Book Review: The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson + 3 Book Giveaway!

121 Comments Edit


Title:  The Silent Songbird
Series: The Hagenheim / Fairy Tale Romance Series, Book 7 
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Release Date:  November 8, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction / Fairy Tale Retelling



Evangeline longs to be free, to live in the world outside the castle walls. But freedom comes at a cost.

Evangeline is the ward and cousin of King Richard II, and yet she dreams of a life outside of Berkhamsted Castle, where she might be free to marry for love and not politics. But the young king betroths her to his closest advisor, Lord Shiveley, a man twice as old as Evangeline. Desperate to escape a life married to a man she finds revolting, Evangeline runs away from the king and joins a small band of servants on their way back to their home village.

To keep her identity a secret, Evangeline pretends to be mute. Evangeline soon regrets the charade as she gets to know Wesley, the handsome young leader of the servants, whom she later discovers is the son of a wealthy lord. But she cannot reveal her true identity for fear she will be forced to return to King Richard and her arranged marriage.

Wesley le Wyse is intrigued by the beautiful new servant girl. When he learns that she lost her voice from a beating by a cruel former master, he is outraged. But his anger is soon redirected when he learns she has been lying to him. Not only is she not mute, but she isn’t even a servant.

Weighed down by remorse for deceiving Wesley, Evangeline fears no one will ever love her. But her future is not the only thing at stake, as she finds herself embroiled in a tangled web that threatens England’s monarchy. Should she give herself up to save the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?


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! Here's another pic of the cover, so you don't have to scroll up.


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, are you in? If so, might want to check out the giveaway below, courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction.  I can't tell you what two of the books will be, but one of them is definitely The Silent Songbird. So scroll on down and enter! 

       

      


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.


TO PURCHASE A COPY

   
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

CONNECT WITH MELANIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Google+





Courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction, 1 winner will win a Melanie Dickerson prize pack consisting of The Silent Songbird and 2 of her other books! 



Check out TNZ Fiction for more fabulous novels!

                                                                                                                                                                      



CONVERSATION

121 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:49:00 AM EST

    I have not read anything from this author, the books look great, not sure which is my favorite, princess spy sounds intriguing, love all the covers :) Thanks for the chance.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:50:00 PM EST

      Hi Lisa, you're welcome! Thanks for stopping by. You'll love Melanie's books!

      Delete
  2. KarenJanuary 4, 2017 at 10:48:00 AM EST

    I think Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, at least the Disney version, haha. Someone who loves books and learning, who judges people based on their inward appearance instead of the outward, is admirable. I can't wait to read The Silent Songbird. I've never read any of Melanie's books, but I'd love to someday.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:52:00 PM EST

      O, Karen, you'll LOVE her books! I just can't gush enough. If you're a fan of fairy tales, yes, Melanie's books are it. If you love a story with a deeper theme, her's are ones to grab too! Good luck!

      Delete
  3. Jan HJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:35:00 AM EST

    Cinderella. It reminds me of my childhood.

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  4. PamJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:41:00 AM EST

    I have always loved Beauty and the Beast. Even the original version (not the Disney one, necessarily) drew me in and made me feel sympathy for the Beast.

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  5. PattyJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:47:00 AM EST

    I read The Merchant's Daughter quite a few years ago, but I don't think i've read any of the others inn the series!
    Thanks for sharing your review.

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  6. Debbie ClatterbuckJanuary 4, 2017 at 12:24:00 PM EST

    I love the cover and can't wait to read this book. My favorite fairy tale is Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, because she gets to boss 7 men around. LOL

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:53:00 PM EST

      LOL!! Debbie, I almost snorted! thanks for the laugh!

      Delete
  7. diannekcJanuary 4, 2017 at 1:25:00 PM EST

    New author to me, but the book looks like a great read. I really like the cover and I think that's what attracts people to a book. My favorite fairy.tale is Beauty and the Beast.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:53:00 PM EST

      I agree Dianne. I love covers! As I've said many times, the cover is what decides for me if I grab and read a book or not!

      Delete
  8. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:19:00 PM EST

    My favorite fairy tale is either Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast. I love the cover as much as I loved this book!!

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  9. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:30:00 PM EST

    I love all of Melanie Dickerson's books! My favorites are The Merchants Daughter and The Beautiful Pretender. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:54:00 PM EST

      Thanks for stopping by Emily! I have not read The Merchant's Daughter yet, but I do have it in my kindle. I will - I must get to it!!

      Delete
  10. Abigayle ClaireJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:38:00 PM EST

    This is awesome! I have only read her "Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" which was amazing. She really captures the setting. Beauty & the Beast and Rumpelstiltskin are my favorite fairy tales

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:55:00 PM EST

      Nice!! I have not read Huntress yet, and that is one that I don't have a copy of. I'll have to remedy that soon!

      Delete
  11. purple squirrelJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:38:00 PM EST

    I don't know which fairytale is my favorite~ maybe sleeping beauty?
    I own The Golden Braid, and my daughter and I both loved it! Love this whole concept of this series! Read one other book when I had a free Kindle unlimited trial.
    I like the cover.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:55:00 PM EST

      The Golden Braid was AWESOME!!! All her covers are gorgeous!!

      Delete
  12. Brie DonningJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:42:00 PM EST

    The cover is lovely. Certainly evokes a mermaid feel. I like most of the popular fairytales, but there a strange George Macdonald one called The Day Boy and the Night Girl.

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  13. Janelle L. C.January 4, 2017 at 2:45:00 PM EST

    My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. I loved Melanie's retelling of it in The Merchant's Daughter. I really love the cover for The Silent Songbird, but all of the covers of her books are gorgeous!

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  14. JoHeymansJanuary 4, 2017 at 3:36:00 PM EST

    Not sure which fairy tale is my favourite...I like beauty & the beast. If I haven't read one of Melanie's books in a while, I start to feel nostalgic for them! Pretty cover, but then her books always have pretty covers :)

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 3:42:00 PM EST

      Agree. the covers are amazing. =) Beauty & the Beast seems to be a favorite around here!

      Delete
  15. AnnaJanuary 4, 2017 at 3:58:00 PM EST

    I would love to win any of her books!! The ones I have read are amazing!!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:03:00 PM EST

      O me too! If I didn't already have most of her books, I'd entered too.. but then, I'm not allowed. hahaha.

      Delete
  16. StephanieJanuary 4, 2017 at 4:00:00 PM EST

    I love Beauty and the Beast. I haven't read any of Melanie's books yet. I have The Merchant's Daughter. They all look great and get wonderful reviews.

    Thank you,
    Stephanie C.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:03:00 PM EST

      Agree. Her first book I read was The Golden Braid. I'm trying to read backwards when I have the time. =)

      Delete
  17. Deanna StevensJanuary 4, 2017 at 4:04:00 PM EST

    Mine was Robin Hood & I loved her book"Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" ! Yes, I think all her covers are wonderful!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:04:00 PM EST

      I heard a few mentioned Huntress! Now I really MUST get it! Thanks!

      Delete
  18. SarahJanuary 4, 2017 at 4:10:00 PM EST

    I absolutely LOVE Melanie Dickerson's books!!!

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  19. JenJanuary 4, 2017 at 4:26:00 PM EST

    I've heard really good things about Silent Songbird - will try to check it out in 2017!
    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:05:00 PM EST

      Thanks Jen for sharing! You must check out Melanie's...recently NYT Bestselling author!!

      Delete
  20. Wendy GarnerJanuary 4, 2017 at 4:48:00 PM EST

    Fellow Alabamian who loves Melanie's books! :)

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  21. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 5:03:00 PM EST

    I do like the cover, and i'm not really sure which is my favorite fairy tale, maybe beauty and the beast. My favorite or Melanie Dickerson's books is the Golden Braid, her Repunsel retelling. I'be read all of her books and LOVE them!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:06:00 PM EST

      I loved every one that I've read so far.. which isn't even half of her total collection!

      Delete
  22. Sabreena NJanuary 4, 2017 at 5:04:00 PM EST

    My favorite fairytale is probably Beauty and the Beast but out of this series it would have to be the Fairest Beauty. I haven't actually read the last three books on the series but the Fairest Beauty was the first book that I've read in this series so I guess it will always have a special place in my heart:) And I think that all of the covers a beautiful.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:07:00 PM EST

      I haven't read that yet either. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  23. Amanda T.January 4, 2017 at 5:12:00 PM EST

    I like the cover of The Silent Songbird, but The Princess Spy is my favorite cover.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:08:00 PM EST

      They are ALL gorgeous to me. I have a special place for The Golden Braid since that was the first book I read of hers.

      Delete
  24. BJMJanuary 4, 2017 at 6:00:00 PM EST

    I read this book. I liked parts of it, but other parts (martial arts and archery) were unbelievable even for a fairy tale.

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  25. Lucy Reynolds January 4, 2017 at 6:33:00 PM EST

    Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales. I have read the Golden Braid and loved it. Thank you so much for the chance.

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  26. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 6:43:00 PM EST

    My favorite fariytale is probably ohh that's hard!! Maybe The Little Mermaid, Mulan, and more!!

    I love Melanie's books!!!! I love the cover!! <3

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  27. Pam K.January 4, 2017 at 7:10:00 PM EST

    I do love this cover, as well as the covers of all of Melanie's books. My daughter and I are huge fans of Melanie's books. I always buy her books for my daughter (then I read them too). I'd love to win this prize package and donate the books to my local library. I don't really have a favorite fairy tale. I enjoy them all.

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  28. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 7:31:00 PM EST

    I love her books!

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  29. bn100January 4, 2017 at 7:56:00 PM EST

    Cinderella; okay cover

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  30. TaylorJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:34:00 PM EST

    Love all of her books and her covers are always so amazing!!! I love her new cover, but I still think my favorite is The Fairest Beauty!

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  31. E.F.B.January 4, 2017 at 8:52:00 PM EST

    I love Melanie's books! I've only had the chance to read three so far: The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, and The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, but I've loved each of them. Such sweet stories and lovable characters. <3 Oh yes, the Silent Songbird cover is indeed lovely!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:01:00 PM EST

      I loved every one of the ones I've read and the covers are defi itely gorgeous!

      Delete
  32. Caryl KaneJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:09:00 PM EST

    Annie, I've not yet read any of Melanie's books. I'm intrigued by all the great reviews that I've read. Her covers are stunning!

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  33. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:38:00 PM EST

    All of the covers by this author have great appeal! I like Sleeping Beauty. I have to read more by this author!
    Janice
    pjrcmoore@windstream.net

    ReplyDelete
  34. Esther HadassahJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:40:00 PM EST

    I love her books!! I think my favorite one so far is Healer's Apprentice. I have almost all of the series on my kindle, I am just missing the Golden Braid and The Silent Songbird. ❤❤

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  35. JessicaJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:55:00 PM EST

    Beauty and the Beast is my all-time favorite fairy tale. I love this book's cover!

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  36. apple blossomJanuary 4, 2017 at 10:10:00 PM EST

    snow white I absolutely love the cover

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  37. Wendy ArtsyChaosJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:49:00 PM EST

    The covers are really enchanting! Not sure I have a favorite fairy tale. Guess I need one!

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  38. Liv K. FisherJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:55:00 PM EST

    Melanie's book covers are so gorgeous!! :D

    I've read The Healer's Apprentice, but I've yet to read any of the others. I do have The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest and The Beautiful Pretender on kindle, though!

    Great review! :)

    ~Liv
    oliviakfisher.blogspot.com

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  39. Jeanna MassmanJanuary 5, 2017 at 12:20:00 AM EST

    I love the cover of this book. My favorite fairy tale is Cinderella.

    ReplyDelete
  40. VickyJanuary 5, 2017 at 1:48:00 AM EST

    Love the covers of these books! Would love to read them!

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  41. UnknownJanuary 5, 2017 at 2:35:00 AM EST

    Amazing review! Picking a favorite fairytale is so hard. Hmmm...maybe a combination of Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Beauty & the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty?! LOL, that may be a little too many. Anyways, these books all have the most beautiful covers!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 5, 2017 at 9:05:00 PM EST

      Thanks for the complimemt and making me laugh! No..not too many..I'd throw in Merida's courage (hmm..that's not a fairy tale!)

      Delete
  42. s.m.bJanuary 5, 2017 at 9:19:00 AM EST

    Oh I love the cover! And my favorite fairytale....hmmm. maybe sleeping beauty. But I love Disney's Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast

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  43. Gail H.January 5, 2017 at 12:38:00 PM EST

    Love Cinderella! The cover is gorgeous too!!

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  44. Edye NicoleJanuary 5, 2017 at 1:57:00 PM EST

    I love the fairytale "Rapunzel." I think the cover is pretty!

    mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net

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  45. heartweaverJanuary 5, 2017 at 3:27:00 PM EST

    Amazon keeps recommending these books to me, as does my niece, so I think I may need to get them! The covers certainly do draw you in, too.

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  46. Veronica M.January 5, 2017 at 9:26:00 PM EST

    The cover is bomb! I love it so much! Reminds me of Rapunzel and Merida.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 5, 2017 at 9:36:00 PM EST

      Hahahha. Love how strong that sounded! Yes..does remind me of Merida!

      Delete
  47. Elaina P.January 5, 2017 at 10:29:00 PM EST

    My favorite fairytale would have to be Rapunzel and The Twelve Dancing Princesses ���� And all of Melanie Dickerson's covers are gorgeous!! ❤❤

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 6, 2017 at 11:46:00 AM EST

      That's a new one, The Twelve Dancing Princesses! Thanks! And, yes, all of Melanie's covers are gorgeous!

      Delete
  48. Debbie WilderJanuary 6, 2017 at 1:55:00 AM EST

    I can't think of just one fairy tale that would be my favorite. I hate questions like this because I never have an answer.

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  49. JennJanuary 6, 2017 at 8:38:00 AM EST

    I have read the first four of Melanie Dickerson's books and love them! Need to get reading on the most recent ones, haha. My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast, so excited that they're making the new movie. :) Thanks for the giveaway!!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 6, 2017 at 10:04:00 PM EST

      I agree! The teaser trailer was great! Emma Watson would make a great Belle!

      Delete
  50. Amanda G.January 6, 2017 at 11:18:00 PM EST

    My favorite fairytale is Sleeping Beauty. I just love the idea that Prince Philip would fight the dragon and break into the castle and break the spell with true love's kiss for Aurora. I also really loved Disney's Robin Hood with the quote, "Marian my darling, I love you more than life itself." I guess I'm just a hopeless romantic and yes I LOVE the cover!

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  51. R's RueJanuary 7, 2017 at 6:38:00 AM EST

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  52. Julie WaldronJanuary 7, 2017 at 10:58:00 AM EST

    My favorite fairy tale is Cinderella.

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  53. Trixi January 8, 2017 at 12:18:00 AM EST

    My favorite fairy tale as a kid was either Snow White or Sleeping Beauty because I'd always dreamed that a handsome prince would come to my rescue and marry me...lol! In recent years, I've loved Beauty and the Beast as I have a soft heart for the "underdog" :-) By the way, I'm anxiously awaiting the new Beauty and the Beast coming out to theaters in March & am planning a movie date with my sister-in-law and niece :-)

    Thank you for the heads up on this giveaway, I love Melanie's writing and have just about every one of her books!

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 8, 2017 at 6:05:00 PM EST

      Heheh. I agree Trixi! I believe we have similar tastes in stories! ;) Me too about the new live film of Beauty and the Beast! Can't wait to see that LIBRARY!

      Delete
  54. Paula ShreckhiseJanuary 8, 2017 at 10:53:00 AM EST

    Love historicals. My daughter loves fantasy. Happy New Year.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 8, 2017 at 6:05:00 PM EST

      How about a combo of the two!! lol! Happy New Year to you and your family too, Paula!

      Delete
  55. SavingsInSecondsJanuary 9, 2017 at 9:38:00 PM EST

    My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. I love that Beauty changes his heart!!
    Yes, I do like this cover. It's beautiful!
    Dianna

    ReplyDelete
  56. justcommonlyJanuary 9, 2017 at 9:50:00 PM EST

    The hype is definitely there! I can't wait too!

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  57. J.M. HackmanJanuary 10, 2017 at 3:19:00 PM EST

    My favorite story so far has been the Healer's Apprentice. Love this cover!

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  58. CelestaJanuary 10, 2017 at 3:38:00 PM EST

    My favourite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. I thought the cover was quite eye-catching!

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  59. MeredithJanuary 13, 2017 at 12:47:00 AM EST

    My favorite is Cinderella. I love the cover! The cover definitely lets you know what the story is about.

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  60. DebbieJanuary 16, 2017 at 10:22:00 PM EST

    Melanie Dickerson is my favorite! Love her books, and all the covers are amazing. My favorite fairy tale is Cinderella.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Joan AJanuary 18, 2017 at 2:50:00 PM EST

    Beautiful cover. Cinderella is probably my favorite fairytale! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  62. KellieJanuary 18, 2017 at 3:37:00 PM EST

    The cover looks really pretty. I think my favorite fairy tale would have to be Cinderella.

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  63. Knightress4theKingJanuary 18, 2017 at 4:06:00 PM EST

    Hi Melanie!!!! I love the story of Thumbalina partially because I am short plus it reminds me that love prevails.

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  64. Andrea StephensJanuary 18, 2017 at 6:20:00 PM EST

    I like Beauty and the Beast. I love all of the covers!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Elizabella TansonJanuary 18, 2017 at 6:46:00 PM EST

    I love all of Melanie's books, and this like all the others has a gorgeous cover.
    I honestly can't pick a favorite fairytale however.

    ReplyDelete

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