot points that align with the source material. It's book 2 in the Dericott Tale series; I haven't read the first but wasn't lost starting here because the main events of book 1 are restated numerous times throughout book 2. I commend the author for taking on a challenging fairy tale for her latest adaptation. The descriptions of physical landscapes immersed me in the late 14th century time period and rural British setting, and the Happily Ever After ending was sweet. However, I am not the reader for whom this novel was written.

The dialog was so simple and stilted (few contractions, odd word placement, etc), I was challenged to keep reading. Perhaps this was intentional to reflect the Medieval setting, the nobility of the main characters, and/or writing for the young adult market, but it didn't work for me. Also, the characters were very two-dimensional, either completely good or completely evil with little or no growth over the course of the story.

Young readers and those young-at-heart who are seeking an escape to a completely different time and place, and those more familiar with the Ugly Duckling fairy tale, are likely to enjoy this second installment in this multi-book series.

Castle of Refuge (The Dericott Tales #2) by Melanie Dickerson, 336 pages. Thomas Nelson, 2021. $19.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
As the daughter of a viscount, Audrey should have options for her future, but, after an unfortunate accident, her future dims. Audrey puts her trust in God as she runs away, knowing that He can provide for a better life, even if that life is as a servant in the castle where she could’ve been the mistress.
Audrey’s story was a slow read for me because she isn’t the one who changes. Audrey is a Mary Sue character, and Edwin is the one who has a character arc, even though more chapters are from Audrey’s point of view. The story was still cute, just slow and a little repetitive. The most annoying part for me was that Edwin’s family being falsely accused of treason was mentioned countless times with no explanation beyond that it’s been resolved. I learned after finishing the book that the treason part of the story is the main conflict of the prequel. Also, Dickerson’s book is advertised as being a retelling of the Ugly Duckling, but I saw few connections to the original story.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read multiple books by Melanie Dickerson so I know her writing style very well. In this particular book, we follow the story of Audrey, a viscount's daughter, who was tripped by her villainous sister and fell into a fire, causing some scars on her face and Edwin, the duke of Dericott, who is coming to terms with losing his arm (this happens in book 1 of this series).

I was not a big fan of the plot: Audrey runs away from home (she's either stuck marrying an old knight or stuck living with her "evil" sister). The sister becomes so obsessed with ruining Audrey's life that it becomes too redundant which is why I am rating it a 4-star.. Overall an enjoyable book to cozy up to on a weekend.

I love Melanie Dickerson’s novels! Sometimes I feel that the dialogue is a bit stilted, and while I can read right past that and enjoy the story, some of my students who aren’t voracious readers might struggle with that. This is the only drawback, though. I love that her stories are sweet, clean romances, and I like this story being set in England even more than I have liked the fairy tale retellings set in other parts of Europe.

The main theme of this story, outward appearances aren’t what makes someone a whole person or a beautiful person, is clear and powerful. This is a message that the students in my school need to hear!

Award-winning author Melanie Dickerson continues her new medieval series set in 14th century England.

In Castle of Refuge, Audrey, the youngest daughter of Viscount Engleford, has facial scars from her sister’s malicious act. This resulted in her sister Maris being sent to a convent for several years. When she hears Maris is returning home, Audrey runs away and encounters danger and illness.

Audrey is nursed back to health at Dericott Castle where she keeps her identity a secret and begins work as a servant. Maris eventually finds her and causes more problems, especially now Lord Edward Dericott has given Audrey his protection. 

Known for her medieval young adult retellings, Dickerson pens this Ugly Duckling retelling, with likeable characters and detailed narrative. Audrey is sweet and compassionate, even towards her sister. Edward is generous and kind, caring for those who labor under him. Edward struggles with balance, walking, and mounting his horse. He shows vulnerability, resilience, and bravery as he adapts to the loss of his arm. Audrey not only suffers the scars from the injuries her sister causes, but emotional scars from a father who ignores her abusive sister’s actions. 

The plot starts slowly, but there is more action once Audrey leaves Engleford Castle. The theme is finding love that looks beyond the surface to see the beauty in one’s character; there are two scarred people who find love, despite their physical and emotional scars. Both Audrey and Edward struggle in their faith as a result of their life-changing afflictions (caused by others’ actions). 

Recommended especially for teens, young adults, and those who are young at heart.

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Dericott Tales series by Melanie Dickerson.

This is one of those slow burn types of stories. We follow along with Audrey and how she is mistreated by her sister and causes her to lose her chance to marry Edwin/Lord Dericott when she is facially burned by falling into the fire after being tripped by her jealous sister.

I really felt for this character and all her struggles. And even though she had these struggles, she maintained her happy disposition and need to want to help others learn how to read which was her true calling.

I totally fell in love with this unique fairytale-like love story which is what Melanie Dickerson does best. I totally recommend any book from this author. Each one is unique, compelling and gives you hope in a possible wonderful future for all of us.

Highly recommended. If you love a fairytale-like or just a true love happily ever after story, definitely check this out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.

If I'm being honest, this one exceeded my expectations but still was not my favorite by any means.
While I never go into these books expecting masterpieces, I expect that I'll get a quick and easy read that can just take me of whatever I'm worrying about at the moment. This book did just that.
I was not overly fond of the plot with the sister being the villain. To me, it always screams weak and somewhat unbelievable.
The only really big complaint that I have is the cover. If Aubrey is scarred, PLEASE for the love of cheese and crackers make the cover reflect what she looks like.
All in all, fans of Melanie Dickerson will like this one.

3/5

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Castle of Refuge is quite a story. It keeps you on the edge of your seat most of the time, and touches some really sweet places in your heart. This young lady is in a tough spot, through no fault of her own. And while she does have a few people who care about her, she doesn't have anyone who can truly help.

Until. Until she finds herself in a castle of refuge. Surrounded by decent, compassionate people. Still afraid to trust, but recognizing she's safe. Until the past comes knocking.

I found the sense of honor and determination of certain characters beautiful, and it left me wondering about my own honor. That's what makes the best kinds of books, when they leave you happy, but looking for areas of your own life to bring before God for strengthening.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

The second book in the Dericott Tales, is the story of Lord Edwin. He is the oldest of 7 brothers and 1 sister. Having recently escaped from the Tower of London, after being wrongly accused of killing their father. (See 1st book in the series). Edwin is learning to adjust to his new title and living with his injury. Audrey has lived her life in fear of her sister, who has blamed her for all of the problems in her life. It takes place in medieval times. There is suspense, a knight in shining armor, castles, romance, everything in a good fairytale. The characters grew on me. I thought them to be a bit winey, but they became stronger throughout the story. This is a Christian based book. There might be some trigger points for some people. Abuse, violence, kidnapping, nothing graphic, Overall, I liked this story, maybe not as much as others from this author. But it held my attention throughout and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4.5* Melanie Dickerson has once again cleverly adapted a fairy tale and woven in characters learning to rely on God to help them through their difficulties.  Edwin and Audrey are well suited to each other - he is a gentle man and she is a sweet lady and they progress in their acceptance of themselves as they encourage each other to recognize the goodness within.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I have been a fan of Melanie Dickerson’s writing for a long time and her latest book in the Dericott Tales does not disappoint.

The storyline between Audrey and Edwin was slow to develop at first. As they got to know each other and barred their scars, it was impossible to put the book down. There were times in the book where my heart broke for both of them because of their pasts, but it was great to read how they pushed passed their obstacles to find each other.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical plot line and a slowburn romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Audrey has suffered under the hand of her mentally unstable older sister her whole life. When Audrey has the prospect of marriage, her sister, Maris, does anything in her power to stop that match- to include severely injuring her. After being gone 3 years at a convent, Maris returns home. Instead of risking her life to stay in the same house as her sister, Audrey runs away. With no true destination, she falls into the caring hands of the Lord of Dericott Castle. Touted as an Ugly Duckling retelling, this is a sweet story of discovery of self and love of others.

At times a bit cheesy and predictable, but an overall enjoyable read. I appreciated how clean it is and I will let my teenager read this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun little book to read. I was a little worried that Maris wouldn’t seem realistic. That she would seem either too insane or not insane enough. Mrs. Dickerson did a good job forming her character to be one that was believably insane (and insane for good reason).

I also appreciated that Edwin and Audrey developed such a good friendship which they could contrast to other relationships they might have entered. It helped to accentuate the goodness that was in their relationship. As someone who loves languages, I truly appreciated that Audrey knew languages and that Edwin and her bonded over speaking in different languages.

*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed this book toward the beginning, but the farther I got into it, the less exciting it became. All the characters in Dickerson's books recently are like an exact carbon copy of each other. The female lead can read and wants to teach girls to read. The male lead has some sort of ailment and thinks no one can love him. This means that the main plot line of each book is almost the same. The characters in this book were no different, and they all felt very two-dimensional. Dickerson's writing style seems to have regressed, and it made it hard to concentrate on the book. Now and again you'll see words like "forthwith" and "henceforth", while mostly seeing phrases like "her heart beat extra fast", or "she ran really fast". The wording didn't seem to flow in this book and I got incredibly bored with the repetitive storytelling.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this second installment of Dericott Tale series, Melanie Dickerson brings us back to late 14th century England, a few months after the first book in the series left off. She creates a believable and touchable backdrop with knights, castles, and villagers in this tale of loyalty, kindness, and finding purpose. Edwin, Lord Dericott, is generous, kind and deeply committed to justice since he suffered at the hands of evil people and lost his arm. Audrey, the daughter of a viscount, is sweet and compassionate even though she was physically harmed and scarred by her own sister. Their struggle with their inflicted deformities is real and raw as is their faith as they grapple with their new realities. The plot is well-paced even though predictable. Edwin and Audrey are likable and the villain Maris is quite evil but they all felt a bit two-dimensional and cookie-cutter good or evil. Even so, those who enjoy fairy tale retellings, especially those geared for YA, will enjoy this book. It's better to have read Court of Swans first before this book to get the background story of Edwin and his family but it can still be read as a stand alone.

I received the book from Thomas Nelson via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Another intriguing fairy tale retelling from Melanie Dickerson! Castle of Refuge is a unique take on The Ugly Duckling story, with two physically and emotionally scarred main characters. Though I like this second book in The Dericott Tales series better than the first, I found parts to be repetitive and I didn’t feel like I knew the characters as well as I could have. Readers will still enjoy the story Dickerson crafts, and I’m excited to see more of the brothers in future books. 3.5/5 stars

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

Castle of Refuge
by Melanie Dickerson
Back of the Book: “In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a high-stakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.
Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.
However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.
Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.”
Impressions: This is the second “A Dericott Tale” book although I read it as a stand-alone novel just fine.
Rated: Some kissing
Liked: This was a quick and easy read.
Disliked: Although I liked the moral of the story, “Beauty is only skin deep,” I didn’t find any lessons of growth from the characters in this book. Audrey and Edwin’s pasts were riddled with struggle but there was no development from this point which left the characters a bit flat for me. I also struggled with what to think of Audrey’s sister. I wasn’t sure if she was a villain or a victim. Either way she was certainly a loose cannon and provided the drama.
Quotes: “But perhaps he knew what she was feeling, the sense that no one could ever see anything about you except your scars.” – It is always refreshing to find common ground with someone. Sometimes I get so caught up in my head, thinking I’m the only one. I love being able to connect with someone who can share my experiences with and learn from.
“Perhaps instead of praying that Lady Ophelia would still want him, he should be praying for what was best. And only God knew that.” – I appreciated this thought of stepping back from one’s situation and realizing that God is in control and that we need to trust Him and His will for us as he knows best.
“I think I love wildflowers so much because nobody nurtures them but they bloom anyway.” -What a beautiful thought.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.