From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a captivating medieval romance inspired by the classic tale of The Ugly Duckling. Set in fourteenth-century England, Castle of Refuge weaves together romance, adventure, and timeless fairy-tale elements in a richly imagined historical setting.
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.
Life outside her home is dangerous, and Audrey 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.
With memorable characters, heartfelt faith, and powerful messages of courage, forgiveness, and inner beauty, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy fairy-tale retellings, medieval romance, and inspirational historical fiction.
Part of Melanie Dickerson's beloved Medieval Fairy Tale series, each stand-alone novel reimagines a classic fairy tale through the lens of medieval history, clean romance, and faith-filled storytelling.
