Castle of Refuge, book two from The Dericott Tales series, is what I would expect from Melanie Dickerson. It was great. Five stars.

As always, Melanie Dickerson’s books are a delight! Castle of Refuge was so well done and I absolutely adored it. I didn’t realize it until after the fact, but this is the second book in the Dericott Tales series. That being said, I was able to fully enjoy this book as a standalone and did not feel like I missed out on anything.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the characters. Audrey was such a great character! I loved her desire for freedom and love. I loved seeing her and Edwin’s relationship grow throughout the book. Yes, this is a love story, but she always knew there was more out there for her than to just be someone’s wife. This is something that is always important, but I love how this was especially emphasized in Christian fiction where it often feels like marriage is the end all be all.

As the story progresses, this one gets filled with so much action and adventure. By the second half of the story, I could not put this book down!

Castle of Refuge is a retelling of the children’s classic, The Ugly Duckling. That being said, this book never felt cheesy or cliché. This story is about finding your self worth and learning to embrace your individuality. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fairytale retellings, sweet romances, and lots of adventure!

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!

Castle of Refuge
by Melanie Dickerson
Pub Date 01 Jun 2021 |
Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson
Christian | Teens & YA



I am reviewing a copy of Castle of Refuge through Thomas Nelson~~Fiction and NetGalley:



From the time 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 lost her prospect four years prior when her sister pushed her into the fire, burning par of her face and prospect. 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.






Audrey soon discovers life outside her home is dangerous and Audrey 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 Audrey is 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.






In the meantime Edwin Lord Dericott is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. The only thing he knows that he is 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.




I give Castle of Refuge five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

As with other books written by this author, she writes her own spin on popular fairy tales. This one is loosely based on the Ugly Duckling story. It has likeable characters and those you are not too fond of, with two flawed people who learn to look at life and themselves differently, as they gaze into the eyes of those who love them. These are characters to root for as they find love in unlikely places. Beauty and love run deeper than they imagined. It’s a sweet story of love and acceptance as you see them love someone right where they are flaws and all. It’s inspiring and a good reminder.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I did not realize when i requested this that is was #2 in a series.

This is a very nice story about two broken people finding each other.

I didn't love the organization of the characters (especially the sister being the villain) but it worked.

Overall this was a good story, but not exceptional.

Castle of Refuge is yet another feel-good historical romance by Melanie Dickerson,

Whenever you are in the mood for something light and heart-warming and just good, you can always count on Dickerson to provide you with just that,

I never actually read the first novel in this series, but this instalment told me enough about the other story that I wasn’t too lost. Nor do I feel the need to read the first book. However I am now on board to read the next instalments of the Dericott series,

Dickerson has a way with writing her historical characters in a historical toe, which helps me understand their thoughts and the world more. As usual, there was a lot of religion and praying, but that’s to be expected when talking about 1300’s England so I was’t too deterred by it (being not Christian myself).

This was a really easy read for me, and I’m just glad Dickerson is still writing these delightful novels. Yes, the plots are typical. Yes, she uses the same tropes all the time (I,e, kidnapping), Yes I still love every book.

Castle of Refuge
A Dericott Tale#2
By Melanie Dickerson

Four years ago Audrey's hopes were dashed, leaving her scarred for life following an incident with Maris, her older sister. No longer of value in her father's estimate all thoughts of a marriage alliance with the future Lord Dericott are ended before beginning. With Maris's imminent return and a unwanted marriage offer Audrey does the only thing she can - she flees the only home she has ever known.

Life as the daughter of a viscount has left Audrey ill prepared to face the life she suddenly finds herself in. And soon she finds herself in desperate need but nowhere to turn for help and at the mercy of strangers.

Edwin has assumed the role of Lord Endicott, but the injury he sustained protecting his family has left its mark. Feeling he is no longer a whole man, Edwin struggles to regain some of what he has lost. His future appears bleak but for the kindness he can extend his tenants. When a sick young woman is found - he offers her the safety and protection that his title and home can provide.

Castle of Refuge is a story of healing and seeing beyond the outer physical appearance to the true-self of a person. Now this story is not without its dramatic, page-turning moments, of which there are several. How often do we hide behind what we see in the mirror - thinking this reflection is a true representation of what lies beneath the surface? Both Audrey and Edwin grow through this story learning to not limit themselves by perceptions but rather to push forward to test themselves to grow.

This is the second book in the Dericott Tales series and it can be enjoyed without the backstory of book one Court of Swans. Having that information, which lets you understand more of Edwin is helpful but you can go back and read it later, which believe me you will want to do. Overall I highly recommend this book to both teen and adult readers.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

Medieval love story based on "the ugly duckling' story. Beautifully written. Memorable characters. Fun to read. Enjoy this fairytale. Five stars.

Overcoming!

Medieval romance based on the Ugly Duckling is idealistic despite the rawness it portrays. Two people who have suffered, both with visible and invisible scars come together. Set in fourteenth century England it is a tale of persecution and forgiveness. Audrey, the daughter of a Viscount was badly scared to the face by the actions of her malicious sister Maris. Maris was sent away. She returns!
Edwin, Lord Dericott has lost an arm and carries scars of his own.
Audrey flees her father’s home when Maris threatens her. She’s attacked outside Dericott Castle, and taken there to recover when found. Of course Audrey and Edwin eventually are attracted to each other. Danger though lies not to far away.
Under all, the story explores the behaviour of victims of abuse, and how for some, their responses to their world are through the prism of their treatment.
Despite all this I felt somewhat removed from the story. The tone of the characters just seems flat despite all that happens. The wicked sister actually is the one I felt more sympathy for—scarred as she’s been, invisible damage leaving her twisted.
Redemption comes for all three in various ways. Love just might conquer all.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley

What a fun read! My sister has read and recommended other books by Ms. Dickerson before and this one had an intriguing sounding blurb that quickly caught my attention. I found this to be a quick and enjoyable read and am so glad I finally gave her books a try!

Castle of refuge by Melanie Dickerson is a story about two disfigured people, Audrey and Edwin. Audrey’s older sister, Maris, hates her and blames Audrey for her unhappy life. Mavis has hurt Audrey her entire life. She doesn’t want Audrey to be happy and tries to harm her in many ways. Edwin tried to protect his brothers and was disfigured for life. Edwin and Audrey met and are so good for one another. They each gave the other confidence. This is a Christian fiction that is an amazing story and well written about the struggles of two people who think they are scarred for life but find out that their physical wounds are not who they are. Melanie Dickerson is a fantastic writer and knows how to hold the readers attention.
I received an ARC From the publisher via NetGallery. All opinions are my own.

Castle of Refuge is the second book in Melanie Dickerson’s Dericott Tales series, coming after Court of Swans. Although I haven’t actually read Court of Swans, I have read many of Melanie’s other books, so I was looking forward to diving into Castle of Refuge. However, I have to say, I was sadly disappointed by this novel. I found it to be lacking in much of a storyline, other than the malicious actions done by Maris of course. Although there were many counts of danger, it ended up coming across as very repetitive, and by the end, I felt like I could honestly guess what was going to happen from one minute to the next. I’m not trying to say that there wasn’t any suspense in this story, or that it was completely predictable, but I just wish there had been a few other plot points or other ways of introducing chaos into the story without having to revert back to Maris every single time.

As for the other points of the story, I will say that the growth Audrey and Edwin experienced over the course of the book was very well developed. This novel has a great redemptive arc, so if that is what you are looking for, this story is for you. Other than that, as hard as I try, I am just struggling to find many positive things to say about it. I did actually make it all the way through the book, which is a count in its favor as I am not afraid to just stop reading a novel if I am not enjoying it. I just can’t recommend this novel as one that is captivating or full of unexpected twists and turns. But just because it wasn’t the book for me doesn’t mean it isn’t the book for you!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Castle of Refuge is an amazing story of a viscount's daughter, Audrey, who runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage to a much older man and to escape her unbelievably cruel older sister. Audrey has led a sheltered life and has not planned her escape! I loved how Audrey was found and taken to Dericott Castle where she is shown much kindness. I admired Lord Dericott for keeping her location a secret and for the kindness he shows to everyone under his protection. I greatly enjoyed Castle of Refuge and recommend it to others who enjoy historical fiction. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

This story was slow to start but once it did I really enjoyed it. Audrey was so sweet and people that she trusted treated her like shit. It was good to see Edwin dealing with the loss of his arm from the second book. I'm glad these two found each other. This book was great and I hope to see more books in this series.

I enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and held my interest fairly well. I like the nods to well known Fairy Tales in the books from this series.
I think it would be a book my daughter would enjoy reading since it may be written with young adults in mind. I would have no problem letting her read it since there were no bedroom scenes or anything else I would be bothered to have her stumble upon.

Castle of Refuge is the second book in a series of fairytale retellings following the same family. I haven't read the first book in the series but it is unnecessary as it follows a different sibling and works as a standalone.

The story follows Audrey who runs away from home after her father reveals he intends to marry her off to a man twice her age in order for her abusive older sister to return home. She ends up at the castle of Edwin Derricott, a Knight who instantly finds her intriguing.

This story is pretty light on the plot and the stakes seem a little over-embellished and forced in places but it is sweet and easy to read. It is Christian YA fiction so it is understandable that the narrative is very pure and straightforward. Audrey annoyed me a little as a character as she seemed to have very little agency of her own, instead just reacting to the actions of others (with the exception of her running away). Edwin was slightly more enjoyable as a character but still felt a little one-dimensional.

Overall whilst I didn't love this book I did enjoy it.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Castle of Refuge, the 2nd installment in Dickerson's newest series, tells the medieval love story of Audrey and Edwin. Audrey, the daughter of a viscount, flees her childhood home to escape her abusive sister and impending marriage to a man she does not love and finds herself at Dericott castle. The Lord of said castle, Edwin, is quickly intrigued by his mysterious and well-educated servant. Soon, the man whom her father intended Audrey to marry appears in Dericott looking for her, and the young couple must make important deacons regarding their futures. Can either of them learn trust another's love despite the emotional and physical scars from their pasts?
While Dickerson bills this as a retelling of "The Ugly Duckling," I didn't quite see the parallel. Despite this, and the fact that I had not read the first novel of this Dericott series, I enjoyed the story as much as I ever enjoy Dickerson's work. It was predictable, slightly shallow, and heavy-handed with the obvious character development, but an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon if you don't have to have to think too hard. If you've liked her many other medieval fairy tale retellings, you'll enjoy this one.

#castleofrefuge #netgalley

Melanie Dickerson knows how to weave a story, and this was no exception. She is a great storyteller and this book was fun to read.

This is the second book in the Dericott series and I really enjoyed it! I felt terrible for all that happened to Edwin in the first book, so it was really great to see him get his happy ending. I thought the plot was really interesting and enjoyed both Edwin and Audrey immensely. They are both such sweet characters who have been dealt an unfair number of injustices. I thought this was a great follow up and I am excited to read the next one!

This series is fairy tale based and clean and appropriate for teens too!