My Review:Reinhart Margrave of Thornbeck must find a wife, but he doesn't want to just marry anyone. Reinhart wants to at least have an idea of the character of his future wife, so he arranges to host 12 women from the neighboring territories for two weeks, testing their character with the help of his friends Jorgen and Odette.
Avelina is the lady's maid of Lady Dorothea, but when Dorothea runs off with her lover, the Earl of Plimmwald forces her to take his daughter's place. Avelina must pass as aristocracy, yet not stand out enough as to be chosen, but despite her best attempts the Margrave as noticed her. But as an evil plot unfolds, will she be able to save Thornbeck before it's too late?
Avelina dreams of the freedom to marry for love, and with the dowry promised to her by the Earl of Plimmwald, if all goes smoothly, she might just get her wish. Avelina is kind and compassionate, she does her best to stay in the background and tries to draw the Margrave's eye to another young lady. I admired Avelina for her honesty and how she stayed true to who she was, even while pretending to be someone else.
Reinhart has seen many battles, as a knight he fought bravely, but in his own kingdom rumors run rampant, accusing him of murdering his own brother for Thornbeck. Reinhart is thoughtful, and a bit like a Mr. Darcy, because first impressions do not tell the full story of his character. I liked his thoughtfulness, and that he did not want to plunge himself into a loveless marriage for advantage.
One of my favorite people was sweet Magdalen, a true friend to Avelina, foriving, giving, and kind, she brought light wherever she went.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, I loved the fairy tale connection to The Princess and the Pea, Ms. Dickerson truly has a gift and I was riveted to the book and didn't want to put it down throughout my busy week. This book stands well on its own, but if you have read the previous book you will be happy to see Odette and Jorgen back and playing a very important part in this book. Action-packed, with faith, drama, and romance, this is a fantastic read about the importance of noble character, and true friendship. Definitely recommend!
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About the book:
The Beautiful Pretender (Thomas Nelson, May 2016)
What happens when a margrave realizes he's fallen in love with a servant?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave's 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. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
The Beautiful Pretender (Thomas Nelson, May 2016)
What happens when a margrave realizes he's fallen in love with a servant?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave's 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. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
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