The Beautiful Pretender

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson, 2016 Thomas Nelson Publishing

     The King had separated Thornbeck and Plimmwald from the duchy of Geitbart because the Duke had chosen to marry against his liege's wishes. Avelina Klien is the maidservant to the Earl of Plimmwald's daughter, Dorothea. When Dorothea flees to be with her lover, one of her father's knights, Avelina discovers just how far the earl will go to try and protect his people: he commands Avelina to take Dorothea's place in the bride-quest the king has commanded of Thornebck's margrave. 

     Avelina is terrified the margrave will discover her deception and that the grumpy lord will punish her for trying to protect her people and provide for her family. Her instructions are simple: fly under the radar while ensuring the margrave doesn't marry the Duke of Geibart's daughter. Her reward is the funding to support her family and a dowry to marry the man of her choice. 

     Reinhart Stolten, the margrave in question, is not pleased the king is requiring that he marry one of ten young ladies from a list. He begs time from the king to choose one, but to get to know all of the ladies in the timeframe allowed. With help from Odette and Jorgen, the steward and his wife, Reinhart sets up a two-week house party to get some measure of the young women--without telling them why. 

     There are more deceptions and secrets about than any of the major players are aware of: Avelina struggles to keep her identity secret from Reinhart and her new friends, Magdalen and Odette. The duke fo Geibart's daughter is plotting something, but what it is no one knows until it may be too late. Avelina's identity is discovered placing her life in danger, but can she convince the margrave that she meant no harm? Geibart's plans may prove their concerns premature as Reinhart and Avelina battle for their lives. 

     Avelina has fallen for the one man she cannot have and her deception discovers the margrave has fallen for her straightforward charm -- despite her attempts to bring Magdelen to the center of his notice. 

     Beauty and the Beast meets the Princess and the Pea in this tale of secrets and surprise. Dickerson weaves historical romance into Christian fiction that readers of all ages will enjoy--some suspense and violence will limit younger readers. 

That's Amore

That's Amore by Janice Thompson, 2014 Revell Publishing

     Several years after her wedding to DJ Neely, Bella is in her husband's hometown to set up a second Club Wed. Shortly before the two relocate with their children Bella discovers that her family will be growing and plans to continue her work in Splendora as long as she can. 

     In Galveston, Bella's sister and her husband have taken the lead in her absence. DJ's business is booming and they turn their eyes back toward Splendora, Texas, and the renovation of Club Wed no. 2. Bubba Neely, DJ's younger brother, and his wife, Bella's best friend, have moved back to his hometown to open a Bar-B-Que joint but face opposition from some town influencers. 

     Neither DJ nor Bubby knows why the mayor opposes both of their enterprises--they'll bring commerce to the small town. As they battle to make a life, even temporarily, in Splendora Bella and her friends struggle with the temptation to give in to wants rather than behaving as her faith prescribes. 

     Halfway through her pregnancy DJ suggests renewing their vows when the chapel at Club Wed is complete. Bella finds the challenges of pregnancy--with twins no less--the frustration caused by Splendora's mayor, the distance from her family, and the minor dramas of small-town life combine to be more than she can handle alone. 

     Bella repeatedly learns she cannot do it all, especially not on her own. This final installment in Bella and DJ's story focuses on faith and family to get through difficult and unexpected times.