The Princess Spy - (Fairy Tale Romance) by Melanie Dickerson (Paperback)

About the Book

In the latest YA fairy tale retelling by Melanie Dickerson, Margaretha has never been good at holding her tongue. But when she learns her new suitor is trying to kill the stable boy who claims to be a wealthy lord from England, the cost of saying too much could mean the young man's life.

Book Synopsis

In this historical fairy-tale romance book from bestselling author Melanie Dickerson, based on The Princess and the Frog, Margaretha hopes to find her prince ... but when a man claiming to be an English lord arrives at the castle, she finds herself questioning her heart as she uncovers secrets about her current suitor that cast the mysterious lord in a new light.

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, will be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord Claybrook attacked and left for dead. And only Margaretha understands the wild story.

Margaretha convinces herself "Lord Colin" is just addled. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy--she unable to keep anything secret--though what she soon discovers changes her romantic notions not about Claybrook but possibly Colin as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from a wicked plot.

The Princess Spy is:

• Perfect for teen readers ages 13-18 and adults who enjoy historical romances
• A romantic, fast-paced read--sure to entrance fans of fairy tale retellings
• A stand-alone story that is also part of the Hagenheim series, featuring the daughter of Rose and Lord Hamlin
• A full-length clean and inspiring love story

Review Quotes

Award-winning Melanie Dickerson pens her fourth young adult novel set in medieval Germany, loosely based on the story of The Frog Prince. In The Princess Spy, Margaretha of Hagenheim Castle is a talkative young woman whose latest suitor-Lord Claybrook-seems enamored of her despite her talkativeness. Could he be her true love? When an injured man is brought to the castle, Margaretha realizes he is speaking English and that she is the only one who understands him. As he recovers from his injuries and begins working in the stable, Colin confides he is searching for Claybrook, who may not be who he seems to be. Should she believe a foreigner? Should she spy on her suitor when Colin asks her to do so? Then, while her father is away from the castle, Margaretha overhears Claybrook talking to his men about his plans. Colin and Margaretha flee to reach her relatives in Marienberg. Pursued by enemies, will they reach Marienberg in time to get reinforcements? As in her earlier books, the faith element is clearly evident yet not preachy. For example, Colin and Margaretha pray for God's guidance. Dickerson's tales feature wholesome relationships while still building a strong attraction between the main characters, making this a good choice for teen readers. Dickerson is a masterful storyteller with a carefully crafted plot, richly-drawn characters, and detailed setting. The reader is easily pulled into the story. All of her books are a delightful reimagining of a familiar tale-this one is her best so far! Recommended for young adults and adults who are young at heart. Carol R. Gehringer, CLJ--Christian Library Journal

Margaretha is the daughter of a fifteenth-century German duke, and her family and acquaintances have always noted not only her penchant for talking incessantly but also her deeply romantic nature. She is looking forward to finding her one true love, and she thinks it might be her latest suitor, Lord Claypool. In a chance meeting with Colin, an Englishman come to the continent claiming that Claypool has murdered good people and seeking justice, Margaretha learns not only that her suitor may not be as honorable as she thought but also that she can successfully pare down her chattiness, keep an important secret, and help take righteous action. She and Colin join forces in a well-paced adventure that pits good against evil, features a strong and credible young woman, and relies on accurate social history in its Christian orientation. Margaretha's sensations, expectations, and fears are all evoked realistically, making this a good choice for readers who loved Katherine Paterson's Lyddie (1991) or Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy (1994) and are now ready for more romance. --- Francisca Goldsmith--Booklist

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.