Well, I have to say that this is the first fiction book in awhile that's held my attention long enough that I'm able to read it cover-to-cover in one day. While the first couple of chapters felt extremely repetitive, I'm glad that I kept reading anyway, because the rest of the story had excellent pacing and was pretty great overall. If you're a fan of Dickerson's works, you'll definitely enjoy this book; it follows her style very well. I can honestly say that I've never read a fairytale retelling based on "The Ugly Duckling" (at least, one that uses humans) so it was a breath of fresh air for the retelling genre. While I thought that the main villains could have been written better (they came off a bit shallow and their dialogue stiff; there was a LOT of potential there), the main plot line was definitely interesting, the characters were memorable, and I'm definitely hooked on the Dericott storyline now. While I haven't read the first book in this series yet, I was able to pick up well enough, so it's good as a standalone as well.

This is the second book in the Dericott Tales series. You really should read the first book before you read this one.

I adore this author’s books in general. I read the entire Hagenheim series with my granddaughter and we loved them.

The Dericott series is equally captivating and wonderful! These are pretty fast reads, and they have wonderful Christian messages.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Scriptures are mentioned many times and praying is often discussed. The romance is clean and appropriate for younger readers. The stories can be a little predictable, but these are HEAs after all (and fairy tale retellings as well – this one is The Ugly Duckling) so I think that is a bit expected.

Another A+ novel from Melanie Dickerson. Lots of action, fun, and engaging plot line to satisfy your YA book craving.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read other books by Melanie and loved them. But this one I really didn't enjoy. The writing was a bit boring, it didnt keep me interested in the book.


I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley.

A beautiful retelling of the ugly ducking taking place in 14th century England. Audrey must find her own way in a dangerous world where her sisters have disfigured her. Audrey begins to find her own way, even finding someone that sees who she really is but then the suitor her father has matched for her comes to find her.

Melanie Dickerson has a way to take stories we know and love and giving them a brand new twist.

I finished the first book in the series a while ago and kept meaning to read the others as they were coming out. I introduced my fairy tell retelling love tween daughter to the first novel in the Derricott series, and then low and behold she passed me and is off reading book four now while I'm just finished book two! Overall, I enjoyed Castle of Refuge. The good characters are so good and loveable and the bad guys are just absolutely evil. As a story should be, and so well done. I'm eager to continue the series as well.

Melanie understands how to take a story off the page in an imaginably real tale both with the fairy tale fantasy romance and the harsh relationships of just plain evil and slightly crazy people. As always, I'm glad for a good story with a fine balance of an entertaining tale.

I own a Kindle eBook copy.

Due to some health issues, I was unable to get this book read and reviewed in a timely manner. I apologize.

First, I have to tell you that this is part of a series. This is book 2 and you need to read book 1 first. Book one will introduce you to Edwin and you'll find out the how and why of him losing his arm. While you don't necessarily need that information it is good to have and it does set the stage for this book.

Edwin, or Lord Dericott, is the ruler of Dericott Castle. He's also broody and moody and missing an arm. Enter Audrey. She's scarred and marked by her sister's jealousy and hatred plus the actual physical scars her sister left her with. When her father brings her sister back home and the meanness and torture continue she knows she must escape. Add in that he's going to force her to marry and she knows it's time to leave.

Audrey flees and winds up at Dericott Castle. She's sick and they nurse her back to health. She then pretends to just be a servant. Of course, that's hard for her because she's educated and definitely not used to living the life of a servant. She draws Edwin's attention. They are both scarred and have their own secrets and pain.

When Audrey's past catches up to them can they keep her safe and avoid her living a life she doesn't want?

I loved this book. I read the first book in the series and could not wait for the next one to come out so I could see what became of the siblings and how they veer off into their own lives. This did not disappoint! I can't wait to get to the next novels and see how all the siblings fare. You're going to love them as well!

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

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them. This one fell a little flat. The writing seemed a little stilted and didn't flow as they normally have. The constant abuse of Audrey's sister was difficult to constantly be reminded of. She just kept popping up in the story and it captured too much of the story.

Edwin was a gem. He was honorable and kind. Even with his disability, he was amazing. There was a happy ending and the story was clean and wholesome to read.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

Castle of Refuge is the second novel in the Dericott Tale series. Castle of Refuge is also a fairytale retelling of “The Ugly Duckling”. Because Audrey is the daughter of a viscount, she has always planned to marry a nobleman, until one day her sister scars her face. Due to her damaged face, Audrey doesn’t think that anyone would want to marry her. When her father plans to marry her off, she runs away to Dericott Castle and falls in love with Sir Edwin. Through a series of events, Audrey and Edwin must overcome difficulties to find their happily ever after.

I was hesitant to read this book because I was disappointed with Court of Swans. Because this was a retelling of “The Ugly Duckling”, which is a tale very seldom retold and Melanie Dickerson is still my favorite author, I was still interested in this novel. I have to say that Castle of Refuge is a vast improvement on the Court of Swans. Audrey is a likable character. She has a mean sister that has damaged part of her face. Because of her scars, she is insecure about her looks. Throughout the novel, Audrey struggles to gain the confidence that she once had. Therefore, I thought Audrey grew throughout the book. Audrey’s love interest is Sir Edwin, Delia’s brother from the Court of Swans. He too is a damaged character due to his lost arm. I thought that Audrey and Edwin’s romance was very compelling. Both of them are struggling to gain confidence and recover from what they lost. Together, they heal from their tragic past. Therefore, the love story was very beautiful.

Overall, this novel is about healing, love, and forgiveness. The message of the book is that God can heal all mental wounds. I thought all the characters, including the villain, were very compelling. The story moves at a steady pace though there were a few rushed parts. Thus, Castle of Refuge is a unique and refreshing fairytale! Mrs. Dickerson has outdone herself in this novel! I can’t wait to read the next installments in the Dericott Tale series! I recommend Castle of Refuge for fans of Jody Hedlund, Jan Davis Warren, and Tamara Leigh!

Melanie's writing is always lovely and easy to read. Her retellings are always so beautifully done. I did get the chance to read Court of Swans, book one, of the series and I knew I wanted to continue reading the series. Book one got a 3.75 star rating from me, so I had high expectations for this book and it did get better to me.

Edwin was one of my favorites from book one so I was excited to see how he would fair in his own book after such a tragic mishap with his arm. I loved seeing him really want to fight for justice after his own horrible battle at the hands of twisted men and women.

Audrey is the daughter of a viscount. She is sweet and compassionate. She was physically harmed and scarred by her own sister. At some points I did find her a bit whiny, but she was more interesting to me than Delia, Edwin's sister.

Maris, the villain of the story, was by far annoying. I don't want to waste my words on her character.

I liked seeing the two of them bond and learn more about themselves and one another. Seeing them want to help others and do better for themselves was inspiring. Their friendship was beautiful. They didn't allow tragedy and misfortune to ruin their lives. Rather, they allowed the ashes to turn to beauty.

I enjoyed the story and can't wait for more books in this series!

Another fun read from Melanie Dickerson. Whenever I am in the mood for a sweet romance I know Dickerson will provide and this book does not disappoint!

We met Edwin in the first book in the Dericott Tales series. In protecting his sister and brothers he loses an arm. Adjusting to this involves ongoing learning and patience. Still, as Lord Dericott, he makes a strong leader.

Audrey is a sweet 2nd daughter to a viscount. Her older sister is a jealous girl who injured her sister in a fire- leaving behind scars on one half of her face. While previously her father had high hopes for who Audrey would marry, her scars make her marriage prospects much less appealing. A man her Father's age has shown interest and Audrey is appalled. Similarly, Audrey's sister is returning to their home so Audrey makes the choice to flee rather than suffer under her influence.

Hurt and alone she gets taken into Dericott Castle and is soon employeed as a servant, one Lord Dericott becomes increasingly interested in. The relationship they develop is refreshing and being reminded that there is more to a person than their outward appearance was wonderful! Recommend!

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

It's taken me a little bit to put my thoughts together on this.... Wow!!! What a ride! OMG, Audrey's sister is C.R.A.Z.Y.T.O.W.N. Wow... I know I keep saying it but wow. I know there are really people out there like that, but thankfully my experience with them has been limited, I have never come into close personal contact with someone like that. I didn't realize until after I finished this book that it was an Ugly Duckling retelling. (I mean, I knew it was a retelling, because that's what Melanie Dickerson does) But looking back, I can definitely see it. Audrey was the perfect "ugly duckling". And Edwin was just the sweetest. I really loved his loyalty and commitment, even when it was going against what his heart desired. All in all, a beautiful, sweet, fairytale retelling, with great moral themes consistent with everything I've read from this author. Definitely going to continue reading everything of hers I can get my hands on.

I randomly picked up this book from NetGalley and decided to give it a try based on the synopsis. I was not at all disappointed.

The story follows Audrey as she navigates her life and the expectations of her father. She is also dealing with a jealous older sister from whom all she ever wanted was acceptance. When she is finally faced with a situation she does not want to be in (marriage to an older man on account of the scars that mar her face and make her "undesirable" or "unworthy of good marriage prospects"), she runs away from her home and everyone she loves.

Audrey ends up at Dericott Castle where she tries to hide her identity for as long as possible, immersing herself in household tasks along with the other servants. As time passes, we see a romance in the very early stages between Audrey and Lord Dericott.

I enjoyed reading about Audrey's ideas and drive towards education, her dream of providing education to all the girls in the village and giving them a chance to choose their paths. I also like how the author has brought out the contrast between the main characters which makes it all the more enjoyable as the romance grows.

Some parts of the story felt a little predictable to me, but this did not take away from the entire plot. I liked the book and the various characters we are introduced to. Each one had something to contribute with a lot of love, compassion and support to go around despite the negative emotions (mainly from the sister's side).

Overall this is a fun and exciting adventure on the journey to love. I do recommend this book to those who enjoy a good regency romance or a historical romance with men of title and women of great strength of character.

Melanie Dickerson, who writes beautiful stories written around well-known fairy tales, has given us another wonderful tale in this book. Her characters come to life, and her beautiful writing style that’s full of description took me to another time and place while I was reading. If you haven’t read any of her stories, give this one a try. I’m guessing you will then be looking for others written by her.

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

Audrey is a viscount's daughter and she has suffered from her sister Maris's cruel, jealous behavior all of her life. An act of malice, that scars Audrey's face leads their father to send Maris to live in a convent where she can't cause any more trouble. Three years later, Audrey's father is determined to marry off his damaged, scarred daughter and allows Maris to return home. Desperate to escape a marriage to someone much older than she is and to get to safety from Maris's acts of jealousy. However, she soon finds that life outside her home is dangerous when she is attacked, robbed and left injured and penniless. She is taken in at Dericott castle and nursed back to health. While there, she determines that she needs to keep her identity a secret so she begins to work as a servant. Falling in love with the young, handsome Lord Dericott is not in her plans. Lord Dericott is still adjusting to having lost his arm several months prior. Edwin finds himself drawn to the newest, obviously well-educated servant and is curious about her identity. When the man Audrey's father wants her to marry comes looking for her, both Audrey and Edwin must decide for themselves who to believe and the actions they should take.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Audrey is truly a sweetheart, who manages to hold on to her loving, tender personality, even in the wake of her sister's hatred. She tries so hard to reach out to Maris and help her find her way. I enjoyed watching Edwin find his way as he learns to adapt to his new life circumstances. There was so much happening in this book and it really was an adventure that kept me guessing the entire time. This truly is an enjoyable series and I'm looking forward to getting to read more as the series progresses.

I love Melanie Dickerson and this book did not disappoint. Based off the tale The Ugly Duckling, this book is a mix of romance, mystery, and faith. I cannot wait for more from this series.

Release Date: 06.01.2021
Review Date: 12.01.2021

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister's cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny. However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

I always enjoy this authors works. They're easy to read and very quick to get through. I like how each of her series follows sibling groups through their own stories. I liked to main characters in this one. I did think it kind of beat me over the head with the missing arm and facial scars though, and at one point it did say Edwin clasped his hands together which isn't actually possible but that is a small thing to gripe about. Overall a good installment.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy I received. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4 out of 5 stars - If you ask me, I'll tell you to read it.

Castle of Refuge is a retelling of "The Ugly Duckling"... sort of. I'm not sure I really see it, but that's what the publishers and author claim.

Book Summary:
Audrey, daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, was hurt and irreparably scarred by her sister four years ago... damaging her marriage prospects. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter to a man much older, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny. She soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own. Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he's quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

Review:
I really enjoyed the book and read it quite quickly. I did have to wonder about some of the likelihood of some things happening based on when it was set in history. The story line and characters made me curious enough that I will go back and read the other books in the series. Audrey and Edwin were likeable characters, and you couldn't help but appropriately like or hate some of the others. Yes, the story line is completely predictable in that we all know there's a happy ending, BUT there were enough twists to keep my interest.