About the Book ~
Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.
However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. 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 and bears scars of his own.
Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.
For more information about Melanie Dickerson and her books, check out her website here!
My Thoughts ~
Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is the Ugly Duckling retelling your bookish heart has been longing to discover!
In Castle of Refuge, the author pulls you into the setting and era, writing about it with such ease that one has to wonder if the author travels to the Medieval Era on a regular basis... Alas and alack, the only way I can travel to the Medieval Era is through wonderful books such as Castle of Refuge. Additionally, the writing style is smooth, flowing without a plethora of unfamiliar phrases and words that have bemused my contemporary sensibilities from time to time.
Through Edwin and Audrey's scars -- both literally and figuratively -- the author explores themes like being "ugly" on the outside versus on the inside, living an unforgettable life of value, and what it means to love and be loved. While Edwin and Audrey certainly experience a number of harrowing experiences, the gentle exploration of these spiritual themes is like a soothing balm -- beautifully portraying exactly what God's love and truths do for a battered heart!
Four Stars ~ Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is a lovely and romantic Ugly Duckling retelling that will soothe your heart! Castle of Refuge is the second book in the author's Dericott Tales, but it can be read as a standalone.
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