Book Review: "The Captive Maiden"

Book Description from the publisher:

Happily Ever After …Or Happily Nevermore?

Gisela’s childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father’s death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke’s son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it’s only for a taste of a life she’ll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten’s eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.


My Review:

I was intrigued when I read about Melanie Dickerson's latest novel, "The Captive Maiden," as I have not read any of her previous novels which are retelling fairy tales.  I love fairytales and have recently gotten into the show "Once Upon a Time" so this book was right up my alley!  "The Captive Maiden" is the retelling of the fairytale Cinderella (which is one of my favorites!). Gisela and Valten are both main characters whom I immediately loved and wanted to root for.  I love their journey to each other and watching their friendship develop. I feel that Melanie did an excellent job with bringing this story to life and having enough challenges and difficulties for the couple to make it realistic and holding onto my attention throughout the book.  I am eager to go read the other books that Melanie has written now as well!

*Thanks to Booksneeze for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*