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2 reviews
The Captive Maiden
This is the Cinderella story in Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale series. In this version, Gisela and Valten are our Cinderella and Prince Charming.
Gisela is of course mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, but is unwilling to leave the last few of her father's well bred horses to the mercy of her stepmother. Valten, on the other side of things, has decided he's tired of winning tournaments and wants to do something meaningful with his life. Still smarting since his brother married his betrothed in the last book, Valten struggles to choose a wife since they all seem to be after his status, not him. He meets Gisela in town and unexpectedly connects with the peasant girl, unaware that he met her several years ago when he bought a horse from her now dead father. Gisela never forgot him, however, and their meeting rekindles her fascination with him. She risks her stepmother's wrath and punishment to visit him at a local tournament, only for Valten to win and crown her Queen of Love and Beauty. This means she is expected to come the other two days of the tournament, along with attending the ball at its commencement. With a couple of borrowed dresses, some unexpected "fairy godmothers," ( no magic, just people) and a hurried escape from an arranged marriage to a real creep, Gisela manages to attend the ball and win the affections of the prince. But then she gets kidnapped, and so Valten goes after her. Will he be able to save her? And will they be able to move past their insecurities and find their God-given purpose?
I enjoyed this book very much. It has bits and pieces of just about every Cinderella story I've read or seen, and it came together well. I really liked seeing Gisela's very human side. She was kind and good, but she was also smart and not afraid to stand up for herself. It also shows the aftermath of the years of abuse she lived with. Gisela struggles with her self worth after being treated like she was worthless for so long, and she has to come to terms with it. Valten struggles to believe a woman wants him for himself instead of what he represents. He also has trouble with talking about his feelings which makes it difficult for both of them to know where they stand. In the end, they have to find their balance.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: greatbookprices2
Highly recommend
My daughter, age 13, absolutely loves Melanie Dickerson books. High recommend this book and others by her.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: betterworldbooks