The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Happily Ever After...Or Happily Nevermore?
Gisela's childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father's death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela meets the duke's son, Valten-the boy she has daydreamed about for years-and learns he is throwing a ball, she vows to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.
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This is a Cinderella story. Cinderella was and always will be one of my favorite princess stories. Melanie has done a great job, again, of taking a classic story we all know and weaving it into a whole new set of characters. I love that this book is a continuation of two other books in this series and the fifth book will include all four, each one it's own fairy tale remake.
Gisela is tough and gentle at the same time. She has learned to harden herself because of the cruelness her step family has shown her since she was eight years old. She has one passion in this life of servitude and hardship, her father's horses. She sneaks off to ride because it is the only time she ever feels free. She is courageous because despite being threatened by her step mother, she goes to the tournaments to see Valten compete.
Valten feels awkward around women, never knowing the right thing to say, at least in his mind. But when he sees Gisela he notices her spunk and beauty. He admires both about her. He has spent years traveling and competing in the tournaments. But that life has become unfulfilling to him and he longs for more in life. He begins to wonder if Gisela is the answer. He soon finds himself in the position of needing to rescue his damsel in distress. Can he do it in his own power? Or will he have to rely on God to save them both?
I recommend this book to any age reader who enjoys a love story wrapped in a fairy tale. All of her books are equally great. Don't miss any of them!
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About the Author Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book, as well as The Merchant's Daughter-also a Christy Award finalist-and The Fairest Beauty. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.
HER WEBSITE: www.melaniedickerson.com
HER BLOG: www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com
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