On Tour with Prism Books! The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

About the Book

The Piper's Pursuit

(Hagenheim #10)

By Melanie Dickerson

YA Fairy Tale Retelling, Christian, Historical

Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 320 Pages

December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson

A fairy-tale journey of intrigue and romance that reimagines the classic Pied Piper story.

A plague of rats. A giant beast outside the village walls. A host of missing children. And one young woman determined to save her people. 

In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina faces threats from all sides. An outbreak of rats has overtaken the village, a mysterious beast is on a killing rampage of the village’s children, and Katerina’s evil stepfather is a dark presence inside the walls of her own home. Katerina is determined to hunt and kill the Beast of Hamlin herself before more lives are lost.

When Steffan, the handsome but brash duke’s son, comes to town seeking glory and reward, Katerina decides he might be the ally she’s been looking for—even though the only gentle thing about him seems to be the sweet music he plays on his pipe. But there’s more to Steffan than she suspects, and she finds herself drawn to him despite her misgivings.

Together Katerina and Steffan must stop the enemy from stealing the children of Hamlin. But their interference might create an even worse fate for the entire village.

Praise for The Piper’s Pursuit

“The Piper’s Pursuit is a lovely tale of adventure, romance, and redemption. Kat and Steffan’s righteous quest will have you rooting them on until the very satisfying end!” —LORIE LANGDON, author of Olivia Twist and the DOON series

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My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

My Thoughts

Melanie's books never cease to amaze me. Her ability to bring my favorite fairy tales to life in a beautiful and pure way just makes my heart soar. 

In The Piper's Pursuit, Katerina's goal is to keep her people safe. Especially from her evil step-father. Marinated in lies and bathed in deception...the town of Hamlin is under the thumb of the mayor, Henneck. I so love Kat's heart. She is protective and kind, she has her people's best interest as her priority and defeating the beast of Hamlin to keep her people safe. And then...Steffan of Hagenheim had the audacity to show up on her door! Although it's a good thing he did. 

This story is riddled with danger and adventure. From fighting the beast, fleeing Henneck and his guards, protecting children, and freeing a city...Kat and Steffan will take you on a journey as they pursue truth, freedom, and love. 

TRIGGER WARNING: There are a couple of elements in this story that deals with small children being treated very poorly and being hurt. I had to skim a couple of these scenes because it was causing some anxiety. It isn't graphic or anything, but I have a really hard time reading anything about kids being hurt.

I received a complimentary copy of The Piper's Pursuit from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

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Tour Schedule

The Orphan's Wish - Hagenheim Book 8 - Melanie Dickerson

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book

From the streets to an orphanage in a faraway kingdom, Aladdin has grown up alone. Until he meets Kirstyn. With a father who is the Duke of Hagenheim and a mother who is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives, Kirstyn is a member of the most powerful family in the land . . . and way out of his league. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion for taking walks in the forest, and their childhood friendship grows along with them.

Through his scrappy skills, intelligence, and hard work, Aladdin earns a position serving in the duke’s house. But he knows it isn’t enough to grant him his one desire: Kirstyn’s hand in marriage. If he hopes to change his station in life and feel worthy of marrying Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim to seek his fortune.

But once Aladdin leaves, no one is around to protect Kirstyn, and the greedy men desperate to take advantage of her father’s wealth take notice. Now, more than Aladdin’s background stands in the way of the future he’s worked so hard to obtain. His only hope is to rescue Kirstyn and somehow manage to win her hand as well. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Fairy Tale retellings have always been a favorite of mine. And Melanie Dickerson's are among my absolute favorites! She has a unique way of taking the fantasy stories and making them come alive in the real world. In The Orphan's Wish, Melanie's latest release, we get to see Aladdin's story. Not only do these stories have realistic qualities to them, but they are also sprinkled with faith and hope in God, our Father and Creator. 

Having been orphaned at a young age, Aladdin has been searching for his worth and fortune his whole life. Kirstyn is a tender-hearted young woman who always looks for the good in those around her. Aladdin and Kirstyn have been friends their whole lives, but will their friendship ever blossom into something more? What will happen when evil threatens the life of Aladdin's closest friend? 

Get whisked away into the world of Kirstyn and Aladdin. You will be on the edge of your seat as events unfold. Feel the agony of betrayal, the joy of family, and the hope of our faith...And fall in love with Aladdin and Kirstyn. You don't want to miss this newest adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of The Orphan's Wish from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author whose two favorite time periods are Medieval, which she has combined with her love of fairy tales, and Regency England, which stems from her love of Jane Austen. She is a 2-time Christy Award finalist, a 2-time Maggie Award winner, winner of The National Reader's Choice Award for 2010's Best First Book, and winner of the 2012 Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing, hanging out on facebook, and being with her husband, two daughters, and two guinea pigs near Huntsville, Alabama. (From Melanie's Amazon author page.)

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Books by Melanie Dickerson on Bookworm Mama

Medieval Fairy Tale Romance

 Hagenheim

 Coming Soon

Coming February 2019

The Noble Servant - Medieval Fairy Tale Romance Book 3 - Melanie DIckerson

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book

She lost everything to an evil conspiracy . . . but that loss may just give her all she ever wanted.

Since meeting Steffan, the Duke of Wolfberg, at Thornbeck Castle, Lady Magdalen has not been able to stop thinking about him. She knows—as a penniless lady with little to offer in terms of a dowry—she has no real hope of marrying such a highly titled man, so it comes as a great surprise when she receives a letter from him, asking for her hand in marriage.

But all is not what it seems at Wolfberg Castle. Steffan has been evicted by his scheming uncle, and his cousin has taken over the title of duke. Left for dead, Steffan is able to escape, and disguised as a shepherd, hopes to gain entry to the castle to claim the items that will prove he is the true Duke of Wolfberg.

Journeying to the castle, Magdalen has no idea what awaits her, but she certainly did not expect her loyal maidservant to turn on her. Forcing Magdalen to trade places with her, the servant plans to marry the duke and force Magdalen to tend the geese.

Without their respective titles—and the privileges that came with them—Steffan and Magdalen’s lives are adrift. If Lord Hazen discovers them, he will kill Steffan and force Magdalen to marry his own spoiled son—to insure the success of his evil plans. A Goose Girl retelling, with shades of The Prince and the Pauper.

My Thoughts

I have always loved the way Melanie Dickerson can take a fairy tale and weave in scripture and faith seamlessly. Our leading characters in The Noble Servant are faced with so many trials. But through the hard things they face, they allow God to change their hearts. To mold them into a better person. And if it wasn't for their worlds falling to pieces around them. It is possible that their paths would not have led them to each other. 

In the midst of chaos it can be hard to see God's blessings. To put your trust in God when your world falls apart can be easier said than done. Yet time after time (at least for me personally) He always has a way of making something beautiful blossom from the ashes of what once was. 

This book has adventure, deceit, romance, betrayal, and a twist on The Goose Girl that is sure to captivate you. I love the friendship that Steffan and Magdalen build. Trust, honor, truth, "Chivalrous to the core." As they both undergo a transformation set in motion by their circumstances, their relationship grows and their trust in God's plan does too.

I received a complimentary copy of The Noble Servant through NetGalley.I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Purchase Options

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author whose two favorite time periods are Medieval, which she has combined with her love of fairy tales, and Regency England, which stems from her love of Jane Austen. She is a 2-time Christy Award finalist, a 2-time Maggie Award winner, winner of The National Reader's Choice Award for 2010's Best First Book, and winner of the 2012 Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing, hanging out on facebook, and being with her husband, two daughters, and two guinea pigs near Huntsville, Alabama. (From Melanie's Amazon author page.)

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More Books by Melanie Dickerson on Bookworm Mama

Medieval Fairy Tale Romance

 Hagenheim

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva.

Top Ten Tuesday - Reasons I Pick Up a Book

Thanks to the wonderful Carrie from Reading is my SuperPower and the brilliant minds from The Broke and the Bookish...I have finally decided to jump into the Top Ten Tuesday posts! Yay! It only took me about a year to finally get around to it. Better late than never right? This week's topic will hopefully be enlightening for you...and I am curious to know your answers. So comment below before you skedaddle. 😊

As an avid Bookworm (or dragon) with a TBR pile that is threatening my existence on a daily basis (read more about this struggle on Paper Fury)...It can be a HUGE challenge to decide what books are worthy of my immediate time. However, between the "Hmmming" and "Hawing", I do have a sort of system that I TRY and stick to. Of course there are times when I abandon all reason and pick up a book spontaneously just because I want to. In no particular order...I give you....my Top Ten Reasons I Pick Up a Book!

A Friend's Recommendation

My Review

I have several bookish friends that read WAAAAY more than I do. They KNOW my style and the kinds of books that I swoon over. Hence, when they tell me I NEED to read a book (sometimes they go so far as to actually sending me the book...) I KNOW I have to move it to the "Very Tippy Top" (Nicole Coley) of my list. I am referring to The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof in this particular instance. And it is now one of my TOP FOUR FAVORITE BOOKS EVER!!! 

The Cover

I admit it...I DO judge a book by its cover. Now, I won't pass up a book just because the cover doesn't call to me...However, if the cover is beyond swoon-worthy...I will put it on my list in a heartbeat! Here are A FEW of my VERY favorite covers (in no particular order)! #coverlove 

Click the titles below to learn more about these fabulous books!
The White Feather Murders | Close to You | A Worthy Heart | The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest
At Your Request | Can't Help Falling | Not by Sight | The Lost Girl of Astor Street

The Genre

I am a SUCKER for Historical Romance (clean) and Young Adult Fiction...If the covers above didn't tell you that already...I have a hard time passing up anything in these two genres. I am slowly adapting to a wider variety...But I will ALWAYS have a soft spot for Historicals. And if it comes down to it, I am more likely to choose Historical or YA over any other genre. (The Thorn Keeper is one of my very favorite books of all time.)

Follow the links below to learn more about these books
The Thorn Keeper | Leviathan

A Unique Setting

While the genre has a lot to do with the setting of the book...I am talking about WHERE this book takes place. I am currently reading All of You by Sarah Monzon and WOW! Talk about UNIQUE! Not only is it a split timeline book, jumping back and forth between present day and WWII...But our main female characters are pilots...YES a WWII FEMALE PILOT! I have NEVER EVER read a book with this type of setting and I am COMPLETELY IN LOVE!!! (Granted I had NO idea about the setting when I picked this book up...but that is beside the point.) And this is only ONE unique aspect of this book. You will have to check it out for yourself! You can pre order All of You HERE. Pepper Basham also has wonderfully unique books. Especially her most recent one Just the Way You Are. A Britallachian book that clashes British and Appalachian cultures in a Romantic Comedy! (My Review)

Critical Reviews

As a rule...I don't read reviews on retail sites or Goodreads. But there are times when I do, and if I run across critical reviews that are (to be blunt) pathetic...It immediately makes me want to read the book. While I wholeheartedly agree with everyone having a right to their own opinion...I will NOT stand for people completely tearing down and trashing an author or their book. ESPECIALLY in the Christian Book world. We should instead, state our opinion in a way that allows the author to grow and learn. We should be encouraging and uplifting...Not destructive. Unfortunately, this happens more times than it should. One book that I have bought and read because of this...was For Such a Time by Kate Breslin. This book is now one of my favorites! My Review

The Author

I am VERY LOYAL to "My Authors" and it is very likely that I will read ANYTHING published (or not published) by certain authors. A few of those FABULOUS people are listed below. Chances are I would read their grocery list written on a napkin if it came down to it. In fact Pepper Basham DID write a grocery list...(items inspired by her books of course)...

Click on the author's name below to learn more about their books.
Jen Turano | Pepper Basham
Jody Hedlund | Kate Breslin | Kristy Cambron

Publishing House

I will 100% read a book from a different publishing house or an Indie published book. But THESE houses tend to produce the majority of the books I am drawn to. I trust the quality and the content wholeheartedly.

Bethany House Publishers | Revell

Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction

Author Recommendation

While I do consider many authors personal friends of mine...Their opinions are usually held at a different level for me. Not higher necessarily, but their insight is simply from a different point of view. Recently Rachel McMillan kept talking about The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. And I adore Rachel's books (Herringford & Watts Mysteries)! Therefore, even though I was swamped with reviews and life and adulting, I disregarded all reason and I decided I should give this book a try. I AM SO GLAD I DID!!! Check out my review HERE. 

The Title

Sometimes you just find a title that SPEAKS to you...Saying "YOU MUST READ ME!!!" Kristy Cambron's books do that to me...I mean how can I say no to The Ringmaster's Wife or The Illusionist's Apprentice? A book I recently bought purely because of the title (well and cover...and possibly the general theme...) is Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly. I know nothing about the book...except that it is an original story based off of Beauty and the Beast. (The 2017 movie is INCREDIBLE by the way...I am currently listening to the soundtrack for the 500 millionth time since I saw it in theatres a month ago. My review can be found HERE.) I look forward to getting lost in THIS book SOON!!! 

The Tag Line

I do NOT read book blurbs...you know the synopsis on the back of books? Ya...avoid them like the plague. (I apologize to authors everywhere, because I know how much work you put into writing those.) I can not abide spoilers...of ANY kind! I would rather jump in blind and sort things out as I go. I much prefer an unbiased, unspoiled opinion as I go in. HOWEVER, a good tag line is ALWAYS fun! Like with Mikal Dawn's upcoming book Count Me In (see below)! THAT combined with the AMAZING cover...and the fact that I ADORE Mikal...This book went on my TBR faster than my little fingers could type this sentence.

And there you have it my friends! Typically it is a combination of these items that will cause me to want to read a book IMMEDIATELY. But there are times when a book just stands out to me a screams my name! (Seriously, I hear it saying, "RAAAAAAACHELLLLLL......REEEEEEEEAAAAAAAD MEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!" How do you say no to that?) What about you? What makes you decide to read a book? I would love to hear your thoughts below! 

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva.