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From New York Times bestselling author comes The Silent Songbird! Evangeline is gifted with a heavenly voice, but she is trapped in a sinister betrothal until she embarks on a daring escape and meets brave Westley le Wyse. Can he help her discover the freedom to sing again? Desperate to flee a political marriage to her cousin King Richard II's closest advisor, Lord Shiveley-a man twice her age with shadowy motives-Evangeline runs away and joins a small band of servants journeying back to show more Glynval, their home village. Pretending to be mute, she gets to know Westley le Wyse, their handsome young leader, who is intrigued by the beautiful servant girl. But when the truth comes out, it may shatter any hope that love could grow between them. More than Evangeline's future is at stake as she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that threatens England's monarchy. Should she give herself up to protect the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne? show lessTags
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I bought this on impulse after reading the first chapter. So glad I did as it's a very satisfying medieval romance with depth in both characters and plot. I'm now interested in reading more by the author.
Evangeline's privileged life as the ward of her cousin, King Richard II, sometimes feels more suffocating than blessed. When the king awards her in marriage to his most trusted adviser, Lord Shiveley, Evangeline's desperation peaks and she escapes the night before her nuptials. Disguising herself as mute, she travels with a band of servants led by the handsome and kind Westley le Wyse to Glynval. When her deception is uncovered, Evangeline finds herself in danger of Lord Shiveley's search parties and a broken heart. Will Evangeline find the absolution she craves as well as redemption for her past deception? Can a relationship with Westley survive such a shaky beginning? Read more in The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson.
The Silent show more Songbird is the seventh novel in Melanie Dickerson's Hagenheim series. The novel works as a stand alone, but I do recommend reading the earlier novels as it's enjoyable to encounter some of the previous characters and I think her earlier works are better quality. Mixing The Little Mermaid with Medieval England, the novel's strength lies in Dickerson's creativity. She blends the enchanted fairy tale “feeling” with elements of mystery, deception, romantic expectation and spiritual truth. Unfortunately, at times the dialogue felt stilted or choppy and the prose lacked the beauty present in other novels by Dickerson. In my opinion, The Silent Songbird isn't Dickerson's best showing, but it is worth reading. There are positive elements to enjoy and fans of the Hagenheim series will want to read it to keep up with the series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free via netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less
The Silent show more Songbird is the seventh novel in Melanie Dickerson's Hagenheim series. The novel works as a stand alone, but I do recommend reading the earlier novels as it's enjoyable to encounter some of the previous characters and I think her earlier works are better quality. Mixing The Little Mermaid with Medieval England, the novel's strength lies in Dickerson's creativity. She blends the enchanted fairy tale “feeling” with elements of mystery, deception, romantic expectation and spiritual truth. Unfortunately, at times the dialogue felt stilted or choppy and the prose lacked the beauty present in other novels by Dickerson. In my opinion, The Silent Songbird isn't Dickerson's best showing, but it is worth reading. There are positive elements to enjoy and fans of the Hagenheim series will want to read it to keep up with the series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free via netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less
Medieval romance with a fairytale flair, this is a quality romance, which is something I do not find often. Excellent characters, a not too predictable plot and a beauty who knows how to throw knives and use a bow and arrow–i personally could not ask for more. Appropriate for all ages but definitely written for an older YA audience.
A middle grades medieval romance adventure loosely based on The Little Mermaid. This novel is the second I've read by the author (I liked her Rapunzel adaptation too) and both are Christian-based. The characters are written with a mixture of reality and what a young hopeful reader would like them to be. A good choice for young girls, especially those who like fairy tale retellings and MCs learning about true strength and bravery.
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Evangeline is a Ward of the King. She was raised in the castle and feels close to the king. It’s unbelievable to her that he decides to betroth her to his advisor, who has shown his evil side to her. She cannot get the king to change his mind, so she hides away with a merchant group who was traveling back to their home – pretending to be a mute servant. Even though she is pursued, she is protected by Westley and treated well despite her shortcomings.
She is ultimately found out, but also uncovers subterfuge where she is and against King Richard. Not only is she in danger, but Westley as well. As is their relationship when he learns that she has been lying to him and his family all along.
Quick and easy read. Christian Historical show more Fiction.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson--FICTION - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. show less
She is ultimately found out, but also uncovers subterfuge where she is and against King Richard. Not only is she in danger, but Westley as well. As is their relationship when he learns that she has been lying to him and his family all along.
Quick and easy read. Christian Historical show more Fiction.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson--FICTION - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. show less
The Silent Songbird is a story about a heroine that wants to something all people want. It takes place in either 1700 or 1800 England. It mostly about the King’s warden. Will she find what wants in life? She knows her duty, but she does not want to marry someone she does not love.
Evangeline knows her cousin goes to set up a marriage to an Earl? She tries to tell her cousin she doesn't want to marry this man. She is forced to run away. This is where all twists and turns and surprises start to occur. She meets a man and asks to go along with him and his men. She also has her friend with her as well. I believe this is where she starts to learn about herself and learns about the world around her.
The author does a good job showing us what show more it likes for women in that era. We learn of what Lord Shivery is like and how he is. You will be surprised at how and what this man did to his first wife. The author does wonders with her characters. You can see how deep she makes them. You are pulled into the era of that time and you feel like you are a part of that world. show less
Evangeline knows her cousin goes to set up a marriage to an Earl? She tries to tell her cousin she doesn't want to marry this man. She is forced to run away. This is where all twists and turns and surprises start to occur. She meets a man and asks to go along with him and his men. She also has her friend with her as well. I believe this is where she starts to learn about herself and learns about the world around her.
The author does a good job showing us what show more it likes for women in that era. We learn of what Lord Shivery is like and how he is. You will be surprised at how and what this man did to his first wife. The author does wonders with her characters. You can see how deep she makes them. You are pulled into the era of that time and you feel like you are a part of that world. show less
A romance-genre for teens, thinly veiled as historical fiction, with a Christian focus. Evangeline's thoughts and attitude were entirely modern, there was no attempt to portray people as they were in the 1300's. Historic veil: we are told the appropriate clothing, and there is mention of the peasant's revolt of 1381. Yet the landlord's son (at least 17 yr old)spends his time fishing & running errands for his mother.
Heard as an audio book. I did not finish it.
Heard as an audio book. I did not finish it.
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Author Information
34 Works 5,128 Members
Awards and Honors
Awards
Series
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Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2016
- People/Characters
- Evangeline; Wesley le Wyse; Lord le Wyse; Lady le Wyse (Annabel); Lord Shiveley
- Important places
- Berkhamsted Castle; Glynval
- First words
- "Servants may marry whomever they want, but a king's ward has no freedom at all."
- Quotations
- “Westley leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “What is this?” Evangeline pulled away. The priest was giving them a horrified look. She hadn’t known his eyes could open that wide. “Are you kissing in the Lord Go... (show all)d’s chapel? There is no kissing in the chapel! Unless it is to seal a marriage vow.” Westley stood and kept hold of her hand. He did not apologize. He only nodded at the priest as they left, and he led her down the steps. “I’ve never been asked to leave the chapel for kissing before,” he said. “Are you sure? Because you don’t seem very embarrassed about it.” “Why should I be embarrassed for kissing the woman I plan to marry?”
“A world without a kind young man who wished to help a servant girl read the Bible, who smiled often, and who bandaged a servant’s blistered hands would have been a sadder world.”
“They hurried away, Westley’s hand on her elbow as he ushered her away from the house. “As I was saying.” Westley cleared his throat. They were walking across the grassy area in front of the castle, headed back to the... (show all) road that would take them to the meadow and the festival. “Yes?” “Would you ever consider marrying me, a man without a title, if it meant defying the king?” “Yes. I would consider it.” Did he say what she thought he said? It was not exactly a proposal of marriage, but very nearly. Her insides seemed to go numb at the thought of being so close to her greatest wish coming true. They stared into each other’s eyes.”
“She shouldn’t long for his kiss. She did not know what the future held for her. But she did long for it. Her heart ached with longing.”
“Her smile was captivating. He actually stumbled as he walked away. Evangeline hid her amusement behind her hand as Westley stumbled. He was nearly as clumsy as she was.” - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Evangeline only hoped that the rest of them could be as full of joy as she was, could escape whatever evil fate the devil had planned for them, and could feel as grateful to God as she did for lifting her out of loneliness and pain and bringing her into the lovely life He had planned for her all along.
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 242
- Popularity
- 133,292
- Reviews
- 10
- Rating
- (3.67)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 9
- ASINs
- 2
