Castle of Refuge

First, I have to tell you that this is part of a series. This is book 2 and you need to read book 1 first. Book one will introduce you to Edwin and you'll find out the how and why of him losing his arm. While you don't necessarily need that information it is good to have and it does set the stage for this book.

Edwin, or Lord Dericott, is the ruler of Dericott Castle. He's also broody and moody and missing an arm. Enter Audrey. She's scarred and marked by her sister's jealousy and hatred plus the actual physical scars her sister left her with. When her father brings her sister back home and the meanness and torture continue she knows she must escape. Add in that he's going to force her to marry and she knows it's time to leave.

Audrey flees and winds up at Dericott Castle. She's sick and they nurse her back to health. She then pretends to just be a servant. Of course, that's hard for her because she's educated and definitely not used to living the life of a servant. She draws Edwin's attention. They are both scarred and have their own secrets and pain.

When Audrey's past catches up to them can they keep her safe and avoid her living a life she doesn't want?

I loved this book. I read the first book in the series and could not wait for the next one to come out so I could see what became of the siblings and how they veer off into their own lives. This did not disappoint! I can't wait to get to the next novels and see how all the siblings fare. You're going to love them as well!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This is the second book in the Dericott Tales series. You really should read the first book before you read this one.

I adore this author’s books in general. I read the entire Hagenheim series with my granddaughter and we loved them.

The Dericott series is equally captivating and wonderful! These are pretty fast reads, and they have wonderful Christian messages.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Scriptures are mentioned many times and praying is often discussed. The romance is clean and appropriate for younger readers. The stories can be a little predictable, but these are HEAs after all (and fairy tale retellings as well – this one is The Ugly Duckling) so I think that is a bit expected.