I enjoy fairytale retellings and this third book in the Dericott series delivers a creative twist on Sleeping Beauty with elements of history, romance, faith, and plenty of action. Melanie Dickerson does a masterful job creating YA fairytale retellings that appeal to YA readers and adults alike. She weaves faith elements into her stories that really resonate. I love the medieval setting and how she includes actual figures like King Wenceslaus in the story. The romance is an enemies to lovers trope that like Sleeping Beauty begins with a “kiss.”

Princess Elyce desires the happiness of her people. When her father arranges a marriage to the nephew of a neighboring king, Elyce is understandably upset. She becomes even more disgusted when she learns that her father plans to allow King Claude to enslave her people to work in his mines. She drinks a sleeping potion and fakes her own death to escape and journey to King Wenceslaus’ palace in Prague to enlist his help. She’s hoping as ruler of the Holy Roman Empire he will dissuade her father from this alliance and protect her people.

Sir Gerard is a knight looking for a quest. When his sister proposes he travel from England to the Kingdom of Monciel to help a princess in distress, he’s leery until he has a dream that prompts him to go to her rescue. When he finds her, she is presumed to be dying and he decides to employ a method of waking her that he’s see done before. As he presses his lips to the sleeping princess, she awakes and is immediately angry that he would presume to “kiss” her. But as Gerard offers to help her escape and journey to Prague, she warily agrees to trust him.

I honestly had a difficult time liking Elyce at first. Her emotions are all over the place and she’s quick to anger especially with Gerard. As time went on, I warmed up to her and understood why she was so emotional. Her father is despicable and constantly belittles her. Gerard is so patient and kind. He understands Elyce’s personality and doesn’t mind her expressing her feelings. Their romance really heats up as they journey to Prague and endure several hardships. It’s a great read for the summer because of the cold, winter setting. I enjoyed thinking of snow when the temps here are close to 100 degrees!

While it isn’t my favorite book in the series, I still enjoyed it and felt it’s a great addition. It can definitely be read as a standalone for those who haven’t read the previous two books. The author does a fantastic job giving enough backstory to help the reader become familiar with the Dericott family history without being overly explicit. Recommend to Christian YA fans and historical Christian romance fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 3 1/2 to 4.

The Veil of Winter is a historical fiction romance with a touch of Romeo and Juliet meets Sleeping Beauty.

Princess Elyce is tired of watching her kingdom come to harm. Her father has made a deal with King Conrad that will enslave her people to the mines. To top it off, she must marry his nephew! Taking her fate into her hands, she sends a letter to her friend Delia in another kingdom for help. When help can't come soon enough, she takes a sleeping potion, planning to awaken on the third day and travel to Prague to seek help from King Wenceslaus ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. But like everything else in her kingdom, everything goes awry.

Veil of Winter is the third book in The Dericott Tales and, unfortunately, I had never read any of the others. When I first agreed to review this, I didn't know and felt like I was in over my head when the book came in and clearly said it was a series. But Melanie Dickerson handles the story well and weaves the important aspects of each book with enough information that a new reader could understand. It also wasn't too wordy and wouldn't drag a returning reader down. This balance is hard and Dickerson excels at it.

This novel is very Christian; in fact, it is more Christian than many “Christian books” I have read. For me, personally, this isn't an issue. I really like seeing the characters practicing their religion. Throughout the novel, they ask God about what path they should take and what was his plan for them. As someone who is a Protestant, I enjoy that aspect of the book where others may not.

Overall, Dickerson creates an engaging romance with a kick-ass princess.

Another lovely fairy tale story from Melanie! I have long loved Melanie's stories that are based on fairy tales and this one is another lovely read. Elyce is strong and courageous even in her fear and up against evil and wicked men. Sir Gerard is perfect for her, and their romance makes for a fun read. I also really enjoyed the secondary storyline with a couple of additional characters that I won't name in the interest of spoilers. An enjoyable read for sure! Looking forward to the next book in this series which releases later this year!

A perilous journey begins in a desperate plan to save herself and her people...

Gerard is a knight and one of Delia's brothers - the heroine from the first book in the Dericott Tales. He is kind, noble, honorable, and brave - as a knight should be. When his sister pleads with him to go help a friend of hers from another country, he prayerfully considers the quest before setting off - believing God granted him a vision telling him to go.

A very bad first impression later, the young woman in need of his aid, Elyce, is distrustful of the noble knight's intentions. This encounter was an ingenious twist to the Sleeping Beauty fairytale concept to awaken a poisoned princess from her sleep with a kiss. I think this was actually my favorite scene of the story! And rather humorous.

Melanie writes another sweet and very clean story for teenagers, with a simple writing style and a journey that blends romance with adventure. With predictability, if you've read other books by this author you might feel like you've read this one before. But there are some differences that keep the story entertaining.

Princess Elyce (19 years old) struggles with her temperamental emotions; she is very confrontational while also prone to bursts of emotion and tears. She was taught by an emotionally distant aunt and a strict father that she must be cold and emotionless and not let her emotions control her. Instead of understanding there is a balance between the two, she feels that no one understands her and she'll never be accepted or loved for who she is. She is genuinely kind at heart, and yet afraid to show her need for help and anything that could be perceived as weakness.
Both Gerard and Elyce struggle with their growing feelings for each other in a rather immature and repetitive inner thought process in which they are constantly wondering how the other feels about them. 'Does he like me?' 'Will he kiss me?' etc. Elyce is desperate for someone to love her and latches onto a budding relationship with Gerard - grateful that someone like him could care about her.

Some things were a concern, especially with Elyce's character. While 'self-sacrificing' in her determination to save her people, she was equally seeking to save herself from a marriage alliance to a man she couldn't stand. My main concern was how she treated Gerard - obsessively wanting him to kiss her to the point of taking advantage of him in a moment of peril. Having been so angry when she thought he had taken advantage of her upon their first meeting, suddenly because she has feelings for him, it never crossed her mind that such an inappropriate action was in fact taking advantage of him.

Personally, I would have liked to see more character growth and maturity with the princess; I believe it is important for teens reading this to see that contrast. I was left with the slightly unsettling impression that Elyce was not grounded enough in her own identity and that balance of emotions (just wanting someone to accept her without doing any kind of changing in the way she behaved) to move forward into marriage.

There is mild violence, including parental abuse (with attempted murder) that may be triggering to sensitive readers.

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Young teens looking for a princess romance with a touch of fantasy and a lot of exploration of Christianity (purpose in life, reliance on prayer) should enjoy this book. Despite being the third in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone. There are some general references to the previous books, but most are smoothly integrated into this one.

I liked the overarching plot in which Princess Elyce refuses to stand for her father’s deal with the devil (well, the king of the neighboring realm in the Holy Roman Empire) and puts her life at risk to protect her future and the lives of her citizens. Most interactions between characters were realistic and logical. Elyce is at times a strong young lady, and yet, at others, seemed to rely on the men simply because they were men rather than as partners with different skill sets. The story generally moves at a fairly good pace; however, there were some repetitive parts (especially as she bemoans her emotional nature). These contradictory elements, along with a somewhat overly-simplistic and stilted style in too many places, led to my rating of a three.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Netgalley, and author Melanie Dickerson for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Each book in the Dericott series continues to get better and better. I wasn’t sure that I was hooked at the beginning of the series but I am glad I kept reading because I do believe Veil of Winter is my favorite in the series so far! It certainly features adventure, danger, and a good dose of clean romance, all things I have come to expect from a great Melanie Dickerson book. As with many of her young adult books, there are plot points that mirror a fairy tale. This particular story plays off the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Princess Elyce is being forced to marry a man she does not want to marry. But it goes so much further than that. It’s not simply that she doesn’t like this man but she knows she is being used by his uncle to gain control of her country. Sir Gerard arrives to help her after being persuaded by his sister who is friends with the princess. He must help her seek help before it is too late. But as romance blooms, each tries to fight it. What could possibly happen between a princess and a knight, especially those from two different nations.

I highly enjoyed this book. Elyce definitely had grit and determination to do what was needed to save her kingdom even as danger followed her every move. Along the journey, there are some twists and curves I didn’t see coming which helped this to be an intriguing read. Veil of Winter also has had the prettiest cover of the series so far. I am excited to keep reading more about the Raynsford siblings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

Third book in the Derricot series.

This book is about Sir Gerard, 2nd son of the Earl and a Knight. His sister asks him to help her friend escape her father a neighboring king and the betrothal to a childhood nemesis.

Princess Elyce of Montciel doesn’t want to marry Count Rodrigo. Nor does she want to see her people work in mines, so her father the King and King Claude of Valkenfeld can fill their pockets.

Throughout the story the cold start between Elyce and Gerard slowly thaws out and we get a happy ending. A few twists and turns that lead to fights, kidnapping and love.

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

Melanie Dickerson treats us to another of her retelling of fairy tales with an inspirational twist. Veil of Winter is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, and it’s very good indeed.

#BookRevew: VEIL OF WINTER by Melanie Dickerson

As the third book in the Dericott Tales series, I got to know more about Sir Gerard this time. He is the second son of the former Earl of Dericott. He is a grown man and a knight. I have read the first two books and I think that this can be read as a stand alone.

This was a Sleeping Beauty retelling. Princess Elycee had to find a way to help her people. She was passionate about them. I liked her some but she was too emotional and quick to anger. She knew her weakness. Her thoughts could spiral down and make her unhappy.

I enjoyed the medieval setting and the story line. It was suspenseful and brimming with adventures in the cold of winter. Prepare for some fight scenes too. I appreciated the many faith elements included. I liked that Princess Elyce and Sir Gerard had their own POVs but I think it was a bit much. I found myself reading what was on their minds a lot. I prefer more dialogues in the books I read. The romance was sweet though and they really cared for each other. Sir Gerard was a good man and had good intentions.

I also liked Bertold, well not at first. But I was happy they met him. I was sad for the king of Montciel. I was really hoping for him to amend his ways, especially towards Princess Elyce.

Overall, this was a nice addition to the series. I look forward to the next book.

Rating: 3.8 stars
Series: Dericott Tales Book 3
Pub date: 14 Jun 2022

Thank you Thomas Nelson and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

My daughter loves another series by this author, so I often try to check out her latest books with my girl in mind. I think the sweetness of the romance and the Christian storytelling both appeal to her. She likes lots of different kinds of books, but the Hagenheim series hold a special place in her heart.

VEIL OF WINTER is the third book in the Dericott Tales, which is a new series for me. It took me a while to get into the story. I think I expected the story to be about Elyce’s taking the sleeping potion and for the story to be more centered around that. But all that happens in the first few chapters of the story. There was also a big deal about Sir Gerard “kissing” the princess to wake her up, when actually he’d been about to perform CPR for her, thinking she needed to be revived.

Once the story got going and Elyce and her allies were on their way, I felt like I invested more in the characters. I felt like Elyce’s struggle to understand whether it was bad to have emotions or better to stifle them was an internal conflict that I could really identify with. I think I would have liked to see her grow more in self-confidence through the story. She stays pretty passive and sweet, which make her an unusual heroine. I liked that she’s different, but I think I still wanted to see her have the confidence to make her own decisions in a few situations.

On the whole, I think fans of Dickerson’s stories will love this addition to their shelves. It’s a very sweet historical romance with lots of emphasis on prayer.

Veil of Winter
by Melanie Dickerson
Book 3 in the Dericott Tales
Rating: 4/5

Melanie Dickerson does it again with her third installment of the Dericott Tales! With a unique retelling of Sleeping Beauty, she weaves a masterful story that transports the reader into this reimagined fairy tale. I fell in love with Princess Elyce and Sir Gerard's story and I loved how they met for the first time. I laughed and sighed. Such a great story and one that you will not want to miss! I recommend reading the first two books first but I still think this story can be read on its own.

Highly recommend this clean medieval fairy tale retelling with a lot of heart and passion for social change.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Princess Elyse is forced to marry and create an alliance that would enrich her father but enslave her kingdom. Instead, she fakes her death and flees to Prague for help. Young Sir Gerard has a vision from God instructing him to help her, and he finds her near death. She thinks he was trying to kiss her and distrusts him, but she's forced to accept his aid. The two must evade guards and winter in the French mountains. Will her emotions lead her into her true identity, or will they undermine her ability to work with Gerard and to save her people, who desperately need her help?

This incorporates the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale and is the third Derricot tale (Court of Swans is the first in the series). From the start, Elyce is told that her volatile emotions and quick tears are a liability, and she must be more reserved and collected as a princess. Her father plans to have an alliance with the neighboring king Claude, using his people to work in those mines even though they're farmers and crafters. Elyce is horrified by this, as well as the expectation that she will marry that king's nephew. Because it takes place in the 1300s, she really should have expected that. Instead, she'd rather fake her death, then take off running to Prague to plead her case before King Winceslas of the Holy Roman Empire. Of course, it's a very thin plan and there are troubles along the way, including a growing attraction between Elyce and Sir Gerard.

The novel proceeds quickly, and they're in constant movement from the start. I didn't think Elyce had much of a plan, and there were few people she could trust or discuss her concerns with. Her father, Claude, and Rodrigo are all caricatures of evil men, and of course, have allies across the Holy Roman Empire to try to recapture Elyce and threaten the few allies she has. It's very trope heavy, and the antagonists have little redeeming value. They're not complicated characters, and the prayers to God throughout the novel appear to be answered each time. It's a happily ever after, in a contrived, fairy tale kind of way.

I enjoyed this sweet Medieval Sleeping Beauty retelling!

*note - this can be read as a stand alone

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

Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickerson is a wonderful historical fiction that is part fairy tale/HF/romance, and I loved it. It is the third book in the awesome Dericott series.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Court of Swans, so I knew I had to read this gem. I can’t believe I missed the second book, and I most certainly will read it now. I have now read several books from Ms. Dickerson and have enjoyed each one.

I really enjoyed the quest and adventures involving our main character and heroine, Princess Elyce. A strong moral compass, but imperfections still present, makes her a likable and inspiring young woman. I liked the tie-in with the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty.

I also liked the relationship and romance between Elyce and Gerard. It was sweet, slow-burning, romantic, and clean. It was great to see how it evolved. I loved the lessons learned, moral and religious threads woven into the narrative, and I really enjoyed the happily ever after.

5/5 stars


Thank you NG and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

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

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/14/22.

I wanted to like this story more than I did. It was easy to follow, a medieval princess sets off on a quest to help her village as her father, the King, has sold them to work in the mines. With a couple of knights, her handmaiden, and her house she starts her quest. The author hits us over the head with how emotional the heroine is. It is constant for the first half how she is too emotional. She cries too much, she feels too passionately, and no one understands her. Until her temporary Knight comes to her rescue. The writing felt very young and immature and when we finally get to the end it wraps up with some character changes that irked me. It is an easy medieval read but I wanted more character development and world building.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ever since I came across the first book in The Dericott Tales series, I've fallen in love. Whether it's the retellings or the characters themselves, I just really enjoy how quickly I can devour these. So, it's pretty safe to assume that I absolutely fell in love with Veil of Winter. Especially when it came to Elyce and Gerard.

Now these two had a spark that was hard to deny. Yes, they did try to but eventually things came to surface. It all started when he tried to wake the sleeping princess and then some. Of course, they had an adventure as well that brought them closer but I'm pretty sure they had a teeny tiny feeling towards one another when they first met. Just saying.

Besides the slow burn of their romance, we had some action and drama as well. First off, I'm so glad that Elyce stood up for herself and against her awful father. I wasn't even surprised when certain villains were easily defeated or back down quickly either. They were extremely weak in my eyes and huge bullies with not enough power backing them up. We also get some betrayals throughout this as well. Pretty easy to see them coming but still enjoyable.

In the end, I'm very excited that we are going to get another book in this series! Definitely hoping I get the chance to read that one as well.

I enjoyed reading this book. The author did a very good job weaving threads of fairy tales into the story, and still having it take on a plot of its own. One thing I liked was how the characters struggled with lies spoken into their lives, but had God speak truth into their hearts. It contained a nice mix of information on the Middle Ages and an interesting story that captivated my attention.
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a cute Sleeping Beauty Retelling. I loved the strong character of Princess Elyce and her determination to help her people. She accepted the help offered to her and I'm glad she admitted her feelings for Sir Gerard.
Melanie always does a great job involving faith into her stories and not having it be overwhelming.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Elyce wants what is best for her people and doesn’t believe it’s the alliance her father has made with a neighboring ruler, to have her people mine. Along with that alliance is her needing to marry Count Rodrigo. She devises a plan to get out of marrying Rodrigo, and also escape to find help for her people. Meanwhile, Delia, asks Gerard to go help Elyce, and after prayer he heads out to see what he can do to help. This story keeps us moving as these two make their journey, along with Sir Oswalt and Elyce’s maid/companion, Ysa. We meet a few others including Astrid, Bertold, King Wenceslaus, Ysa’s brothers and Father Johannes. Lovely addition to this series and I can’t wait to see who is in store for us next.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What an Enjoyable Read!

I truly enjoyed reading this installment of A Dericott Tale! I was totally invested in Elyce and her fight for her people. Throw in Gerard and the race to get help.

I really like Melanie Dickerson’s writing style and how she develops her characters. I look forward to reading more books by Melanie and seek out those I have not read yet.

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