Castle of Refuge (The Dericott Tales #2) by Melanie Dickerson

 

Castle of Refuge

(The Dericott Tales #2)

by Melanie Dickerson

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: June 1st 2021

Synopsis: 

Audrey is a viscount’s daughter who has suffered her sister Maris’s cruel, jealous behavior all her life. An act of malice led their father to send Maris to a convent, but Audrey was still left with scars. Three years later, Audrey’s father is determined to marry off his damaged daughter, and Maris is returning. Desperate, Audrey sneaks away.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, injured, and in dire straits. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, each must make a life-changing decision about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a high-stakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.

***

4.5 stars This is the second book in the Dericott Tales series by Melanie Dickerson. This is one of those slow burn types of stories. We follow along with Audrey and how she is mistreated by her sister and causes her to lose her chance to marry Edwin/Lord Dericott when she is facially burned by falling into the fire after being tripped by her jealous sister. I really felt for this character and all her struggles. And even though she had these struggles, she maintained her happy disposition and need to want to help others learn how to read which was her true calling. I totally fell in love with this unique fairytale-like love story which is what Melanie Dickerson does best. I totally recommend any book from this author. Each one is unique, compelling and gives you hope in a possible wonderful future for all of us. Highly recommended. If you love a fairytale-like or just a true love happily ever after story, definitely check this out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.