Hidden Gems: The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

Hey, everyone! I'm back with my second Melanie Dickerson review. :D If you missed Tuesday's post or you simply want more details about what's going on here, click here. 

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Add on Goodreads // Purchase on Amazon

My Review. 

Wow. Just as the lovely cover implies, this was a beautiful book. I loved the storyline of "she's-beneath-him-and-not-good-enough-he's-the-margrave-she's-a-servant-girl", etc., etc. Ahh! It was wonderful!! :D 

Avelina was a really sweet character. Not perfect, and she did some deceitful things that I don't believe she would have done under normal circumstances, but she was lovable. :) She offen struggled with being 'good enough' and, ahhh! *clutches heart* How she realized that in Christ was would always be 'enough'... Amazing. <3 

I have to say that, originally, I did not like Lord Thornbeck. Especially in book one. He was so gruff and rude!! Thankfully, he changed. Softened up some. Showed his good side. And I was able to enjoy his character too. ^_^ (Sidenote here – the wolves. That whole like *flaps hands* chapter was. so. like. amazing. gah.) 

I also liked the 'minor storyline' of his limp. Not overpowering with the rest of the stuff going on, but still there. And I loved how that turned out too...hehe. ;) 

All the side characters were amazing too!! Odette and Jorgen from book one, Lady Magdalen (such a sweet heart!! <3), Avelina's siblings, and even the King! (Though his part was extremely minor... XD) 

As far as 'warnings' go, there is one thing I didn't agree with. There is mention of an unmarried couple who slept together there at the castle. (This took place previously. Both are dead at the time of the book .) It's mentioned that it's wrong because of the lack of social status of one of the people, but it's never clarified that it's morally wrong. I honestly don't think Mrs. Dickerson intended to insinuate that it's 'okay', so I was able to overlook it. 

Overall, 4.5 stars!! 

I'm really looking forward to reading book three, The Noble Servant, in May of 2017. (Psst! It's about Lady Magdalen! :D) 

~*~*~*~

Have you read this book? Or anything else by Mrs. Dickerson? Are you looking forward to The Noble Servant?