The Silent Songbird

Melanie Dickerson has done it again! I was captivated by this newest title from the first page to the last. Her retelling of classic fairy tales crates the backdrop for delightful new stories. I love not knowing which tale her stories are based on and then figuring it out as I read. This newest tale takes a privileged yet essentially imprisoned maiden on a journey to discover who she really is and who she wants to become.

The heroine, Evangeline, is the cousin of the king and an illegitimate relation as well. She is so closely guarded that very few even know she exists and she is never permitted off the castle grounds where she lives. In a desperate attempt to avoid a dangerous marriage arranged by the king she fleas in disguise along with her maid. Together they attempt to hide in a far away town. To do so she must deceive the chivalrous man who provides them sanctuary.

I found myself spellbound as I read. I cheered both the heroine and hero on to find real love. I also enjoy the way faith in God is presented. One or more characters are always on a journey in Dickerson's novels, and they seek to know God, not just accept what a bishop or priest is telling them. Quiet often the one joy in their day is simply reading from God's Word. What a blessing to be reminded of how precious the Word of God should be to us!

As soon as I finish each of Dickerson's novels I'm anxious to find out when the next will be published. There are few authors who delight me novel after novel, but Melanie Dickerson is definitely one of them!

I’ve read several favourable reviews for Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale retellings, so I was when The Silent Songbird came up for review, I was keen to read it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it. I suspect I’m not the target audience, even though I often read and enjoy Young Adult novels (e.g. Intermission by Serena Chase).

I didn’t warm to either Eva/Evangeline or Westley as characters. Westley was too perfect—his only fault seemed to be that he was too trusting. Evangeline seemed too modern in her thinking, and I wasn’t convinced someone with her sheltered upbringing would have the gumption to refuse marriage at the order of the King.

I found the writing wooden, mostly because of the lack of contractions. Yes, I know the English didn’t use contractions in the 1300’s, and avoiding contractions was probably intended to add an air of authenticity. But I still think it made the writing seem stilted and artificial.

The novel seemed well researched, if a little Disneyfied. It’s loosely based on the story of the Little Mermaid, and if I remember my childhood fairytales correctly, her punishment for choosing to live as a human was that every step would feel like she was walking on knives. Disney ignored this, and The Silent Songbird also ignores some of the seedier side of medieval life—which made it read more like fantasy than the historical romance I thought it was going to be.

And perhaps that’s my actual problem. I’m not a fantasy reader. Sure, I’ve read some of the classics, but I much prefer dystopian or science fiction to fantasy. Perhaps that’s because I’ve studied history and visited English castles, and know a little too much about what goes on in a torture chamber, which means I don’t find anything romantic about novels with this kind of time setting—whether true historical fiction or some kind of wishful fantasy, as this is.

This is the seventh book in a series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel. I’m sure those who have read and enjoyed the previous books will also enjoy this, as will readers who enjoy historical fiction/fantasy.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The Silent Songbird
Hagenheim #7
By Melanie Dickerson

Evangeline is a political pawn - the hidden away daughter of the late Duke of Clarence, the granddaughter of a king and cousin of King Richard II. As such her life is not her own and she has caught the eye (or ear) of Lord Shiveley with her musical gift of voice. But marriage with Lord Shiveley is one thing Evangeline refuses to submit to.

Slipping away Evangeline joins a group of servants returning to their small village of Glynval after a trading trip. Hiding her voice is imperative to her escape so she takes on the role of a young mute servant. With no skills to prove useful as a servant Evangeline fears she will soon be turned out. But the le Wyse family is kind and offers her the chance to learn as she takes on the role of a servant.

But when Evangeline's secret is revealed her future and her heart hang in the balance. Can she trust those who have discovered the truth to not expose her or will she find herself again about to be wed to a man who she fears and despises? When an even greater threat is discovered Evangeline must decide if she will surrender her heart and her future to save those dear to her and the kingdom?

This is yet another delightful book from Melanie Dickerson. Evangeline's attempts at being a servant are at times almost humorous if so much was not at stake. I can say having attempted to use a scythe myself at one time I'm positive I would be as handy with it as Evangeline - it is not easy to use and very dangerous in my hands.

I would highly recommend this book and series for those looking for clean fiction that is uplifting. The setting of this book is 14th century England - not Germany for those wondering. This book can stand alone if you have not previously read Melanie's previous books. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectation of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.

This book is full of excellent reading material! Romance, political intrigue, nobility posing as peasants, evil villain, a damsel who is not in distress, and men of honor and integrity.

The Silent Songbird is set during medieval times. That is a plus for me, that time period has always been fascinating to me. Maybe because I grew up with a mother who loved the Arthurian Legend. Put in a castle, feuding land holders, knights, and chivalry - I am hooked.

This book's MC is Eva. She is an illegitimate cousin to King Richard. She is to be used as a political pawn when she is betrothed to a cruel man. She is the damsel not in distress because she takes charge of her future. She leaves the castle, she becomes a servant. The book follows her life as a servant and the consequences to her running away from a betrothal.

I enjoyed the characters. The villains were not over the top, but believable. The book has some violence and kissing. The book also carries Christian themes.

Source: I received a copy from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions of the quality of the book are my own.

The best part of reading the Hagenheim series of novels from Melanie Dickerson, is trying to figure out which fairy tale she is going to put her own unique spin on it. In The Silent Songbird, this is a variation of The Little Mermaid, which comes off splendid and brilliant. However if you are looking to compare the two, you might be sorely disappointed. For me, the best part of these rewritten fairy tales of sorts, is that they are more down to earth and truly believable and one's I had access to when my own daughters were much younger. I would have preferred these ones to the ones most of us have read or are aware of.

This novel takes place in Berkshamsted Castle, where our heroine has longed for a life with someone she could love. However that isn't about to be the case when King Richard promises his cousin, Evangeline to Lord Shiveley, a man old enough to be considered her father and whose alliance will only strengthen King Richard's holdings as most of these arrangements go. Evangeline doesn't love Lord Shiveley and he has made his intentions to marry Evangeline quite clear and even has threatened her to submit otherwise he will make her future as his wife, very miserable. Of course Evangeline knows she doesn't have many options available to her and after trying to convince King Richard of her wishes, he refuses and makes preparations for a wedding.

Her final option is to runaway, but since she has never ventured far outside the castle walls she doesn't have a clue where to go or what to do. All she knows is that a future with Lord Shiveley is not what she has in her heart. She manages to convince her lady's maid, Muriel to help her escape and soon finds herself in the safe keeping of Westley le Wyse of Glynval, a small but wealthy town in its own right. She passes herself off as a servant girl who has lost her voice when her master beat her and has to maintain this disguise as King Richard and Lord Shiveley have sent men to find them both. Of course with her height, her vibrant red hair and singing voice it will be hard to keep her identity hidden from those who want to bring her back to the castle.The adventure only continues to get more exciting as you read further into this novel.

I received The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley. While you can see some similarities between The Little Mermaid and this novel, it goes beyond what you could imagine. I love Evangeline's strong willed character despite the fact that she has never really been outside. She knows nothing about being a servant since her skills have been of a different set being the King's cousin. Still she tries to fit in as best as she can and while there isn't really an evil sea witch, there is a woman who works to ensure that Westley will never fall for someone like Evangeline. I would rate this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and only want more of these fairy tales. This is the seventh novel in the Hagenheim series. Trust me, you will want them all.

This story may be a retelling of The Little Mermaid...but there are no sea witches or talking seagulls in this book. What you will find is a beautiful maiden with the voice of an angel.

Eva longs to be free...Free of the restraints that have been cast upon her by her status. Even if it means to work hard as a servant for the rest of her life. When King Richard decrees that she marry Lord Shiveley, Evangeline decides that she must run away or face a life of fear and abuse. In order to avoid detection, she pretends she is mute. But when her secret is revealed will those she has come to care for be able to forgive her? When Westley's life is in danger, yet Eva is the only witness...Will they heed her word? Or has the seed of mistrust been buried too deep?

Throughout her life Evangeline's voice has brought comfort and pleasure to herself and those around her. But she must stifle that gift in order to hide her identity. Throughout the story we see Westley encourage and draw out the voice, her true identity, that she has hidden. He is so gentle and sweet with her. Evangeline eventually learns that faith and trust in God is the strength she must lean on.

My only knowledge of The Little Mermaid is the animated Disney version. But as you compare the stories, there are several parallel characters. I think what I love most about Melanie Dickerson is that she takes the classic childhood fairy tales and creates a world, a story, that is realistic, yet still so full of "magic". There is also the added element of faith that adds a whole new dimension to the story. Set in medieval England, the way of life was much different then. But I so enjoy immersing myself into the time period and Melanie Dickerson's books. To be swept away by the adventure and live alongside the people of Glynval.

There are a few twists in the storyline that prove to be heartbreaking, exciting, and romantic. A quick read, The Silent Songbird will keep you turning the pages until you are finished. Even though this is a part of the Hagenheim Series. I did not recognize any of the characters (I have only read The Golden Braid and The Silent Songbird so far). You can read this book by itself and not have any confusion. This story is for "Young Adults" (I am still young right?), but is also great for adults. I am so thankful to Melanie for writing stories that are clean and faith filled for our teenagers.

I received a free copy of The Silent Songbird. I was not required to write a review and this does not influence my review, positive or otherwise. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I instantly became a fan of Melanie Dickerson's writing when I read The Golden Braid (Hagenheim #6). I found the story to be well-written and have the perfect balance of romance and action and an independent female heroine that was fun to read about. I immediately jumped at the chance to read The Silent Songbird and was really hoping it would live up to my expectations. I am so happy to say it did!

The Silent Songbird is a retelling of The Little Mermaid. Not being too familiar with The Little Mermaid I can't really draw a lot of comparisons between the two stories but I can say that The Silent Songbird is a good story all on its own. I liked Evangeline, the main character, and could understand her not wanting to marry Lord Shiveley. I don't know many seventeen-year-old girls who want to marry someone twenty years their elder. I liked the fact she wanted to marry for love, like the peasants did, and didn't want to do as she was told by her cousin, the king. She stood up for what she wanted and believed in and I thought that was admirable for the time period the story takes place in.

Every independent heroine needs a hero that is a perfect balance to her. Evangeline finds that in Westley le Wyse. From the first scene Westley was in it was easy to like him because he seemed so nice and genuine. The entire le Wyse family seemed nice and accepting and protective of Evangeline even though she came to them under false pretenses. I enjoyed reading about this family. I also liked Nicola, the servant who became friends with Evangeline.

Now, to the characters I didn't like....Sabina was a mean girl and I immediately formed a distrust and intense dislike of her. Lord Shiveley was another character I didn't like. He had an evilness about him that just came right off the page. I had lukewarm feelings about King Richard. I never felt a connection with him and didn't really like him or dislike him.

Melanie Dickerson has a way with words that makes the story really come to life. It was easy to picture what was happening at every point in the story. I felt as I if I were there experiencing everything along with Evangeline. There were a few times I found myself laughing out loud at the situations Evangeline found herself in. I also thought the scenes between Evangeline and Westley were written in a way that was appropriate for the story's time period.

The Silent Songbird is a great read for YA and not so YA readers. This book can easily be enjoyed by daughters, mothers, and granddaughters. This is a great book to read and discuss with others.

I received a free copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.

I have read everything that Melanie Dickerson has written, so I know what to expect when I approach her writings. I expect to be enthralled with brave and heroic characters who go above and beyond their status. I will be taken on a journey through a story that is similar to the fairy tales that I have grown up with but with a twist.

The major story element that I really enjoy is Dickerson's ability to create realistic characters who stick with me long after the story is finished. The hero, Westley le Wyse, enters the story while saving a young child who is about to be run over by a stray horse. Throughout the rest of the story, he shows over and over again his sweet and gentle heart by protecting the innocent from physical harm. I really like a man who seeks out the weak and gives them a brighter outlook on life. As for the heroine, Evangeline, she is a young woman who was raised up with an education and not having to work, but in order to hunt for true love, she escapes her prearranged marriage and lowers her status to seek freedom. Both characters are brave and noble. Totally worth falling in love with.

The story has elements of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid, but it doesn't completely follow the storyline. Evangeline doesn't sell her voice to have human legs. Instead, she plays mute to save herself and her maidservant who escaped with her. I enjoyed watching the romance between Evangeline and Westley grow, especially because Evangeline is willing to work just to discover who she really wants to be.

I really was enthralled with the plot. Dickerson invited me back to the land of fairytales in the late fourteenth century and kept me in that time period with her writing. I had a hard time putting the novel down. Like her previous stories in this series, I have enjoyed watching Dickerson's take on the popular stories. Even though the story is completely predictable, it was an original version of the widely popular tale.

With a tale as old as time, Melanie Dickerson's The Silent Songbird invited me along for a story in a land where status rules the people. Evangeline and Westley are brave characters who will stick with the readers long after they show their love story. I highly recommend The Silent Songbird to fans of all fairy tales and Dickerson's previous novels.

I received a complimentary copy of The Silent Songbird from Thomas Nelson and the opinions stated are all my own.

I have read everything by Melanie Dickerson, including all her fairy-tale retellings. This one is the long-awaited sequel to her earlier novel The Merchant’s Daughter, which I was looking forward to as its set-in England. Sadly, I was disappointed as I felt this was one of her weakest stories in terms of historical accuracy and certain details of the plot. That's just my opinion, take it or leave it, but let me elaborate further.

First off, I don’t like forced marriage stories. Why? Because the common assumption that forced marriage was normal in the Middle Ages is totally wrong. The church banned it from the twelfth century, so that any marriage which was conducted without the free consent of both parties was totally illegal, and lack of it grounds for annulment.
So the fact that right in the first chapter, the heroine Evangeline starts whining about her lack of freedom- before being faced with a forced marriage which then features very prominently throughout the story was sort of off-putting. (The legal ban is even mentioned- but hastily dismissed as though everyone could just ignore it when it was the church, not the King who had the jurisdiction over marriage.)

Seriously, as an Englishwoman, I take exception at my Medieval forbears being written off as doormats who meekly did whatever they were bidden and submitted to forced, abusive marriages because they had no right to refuse.
Yet we are told that Eva ‘did not know any woman’ who had refused to marry the person the King wanted. Clearly, so did not know many people, because the sources from the time show many examples of women who married people of their own choice- including royal wards, and there was next to nothing that could be done about it after the fact. Now I'm not saying there was never any coercion in marriage, but as another reviewer said, any pressure bought to bare would have been more subtle.

OK so despite my objections I did finish this book accepting that the inaccurate assumptions were essential to the story. Overall, it was decent, good in parts, even if the writing was a little repetitive. As an adventure and fairy-tale retelling, it’s even quite good, and I could see the parallels with the Little Mermaid although it’s been a long time since I saw the movie.
I don't think I ever totally warmed to the heroine Evangeline though. She came across as vapid, shallow, self-centred and a childish. Her initial objections to her marriage were a good illustration- because her suitor was old and ugly. So, her love was dependent on looks and age, as if nobody ever found happiness with someone older, or not good looking? Shouldn't real love look past that?

Then, all of a sudden, Eva transforms into a strong, independent woman when she takes some instruction in self-defence. OK, so that’s not improbable and we are told she had a rebellious streak. Yet mastering the longbow in 2 hours did not seem plausible at all. Medieval longbowmen trained for years. Never heard of anyone mastering one in 2 hours.
And her foot stomping when Westley told her to stay behind for her own safety near the end? That did not make her look independent or capable at all. It made her look like a child about to throw a tantrum.

The hero, Westley, was an altogether better and more well-rounded character, and it was good to see the return of the protagonists from The Merchant’s Daughter. I did not find that the details about his family and the Peasant’s Revolt rang true though- maybe it’s just that I have read up on how violent it actually was. They beheaded the Archbishop of Canterbury in the street, for goodness sake! I totally understand why Westley’s friend was bitter about what happened to his father, the last thing he needed was modern platitudes about the equality of the classes

Overall them, The Silent Songbird was worth a read, but the German- set stories are better, especially the last two The Golden Braid and The Beautiful Pretender. I do plan to read her next few books, I just hope they get better.

I requested a copy of this title from Booklook Bloggers with the intention of reading and reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

In The Silent Songbird, the main character (Evangeline) and the antagonist (Lord Shiveley) have a really bad relationship. Okay, so Lord Shively convinces the king to betroth to him the king's cousin, Evangeline. This beautiful, illegitimate daughter of a former king has a tremendously lovely singing voice. She keeps that voice silent, however, when she and her maid run away to escape the betrothal. Pretending to be mute, Evangeline hides among peasants and "normal people" with the hope to someday marry a handsome man for love. As it turns out, Evangeline's "protector" is handsome ... and he turns out to be the man she could really love and marry. Now, if only she can keep Lord Shiveley and the king from finding her and bringing her back to the castle and an unwanted marriage, all will be well. Then there is that tickly problem of the lies she has presented to the people she loves the most - that of being a servant, not being able to speak, etc.

This story that Dickerson has so masterfully told kept me on my seat and turning my Kindle pages faster than I originally wanted. I read it in only a few days whereas I normally take a couple of weeks to read a book (I am busy with so much else, though I'd readily admit that I would love nothing more than to read, read, read all day long). The story is filled with action, love, and faith. It is a great princess story and one that I can heartily recommend. My 15-year-old daughter gives it a 5 stars.

Evangeline just wants to be free. As the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward, she is a ward of the current king. Her life has been sheltered, making her more of a prisoner. When she’s told she has to marry an evil man, she leaves the castle and seeks life as a peasant. She’s with her companion, but to avoid detection, they tell everyone that Eva is mute. She’s drawn to Westley, who she discovers is rich, but she’s trapped in a lie. She can’t seem to do anything any peasant could do, and she can’t reveal who she is without endangering the people she’s coming to care about.

Westley takes an interest in her, and they soon become friends. They find ways to communicate, but when Westley’s life is in danger, Eva has to make the choice whether to protect her secret or save a life. Her choice complicates matters and puts her own future in danger.

To sum up how it relates with other titles, Glynval, England is the home of the le Wyse family. Characters from this family include:
Colin (The Princess Spy). Lord Ranulf (The Merchant's Daughter) is the father of Westley (The Silent Songbird).

This story was pretty great. I liked Westley’s chivalrous nature and Eva’s take-charge attitude. I never seem to be disappointed when I pick up one of this author’s books, and this time was no different. I didn’t really make the connection to The Little Mermaid until I read the Acknowledgement section at the end of the book, but in hindsight, I guess it makes sense.

*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is full of treachery(a plot against King Richard and Evangeline.), deceit (Evangeline hiding her identity by being mute and her true face from her fellow travelers) brutality(lord Shiveley is a mean and brutal man who wants to be that with Evangeline as well as owning her), romance (feelings between Evangeline and Westley until he finds out she is deceiving him). Evangeline is the cousin of King Edward II Richard. He has promised, as a result of a promise to his alley lord Shiveley , give Evangeline her hand in marriage - but he is a mean and brutal man and he makes no qualms in the fact that he has exactly those plans for her. so she makes plans to run away and that she does. She joins a group- she does this by pretending to be mute because she has a distinctive voice - she is well known because of her beautiful voice - especially her singing. Westley finds out she is lying to her and he doesn't trust her. Then there are some major things that happen next that I cannot tell you what happens but it blows the mind - you have to read it - I am busting up because I just want to tell you - you have to find out what it is - it really will surprise you.

The Silent Songbird is the story of Eva (Evangeline) who is the King's ward and as such she lives a sheltered and protected, although not entirely happy one, at the Berkhamstead Castle. Evangeline is told by the king that she will marry Lord Shiveley , a man she does not have a good feeling about, and she must do so the next day. So she does what any sensible girl would do, she packs her bags and runs. And she poses as a mute in order to keep her disguise secret. And this is where the fun begins.

This is a sweet love story between Evangeline and Westly le Wyse of Glynval And Evangeline's journey to learn to stand up for herself and defend herself. The cool part is she learns some serious skills.

Moms and dads note, this is a perfectly suitable book for tweens and pre-teens, particularly ones who like fairy tales of romance, heroes and a strong heroine. It's clean and safe for your sons or daughters to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

Once again, Melanie Dickerson has delivered and engaging and unique perspective on a classic fairy tale. This time around, Ariel from The Little Mermaid gets a remodel in Dickerson’s Silent Songbird.

There’s a lot happening in this book (as with most of the Hagenheim series) but it all culminates in a satisfying way. I laughed at some of the escapades as Eva learns to do the servant’s work, grew agitated at the way another person treated Eva, longed for her and Westley to see what is right in front of them, and my heart pounded along with Eva’s when Westley’s life is in danger.

Dickerson is a fan-favorite of these types of books and with the attention to detail and the riveting storylines, there’s no question why that is.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fairy tale retellings are popular right now. I love these retellings, especially those written by Melanie Dickerson. Most of us know the tale of The Little Mermaid, but you’ve never heard it told this way before. Oh and not to mention that this is a world that is all human and magic doesn’t exist set in Medieval Times.

Where do I even begin?! I enjoyed The Silent Songbird so much! When I first found out this was a retelling for The Little Mermaid, I wondered how Melanie Dickerson was going to pull that off without mermaids and magic. I mean, that’s what I usually think of when I think of this classic fairy tale. Melanie Dickerson will never cease to blow my mind because she pulls it off fantastically. How she does it, I have no idea. This girl has a gift!

While this is the seventh book in the Hagenheim series, you don’t have to read them in order. I’ve only read The Golden Braid and this one so far. Each book is about a different character from a different fairy tale, but they all tie in so it’s probably more fun to read them in the order. In fact, I heard that the le Wyse family appear in another book, The Merchant’s Daughter. I’m definitely going to have to find that one because I loved that family so much! This time we find the setting to be partly in Berkhamsted Castle and Glynva in England.

Not only is the cover gorgeous, Dickerson immediately drew me in the story from the very beginning. The pages just kept on flying until I found myself at the very end.

Evangeline has her mind set not to marry the old disgusting King Shiveley so she runs away. She is bold, fierce, and brave. She believes that she needs a man or a friend to protect her but then realizes that she needs God to fill that role. She stands out from most a lot of female characters in young adult fiction because she is independent. She doesn’t need a man to protect her. In fact, she ends up saving a handsome young man’s life twice! She will do anything to protect those she cares about and perseveres through her tasks even when she finds that she is terrible at them. She is far from perfect, but that’s what I loved about this redhead. I loved seeing how real, vulnerable, and honest she was in her faith journey. Her role was refreshing.

Then there’s Westley. Sigh. I’ve got a crush on him. He’s not a peasant, but he has no title. His father is the Lord of Glynval. He is kind to his servants, making sure they have fair wages and everything they need. He goes above and beyond. He’s the kind of guy that would literally give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. He will do anything to make sure those he loves are safe. He’s a wonderful and Godly man.

The writing was wonderfully done. Dickerson draws you into her world where the characters become friends. It’s like you’re actually there. You can feel everything they’re feeling. You’ll laugh, cry, cheer, get angry, and all of the feels!

It’s cheesy and some spots are quite predictable, but I really enjoyed this one. It’s a clean wholesome read where there’s romance and sword fighting. While the story is completely different, there are some nods to the original fairy tale. Dickerson also does not fail to point her characters and readers towards God in a non-preachy way.

The biggest topics that pop up are deception/deceiving and forgiveness.

There were even a few references, including Westley’s name, that made me think of The Princess Bride. Super cute!

Highly recommended for anyone and everyone who enjoys a fun fairy tale retelling. Perfect for those seeking a fun and light read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another winning tale from author Melanie Dickerson. I liked this re-telling and appreciated the parallels between this and the Little Mermaid story. I kind of wish the villain was female. I think sometimes women can be more evil then men, but with this story, a male was needed and he was horrid to be sure. Plus, we just had a female villainess in The Golden Braid so the men's turn was due. ;)

I loved seeing previous characters from Dickerson's Beauty and the Beast retelling. The Beast has always had a special place in my heart and I was glad to see his happily ever after is still, ever after-ing on...

Any of Dickerson's books would be perfect to give out as Christmas gifts for that special teen girl in your life. They all make girls feel closer to God, empowered, and a desire to be braver for themselves and others.

I received this book from the author/publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

If God gave you a precious and unique gift, would you try to hide it? Like the heroine in Melanie Dickerson's latest novel, The Silent Songbird, you might feel you have no choice.

Evangeline was blessed with a beautiful voice, something she once thought was a gift - along with playing the lute or drawing - until it brought her the attention of the odious Lord Shiveley. Unlike the peasants in the village and servants in the castle, when you're the ward of King Richard II, you're trapped within its walls and cannot marry for love. "If only I were a peasant," she whispered. "I could fall in love with someone kind and brave and strong." Evangeline longed for a life of freedom and independence and, until one fateful morning when she saw handsome young Westley le Wyse save a little peasant girl, she thought neither were within her reach.

It would take courage to leave her life (and her voice) behind, but with her forced marriage to Lord Shiveley looming, she knew in her heart she had no choice but to run away from Berkhamsted Castle and never return.

If you're a fan of Melanie Dickerson, you won't be disappointed in The Silent Songbird. If you're a new reader of her work, you're in for a treat. A true romance with suspense and the kind of "Happily Ever After" all girls dream of.

After the death of her parents, Evangeline is left in the care of her cousin, King Richard II. When she learns that the king has promised her as a wife to his advisor, Lord Shiveley, Evangeline runs away.

Knowing that they will come after her, and that she is known for her beautiful singing voice, she pretends to be mute and joins a group of servants who are journeying back to their village.

Westley is leading the servants, and he takes the mute young maiden under his protection. They grow closer, finding ways to communicate other than speaking, but when the truth comes out it could tear them apart.

As events unfold, Evangeline’s future, Westley’s life, and the fate of England hang in the balance.

This novel is part of Melanie Dickerson’s Fairy Tale Romance series. It’s a retelling of The Little Mermaid, minus the mermaids and magic. It’s a light read that will keep the pages turning with action and romance.

My only negative with this one was that the characters’ thoughts often summarized events that just occurred within the last few pages. It wasn’t necessary, as the action played out well, and this retelling took away from it.

Other than that, it’s a good read for those who love a clean, action-filled romance.

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

Inspired by the story of The Little Mermaid, "The Silent Songbird" follows the story of Evangeline, cousin to King Richard II via an illigitimate relationship.With neither fortune nor title, she is entirely reliant on the King to arrange a marriage on her behalf. But when he chooses to betroth her to the much older and sinister Lord Shivley, Evangeline runs away to escape her fate. Pretending to be a servant girl who has permanently lost her voice, her beauty captures the attention of Westley le Wyse. While Evangeline learns to survive the life of a servant, her heart begins to long for a future with Wesltey, But soon Evangeline faces trouble on every side as she stumbles into intrigue in her hideaway, while trying to stay one step ahead of the men of Lord Shivley has sent hunting after her.

With a fascinating historical setting and characters who are strong and heroic, "The Silent Songbird" offers up a satisfying story for Dickerson's growing fan base. My pre-teen daughter devoured this book in one day, and said she loved the interesting plot "and of course Eva was my favourite character!" I also read the novel and agree that the book is filled with plenty of action-packed scenes, and a heroine who is equal parts brave and also somewhat naive at the same time. As such, she makes many mistakes along the way and so is a character readers will be able to relate to. Some of her actions and mannerisms at the beginning of the book seemed a tad juvenile to me and at first detracted from my enjoyment of the story, but then I realized that a sheltered young woman in that time period likely would act exactly as Evangeline does. The romance in the story is handled well and is appropriate for the wide age range that this story is sure to attract, from pre-teens and teens to adults of any ages. I really appreciated the spiritual themes in this book, and Evangline's willingness to repent and put God's will before her own. That is a valuable lesson indeed for my daughter - and myself - to implement in our own lives. All in all, there is much to love about this story, and I am confident that this story will attract a whole new host of fans to Dickerson's books!

My daughter awards this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher through the Booklook Bloggers program.

OK. Stop what you're doing and READ this review...wait, read this review and then go grab yourself a copy of Melanie Dickerson's The Silent Songbird. O, how I LOVE this story, loosely based on The Little Mermaid. The Silent Songbird have a lot going for it. First, just stare at that lovely cover. Really! Don't you think it's just perfect? And once you read the book, you'll agree that the cover model is the perfect Evangeline.

Next, let's talk about Evangeline, also known as Eva. She's spunky with a certain sweetness that makes you want to be her friend and protect her. Her faith in God, though she questions her future makes this fairy tale more than just a story. It relates as Eva questions what marriage means, as well as God's plan for her future. Her internal strength shines despite seemingly lost about her place in life.

Westley, ahhh. Now that's a name meant for a prince, OK, a lord or a hero of the story. Yet, he's not really the hero, but more the love interest of Eva (because you know Eva's our heroine!). However, that doesn't make him less worthy, because he is just as kind and sweet and brave! O, swoon-worthy is sure, especially the times those two get together.

And then we have the plot. Simple fairy tale, yet filled with so much more. There are funny moments from Eva's early attempt at "peasantry", and as mentioned before, the melt-your-hearts times with the romance. Then there's the action and and conspiracy (of the characters) that add a tad bit of suspense - just a tad. I read The Silent Songbird, with a heart opened to what one loves about fairy tales and sweet romances. Add in the great supporting characters, both good and evil characters alike, we have a tale that plays out beautifully in your mind as you take in each word. You might also find a little nod to our favorite Princess Bride.

The Silent Songbird is the 7th of the Hagenheim / Fairy Tale series, but it reads perfectly well as a stand-alone novel. The only thing is you might just want to head backwards and read the other six! So, what are you waiting for?

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

Growing up locked in a country palace would certainly make a girl long for freedom. So when Evangeline’s guardian arranges for her to marry a creepy older man, she takes the excuse and runs away with her closest servant-friend. Her disguise? Wearing peasant’s clothes and pretending to be mute, since one of her most recognizable features is her beautiful voice. Evangeline and her friend soon working at a noble’s manor, and she and the noble’s son Wesley feel the beginnings of attraction. But deception is never a good basis for a romance, and trouble seems to follow both of them.

I didn’t catch it at the beginning, but The Silent Songbird is definitely a Little Mermaid retelling . . . minus the mermaid. It was a really sweet story, complete with the prince, mute princess, and deceptive witch. Relatively speaking, anyway. I loved the romance, though it was a little frustrating to watch them suffer because of the deception. Why can’t people tell the truth? Because they don’t know whether they can trust the other. But by the time they know they can trust the others enough to tell them, the others’ trust in the first is broken. Isn’t it the way it always goes in stories like these? In any case, I enjoyed this particular rendition of the tale. It followed the fairy tale pretty well, considering there is no magic, and added some great complications and twists. The historical background was fantastic, as always, and the characters were developed well.

I enjoyed The Silent Songbird and look forward to the next novel by one of my favorite authors. I recommend it to fans of clean historical romance and fairy tale retellings.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

She herself felt quite content on the soft grass, staring up at the peaceful stars. She could imagine God winking down at her. Was God thinking, 'My beloved child Evangeline has escaped from Berkhamsted Castle'? She imagined God as the father she had never known, a perfect Father. He was proud of her for not staying and marrying someone she could never love. It was also possible that God was angry wit her for not doing as the king had directed her. But she preferred not to believe that.
She closed her eyes, stretching her arms above her head, then pillowed her cheek on her hands. She was free of Berkhamsted Castle and free of her own identity. The day that had begun as the worst of her life had ended as the best.

Book: The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2016
Genre: Fairy Tale
Target Audience: Girls 13+
Subjects: Romance, Love, God's Will, Sacrifice
Summary: Bleeding hands beginning to develop calluses, hours spent peeling potatoes, accusations from jealous servants, lessons in self-defense. None of this sounds like the life of a privileged ward of the king. But it's the life Evangeline has chosen. Fleeing an arranged marriage to a man much older than her who frightens her, she dons the life of a servant. Circumstances throw her together with the son of the lord, and a fascination for the Scriptures begins to bind their hearts together. She is only safe though, as long as her beautiful song voice remains silent. When she is no longer seen as a mute, the king's man will come after her. Keeping up her disguise is the only way to remain safe.
Notes: The Silent Songbird is the seventh of the young Adult Fairy Tales from this author. This one is based off of The Nightingale. A young girl running away from an arranged marriage, wanting the freedom to marry for love takes a job as a servant and falls in love. As it turns out the guy she was to marry is evil, wanting to take over the kingdom and she needs rescuing from the guy she falls in love with. The spiritual element comes in her passion for the Scriptures, Westley questioning his heart - his parents have taught him Jeremiah 17:9 - the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and her questioning God's view of her and whether or not her deceit and disobedience to the king is acceptable or not.
Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 5:17 - Do not be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is.

Thank you to the publishers for providing me with a free review copy of this book! I appreciate it!
All opinions are my own.

The Silent Songbird is yet another fairy tale adaptation by Melanie Dickerson. These are really fun, clean books for tween and teenage girls, and I would highly recommend them as a whole. This particular book is a twist off of The Little Mermaid.

Evangeline has been blessed with an amazing voice, but is trapped in a lackluster betrothal. When she spies a handsome peasant outside of her tower window leading a pack of servants back to their homeland of Glynval, she escapes with her servant, feigning muteness so as to not be discovered.

Westley le Wyse is the handsome leader of the villagers, and he is intrigued by the beautiful girl who joins their midst, but something seems odd about her story. Will he discover her deception, and if so, will he ever be able to trust her? And when Evangeline discovers a plot against the English monarchy, how will she reach out and warn the right people about it?

This book was “okay” compared to some of Ms. Dickerson’s other works. It was still a good story, but there were some major liberties taken with “The Little Mermaid” story. Overall, I thought it was a sweet story and I would recommend it to tween and teenage readers.

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I wish I would've had books like Melanie Dickerson's to read when I was a teenager. Honestly, the selection at the school library had nothing like this. Knowing that this is a Young Adult novel, as I read it I thought of what it would be like for my daughter, but in the process I enjoy it just as much as an adult.

Melanie combines an interesting setting, medieval England, with adventure, moral dilemma, faith and very clean romance. The story of Evangeline and Westley is part of a series of fairy tale retellings that have been written with a slight twist. This story is a retelling of The Little Mermaid in the sense that Evangeline pretends not to be able to speak, although she can, and has quite a beautiful singing voice. It is that voice that Westley was drawn to initally, even though he wasn't able to see the face of the girl who was singing. This is just the beginning of their story. As it continues, the characters face various physical and moral dilemmas as they must overcome evil and trust one another.

I really enjoyed the building of the plot in this novel and how it was not only a romantic story, but one that had depth. Themes like honesty, trust, and faith were prominent in this tale, as well as perseverance. Evangeline had led a pampered life but wasn't whiney when she struggled through doing hard work. This is a great message to a young audience. The pace was steady and was especially exciting as the plot began to build. The main characters were brave, and somewhat stubborn and reckless in one sense, but they worked together to fight the good fight.

I love Melanie's style of writing and the way she weaves faith and character into these classic fairy tales. Personally, I love these newer versions! I can't wait to share them with my daughter when she gets a little older. As an adult, I enjoy the setting, action, and the interesting plot twists in the story. But most importantly, that it's not our own efforts or "magic" that allows us to persevere, but our faith in God and His power.

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

Another cover to sigh over and enjoy before even opening up this wonderful story which is a retelling of the little mermaid and another enticing read from Dickerson. As usual, I had no trouble diving in and seeing the journey Evangeline goes on after learning she is being forced to marry Lord Shiveley; an older, arrogant, controlling, and seemingly abusive man who has ulterior motives for wanting Evangeline as his wife. Evangeline at first comes across as kind of a whiny and obstinate ward and cousin to King Richard, who only wants what's best for her even if he seems a little clueless setting up this union. When Evangeline faces her cousin, convinced he will hear her out and sympathize with her, he instead tells her to deal with it and do her duty.

She is forced to runaway with her maid and friend, Muriel, who decided to lie about their identities for protection. When they come across Westley and his men, Evangeline feels safe and has her first taste of real freedom. Muriel basically grumbles and mutters her unhappiness the whole time, but she is loyal to Evangeline and keeps her protected whenever possible. Despite Evangeline's childishness at the beginning, she develops true character and strength as the story progresses, Dickerson turns her into a maiden the reader will have fun with and admire.

My favorite part of this was seeing Lord and Lady le Wyse from The Merchant's Daughter, they are now happily married with several children, Westley being the oldest. Evangeline witnesses how in love they are and longs for the same happiness within a husband someday also. The Merchant's Daughter is very special to me and seeing this family and how well they are doing was a huge part of this sequel's charm. It was also enchanting that Evangeline has a beautiful singing voice, but I felt like I was missing out as a reader not being able to listen in.

Will Evangeline find true love in the kind man Westley is and how will she ever escape the treachery going on around her, even Shiveley obsessively searching for her the whole time?

Even though Silent Songbird is not my favorite among Dickerson's stories, it was a wonderful adventure I could count on to bless me and keep me satisfied until the last page! With Dickerson's books, I'm never disappointed and I continue to love her retellings :)

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy. These comments are my honest opinion.

She's done it again! Melanie Dickerson retells a classic story with her own distinctive style, turning it into something fun and new. This time she tackles The Little Mermaid, resetting Ariel as Evangeline, cousin of King Richard II, in the fourteenth century.

Evangeline has hoped and dreamed of a marriage based on love, but as the king's ward she knows that may not be possible. When she finds out the king is going to give her in marriage to a middle-aged man who seems corrupt and salacious, Evangeline decides she will run away. She's lived shut up in Berkhamsted Castle, and now she is free to see all the beautiful creatures and places in the English countryside. Evangeline's maid escaped with her, and in order to disguise themselves they agree that Evangeline will pose as a mute and they will say they are servants looking for work.

They reach the village of Glynval, and Evangeline finds herself working for the le Wyse family, whom readers will recognize from some of Dickerson's other books. She is attracted to Westley le Wise, but since she is pretending to be a mute servant and he is heir to the manor, there are many impediments to getting to know him. Although Evangeline has never worked a day in her life, the blisters and soreness and her many blunders do not stop her determination to make a way for herself and to continue hiding from the king's men who are searching for her.

Evangeline is forced to use her voice when she comes upon an attempt on Westley's life. Still hesitant to tell the whole truth about her identity as she gets to know the le Wyse family better, eventually it all comes out. A showdown with King Richard and his minions is inevitable, and will require bravery and sacrifice from all who will stand for freedom and love.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Melanie Dickerson and fairy tales.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book. All opinions in this review are my own.

“The Silent Songbird” is Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of The Little Mermaid in a medieval English setting. Because my children are now grown and have not blessed me with grandchildren, I am out-of-the-loop when it comes to stories like The Little Mermaid so I am unable to share whether the story remains true to the original one. I can, however, agree with Dickerson’s many fans that the book is very readable and entertaining yet set on a firm foundation of faith.

When Evangeline, the king’s ward learns that she will be forced to marry the cruel Lord Shiveley, she takes desperate steps to flee, believing she would much prefer life as a servant. In order to avoid capture, Evangeline must deceive those with whom she has taken refuge and learns to her regret that her deception has led to distrust by the very man she has learned to love. Is there anything Evangeline can do to make up for her deception and win the heart of Westley le Wyse?

“The Silent Songbird” is one of those books that pulls the reader right into the story. The plot moves along at a good pace and contains just the right balance of drama, danger, and romance to keep things interesting. Several lessons could be gained from this story including truthfulness, bravery, and loyalty. I’m sure other readers could find even more positive life lessons within its pages. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with “The Silent Songbird” and recommend this clean, fairy tale based romance to those who enjoy such stories. I believe it to be appropriate for teens and young adults.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Evangeline longs to live outside the gates of Berkhamsted Castle. However, that dream, and the associated freedom, will come at a price. As the ward and cousin of King Richard II, Evangeline has few choices in life. Her cousin has arranged for her to wed his advisor Lord Shiveley, who is twice her age. She wants to marry for love. Her only option is to run away.

Westley le Wyse encounters Evangeline when she joins up with his group of servants. He feels sorry for her, as her attendant claims Evangeline is unable to speak.

Unfortunately, her secret will not remain hidden forever. Will Westley turn Evengeline in when he learns the truth? Or will circumstances beyond their control bring them closer together?

This is the seventh installment of Dickerson’s Hagenheim series, though it could certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone. It is a retelling of The Little Mermaid with a hint of The Princess Bride thrown in for good measure. Dickerson proves once again why she is the master of fairy tale retellings. A subtle faith message is woven throughout, and the cover is a perfect complement for the story. Fans of historical fiction, or anyone looking for a great book, will want to check this out.

Disclaimer: I received this book as part of the Fiction Guild program. I was not required to leave a positive review.

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson was a very interesting take on the classic tale of The Little Mermaid. I was quite curious to see where author Dickerson would take the tale without using magic, or without Evangeline being a mermaid. She did a very good job with the premise and I could see many Little Mermaid elements woven in, but by the time I got halfway through the story it took a life of its own and didn’t seem so much like a retelling anymore.

The medieval setting was fascinating, and I could tell that the author had put a lot of research into what it was like back then.

The characters were interesting in their own rights. Evangeline was a sweet, kind heroine, if a little naïve; and I believe the same could be said for Westley. They were perfect for each other, really. The other characters were nice, and I thought it was interesting to see how Dickerson wove her characters from The Merchant’s Daughter into this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Fiction Guild. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

I adore Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale inspired stories and this time it's The Little Mermaid -- though I see shades of The Nightingale as well. There's political intrigue, forbidden romance between a spunky heroine and a dashing hero and plenty of twists and turns to keep the most avid of readers frantically turning pages.

Evangeline is a born dreamer and she longs to experience life outside the sheltered confines of the castle walls. Definitely not the type of girl to be content with an arranged political marriage -- no matter who orders it -- so she gives her dreams flight when she flees the castle and attempts to hide herself among the peasants of Glynval. There's some really funny scenes as she tries to live the life of a working lass. I have to admire her gumption though and she never quits, even when she becomes the target of a malicious bully.

Westley is the proverbial fairy tale hero. Noble and kind and fair to a fault. It isn't long before he is captivated by the stranger in their midst. But this isn't a straightforward love story. Not when deception severs trust. The angst kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to find out if these two would ever find their way to a happily ever after.

Lots of action and laughter and sweet romance make this another winning historical novel from a beloved author.

The Silent Songbird is a wonderful woven tale of deception, heroics deeds, forgiveness and love.
Evangeline (Eva) is the ward of King Richard whom has given her to the Earl of Shiveley. To escape being married off as a political pawn Eva runs away with a band of peasants, whose leader turns out to be Westley (the son of the Lord of le Wyse). She and her companion tell Westley that she is mute in they're looking for work so he takes them to Glynval to work for his family. All is good, well as good as it can be for someone who has never been a servant, let just say Eva talent is definitely her voice! Until Eva witnesses someone who attacks Westley and she chooses to save him from drowning. In calling for help she reveals her lie and has to face the consequences of that lie on her budding relationship with Westley. The hero and heroine are both learning to forgive each other as well as trusting each other at the same time.
Eva ultimately learns that her true deliver and healing is only found in Christ when she turns her heart and life over to Him. Then she finds the peace and strength to face her future no matter what happens to her.
I loved returning back to Glynval once again and once again Melanie doesn't let the reader down with her humor, faith and romance. Thanks again for the wonderful adventure Mrs. Dickerson!

I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley and the author but was not required to leave a review. The review is my honest opinion of the story.

Evangeline is a runaway bride.

When her cousin, King Richard II, announces his intentions to marry off his seventeen year old ward to the duplicitous Lord Shively, Evangeline covers up her bountiful red hair and mutes her crystal clear voice; fleeing Berkhamstead Castle with a group of merchants from Glynval, accompanied only by her childhood companion. Posing as servants, Evangeline and Muriel maintain their ruse until a kind young lord's life is at stake, but exposing the truth has its own consequences, for now no one trusts the beautiful stranger who not only can speak, but sing like a songbird.

Westley le Wyse is understandably angry when he discovers that Eva, as she is known in his village, has been deceitful, especially after gaining sympathy for a supposed injury inflicted by a cruel mistress, causing her to lose her voice. But as the layers of suspicion begin to fade, Westley discovers that Eva's voice is the least of Glynval's concerns, there are royal guards combing the countryside for a tall, red haired maiden with a lovely voice. Just who is Eva, really? And how can he let her go?

Melanie Dickerson is so talented, taking beloved fairy tales and transposing them into stories that in spite of their predictable endings, are filled with action and adventure that actually may outweigh their predecessors.

She's done it again! Melanie Dickerson retells a classic story with her own distinctive style, turning it into something fun and new. This time she tackles The Little Mermaid, resetting Ariel as Evangeline, cousin of King Richard II, in the fourteenth century.

Evangeline has hoped and dreamed of a marriage based on love, but as the king's ward she knows that may not be possible. When she finds out the king is going to give her in marriage to a middle-aged man who seems corrupt and salacious, Evangeline decides she will run away. She's lived shut up in Berkhamsted Castle, and now she is free to see all the beautiful creatures and places in the English countryside. Evangeline's maid escaped with her, and in order to disguise themselves they agree that Evangeline will pose as a mute and they will say they are servants looking for work.

They reach the village of Glynval, and Evangeline finds herself working for the le Wyse family, whom readers will recognize from some of Dickerson's other books. She is attracted to Westley le Wise, but since she is pretending to be a mute servant and he is heir to the manor, there are many impediments to getting to know him. Although Evangeline has never worked a day in her life, the blisters and soreness and her many blunders do not stop her determination to make a way for herself and to continue hiding from the king's men who are searching for her.

Evangeline is forced to use her voice when she comes upon an attempt on Westley's life. Still hesitant to tell the whole truth about her identity as she gets to know the le Wyse family better, eventually it all comes out. A showdown with King Richard and his minions is inevitable, and will require bravery and sacrifice from all who will stand for freedom and love.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Melanie Dickerson and fairy tales.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book. All opinions in this review are my own.

“The Silent Songbird” is Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of The Little Mermaid in a medieval English setting. Because my children are now grown and have not blessed me with grandchildren, I am out-of-the-loop when it comes to stories like The Little Mermaid so I am unable to share whether the story remains true to the original one. I can, however, agree with Dickerson’s many fans that the book is very readable and entertaining yet set on a firm foundation of faith.

When Evangeline, the king’s ward learns that she will be forced to marry the cruel Lord Shiveley, she takes desperate steps to flee, believing she would much prefer life as a servant. In order to avoid capture, Evangeline must deceive those with whom she has taken refuge and learns to her regret that her deception has led to distrust by the very man she has learned to love. Is there anything Evangeline can do to make up for her deception and win the heart of Westley le Wyse?

“The Silent Songbird” is one of those books that pulls the reader right into the story. The plot moves along at a good pace and contains just the right balance of drama, danger, and romance to keep things interesting. Several lessons could be gained from this story including truthfulness, bravery, and loyalty. I’m sure other readers could find even more positive life lessons within its pages. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with “The Silent Songbird” and recommend this clean, fairy tale based romance to those who enjoy such stories. I believe it to be appropriate for teens and young adults.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Evangeline longs to live outside the gates of Berkhamsted Castle. However, that dream, and the associated freedom, will come at a price. As the ward and cousin of King Richard II, Evangeline has few choices in life. Her cousin has arranged for her to wed his advisor Lord Shiveley, who is twice her age. She wants to marry for love. Her only option is to run away.

Westley le Wyse encounters Evangeline when she joins up with his group of servants. He feels sorry for her, as her attendant claims Evangeline is unable to speak.

Unfortunately, her secret will not remain hidden forever. Will Westley turn Evengeline in when he learns the truth? Or will circumstances beyond their control bring them closer together?

This is the seventh installment of Dickerson’s Hagenheim series, though it could certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone. It is a retelling of The Little Mermaid with a hint of The Princess Bride thrown in for good measure. Dickerson proves once again why she is the master of fairy tale retellings. A subtle faith message is woven throughout, and the cover is a perfect complement for the story. Fans of historical fiction, or anyone looking for a great book, will want to check this out.

Disclaimer: I received this book as part of the Fiction Guild program. I was not required to leave a positive review.

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson was a very interesting take on the classic tale of The Little Mermaid. I was quite curious to see where author Dickerson would take the tale without using magic, or without Evangeline being a mermaid. She did a very good job with the premise and I could see many Little Mermaid elements woven in, but by the time I got halfway through the story it took a life of its own and didn’t seem so much like a retelling anymore.

The medieval setting was fascinating, and I could tell that the author had put a lot of research into what it was like back then.

The characters were interesting in their own rights. Evangeline was a sweet, kind heroine, if a little naïve; and I believe the same could be said for Westley. They were perfect for each other, really. The other characters were nice, and I thought it was interesting to see how Dickerson wove her characters from The Merchant’s Daughter into this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Fiction Guild. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

The Silent Songbird
By: Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson has brought fairy tales to a whole new level. She captured me right at the start and did not let go till the end. She will have you trying to read faster and turn the pages faster to see what is going to happen next. Written for the YA generation , but adults will love it too. Evangeline runs aways after she was told that she was to wed an older man twice her age and she does not like him or love him. She just wants to be free. She is gifted with a beautiful voice, but she is trapped. Wetly is the leader in the group she meets up with . Can she trust him? Can she keep her secret? Will she ever be able to use her beautiful voice and sing again?
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the author, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All options are my own.

I adore Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale inspired stories and this time it's The Little Mermaid -- though I see shades of The Nightingale as well. There's political intrigue, forbidden romance between a spunky heroine and a dashing hero and plenty of twists and turns to keep the most avid of readers frantically turning pages.

Evangeline is a born dreamer and she longs to experience life outside the sheltered confines of the castle walls. Definitely not the type of girl to be content with an arranged political marriage -- no matter who orders it -- so she gives her dreams flight when she flees the castle and attempts to hide herself among the peasants of Glynval. There's some really funny scenes as she tries to live the life of a working lass. I have to admire her gumption though and she never quits, even when she becomes the target of a malicious bully.

Westley is the proverbial fairy tale hero. Noble and kind and fair to a fault. It isn't long before he is captivated by the stranger in their midst. But this isn't a straightforward love story. Not when deception severs trust. The angst kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to find out if these two would ever find their way to a happily ever after.

Lots of action and laughter and sweet romance make this another winning historical novel from a beloved author.

The Silent Songbird is a wonderful woven tale of deception, heroics deeds, forgiveness and love.
Evangeline (Eva) is the ward of King Richard whom has given her to the Earl of Shiveley. To escape being married off as a political pawn Eva runs away with a band of peasants, whose leader turns out to be Westley (the son of the Lord of le Wyse). She and her companion tell Westley that she is mute in they're looking for work so he takes them to Glynval to work for his family. All is good, well as good as it can be for someone who has never been a servant, let just say Eva talent is definitely her voice! Until Eva witnesses someone who attacks Westley and she chooses to save him from drowning. In calling for help she reveals her lie and has to face the consequences of that lie on her budding relationship with Westley. The hero and heroine are both learning to forgive each other as well as trusting each other at the same time.
Eva ultimately learns that her true deliver and healing is only found in Christ when she turns her heart and life over to Him. Then she finds the peace and strength to face her future no matter what happens to her.
I loved returning back to Glynval once again and once again Melanie doesn't let the reader down with her humor, faith and romance. Thanks again for the wonderful adventure Mrs. Dickerson!

I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley and the author but was not required to leave a review. The review is my honest opinion of the story.

Evangeline is a runaway bride.

When her cousin, King Richard II, announces his intentions to marry off his seventeen year old ward to the duplicitous Lord Shively, Evangeline covers up her bountiful red hair and mutes her crystal clear voice; fleeing Berkhamstead Castle with a group of merchants from Glynval, accompanied only by her childhood companion. Posing as servants, Evangeline and Muriel maintain their ruse until a kind young lord's life is at stake, but exposing the truth has its own consequences, for now no one trusts the beautiful stranger who not only can speak, but sing like a songbird.

Westley le Wyse is understandably angry when he discovers that Eva, as she is known in his village, has been deceitful, especially after gaining sympathy for a supposed injury inflicted by a cruel mistress, causing her to lose her voice. But as the layers of suspicion begin to fade, Westley discovers that Eva's voice is the least of Glynval's concerns, there are royal guards combing the countryside for a tall, red haired maiden with a lovely voice. Just who is Eva, really? And how can he let her go?

Melanie Dickerson is so talented, taking beloved fairy tales and transposing them into stories that in spite of their predictable endings, are filled with action and adventure that actually may outweigh their predecessors.

The Silent Songbird is the very first book I have ever read by Melanie Dickerson so I did not know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I truly enjoyed the story and writing. Plus, The Little Mermaid was one of my childhood favorites so this retelling/adaptation was beautifully nostalgic for me.

Evangeline is a young, beautiful, strong-headed girl that does not just settle for a life that she does not want. She is stubborn but not to a fault, she just wants to live her life as she sees fit. I thought that the way Dickerson "took away" Evangeline's voice was clever. By making her appear to be a mute as they traveled offered for a great story and and the budding romance was brilliantly played out.All the characters have depth and I could see them in my mind as I read. I grew to appreciate Eva as she learned about herself and the world around her along the way. I like the way the book started and the way it ended, and the middle kept me reading. I'm a sucker for happily ever after!

I appreciate this author's work and will definitely be reading more from her, which seems to be a lot to choose from!

Overall, I have nothing to complain about when it comes to this book and would recommend to friends and family who like romantic fairy tale like reads.

I received a copy from booklookbloggers. All opinions are my own.

On the opening pages of The Silent Songbird, the latest from Melanie Dickerson, you will meet Evangeline. The king of England is Evangeline's guardian and she must marry whomever he chooses for her; unfortunately, Lord Shiveley, the man whom the king has selected, makes the young Evangeline shiver in fear. She has heard the rumors that this lord killed his first wife!!

When the king and Lord Shiveley suddenly arrive at the castle, Evangeline quickly makes plans to flee as soon as possible. As Evangeline and her companion, Muriel, leave the castle, they join up with a small group of men traveling to their home town of Glynval. Muriel tells the leader of this group,Westley le Wyse, that she and Evangeline are looking for work; however, she keeps quiet about the fact that Evangeline is pretending to be mute to hide the fact that she is really the king's ward!

In spite of having to work as a common laborer, Evangeline soon feels right at home in Glynva. Her positive feelings grow even stronger the more time she spends with Westley. Evangeline even steps in to save Westley's life, when his childhood friend knocks him out and leaves him to drown!

This tale is filled with so much action. You will not believe where these characters end up by the final pages!

I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review.

[...]

The Silent Songbird, written by Melanie Dickerson, is the 7th book of the Hagenheim series.

This book took me a bit to get into at the beginning. Once I got into it, it carried me through to an amazing ending. I think my favorite character is Evangeline, the king's cousin, the illegitimate daughter of the king's uncle, and his ward. She's stuck in the care of the king and because he is afraid that she might be kidnapped, she is limited in what she is allowed to do and is kept within the castle most of the time. When she learns that she is going to be forced to marry an old man, the Earl of Shiveley, she decided to run away so that she can be a peasant and eventually marry for love alone. Dickerson writes this character with so much bravery and fortitude for a spoiled relative of the king. She shows us the strength this character has to endure working with her hands as a peasant and standing up for what she believed in without complaining.

Throughout the book, Dickerson is very descriptive in the surroundings, the food, and the duties of the peasants. Although it is written of a time so long ago, the words used are modern and very understandable. I would recommend this for a person looking for a young adult historical or someone who is older and wishes to have the young feel for reading.

I was given this book by NetGalley. All thoughts and comments in this review are my own.

Loosely based on the fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, Melanie Dickerson brings readers another delightful, medieval romance. One of the things that I loved about this book is that it is connected to The Merchant's Daughter. Sure, it's set in the same fictional world as the author's other fairy tale retellings, but this one is a sequel to the Merchant's Daughter. As with any of the books in this series, this one stands alone.

I loved Evangeline from the moment that she appeared in the book. I loved how she was determined to prove that she could in fact pretend to be a servant. She tried so hard. In some ways, it was rather comical. I also thought that Wesley was almost too perfect. I'd guess his biggest flaw was his anger. But even with that, the book was very enjoyable. I'm eager to see where the author takes the reader in her next fairy tale novel as well as which fairy tale will be retold.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from the publisher as part of the Booklook Bloggers program. I was asked to give my honest opinion about the book, which I have done. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of fairy tales, young adult, Melanie Dickerson, Jessica Day George

Rating - 4 stars

The queen of fairy-tale retellings strikes again with her Little Mermaid inspired story!

I can't even begin to tell you guys how I anxiously awaited the release of The Silent Songbird. I was through the roof excited when I found out this would be The Little Mermaid retelling because that is one of my favorite Disney movies (second only to The Beauty and the Beast, of course. ;) ).

And I was not disappointed!

I so adored the scene reminiscent of Ariel the mermaid rescuing drowning Prince Eric. Swoon! However, I should tell you, if you're expecting a story set by the sea or at a seaport, it's actually set in a medieval village. But I promise you, this was an incredible setting.

I related to Evangeline very quickly, and I really liked the singing aspect of the story. Westley (Ranulf and Annabel's son!!!) was amazing, and he made me think of The Princess Bride, but maybe that's just because of his name... Although there was a particularly fun "storming the castle" scene. ;)

Love! Love! Love! 4 Stars!

I am so excited for Melanie's next release, The Noble Servant, which releases on May 9th, 2017!!!

I received a copy of The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson published by Thomas Nelson from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

Melanie Dickerson never ceases to amaze me with these wonderful fairy tale retellings. The Silent Songbird is by far the most romantic adventure tale I've ever read. Although this book took several readings due to other things going on, I have to say that I had trouble putting it down to take care of life. There simply was no good place to simply stop as the end of each chapter left me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Finally, I just had to put life on hold so I could finish this book.

The author grabs you, the reader, into the story right from the beginning and keeps you on edge until the very last page. This book had me cheering, booing, fussing at characters, on edge, and definitely falling in love with the characters. I don't want to give anything away but I must say Evangeline and Westley le Wyse's relationship is so sweet and subtly romantic....I loved it!

Now for the part that I hated about this book.............it was over before I wanted it to be. I hope to see future books with these characters in them, Melanie Dickerson. Amazing job.

SUMMARY:
Promised in marriage by her cousin, King Richard, to the nasty Earl of Shively, Evangeline knows she must escape. A bit naïve due to being locked away in the castle for her own protection, Evangeline soon finds herself outside the Berkhamsted castle and part of the traveling group under the leadership of the handsome Westley le Wyse. Now working as a servant, Evangeline also leads those around her to believe she is mute. Living this lie while hiding from her intended, who surely is searching for his beautiful songbird, turns out to be dangerous to both her life and heart.
A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a loose retelling of the fairytale Little Mermaid, even the cover of the book reflects Ariel, the red-haired singing beauty. With brief suggestions to the Disney story, The Silent Songbird is a delightful, suspenseful, medieval and interesting retelling. As part of the young adult series written by author Melanie Dickerson, this newest addition nods to a few previous characters; however, is also easily read as a stand-alone. Though classified as young adult, readers of all ages are sure to enjoy!
RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies
*I received a complimentary copy of The Silent Songbird from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Hidden away in the shadows of the castle tower, Evangeline, ward of the king, plots her means of escaping marriage to an awful, just awful older man. With the help of her friend, Evangeline escapes by joining with a band of men led by a kind and handsome man, Wesley le Wyse, as they journey home. In order to further disguise herself, Evangeline pretends to be mute, and soon finds herself ushered into Wesley home as a servant. But suspicions soon rise as Evangeline fumbles her way through several tasks that a normal servant would be well versed with. As Wesey and Evangeline become closer friends, she finds herself caught between keeping up the charade or revealing herself. And if she does reveal herself, will her turn her over to the king?

I am thoroughly enjoying Melanie Dickerson’s re-tellings of famously known fairy-tales, and The Silent Songbird’s version of The Little Mermaid is no different! The Silent Songbird is such a sweet version of TLM – full of romance and brimming with action – this novel is perfect for every YA and adult alike!

I was graciously provided a free copy of this novel from Melanie Dickerson and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Oh, the joy that always fills my heart at another Melanie Dickerson book to read. I am not the most versed person on Disney fairy tales, but I love these retellings in a way that only Melanie can do.

This story had me grinning throughout, hoping for the best, and wishing for the communication issues to end. The medieval feel to the story gives it a romantic feel, despite the reality of the time period. I enjoyed how she wove the reality of the hardship of the times into the story, realizing that it was so much work for the common people to work then.

My Christmas tradition of reading a new book by Melanie Dickerson has thrived and I am glad she has some that come out at other times of the year, but I may have to go back and re-read the others.

These books are enjoyable for adults, and teens. The romance is there, but nothing to uncomfortable with. This book hints at domestic violence in arranged marriages, but only hints, no detailed descriptions, but enough to know that it was common. I think sometimes we can think that would be easier or more romantic, and this dashes that theory on the rocks (or the stairs as it were).

I love, let me repeat, love Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale retellings. This one has a swoony hero, Westley and a damsel in distress, Evangeline. I loved these two characters, so much! Since this is a retelling of The Little Mermaid, don't be surprised if while reading of Evangeline's life in Glynval you picture a lobster, a seagull, even an evil octopus, Lord Shiveley chasing Evangeline.
As usual Melanie does a great job weaving a sweet romance, and placing a biblical theme of redemption and grace, that is not preachy but subtle, yet real.
This is a story not to miss! I highly recommend this and others in the series.

Well done, Ms. Dickerson! Can't wait for your next one!

I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review, all thoughts are mine alone.

Another delightful fairytale retelling from Melanie Dickerson, The Silent Songbirds transports elements of The Little Mermaid into her medieval world of Hagenheim. (Fans of The Merchant’s Daughter will be especially pleased to revisit a few characters.) It’s filled with dastardly deeds and looming danger and sweet, sweet romance. I enjoyed it, as I have all Dickerson’s previous books, and could recommend it to readers in search of a charming historical read. It’s a fun, heartfelt book.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of The Silent Songbird and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Slip back to 14th-century England, where a king’s ward resists marrying the older nobleman he has chosen for her. Can Evangeline escape his clutches? Is she willing to pose as a servant and endure whatever hardships that entails? This enthralling story includes pretense and adventure, intrigue and danger. I have enjoyed all of Melanie Dickerson’s books I have read, whether intended for youth or adults. This sweeping tales of centuries past not only allow an escape from the stress of modern life, but also show universal problems and creative ways to solve them. Her fairy-tale romances follow plots similar to their story of inspiration but enrich the tale in many ways. I don’t agree with all the fighting in this recounting, but it is appropriate for the setting. I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

Another exciting romantic adventure tale! Taking place this time in medieval England, it continues the story begun in The Merchant's Daughter, one of my favorites in this series of fairy tale spins. Thoroughly enjoyed all the colorful characters, which include a dastardly villain, a kind-hearted hero and a desperate young woman who learns to put her hope in God in her time of need. A good lesson in how lies grow and eventually will come to light also. The only thing that would have improved this would have been a soundtrack, since her lovely singing was something I'd love to hear! Loved the wink and nod to the Princess Bride mixed in with this fun take on the Little Mermaid.
Recommend to anyone who enjoys a historical romantic adventure with some inspiration. 4.5 stars

(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

I love Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale stories. As a child, I loved to be read to and, when I grew old enough, to read myself. My mama had a huge book of fairy tales and read to us every night from that book. Now, Melanie Dickerson has brought fairy tales to a whole new level. Written for YA, they appeal to all ages, with a wonderful spiritual theme. Well written and with wonderful characters, I always love reading her next fairy tale.

You're never too old for fairy tales!

*I was provided with a copy of this book by Net Galley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own and honest.

I love fairytales and reading modern fairytales is really enjoyable. Especially when Melanie Dickerson writes. I love how the classic stories we are familiar with from childhood can come alive in a new way for young adults to read (well any age, really!)

Evangeline was a interesting character to read. It helped me understand that being "privileged" wasn't always all it was cracked up to be. Instead it could come with many restrictions.

Westley showed us how there is pressure to be a leader, and that even a good leader can be accused of wrong things and can suffer because of the actions of others.

I felt there was good depth in this book as well as a light hearted love story.

I received this book free from the publisher.

I really enjoy Melanie Dickerson because her books are sweet, family friendly, and have a good plot. This particular book is based on The Little Mermaid. However, the plot in this book was very similar to the last one I read by her (or could it be said that this isn't an author thing...fairy tales are just like that?). When I thought the book was about the end, I found myself saying "oh yeah, this must be a thing she does" at the same place percentage wise as the first book. That being said, I really enjoy reading books by the same author again.

Evangeline has beautiful red hair and a lovely singing voice, but is forced into a betrothal to a grimy older man. After running away, she falls in love with Westley le Wyse who thinks she is a mute servant. Will she be able to successfully hide or will she be forced to be a political pawn?

Purchased this book at a used book store. Thought about passing this one up, thinking I wouldn't exactly care for it. It honestly ended up being really good and I'm so glad I read it. I really enjoyed the plot and how it developed. Some characters were obviously not so good, while others I had no idea. The hero and heroine are honestly kind of adorable..... Definitely a new favorite for me!

The Silent Songbird is a medieval romp with a strong willed heroine refusing to accept an arranged marriage. The story moves along at a steady clip with well defined characters and background descriptions that move the narrative ever forward. This book is a great rainy day read for those who love a charismatic hero vying for the affections of a woman with a mind of her own. I am now officially a Melanie Dickerson fan.
Pre publication copy provided by author to Elvie Perreault, author of Girls on the Green.

Note: Fellow author Elvie Perreault received an examination copy of the book and asked me to put her review online for her. Here it is. She enjoyed the book.

It started out good but continued to go downhill throughout the story. The writing was awkward and by the end it was hard to read through the characters dialogue. The references to Christianity don’t fit well within the story. There is one small editing error but it’s overall correct.

I was so excited to read The Silent songbird knowing that it related to The Merchants daughter! The merchants daughter is one of my all time favorite books! If you haven't read that story yet I strongly suggest you do! BUT you don't have to read that story 1st to still enjoy this one! Evangeline is a great character! I always love when the female character is strong in mind and morals!! I love how Melanie created several sub stories within the main concept. I really enjoyed seeing Evangeline find herself! And as always I LOVE how Melanie is bold about her love for the Lord and how God guides the characters in her stories! I also love a gentle but strong main male character! And Westly was just that! I was totally ingulfed in their relationship and I couldn't put the book down! I had to see how it would end! I LOVED this story! I basically finished the book in 1 day and wish I could keep reading about their story! When I have that feeling after a book I know it was a good one! Also if you have teenagers looking for wholesome but fun/engaging books I would recommend ALL of Melanie's books! We love her novels!

Dickerson magically transports you from your world and into a fairy tale! I felt like I was in the midst of the medieval times watching Eva and her story unfold! Captivated from the beginning, Dickerson's storytelling kept me engrossed and engaged until the very last word. Eva was a great protagonist with a fiery spirit, determination and no fear! I imagine all girls and women alike would aspire to have her qualities! A beautifully written tale about the King's cousin and her desire to choose her own groom, The Silent Songbird is Christian fiction at its best! I received a copy via Netgalley and was under no obligation to review it.

In a new Fairytale by Melanie Dickerson, Evangeline has to decide whether it is better to live in luxury as the King's ward and obey his order to marry against her will or to flee and live freely as a peasant. Westly le Wyse is good , honorable, and noble, she hopes to be his servant. In a realistic re-telling of the Little Mermaid, the author creates a delightful tale. I love the characters and the little details are wonderful. Melanie paints pictures with her words that fill one with delight. I must say it is always a good day when I have a new Melanie Dickerson book in my hands.
I was given this book by Netgalley.com in exchange for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a great read! Sometimes in the fiction world, reads weigh heavy, and I do enjoy those kinds of reads. A Melanie Dickerson book, however, is a definite must in between those. She is a wonderful story teller, and no matter how old I get I love a good story.

There are many characters to like in this book. The hero and heroine are both wonderful characters, but the secondary characters are great as well and really round out the storyline so well.

So pick up the Silent Songbird and settle in for a wonderful read that will take you away!

I received this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson is a truly lovely romance written for young adults. The story is clean in writing, no profanity at all, and the sweet romance is just right for readers of any age. I truly liked how the author managed to keep the story interesting and how she created enough tension that I wanted to keep turning the page.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

The Silent Songbird is everything I've come to expect from Dickerson's fairy tale romance series. My little inner girly girl squeals with delight at the prospect of a new spin on an old favorite and Songbird delivers! Evangeline and Westley's story is full of danger, secrets, and youthful attraction.

This is a no-brainer for the teens and young adults in your life and I fully approve this book for the young at heart as well!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This inspirational story, beautifully told, was inspirational, even for someone well beyond the YA audience. :)

I really enjoyed the twists and turns, but most especially the depiction of kindness and hope even in dark times.

One of her best, if not the best (so far)!

Definitely anticipating another good read by Melanie Dickerson soon. Thank you.

Melanie's latest novels have been hit or miss for me. I loved The Beautiful Pretender and The Golden Braid, but this one felt overly forced and simplistic. I couldn't relate to the characters and though I finished it, I didn't at any point really enjoy it. From the first, Evangeline was a Mary Sue with her only "issue" being that she believed herself to be too selfish. Yet this never seemed to affect the way she behaved or the decisions that she made.

The villains of this story were also fairly lackluster. Evangeline's evil betrothed is something we have already seen in Melanie's other books and the other villains felt as though they were evil for evil's sake. The only character with much depth seemed to be the friend Nicola, who stood up for Evangeline as well as forgave her deception.

I might suggest this for younger teens, or even preteens. There is enough conflict and romance to entertain children in those age groups, while also containing only a couple kisses and little so far as described violence. I myself just could not get into it.

I have provided an honest review after having received this book through the Fiction Guild.

A middle grades medieval romance adventure loosely based on The Little Mermaid. This novel is the second I've read by the author (I liked her Rapunzel adaptation too) and both are Christian-based. The characters are written with a mixture of reality and what a young hopeful reader would like them to be. A good choice for young girls, especially those who like fairy tale retellings and MCs learning about true strength and bravery.

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