The Fairest Beauty (Fairy Tale Romance Series)

I have enjoyed all the books I’ve read so far by this author. They are not drawn out like some stories. It means less explanation and details but also keeps my attention. Many of the stories are predictable but as they are based on other stories it is easy to know the end before even starting. I am impressed with the author’s way of pulling me in to the story and though the end is easy enough to guess the path to it is fascinating. There are some surprises but not many. I recommend this, and all the other books in this series, to anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings. They are short easy reads. I had trouble putting them down and finished most in one day. Be warned this is Christian fiction so God and faith are mentioned a lot. I have trouble finding good clean romance and these stories have been a blessing to me.

When young Gabe hears that his brother's betrothed, long thought dead, is living as a mistreated scullery maid in her stepmother's castle, he recklessly sets off alone on a quest to free her. Never mind that his brother is a tournament champion and Gabe has never been that interested in training and competitions; this is his chance to show that he's just as valiant as Valten. Surely infiltrating Duchess Ermengard's home and whisking away one maid can't be that difficult.Having grown up believing she is an orphan, Sophie tries to be an expert at pleasing the exacting and cruel Duchess Ermengard, but often finds herself punished for the most minor infractions. Life seems hopeless in Hohendorf, as the Duchess never lets anyone leave and rarely do any new visitors come to the castle. When a well-dressed troubadour mysteriously appears, claiming to want to sing the praises of Duchess Ermengard, everyone is suspicious that he is not who he claims to be.At first I had a hard time getting into this story. Gabe seems far too irresponsible and thoughtless, and Sophie didn't seem like she had much of a personality. But as the story progressed I realized Sophie seemed one-dimensional because the abuse she had suffered robbed her of any joy or spark of individuality. It was once she realized that she was valued and that she could hope for a better future that she began coming alive. You can't overestimate the work of hope in an oppressive situation! Gabe goes through tremendous character growth, too, as he realizes that this quest to save Sophie isn't a lark, but rather a truly dangerous situation which will require strength and sacrifice if either of them are to survive.This story includes lots of classic "Snow White" references, including the huntsman ordered to kill Sophie, the seven unusual men who offer shelter to our main characters when they desperately need it, and a poisoned apple which threatens every hope of a happy ending. Even though Gabe and Sophie are mindful of the fact that she is betrothed to Valten, a bond quickly forms between them as they work together to secure the future which Duchess Ermengard has tried to steal from her.My favorite part of this novel was seeing Sophie's faith carry her through. When she realizes that the Duchess is actually her stepmother and all that has been taken away from her through evil intentions, she doesn't let despair or hate take over her heart. With the encouragement of others, she is able to actively choose to let God do His healing work in her. It's not an instantaneously healing, but rather a choice each time she is hurting to embrace God rather than anger. Watching her, Gabe also realizes that he can accept God's healing in various ways in his life, too. These kinds of lessons are ones I love seeing because they meet us right where we are. God wants to work in our lives so that our struggles and sorrows bring us closer to Him, but we can easily get in the way and shut Him out. Purposefully being open to His love, mercy, and grace is something we can all choose, giving Him a chance to do a transforming work in us.

I love fairy tale re-tellings. There is just something about knowing the old story, yet reading it in a fresh new style. Dickerson definitely delivers that with The Fairest Beauty. Having read her first two books, I have to say that I enjoyed this one the most. The plot was more fast moving and more adventuresome than how I remember the first two. There were definitely big things at stake, which lent a more urgency to the story.What keeps from bumping it up to five stars is that some of the characters just didn't have enough depth for me. Sophie is nearly perfect - she's beautiful, always kindhearted (even in her thoughts toward the evil duchess who is trying to kill her!) and just wasn't someone I could always relate with. Some of her decisions were way too naive - I wanted more of a twist with the "old woman" and apple scenario. It was very Disney-esque. Now, for the fairy tale aspect, I suppose that it makes sense that she is kind and perfect and good, but at times it was a bit much. I liked Gabe much more! He was endearing, impulsive, foolhardy, stubborn and all-around likable - there were real flaws there and that made him realistic in a way that Sophie never becomes for me.There are also a couple of plot points that come across as devices instead of naturally occurring in the story, and the ending was very "deus ex machina." Something just happens to make everything easier on the characters, and I thought it just came across as too convenient.Despite these two issues, I still had fun reading this story. I loved the "Seven," and the way she twists the seven dwarfs idea around a bit with their different characteristics. They weren't cookie-cutter with the different characteristics, which I really loved. The romance is also really sweet, and I thought it was very well-done. While it might have been shorter compared to other stories, it fit in well with the fairy tale element.I found the family aspect of the story to be well-done too. Gabe & Sophie have to realize that their actions have consequences not only for them but also for their family, and the way they rise to occasion when this happens is admirable. They draw strength from their faith without the spiritual elements coming across as preachy. It felt very natural within the story.It was also neat to see the characters from The Healer's Apprentice at the end of the story - it was a very subtle connection, but fun if you've read the first book. I don't think it would be a problem to read this one first though as no plot-points of the previous book are given away.I realize that I'm not technically the intended audience for this book - I'd imagine a young teen girl probably would have no problem with the things in which I found issue. Even so, I loved this for being a light, fun fairy tale with characters that had many admirable, endearing qualities.

WARNING - you will fall in love with all the characters!!

It's a wonderful telling of Snow white and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how it ties in with the previous book especially.

This story is so dramatic and full of complication and I was moved in tears, I loved it, I can't wait for the next book.

Oh, the feels!!Yes, I cried, I laughed out loud and I even wanted to put the book down! *Gasp* It was such an intense scene at the end of the book and I was like... NOOOOOOoooooOOOOOooo!!!! I had to just get up, finish my coffee and then go back to reading, lol! I am so glad I did. Thank you for hard things like wood. *wipes sweat off brow*So, for the actual review...Wilhelm and Rose's two boys find out that Valten's betrothed may be still alive. But, she is danger and Valten's leg is broken. He can't go to get her. His brother Gabe decides to go instead - without permission!The book is larger than the rest in the Series and took a bit more to get through. Yet, it didn't feel like it was too long. It was perfect, I feel, for the story! I really thought this book did well in the whole "Snow White" feel. Melanie truly captures the original fairytales yet, bring you to a whole new level in History, while still having adventure and romance. I absolutely ADORED the Cottage of Seven when they finally arrived there. Just adored each one!!! I don't even know which one is my favourite yet.Ahh, Sophie. Sweet, little Sophie and her carelessly brave rescuer! This book is a picture of redemption and coming into oneself, or taking responsibility. Too bad some chose the wrong path. But, true to Christianity itself, it was offered to all - but the choice is only in the person to accept it or not. That is their responsibility. What a great story. I kept singing the song "Priceless" by For King and Country through it. It is PRICELESS!Melanie never fails us in another classic retelling!15+Recommended as a Christian YA Retelling Fiction Novel.[...]

I purchased this book, because I own and have read some of Melanie's previous books -- and have enjoyed her writing immensely ! I did enjoy "Fairest Beauty" very much ... but two things I was aware of as the book was coming to a conclusion. First off -- I felt the book could have held more pages and continuation -- it was rather on the small side (which disappointed me). And secondly -- because the book was small to begin with -- the ending came about too swiftly and it ended predictably and too smoothly .... without ongoing suspense and excitement right up to the final page. Other than that ... I loved the book !