Cloak of Scarlet

This is the fourth book in the 'Derricott Tales' Series and it is based on the tale of 'Little Red Riding Hood'. The fairy tale is changed slightly for plot integrity but works really well and I liked the changes made. The book was well written and I believe has wide appeal.

The characters were interesting. I liked the Grandmother and her attitude of being content in all things. All in all, a great story with a important theme running through it. I would definitely recommend this to others.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

This is the fifth book of the 'Derricott Tales' Series. This time with the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood, our story beginnings with Violet and her red cloak. The fairy tale is changed to make the story flow in the setting of 1348 a.d. in the time of King Richard with knights and villains. The book was well written and the fairy tale flows into the story woven for us. It quickly caught my attention and kept it.

Grandmother is a important person to Violet, just as in the original Red Riding Hood tale. Grandmother is a wonderful woman, who shares her wisdom to Violet. The theme of the story is very well written and threaded throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book to others.

This is my personal opinion on this book. I received a complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I will start this by saying that Melanie Dickerson is one of my "auto buy" authors. I have read about 90% of her books and have been looking forward to Cloak of Scarlet. So let's just say that getting an arc copy was a dream come true for someone who impatiently waits for books to be released.
With everything I said above, this book did not disappoint! Read it now! I love The Dericott Tales so much and this was the icing on the cake.
Grandmother and Violet are such great main characters. I love the drive and determination to stop the villain, with so many surprises and turns along the journey.
I will be recommending this book to everyone who asks about it, and even those who don't.
Thank you net galley for letting me read this arc of Cloak of Scarlet. I can't wait to buy it to add to my collection.

We need more chivalry in today's world!!!

Violet is a sweet, innocent protagonist who wants to stand up for what's right. She wants to do something to stop the evil baron from stealing money from the villagers, while ensuring she keeps her family from harm.

Sir Merek is a sweetheart who takes his duties as a knight very seriously. He always wants to protect those around him, especially the determined purple-eyed girl who seems bent on defying the baron. He does not want to accept that the baron he has been asked to serve under is doing anything underhanded, but when he starts to notice that some of Violet's claims are correct, he wants to do everything he can to help her.

I absolutely LOVED the romance in this book!!! Could there have been more? ALWAYS. But this still satisfied my desire for a little bit of romance in my life. I loved how determined Merek was to protect, help, and just be there for Violet!

As a retelling of Red Riding Hood, this book needed some work. The only similarities between this novel and the fairy tale were that Violet wears a red cloak and delivers goodies to her grandmother (who lives in the woods). THERE ISN'T EVEN A WOLF!!! I didn't feel like this necessarily took away from the story, but readers might be disappointed that it is not a better retelling.

I found the viscount's character intriguing and would have loved to see his character arc flushed out a little more!

I would highly recommend this sweet, clean romance to anyone who loves Christian fiction!

Content warnings: It is revealed that Violet was conceived out of wedlock as a result of a rape. It is also revealed that Violet's mother starved to death to keep Violet alive.

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

What a fun re-telling of Little Red Riding hood. I loved how Melanie incorporated bits here and there of the traditional story but LOVED all the new twists and turns making it a one of a kind.

Absolutely amazing! Christian fiction at its best. Trust in the Lord always. Such an inspiring read. Just what I needed.

Sweet series. I enjoyed this story because there was a lot of action. There is not a lot of depth to these stories, and the writing is very simplistic, but a very nice getaway book.

I just reviewed Cloak of Scarlet by Melanie Dickerson. #CloakofScarlet #NetGalley

I love this series so much. In fact, so do my teenagers. I have to hide the fact that I have each new book if I want to read it before they steal it away and I don't get to read it for months.

This book is about Violet and Sir Merek. It's Merek's family that the series follows. But lucky for you this series can be read as each book as a stand-alone novel instead of having to read them in order. However, I highly suggest you read the entire series starting with book one. You will not be sorry. They're all amazing. Well, everything by Melanie Dickerson is amazing actually.

Violet is an orphan taken in by a new family. She was about six years old when her mother died and she was left alone in the world. Her grandmother took her and gave her to her parents(the ones who raised her). They did well with her and she had a great life. Now as she visits her grandmother she finds out that the local Baron is stealing from his citizens through his knights. They took her grandmother's money and her hog for winter meat.

She can't stand silent! She must find a way to stop the Baron. Even though she's just one girl she knows she has to do something. She's a bit hot-tempered and doesn't think everything through. So when she meets up with Sir Merek for the second time she accuses him of being a thief and stealing from the citizens. He's a new knight of Baron Dunham and has no idea this has been going on but tells her he will look into it.

From here the story really takes off and you're going to want to read it all at once! Keep in mind that Violet doesn't know who her father is (foreshadowing anyone) and that each book focuses on one of a set of siblings and they end up getting married (lol). Watch as both battle their tempers and to think before they act.

Amazing novel! I highly recommend you read it and every one of the books in the series!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

You will not want to put this read down!
The main character is a strong woman, not knowing her biological parents, and living in a time that women did as they were told.
There is intrigue, suspense, castles, and dungeons of bygone days. Knights and titled nobility that ruled the land.
I received complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This is the first book by Melanie Dickerson I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It combines some of my favorite things: fairy tales, suspense and adventure, and faith.

Although the novel is inspired by Red Riding Hood, the plot is much more expansive. I liked the nods to the tale like the red cloak, the grandmother, and the woods. The story itself is solid, with Violet and Merek finding their way to knowing themselves and God better while fighting to triumph over evil. There were quite a number of plot twists. At one point, I was rather exasperated wondering if there'll ever be a happily ever after. But they did, and I found the ending very satisfactory.

I enjoyed this so much that I've already hunted down the rest of the titles in this series, as well as other books by Dickerson. My new favorite author!

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

Cloak of Scarlet is another wonderful book written by Melanie Dickerson. I thought this Little Red Hiding Hood retelling to be fabulous. Five stars.

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
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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 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.

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.

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.

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!

Mystery, intrigue and romance await you in this clean, pleasant historical medieval romance! An absolutely wonderful addition to the Dericottt series. Sir Derek and Violet who wouldn't fall in love with these two?! Beautifully written! "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This was the perfect final story for the Dericott Tales! Historical medieval romance. Plenty of twists and turns and sweet romance. I loved Violets courage and strong personality!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review or any review; all opinions are my own.

This story is set in the late 1300's. Violet is passionate about helping those in need and is enraged when she learns coin has been stolen from widows, including her grandmother, as well as families already struggling. She had briefly met Sir Merek a couple weeks back and runs into him again, this time with another guard. He asks for directions to a different town and she lights into him about the Baron stealing from the people. He adamantly denies this but promises to look into it. The story progresses with this theme. Page turning story as we learn more about Violet as well as Sir Merek, one of the Dericott siblings.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via Net Galley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This fun, light story is fast paced with action that sweeps you in pretty quickly. Violet and Merek are interesting characters, and how could you not love Violet’s grandmother. Cloak of Scarlet is an imaginative retelling of the beloved Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. I really enjoy Melanie Dickerson’s writing. Although I am far from young I have enjoyed the whole Dericott Tale series listed as YA fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

This series has captured my heart and this book was no different. I loved this story, the character growth, the undertones of having faith in God, and the nods to little red riding hood.
Violet is a strong woman who stands up for what she believes in despite her fears and anxieties. Her growth in this book really felt encouraging to me as I read it. Although Violet faces some hard decisions and stressful and scary situations she continues forward with her love for her family and friends strengthening her, as well as her faith in God.
Merek may be a hot head as we read in previous books but I love how he works to control his temper. It's a great example to all of us that though we might have strong feelings we can bridle them and use them at the right times and places. The slow-burn of Merek falling for Violet was very sweet and I loved seeing him fall in love with a strong women.
The writing in this book was fantastic. I really enjoyed our side characters, the suspense of the situation with the Baron, and the resolution presented. I felt like the resolution was especially clever and it felt unique and it left me perfectly satisfied. The pacing of the book was really good, although I did feel like the resolution was satisfactory but just a tad rushed. I still loved it though, it was perfect for Merek and Violet.

I have not read the first book in the series, so I feel i cannot give this book a far review. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

I enjoyed reading Cloak of Scarlet. Although it didn't grab my interest immediately, it wasn't far into the story that I was hooked. In fact, I read it without stopping until I reached the end. Both Violet and Merek are incredibly good. About the only thing that Violet did wrong was to disobey her mother in her hopes of righting a wrong. Merek only has one flaw and has already learned to deal with it before the story starts. I prefer characters with more layers, but this is a rewrite of a fairy tale and is for teens, so perhaps almost flawless characters are right for the genre. I like the way that faith is just a natural part of life for these characters.
There is a lot of action and suspense. The plot moves along at a good pace. Author Melanie Dickerson ably sets the scenes without slowing down the story.
I would read more by this author and would feel completely comfortable giving this to young teens.
I received a copy through NetGalley from the publisher and this is my opinion of this well-written book.

Cloak of Scarlet is the fifth book in the Derricott Tales series and the third I’ve read. They don’t need to be read in any particular order; the only “spoiler” you’ll get about the previous books is that the main characters live happily ever after. They’d better! After all, this is a romance series. I loved the two I read before this, and I love this one!

Melanie Dickerson writes in such a way that immerses you right into the story. Once I start reading her tales, I don’t want to stop. Cloak of Scarlet is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and of the three I’ve read, I think this one was the best retelling!

I loved the characters and their interactions. Violet is very close to her grandmother, and so was I which made it easy for me to relate to her. She’s also headstrong and knows her own mind. Also me. Don’t call it stubborn! Sir Merek is an honorable man who wants to be a champion for the poor and helpless. He strongly believes in doing what is right and hates injustice. Of course, he’s a handsome knight which makes him an even more swoon-worthy hero. The side characters are well-written and add to the story. They’re not just thrown in as filler.

I really enjoyed this exciting, well-written book! If you love Christian romance, I definitely recommend giving Cloak of Scarlet a read!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I enjoyed everything about this story! I think the Grandmother was my favorite side character!

*note - can be read as a stand alone

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Cloak of Scarlet
by Melanie Dickerson
Pub Date 15 Aug 2023
Thomas Nelson--FICTION,Thomas Nelson
Christian| Historical Fiction| Teens & YA


Thomas Nelson-Fiction and Netgalley sent me a copy of The Cloak of Scarlet for review:


It was never Violet Lambton's intention to be anything but average. With her faith, her books, and her baking . . . and the vivid red cloak her grandmother gave her, she lives a comfortable life in her small medieval village. There is only one thing she dreams of: finding a love that is pure and true. The villainous Baron Dunham then robs her grandmother. As Violet finds herself in the middle of the action, she is determined to stop the evil baron from mistreating the hardworking people.



Baron Dunham's knight Sir Merek has dedicated his life to fighting injustice and defending the weak. After meeting Violet and discovering the depths of the baron's treachery, he realizes that serving his employer does not mean serving the kingdom—so he sets out on a daring journey to expose the baron's deceitfulness to the king behind the baron's back.


Violet is captured and brought directly to Dunham-where she discovers a secret that shocks her entire world . . . and her dreams for the future. Having been thrown together in the baron's quarters, Violet and Merek must learn to trust each other in order to expose Dunham's treachery to the king, all while succumbing to their growing feelings for one another. Is there a chance for the two to find their happily ever after despite all odds, or will the wolves drive them apart?



Melanie Dickerson presents a thrilling retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" where two hearts must learn to trust each other in order to save their kingdom.


I am reviewing a copy of Cloak of Secrets five out of five stars!

Melanie Dickerson's stories always please. This book is no exception. I think I know what will happen besides the "right" ending and yet she still surprises me. I enjoy the way we are in the heads of the lead characters. It helps get to know their hearts better which is what her books are about. They teach lessons on living your life by letting love and respect lead it. This is a lesson everyone needs to review regularly. All her characters are realistic and flawed but those that do the right things are successful in the end. Read Melanie Dickerson books!

“I was just the same as you until I learned three things: that most problems work themselves out, that most of what we worry about never comes to pass, and that God is trustworthy. He is working all things for our good even when we don’t see it or understand it."

What a great story! Melanie has really outdone herself with this book, delivering a beautiful tale of faith, love and bravery that readers of all ages will enjoy. A definite must read!

Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, but was more than glad to. The thoughts above are my own.

A sweet entertaining take on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. There is a young woman, Violet, who wears a red cloak, a spunky wise Grandmother, and the wolf is personified by a local Baron. There are family secrets, good vs. evil, knights, a castle, nobility, chivalry, humor, and a sweet romance too.

This is the first novel in the Dericott series I've read and I look forward to reading the rest. The book is YA and I feel is appropriate for 13 and up; I have no qualms in letting my teen daughter read this book.

If you like fairy tales, clean reads, sweet romance, and medieval settings, I think you would enjoy this book.

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

I loved this book!! The story was very similar to a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, but it was so much more the just a fairy tale. The relationship that Violet had with her grandmother was reminiscent of my own relationship with my grandmother growing up. I felt the love between Violet and her grandmother and the strong bond that they had developed over the years. Melanie Dickerson did an excellent job of allowing the reader to feel and experience the many trials that Violet faced in standing up against evil all the while trying hard to remember to put her faith in God. This is more than just a good vs. evil story it is a story of love, faith, and determination. Dickerson also did an excellent job of allowing the reader to gain insight into the thoughts and feeling of the many characters in the story.
Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the readers galley in return for and honest review of this book.

Oh how I truly love a good knight in shining armor story! This one was soooo good! I am still basking in the characters and the descriptions of all things medieval!

Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own!

Another wonderful book by Melanie Dickerson. I loved the retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood”. I loved how Sir Merek and Violet had to come together to fight against the Baron and to do the right thing. I also loved seeing how brave they both were and how much they cared for other people. I also loved the unexpected revelations in this story and how that set things up. I really enjoyed reading this book and have enjoyed this series of stories.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

An intriguing tale based on Little Red Riding Hood, with suspense filled action and romance. I loved the main characters
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This Book in the Dericott Tale Series Was Very Entertaining!

Violet like “Mazy” in the last book is also an incredibly strong and courageous woman! I didn’t realize this was a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood until I finally was clued in on the Red Cloak and going to see Grandma.

The romance between Violet and Sir Merek started with a zing. As with the other books you will dislike some of the characters and hope they don’t accomplish much. What is a fairy tale without a villain or two?

Melanie Dickerson knows how to weave a story that will make you feel all the feelings. Mad, happy, sad, shocked, astonished, afraid… and more. I can’t wait for her next book coming in Feb 2024!

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

Another amazing book by Melanie. I’ve loved this series. She does such a great job retelling these classical stories and throwing in twists of faith that are not strong but just the right amount. Melanie can do no wrong!