Another hit from Melanie Dickerson! This beautiful story is a retelling of Red Riding Hood. Violet always knew she was different from her family. When she finds herself in danger due to her heritage. When a kind, dashing knight appears and offers his assistance. Can the two save Violet before it is to late? I loved this novel! The characters were well written. I found myself forgetting that I was even reading. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends or family!

Content warnings: imprisonment, poverty, the wealthy stealing from the poor

Violet has a loving family, but she was an orphan whose mother starved to death when she was small. On the way to her grandmother's house, she encounters a handsome knight on the road and is intrigued by him. She doesn't know it then, but she will come to rely on Sir Merek to save her life. When Violet meets Sir Merek again, she finds out he is working for the wicked Baron Dunham -- a man whose guards steal money from the poor villagers. Violet refuses to believe Sir Merek is good after seeing who he works for.

Violet is unafraid and writes to the king, hoping the king will help release the poor folk of Burwelle and the surrounding areas from Baron Dunham's grasp. When Violet's letter gets her into trouble with the baron's men, Sir Merek must help her and get to the bottom of Dunham's deceits.

Like the other Dericott Tales, this book is a "clean" romance suitable for younger readers. There is no cursing and Violet often thanks God for the good things in her life, even when others might despair.

Recommended for teens who like a happily ever after story and don't mind their books having a religious slant.

Representation: orphan with an adoptive family

This is book #5 in Melanie Dickerson's latest series. Right from the get go, between the title and the proverbial "off to Grandmother's house we go", one can tell it's a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, with an evil father as the wolf and a hot-headed knight as the wood cutter who saves the day. It's a sweet YA novel that is a great easy read. There is faith and some redemption for certain characters, with a bit of romance of course. It's what I've come to expect from Melanie Dickerson books.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Dnf at 50%
I'm sorry but this is just not for me. Literally nothing is going on and the characters are so incredibly boring.
Not one of Dickerson's best, unfortunately.

This is a captivating and distinctive rendition of the classic fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood, featuring well-developed characters and plenty of exciting action. The blossoming romance adds a delightful touch, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The overarching theme of trusting in God through all circumstances is deeply meaningful. Clean YA Romance, suspense, adventure, faith.

She was adopted as a child and lives a content life in a small medieval town. She cherishes her faith, books, and baking, as well as the vivid red cloak gifted to her by her grandmother. Her ultimate wish is to find a love that is genuine and sincere. However, when her beloved grandmother is robbed by the villainous Baron Dunham, she becomes outraged. Violet decides to take action and put an end to the baron's mistreatment of the hardworking people.

Overall, the story was excellent. I was particularly captivated by the characters of Violet and Sir Merek. Despite their emotional wounds, they found comfort in each other and were able to overcome their insecurities and grow as individuals.

I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher. All opinions are mine.

This story wasn't for me. It is a retelling of Little Red Rising Hood, complete with a cloak and a grandma. I think this book would be right for a younger audience, as it is told in a very simplistic, however, some of the subject matter is a bit heavy.

Another good story from the Dericott tales. This one is a reinvention of Little Red Riding Hood! I've never before read a "new" story about just Red! I liked the way the author did the story.
The one complaint I have about the story is that it talks about a guy urinating outside. I personally don't see why that was in there, and thought it quite unnecessary!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Cloak of Scarlet is the fifth book in The Dericott Tales. This is the first book I've read in the series and I plan to go back and read the rest of them. I really liked the main characters Violet and Sir Merek. The theme of trusting in the Lord in all things runs throughout the story and reenforced my own faith. The novel had a slow start but when it picked up, I couldn't put it down.

In this retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale, Melanie Dickerson tells the story of Violet, who was named because of her unusual eye color. She knows next to nothing about her birth mother but has formed a very close bond with her grandmother, who has encouraged her dreams of finding true love. When she meets Sir Merek, a guard working for the villainous Baron Dunham, she immediately assumes that he is just as dishonest and dislikes him. As she works to help her people speak out against the thieving ways of the Baron, he sends a guard to bring her to the castle, and that guard is Sir Merek. Baron Dunham threatens Violet's grandmother to ensure that he can use Violet as a pawn in his power games and continue to steal from the powerless villagers. Sir Merek keeps assuring her that he is on her side and wants to help her but Violet still sees no reason to trust him. As Dunham continues his search for disloyal subjects, Merek finds himself the subject of the Baron's suspicious gaze. Violet and Merek find themselves having to work together to stop Violet's betrothal, keep her grandmother safe, and find a way to let the king know of the baron's treachery. Along the way, they also have to decide whether or not they can trust each other.

I have really enjoyed the Dericott Tale series and book five is definitely not an exception. It was full of action and impossible to put down. I loved that Melanie incorporated the red hood from the original Red Riding Hood story. I really liked Violet and Merek and connected with them. I easily related to their insecurities and how Merek was determined to become a better person. I loved Violet's determination to find out about her past, while still making it clear that her adopted family meant the world to her. This really was a fun story, and while I hope it's not the last in the series, if it is, it is a wonderful way to close this family's story.

"Cloak of Scarlet" by Melanie Dickerson is a sweet romance and is reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood. Violet encounters Sir Merek when riding to visit her grandmother while wearing the cloak of scarlet made by her grandmother. She gives him directions to Baron Dunham's estate. Through a series of events, Violet and Sir Merek are thrown together to help right the wrongs of Baron Dunham.
Major secrets that have been hidden for years are revealed as Violet comes under Baron Dunham's scrutiny. Will Scarlet and Sir Merek uncover the truths and will their trust evolve into love?
This is an easy one day read and very enjoyable.

A copy was provided in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a fun and unique retelling of red riding hood with a little bit of robin hood thrown in. The writing was appropriate for a high schooler, but middle schools and their moms might find this fun story entertaining as well.

Violet is an adopted girl in the freedman class in Europe during the age of kings and serfs. She wants to right the wrongs set upon her grandmother and because of this, adventure ensues. The story flows smoothly and the ending is sweet.

The writing is descent but the sentence structures are simple enough that a sixth grader can easily read the novel. I would recommend this story to my 14 yr old cousins as well since it is a good read.

Violet is stong, brave and very loyal to her people and her family. When she sees the unjust ways Baron Dunham is treating his people and robbing them, she stands up for right.
Sir Merrik is on assignment from the King to go serve Baron Dunham. He finds out from a chance meeting with Violet all the bad things Baron Dunham is doing. He is a noble knight and has vowed to serve righteously and help others. He finds another knight that is true and faithful to the right cause, Sir Willmer and together Violet, Sir Merrik and Sir Willmer fight the injustices of Baron Dunham.
I love the Grandmother in this story as well. She is so wise, kind and sweet. This is a wonderful story of faithful people overcoming evil. I would highly recommend it.

This is a very light Red Riding Hood story with another of the brothers that has been locked I the tower of London.

I honestly keep hoping these will get better, but I am missing her previous style. The characters were okay, but I struggled wanted to root for them. The both struggled with a sense of confidence in themselves. The grandmother was probably my favorite character, she was thoughtful and wise.

Another happily ever after book success from Melanie Dickerson.
This story begins with an independent girl , Violet visiting her grandma with her red cloak and finding out that the local barons’s men have been stealing from her grandma and other town people. She is ready to tell the king of the atrocities when the barons’s men come again and find the letter she was writing the king.
So begins the tale of Violet, a long lost father who turns into a villain, a knight Merek and the journey they all take for the people and ultimately love . There are quite a few twists and turns in the plot . I enjoyed the journey and the fairy tale which shows that love can conquer all.
I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for an unbiased review .

CLOAK OF SCARLET by MELANIE DICKERSON is a delightful read with great characters and a good deal of action, as Violet Lambton lives out the story of Little Red Riding Hood, complete with her grandmother, rhe wicked wolf in the form of Baron Dunham, and Sir Merek of Dericott, the knight in shining armour. The author has written a lovely medieval novel which is full of suspense and has a solid Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Cloak of Scarlet by Melanie Dickerson is the fifth book of the Derricott series. It does not disappoint. It was hard to put down because something was always happening and I just wanted to keep reading and I didn’t want it to end. It was a Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. The baron, who was Violets father, was the big bad wolf. Violet was an orphan, whose mother had to flee the castle when she found out she was pregnant and had been taken advantage of by the baron. Sir Merek, is a knight who helps Violet get justice for her people. Violet’s grandmother has a big part in the story, which is so heartwarming. The grandmother was so likable. The romance between Violet and Sir Merck was so much fun to watch develop. This is another amazing story by an amazing author.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are mine.

Cloak of Scarlet
Melanie Dickerson
Pub Date: August 15, 2023
Thomas Nelson
#5 The Dericott Tales
Thanks to the author , publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fun, sweet YA romance and fairy tale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. The characters were great. There some edge of your seat moments as the secrets unfold. I did enjoy the faith content of the book, so if you’re like me and like clean romances and historical fairy tales I think you’ll like this one,
4 stars

This was a fun, sweet YA romance and fairytale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. While the fairytale element of the story is subtle, we still get the girl wearing a red cloak, the grandmother, and a terrible villain.

The Cloak of Scarlet had the classic Melanie Dickerson historical fairytale vibes with the medieval setting and sweet romance. It was really cozy to read this in the evenings when I just wanted something fun and light to read.
I enjoyed how fast-paced this story felt and that the action begins right away. There were definitely some edge-of-your-seat moments as secrets are uncovered, and Violet and Merek had to overcome the baron’s plans. I liked both Violet and Merek. While I didn’t really connect with either of them very much, I did like them. I especially liked how Merek tried to be a better man and overcome his quick temper.

I also enjoyed the faith content throughout this book and how the characters sought to live with integrity.

Overall, this was a fun story. If you enjoy sweet, clean YA romances and historical fairytale retellings, I think you’ll like this one!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy in exchange for a review! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Violet was the daughter of a landowner, she liked to sing, and she knew how to read, in the year 1386 most women could not read.
Violet is protective of her family, her grandmother tells her about being robbed by Baron Dunham's men, and she informs Sir Merek, a recent acquaintance about the incident, which he promises to investigate after speaking with her grandmother. When he told Baron Dunham about it, he said it was a lie and he wanted to know who accused him. But Sir Merek thinks his boss is lying so he does not reveal Violet's name.
Then it was Violet's family's turn to be robbed, the thieves took money and found a letter Violet had written to the king about Baron Dunham - they told the baron about the letter and Violet. Sir Merek heard about it - how can he save Violet?

Cloak of scarlet by Melanie Dickerson Christian historical fiction
Young adults and up
**This book is available august 15, 2023 preorder now!**

The villainous Baron of the land has terrorized Violet’s village, over taxing the people into starvation and harshly punishing them for their inability to pay. He control the area with an iron fist, silencing any and all opposition. Despite the risk (and fierce protests of her adoptive family) Violet writes a letter to the king to expose the evil Lord. When her actions are found out and she is taken to the evil Baron Dunham is more interested in her unique eyes than her crime. A shocking revelation about her birth mother shakes her life and changes all she thought she knew. She will have to lean on God to protect her and her family.

Sir Merek has worked hard at controlling his hot temper since he and his brothers were imprisoned fro a crime they did not commit, now he is serving the king as a noble Knight. When he is sent by the king to aid Baron Dunham he comes across a fiery woman with Violet eyes, the two immediately clash. Her accusations against the Baron and him test his temper control. But is she right? Is the Baron not what he appears? He seeks to uncover the truth and trust God to keep him safe in a castle full of deceit.

Well, Melanie has done it again! This book is all that I anticipated and more! I have been waiting for Merek’s book since I read the first Dericott story (court of swans). This book has it all deep characters, a vivid setting, a faith filled story line, an adorable romance, and a cool quirky grandma. If you don’t like Christian fiction, this book isn’t for you (but I have to say you’d be missing out!), but if you are looking for an exciting, clean and wholesome, faith filled read you have found it! I highly recommend this book and all of Melanie Dickerson’s. The only downside to her books is that they end and the next one isn’t out yet!

#MelanieDickerson #CloakofScarlet #NetGalley
#bookstagram
#christainfiction
#greatreads
#book #read #bookphotography