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Goodreads 2017 Reading Challenge

7/19/2017

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2017 Reading Challenge

Jasmine has completed her goal of reading 75 books in 2017!

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75 of 75 (100%)

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So, I completed my Goodreads 2017 Reading Challenge today! I wound up finishing a month later this year than I did last year. But, July isn't too shabby at all. This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster personally so a July finish date definitely isn't too bad.

I am by no means done with reading for this year, couldn't stop even if I wanted to, which I don't, so check back at the end of the year to see my total stats for 2017 and whether I break last year's record of 150 total books logged into my Goodreads Reading Challenge.

2017 Stats

Goal: 75 books.
Started: January 1st
Completed: July 19th

Number of Books Ahead of Schedule: 34

Total Pages Read: 19,373

Fiction: 74 Non-Fiction: 1
Print Books: 66 E-Books: 9

First Book Completed (starting the challenge):
The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

Midway Book In The Challenge:
Dangerous Testimony by Dana Mentink

Final Book Completed (finishing the challenge):
Danger On The Mountain by Lynette Eason

Longest Book (most pages):
The Romance In A Bottle Romance Collection
Joanne Bischof, Amanda Dykes, Heather Day Gilbert, Jocelyn Green, Maureen Lang

Oldest Book:
Lori Adams And The Riverboat Mystery
(1971)

Newest Book:
The Promise Bride by Gina Welborn & Becca Whitham
(August 29th, 2017)

This one's not even officially released yet!

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Book Review - The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

6/29/2017

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Genre:
Historical Romance / Fairytale Retelling

The Noble Servant
A Medieval Fairy Tale book 3
by Melanie Dickerson

-From Amazon-

She lost everything to the scheme of an evil servant. But she might just gain what she’s always wanted . . . if she makes it in time.

The impossible was happening. She, Magdalen of Mallin, was to marry the Duke of Wolfberg. Magdalen had dreamed about receiving a proposal ever since she met the duke two years ago. Such a marriage was the only way she could save her people from starvation. But why would a handsome, wealthy duke want to marry her, a poor baron’s daughter? It seemed too good to be true.

On the journey to Wolfberg Castle, Magdalen’s servant forces her to trade places and become her servant, threatening not only Magdalen’s life, but the lives of those she holds dear. Stripped of her identity and title in Wolfberg, where no one knows her, Magdalen is sentenced to tend geese while she watches her former handmaiden gain all Magdalen had ever dreamed of.

When a handsome shepherd befriends her, Magdalen begins to suspect he carries secrets of his own. Together, Magdalen and the shepherd uncover a sinister plot against Wolfberg and the duke. But with no resources, will they be able to find the answers, the hiding places, and the forces they need in time to save both Mallin and Wolfberg?

ISBN-13: 978-0718026608

An old fairytale, a wonderful new story...

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Melanie Dickerson

Author Website

Aaahhh, a total sigh of contentment. That's what you get when you read a Melanie Dickerson book. I know I've said it before, but it's totally true. Each new Melanie Dickerson book is my new favorite and The Noble Servant was no exception. I couldn't put it down. When I did have to actually leave the pages of the story and do those pesky little things that make up living, I still thought about the characters and what fortune, and misfortune, might befall them next.

Did I love The Noble Servant? Yes! Yes! Yes! The author has such a wonderful way of storytelling, with an absolutely exquisite attention to detail, that you feel completely immersed in the era and the within the story. Magdalen and Stefan quickly became friends, friends that I rooted for, friends that I gasped on their behalf as they faced each new peril, and definitely friends that I didn't want to say goodbye to on that last page.

The Noble Servant is a definite winner in my estimation and a MUST read for any Melanie Dickerson fan. If you love historical novels rich in detail, with plenty of adventure, romance, and danger, The Noble Servant just might be for you. If you love fairytale retellings Melanie Dickerson's latest book is definitely for you!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson a 5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

1/31/2017

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Genre:
YA / Historical Romance / Fairytale

The Silent Songbird
Fairy Tale Romance book 7
by Melanie Dickerson

-From the inside flap-

Evangeline is gifted with a heavenly
voice, but she is trapped in a sinister
betrothal until she embarks on a
daring escape and meets brave
Westley le Wyse. Can he help her
discover the freedom to sing again?

Desperate to flee a political marriage to her cousin King Richard II's closest advisor, Lord Shiveley – a man twice her age with shadowy motives – Evangeline runs away and joins a small band of servants journeying back to Glynval, their home village.

Pretending to be mute, she gets to know Westley le Wyse, their handsome young leader, who is intrigued by the beautiful servant girl. But when the truth comes out, it may shatter any hope that love could grow between them.

More than Evangeline's future is at stake as she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that threatens England's monarchy. Should she give herself up to protect the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?

ISBN-13: 978-0718026318

Searching for freedom she finds love...

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Melanie Dickerson

Author Website

There is something truly magical about a Melanie Dickerson book. Her attention to detail and ability to completely transport the reader so deeply into the story that you almost feel like you are right there is amazing. I'd almost swear that each new book that she releases becomes my new favorite and The Silent Songbird was no exception.

I quickly fell in love with the Evangeline and Westley, she with her courage and he with his kind heart. And I despised the truly despicable Lord Shiveley. It was also fun to check into the later lives of the hero and heroine of a previous Melanie Dickerson book...

The Silent Songbird is a truly delightful and engrossing tale, one of romance, chivalry, and intrigue, set in the fascinating and dangerous Medieval period. This is one book you'll want to carve out some reading time for, because once you open that gorgeous cover you won't be able to put it down.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson a 5 Bark rating.

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2016 Favorites (Print)

1/7/2017

1 Comment

Favorite Print Books From 2016

Here is a list of Tell Tale Book Reviews' favorite books read and reviewed in 2016.
You can find all of these reviews and many more by visiting our Book Review List page

2016 Reviews

Fiction

A Family Under The Christmas Tree

A Flight
Of Arrows

A Portrait
Of Emily Price

Anchor In
The Storm

At Love's
Bidding

Cold
Shot

Dressed
For Death

Fetching
Sweetness

Finding
Margo

Gone To
Ground

Incriminating
Evidence

Merchant
Of Alyss

Missing

My Sister's
Prayer

Playing
The Part

Proof

Random Acts
Of Malice

Silent
Sabotage

The Beautiful
Pretender

The Domino
Effect

The
Firefighter Daddy

The Golden
Braid

The Pattern
Artist

Titus
Returns

White

Kids/Juvenile

Esther: The Belle
Of Patience

The League And
The Lantern

The Nickle
Nuisance

Non-Fiction

My Mother's
Quilts

Gratitude: A Prayer And Praise
Coloring Journal

We are excited to start reading and reviewing in the
new year and hope you will be joining us for...

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Book Review - The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

8/7/2016

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Genre:
Historical/Romance/YA/Fairytale

The Beautiful Pretender
A Medieval Fairytale book 2
by Melanie Dickerson

-From the back cover-

AFTER INHERITING HIS TITLE FROM
HIS BROTHER, THE MARGRAVE HAS
TWO WEEKS TO FIND A NOBLE BRIDE. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN HE
LEARNS HE HAS FALLEN FOR A LOVELY
SERVANT GIRL IN DISGUISE?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king's approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn't select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina's best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can't deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse – far deadlier – consequences.

ISBN-13: 978-0718026288

Another MUST read by Melanie Dickerson!

This Book received a 5 Bark rating

Melanie Dickerson

Author Website

What a wonderful story! I think The Beautiful Pretender is my new favorite Melanie Dickerson novel! I think I fell in love with Avelina's wit and candor even faster than the Margrave did. This was one of those rare stories that I became so totally immersed in that I felt like I was right there experiencing everything alongside the characters.

Reading book one in the series, The Huntress Of Thornbeck Forest, will definitely give some background to the story but I felt that The Beautiful Pretender could be read standalone as well. If you haven't read book one yet, by all means do, but don't let it stop you from reading this book. Melanie Dickerson is very good at connecting her stories while still making each one complete on its own.

I honestly can't say enough about The Beautiful Pretender and how much I enjoyed it. Melanie Dickerson has a real winner in this one. It is a truly delightful and satisfying story. One that is richly detailed and with enough danger and romance to keep any reader completely enthralled. From its gorgeous cover to the very last page you just won't want to miss The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson a 5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

3/23/2016

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Genre:
YA/Historical Romance/Fantasy

The Golden Braid
Fairy Tale Romance Series book 6
by Melanie Dickerson

-From the inside flap-

THE ONE WHO NEEDS
RESCUING ISN'T
ALWAYS THE ONE IN THE
TOWER.

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel's hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again – this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a night – Sir Garek – Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Garek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

ISBN-13: 978-0718026264

This Rapunzel is more than a princess...

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Melanie Dickerson

Author's Website

I have been waiting for this book for a long a time. Family and friends will understand why I've been looking forward to a Melanie Dickerson retelling of Rapunzel. And believe me, I was totally thrilled when I found out that The Golden Braid was just the book I was hoping for. And I was in no way disappointed.

I have to admit life got in the way so I got off to a slow start in reading this book but when I finally got into it I I couldn't tear myself away. I HAD to keep reading and find out what would happen next. The Golden Braid was a completely captivating read and perfectly delightful.

The Golden Braid is a wonderful tale of intrigue, romance, and buried secrets. Excitement and danger lend spice to a pair of likable lead characters. I will make a confession here, it took a little while for me to like Sir Garek and I totally agreed with Rapunzel's opinion of his arrogance. But as time went by and he grew into the role of hero I began to like him more. Rapunzel herself was a delightful blend of sweetness and spunk and she comes up with some wonderfully wicked ideas to help save the day.

With every word Melanie Dickerson weaves a spell. Spinning the familiar and much-loved fairytales into something fresh and new. It's this that keeps me coming back, reveling in each new story, tantalizing me in between tales.

Don't let the YA tag put you off, this book and all of the others are just as enjoyable for teens and adults alike. If you take my advice, you won't miss The Golden Braid or any of Melanie Dickerson's delicious medieval fairytale romances.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson a 4.5 Bark rating

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A Spy's Devotion Chapter Excerpt + Birthday Giveaway

2/29/2016

21 Comments

A Spy's Devotion
The Regency Spies Of London book 1
by Melanie Dickerson

In England’s Regency era, manners and elegance reign in public life—but behind closed doors treason and deception thrive. Nicholas Langdon is no stranger to reserved civility or bloody barbarity. After suffering a battlefield injury, the wealthy, well-connected British officer returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.
At the home of the Wilherns, one of England’s most powerful families, Langdon attends a lavish ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian. As Langdon traces an evil plot that could be the nation’s undoing, he grows ever more intrigued by the lovely young woman. And when Julia realizes that England—and the man she is falling in love with—need her help, she finds herself caught in the fray. Will the two succumb to their attraction while fighting to save their country?

Excerpt from A Spy's Devotion

“Your sister plays well indeed,” Julia said. “She is very gracious to take my place at the pianoforte.”
“Leorah does play well and is gracious but still not quite grown up at heart, I’m afraid. She’s only three years younger than I. Tell me, Miss Grey, would you believe that my elegant little sister used to put toads and lizards in her pockets, walk through muddy creek beds in her bare feet, and defeat her brothers in archery competitions?”
Julia couldn’t help laughing, then immediately felt guilty, hoping Phoebe hadn’t seen her laughing under the gaze of Mr. Langdon’s smiling face.
His smile was too appealing for anyone’s good.
“You shouldn’t tell such tales. Your sister would not like it.”
“On the contrary, she loves to tell those stories even more than I. She regaled the entire company of guests at my parents’ last dinner party with how she wrestled a poor defenseless rabbit from the jaws of a fox when she was ten.”
Their turn came and they obeyed the rules of the dance, taking each other’s hand and whirling to the music. When they had another chance to speak, she said, “Your sister reminds me of my cousin, Phoebe. Even now she enjoys a good tromp through the woods on the family’s country estate. She would go fishing with the groomsmen if my uncle would allow it.”
They switched partners for a few moments, Julia congratulating herself on again turning the conversation to Phoebe. When she faced Mr. Langdon, he had a strange look on his face.
“When you dance with me, I want to hear about you, not your cousin.”
Blushing as if she’d been caught doing something wrong, Julia tried to think of what to say. Should she give him a good set down? He was rude to tell her what she could or could not speak of. But she sensed that he had caught on to her scheme of trying to manipulate him into an attraction for Phoebe.
How annoying to be so transparent.
“So when a lady dances with you, she must stick to the subject you choose?”
“No.” He leaned his head nearer hers and said softly, “But you should know that I find you quite as interesting as your cousin Phoebe.”

Website

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama.

She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Melanie Dickerson
is graciously giving away a Print copy of her novel
A Spy's Devotion

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway runs from 12 am MST (Mountain Standard Time) February 29th, 2015 through 12 am MST March 7th, 2015. I will email the Winner and they will have 7 days (1 week) to claim their book.

21 Comments

2015 Favorites (Print)

12/31/2015

4 Comments

Favorite Print Books From 2015

Here is a list of Tell Tale Book Reviews' favorite books read and reviewed in 2015.
They are in not listed in any particular order.
You can find all of these reviews and many more by visiting our Book Review List page,

Here

The Wood's Edge

Shadows Of Ladenbrooke Manor

The Pharaoh's Daughter

The Memory Weaver

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

Beyond All Dreams

The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story

Sabotaged

Tiffany Girl

The Good Girl

Uncharted Redemption

Taken

The Cactus
Creek Challenge

Vendetta

Every Girl
Gets Confused

In Good Company

Lorie's Heart

Standoff At Christmas

My Brother's Crown

A Reason To Stay

Through
Waters Deep

Dangerous Tidings

Not By Sight

Emissary

The Huntress Of Thornbeck Forest

Yankee In Atlanta

Deadlock

We are excited to start reading and reviewing in the
new year and hope you will be joining us for...

With love,

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Sale on Melanie Dickerson E-Books

12/21/2015

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The Hagenheim / Fairy Tale Romance Series

The entire Hagenheim / Fairy Tale Romance Series is on sale for only $1.99 each for Kindle

Please double-check the prices before ordering.