Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson

BOOK 1 OF THE TALES OF THORNBECK
by 

Available May 12, 2015



MY TAKE:

Melanie Dickerson is back again with another FANTASTIC fairy tale recreation. Robin Hood meets Swan Lake - Genius.

Robin Hood has always been one of my favorite tales, so to see a strong, caring female in the role of archer is always a fun spin. Odette Menkels is both a shining light and an oddity among the women in her era. Her courage and independence make her desirable and yet outside the norm of what society expects of women at that time. Despite all societies pressures to get married for security, Odette would rather provide food for the poor and study, things she's sure a husband wouldn't allow her to do. Love is a must for marriage. Bravo, Odette. You're a woman after my own heart.

Jorgen is a strong, handsome man with mettle and valor. He's also kind and gentle. If only he had the money and societal standing to convince Odette's uncle he's a worthy suitor.

If only I could magically transport Jorgen to present day and off the pages of my book. Wow. He had me at hello, so to speak. :) The growing relationship between he and Odette is not just sweet, but at moments breathless. Even though it seems to be doomed from the beginning, happily ever afters are possible in Thornbeck Forest and I love the twists and turns that finally bring them together.

Melanie did an amazing job recreating a story I love into another tale I love just as much. Odette and Jorgen are characters that transcend the page and become legends in their own right.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

A beautiful maiden who poaches to feed the poor. A handsome forester on a mission to catch her. Danger and love are about to unite in Thornbeck Forest.

The margrave owns the finest hunting grounds for miles around—and Odette Menkels spends her nights poaching his deer to feed the hungry orphans of Thornbeck. By day, Odette is a simple maiden who teaches children to read, but by night this young beauty has become the secret lifeline to the poorest of the poor.

For Jorgen Hartman, the margrave’s forester, tracking down a poacher is a duty he is all too willing to perform. Jorgen inherited his post from the man who raised him ... a man who was murdered at the hands of a poacher. When Jorgen and Odette meet at the Midsummer festival and share a connection during a dance, neither has any idea that they are already adversaries. The one man she wants is bound by duty to capture her; the one woman he loves is his cunning target . . .

What becomes of a forester who protects a notorious poacher? What becomes of a poacher when she is finally discovered?




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama.

 She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.



I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. 

2 comments:

Melanie Dickerson said...

Thanks, April!!! I so appreciate this review! And so happy you liked it. God bless you!

April Erwin said...

You're welcome, Melanie. :) Thanks for stopping by. Your books always make me happy. God bless you as well.