Melanie Dickerson's novel The Golden Braid would be quite familiar to most readers, because it is based on the fairy-tale legend of "Rapunzel," which is from a collection of stories by the Brothers Grimm. Their collection of tales was first published in 1812, and has been read and enjoyed by the generations--including the most recent modern day adaptation--the Disney film Tangled. Fairy-tales are always lovely to read, and this book brings to life a wonderful story from my childhood. In fact, this particular text is from Dickerson's Fairy Tale Romance Collection, and I will be reviewing each novel from this series in the upcoming months.
At the start of the text, the reader gets introduced to
Rapunzel and her mother--or at least the only mother Rapunzel has ever
known. Rapunzel's one wish in life is to
learn how to read. Her mother's constant
upheaval of their lives from town to town makes it difficult for Rapunzel to
make friends--let alone learn to read.
Yet one day they happen upon a kind stranger on the road who saves them
from a band of robbers--this one connection will change the course of
Rapunzel's life forever.
Sir Gerek is a loyal knight under the rule of Duke Wilhelm
of Hagenheim. This noble knight can be
quite intimidating to those he meets, but his one character flaw is mostly
connected to his past. While he so
wishes to never repeat the mistakes of his father, he seems to be a bit
overbearing at times. However, Sir Gerek
has a kind heart, and he wants to live an honorable life for himself and the
woman he will marry. Yet the ghosts of
his past must be dealt with in order for him to move forward. Could a lowly peasant girl be the one to help
him unlock his heart?
Mystery, intrigue, deceit, revenge, and forgiveness are the
ingredients that make up this true to life tale. And it is easy to become connected with
various characters as you hope for a good and victorious ending. There were moments where I read rather
quickly in order to find out the fate of a certain individual--all the while
not realizing I was holding my breath.
This is a beautiful read for those who love to revisit
childhood stories, because this novel has a modern day twist that is perfect
for the child at heart yet still connects with the adult who dreams of magical
lands living within the pages of books. If
you enjoy classic tales that include dukes, knights, lords, and ladies--this
book is for you!
About The Book
*Rapunzel can throw a
knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival
those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the
one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to
read.
After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.
After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.
But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change
After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.
After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.
But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change
everything—except her happily ever after.
*Synopsis is from the back cover of the novel.
About the Author
Visit her online at: www.melaniedickerson.com
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