This loose retelling of the Snow Queen fairy tale is an easy read that is sure to enchant fans of Christian romance!

Overall, this was a fun, quick read and a sweet story. which is loosely supposed to be based on the snow queen, but I wouldn't have picked this up if it wasn't mentioned in the blurb. While it wasn’t particularly memorable or unique it was enjoyable. I haven't read any others in this series so can be read as a standalone book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Melanie Dickerson is one of my favorite authors. I know when she releases a new book I am in for a good read. Fortress of Snow did not disappoint. I loved the plot which was fast moving. The setting was wonderful. And the message of faith is woven throughout the story. I love the Dericott family and look forward to reading more about them in the future.

I suggest you grab a cup of hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and settle in for trip to another time.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a unique story. I loved our main character and her adventurous skills. Very Very Good. 4 stars

Melanie Dickerson is the master of reimagining fairy tales where the reader falls in love with the characters (or learns to really dislike the villains). Fortress of Snow is her latest retelling, this of the Snow Queen. Mazy has lost her father at the age of sixteen. The heir returns to claim what is his, and immediately he seeks to rid his family of her by marrying her off. Mazy flees to her beloved brother, Sir John, who is training Knights estate of Strachleigh. There she meets Sir Berenger, and a sweet romance blooms.

Mazy, of course, is not the typical damsel in distress. She is proficient in archery and knife throwing, so she can take care of herself. When circumstances separate her and Sir Berenger, she learns of possible treachery and sets out to rescue her knight.

This is a clean, sweet romance. It is perfect for all readers who love to fall in love with love. Although this is the fourth story involving the Dericott family, this can be read as a stand alone novel. With the retelling of a fairy tale, you can expect the happily ever-after ending. Although you know it is coming, this still engaged my interest to find out how it all unfolded.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

3.5/5

Another solid instalment of Melanie Dickerson’s latest series. This time focusing on the 3rd brother, this story is also a loose retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.”

In this book we follow the third Dericott son, Berenger, who’s always dreamed of saving his own damsel and distress and having a love as pure and beautiful as his elder sister and brothers. On the other hand is Mazelina “Mazy” Wexcombe, who was raised to be brave and independent, able to throw knives and shoot bows hardly makes her a damsel in distress. However the two still are drawn towards each other due to their kind natures and warm hearts. Cue some bad timing and devious plotting, you have a book that is pleasant and easy to read with some interest characters you can’t help but like.

I must say this wasn’t my favourite of the now 4 books of the series. Berenger as a character kind of fell flat for me. He doesn’t really change his ways at all and his development is pretty minor. I do like Mazy for the most part. Her inner turmoil about thinking she needs to be independent versus wants to be taken care of was interesting. I liked that her inner thoughts weren’t always ‘sunshine and rainbows’ and that she actually had a personality and a backbone.

The ending kind of threw me for a loop. I wasn’t expecting the resolution at the end, but overall it didn’t really take away from anything. I just felt there wasn’t a lot of closure on lots of threads, but hopefully they will be addressed in the future instalments.

I did really like the use of time skips and progression of plot in this book. It was decently fast-paced and there wasn’t too much dawdling about.

If you’re interested in reading this, you don’t necessarily have to read the first 3! It would be helpful but Dickerson does a decent job of keeping each book mostly self-contained, while also providing some information on the previous stories so new readers aren’t too confused. I do recommend reading all of them though if you’re interested in light, fun fairytale retelling a set in 1300s England. And again fair-warning that this series is quite religious.

I can’t wait for the stories of the last 3 brothers. I’m excited to see which fairytales Dickerson will use to write their stories.

Indeed, this is a happily-ever-after spark of historical fiction, which is set in the late 1300's time frame. Those years boasted a time of gallant, chivalrous Knights serving the king, some training others to become Knights too. Knights always capture my attention and this story was a delight to read. There were definite class distinctions in operation with castles, barons and such, all vying for the King's attention. The story focuses on Mazy, however, a baron's daughter, who's a live wire and who was trained unusually, in more of a son's pursuits with bow and arrows and knife throwing - at which she was very good. These skills came in handy too. Ha, ha!

Mary's two brothers, one of whom was a Knight named Sir John, and his friend, another Knight, the most handsome and kindest of men, Sir Berenger of Dericott, all feature as we track them in this tale from the small village to the 'big' city of London.

The story has pizzazz, sadness, happiness, fear, fun, romance, mystery, excitement and more, which kept me reading and becoming annoyed if interrupted in the reading. Another favorable feather for the author's cap is that she incorporated the Christian faith aspect. All in all, a very satisfying read, so it was!

This Fortress of Snow is the fourth in the Dericott book series and is a stand alone tome, but it is likely good to read those that came before for even greater impact and pleasure.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

November 2022

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and as honest as possible.

meandering and slow-paced but sweet story of Mazy and Sir Berenger or Knife Girl and her Knight, I admired Mazy's independence and Berenger's nobleness, their subtle faith displayed in their lives. Tough call whether to marry for castle or love.

Happily ever after doesn't always go the way you think it will and that's something Mazelina (Mazy) Wexcombe is about to learn.

Saving a woman doesn't always involve slaying dragons or rescuing princesses even though that's what Sir Berenger of Dericott has always believed he was meant to do to find true love.

Through a tragic course of events, Mazy finds herself living with her older brother Sir John and has her first encounter with Sir Berenger and his sister.

Through the next few years, we see Mazy grow into a woman that's willing to fight to protect herself and the people she cares about, who is willing to work to support herself and the people around her, and who knows deep in her heart that Sir Berenger is the only man she'll ever love and when he finally realizes where his heart lies happily ever after is inevitable.

This was the first book I've read by Melaine Dickerson and the first I've read of this series, that being said I feel this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing an advance copy of this book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I like to think that the books in this series are getting better and better as they go on, so this one is the best so far.

Each of the books is a self contained story, so you can read them in any order you like, but if you do start at the beginning you'll see characters from the past books helping the characters from the current book and you'll get some updates on how they're doing as well.

I like that all the books are easy reads, but I do stand by my original opinion that they feel more like middle grade books than young adult ones. This one is no different. But yeah, it was kind of fun, if slightly repetitive.

Having read all four books back to back, I did notice quite a few similarities with how the storyline progresses, particularly with the last three heroines running away so they wouldn't have to get married to someone they don't love (among other things).

It's not at a point (yet) where it feels like the same book in different fonts, but if it keeps going this way then it might get there soon.

So anyway, <i>Fortress of Snow</i>. Mazy is the most sensible heroine thus far, I like her and that she had to take matters into her own hands to protect herself.

Her love story with Sir Berenger was sweet too and I wish we got to see even more of it. And Ro, Ro was great.

I didn't read the original fairytale that this is a retelling of (or if I did it was a very long time ago, maybe 15+ years) so I didn't notice anything that could've reminded me of it, but it's probably there.

Looking forward to seeing what happens in book five.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Dericott adventures continue …

Interesting storyline! Mazelina of Westcombe’s father has died and has left her with nothing. She turns towards her thoughtless brother John, training as a knight, for help. Only to be quashed by her brother’s attitude, part blame and part helpful. Repudiated by her half brother awareness after she’d refused to be married to a much older man, because she left in the company of a hired villager, Piers. Warin who’s petulantly bitter, and filled with his own sense of entitlement, casts her aside with no care for her reputation. All Mazy wanted was to lean on her brother and have him care. Is that too much to ask?
Someone does care and that’s a Knight of the Duke of Strachleigh’s guard, Sir Berenger Dericott, also brother to the Duchess.
Sir Berenger is called to court by King Richard. The king seeks to marry Sir Berenger to the Earl of Bristow’s widow Catherine Everdon. Sir Berenger is hesitant. This is a king’s request after all. But the Lady is Bristol is not at all the charming, fearful widow she seems, and it’s Mazy who needs to rescue Sir Berenger.
Part reworked fairy tale, part tales of knights and daring do, the main characters are somewhat flat despite their being plenty of opportunity for them to be more engaging. Just sayin‘ the chemistry unfortunately wasn’t that believable for me. However it’s good to see they all came about!

A Thomas Nelson—Fiction ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

This is book 4 of the Dericott series but it can easily be read as a standalone. It's geared for young adults but I still enjoyed going back to the days of knights.

Mazy is an unusual woman. Her father allowed her to take an unusual path in her learning and so she is not as prepared for her future when he suddenly dies. Some come to appreciate her unique skills, including Sir Berenger.

I really liked Sir Berenger although I had to roll my eyes at his desire to rescue a damsel instead of appreciating the strong woman in front of him. Mazy has real spunk and I appreciated how she didn't try to cling to her "rights" but accepted the life she found herself living and made the best of it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

At times I found the characters immature and it was hard to view them as marriage age. It got a little better as the book went along but it was sometimes hard to get past. I know this book is geared towards teenagers/young adults so they might not have an issue with it as that is also the age range of both the main characters.

Classic Melanie Dickerson take on a fairy tale. I quite enjoyed the story. It was a fun read in her traditional style.

Melanie Dickerson excels at writing strong, independent female characters and Mazy is no exception. In fact, the Knife Girl is probably one of the most independent characters I’ve read by this author. At times, her independence is almost to a fault as she struggles to let others help her after she has determined that she must fend for herself. Unfortunately for Mazy, Berenger has different plans. After the death of her father and the abandonment by her brothers, Sir Berenger decides someone must care about Mazy and her safety. And while it starts as friends, is that all it is?

Well, it seems like it might have to just be a friendly gesture as Berenger is offered the chance to marry a wealthy widow and earn a title and land, which is huge for a third son who would not otherwise receive that opportunity. This offer comes from the king so he feels an obligation to say yes, but Berenger decides he must visit the estate before officially agreeing to the match. When something feels off about the lady in question, both Berenger and Mazy try to learn more. This leads to some intense moments for the reader as there is intrigue and moments where things seem dire.

I have been reading this series from the beginning and have really been enjoying it, but Fortress of Snow can technically be read as a standalone novel. If you have some additional space in your TBR, I would certainly encourage going ahead and adding the rest of the Dericott Tales as well.

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

This book is about the brother Sir Berenger of Dericott. He’s a Knight that trains squires to become good soldiers for King Richard, where his sister Lady Delia and her husband the Duke of Strachleigh live.

We meet Mazelina “Mazy” of Wexcombe, who’s father dies and her older half brother takes over the title Baron of Wexcombe. He’s trying to find a husband for her, but the selection he offers and his coldness towards her 16 year old self, make Mazy run away to her other brother, Sir John of Wexcombe who’s a Knight training in Strachleigh.

Sir Berenger is 21, Mazy is 16 when they meet and become friends. When he’s called to duty in Prussia to help the Kings allies fight, he’s gone for two years. In these two years Mazy and her brother Sir John leave for London. Sir John works as a Captain for the Kings guard and Mazy is left on her own mostly, moving into a room above a Inn, where she meets Ro and her father, the Inn keeper.

After two years, Mazy and Sir Berenger meet at the market she sells breads and sweets at and both realize that they are attracted to each other (but keeping it to themselves). But then the King decides that Sir Berenger should marry the widow Lady Bristow, as a reward for doing so well in Prussia.

Secrets, lies and lots of praying fill this book to its happy ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This loose retelling of the Snow Queen fairy tale is an easy read that is sure to enchant fans of Christian romance!

Mazy is a sweet, determined girl who, after being disowned by her brother, makes a life for herself by selling bread at a market in London. Sir Berenger is a knight who has recently returned to London after fighting the Teutonic Knights in London. Together, Mazy and Berenger work to unmask a traitor to the throne, while trying to sort out their feelings for each other.

I admire Mazy's ability to make the most of hard times. Even though she was raised as a nobleman's daughter, she was willing to work hard after getting disowned and not rely on others to take care of her.

Berenger is my favorite character. He is chivalrous, kind, and dutiful. My favorite scenes are the ones where Berenger was playing with the little kids!!!

The romance in this book was so sweet! I loved how protective Berenger was of Mazy and how much Mazy wanted to help Berenger. Seeing how their relationship grew from the time they were sixteen gave the romance an extra layer of sweetness.

I feel like this book had a bit of a slower start than the previous books in this series, but once the story started moving, I did not want to put it down!

I thoroughly enjoyed the newest installment in Melanie Dickerson's Derricott Tales series!!!

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

Mazelina of Wexcombe dreams of traveling the world with her father—but he dies unexpectedly before they take a single trip. Her stepbrother, the new baron, wants to marry Mazy off to an old man. Mazy decides to flee to Strachleigh Castle, where her other brother, John, serves as a knight. He promised to help her whenever she needed, so Mazy feels sure he will welcome her.

When she arrives, John seems underwhelmed and unwilling to fulfill his promise. Fortunately, Sir Berenger, the younger brother of the mistress of Strachleigh, has compassion for her. He introduces her to Lady Delia, who welcomes Mazy as an honored guest. Mazy receives word her brother has disowned her, leaving her without a dowery or protection. His actions don’t surprise her, but they do hurt her deeply.

When Sir Berenger leaves for a foreign war, John accepts a job working for the king’s guard in London. Mazy knows she can’t live off the hospitality of the Strachleighs forever, so she moves to London. The travel she imagined turns out nothing like the reality of making her own way in London with a brother who seems to care little for her safety or well-being.

With the help of the kind owner of an alehouse and his daughter, Ro, Mazy learns to navigate the city and finds a way to support herself by selling bread at the market. At times, she must protect herself from brigands using her knife-throwing skills.

An Honorable Knight

Sir Berenger has nothing to offer a woman—no title, steady income, or land. After getting to know Mazy, he forms an idea of the kind of woman he would one day like to marry. A resourceful woman he can easily talk to who has compassion for those less fortunate. After distinguishing himself in the foreign war, he returns to London and finds Mazy has blossomed in his two-year absence.

She supports herself completely at her stall in the market and provides for widows and orphans by giving them leftover baked goods and selling their wares. Their friendship quickly blossoms again.

But when young King Richard offers to reward Berenger for his service by facilitating a marriage with a wealthy but older widow, Berenger can’t refuse him outright. He travels to Bristow Castle but finds it difficult to trust the woman the king wishes him to wed. Refusing the king’s reward could have terrible consequences.

The more he learns about Lady Bristow, the less he wants to marry her. When Mazy shows up in the dead of winter to warn him about Lady Bristow’s true character, Berenger must make a choice that could bring him back to where he started years earlier—locked in the Tower of London.

What I Liked About This Book

Dickerson continues the Dericott Tales with another fun cast of characters. Readers will relate to Mazy as she learns how self-sufficiency will only take a person so far. They will enjoy the sweet romance between Berenger and Mazy, and cheer for both as they try to outwit the unscrupulous villain.

My junior-high and high-school students love Dickerson’s books, and Fortress of Snow, a retelling of the Snow Queen, will not disappoint!

Fortress of Snow is an excellent book for young women (and men) to read. The self respect and self confidence demonstrated regardless of doubts trying to take hold makes this an excellent historical fiction for teens to read.

I have read several of Ms. Dickerson’s books and have really enjoyed the unique storylines of well known fairy tales. However, The Snow Queen was unfamiliar to me so I read it for some background for this book. In hindsight, it would have been better had I not done so because it is loosely based upon the original tale. I thought the widow was going to have some nearly impenetrable hold on Sir Berenger that he wouldn’t be able to say no to her. So, if you are not familiar with the original fairy tale it isn’t necessary in order to enjoy the story

My favorite character was Mazy because she chose to take bad situations in her life and find out how to make them better. She was a good friend to Ro and the widows and showed courage, compassion, and resourcefulness. Sir Berenger would do well to have her in his life!

My least favorite character had to be Mazy’s brother, John. I kept hoping that he would become the kind brother that she remembered as a child. He was a knight and part of his duty was to protect, something he neglected to do for Mazy. It made me wonder if Mazy’s perception as a child was not how John really was, or did he have something terrible happen to him to make him become so cynical and uncaring?

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