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    The Fairest Beauty
    The Fairest Beauty
    The Fairest Beauty
    Audiobook8 hours

    The Fairest Beauty

    Written by Melanie Dickerson

    Narrated by Jude Mason

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    A daring rescue. A difficult choice.

     

    Sophie desperately wants to get away from her stepmother’s jealousy, and believes escape is her only chance to be happy. Then a young man named Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and everything twists upside down. This could be Sophie’s one chance at freedom—but can she trust another person to keep her safe?

     

    Gabe defied his parents Rose and Wilhelm by going to find Sophie, and now he believes they had a right to worry: the girl’s inner and outer beauty has enchanted him. Though romance is impossible—she is his brother’s future wife, and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else—he promises himself he will see the mission through, no matter what.

    When the pair flee to the Cottage of the Seven, they find help—but also find their feelings for each other have grown. Now both must not only protect each other from the dangers around them—they must also protect their hearts.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZonderkidz
    Release dateNov 10, 2015
    ISBN9780310757771
    Author

    Melanie Dickerson

    Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author and two-time Christy Award winner. Melanie spends her time daydreaming, researching the most fascinating historical time periods, and writing and editing her happily-ever-afters. Visit her online at MelanieDickerson.com; Facebook: @MelanieDickersonBooks; Twitter: @MelanieAuthor; Instagram: @melaniedickerson123.

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    Reviews for The Fairest Beauty

    4/5

    152 ratings13 reviews

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    • 1/5
      From what I've gathered binge reading this series Melanie Dickerson has perfected the formula she uses for her romances. Guy meets a girl he shouldn't be thinking of, girl meets the first ever guy that's really nice to her and she starts falling for him. He is the only one that could rescue her from the dire situation she's in. And so on and so forth.I was really excited when Sophie first appeared to be a competent girl with a good head on her shoulders. She's beautiful, kind, hard-working, and enjoys the simple pleasures in life. She kind of has to because the Dutchess she lives with is absolutely horrible to her, sending her off to the dungeon every other week for petty mistakes or sometimes just because it's empty (jk it just sounded funny). She cares for the other servants around her and has created her own little family with them since she's an orphan. When this guy named Gabe comes to see her Dutchess Sophie begins to hope after he tells her that he's going to get her out of there.Gee I really did like Sophie until they got out of the castle. Then the whole "woe is me, everything is my fault" schpiel started and every time something bad happened she blamed herself and I rolled my eyes. Oh no, it's raining looks like it's Sophie's fault. Oh no, Gabeheart decided to plunge himself in front of Sophie to take an arrow for her looks like Sophie is totally to blame. Blech I almost quit but I really wanted to know if the Huntsman (whose name I totally forgot) was going to come back and rescue Sophie. Yes he was a pig and deserved to be banished but in the end, he did help her escape the least he could've gotten was acknowledgment and maybe a Thank You? I don't know.There's not much else to say other than how annoying it got when Dickerson forgot her own characterizations. Sophie thinks she's plain because that's what the Dutchess has told her all her life but she also knows she's beautiful? Which one is it hun??? Then Sophie hates Valten because he's not Gabe obviously but at the same time she's painting him as a villain. Then the next minute his sisters are convincing her that he's not that bad? OkerrrrrrThe climaxes are always boring but this one was hilarious. I'm sorry one of the dwarves...I'm sorry, one of the seven got hurt but it was almost comical the way it happened.
    • 4/5
      This was a good book! But I will admit that I prefer "The Merchant's Daughter" over this one. (Sorry, I think we all have our favorites, don't we?)

      Sophie grew up not knowing her own lineage. For years, she slaved away as a servant in the castle of her step-mother. Sophie is sweet, innocent, and helpful to those she meets. Everyone comes to love and respect her. Only her step-mother hates her with every fiber of her being. She hates her so much that she throws Sophie into the dungeon/prison for every little offense she can think of. Nothing gives the old bat more delight than to punish Sophie and make her suffer. No wonder Sophie dreams of a life away from there. When she realizes that she may be the dead/missing daughter of a duke---wow. It should come as no surprise to her as to why she has been terribly mistreated by her step-mother.

      Gabe is a man who is tired of being lesser than his older brother. He wants to prove to everyone around him that he is just as good, if not better, than Valten. So when he hears this possibility of Sophie being alive after all these years, he sets out to play the hero by simply saving the damsel and charming whoever stands in his way. This is all supposed to be fairly simple. But he's never met someone this evil before.

      Love comes unexpectedly for both Gabe and Sophie. It is sweet without being overly mushy. You will love the seven men. They are definitely not what I had in mind, but Melanie Dickerson certainly did her best to make them outstanding and memorable.
    • 2/5
      I was so disappointed. I loved the healer's apprentice and enjoyed the merchant's daughter, so I was so excited to read this book. But this felt like a cheap imitation.

      Sophie seriously annoyed me. I understand that your master constantly trying to hurt you and insult you by telling you things like "you're ugly, you're wicked" could take its toll on a person's self esteem, but not usually when you you have no esteem or regard for that person either. In the beginning, as the duchess is hurling these words at her, in her head, she's is not agreeing or questioning, but outright denying the accusations. Her self-esteem seems pretty healthy to me. Plus she has Petra telling her not to believe any of it. And almost all of the other servants are showering her in affection. She doesn't cave when a man (Lorencz) pays her attention. All signs point to a confident, strong young woman. And then, as soon as the romance starts between her and Gabe, all of these insecurities start. And she becomes stupid.

      She can plainly read Gabe's emotions, whether it be longing or pain, but constantly tells herself that he doesn't love her and will leave her. Ugh. And despite a couple of other adjectives, like virtue, innocence and kindness, Gabe seems to only love her for her beauty. 9 times out of 10, that is what he is commenting or fixating on. It seemed like a very shallow passion built on shaky foundation.

      Previously, I really liked the Christian elements Dickerson had woven into classic fairy tales, but this was a sham. They were both betrothed! So what was with all the kissing?! Totally inappropriate. Even if she had not yet met her fiance, she knew she was engaged, yet she allowed and encouraged Gabe's advances. Both of them were cheating. It was not okay. The whole time it was happening, I kept thinking of one of my favorite lines from Pride and Prejudice: "How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue." How fitting.

      Neither of them seemed concerned about what God wanted for them, despite the Bible references, and were determined to do what they wanted. Nothing like the steady faithfulness displayed in the healers apprentice.

      All of the family coming out of the woodwork at the end was too much. I'm all for happy endings, but it just... it seemed tied together without much substance. All of a sudden, Sophie has a fiance, a mother and father in law and SIX sibling-in laws to live with. Okay, fine. And now she knows the duchess was really her step mother. BUT what? Her father is alive! And a soon to be new stepmother has been keeping watch over her all this time. Soon enough they will produce half siblings for her. It was all too good to be true. Like gritty, sugary sweet icing on the cake. I don't want the cheap artificial sweetening. I would have been happier with just a rich chocolate cake.

      I can't think of anything I liked about it, anything worthwhile. This book left me with a stomachache.
    • 5/5
      What girl doesn’t like the thought of her Prince Charming riding in to rescue her? Having grown up reading fairy tales, I knew I had to read Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of Snow White — The Fairest Beauty. I have to say I like her version better than my old storybook or Disney’s movie. Here is a tale in which the hero and the damsel in distress save each other. This book would be perfect for a youth girl’s discussion group.Sophie is a scullery maid in Duchess Ermengard’s castle. Long the recipient of the Duchess’ hatred, Sophie’s kindness and beauty stir up Ermengard’s wrath. Meanwhile in another Duchy, Gabehart, the second son of the Duke, learns of Sophie’s plight and her true identity — the daughter of the dead Duke and step-daughter of Duchess Ermengard. Determined to make a name for himself and prove his worth to his parents and older brother, Gabe sets out to rescue Sophie. But there are lots of obstacles to his quest — his own missteps, along with Sophie’s disbelief and of course the evil schemes of the Duchess. But this is a fairy tale, so there is sure to be a happily ever after.I mentioned that The Fairest Beauty would make an excellent choice for a discussion group. There are lots of things to discuss — what is true beauty, where do we find our true worth, how to block out the voice of the world, and how does God see us. I loved the transformation of the seven dwarfs into seven men who were shunned by the world, but found community with each other. I also liked the contrast of evil hearts and evil schemes with hearts and plans dedicated to God. And as a bonus, Sophie is much more assertive and attentive than Snow White — she doesn’t just sit back and let the Duchess have her way or let Gabe do all the heavy lifting. And for those who like romance, The Fairest Beauty has an abundance — another discussion point on the merits of keeping a sensible distance!All in all, The Fairest Beauty is a book I highly recommend.Highly Recommended.Great for a youth girls book club. (Thanks to DJC Communications for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      This is a beautiful rendition of Snow White. I love the way that the "Seven" were depicted in this telling of snow white.
    • 4/5
      Review originally published on my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.comBook provided by author for reviewThe Fairest Beauty is a semi-sequel to The Healer's Apprentice, in that it features the son(s) of Wilhelm and his Rose. While the "star" of the story is the mysterious beauty Sophie, who has no idea of her true identity or that she's bethrothed to Valten, I felt like it was as much Gabe's story. If not more. (Possibly I fell a little in love with him ...) When a dying old woman appears on the doorstep of Hagenheim Castle, claiming the long-thought-dead daughter and heiress of an also-thought-dead Duke, who happens to be the bethrothed of Valten, is really alive and in mortal danger, Wilhelm and Company form a plan of rescue. Unfortunately, Valten is laid up with a broken leg and the plan cannot be put in action until he's healed. So Gabe decides to just sneak away and rescue Sophie himself. Because everyone is always flaunting Valten's valiance, and Gabe feels forgotten and misunderstood. Or something. His rescue begins as an act of familial rebellion, but turns into so much more once he meets Sophie - and Duchess Ermengard. What happens next is fairly standard "Snow White" fare: they run away from the "wicked witch" and find refuge in The Cottage of the Seven, wherein seven "outcasts" demonstrate amazing love and acceptance, hiding and healing Sophie and Gabe. But the witch finds them, attempts to destroy the happy hideaway, and meets an unfortunate demise. The story is basic and familiar. The characters, and historical (rather than fantasy) setting, make it breathe. Sophie is, admittedly, a little "too perfect" -- but she's Snow White, who is perhaps one of the most painfully perfect princesses in fairy tale-land. She does however have the very human quality of doubt; all her life she's been belittled and lied to, and for her to grow to accept the truths surrounding her is a HUGE thing. Gabe and the Seven play a large role in this transformation, and Sophie is a more likeable version of Snow White than most. Now, Gabe. Oh Gabe ... He's headstrong, impetuous and stubborn. He fights first, asks questions later, and is a general, all-around Dude. I love him. And I love that so much of this story is the story of his transformation and growth. He matures and develops into quite the perfect "Prince Charming," but still seems so ... real.A lovely addition to Dickerson's fairy tale series, and quite possibly my favorite offering so far. I'm also very intrigued by the upcoming release The Captive Maiden, which will star Valten.
    • 4/5
      ...a wicked duchess, a god fearing princess and a would be heroA different take on Snow White. Gabe is the impulsive spare heir who hies off to rescue his brother's betrothed, Sophie, whom all thought was dead. Of course Gabe, (who is himself betrothed), and Sophie fall in love reluctantly during the rescue process. The seven dwarves are seven woodsmen.Romance is involved, doing God's will is central. Foolishness turns to perseverance with a neat little twist at the end.EnjoyableA NetGalley ARC
    • 5/5
      Oh My GOSH! This was even better than the previous two. Melanie Dickerson has found her niche. I loved trying to pick out which of the seven were who. I love that she didn't make them disney versions and gave each one a special place. The maturing of Gabe and the ending! I found myself wondering which damsel in distress she will have Valten rescue... which fairytale will she make me love all over again next? 
    • 4/5
      When Gabe Gerstenberg learns that his brother's fiance - who everyone thought had died - was very much alive and being held hostage by an evil duchess. Gabe's brother is down with a broken leg, and his father is busy, so he decides to rescue her himself. He bites off more than he can chew with this rash act, and ends up running desperately from the duchesses men - with a woman that he finds very attractive and very unavailable. This sweet Christian historical fiction retelling of Snow White, has all the recognizable elements of the fairy tale, but is set in a realistic world. There were a few really creative twists - like the "seven dwarves" that made this story a fun creation. There were a lot of ethical questions brought to light - the main theme was: when do you know you're following God's wishes rather than your own? This is a good book for readers of fluffy/sweet romance, fairy tale retellings, or Christian historical fiction. Personally, I found Sophie's character to be just a little too sweet and perfect, but I think that's the nature of the snow white fairy tale. As far as I'm concerned, that was the only flaw in this cute retelling.
    • 4/5
      The Fairest Beauty is a retelling of Snow White. It is just loosly on it. I personally am impressed with it. The characters all have different names. Some of the same qualities you expect and some you have no idea. Their are new characters too.Of course their is a wicked stepmother who hates her stepdaughter. Not that she acknowledge that she has one because she faked her death at age 2. Then she got rid of all the servants who would realize she was alive and well except for two kitchen cooks.Sophie was a servant that was always getting into trouble trying to help others. She was always punished harder than others. Now she was in trouble because she rescued puppies from being drowned.Gabe is a second son who enjoys life. When he hears that his brothers betroved is still alive and in danger. He decides that he would go rescue her because his brother has a broken leg. He wants to prove to his father and brother that he is good enough.Their is one dwarf in the cottage of seven three days journey they are told they can find safty there. The others are not was you might expect. Though one sneezes,one grumpy,one is not to bright,ect. I like the cottage of seven and would love to see more of their stories told. They are welcoming and appreciate Sophie's cooking and care for her.I enjoyed reading Sophie's story. She is kind and always tries to help others when she could. Because of how she lived her life others returned some of the favors she gave when she was in need.Has some drama and action. Humor too. This is a very clean read. I want to read more of Melanie's books after reading The Fairest Beauty.I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review of it when finshed by Netgalley.Published January 8th 2013 by Zondervan 323 pages ISBN:0310724392
    • 3/5
      This retelling of Snow White is set in Germany in medieval times. Sophie (Snow White), 17, is a beautiful and kind scullery maid working for the evil Duchess Ermengard in Hohendorf. Unbeknownst to Sophie (who thinks she is an orphan), she is actually the stepdaughter of the Duchess and the long-gone Duke (presumed murdered by Ermengard). Moreover, she had been promised at birth to be the bride of Valten, the future Duke of Hagenheim.Back in Hagenheim, Valten’s younger brother Gabehart (age 20) hears that Sophie did not die as an infant as his family had been told, but is alive and furthermore, she is in danger. He decides to go rescue her, in part because Valten is laid up with a broken leg. Needless to say, when Gabe gets one look at Sophie, he falls for her, and the rest, as they say, is – well - a fairy tale happy ending.Discussion: This version of Snow White has a decidedly Christian bent. The thrust of the original story is pretty much intact, with the exception that Sophie has a strong faith; prays a lot to God; and both Sophie and Gabe struggle with making moral choices. They often implore each other to forgive evil in God’s name:"[Prince to Sophie]: You must let God’s love and the blood of Jesus heal you of all those things the duchess said and did to you.”None of this Christian slant impacts the retelling much.I had a bit more of a problem with the frequent inclusion of stereotypical ideas of female beauty (including the size issue), female roles, and the nature of eroticism. Take this scene, for example, with Sophie and Gabe:"She watched him go, her heart thumping happily in her throat as she admired the breadth of his shoulders and their obvious strength. Even with an injury, he was capable of taking care of her.He came back inside and set down the bucket, then held out his hand to her.She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. … Her hand shook slightly as she let him enclose her small fingers in his larger, more powerful hand.”That just makes me squirm, and not because I'm excited.But there are good things about this story too. For instance, the seven dwarves have been transmogrified into seven perfectly lovable men with disabilities, who live apart because society fears and therefore shuns them. Sophie states several times that she values love (such as she has with Gabe) over power and money (that she might have with Valten). (Although I did have to wonder how she could know in advance that she wouldn’t love Valten.)There is an amusing ongoing side riff about Gabe’s problems placating his future relatives.Evaluation: This is a sweet story (more tween than teen, I thought, although it is marketed as YA) that nicely echoes Snow White in spite of placing it in an historical setting. I wouldn’t choose it over other retellings however, unless one were looking for a tale that did not feature sex or violence and also incorporated Christian themes of forgiveness and redemption.
    • 4/5
      I read her previous two novels and enjoyed them but I found the first one too preachy and the second one was too much a copy of the first. "The Fairest Beauty" is the best of the three, by far. This is a retelling of "Snow White" and readers will recognize a lot of the themes and characters. There is a prince (son of a duke), the dwarves (somewhat different in form) and a poison apple but the story is twisted in a new and interesting way. Sophie and the other characters are so well written that I found myself positively flying through the pages to finish the tale. The wicked stepmother here is quite wicked indeed and Sophie and her prince charming find themselves tested as they start to discover their feelings for each other. I don't want to spoil too much of this clean and charming story but it truly was a magical tale. I enjoy Christian stories as long as I am not hit over the head with it and I will say that it was handled very well here. Sophie reads what she has access to from the Bible and she is quick to make mention of her beliefs. In a way her beliefs help her again and again in the story but it doesn't detract from the fact that Sophie and her beau have to actually fight to get out of the danger they find themselves in. I will say that one big chunk of the story was wrapped up way too convienantly for me and I am detracting a bit of the perfect rating due to that. I strongly recommend this book to those who love fairy tales or Christian fiction.
    • 3/5
      This retelling of Snow White had a bit more emphasis on Christianity than I'm into ("Would God want me to do this? BUT WOULD GOD WANT ME TO DO THIS?!?"). I did like the reinterpretation of the dwarves, and the love story was good. The handling of the queen's attack seemed off to me, and after it seemed like the fairy tale portion was abandoned.