The Orphan's Wish

From the streets of the Holy Land, all the way to an orphanage in the far off kingdom of Hagenheim, Aladdin has grown up alone. But, that changes when he meets Kirstyn. Since her father is the Duke of Hagenheim, and her mother is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives, Kirstyn is a member of the most powerful family in the land...and therefore, out of his league entirely. But, despite the differences in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite and most trusted companion for taking walks in the woods, and their friendship only grows alongside them. Through his intelligence and hard work, he secures a position serving in the Duke’s household, but he knows that this isn’t going to be enough for him to achieve his dearest heart’s desire: Kirstyn’s hand in marriage. Seeking to change his station in life, in the hopes that he will feel worthy of marrying Kirstyn, Aladdin decides that he must leave Hagenheim in order to seek his fortune . But in doing so, he’s no longer at Kirstyn’s side to protect her, and some greedy men seeking to take advantage of her father’s fortune quickly notice this. Aladdin finds his background coming between him and the future that he’s been working so hard to obtain. And now, he not only needs to win her hand , but also find a way to rescue Kirstyn, as well.

The Orphan’s Wish is Book 8 in Melanie Dickerson’s Hagenheim Series, and yet another example of Melanie using her keenly creative mind to create a new version of a classic fairytale and spinning it into something new, complete with plot twists and turns and surprises, as well as beloved characters that are now uniquely her own. I know I’ve said this before about other books in the series, and I mean it every time I say it, but I genuinely think that this may be my new favorite book in the Hagenheim series, or possibly even, my favorite Melanie Dickerson novel. I absolutely loved reading the story of Aladdin with a Christian perspective. When I first started reading, I did sort of wonder how the whole Aladdin being a thief thing would be handled, and without going into detail as to how it was done, I can say that it was handled perfectly, in my opinion. One of the main themes of this novel was Aladdin’s feeling like he had to earn love, that he had to be “good enough.” I think that some of his fears may have been put to Red if he had known how Kirstyn’s parents met, and their backstory, but I don’t think even that would have settled it completely. It was just something that he had to work through, in his faith. It also seemed like Kirstyn didn’t see her own value, both in her family, and in general. She seemed to not know how much her parents and siblings truly adored her. She felt like she didn’t get enough notice, so maybe there was a bit of “middle child syndrome” going on? All in all, I loved every minute of this story but now that I’m finished, I don’t see a next book, so I’m hoping this isn’t the last of the series? If it is, I almost wish I had read it more slowly, not that I could have, as the book was simply too good to put down!

Oh My Goodness! Where has this author been all my life?!?!?!?! Christian Aladdin Retelling!! Just yes!!!!!!

Abu was well written, (and probably ONE of the best  characters in the book). Aladdin (be still my heart!) was so well written that you see how the trauma he endured as a child shaped him to who he was. Kirstyn was amazing as well, you really see so much character growth for both of them. You see how they both respect boundaries while they alone and the fact that love is holding them together. Even though he is promised to someone else but in love with another, the boundaries remain clear.

This book is very clean and a slow burn romance. It didn't feel like anything was forced or rushed. It felt like it came natural. The world building was superbly done. You can almost see, and touch the world they are in as its so vividly written.

I loved how this book grew with them from children all the way up. I feel you get a better sense of who people are and a much better respect for the characters as you see what drives them. I was glued from the into till the last page. A one click read indeed!

5/5 stars.

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

The Orphan’s Wish
Melanie Dickerson

Dickerson has done it again with a sweet fairytale inspired novel. I am a sucker for fairytales and she did not disappoint. I loved the twist on the Aladdin tale and enjoyed every part of the novel. There was a lot of story packed into this book and I felt like I grew to know that characters more than her previous works. The novel kept me reading, and I didn’t want to put it down needing to know what happened next.

Such a sweet, adventurous novel. A definite must read!

A really wonderful book that touches on realistic struggles and presents well formed characters growing through those struggles. I highly suggest this book! Also, the romance is wonderfully portrayed and, I think, really does show a relationship that can prove to be an uplifting example in this day and age. Thank you Mrs. Dickerson for this little piece of joy!

This book for me started slow, but once I got through the first few chapters, I had a VERY hard time putting it down. I read the majority of the book in less than a day! There were a few twists and turns that made my stomach plummet into my toes and I didn't know how the characters would recover. Wonderful story!

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

Sweet fairytale romance… can an orphan Saracen win a Lady’s heart?

Aladdin is transplanted from his homeland to a European orphanage, where he becomes friends with the daughter of one of the orphanage’s patrons. Through their childhood friendship, Aladdin and the duke’s daughter become as brother and sister. Aladdin has a wonderful work ethic and works hard to earn a position of assistant steward. While Aladdin could become steward, he doesn’t want to remain a servant, and he doesn’t want to remain Lady Kirstyn’s friend; he wants to build his own fortune and offer for her hand.

Aladdin has a long way to go, journeying to another city with a man who becomes like a father to him. While many recognize his genius for turning businesses around and making an honest profit, others have more nefarious purposes, and Aladdin must battle efforts to discredit him.

Can Aladdin make his fortune and marry his Lady? Can she move beyond their friendship and desire him as a husband? There are perils in store for both, as evil people plot against them out of spite and jealousy. But if they can hold out, they may just have a future together.

Very sweet twist on Aladdin.