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Counterfeit Princess #1.1
The Piano Girl, Part 1
She plays from memory. Her memories.
Part One is FREE on Amazon... The day after her sixteenth birthday party, Princess Alia finds out that she's been given away in marriage to a man she’s never met. The war has just ended, and for Alia’s protection, she must travel to her future kingdom disguised as a chicken farmer's daughter. This princess to pauper story is filled with prayers, promises and plenty of piano. This is Part One of a Two Part Series. In 2016, the Counterfeit Princess series will continue with Alia's sister, Wren.
346 pages, ebook
First published April 3, 2015
273 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Sherri Schoenborn Murray
16 books67 followersSherri Schoenborn Murray is a bestselling author known for her memorable characters, small-town humor, fishing tales, and Counterfeit Princess stories. Clean, wholesome, lighthearted fiction. With a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Idaho, Sherri is a two-time American Christian Writers' Finalist for her inspirational romance Fried Chicken and Gravy.
All of Sherri's novels include a recipe or two. You'll find her favorite recipes and recommendations for other Christian authors' books available on Amazon when you visit her website at www.christianromances.com.
Sign up for Sherri's newsletter for new releases and recipes.
Sherri has also rounded-up quite the collection of outstanding Christian audio books on her website: www.bestchristianaudio.com.
All of Sherri's novels include a recipe or two. You'll find her favorite recipes and recommendations for other Christian authors' books available on Amazon when you visit her website at www.christianromances.com.
Sign up for Sherri's newsletter for new releases and recipes.
Sherri has also rounded-up quite the collection of outstanding Christian audio books on her website: www.bestchristianaudio.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 29, 2016
About this book:
“She plays from memory. Her memories.
The day after her sixteenth birthday, Princess Alia finds out that she's been given away in marriage to a man she’s never met. The war has just ended, and for Alia’s protection, she must travel to her future kingdom disguised as a chicken farmer's daughter. This princess to pauper story is filled with problems, prayers and plenty of piano. This is Part One of a two-part series. In 2016, the Counterfeit Princess series will continue with Alia's sister, Wren.”
Series: Part One of Book #1 in the “Counterfeit Princesses” series. {Part Two will be reviewed next Friday.
Spiritual Content- Proverbs 2:2 at the beginning; Many, many Prayers; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Psalm 23 and another Scripture are quoted; Mentions of Goliath-sized creatures.
*Note: “the bowels of this h*ll” and “the pit of h*ll”; Plus, a witch.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dummy’; Alia has to pretend to be mute and dumb, therefore being called ‘dumb’, ten times; Hunting & shooting animals for food (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of beheadings & removing someone’s thumb (neither happen, barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of drinking; Mentions of giants that eat people (not-detailed).
Sexual Content- Alia’s first kiss is stolen (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Long is blind so when he talks about his wife, he outlines her plump curves and when singing about her a line says “Little old woman who shared my bed”.
-(Princess) Alia Dory Vankern Wells. Age 16
1st person P.O.V. of Alia (with Prince Wron once in 2nd)
Set in 1882 (Prologue set in 1869)
141 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This was a very interesting story! I wasn’t expecting it to be historical, so that was an interesting twist! I’m not normally one for fantasy but this was a fun, light fantasy! I did get a bit confused over all the accents, but it had me laughing to decode them. ;)
I think this will be a good series and y’all can see my review of Part Two on Friday, the 1st!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this e-book for free from the Author for this review.
“She plays from memory. Her memories.
The day after her sixteenth birthday, Princess Alia finds out that she's been given away in marriage to a man she’s never met. The war has just ended, and for Alia’s protection, she must travel to her future kingdom disguised as a chicken farmer's daughter. This princess to pauper story is filled with problems, prayers and plenty of piano. This is Part One of a two-part series. In 2016, the Counterfeit Princess series will continue with Alia's sister, Wren.”
Series: Part One of Book #1 in the “Counterfeit Princesses” series. {Part Two will be reviewed next Friday.
Spiritual Content- Proverbs 2:2 at the beginning; Many, many Prayers; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Psalm 23 and another Scripture are quoted; Mentions of Goliath-sized creatures.
*Note: “the bowels of this h*ll” and “the pit of h*ll”; Plus, a witch.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dummy’; Alia has to pretend to be mute and dumb, therefore being called ‘dumb’, ten times; Hunting & shooting animals for food (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of beheadings & removing someone’s thumb (neither happen, barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of drinking; Mentions of giants that eat people (not-detailed).
Sexual Content- Alia’s first kiss is stolen (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Long is blind so when he talks about his wife, he outlines her plump curves and when singing about her a line says “Little old woman who shared my bed”.
-(Princess) Alia Dory Vankern Wells. Age 16
1st person P.O.V. of Alia (with Prince Wron once in 2nd)
Set in 1882 (Prologue set in 1869)
141 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This was a very interesting story! I wasn’t expecting it to be historical, so that was an interesting twist! I’m not normally one for fantasy but this was a fun, light fantasy! I did get a bit confused over all the accents, but it had me laughing to decode them. ;)
I think this will be a good series and y’all can see my review of Part Two on Friday, the 1st!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this e-book for free from the Author for this review.
February 21, 2017
I loved this book! A sweet, fun fantasy that is reminiscent of ages past. Plus, the musical part made this musician happy. The moral was great. Overall, an awesome read!
September 14, 2015
My two daughters who are authors loved the book and asked me to purchase the second one. They are the ones who reviewed it first. I just read both of them in one day (I stayed up until 2:00 in the morning). I see why they enjoyed them so much. I have read many books recently (mostly new self-published fiction) and yours is one of the best I have read to date. There was NOTHING niggling me. I would not want anything changed, which is a first. The book is error-free, the cadence is wonderful, the story pulls you in from the very start, the characters are exceptional, and I love the beautiful, thoughtful, kind, loving Dory and the effect she has on those in her sphere of influence. I was somewhat worried when I saw the word, romance, in the description, but it was romance as it should be. You have done everything in a manner glorifying to God and it gave me great joy. Thank you so much for your hard work. I will be following you on Goodreads and Amazon.
April 8, 2015
This is an absolutely wonderful story. A spoiled young woman learns a lot about herself all throughout this story. What she endures is so very hard and I could truly feel for her as she keeps on going. Will she succeed at what she needs to learn??? You must read this book in order to find out. I was drawn in from the very first paragraph. Highly recommend. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2017
This book was great! I loved it! Not something I would read over and over again, but still amazing! Very original!
June 16, 2025
I was disappointed because I didn’t know this was only part 1. Make sure you have both.
June 6, 2016
Along the line of some of George MacDonald's books, The Piano Girl is fantasy, almost fairytailish in nature. And since I LOVED George MacDonald I found this book and Book #2 very entertaining.
Alia is the princess of the kingdom of Blue Sky. Her abilities on the piano are astounding and from the age of seven she has played by ear and from memory (meaning whatever she plays is from what she's seeing in her mind from her memories, composing as she goes).
At age 16 her father decides she is a bit spoiled and vain and decides she needs a hardship while on a journey. So she is drugged and wakes up to find herself in the back of a cart with crates of chickens, far away from her home, wearing dirty peasant clothing. Her "captor" is a man highly trusted by the king to take her to to a kingdom where she has been promised to a prince. Along the way, for her safety, she must act as a mute peasant, or take on the odd accents of the commoners. They stay in the hovels of extremely poor people and she learns much about life outside of the opulent surroundings of her upbringing.
Life lessons and trust in God are learned as she travels, experiencing prejudice, hunger, dependence, and a bizarre physical ailment which alters her fine complexion and beauty.
Eventually she reaches the kingdom of her intended, but because she ends up entering alone, afflicted with this ailment and filthy, she is not trusted. She ends up in a dungeon because of a mistake and faces a lack of food and hard labor.
This does not turn out like she'd hoped!
Lots more happens, but I won't give it away.
This was a fun book...nearly five-star worthy. The fact that you have to spend money to buy another book in order to find out what ever happens to her was a bit off-putting, but it was good enough to get the second book.
Off to review the next.
Alia is the princess of the kingdom of Blue Sky. Her abilities on the piano are astounding and from the age of seven she has played by ear and from memory (meaning whatever she plays is from what she's seeing in her mind from her memories, composing as she goes).
At age 16 her father decides she is a bit spoiled and vain and decides she needs a hardship while on a journey. So she is drugged and wakes up to find herself in the back of a cart with crates of chickens, far away from her home, wearing dirty peasant clothing. Her "captor" is a man highly trusted by the king to take her to to a kingdom where she has been promised to a prince. Along the way, for her safety, she must act as a mute peasant, or take on the odd accents of the commoners. They stay in the hovels of extremely poor people and she learns much about life outside of the opulent surroundings of her upbringing.
Life lessons and trust in God are learned as she travels, experiencing prejudice, hunger, dependence, and a bizarre physical ailment which alters her fine complexion and beauty.
Eventually she reaches the kingdom of her intended, but because she ends up entering alone, afflicted with this ailment and filthy, she is not trusted. She ends up in a dungeon because of a mistake and faces a lack of food and hard labor.
This does not turn out like she'd hoped!
Lots more happens, but I won't give it away.
This was a fun book...nearly five-star worthy. The fact that you have to spend money to buy another book in order to find out what ever happens to her was a bit off-putting, but it was good enough to get the second book.
Off to review the next.
April 8, 2015
The Piano Girl (Part One) – Sherri Schoenborn Murray
3.5 stars
Wow. I must say this story has me intrigued. It is quite different from what I had expected and I am still wondering what will happen next. It pulled me in from the start with the delightful prologue and kept me reading until the end.
Part One was well written, and those who do not care for “fluff” (extra dialogue and unnecessary filler) like me will enjoy this. Though at some parts I did wish there was more detail.
It was a strange story and one I know is not yet finished. I am still in question about much of what happened and am looking forward to getting it all sorted out.
If you like fantasy, this is an interesting, quick read you may enjoy.
(I was gifted a copy of this story for my honest review.)
3.5 stars
Wow. I must say this story has me intrigued. It is quite different from what I had expected and I am still wondering what will happen next. It pulled me in from the start with the delightful prologue and kept me reading until the end.
Part One was well written, and those who do not care for “fluff” (extra dialogue and unnecessary filler) like me will enjoy this. Though at some parts I did wish there was more detail.
It was a strange story and one I know is not yet finished. I am still in question about much of what happened and am looking forward to getting it all sorted out.
If you like fantasy, this is an interesting, quick read you may enjoy.
(I was gifted a copy of this story for my honest review.)
April 13, 2015
The Piano Girl (part 1)
By: Sherri Schoenborn Murray
I really loved this story. I liked it kept me reading to see what was next in her adventure. I can't imagine what she went through being a princess one day then the next knowing she is promised to another in marriage whom she has never met. She has been drugged and when she awakes she in the back of a wagon with chickens. And who is this man that has her. No way for a princess to be treated. They go through lots of adventures together to get to Prince Wron. Will she ever meet back up with her own family and take back her role? Will she meet up with the Prince who she is to marry? O and did I mention she has swamp pox and looks just awful. Who would want to marry someone so ugly? I loved the story and look forward to part 2.
By: Sherri Schoenborn Murray
I really loved this story. I liked it kept me reading to see what was next in her adventure. I can't imagine what she went through being a princess one day then the next knowing she is promised to another in marriage whom she has never met. She has been drugged and when she awakes she in the back of a wagon with chickens. And who is this man that has her. No way for a princess to be treated. They go through lots of adventures together to get to Prince Wron. Will she ever meet back up with her own family and take back her role? Will she meet up with the Prince who she is to marry? O and did I mention she has swamp pox and looks just awful. Who would want to marry someone so ugly? I loved the story and look forward to part 2.
January 11, 2016
It was so good :) the moment I started reading it, I can't help but finish it! It's very relaxing for me :)
February 20, 2019
3.4 stars.
I was very skeptical of this choice at first. I am not normally into something so closely related to a romance as this book is, however, I wanted to give it a try.
The Piano Girl, Part 1 has been an interesting story so far. The growth and development of Alia were monumental, I very strongly disliked her character in the beginning. Though in retrospect, I suppose that was the point, but her spoiled bratty behavior made me kind of want to gag. That being said, her transformation was incredible. I almost couldn't believe that she made it as far as she did, and I must admit I am curious to see how she will end up (though this seems like the kind of book that has a predictable ending, but that's not always a bad thing). The story had a strong Christian theme through it and the characters were praying throughout the book, which I found refreshing and I enjoyed that about it. The imagery was well shown, the writing flowed and was not dry or dull or overly dramatic. It was pretty well rounded for something that was a little over a hundred pages.
********There's a little bit of spoiling below this line nothing too monumental though********
I gave this story 3.4 stars for a few reasons. It was interesting, and I did find myself intrigued by it and the characters which would have brought it up to 4 stars. However, in the middle of the story, it becomes confusing. One moment Felix is dragging Alia out of this river, and then all of a sudden at the beginning of the next chapter they're in this witch's house, and, for some unknown reason, Felix seems to know what she is. Suddenly the princess is having visions because of the swamp, and then giants and mazes with "small people" exist kind of out of nowhere. The whole thing seemed as though it was randomly thrown in, it was really confusing to go through and the whole time I kept thinking to myself that the scene had to be some sort of fever dream, but she never woke up. That entire scene needed much more explaining and clarity, it was just so randomly placed. I kept wondering if the kindle edition had been missing pages, or if I was missing something that I should have seen, but I wasn't. Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention (even though I looked back at it a second time), so you may want to take a look for yourself if you are interested in this story.
*****************Spoilers end******************
Overall, this book is well written and interesting. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I was going to, so that's a plus. Though, because of the reasons above, I still had to give it less than four stars. I still think it's worth the read if this story sounds appealing to you. It's clean and not inappropriate in any way, there's not even really any violence in it. It's perfect for teens and pre-teens if you are looking for something for someone of that age.
I hope you enjoy The Piano Girl if you pick it up!
Happy reading!
I was very skeptical of this choice at first. I am not normally into something so closely related to a romance as this book is, however, I wanted to give it a try.
The Piano Girl, Part 1 has been an interesting story so far. The growth and development of Alia were monumental, I very strongly disliked her character in the beginning. Though in retrospect, I suppose that was the point, but her spoiled bratty behavior made me kind of want to gag. That being said, her transformation was incredible. I almost couldn't believe that she made it as far as she did, and I must admit I am curious to see how she will end up (though this seems like the kind of book that has a predictable ending, but that's not always a bad thing). The story had a strong Christian theme through it and the characters were praying throughout the book, which I found refreshing and I enjoyed that about it. The imagery was well shown, the writing flowed and was not dry or dull or overly dramatic. It was pretty well rounded for something that was a little over a hundred pages.
********There's a little bit of spoiling below this line nothing too monumental though********
I gave this story 3.4 stars for a few reasons. It was interesting, and I did find myself intrigued by it and the characters which would have brought it up to 4 stars. However, in the middle of the story, it becomes confusing. One moment Felix is dragging Alia out of this river, and then all of a sudden at the beginning of the next chapter they're in this witch's house, and, for some unknown reason, Felix seems to know what she is. Suddenly the princess is having visions because of the swamp, and then giants and mazes with "small people" exist kind of out of nowhere. The whole thing seemed as though it was randomly thrown in, it was really confusing to go through and the whole time I kept thinking to myself that the scene had to be some sort of fever dream, but she never woke up. That entire scene needed much more explaining and clarity, it was just so randomly placed. I kept wondering if the kindle edition had been missing pages, or if I was missing something that I should have seen, but I wasn't. Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention (even though I looked back at it a second time), so you may want to take a look for yourself if you are interested in this story.
*****************Spoilers end******************
Overall, this book is well written and interesting. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I was going to, so that's a plus. Though, because of the reasons above, I still had to give it less than four stars. I still think it's worth the read if this story sounds appealing to you. It's clean and not inappropriate in any way, there's not even really any violence in it. It's perfect for teens and pre-teens if you are looking for something for someone of that age.
I hope you enjoy The Piano Girl if you pick it up!
Happy reading!
October 5, 2018
Oh my heart! ♥️ What a delightful story. (I read the full paperback.) It reads like a classic fairytale. Innocent, humorous, with a sweet life lesson. I read this, then I instantly read it again out loud to my 12-year-old daughter. We loved it! There were so many laugh-out-loud moments. Hilarity ensues for this spoiled princess, having to do so many things beneath her. I loved how she grew as a person throughout this story, and by the time she meets her betrothed, she's actually a great deal more likable, even though he (spoilers!) doesn't know she is a princess at that point!
I highly recommend this one, especially for girls who adore princess stories. There is a sequel called The Viola Girl about Alia's little sister. I purchased the book but have not yet read it.
I highly recommend this one, especially for girls who adore princess stories. There is a sequel called The Viola Girl about Alia's little sister. I purchased the book but have not yet read it.
May 19, 2018
This is an absolutely beautiful book. Princess Alia, the main character, experiences a journey of self-growth and development in humility, kindness, and the value of internal, lasting beauty.
I thought the romantic subplot in the book was so tastefully, well done: it was subtle, yet very appealing.
I also personally appreciated the Christian references and themes, and the blend fantasy, princess, and riches to rags story was the perfect backdrop for Alia. I can't recommend this lovely story enough!
I thought the romantic subplot in the book was so tastefully, well done: it was subtle, yet very appealing.
I also personally appreciated the Christian references and themes, and the blend fantasy, princess, and riches to rags story was the perfect backdrop for Alia. I can't recommend this lovely story enough!
January 10, 2019
I listened to this Audiobook and loved the narrator's voice. Dory captivated my heart, the lessons she learns along her journey are priceless. It is a heartwarming coming of age novel. Dory begins her journey the pampered Princess Alia, along the way she learns compassion, strength, and makes many dear friends. I enjoyed all of the characters in this novel! My favorite part was little Sadie and the Princess Smile story. I highly recommend this book to all ages. It is a delightful Christian fiction fairytale.
March 26, 2019
What a great surprise this book was! I love fantasy and fairy tales but can never find any that don't have dark magic and spells. To find a clean cut Christian romance that also turned out to be a fun adventure with a touch of fantasy really surprised me! What a special treat in this sweet story! I highly recommend this book! Loved it!
December 18, 2023
It's really interesting and flows well but there are a few complications. I also felt sorry for Alia (Dory) when . I hope she gets better as I have not read P2. I did like and shall always remember it.
October 12, 2017
My first read from author Sherri Schoenborn Murray The Piano Girl - Part One (Counterfeit Princess Series Book 1. An entertaining book that I enjoyed reading. I’ll definitely read The Piano Girl - Part Two (Counterfeit Princess Series Book 2 from this author!
March 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Great story line and characters. This book kept me enthralled through every chapter. I really like the mix of adventure, mystery, romance, intrigue, and Christian principles.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
January 13, 2018
interesting. She has a fun way of playing the piano.
October 22, 2021
Great story!
Really holds your interest! Such a cast of characters and a storyline that keeps you reading! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Great read!
Really holds your interest! Such a cast of characters and a storyline that keeps you reading! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Great read!
January 16, 2026
This book is about a girl that is on an adventure to meet her future husband.She is a famous princes thought and she has to go in secret can this Princess Alia make it.
August 23, 2017
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but whatever it was, this book wasn’t it — it was so much more.
The Piano Girl: Counterfeit Princess was such a fun book. Even though I wanted to know what happened, I was truly very sad knowing I was coming up on the end of this story. I can always read it again, and I will, but there’s just something about reading a book for the first time that grabs my heart in a way that can never be with a reread. You just can never read a book for the first time twice. Profound, I know.
A well-written, imaginative story, this book by Sherri Schoenborn Murray has believable characters that I feel like I now know intimately. I really can’t rave enough. As I listened via Audible, as opposed to reading a paper copy, I would be negligent to not also tell you about the narrator. As much as I loved the story itself, Sarah Zimmerman made it even better. Her voices and expression added depth to each character and really brought out the humor. She did a beautiful job.
Princess Alia of Blue Sky is a fairly spoiled girl who suddenly finds herself on a journey she could never have dreamt of, a journey that’s quite difficult and long, to meet the betrothed she doesn’t even know she has. Over the course of the trek, under the guise of chicken farmer’s daughter (it’s a dangerous, war-torn world, and the princess whose marriage will unite two kingdoms would be a perfect hostage), Alia learns much about herself, her privileged life, and the people of both her kingdom and those surrounding. She meets murderously mean citizens but also genuinely kindhearted, gentle souls, who would give away the little they have if they think it will benefit someone else. She’s deprived of many comforts and often frustrated by Felix, her “chicken farmer father”.
Many obstacles arise in Alia’s path… gypsies, learning to peel potatoes, not knowing who is to be trusted, giants, swamp pox, and an enchanted forest maze… just to name a few. Once she arrives at her destination, Yonder, Alia’s adventures continue. With so many girls impersonating her, though, Alia must be careful, lest she be deemed a counterfeit princess as well.
This book kept me guessing, kept me wanting “just one more chapter”. :) I so enjoyed following along through Alia’s story of growth and true love.
I’d liken this story to a lava cake… on the surface it strikes you as a chocolate cake with the potential of being fabulous, but the inside holds surprises greater than you might have imagined.
(I apologize for any misspellings… Since mine is the Audible version, I never saw the text of this book, only heard it.)
The Piano Girl: Counterfeit Princess was such a fun book. Even though I wanted to know what happened, I was truly very sad knowing I was coming up on the end of this story. I can always read it again, and I will, but there’s just something about reading a book for the first time that grabs my heart in a way that can never be with a reread. You just can never read a book for the first time twice. Profound, I know.
A well-written, imaginative story, this book by Sherri Schoenborn Murray has believable characters that I feel like I now know intimately. I really can’t rave enough. As I listened via Audible, as opposed to reading a paper copy, I would be negligent to not also tell you about the narrator. As much as I loved the story itself, Sarah Zimmerman made it even better. Her voices and expression added depth to each character and really brought out the humor. She did a beautiful job.
Princess Alia of Blue Sky is a fairly spoiled girl who suddenly finds herself on a journey she could never have dreamt of, a journey that’s quite difficult and long, to meet the betrothed she doesn’t even know she has. Over the course of the trek, under the guise of chicken farmer’s daughter (it’s a dangerous, war-torn world, and the princess whose marriage will unite two kingdoms would be a perfect hostage), Alia learns much about herself, her privileged life, and the people of both her kingdom and those surrounding. She meets murderously mean citizens but also genuinely kindhearted, gentle souls, who would give away the little they have if they think it will benefit someone else. She’s deprived of many comforts and often frustrated by Felix, her “chicken farmer father”.
Many obstacles arise in Alia’s path… gypsies, learning to peel potatoes, not knowing who is to be trusted, giants, swamp pox, and an enchanted forest maze… just to name a few. Once she arrives at her destination, Yonder, Alia’s adventures continue. With so many girls impersonating her, though, Alia must be careful, lest she be deemed a counterfeit princess as well.
This book kept me guessing, kept me wanting “just one more chapter”. :) I so enjoyed following along through Alia’s story of growth and true love.
I’d liken this story to a lava cake… on the surface it strikes you as a chocolate cake with the potential of being fabulous, but the inside holds surprises greater than you might have imagined.
(I apologize for any misspellings… Since mine is the Audible version, I never saw the text of this book, only heard it.)
March 2, 2017
Princess Alia is a gifted pianist, and also the heir to the crown of the kingdom of Blue Sky. Her kingdom has been at war for twelve years, and it has just ended.
On the day after her sixteenth birthday, Princess Alia discovers she's being given away in marriage to a man she's never met. For her safety, she's got to travel in secret, disguised as a chicken farmer's daughter, to the kingdom of Yonder. She's about to get an education she never imagined.
This is a Ruritanian fantasy, set in two imaginary European countries. It never pretends to be anything that it's not. The prince she is betrothed to is Prince Ron. Along the way, she encounters giants, dwarves, and gnomes. She crosses a swamp that's a special kind of trap for the unwary, and a meadow that's a magical respite.
For all these fantasy elements, and the lack of pretense in many of the details that this story is in any way realistic, the pampered Alia gets an excellent education in the real world of the lower classes of the two kingdoms, and Alia, Ron, and many of the characters around them are likable and interesting. It's an enjoyable story, and while there's certainly a message, it's in no way heavy-handed or overbearing.
A very pleasant interlude. Recommended for those who enjoy likable characters, "clean" romance, and are freewheeling enough to enjoy the Ruritanian aspects of this one.
I think I bought this book. I don't always remember, when I have put a book aside for a few weeks before I bring it to the top. Regardless, I am reviewing it voluntarily.
On the day after her sixteenth birthday, Princess Alia discovers she's being given away in marriage to a man she's never met. For her safety, she's got to travel in secret, disguised as a chicken farmer's daughter, to the kingdom of Yonder. She's about to get an education she never imagined.
This is a Ruritanian fantasy, set in two imaginary European countries. It never pretends to be anything that it's not. The prince she is betrothed to is Prince Ron. Along the way, she encounters giants, dwarves, and gnomes. She crosses a swamp that's a special kind of trap for the unwary, and a meadow that's a magical respite.
For all these fantasy elements, and the lack of pretense in many of the details that this story is in any way realistic, the pampered Alia gets an excellent education in the real world of the lower classes of the two kingdoms, and Alia, Ron, and many of the characters around them are likable and interesting. It's an enjoyable story, and while there's certainly a message, it's in no way heavy-handed or overbearing.
A very pleasant interlude. Recommended for those who enjoy likable characters, "clean" romance, and are freewheeling enough to enjoy the Ruritanian aspects of this one.
I think I bought this book. I don't always remember, when I have put a book aside for a few weeks before I bring it to the top. Regardless, I am reviewing it voluntarily.
September 28, 2017
I liked the story but I was disappointed that I had to purchase part 2 to finish the story. Part 1 focuses on Dory's adventures in getting to the kingdom of her betrothed. I actually liked part 2, which focuses on the relationship between Dory and her betrothed, better.
Sex - none, definitely a clean read
Language - none
Violence - none
Religion - none
Sex - none, definitely a clean read
Language - none
Violence - none
Religion - none
August 12, 2015
I had a hard time getting into this novel for some reason. I picked it up several times and restarted. When I finally got into the story I was glad I did. I enjoyed the book very much. The story is about a young princess Alia who was pledged in an arranged marriage to a prince from another kingdom as an alliance to make a united Kingdom that would become strong and prosperous. Alia starts out as a spoiled, sheltered girl but as she travels incognito to meet her betrothed, she encounters many trials that help her to grow into a compassionate, loving young woman. The author is a good story teller and you find yourself believing in giants, gnomes, and God and believing that good can overcome evil.
The novel was short, 100+ pages so I had to get book #2 to find out the ending. I had wished it was longer.
The novel was short, 100+ pages so I had to get book #2 to find out the ending. I had wished it was longer.
July 29, 2022
Beautifully Written Story You'll Want to Read Over & Over Again!❤
I never feel like I can do true justice to books like this one that I LOVE so very much. This is the second time I have read this amazing book & I loved it even more the second time around. I rated it 5 stars after my first reading but I thought I should take the time to leave a review after my second.
There are 2 parts to this wonderful book ... they are equally good & difficult to put down. I'm sure I will it read again and again every few years. It is heartfelt, funny at times and so beautifully written; with a lead character, Dory, who takes you on an amazing journey of growth with her from spoiled princess to mature young woman that is ready to lead. You will love Dory.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's wonderful!❤
I never feel like I can do true justice to books like this one that I LOVE so very much. This is the second time I have read this amazing book & I loved it even more the second time around. I rated it 5 stars after my first reading but I thought I should take the time to leave a review after my second.
There are 2 parts to this wonderful book ... they are equally good & difficult to put down. I'm sure I will it read again and again every few years. It is heartfelt, funny at times and so beautifully written; with a lead character, Dory, who takes you on an amazing journey of growth with her from spoiled princess to mature young woman that is ready to lead. You will love Dory.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's wonderful!❤
January 20, 2016
A sweet fairy tale story. Reads well and fast. Honestly, I would have bought into rhetoric story more if I had seen the princess behaving in a spoiled manner prior to her adventure. Sure, as a princess I know she is spoiled and the basic concept of teaching her about the people she is to serve is excellent. But...it didn't seem as though, in the beginning, she was spoiled enough to require such drastic action. We are told she is stubborn and will rebel, but never really shown that side of her, which is why seeing her as a dynamic character is somewhat difficult. I enjoyed the story, but would have liked a little more depth in character development.
May 10, 2015
This book was absolutely amazing. I loved how she changed from a haughty princess to a humble character. The wretched circumstances that she went through brought me to tears numerous times in the book. I only wished that it was longer. I was so entranced by the story that I read it way too quickly. The ending had me itching to start reading the next book in the series. The author did a splendid job writing this as the storyline was woven with inspirational scriptures. Overall this book left me in awe, you can just tell the author was blessed with writing skills.
December 17, 2015
I really enjoyed the beginning half of this book. It reminds me of Shannon Hale's goose girl book. I can't wait to finish the next half and see how it ends for the princess. Will she recover from her swamp pox and will the adventure her father wanted her to enjoy before her marriage end happily? This is a shorter clean read that I really like the lessons being taught, I think we could all learn from them. Happy Reading!!!
September 28, 2015
While the plot seemed intriguing enough for me to download this freebie, I was not impressed by the dialogue or the how the story moved along. Yes, it was clean, but it was also too dry for my taste. Where's the wit? Where's the humor? There's nothing funny to comment on either.
I really need a story that draws me in, but this book fails miserably in that respect. I'm not even going to bother with Part Two.
I really need a story that draws me in, but this book fails miserably in that respect. I'm not even going to bother with Part Two.
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