The Beautiful Pretender Book Review

In The Beautiful Pretender, what happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

About The Beautiful Pretender

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

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

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

My Thoughts

A unique storyline, that sees our main character having to stand in for the Earl’s daughter for who has decided to run away from home. Avelina is a young woman, who has only known a life of service and loyalty to her family. It is this loyalty to her family that is used against her as she is sent instead of the Earl’s daughter to the Margave’s home.

The Margave is in desperate need of a bride but he does not want just any bride, he wants one that is selfless, caring, kind and has a love for all people. He sets up a unique set of tests for the women attending his home to work their way through. It is two women who pass these tests with flying colours, I am sure you can guess who is one of them! Avelina tries all she can to have the Margave ignore her but it is her kind soul that sets her apart. Her upbringing has taught her compassion and love for all people regardless of their social status.

In an unexpected turn of events, a secret plot is discovered by Avelina. As she works to discover who is plotting against the Margave she is in turn exposes herself and her true position. A web of murder, lies and more are exposed that puts both herself and the Margave in danger.

The Beautiful Pretender is a unique novel that I fell in love with. It has an exciting plot line that you have never read anything similar before and just enough suspense and romance. An overall fantastic read for individuals of all ages!

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.