Favorite Books of 2019: Novellas

It's been a great year for books! Click on any title to read my original review, or click on the cover if you're interested in purchasing it.

"One Royal Christmas" by Melissa Tagg—from the Royally Yours novella collection
A weary European king, a small-town American librarian... this Christmas vacation is going to turn out much differently than anyone planned!

"Up From The Sea" by Amanda Dykes
In beautiful, nostalgic language, Amanda Dykes introduces us to Ansel-by-the-Sea, Maine, and sets the scene for further tales to come.

"Riders of the Painted Star" by Kathleen E. Kovach—from the MissAdventure Brides Collection
I love a good western story. An artist goes west trying to make a name for herself and finds more than she ever imagined.

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"The Piper's Pursuit" by Melanie Dickerson

 


The last time we saw Steffan Gerstenberg, he had realized the error of his ways and was returning home with a humble spirit. When he passes through the town of Hamlin, he is struck by the plight of the citizens there. Children have been disappearing for months, and a plague of rats has taken over the streets. Sensing an opportunity to atone for his wrongs, Steffan offers to help the local mayor.

The mayor's stepdaughter, Katerina, trusts no one after what she's seen from the mayor and his henchmen. She's determined to find the missing children, and she certainly does not need help from the Duke of Hagenheim's prodigal son. But as Steffan sticks around and stubbornly proves to be of assistance, Katerina begrudgingly begins to welcome his company.

I thought this retelling of the Pied Piper was very well done. Steffan makes a compelling hero, and Katerina's resilience made it easy to cheer for her. The narcissistic mayor was portrayed in an incredibly realistic manner. I read through this book quickly, anxious to see if the children could be found and returned to their homes, as well as to find out how our two main characters fared. I would recommend this to fans of fairy tale retellings.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.