The Princess Spy

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and she 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 Mararetha one of the few who speaks his language understands the wild story. Unable to pass his message on to her father, the duke, Margaretha convinces herself "Lord Colin" is just an addled stranger. But when Colin asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment for retrieving a lost heirloom, Margaretha discovers that she might be very wrong about both Colin and her potential betrothed. Review: Award-winning Melanie Dickerson pens her fourth young adult novel set in medieval Germany, loosely based on the story of The Frog Prince. In The Princess Spy, Margaretha of Hagenheim Castle is a talkative young woman whose latest suitor-Lord Claybrook-seems enamored of her despite her talkativeness. Could he be her true love? When an injured man is brought to the castle, Margaretha realizes he is speaking English and that she is the only one who understands him. As he recovers from his injuries and begins working in the stable, Colin confides he is searching for Claybrook, who may not be who he seems to be. Should she believe a foreigner? Should she spy on her suitor when Colin asks her to do so? Then, while her father is away from the castle, Margaretha overhears Claybrook talking to his men about his plans. Colin and Margaretha flee to reach her relatives in Marienberg. Pursued by enemies, will they reach Marienberg in time to get reinforcements? As in her earlier books, the faith element is clearly evident yet not preachy. For example, Colin and Margaretha pray for God's guidance. Dickerson's tales feature wholesome relationships while still building a strong attraction between the main characters, making this a good choice for teen readers. Dickerson is a masterful storyteller with a carefully crafted plot, richly-drawn characters, and detailed setting. The reader is easily pulled into the story. All of her books are a delightful reimagining of a familiar tale-this one is her best so far! Recommended for young adults and adults who are young at heart. Carol R. Gehringer, CLJ * Christian Library Journal * Margaretha is the daughter of a fifteenth-century German duke, and her family and acquaintances have always noted not only her penchant for talking incessantly but also her deeply romantic nature. She is looking forward to finding her one true love, and she thinks it might be her latest suitor, Lord Claypool. In a chance meeting with Colin, an Englishman come to the continent claiming that Claypool has murdered good people and seeking justice, Margaretha learns not only that her suitor may not be as honorable as she thought but also that she can successfully pare down her chattiness, keep an important secret, and help take righteous action. She and Colin join forces in a well-paced adventure that pits good against evil, features a strong and credible young woman, and relies on accurate social history in its Christian orientation. Margaretha's sensations, expectations, and fears are all evoked realistically, making this a good choice for readers who loved Katherine Paterson's Lyddie (1991) or Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy (1994) and are now ready for more romance. --- Francisca Goldsmith * Booklist *