The Silent Songbird

GIVEAWAY

DICKERSON, MELANIE
THE SILENT SONGBIRD

Evangeline is gifted with a heavenly voice, but she is trapped in a sinister betrothal until she embarks on a daring escape and meets brave Westley le Wyse. Can he help her discover the freedom to sing again?

Desperate to flee a political marriage to her cousin King Richard II's closest advisor, Lord Shiveley -- a man twice her age with shadowy motives -- Evangeline runs away and joins a small band of servants journeying back to Glynval, their home village.

Pretending to be mute, she gets to know Westley le Wyse, their handsome young leader, who is intrigued by the beautiful servant girl. But when the truth comes out, it may shatter any hope that love could grown between them.

More than Evangeline's future is at stake as she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that threatens England's monarchy. Should she give herself up to protect the only person who cares for her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?

My Review:

I adore Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale inspired stories and this time it's The Little Mermaid -- though I see shades of The Nightingale as well. There's political intrigue, forbidden romance between a spunky heroine and a dashing hero and plenty of twists and turns to keep the most avid of readers frantically turning pages.

Evangeline is a born dreamer and she longs to experience life outside the sheltered confines of the castle walls. Definitely not the type of girl to be content with an arranged political marriage -- no matter who orders it -- so she gives her dreams flight when she flees the castle and attempts to hide herself among the peasants of Glynval. There's some really funny scenes as she tries to live the life of a working lass. I have to admire her gumption though and she never quits, even when she becomes the target of a malicious bully.

Westley is the proverbial fairy tale hero. Noble and kind and fair to a fault. It isn't long before he is captivated by the stranger in their midst. But this isn't a straightforward love story. Not when deception severs trust. The angst kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to find out if these two would ever find their way to a happily ever after.

Lots of action and laughter and sweet romance make this another winning historical novel from a beloved author.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Silent Songbird please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the  subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 8 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!