Melanie Dickerson treats us to another of her retelling of fairy tales with an inspirational twist. This one is Sleeping Beauty and it’s very good indeed. The hero and heroine are wonderful as are many secondary characters. I haven’t missed a one of these stories.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.

Veil of Winter
by Melanie Dickerson
Pub Date: JUne 14, 2022
Thomas Nelson
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
* Romance * Christian fiction
She’s hounded from every side by treacherous elements and foes, but her greatest enemy lies within.
Dericott Tales #3
Veil of Winter is a book that I would recommend to those who enjoy teen clean romances. Veil of Winter is a clean, Christian teen historical book.
3 stars

I’ve read a few of Melanie Dickerson’s books and they are all wonderfully written. She can take cherished fairytales and give them a medieval twist.
In this story, there are many intriguing characters. An evil villain, an unloving parent, a tender-hearted heroine, and a knight-in-shining-armor.
This book takes you on a ride of your life through many trials and struggles but in the end, the reader is rewarded with a captivating story of love!
Melanie Dickerson is an author who makes the reader feel like they are right there with the characters.
Woven throughout this book there are bits of sweet moments in these two main characters’ lives. Even though one of the characters is a royal, we still see things in both their lives that are very relatable to us as readers.
When we can put ourselves in the characters’ lives and understand the pains and joys, that is what makes a book great! This author has done that!
I highly recommend you pick this book up and enjoy all the pageantry and sweet romance of this magical book!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5/5⭐️

Full disclosure, I haven’t read the previous 2 books in this YA Christian romance series, but I didn’t feel lost.

Set in 14th-century (near France), Princess Elyce has been raised to be proper, obedient and basically emotionless by her father and aunt. However, she rebels when her father arranges a political marriage and forms an alliance with a neighboring king to use her people for dangerous forced labor. Two English knights vow to help her and thus begins their adventure.

This has fairytale vibes (Sleeping Beauty) centering around a sweet romance. Being a Christian myself, I loved the aspect of relying on and having faith in God to overcome evil and triumph. And I think the author succeeds admirably in this endeavor.

My caveat here is in the simplicity of the writing. Yes, it is geared toward teens, but even so, I felt it lacked a spark of engagement and excitement that a more detailed, sophisticated narrative might have conveyed.

Overall, I commend the author for the faith-based content and a sweet love story for Elyce and Gerard.

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing the free early arc of Veil of Winter for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Another clever story set in midieval Europe by Melanie Dickerson! I enjoyed the hints of Sleeping Beauty in the story and the strength the characters found in each other. The reliance on God and the characters' natural inclination to turn to prayer, especially in times of trouble and when need info guidance, was inspiring. I was happy to see both happy endings for multiple people in this book! The story stands alone, though references are made to previous books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I always really enjoy reading Melanie Dickerson's books and Veil of Winter was no exception. This was an incredibly sweet retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story. I was very excited when I heard that it was going to be a Sleeping Beauty retelling because it has always been my favorite fairy tale and Melanie's version did not disappoint! I loved the twist that Princess Elyse was far less than pleased at being awoken with a kiss. As always, she included strong characters who had realistic flaws. I love that she doesn't make her characters uncomfortably perfect., though, I found myself connecting more. In fact, I related a great deal to Elyse. That may be why I didn't "bond" with her as easily as I did Delia and Audrey. As she showed more of her personality I really enjoyed getting to "visit" with Gerard and the rest of his family again. This story was incredibly easy to read and well written. The scenery as they traveled was beautifully described and I really would love to journey to Elyse's kingdom. I'm looking forward to more books in the series and seeing more of Delia's siblings find their happily ever after.

Dastardly intrigue, greed, envy, lust (to a small extent), and general meanness populate the plot of this book. It's a picture of our world today without the presence of Christ.

Sir Gerard is a man in tune with God who hears a call for help and heeds it. His sister had received a letter from her friend, Princess Elyce of Montciel, requesting aid to thwart an evil scheme her father has entered into with the king of Valkfeld. Sir Gerard sees Elyce in a dream and knows that she needs his assistance in breaking this alliance and in fighting the enslavement of her people.

Melanie Dickerson has taken several fairy tales, fleshed them out into novel-length tales that hearken back to the reader's childhood, but also touches something in the reader's adulthood. For someone who has loved reading since an early age, I felt this book hit a lot of notes with my inner child.

There were times when the plot dragged a bit too much for my liking, but those were few and far between. The characters were well fleshed-out. I got particularly perturbed when Elyce's companion, Ysabeau, deserted her in her time of need. I understood Ysa's motivation, but it still made me a bit mad, nonetheless.

Four Strong Stars

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I have not read a Melanie Dickerson book I didn't like. This one is no exception. Ms. Dickerson gives the fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty a new update. You have the strong female figure in Princess Elyce. She is determined to save her people from being enslaved by her father and the neighboring King Conrad. They are both interested in making money off of there subjects and hey don't care what happens to them. Bring in the kissing hero, Sir Gerard, a knight from England, who is a younger brother to a King.
Delia a close friend to Princess Elyce has asked her brother Gerard to go and help Elyce. He said he must pray about it first. He feels as if God is leading him to go and assist Delia's friend. So with his best friend and fellow knight they take off from England. There is lots of travel with suspense and a happy ending. What more could you ask for. If you are looking for a nice clean Christian romance for a daughter or YA, this is it. I want to thank Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this delightful book. The opinions in this review are strictly my own.

While normally I love these retellings with a new twist this one wasn't for me. The main character was so annoying in her thoughts that I couldn't enjoy the story.
Add to that God became the absolute focus. While the author normally has a lot of religious input and push behind the story it isn't brought up every page. This book was all about God's love and following him.
Just not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this novel for the E-Arc copy. I am rating this book based on my own personal opinion and was not given anything in return. I am not leaving a entire review because I read so many at a time that I physically cannot right now.
#VeilofWinter #NetGalley

I've come to expect great things whenever I pick up a Melanie Dickerson novel, and I've honestly loved each title so far in The Dericott Tales. In this third installment, the author tackles the Sleeping Beauty story in more of a loosely inspired by way, and I really ended up enjoying the way she crafted an imaginative story that wraps around the classic fairytale narrative.

The setting is immersive and wondrous, and I think the setting of this one being in the winter is probably my favorite of the series so far. While Elyce was a character I didn't instantly connect with, I did start to enjoy her more as the story went on, and I appreciated the amount of selflessness and bravery she portrays as she's determined to see her people have the future they deserve.

The romance was sweet and well done, and I liked Gerard right from the beginning. I loved the reason he came to Montciel in the first place, and just how much his and Elyce's faith played an important role in the story. Their faith came across as authentic, and something that played an important part in both of their day to day lives.

It wouldn't be a Melanie Dickerson novel without lots of adventure and plot twists thrown in for good measure, and this one certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. I read through it pretty quickly, and was perfectly content with how she chose to wrap everything up.

Final Rating: 4/5.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this one, and I can't wait to continue on with this series in the future.

Definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys clean, faith based young adult stories, and for anyone who loves historical fairytale retellings.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Veil of Winter is the third installment in The Dericott Tales series by Melanie Dickerson, but it reads well as a stand-alone novel as well. Set mostly in the Holy Roman Empire (with a connection to England) the novel recounts the trials and efforts of Princess Elyce as she tries to prevent the ill fate of both herself and her kingdom. Led by her faith in God and her hope for a better future for herself and her kingdom, she joins with two knights from England in a quest to bring justice to her people in Montciel. Though it is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, it is crafted in a way that helps the reader forget it is a retelling. It takes basic elements of the classic story and weaves them into a new tale entirely new and engaging.

Princess Elyce struggles with the harsh words her father and aunt have spoken to her throughout her life. She doubts her own ability and her worth, but conveys the truth that we should not define or limit ourselves by the unkindness and meanness of others. Many women can relate to her fear that she is too emotional and too much to be loved, but her relationship with Sir Gerard illuminates how love sees the person and delights in them wholly despite any faults.

Veil of Winter is a wonderful tale of having the courage to face obstacles even when your confidence falters at times. It is a novel which both adults and young adults would enjoy for the purity of the characters and their courage in facing their trials. Though at times the storyline is a bit simplistic for an adult and the romance is a bit prominent for a youth, the novel presents characters who’s hearts and struggles will move and teach people of all ages.

Another fairytale retelling from Melanie Dickerson. This time it is Sleeping Beauty. An adventurous story about a princess and a foreign knight. I feel the story could have been fleshed out a little more. The author tends to tell us what to think, rather then let the actions of a character tell us about them. I think this would make the story stronger and more enjoyable. I still think it is a fun novel for the intended audience.

A very creative retelling of Sleeping Beauty that fits perfectly in The Dericott series. Princess Elyse wants to honor and care for her people. She cannot understand how or why her father would form an alliance that would threaten the wellbeing and livelihood of her people. She thinks of a creative solution that lands her in more trouble than when she started. However, along the way, she meets Sir Gerard. Then things really get interesting! Gerard answered a call received during prayer to help and assist his sister’s friend. He knows nothing of Elyse and upon first meeting, is not impressed. He is honorable though and will do what he has been summoned to do. Along the way, they both learn there is more to the other than first realized. Gerard helps Elyse save her kingdom and find her own happily ever after. A sweet, young adult fairytale retelling that is clean and entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This third book in the Dericott Tales by Melanie Dickerson is another retelling of a Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty. If you're looking for chill, laid back romance story without heavy drama this one is for you.

It is very rare in a love story that religion will be used as the characters' guidance in their development as the story goes on. Especially in this setting, Medieval times, it is when politics and religion always has a conflict of interest.

Special thanks to the publisher Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for providing an arc. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My favorite of this series. I love that Melanie Dickerson is still doing her fairy tale retellings. And I love it even more that she's doing it in a new setting. However I think it's safe to say that I'm no longer her target audience and that's okay. Her books are geared towards teens, and I'm glad for the teen reader who want's romance without all the steam as it seems a lot of YA Romance has gone that way recently Melanie's haven't. they've remained sweet.

DNF ; made it to 23%.

Oof, I just cannot finish this one. A little too much God for my tastes, a little too much of characters' voices blending, and a little too much, uh, instant trusting and the like (example - Ysa spilling details to the two knights; wasn't believable or rational, in my opinion). I didn't know it was YA, nor that it was part of a series, although according to the author the three installments can be read alone, for anyone interested. But this novel does bring back characters from the previous novels, so take that as you will. It felt too easy? Maybe that's the word I am wanting? Like how on competition shows, they accuse some competitors as playing it too safe. That's similar to how this novel feels; bland. Safe. I wanted to like it, seeing as I love me some Brothers Grimm and "Sleeping Beauty", however, I didn't enjoy it enough to stick it through.

I liked the character names and the cover, though, for what it's worth.

Princess Elyse needs help escaping an arranged marriage. Her friend sends Sir Gerard, her brother, to help Elyse escape. They take a strenuous trip to Prague to get King Wenceslaus to help her and then return to face their foes. This is an intriguing tale of Kings and Queens and Knights. It is well worth your time to read. I enjoyed it immensely and will be looking up books 1 and 2 in this series so I don't miss anything!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

The third book in the Derricott series, this book was a pleasant read and good for a bout of escapism. I think that this book would appeal to young adults (or lovers of fairytales), especially those who see emotions as a bad thing as they could relate to the main female character's struggles.

I got this in exchange for a honest review. This is one I will be buying for our libraries and recommending. I personally enjoyed it and really got into it. There is a faith element, which I personally enjoyed.

3/5

Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickersonis the third instalment of her Dericott tales, this one a very loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty. In this book we follow one of the seven Dericott sons, Gerard, and his travels to the kingdom of Montciel. Our female lead this time is the Princess of Montciel, Elyce, and her plight is to save her people from a neighbouring king and her own father who want to enslave the people for their own profit. After Gerard has a vision to help Elyce, they have to work together to survive a harsh winter and gain allies in neighbouring countries.

As usual, Dickerson’s book is littered with feel good moments, daring sword fights, sweet romance, heavy religious themes, and fast-paced adventuring. I can always count on her books to bring a smile to my face.

Let’s start with Elyce. She had a great start, and her whole personal dilemma was interesting… at first. Then it became really repetitive. Obviously this “problem” was a big deal in the 14th century but I couldn’t help but scoff at her emotional plight (emotional being the key word). Anyway, I liked her at the beginning when she took matters into her own hands and actually did something, but very soon after she became very useless (imo).

Gerard was an interesting character. Very typical heroic man, and that’s all I have to say about him really.

I did like the mention of historical figures that were scattered through this book. Mainly of key figures like King Richard, Queen Anne and King Wenceslaus… however the dates that these monarchs ruled were off by about 100 years. Oops.

The plot was very typical, and the resolutions even more so. But that’s what I expected so I can’t be mad.

I reeaaally liked the previous book, Castle of Refuge, so that’s why I’m only giving this one 3 stars.

Hopefully I like the next instalment a bit more, but for sure I will be reading it no matter what.