This book is full of excellent reading material! Romance, political intrigue, nobility posing as peasants, evil villain, a damsel who is not in distress, and men of honor and integrity.

The Silent Songbird is set during medieval times. That is a plus for me, that time period has always been fascinating to me. Maybe because I grew up with a mother who loved the Arthurian Legend. Put in a castle, feuding land holders, knights, and chivalry - I am hooked.

This book's MC is Eva. She is an illegitimate cousin to King Richard. She is to be used as a political pawn when she is betrothed to a cruel man. She is the damsel not in distress because she takes charge of her future. She leaves the castle, she becomes a servant. The book follows her life as a servant and the consequences to her running away from a betrothal.

I enjoyed the characters. The villains were not over the top, but believable. The book has some violence and kissing.

I love, let me repeat, love Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale retellings. This one has a swoony hero, Westley and a damsel in distress, Evangeline. I loved these two characters, so much! Since this is a retelling of The Little Mermaid, don't be surprised if while reading of Evangeline's life in Glynval you picture a lobster, a seagull, even an evil octopus, Lord Shiveley chasing Evangeline.
As usual Melanie does a great job weaving a sweet romance, and placing a biblical theme of redemption and grace, that is not preachy but subtle, yet real.
This is a story not to miss! I highly recommend this and others in the series.

Well done, Ms. Dickerson! Can't wait for your next one!

I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review, all thoughts are mine alone.

Award-winning author Melanie Dickerson continues her medieval retelling of fairy tales, this time loosely basing her novel on the story of The Little Mermaid.

In The Silent Songbird, 17-year-old Evangeline, cousin to King Richard II, is known for her beautiful singing voice. She is unhappily betrothed to a much older man whose character is suspect and whose first wife died under mysterious circumstances. Evangeline runs away, seeking a life where she can marry for love instead of politics.

She pretends to be a mute servant to avoid detection and joins a band of servants on their way to their home. She becomes acquainted with Westley le Wyse, who is intrigued by her. But when the truth is revealed, it shatters any hope of a future together. When Evangeline finds herself in the midst of a plot that threatens the king, where can she turn?

As in her earlier books, the faith element is clearly evident yet not preachy. Dickerson’s tales feature wholesome relationships while still building a strong attraction between the main characters, making this a good choice for teen readers. Dickerson is a masterful storyteller with a carefully crafted plot, richly-drawn characters, and detailed setting. The reader is easily pulled into the story.

Dickerson magically transports you from your world and into a fairy tale! I felt like I was in the midst of the medieval times watching Eva and her story unfold! Captivated from the beginning, Dickerson's storytelling kept me engrossed and engaged until the very last word. Eva was a great protagonist with a fiery spirit, determination and no fear! I imagine all girls and women alike would aspire to have her qualities! A beautifully written tale about the King's cousin and her desire to choose her own groom, The Silent Songbird is Christian fiction at its best! I received a copy via Netgalley and I was under no obligation to review it.

“The Silent Songbird” is Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of The Little Mermaid in a medieval English setting. Because my children are now grown and have not blessed me with grandchildren, I am out-of-the-loop when it comes to stories like The Little Mermaid so I am unable to share whether the story remains true to the original one. I can, however, agree with Dickerson’s many fans that the book is very readable and entertaining yet set on a firm foundation of faith.

When Evangeline, the king’s ward learns that she will be forced to marry the cruel Lord Shiveley, she takes desperate steps to flee, believing she would much prefer life as a servant. In order to avoid capture, Evangeline must deceive those with whom she has taken refuge and learns to her regret that her deception has led to distrust by the very man she has learned to love. Is there anything Evangeline can do to make up for her deception and win the heart of Westley le Wyse?

“The Silent Songbird” is one of those books that pulls the reader right into the story. The plot moves along at a good pace and contains just the right balance of drama, danger, and romance to keep things interesting. Several lessons could be gained from this story including truthfulness, bravery, and loyalty. I’m sure other readers could find even more positive life lessons within its pages. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with “The Silent Songbird” and recommend this clean, fairy tale based romance to those who enjoy such stories. I believe it to be appropriate for teens and young adults.

First sentence: Servants may marry whomever they want, but a king's ward has no freedom at all.

Premise/plot: Evangeline (Eva) is the ward of King Richard II. (The fictional ward of Richard II that is.) When she learns that she is going to be forced to marry an "old" man with thick lips, Lord Shiveley, she does something drastic: she runs away. Her maid, Muriel, comes with her--reluctantly. The two join a company of traveling men led by Westley le Wyse. Muriel tells everyone that her red-headed mistress is mute, and, that her muteness is a result of being beaten. Eva falls for Westley instantly. And oh how she wishes she could talk to him! Westley is attracted to her as well, and takes an interest in her welfare once they arrive at his parents' estate. This "servant" knows NOTHING about housework or fieldwork or work-work. (On her first day at "work," she almost kills someone!)

Westley and Eva come to bond--both before and after her muteness--over the Bible. It turns out that in 1384--a good number of years before Wycliffe's team translates the Bible into English--that Westley, or rather his family, owns TWO copies of the Bible: one in English and one in Latin. (I find this a bit far-fetched. The family might be closer to nobility than peasantry. But. I don't think Bibles were so common place--remember each copy would have had to have been hand-written--that every family would have owned their own.) But it does make for a convenient Christian romance--let's have a beautiful woman and a handsome man sitting together in the evenings meditating on Scripture!

There are two conflicts in this one. 1) Evangeline is being pursued by Lord Shiveley. The King himself promised Shiveley his ward's hand in marriage. And for the first hundred pages--or so--the only one who truly finds him repulsive is Eva. (Conveniently close to the end of the novel, it's revealed that he is an actual villain.) 2) Someone is trying to kill Westley. Only Eva can identify him. I believe this conflict exists mainly to give Eva motivation to SPEAK and to come clean with Westley about her past.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love, love, love it. But I liked it well enough. I think Westley is a great hero. Eva is an interesting heroine. I just wish that she'd started out a bit more mature. Her whining at the beginning of the novel--about how she could never, ever, ever marry Lord Shiveley because he was oh-so-old and just look at how thick his lips were! Ewwww!--irritated me a bit. In that way she did remind me of Ariel. And since this was supposed to be loosely based on Little Mermaid, I suppose that's okay!

Evangeline is a Ward of the King. She was raised in the castle and feels close to the king. It’s unbelievable to her that he decides to betroth her to his advisor, who has shown his evil side to her. She cannot get the king to change his mind, so she hides away with a merchant group who was traveling back to their home – pretending to be a mute servant. Even though she is pursued, she is protected by Westley and treated well despite her shortcomings.

She is ultimately found out, but also uncovers subterfuge where she is and against King Richard. Not only is she in danger, but Westley as well. As is their relationship when he learns that she has been lying to him and his family all along.

Quick and easy read. Christian Historical Fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson--FICTION - Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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”.

It is no secret that I tend to really like historical fiction, especially Christian historical fiction. I just enjoyed this novel a lot.

Sure, this novel may be a bit predictable at times. There is a bit of insta-attraction going on. It isn’t to the level of insta-love but it is definitely insta-attraction the first time Evangeline sees Wesley.

Evangeline is the ward of her cousin, King Richard II of England. She has grown up basically a prisoner at a remote castle, all for her own safety. Now, however, the King is going to betroth her to a man over twice her age who she finds revolting. It is all the game of politics and Evangeline finds herself the pawn.

I really liked the character of Evangeline. She is a devout Catholic, as was most of England in this time period. If I am ever able to read any historical fiction with devout Catholic characters who aren’t crazy, that makes me happy. Evangeline has her quirks, but she is generally a very devout girl.

On the topic of religion, there are some interesting things going on here. The Protestant Reformation hadn’t occurred yet, and was in fact well over 100 years from its beginning, yet seems to be present a bit. This was kind of odd. There was nothing wrong, at this time period, for people to read the Bible in Latin or the English translations. It is a misconception that there was no English Bible until after the Protestant Reformation. This just irked me a little bit since I am such a Theology-nut.

Anyway, I loved the romance between Evangeline and Wesley. It starts so slow and they are definitely more friends as each thinks the other not worthy marriage material. Wesley thinks Evangeline is a peasant serving girl and Evangeline knows Wesley isn’t important enough in England to marry the ward of the King. I enjoyed their friendship that evolves as the book goes on.

I feel like I want to say so much more about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything. I have to say, you should read this book if you like historical fiction.

Romance, clean, Christian
Evangeline's story and Westley's, was an interesting read. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but still complex enough I will round up. There were a few little things that didn't quite connect with me as a reader, but overall it was an interesting period novel that was interesting with all of the things that were portrayed as part of a typical day for a servant. While E. was not typical (she couldn't do anything a normal servant could) and that created a bit of disbelief on my part, the attraction, the things that happened with the other characters and the gradual unfolding of the story, still made for a compelling read. I do think this might appeal more to younger readers (or rather perhaps less sophisticated readers) who might be willing to suspend their disbelief.
Still a beautiful 'world', believable conflict, and a sweet song of a read. Some very interesting conflicts, and political machinations and maneuvering. Another good read for me.
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Growing up locked in a country palace would certainly make a girl long for freedom. So when Evangeline’s guardian arranges for her to marry a creepy older man, she takes the excuse and runs away with her closest servant-friend. Her disguise? Wearing peasant’s clothes and pretending to be mute, since one of her most recognizable features is her beautiful voice. Evangeline and her friend soon working at a noble’s manor, and she and the noble’s son Wesley feel the beginnings of attraction. But deception is never a good basis for a romance, and trouble seems to follow both of them.

I didn’t catch it at the beginning, but The Silent Songbird is definitely a Little Mermaid retelling . . . minus the mermaid. It was a really sweet story, complete with the prince, mute princess, and deceptive witch. Relatively speaking, anyway. I loved the romance, though it was a little frustrating to watch them suffer because of the deception. Why can’t people tell the truth? Because they don’t know whether they can trust the other. But by the time they know they can trust the others enough to tell them, the others’ trust in the first is broken. Isn’t it the way it always goes in stories like these? In any case, I enjoyed this particular rendition of the tale. It followed the fairy tale pretty well, considering there is no magic, and added some great complications and twists. The historical background was fantastic, as always, and the characters were developed well.

I enjoyed The Silent Songbird and look forward to the next novel by one of my favorite authors. I recommend it to fans of clean historical romance and fairy tale retellings.

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

Melanie had done it again with another exciting and romantic fairy tale! Two thumbs up!

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson is a truly lovely romance written for young adults. The story is clean in writing, no profanity at all, and the sweet romance is just right for readers of any age. I truly liked how the author managed to keep the story interesting and how she created enough tension that I wanted to keep turning the page.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

A middle grades medieval romance adventure loosely based on The Little Mermaid. This novel is the second I've read by the author (I liked her Rapunzel adaptation too) and both are Christian-based. The characters are written with a mixture of reality and what a young hopeful reader would like them to be. A good choice for young girls, especially those who like fairy tale retellings and MCs learning about true strength and bravery.

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Good writing and character development. The author does a good job with the storyworld she's created. A strong work.

OK. Stop what you're doing and READ this review...wait, read this review and then go grab yourself a copy of Melanie Dickerson's The Silent Songbird. O, how I LOVE this story, loosely based on The Little Mermaid. The Silent Songbird have a lot going for it. First, just stare at that lovely cover. Really! Don't you think it's just perfect? And once you read the book, you'll agree that the cover model is the perfect Evangeline.

Next, let's talk about Evangeline, also known as Eva. She's spunky with a certain sweetness that makes you want to be her friend and protect her. Her faith in God, though she questions her future makes this fairy tale more than just a story. It relates as Eva questions what marriage means, as well as God's plan for her future. Her internal strength shines despite seemingly lost about her place in life.

Westley, ahhh. Now that's a name meant for a prince, OK, a lord or a hero of the story. Yet, he's not really the hero, but more the love interest of Eva (because you know Eva's our heroine!). However, that doesn't make him less worthy, because he is just as kind and sweet and brave! O, swoon-worthy is sure, especially the times those two get together.

And then we have the plot. Simple fairy tale, yet filled with so much more. There are funny moments from Eva's early attempt at "peasantry", and as mentioned before, the melt-your-hearts times with the romance. Then there's the action and and conspiracy (of the characters) that add a tad bit of suspense - just a tad. I read The Silent Songbird, with a heart opened to what one loves about fairy tales and sweet romances. Add in the great supporting characters, both good and evil characters alike, we have a tale that plays out beautifully in your mind as you take in each word. You might also find a little nod to our favorite Princess Bride.

The Silent Songbird is the 7th of the Hagenheim / Fairy Tale series, but it reads perfectly well as a stand-alone novel. The only thing is you might just want to head backwards and read the other six! So, what are you waiting for?

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

The Silent Songbird is everything I've come to expect from Dickerson's fairy tale romance series. My little inner girly girl squeals with delight at the prospect of a new spin on an old favorite and Songbird delivers! Evangeline and Westley's story is full of danger, secrets, and youthful attraction.

This is a no-brainer for the teens and young adults in your life and I fully approve this book for the young at heart as well!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Oh, the joy that always fills my heart at another Melanie Dickerson book to read. I am not the most versed person on Disney fairy tales, but I love these retellings in a way that only Melanie can do.

This story had me grinning throughout, hoping for the best, and wishing for the communication issues to end. The medieval feel to the story gives it a romantic feel, despite the reality of the time period. I enjoyed how she wove the reality of the hardship of the times into the story, realizing that it was so much work for the common people to work then.

My Christmas tradition of reading a new book by Melanie Dickerson has thrived and I am glad she has some that come out at other times of the year, but I may have to go back and re-read the others.

These books are enjoyable for adults, and teens. The romance is there, but nothing to uncomfortable with. This book hints at domestic violence in arranged marriages, but only hints, no detailed descriptions, but enough to know that it was common. I think sometimes we can think that would be easier or more romantic, and this dashes that theory on the rocks (or the stairs as it were).