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Lady of Disguise (Dericott Tale #6) by Melanie Dickerson: A Book Review

Lady of Disguise (Dericott Tale #6)

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Genre: YA, Christian, Historical Fiction 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Book Release Date: 2024

Pages: 302

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Readers who love the fairytale charm of Melanie Dickerson, and the historical richness of Philippa Gregory and Bernard Cornwell, will be drawn into this riveting tale of courage, romance, and hidden treasures. Feel the tension and intrigue as a brave and determined young woman embarks on an adventurous journey to unearth the legendary "Giant's Treasure" in Melanie Dickerson's Lady of Disguise.


       Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.


      England, 1388: All her life, Louisa has dreamed of finding the rumored "Giant's Treasure," a collection of ancient, lost riches said to be hidden on a mountaintop in Scotland, guarded by a fierce monster. It's a story her father used to tell her, and when he dies and she and her younger sister have to go live with their shiftless, greedy uncle, Louisa is determined to find that treasure. It's the hope that has kept her defying her uncle's efforts to marry her off to the highest bidder.


        After her uncle starts to parade Louisa's twelve-year-old sister Margaret in front of potential husbands, Louisa realizes she has no time to waste. She disguises herself as a boy and takes off for Scotland. But the road is a harsher place than she'd imagined, and she is relieved to find a friend in the knight, Sir Charles, who goes along with her on her journey.


        Charles is intrigued by this young woman who claims her name is "Jack" and is set on going to Scotland. He goes along, pretending to believe she is a boy, in order to make sure nothing bad happens to her. As they meet new friends along the road, and as Louisa comes clean about her identity, the pair find themselves falling in love. But what will happen when they reach Scotland? Will they find their independence and the freedom to marry in the form of a buried treasure, or will the monster from Louisa's own past keep the young couple apart?


       A delightfully charming reimagining of "Jack and the Beanstalk" from New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson that beautifully interweaves strong faith-based elements with an engaging YA story about a girl determined to save her family.


       My Review: Lady of Disguise is a fairytale retelling of “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Louisa lives with her greedy uncle. She dreams to one day find the “Giant’s Treasure” that her father told her about when she was young. When her uncle tries to marry Louisa’s younger sister, Louisa decides it is time for her to escape from her uncle’s clutches. She disguises herself as a boy named Jack and searches for the “Giant’s Treasure”. Along the way, she meets a knight named Sir Charles. He accompanies her on the quest. 


      I found Louisa to be a fun character! She is a very caring woman and loves her sister. I also like how she is very headstrong and tough! I like how Louisa was highly idealistic and is determined to carry out her quest! Therefore, she was an enjoyable character, and I could not help rooting for her to succeed! I also love Louisa’s relationship with Sir Charles. It was a slow-burn romance. Sir Charles was very protective of Louisa. He was a true gentleman and a hero! I enjoyed their love story and wanted them to be together!


      Overall, this novel is about redemption, forgiveness, and love! The moral of the story is that if you repent of your ways, through God’s mercy, you will be transformed! I thought that all of the characters were likable, though the uncle was a cartoonish villain! I also liked the setting of medieval England and Scotland! I thought Lady of Disguise was a very unique and creative retelling! Lady of Disguise was a very light and breezy read! The story was simple and sweet! It is a perfect novel to read on a Sunday afternoon! I recommend this book to fans of Jody Hedlund, Karen Witemeyer, and Brittany Fitcher!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


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