I’ve been enjoying Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale retellings since I first stumbled upon The Merchant’s Daughter on a much-needed night off from bottles and diapers many years ago. I loved that Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I’ve loved every book of hers I’ve read since. It’s no wonder she’s an award-winning New York Times bestselling author!

Recently, I finished Castle of Refuge, her Ugly Duckling retelling. It was so good! And guess what? Melanie agreed to come on The Book Club Life to discuss her book and how she relates to some of its themes and quotes.

We talk about beauty after scars, hope after divorce, what really matters when choosing who to marry, and so much more. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

After the interview, scroll down to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the winner’s choice of any of her books we mention in our chat.

Without further ado…

An Interview with Melanie Dickerson

Wasn’t Melanie just wonderful?! I so appreciate her heart, her candor, and her encouragement. <3 <3 <3 (Not to mention her amazing books!)

Now for that giveaway! The prize is the winner’s choice of any of Melanie Dickerson’s books mentioned on the show, including her newest:

Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson

Back Cover:

In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a high-stakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY (2 STEPS)

1. Be a newsletter subscriber. If you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up right here! (Plus, you’ll get a free copy of my short story, Sweet Sentiments—previously published in a Family Fiction Anthology. )
2. Leave a comment on this blog or on my corresponding Facebook post, Instagram post, or right on the YouTube episode letting me know which book you’d like if you win. All comments are counted as entries, and you’re welcome to enter at each spot.

The giveaway ends Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10:00 pm Central Time. (***See restrictions below.)

ONE MORE THING

PS. If you enjoyed the show, would you consider giving us a “thumbs up” on YouTube or sharing with a friend? Thanks so much!

Thanks for watching and happy reading!

Jenny

PPS. ***Giveaway Rules/Restrictions:

The giveaway ends Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10:00 pm Central Time. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Only one randomly selected winner will be chosen. The winner will receive his or her choice of any Melanie Dickerson book mentioned on the show. Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond with a mailing address. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, he or she will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Contest only open to residents in the contiguous United States. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

DISCLAIMER:
This video and blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!