Review: The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description "The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower. Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read. After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted. After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige. But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after."

I always enjoyed fairy tales as a child and still love them as an adult. The first book I read from Melanie Dickerson was The Princess Spy.  I enjoyed that story so much that I read the Fairy Tale Romance Collection which included The Princess Spy, The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, The Captive Maiden, and The Fairest Beauty.  Each of these tales are based on a familiar fairy tale.  Each of the stories are linked to the others with but not so much that you have to read them all in a certain order to understand them. Each of the stories take place in medieval times and contain appropriate historical details.  They also each contain a romantic element that is clean and appropriate for older teens and adults.

The Golden Braid is based on the story of Rapunzel.  The author takes a very interesting twist to the story. If you have read The Princess Spy it will fill in some of the details for you as it takes place at the same time as one of the big events in that story.  If you have not read it, you will want to after you read this one!  Melanie Dickerson proves with her stories that fairy tales are not just for children.  I look forward to reading more from this author!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC regulations.