Another enjoyable, light retelling of a beloved fairytale in the Dericott Tale series. This fun story is based on the Jack in the Beanstalk fairytale with a likable cast of characters and themes of trusting God and goodness triumphing over evil. An easy to read entertaining addition to a good series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read for honest review.

In her latest Medieval Dericott Tale, Melanie Dickerson weaves a creative, romantic retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Lady of Disguise is a sweet hidden identity romance with a loving sister, handsome knight, treasure hunt, a giant, and plenty of adventure. As with all of Melanie Dickerson’s books, I enjoyed her clever twists on beloved fairytales and this book is no exception. It’s a sweet story of learning to trust in God and others while forging your own path and finding love along the way.

After Louisa’s parents died, she and her younger sister are forced to live with their ambitious aunt and uncle determined to find wealthy matches for the girls in order to increase their own standing. The gentleman they parade before the girls are often much older and unsavory. Determined to protect her sister and save them both from unwanted marriages, Louisa runs away seeking an ancient treasure guarded by a giant. She disguises herself as a boy and goes by the name of “Jack.” When she meets the handsome knight, Sir Charles on her journey, he joins her quest desiring to protect “Jack” who he clearly recognizes is a girl from the dangers that lie ahead. Along the way, they meet new friends, fierce foes, and even the fabled giant.

This was such a sweet story with lots of romance, action, and faith. I loved all the nods to Jack and the Beanstalk. Like Jack, Louisa is a bit naive in her quest to find the giant’s treasure. I loved the way Sir Charles took her under his wing and how their romance grew. Charles is recovering from a bitter betrayal and is not looking for a romantic relationship, but Louisa captures his heart and brings out his protectiveness. I loved how they worked together and helped not only each other but new friends in their quest. Their meeting with the giant offered a heartwarming twist.

Definitely recommend this cute YA Medieval romance to those 14 and up and to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

I enjoyed this story! I am a sucker for a good story with a knight and his lady. I loved Charles and Louisa! I thought they were great characters who I rooted for from the first page. The secondary characters were fantastic (I want to know all of their stories)! I loved Allistor and wish there was more of him in the story. The faith content was woven naturally throughout the story, which is always refreshing to read. Highly recommend!

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

This book is a fairytale for sure. I had to remind myself as I read it that most often in fairytales the characters are exaggerated and seem less realistic.

Although each book by the author can stand alone as a medieval tale (with nods to well-known fairy tales) they all connect with a large family. I enjoy reading this historical novels set in the fourteenth century. This one features the orphaned Louisa, whose uncle wants to force her to marry a nobleman so as to increase his own coffers. She meets a wandering knight, Sir Charles, who assists her in a wild journey. The story gives readers a great taste of life during this time period and the struggles people faced then. It comes across as authentic and realistic. Although written for young adults, adult readers enjoy these dramas too. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #LadyofDisguise #NetGalley

Lady of Disguise is the story of a young woman, destined to marry someone hand picked by her greedy and untrustworthy uncle. To save herself and her younger sister from such a fate, she sets out for a legendary treasure, dressed as a boy named Jack. Unexpectedly escorted by a noble knight, her journey is a story of blossoming love, bravery, and mercy.

I was struck by the overarching theme of Christ-like compassion throughout this story. The two main characters, Louisa and Sir Charles, wonderfully showcased how Christians are to treat widows, orphans, the poor and the needy with mercy and understanding.

Lady of Disguise is a sweet, light read that left me so excited to read more of Melanie Dickerson's books. I was hooked from the very first page, and often found myself thinking about this book when I was not reading (a sign of a very good story!).

"Truly, in such a wicked world as this, a knight must seek and find his own noble quest" (location 248). The quest that found Sir Charles was not the one he was looking for but it certainly ended up being the most interesting and challenging. I appreciated the way he protected Louisa even when she was pretending to be something she wasn't and how he allowed her to do what she needed to do for her own sake.

There were a few twists along the way. It was an enjoyable read. I'd recommend it, especially to people who like medieval tales of knights and maidens. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Melanie Dickerson creates another inspirational tale in Landy of Disguise, the sixth entry in The Dericott Tales.
In 1388 England, Lousia dreams of finding a Norse treasure in Scotland. The treasure will allow her and her twelve-year-old sister to get out from under their uncle’s thumb. After their parents’ deaths, their family land and money went to their greedy uncle, and now he plans to sell the girls off to claim their bride price. Lousia escapes her home dressed as a boy with her long hair trimmed. But when she comes across a knight, he sees through this disguise easily and knows others will too. He travels with her despite the taboo to keep her safe. The pair meet various characters on the road to this treasure, always cautious that Lousia’s uncle may be looking for her. Is the treasure actually real? Will Lousia be able to free herself and her sister?
This is the happiest of the Dericott Tales. While the main character isn’t in a good situation, the story isn’t filled with too much tragedy like many of the others. I liked that breath of fresh air. (Though I was always on my toes waiting for the other shoe to drop.) This was a fun travel story instead of a death-defying escape. And while there is tragedy in the book, it feels less overwhelming and the book seems more balanced than others in the series.
The only big caveat I had for this book is the same I have for the others. The pinnacle of the action is always hidden from the heroine and reader. The author always summarizes the big battle instead of showing it. Sadly, the women are always away from the action, but the book is already set up to get around that: Dickerson switches between the perspectives of the women and their knight counterparts. So, I don’t understand why we never get the action payoff. These books leave me wanting just like Breaking Dawn.
Lady of Disguise is an enjoyable story in a series that gives women some power in a time when they didn’t have any. The Dericott Series is always easy to read with a sweet little romance.

A fantastic reimagining of a fairytale. I enjoyed following along on the adventures of Louisa and Sir Charles.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was a super fun, action packed adventure. It was a clever retelling of Jack and the Bean Stalk. Luisa was smart and brave while Charles was courageous and chivalrous. I also loved Margaret’s character and I absolutely can’t wait to hear her story.

The Dericott’s live on. I love this series about the Dericott brothers. The story is an adventure with Sir Charles and Lady Louisa. Louisa and her sister, Margaret are wards of their aunt and uncle after their parents passing. Their uncle only wants the money he can get out of the highest bride sale. But Louisa remembers the story her father told her about a buried fortune high on a hillside, and she is determined that she is going to run away and find it. She and Margaret can then live their life the way they want to. She decides the only way it can work is if she disguises herself as a boy, so she finds old boys clothes and cuts her hair. With a hat pulled over her brow she sets out on her adventure. When she runs into some trouble, a kind young man comes to her aid. When Sir Charles comes across this young lad that needed some assistance he quickly realized it was no young lad. It was a girl dressed up to be a boy. This is just the beginning of this wonderful story. It held me captivated and I was intrigued throughout the story. It was fun, witty, adventurous, with villains, faith, Christian kindness, and of course sweet romance. I truly enjoyed the characters. They were well rounded God-fearing people trying to find good in others. If they could find happiness for themselves, their journey would be worth every trial with a happily ever after. I love this author, Melanie Dickerson’s stories, and this one is another great addition. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Melanie Dickerson does it again! This may be my favourite Dericott book so far. These books have such a nostalgic feel to me as they remind me of when I started reading Melanie Dickerson's books. These stories are always such fun and heart-warming reads.

I loved Louisa and Charles as well as all of the other characters they met on their journey. It was a wonderful time getting to know these two and watching them fall in love.

This was a delightful Jack and the Beanstalk retelling. It was easy to read and overall, a great time.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 2.25/5
I once again did not realise this was Christian fiction, which is unfortunate for me, but I'm trying to keep my review from that bias.
It started off very slow, and tended to continue that way. But the characters grew on me; Louisa was quite nice and I did like that she did have purpose and relationships outside of the romance, I liked Charles because he was just a silly little guy [affectionate] accidentally stumbling upon women in need, which honestly slayed.
However, the plot was kind of nothing, the character development barely there, the relationships explored the most, but still not enough. I was disappointed that the themes were all very surface level, even the Christian ones. The religious themes were mostly harmless and well-intentioned, as they were mostly things like; 'be kind to other people' and 'women deserve rights', and I support that. I did like that Louisa had many different relationships with other women/girls, and I also liked how she kept judging the 'good Christian men' for not actually acting like Jesus did, because Jesus treated women and disabled people way better.
However, the worst part was definitely the writing. It felt like a first draft that was barely edited, I know this is an arc but it should be ready for readers. It also felt like my first drafts from when I was writing historical fiction at 16; the dialogue very basic and everything was so repetitive?? It got really annoying.
Overall, it wasn't great but the themes were well-intentioned. I just wish the themes had been better executed, because they lacked a lot of the nuance expected for a YA book, in fact they lacked the nuance expected for middle grade. Also, it technically was historical fiction, but the worldbuilding was very bland generic medieval-esque fairytale setting. I think this book has potential, but the plot, characters, and themes were not written well-enough, especially for a teen audience.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Set in 1388, the Middle Ages, a tale of errant knights, an innocent maiden, with robbers, thieves, a giant and a wicked uncle, all thrown into the melting pot.
Eighteen year old Louisa Lenton didn’t want to marry the rich older men her miserly uncle kept presenting her with. Now he’s turning his eyes and plans towards her twelve year old sister, Margaret! Louisa has to break free, and find the hidden Viking gold their father had always talked to save them both.
Having grown up hearing about the giant and his Viking treasure up in Scotland, Louisa disguises herself as a boy and sets off to track down the treasure, the key to their freedom.
That’s when she meets a young, disillusioned knight who ignores the fact that Jack’s really a girl. He’s determined to protect her.
Off they go, Sir Charles Raynsford armed with his sword and knightly integrity, Louisa with her faith in Jesus, her prayers, and her goodness. Of course she keeps escaping bad situations by the skin of her teeth. The various people they meet include a widow making a pilgrimage to Canterbury (to my mind a character who could have been straight from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales). She’s by herself and of course the ever knightly Charles includes her in his protective orbit.
The tale is supposed to be based on Jack and the Beanstalk. I think the connection is somewhat tenuous.
A slightly otherworldly read where goodness naturally triumphs.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This book in the Dericott series features Charles and Louisa. Louisa runs across Charles in her travels to find a treasure and he joins her to keep her safe. We also meet Louisa's uncle and aunt, as well as her sister Margaret, as well as Richie, Sybil, Morten and Allistor, as well as mention of a couple of Charles family members. Most of this story is set to the travelling beyond Yorkshire for Louisa and Charles and the people they meet on the way. Enjoyable story with two leads who like to help others. Though Louisa had planned this trip herself, she is thankful for the protection of a knight as we travel along with them.

A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady of Disguise by Melanie Dickerson (Book 6 in The Dericott Tales, but can be read as a Standalone) - 4 Stars

Another great retelling in the Dericott Tales! This is a Jack and the Beanstalk retelling and I really enjoyed this one! Set in 1388 England and Scotland, Louisa dreams of finding the rumored "Giant's Treasure" in Scotland. After her father has died and Louisa and her sister go live with their greedy uncle, Louisa is determined to find the treasure. She wants to run away from her Uncle's home and take her sister with her to keep her safe and away from forced unwanted marriages. She runs and disguises herself as a boy, using the name "Jack", and encounters a young knight, Sir Charles, who accompanies her on her journey. Charles knows she did pretending to be a young boy but does not reveal this knowledge as he wants to help her along the way as much as possible. However, things come to a head along their trip and they find themselves starting to care for one another once everything is revealed. The story goes on from here as her Uncle is on the hunt for her and they continue their journey for the hidden treasure.
This is one of my more favorite ones in the series. I loved Louisa and how she would do anything to protect her sister. I love how determined Louisa was in her journey and is always wanting to help others along the way. Sir Charles was an honorable man and I love a good protector in a story and he sure was a great one!

My favorite part of this story though has to be the scenes with the giant - very good faith and prayer content in this section and very heartwarming.

The romance was fast but sweet. Overall I recommend this one to anyone who loves a good Christian fairy tale retelling and romance and wants a sweet, light read.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady of Disguise is book six in The Dericott Tales Series by Melanie Dickerson and it was a delightful historical medieval romance.
This book has great characters, a vivid setting and an adorable romance.
Dickerson has written a beautiful, inspiring, and adventure filled story.
I have not read the previous titles in this series but I think I may have to check them out.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Lady of Disguise
By: Melanie Dickerson

Genre:
Young Adult Fiction, Historical, Christian, Fairytale Retellings

Summary:
Trying to escape her uncle, who was marrying her off to any eligible bachelor, Louisa disguises herself, and runs away looking for the long lost hidden treasure. The main character, Louisa, is brave, courageous, determined, slightly stubborn, a little sassy, and willing to do anything to keep her sister and herself protected. Along the journey, Louisa meets several strangers who quickly become friends, including a very handsome, kind, and courageous knight who comes to Louisa’s aid on numerous occasions.

Review:
A twisted fairytale, or retelling of Jack in the Beanstalk, this read was a clean, romance novel with a bit of christian elements added to the story.
Lady of Disguise (#6) in the Dericott Tales series, however, it is a stand alone novel. I enjoyed Dickerson’s Hagenheim series more than the Dericott series. The retelling is creatively woven throughout those books, and in Lady of Disguise the retelling piece really stuck out to me, only after reading about 70% of the book. I loved the last 25% of the book. I really enjoyed “the Giant” and felt his portion of the novel was my favorite. All that said, this is a quick, fun retelling, Lady of Disguise just wasn’t my favorite of Melanie Dickerson’s novels.

Thank you to Melanie Dickerson, Thomas Nelson Publishers, and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#reluctantreaderreads
#melaniedickerson #netgalley
#ladyofdisguise
#Thomasnelsonpublishers
#advancedreadercopies

I have been provided with a review copy of Lady of Disguise from NetGalley for an impartial review. Awwww this was such a cute story. I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. It was just so easy to get into these characters lives and you just can't help but fall in love with them. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.

I enjoyed the plotline and found it fast paced and interesting. Louisa is living during the 1300s, in a time when marriages were anything but a matter of love and choice. Like the other women of her day, Louisa is paraded before men of every age, from sixteen to sixty. The sole reason is that her uncle wishes to profit from her marriage, since he will basically sell her to the man she marries. When Louisa's uncle makes it clear that he plans to find a husband for her twelve year old sister, Louisa is determined to save herself and Margaret from such a fate. She sets off to find the legendary treasure which is said to bring good fortune to all who possess it. Along the way, she meets Sir Charles of Dericott, as well as several others who become her friends and companions along her journey. In the end, she finds that there is no greater fortune than being happy with those you love.
This said, I did have several negative feelings about the story. Several elements of the story felt a little too coincidental; Sir Charles just happens to come along just when she is in danger. Also, in real life, the relationship between Louisa and Sir Charles could have become inappropriate very quickly since for a part of the journey they are traveling alone.
The story did shine light on (1) the difference between men who use women as playthings rather than human beings and those who treat women with respect and kindness (2) the differences between men and women and how important their roles are in this world.
In conclusion, I would not recommend this to a girl younger than myself.

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to review this book before the publication.