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The Dericott Tales #4
Fortress of Snow
When her father dies and her brother, Warin, abandons her, Mazy is forced to seek help from her beloved older brother Sir John, who is training knights at the great estate of Strachleigh. While there, she becomes friends with the kind and loyal Sir Berenger. Circumstances then force them apart: Berenger goes to Prague, while Mazy and her brother move to London. There, Mazy puts her knife-throwing skills to excellent use as she defends herself, and she learns to make breads to sell in the market to earn money. Her business is expanding when Berenger returns to London and they are reunited.
Romance is just beginning to bloom when the king offers Berenger a new mission that also serves as a chance for a title: Berenger is to marry the recently widowed Lady Bristow and take over her estate. To Mazy’s dismay, Berenger agrees to go to Bristow Castle to visit her and make his decision.
But Bristow Castle is hiding secrets, and the only person who might be able to save the knight in distress is the damsel Mazy herself.
Romance is just beginning to bloom when the king offers Berenger a new mission that also serves as a chance for a title: Berenger is to marry the recently widowed Lady Bristow and take over her estate. To Mazy’s dismay, Berenger agrees to go to Bristow Castle to visit her and make his decision.
But Bristow Castle is hiding secrets, and the only person who might be able to save the knight in distress is the damsel Mazy herself.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2022
72 people are currently reading
4566 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dickerson
41 books6,527 followersMelanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author of happily-ever-after romance. She believes in love, laughter, afternoon tea, and the power of story.
With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.
When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.
With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.
When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.
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December 12, 2022
2.5 stars, personally.
About this book:
“When her father dies and her brother, Warin, abandons her, Mazy is forced to seek help from her beloved older brother Sir John, who is training knights at the great estate of Strachleigh. While there, she becomes friends with the kind and loyal Sir Berenger. Circumstances then force them apart: Berenger goes to Prague, while Mazy and her brother move to London. There, Mazy puts her knife-throwing skills to excellent use as she defends herself, and she learns to make breads to sell in the market to earn money. Her business is expanding when Berenger returns to London and they are reunited.
Romance is just beginning to bloom when the king offers Berenger a new mission that also serves as a chance for a title: Berenger is to marry the recently widowed Lady Bristow and take over her estate. To Mazy’s dismay, Berenger agrees to go to Bristow Castle to visit her and make his decision.
But Bristow Castle is hiding secrets, and the only person who might be able to save the knight in distress is the damsel Mazy herself.”
Series: Book #4 in “The Dericott Tales”. Review of the Book #1 Here!, Book #2 Here!, and Book #3 Here!
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers, Thanking/Praising God, & Talking to Him (including Mazy hearing from God on what to do); 'H's are capital when referring to God; Going into a Cathedral, praying, & lighting a candle (Mazy also crosses herself); Mazy wonders why God let things happen (such as her father dying); Mentions of God & His will; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking/praising God; Mentions of churches, a cathedral, & priests; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of the Holy Writ & a Psalter; A mention of stained glass of those from the Bible; A mention of martyrs; A mention of a young boy being told that his mother is with Jesus and the angels; A mention of Heaven & someone slitting around like an angel;
*Note: Mentions of evil & evil people; A mention of a feast of Saint Nicholas; A mention of a man calling his family cursed.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: Two ‘witch’s (said when describing Mazy from a man threatening her; used as an insult, but not as someone who practices witchcraft); Some Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Men with ill intent threaten Mazy and she defends herself with her knives and threats of her own (happens three times, including blood/bleeding & injuries, up to semi-detailed); Seeing a riot/violence, Fighting/defending herself, & being threatened (including a man saying that he’ll cut off Mazy’s ears and tongue; all up to semi-detailed); Seeing a loved one pass away, another person’s death, & grief (Mazy’s father, up to semi-detailed); Berenger drinks wine at night; Berenger lies to keep someone from knowing what he’s doing (but asks for God’s forgiveness after saying it); Many mentions of wars, battles, riots, rebellions, violence, fighting, fights, attacks, being attacked, executions, the possibility of dying, & deaths (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of weapons, being attacked, self-defense, harming others, guilt from it, blood/bleeding, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of alcohol, drinking, social drinking at dinner (wine), drunks, taverns/alehouses, & flasks; Mentions of Book #1’s murder, treason, arrests, near executions, & a fight that caused someone to lose an arm (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of treason, traitors, & spies; Mentions of someone being poisoned and killed & another attempted poisoning (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of a shipwreck & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a wife saying that her late husband abused her (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fires; Mentions of injuries, blood/bleeding, pain, & a death (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of robberies, stealing, bandits, & thieves; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of deaths of loved ones & grieving (fathers, mothers, parents, and a sister); A few mentions of a body being ready for the funeral & the possible smell; A few mentions of nightmares (including one of being chased by a wolf); A few mentions of someone taking his anger out on those with less power and authority; A couple mentions of possible assassination attempts; A couple mentions of a sickness & deaths; A couple mentions of beatings; A couple mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of someone saying a porridge tastes like an animal’s excrements; A mention of a child being threatened with being strangled if they don’t listen; A mention of a possible beheading; A mention of the possibility of someone’s throat being slit; A mention of someone possibility being drawn and quartered; A mention of a woman possibly being mistreated or abused in a marriage; A mention of those oppressed or abused by others; A mention of a story about a mother being eaten by a wolf; A mention of a flogging; A mention of jealousy;
*Note: Mazy’s brothers resent their father for how he treated them (& Mazy feels sorry that they didn’t grow up with his love like she did).
Sexual Content- Four hand kisses, an almost barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two almost border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses (one unwanted/forced), a nose kiss, a jaw kiss, a head kiss, two not-detailed kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, three semi-detailed kisses, and a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Shivers, & Hand holding (including a woman touching Berenger’s chest and arms multiple times, up to semi-detailed); Remembering touches & embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Nearness (inducing muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); A man taunts Mazy with kissing her & tries to force a kiss (doesn’t actually happen, but Mazy is shaken afterwards, up to semi-detailed; later she recalls it, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); An older woman (about twelve years older than him) is interested in Berenger, stares at his lips, & tries to tempt him to stay the night with her in her bedroom (twice) and also tries to kiss him (he notices how thin her clothes are (no details) and she comments about making him glad if he stayed with her, but everything else is up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler* ; Mazy & Berenger share bedroom for one night with a child (he promises that nothing unseemly will happen); Seeing a couple kiss (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A brazen woman at a restaurant stands very close to Berenger and also leans down (which exposes her breasts; Berenger keeps his eyes away from her and Mazy is shocked by the woman’s actions); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of touches, embraces, & hand holding; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of reputations, a woman’s virtue, & someone insinuating that Mazy’s has lost her virtue (due to being alone and traveling with a man, though nothing happened between them); A few mentions of Mazy’s father warning her to not be alone with men (because they’re not to be trusted with someone as pretty as her) & another father treating his daughter like “there’s a wolf around very corner, waiting to eat [her]”; A couple mentions of men taking advantage (or not taking advantage) of Mazy; A couple mentions of men giving Mazy “wolfish glances” and another looking at her with an ill intent; A couple mentions of men carousing with female servants; A couple mentions of couples embracing; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of being faithful to a spouse; A mention of married couple giving all their attention to each other after their wedding; A mention of affairs & a husband loving another woman; A mention of men not making lascivious offers to Mazy because of her brother’s warnings; A mention of men looking at a pretty woman lasciviously; A mention of a man not saying anything debauched; A mention of young women being mistreated and “left to the vices of evil men” when the head of their family rejects her; A mention of a young woman offering Mazy & Berenger to spend the night in a bedroom together; A mention of a woman oogling a man; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Berenger has always wished to rescue a damsel in distress & maybe even marry her; Mentions of Mazy’s oldest brother wanting to marrying her to a man who is older than their father; Mentions of a mother nursing her baby (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a woman being unable to conceive and a healer in the village being able to get barren women to conceive; A mention of a young woman saying that she loves to watch a certain man walk.
-Mazy, age 16 & 18
-Berenger, age 21 & 23
P.O.V. switches between them
(Medieval) Set in 1383 & 1383
352 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I think that plot-wise I enjoyed this book much more than the third book in this series, possibly even the most out of the whole series thus far.
However, I did struggle with some of the content, particularly the kissing/romantic parts.
Both Mazy and Berenger were fine characters, but she in particularly felt so young to me. (I’m slightly scared that means I’m getting older and not enjoying YA books as much—no, I refuse to believe that.) I think it’s due to her being raised in one place and never going anywhere or meeting new people, that when she’s suddenly thrown into new places and experiences, her naivety shows through. For him, I wasn’t a fan of his savior complex (how he really wanted to save a damsel in distress) and was thankful when those parts finally stopped being mentioned.
While I appreciate that the villain of this story was very different from the villain’s this author typically writes, I really wasn’t a fan of a certain scene involving her trying to tempt Berenger and how easily he was being played by the villain.
Overall, it was a very quick read. I know I didn’t say too much about what I actually liked about this book, but I did like Mazy and Berenger’s friendship (though, she quickly fell for him) and all of their praying. It definitely wasn’t one I really enjoyed from this series, though, which is disappointing.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*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.
About this book:
“When her father dies and her brother, Warin, abandons her, Mazy is forced to seek help from her beloved older brother Sir John, who is training knights at the great estate of Strachleigh. While there, she becomes friends with the kind and loyal Sir Berenger. Circumstances then force them apart: Berenger goes to Prague, while Mazy and her brother move to London. There, Mazy puts her knife-throwing skills to excellent use as she defends herself, and she learns to make breads to sell in the market to earn money. Her business is expanding when Berenger returns to London and they are reunited.
Romance is just beginning to bloom when the king offers Berenger a new mission that also serves as a chance for a title: Berenger is to marry the recently widowed Lady Bristow and take over her estate. To Mazy’s dismay, Berenger agrees to go to Bristow Castle to visit her and make his decision.
But Bristow Castle is hiding secrets, and the only person who might be able to save the knight in distress is the damsel Mazy herself.”
Series: Book #4 in “The Dericott Tales”. Review of the Book #1 Here!, Book #2 Here!, and Book #3 Here!
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers, Thanking/Praising God, & Talking to Him (including Mazy hearing from God on what to do); 'H's are capital when referring to God; Going into a Cathedral, praying, & lighting a candle (Mazy also crosses herself); Mazy wonders why God let things happen (such as her father dying); Mentions of God & His will; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking/praising God; Mentions of churches, a cathedral, & priests; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of the Holy Writ & a Psalter; A mention of stained glass of those from the Bible; A mention of martyrs; A mention of a young boy being told that his mother is with Jesus and the angels; A mention of Heaven & someone slitting around like an angel;
*Note: Mentions of evil & evil people; A mention of a feast of Saint Nicholas; A mention of a man calling his family cursed.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: Two ‘witch’s (said when describing Mazy from a man threatening her; used as an insult, but not as someone who practices witchcraft); Some Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Men with ill intent threaten Mazy and she defends herself with her knives and threats of her own (happens three times, including blood/bleeding & injuries, up to semi-detailed); Seeing a riot/violence, Fighting/defending herself, & being threatened (including a man saying that he’ll cut off Mazy’s ears and tongue; all up to semi-detailed); Seeing a loved one pass away, another person’s death, & grief (Mazy’s father, up to semi-detailed); Berenger drinks wine at night; Berenger lies to keep someone from knowing what he’s doing (but asks for God’s forgiveness after saying it); Many mentions of wars, battles, riots, rebellions, violence, fighting, fights, attacks, being attacked, executions, the possibility of dying, & deaths (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of weapons, being attacked, self-defense, harming others, guilt from it, blood/bleeding, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of alcohol, drinking, social drinking at dinner (wine), drunks, taverns/alehouses, & flasks; Mentions of Book #1’s murder, treason, arrests, near executions, & a fight that caused someone to lose an arm (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of treason, traitors, & spies; Mentions of someone being poisoned and killed & another attempted poisoning (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of a shipwreck & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a wife saying that her late husband abused her (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fires; Mentions of injuries, blood/bleeding, pain, & a death (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of robberies, stealing, bandits, & thieves; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of deaths of loved ones & grieving (fathers, mothers, parents, and a sister); A few mentions of a body being ready for the funeral & the possible smell; A few mentions of nightmares (including one of being chased by a wolf); A few mentions of someone taking his anger out on those with less power and authority; A couple mentions of possible assassination attempts; A couple mentions of a sickness & deaths; A couple mentions of beatings; A couple mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of someone saying a porridge tastes like an animal’s excrements; A mention of a child being threatened with being strangled if they don’t listen; A mention of a possible beheading; A mention of the possibility of someone’s throat being slit; A mention of someone possibility being drawn and quartered; A mention of a woman possibly being mistreated or abused in a marriage; A mention of those oppressed or abused by others; A mention of a story about a mother being eaten by a wolf; A mention of a flogging; A mention of jealousy;
*Note: Mazy’s brothers resent their father for how he treated them (& Mazy feels sorry that they didn’t grow up with his love like she did).
Sexual Content- Four hand kisses, an almost barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two almost border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses (one unwanted/forced), a nose kiss, a jaw kiss, a head kiss, two not-detailed kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, three semi-detailed kisses, and a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Shivers, & Hand holding (including a woman touching Berenger’s chest and arms multiple times, up to semi-detailed); Remembering touches & embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Nearness (inducing muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); A man taunts Mazy with kissing her & tries to force a kiss (doesn’t actually happen, but Mazy is shaken afterwards, up to semi-detailed; later she recalls it, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); An older woman (about twelve years older than him) is interested in Berenger, stares at his lips, & tries to tempt him to stay the night with her in her bedroom (twice) and also tries to kiss him (he notices how thin her clothes are (no details) and she comments about making him glad if he stayed with her, but everything else is up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler* ; Mazy & Berenger share bedroom for one night with a child (he promises that nothing unseemly will happen); Seeing a couple kiss (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A brazen woman at a restaurant stands very close to Berenger and also leans down (which exposes her breasts; Berenger keeps his eyes away from her and Mazy is shocked by the woman’s actions); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of touches, embraces, & hand holding; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of reputations, a woman’s virtue, & someone insinuating that Mazy’s has lost her virtue (due to being alone and traveling with a man, though nothing happened between them); A few mentions of Mazy’s father warning her to not be alone with men (because they’re not to be trusted with someone as pretty as her) & another father treating his daughter like “there’s a wolf around very corner, waiting to eat [her]”; A couple mentions of men taking advantage (or not taking advantage) of Mazy; A couple mentions of men giving Mazy “wolfish glances” and another looking at her with an ill intent; A couple mentions of men carousing with female servants; A couple mentions of couples embracing; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of being faithful to a spouse; A mention of married couple giving all their attention to each other after their wedding; A mention of affairs & a husband loving another woman; A mention of men not making lascivious offers to Mazy because of her brother’s warnings; A mention of men looking at a pretty woman lasciviously; A mention of a man not saying anything debauched; A mention of young women being mistreated and “left to the vices of evil men” when the head of their family rejects her; A mention of a young woman offering Mazy & Berenger to spend the night in a bedroom together; A mention of a woman oogling a man; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Berenger has always wished to rescue a damsel in distress & maybe even marry her; Mentions of Mazy’s oldest brother wanting to marrying her to a man who is older than their father; Mentions of a mother nursing her baby (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a woman being unable to conceive and a healer in the village being able to get barren women to conceive; A mention of a young woman saying that she loves to watch a certain man walk.
-Mazy, age 16 & 18
-Berenger, age 21 & 23
P.O.V. switches between them
(Medieval) Set in 1383 & 1383
352 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I think that plot-wise I enjoyed this book much more than the third book in this series, possibly even the most out of the whole series thus far.
However, I did struggle with some of the content, particularly the kissing/romantic parts.
Both Mazy and Berenger were fine characters, but she in particularly felt so young to me. (I’m slightly scared that means I’m getting older and not enjoying YA books as much—no, I refuse to believe that.) I think it’s due to her being raised in one place and never going anywhere or meeting new people, that when she’s suddenly thrown into new places and experiences, her naivety shows through. For him, I wasn’t a fan of his savior complex (how he really wanted to save a damsel in distress) and was thankful when those parts finally stopped being mentioned.
While I appreciate that the villain of this story was very different from the villain’s this author typically writes, I really wasn’t a fan of a certain scene involving her trying to tempt Berenger and how easily he was being played by the villain.
Overall, it was a very quick read. I know I didn’t say too much about what I actually liked about this book, but I did like Mazy and Berenger’s friendship (though, she quickly fell for him) and all of their praying. It definitely wasn’t one I really enjoyed from this series, though, which is disappointing.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*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.
June 4, 2023
3.5-4 stars - I am just really enjoying the books in these series :) The set up in typically about the same in each one with a different retelling vibe and I am learning that I really enjoy retellings from this series.
This one is a "Snow Queen" reimagining and follows Mazy. Her father dies and brother, Warin, abandons her - leaving Mazy forced to seek help from her older brother, Sir John in the estate of Strachleigh. When she gets there to see John, he isn't as eager to help her but she meets the kind and loyal Sir Berenger. Things happen that force Sir. Berenger and Mazy apart for 2 years. During those 2 years, she learns more about how to defend herself and becomes an excellent knife throwing expert and how to sell in the market goods to take care of herself in London. Circumstances brings Sir Berenger and her back together after 2 years but things happen when Berenger's new mission leaves him with a requirement to marry a recently widowed woman - Lady Bristow and take over her estate. Unfortunatley.....there are some troublesome rumors about Lady Bristow and the circumstances surrounding her previous husband's death...among other things. Mazy learns of these things and goes to stop Berenger from marrying her after learning all of Lady Bristow's secrets.....Will she get there in time?
Overall, even though the setup in these is about the same each time and the romance is generally super fast and instalove-y, I still have a good time reading these each time. They do show how they are YA many times but I still had fun reading it. The covers are AMAZING. The characters in this one were very cute and again, Melanie sure does know how to write a good villian.
This one is a "Snow Queen" reimagining and follows Mazy. Her father dies and brother, Warin, abandons her - leaving Mazy forced to seek help from her older brother, Sir John in the estate of Strachleigh. When she gets there to see John, he isn't as eager to help her but she meets the kind and loyal Sir Berenger. Things happen that force Sir. Berenger and Mazy apart for 2 years. During those 2 years, she learns more about how to defend herself and becomes an excellent knife throwing expert and how to sell in the market goods to take care of herself in London. Circumstances brings Sir Berenger and her back together after 2 years but things happen when Berenger's new mission leaves him with a requirement to marry a recently widowed woman - Lady Bristow and take over her estate. Unfortunatley.....there are some troublesome rumors about Lady Bristow and the circumstances surrounding her previous husband's death...among other things. Mazy learns of these things and goes to stop Berenger from marrying her after learning all of Lady Bristow's secrets.....Will she get there in time?
Overall, even though the setup in these is about the same each time and the romance is generally super fast and instalove-y, I still have a good time reading these each time. They do show how they are YA many times but I still had fun reading it. The covers are AMAZING. The characters in this one were very cute and again, Melanie sure does know how to write a good villian.
February 17, 2023
"Why couldn't this world be just? Why did it always seem that the best people suffered the most?"
I give this book 4.25 stars!
What I liked: The mystery and danger of it (though I would have liked more!). It was more interesting and I enjoyed it more than some other books in this series. I also liked how Mazy was independent, but also secretly wanted someone to be dependent on.
What I didn't like: It was a bit slow. I was disappointed how Berenger allowed himself to be tempted a bit by women, even though it was realistic. There were seductive men and women that made my skin crawl. Also not a fan of how the main characters seemed to obsess about each other.
I give this book 4.25 stars!
What I liked: The mystery and danger of it (though I would have liked more!). It was more interesting and I enjoyed it more than some other books in this series. I also liked how Mazy was independent, but also secretly wanted someone to be dependent on.
What I didn't like: It was a bit slow. I was disappointed how Berenger allowed himself to be tempted a bit by women, even though it was realistic. There were seductive men and women that made my skin crawl. Also not a fan of how the main characters seemed to obsess about each other.
November 18, 2022
This loose retelling of the Snow Queen fairy tale is an easy read that is sure to enchant fans of Christian romance!
Mazy is a sweet, determined girl who, after being disowned by her brother, makes a life for herself by selling bread at a market in London. Sir Berenger is a knight who has recently returned to London after fighting the Teutonic Knights in London. Together, Mazy and Berenger work to unmask a traitor to the throne, while trying to sort out their feelings for each other.
I admire Mazy's ability to make the most of hard times. Even though she was raised as a nobleman's daughter, she was willing to work hard after getting disowned and not rely on others to take care of her.
Berenger is my favorite character. He is chivalrous, kind, and dutiful. My favorite scenes are the ones where Berenger was playing with the little kids!!!
The romance in this book was so sweet! I loved how protective Berenger was of Mazy and how much Mazy wanted to help Berenger. Seeing how their relationship grew from the time they were sixteen gave the romance an extra layer of sweetness.
I feel like this book had a bit of a slower start than the previous books in this series, but once the story started moving, I did not want to put it down!
I thoroughly enjoyed the newest installment in Melanie Dickerson's Derricott Tales series!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Mazy is a sweet, determined girl who, after being disowned by her brother, makes a life for herself by selling bread at a market in London. Sir Berenger is a knight who has recently returned to London after fighting the Teutonic Knights in London. Together, Mazy and Berenger work to unmask a traitor to the throne, while trying to sort out their feelings for each other.
I admire Mazy's ability to make the most of hard times. Even though she was raised as a nobleman's daughter, she was willing to work hard after getting disowned and not rely on others to take care of her.
Berenger is my favorite character. He is chivalrous, kind, and dutiful. My favorite scenes are the ones where Berenger was playing with the little kids!!!
The romance in this book was so sweet! I loved how protective Berenger was of Mazy and how much Mazy wanted to help Berenger. Seeing how their relationship grew from the time they were sixteen gave the romance an extra layer of sweetness.
I feel like this book had a bit of a slower start than the previous books in this series, but once the story started moving, I did not want to put it down!
I thoroughly enjoyed the newest installment in Melanie Dickerson's Derricott Tales series!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 3, 2022
I like to think that the books in this series are getting better and better as they go on, so this one is the best so far.
Each of the books is a self contained story, so you can read them in any order you like, but if you do start at the beginning you'll see characters from the past books helping the characters from the current book and you'll get some updates on how they're doing as well.
I like that all the books are easy reads, but I do stand by my original opinion that they feel more like middle grade books than young adult ones. This one is no different. But yeah, it was kind of fun, if slightly repetitive.
Having read all four books back to back, I did notice quite a few similarities with how the storyline progresses, particularly with the last three heroines running away so they wouldn't have to get married to someone they don't love (among other things).
It's not at a point (yet) where it feels like the same book in different fonts, but if it keeps going this way then it might get there soon.
So anyway, Fortress of Snow. Mazy is the most sensible heroine thus far, I like her and that she had to take matters into her own hands to protect herself.
Her love story with Sir Berenger was sweet too and I wish we got to see even more of it. And Ro, Ro was great.
I didn't read the original fairytale that this is a retelling of (or if I did it was a very long time ago, maybe 15+ years) so I didn't notice anything that could've reminded me of it, but it's probably there.
Looking forward to seeing what happens in book five.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Each of the books is a self contained story, so you can read them in any order you like, but if you do start at the beginning you'll see characters from the past books helping the characters from the current book and you'll get some updates on how they're doing as well.
I like that all the books are easy reads, but I do stand by my original opinion that they feel more like middle grade books than young adult ones. This one is no different. But yeah, it was kind of fun, if slightly repetitive.
Having read all four books back to back, I did notice quite a few similarities with how the storyline progresses, particularly with the last three heroines running away so they wouldn't have to get married to someone they don't love (among other things).
It's not at a point (yet) where it feels like the same book in different fonts, but if it keeps going this way then it might get there soon.
So anyway, Fortress of Snow. Mazy is the most sensible heroine thus far, I like her and that she had to take matters into her own hands to protect herself.
Her love story with Sir Berenger was sweet too and I wish we got to see even more of it. And Ro, Ro was great.
I didn't read the original fairytale that this is a retelling of (or if I did it was a very long time ago, maybe 15+ years) so I didn't notice anything that could've reminded me of it, but it's probably there.
Looking forward to seeing what happens in book five.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
December 1, 2022
Dericott adventures continue …
Interesting storyline! Mazelina of Westcombe’s father has died and has left her with nothing. She turns towards her thoughtless brother John, training as a knight, for help. Only to be quashed by her brother’s attitude, part blame and part helpful. Repudiated by her half brother awareness after she’d refused to be married to a much older man, because she left in the company of a hired villager, Piers. Warin who’s petulantly bitter, and filled with his own sense of entitlement, casts her aside with no care for her reputation. All Mazy wanted was to lean on her brother and have him care. Is that too much to ask?
Someone does care and that’s a Knight of the Duke of Strachleigh’s guard, Sir Berenger Dericott, also brother to the Duchess.
Sir Berenger is called to court by King Richard. The king seeks to marry Sir Berenger to the Earl of Bristow’s widow Catherine Everdon. Sir Berenger is hesitant. This is a king’s request after all. But the Lady is Bristol is not at all the charming, fearful widow she seems, and it’s Mazy who needs to rescue Sir Berenger.
Part reworked fairy tale, part tales of knights and daring do, the main characters are somewhat flat despite their being plenty of opportunity for them to be more engaging. Just sayin‘ the chemistry unfortunately wasn’t that believable for me. However it’s good to see they all came about!
A Thomas Nelson—Fiction ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Interesting storyline! Mazelina of Westcombe’s father has died and has left her with nothing. She turns towards her thoughtless brother John, training as a knight, for help. Only to be quashed by her brother’s attitude, part blame and part helpful. Repudiated by her half brother awareness after she’d refused to be married to a much older man, because she left in the company of a hired villager, Piers. Warin who’s petulantly bitter, and filled with his own sense of entitlement, casts her aside with no care for her reputation. All Mazy wanted was to lean on her brother and have him care. Is that too much to ask?
Someone does care and that’s a Knight of the Duke of Strachleigh’s guard, Sir Berenger Dericott, also brother to the Duchess.
Sir Berenger is called to court by King Richard. The king seeks to marry Sir Berenger to the Earl of Bristow’s widow Catherine Everdon. Sir Berenger is hesitant. This is a king’s request after all. But the Lady is Bristol is not at all the charming, fearful widow she seems, and it’s Mazy who needs to rescue Sir Berenger.
Part reworked fairy tale, part tales of knights and daring do, the main characters are somewhat flat despite their being plenty of opportunity for them to be more engaging. Just sayin‘ the chemistry unfortunately wasn’t that believable for me. However it’s good to see they all came about!
A Thomas Nelson—Fiction ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
February 3, 2025
So cute!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 18, 2022
Fortress of Snow by Melanie Dickerson is a wonderful historical fiction that has fiction, fairy tales, mystery, suspense, romance, and a wonderful ending. It is the fourth book in the amazing Dericott Tales series. I must love this book.
I have enjoyed all four books in this series thus far, but each book can easily be a standalone novel. Reading them together gives the reader a beautiful tapestry of another time, place, and another world. A world where good triumphs over evil, romance is cultivated and blossoms, where knights are chivalrous, and faith, hope, and promise is a stone within foundations.
Mazy and Berenger are great characters. There are obstacles tossed their way, externally and from within. I loved the plot, pacing, and of course the ending.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/6/22.
I have enjoyed all four books in this series thus far, but each book can easily be a standalone novel. Reading them together gives the reader a beautiful tapestry of another time, place, and another world. A world where good triumphs over evil, romance is cultivated and blossoms, where knights are chivalrous, and faith, hope, and promise is a stone within foundations.
Mazy and Berenger are great characters. There are obstacles tossed their way, externally and from within. I loved the plot, pacing, and of course the ending.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/6/22.
October 19, 2025
3 🌟
I enjoyed this book, and the writing style is easy to follow. Some of the interactions between the main characters felt a bit awkward to me, and I wasn't fully invested in the romance.
The plot was intriguing, and I loved the time skip in the beginning half of the book. I also really liked how Berenger left to Prussia, and him and Mazy were separated for a time.
One of the main things that disappointed me in this book was the character John. I felt like he had so much potential, and I thought there could have been a really cool redemption between him and his sister. I thought that there would be, but I never got to see how he ended up.
I liked the conclusion of the book and their castle by the sea! I love how it was their safe place of healing after their hurt.
I enjoyed this book, and the writing style is easy to follow. Some of the interactions between the main characters felt a bit awkward to me, and I wasn't fully invested in the romance.
The plot was intriguing, and I loved the time skip in the beginning half of the book. I also really liked how Berenger left to Prussia, and him and Mazy were separated for a time.
One of the main things that disappointed me in this book was the character John. I felt like he had so much potential, and I thought there could have been a really cool redemption between him and his sister. I thought that there would be, but I never got to see how he ended up.
I liked the conclusion of the book and their castle by the sea! I love how it was their safe place of healing after their hurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
4.5 stars
I think this might be my favorite of the Dericott Tales so far. Lots of action happening and intrigue. I loved the sweet romance between the two characters (even though I wish they had more moments together). If you're looking for a sweet clean romance series, check these out. 😁
I think this might be my favorite of the Dericott Tales so far. Lots of action happening and intrigue. I loved the sweet romance between the two characters (even though I wish they had more moments together). If you're looking for a sweet clean romance series, check these out. 😁
January 5, 2023
This was a really sweet love story! My favorite love stories are when the two characters are friends before they fall in love and this one had that trope which I loved! The fairytale elements of this story were very subtle and I barely noticed them but I really just enjoyed this story as a sweet, clean historical romance. Also I just have to say, the cover is so gorgeous.😍
I really liked both Mazy and Berenger. Mazy was a kind, strong, and independent girl and I really liked her character. I really felt sorry for her. Her brothers were terrible! But she handled it well and I admired her for that.
Berenger was such a sweet guy! I immediately liked him. I don’t remember much about him from the other books so I enjoyed getting to know him!
I also enjoyed the friendship between Mazy and Ro. Ro was pretty funny and kept things light.
The rest of the story was pretty interesting! I liked that everything happened fairly quickly. Like I said, I didn’t really feel the fairytale vibe except for there is a nasty villain and the parts when the hero saves the heroine. I enjoyed seeing the heroine get to save the hero at one point as well.❤️
The romance was sweet and clean! A few semi-detailed kisses. There’s a scene where a woman is tempting a man but nothing happens besides a kiss. (I didn’t particularly like that scene! Ugh, Lady Bristow was very unlikeable!)
There’s a little violence but nothing very gruesome. No language.
I enjoyed the faith content that I’ve come to expect in Melanie Dickerson’s books. I really like that the characters pray often throughout the book!
Overall, this was a fun, quick read and a sweet story. While it wasn’t particularly memorable or unique to me, I still enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a clean YA historical with a sweet love story, a chivalrous knight, a strong heroine, and a nasty villain, this one was good!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really liked both Mazy and Berenger. Mazy was a kind, strong, and independent girl and I really liked her character. I really felt sorry for her. Her brothers were terrible! But she handled it well and I admired her for that.
Berenger was such a sweet guy! I immediately liked him. I don’t remember much about him from the other books so I enjoyed getting to know him!
I also enjoyed the friendship between Mazy and Ro. Ro was pretty funny and kept things light.
The rest of the story was pretty interesting! I liked that everything happened fairly quickly. Like I said, I didn’t really feel the fairytale vibe except for there is a nasty villain and the parts when the hero saves the heroine. I enjoyed seeing the heroine get to save the hero at one point as well.❤️
The romance was sweet and clean! A few semi-detailed kisses. There’s a scene where a woman is tempting a man but nothing happens besides a kiss. (I didn’t particularly like that scene! Ugh, Lady Bristow was very unlikeable!)
There’s a little violence but nothing very gruesome. No language.
I enjoyed the faith content that I’ve come to expect in Melanie Dickerson’s books. I really like that the characters pray often throughout the book!
Overall, this was a fun, quick read and a sweet story. While it wasn’t particularly memorable or unique to me, I still enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a clean YA historical with a sweet love story, a chivalrous knight, a strong heroine, and a nasty villain, this one was good!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 27, 2022
4⭐️ (maybe 3.75?)
When an Earl dies, his oldest son becomes heir and tosses his young sister out because she does not wish to be shipped off in matrimony to the first eligible man.
Meanwhile…
A knight is working hard to make something of himself and gain some land or a title or something worthy of respect (so he thinks). The King offers him a great chunk of land with a grand title, if only he marries the cruel lady of the estate.
When an Earl dies, his oldest son becomes heir and tosses his young sister out because she does not wish to be shipped off in matrimony to the first eligible man.
Meanwhile…
A knight is working hard to make something of himself and gain some land or a title or something worthy of respect (so he thinks). The King offers him a great chunk of land with a grand title, if only he marries the cruel lady of the estate.
December 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
I'm pretty disappointed in this book. Normally I love Dickerson's stories but this one lacked the same feelings as her previous. Most of the plot time was spent in the exposition and the main two characters feel like carbon copies of previous ones she'd written. Despite being physically and mentally capable, Mazy is still treated as weak which really bugged me. The resolution felt super rushed because there wasn't much time spent building up to a resolution.
*reread it because I forgot I read it before lol*
I'm pretty disappointed in this book. Normally I love Dickerson's stories but this one lacked the same feelings as her previous. Most of the plot time was spent in the exposition and the main two characters feel like carbon copies of previous ones she'd written. Despite being physically and mentally capable, Mazy is still treated as weak which really bugged me. The resolution felt super rushed because there wasn't much time spent building up to a resolution.
*reread it because I forgot I read it before lol*
January 5, 2023
Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale reimaginings are some of my favorites. I’m always curious to see how she puts her own spin on them. Fortress of Snow is loosely based on The Snow Queen. I didn’t know anything about this fairytale going in and that was a good thing because there are some twists in this story where it’s better not knowing what might happen next. I liked the clear battle of good versus evil. The villainess is one of those characters you love to hate. She’s particularly nasty.
The story takes place in England in the late 1300’s. Mazy runs away to Strachleigh Castle to be with her brother John when her father dies unexpectedly and her oldest brother is trying to force her to marry. There she befriends Sir Berenger who is hoping to make a name for himself and earn the king’s favor. When duty calls Berenger away to Prague and Sir John is called to London, Mazy goes with John despite his indifferent treatment of her. She learns to live on her own after befriending a girl named Ro and learns to make and sell bread. She also develops some pretty great knife fighting skills which come in handy.
When Berenger returns to London, he finds Mazy all grown up. There’s definitely an attraction there, but with precarious financial prospects, he accepts the offer of the King to court the beautiful Lady Bristow. He travels to her castle to see if they would suit. Mazy who is secretly in love with him is saddened over his choice. But, all is not as it seems at the castle especially with regard to Lady Bristow’s young ward. When Mazy finds out that Sir Berenger may be in danger she decides to travel to Bristow castle to warn him.
I enjoyed this story especially the second half. It started out a little slow, but once Berenger meets Lady Bristow, the story really gets going. She’s definitely a temptress with questionable intensions. Berenger is such a good and noble knight who takes his oaths and responsibilities seriously and thank heavens, because it takes all his strength to resist Lady Bristow. I loved the way he wants to protect Mazy and the kindness he shows towards Lady Bristow’s ward, Juliana.
Mazy is definitely a heroine you can cheer for. She’s independent, caring, and dangerous with a knife. She doesn’t hesitate to defend those she cares for. I loved the way she helped the widows and doesn’t hesitate to go after Berenger when she thinks he’s in danger. Her brother Sir. John was a bit disappointing and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mazy and her lack of family support.
I listened to the audiobook version of the story and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She really made these characters and the story come alive. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, but also listened to the audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
The story takes place in England in the late 1300’s. Mazy runs away to Strachleigh Castle to be with her brother John when her father dies unexpectedly and her oldest brother is trying to force her to marry. There she befriends Sir Berenger who is hoping to make a name for himself and earn the king’s favor. When duty calls Berenger away to Prague and Sir John is called to London, Mazy goes with John despite his indifferent treatment of her. She learns to live on her own after befriending a girl named Ro and learns to make and sell bread. She also develops some pretty great knife fighting skills which come in handy.
When Berenger returns to London, he finds Mazy all grown up. There’s definitely an attraction there, but with precarious financial prospects, he accepts the offer of the King to court the beautiful Lady Bristow. He travels to her castle to see if they would suit. Mazy who is secretly in love with him is saddened over his choice. But, all is not as it seems at the castle especially with regard to Lady Bristow’s young ward. When Mazy finds out that Sir Berenger may be in danger she decides to travel to Bristow castle to warn him.
I enjoyed this story especially the second half. It started out a little slow, but once Berenger meets Lady Bristow, the story really gets going. She’s definitely a temptress with questionable intensions. Berenger is such a good and noble knight who takes his oaths and responsibilities seriously and thank heavens, because it takes all his strength to resist Lady Bristow. I loved the way he wants to protect Mazy and the kindness he shows towards Lady Bristow’s ward, Juliana.
Mazy is definitely a heroine you can cheer for. She’s independent, caring, and dangerous with a knife. She doesn’t hesitate to defend those she cares for. I loved the way she helped the widows and doesn’t hesitate to go after Berenger when she thinks he’s in danger. Her brother Sir. John was a bit disappointing and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mazy and her lack of family support.
I listened to the audiobook version of the story and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She really made these characters and the story come alive. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, but also listened to the audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
November 12, 2025
This book was so good!! The first half was a little bit slow but the second half was a roller coaster. It was so cute how much Berenger worried about Mazy even though they weren't related. I also love how Mazy and Berenger just immediately love Juliana and want to protect and care for her. This book is so wholesome and I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a clean christian romance.
March 2, 2024
3.25🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Jude Mason)
An enjoyable and entertaining medieval romance. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but this stood very well on its own. Somewhere I read it was based on a fairytale about the Snow Queen, but I’m not familiar with that tale and can’t say how closely it followed that story.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook (narrated by Jude Mason)
An enjoyable and entertaining medieval romance. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but this stood very well on its own. Somewhere I read it was based on a fairytale about the Snow Queen, but I’m not familiar with that tale and can’t say how closely it followed that story.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
July 17, 2023
Reading a Melanie Dickerson fairytale retelling has the same effects as drinking a cup of tea.
You feel all warm inside and you just want to bask in that comfortable, fuzzy sensation for as long as you can.
Fortress of Snow is a lovely fairytale retelling of the Snow Queen. I personally have never read that particular fairytale before so I can’t really say how strong/mild the allusions to the original storyline there are, but I really enjoyed this read.
From the first chapter, I immediately connected with the characters. I felt Mazy’s pains and worries, was frustrated with her brothers, and was concerned for Mazy’s wellbeing. Melanie has the amazing ability to connect her audience with her characters, having read all her fairytale retellings I can honestly say I’ve rarely felt disconnected from them.
Mazy’s unwavering trust in the faithfulness of God amid life’s adversities is admirable. Her constant pursuit of Him was beautiful to see. I loved how she never changed who she was, how she was tough and knew how to protect herself, but was never charged by the challenges she faced. She remained innocent, and pure, and kept her childlike faith.
Berenger was such a kindhearted fellow. It was easy to feel drawn to him not merely as a love interest, but as a character. His kindness towards those around him, his evident love for his family, and his constant concern for Mazy are a few of his caring and commendable qualities. Sure, there were times at the beginning when he dealt with a serious savior complex (his desperate desire to save a damsel in distress). There were times when I felt he was being quite dense when it came to Mazy. And ok, I definitely got annoyed when he left Mazy for Bristow Castle (and with some of the events that occurred therein). But what I believe can be a good takeaway from his imperfections are that, while it’s certainly nice to read about a totally swoon-worthy hero who can do no wrong, the reality is that no guy (no one) is perfect, and that’s ok. As long as he has a heart for God and for you.
Melanie has been dubbed queen of fairytale retellings, and with good reason. Her stories never fail to warm my heart and are always among my go-to comfort/cozy reads.
How I am looking forward to Cloak of Scarlet in June!
4 dazzling stars!
You feel all warm inside and you just want to bask in that comfortable, fuzzy sensation for as long as you can.
Fortress of Snow is a lovely fairytale retelling of the Snow Queen. I personally have never read that particular fairytale before so I can’t really say how strong/mild the allusions to the original storyline there are, but I really enjoyed this read.
From the first chapter, I immediately connected with the characters. I felt Mazy’s pains and worries, was frustrated with her brothers, and was concerned for Mazy’s wellbeing. Melanie has the amazing ability to connect her audience with her characters, having read all her fairytale retellings I can honestly say I’ve rarely felt disconnected from them.
Mazy’s unwavering trust in the faithfulness of God amid life’s adversities is admirable. Her constant pursuit of Him was beautiful to see. I loved how she never changed who she was, how she was tough and knew how to protect herself, but was never charged by the challenges she faced. She remained innocent, and pure, and kept her childlike faith.
Berenger was such a kindhearted fellow. It was easy to feel drawn to him not merely as a love interest, but as a character. His kindness towards those around him, his evident love for his family, and his constant concern for Mazy are a few of his caring and commendable qualities. Sure, there were times at the beginning when he dealt with a serious savior complex (his desperate desire to save a damsel in distress). There were times when I felt he was being quite dense when it came to Mazy. And ok, I definitely got annoyed when he left Mazy for Bristow Castle (and with some of the events that occurred therein). But what I believe can be a good takeaway from his imperfections are that, while it’s certainly nice to read about a totally swoon-worthy hero who can do no wrong, the reality is that no guy (no one) is perfect, and that’s ok. As long as he has a heart for God and for you.
Melanie has been dubbed queen of fairytale retellings, and with good reason. Her stories never fail to warm my heart and are always among my go-to comfort/cozy reads.
How I am looking forward to Cloak of Scarlet in June!
4 dazzling stars!
October 2, 2022
I have always loved Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of fairy tales. A delight to read, they are such wonderful stories with good characters.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley.
August 16, 2023
Ack! This was so much fun!! Maisy was SO much fun!! I loved the best friends to lovers trope. 🥰 It was the sweetest thing EVER. I loved how brave Maisy was even while living by herself in London and having to defend herself on many occasions. I loved her nickname, Knife Girl. XD She was such fun! I loved her heart. This book was really good!!
February 23, 2023
I always enjoy Melanie’s fairy tale based stories and this one is no exception. It’s a quick and easy read and kept my interest throughout. I really liked Mazy and her bravery and it was great to finally get Sir Berenger’s story. This was a fun read!
June 15, 2025
Loved it!
March 26, 2023
It was a little slow for me in the begining but I still loved it!! The second half especially
January 4, 2023
This was the best book so far in this series. I loved Mazy’s character and Berenger too. I also loved many of the supporting characters like Roe. 90% of the book was really good but towards the end there was a lot of dithering. If would have heard “I can take care of myself” one more time my rating would have gone down. I loved that the relationship started with friendship and grew from there. I also loved the good hearted kindness shown by both Mazy and Berenger. Definitely worth the read.
February 3, 2023
Fortress of Snow is a loose retelling Snow Queen following a girl name Mazy who try find her ways after her dad passes away. The writing is descriptive but still enjoyable. The characters is loveable and I like she growing stronger from each hard time she must endure.
The romance light and sweet. I like saw their growing chemistry and relateable dynamics.
This is my first read from the author, but her name is well known around my book friends expecially fans of Christian fantasy romance. Looking forward for another books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for provided my copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The romance light and sweet. I like saw their growing chemistry and relateable dynamics.
This is my first read from the author, but her name is well known around my book friends expecially fans of Christian fantasy romance. Looking forward for another books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for provided my copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 25, 2024
I'm a big fan of Melanie Dickerson.
I got this book a few weeks ago, and I've finished reading it in a good 3 days.
IT IS THE BEST!!!!
It was heartbreaking to read how Warin kicked Maisy out of the family. But this heartbreak was soon healed by the meeting of Berenger!!
I must say, Maisy and Berenger were destined to meet eachother.
Reading the conversations between little Juliana and Berenger made me think that Berenger was going to become a very good dad in the future.
'Fortress of Snow' is one of the best books Dickerson wrote.
I got this book a few weeks ago, and I've finished reading it in a good 3 days.
IT IS THE BEST!!!!
It was heartbreaking to read how Warin kicked Maisy out of the family. But this heartbreak was soon healed by the meeting of Berenger!!
I must say, Maisy and Berenger were destined to meet eachother.
Reading the conversations between little Juliana and Berenger made me think that Berenger was going to become a very good dad in the future.
'Fortress of Snow' is one of the best books Dickerson wrote.
December 23, 2024
Lovely Winter Read
This story is wrought with heartache, but through it all the characters remain calm, work hard and in the end, it is rewarded. Lovely story.
This story is wrought with heartache, but through it all the characters remain calm, work hard and in the end, it is rewarded. Lovely story.
December 18, 2023
Great romance!
April 5, 2025
This is a 3.5 for me. :)
It isn't that I didn't like it, it just wasn't my favorite in the Dericott Tales so far! For no particular reason, either, but since I read them out of order, nothing can rival "Cloak of Scarlet" for me, yet!
One thing I love about Melanie Dickerson is how she manages to take a fairytale, retell it and also weave some very important life lessons into her stories! And the real-life events aren't all just conflict and the same, repeated stuff, they're things an everyday person may encounter. This one dealt with a very important thing: Manipulation.
I want to talk about it without giving spoilers, but I am going to put a spoiler warning here for the astute, just in case. :)
As a book for young people, I think it's important to have characters like this in here and the struggles, so that they know somewhat of what to watch out for!
Mazy wasn't my favorite character in the series, but I liked her. I was so happy to see Lady Delia again and in more than just a cameo! Berenger was also fun, but Merek is still my favorite!
The book covered several years and months, so it was interesting to see how that all progressed. I enjoyed the beginning very much, I found it to be a nice quiet read where the author spent time with character development and digging into Mazy and Berenger and for that, I appreciated it. Most of her tales plunge us right into the action by the first page - which is good, I love that! - but it was nice to slow down and get to know the two love interest for a change!
It isn't that I didn't like it, it just wasn't my favorite in the Dericott Tales so far! For no particular reason, either, but since I read them out of order, nothing can rival "Cloak of Scarlet" for me, yet!
One thing I love about Melanie Dickerson is how she manages to take a fairytale, retell it and also weave some very important life lessons into her stories! And the real-life events aren't all just conflict and the same, repeated stuff, they're things an everyday person may encounter. This one dealt with a very important thing: Manipulation.
I want to talk about it without giving spoilers, but I am going to put a spoiler warning here for the astute, just in case. :)
As a book for young people, I think it's important to have characters like this in here and the struggles, so that they know somewhat of what to watch out for!
Mazy wasn't my favorite character in the series, but I liked her. I was so happy to see Lady Delia again and in more than just a cameo! Berenger was also fun, but Merek is still my favorite!
The book covered several years and months, so it was interesting to see how that all progressed. I enjoyed the beginning very much, I found it to be a nice quiet read where the author spent time with character development and digging into Mazy and Berenger and for that, I appreciated it. Most of her tales plunge us right into the action by the first page - which is good, I love that! - but it was nice to slow down and get to know the two love interest for a change!
December 7, 2022
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Historical / Romance
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Fortress of Snow, by author Melanie Dickerson, is the fourth installment in the authors Dericott series. This story allegedly is the reimagining of the Snow Queen tale. The story beings in the year 1383, but jumps ahead several years to 1385. After Mazelina of Wexcombe loses her beloved father, who she was very close to and had plans to travel beyond the walls of her castle, her world seemingly comes to an end. Her half brother Warin inherits her fathers castle, and he's eager to dump Mazy on someone much, much older than she is.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical / Romance
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Fortress of Snow, by author Melanie Dickerson, is the fourth installment in the authors Dericott series. This story allegedly is the reimagining of the Snow Queen tale. The story beings in the year 1383, but jumps ahead several years to 1385. After Mazelina of Wexcombe loses her beloved father, who she was very close to and had plans to travel beyond the walls of her castle, her world seemingly comes to an end. Her half brother Warin inherits her fathers castle, and he's eager to dump Mazy on someone much, much older than she is.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
January 19, 2025
Not my favorite story from this author but still worth reading. Not sure if I just wasn’t in the mood for a fluffy romance or I am just becoming jaded to this type of story. I pray it’s just the timing. I will be honest there is so much repetition in this one. The author repeatedly tells us how the two who obviously will end up together can’t possibly end up together. There was a bit of info dumping and some forced dialogue. She kills off a few people to try to cause tension in the plot. Definitely deus ex machina in the end. It was too perfect, even for me. I have read almost every other book by Melanie Dickerson and highly recommend her stories. Don’t judge her writing by this example, she is a very good author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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