The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

 

• Release date: November 4th, 2014
• Publishing company: Zondervan   
• Pages:304                                       

 Blurb

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha—one of the few who speaks his language—understands the wild story.

Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin’s message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself “Lord Colin” is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy—not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she’s sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook’s wicked plot.

             

Review

First off, I would like to mention that stunner of a cover. It's a perfect introduction to an ethereal storyline. Margaretha was formerly introduced in The Captive Maiden, but The Princess Spy is purely her story. Margaretha is being courted by a bit of a fop, and seems a bit flighty at the start of the story. Until, of course, her life is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious Englishmen with a bit of a temper. This interruption causes a series of adventurous happenings that makes the pages turn a bit faster. Colin is a good fit as the hero of the story, even if you question just how hero-ish he actually is. He turns out to be a dashing protagonist (I love you, Melanie Dickerson) and the fairytale theme of the book doesn't overpower the historical setting. The dialogue was a little bit stiff, however that could be because the series is targeted for a younger age set. The Princess Spy is perfect for an upper middle-grader, but with just enough depth for the YA, or even adult reader. 

 If you have any tweens or younger teens who love reading to buy presents for, this would be the perfect gift! Or just get the whole series. They will love these sweet reads! :)

 *I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*