We are all carrying a picture of ourselves – it’s pre-painted based on our statuses in life or on how far our experiences have taken us. For Avelina, the heroine in The Beautiful Pretender, it’s the former as her father was a former stable master and she worked as a maidservant. For Lord Thornbeck, it’s inheriting the margravate and having a slight handicap.
These pictures they carried have a strong impact on the way they see themselves. It also affects their decisions and the future they imagine for themselves.
I have learned from this story that we can alter these pictures of ourselves. We are not doomed to the bleak future that might take place based on our statuses or experiences. We have the power to change. When we are presented with opportunities, with the help of people who come into our lives and by using our talents & skills; we can paint ourselves differently. It’s even better if we allow God to change us to fully live according to our purpose.
Back to the story… Besides the references to sleeping on a mattress over a pea (sound familiar?), the wolves in the forest, the castle with an alluring library, avoiding the West Wing (you know which Disney tale that was), I saw the story as something more of Cinderella type.
I am not sure if the characters were realistic, but it seems that the author was trying to make the hero animalistic. How does a human growl, anyway? Do grown men do? I don’t think I ever heard my husband growl. 😆
I had thought, when I started to read this book, that it would hugely incorporate the Word of God. Like in The Golden Braid. It’s one of the reasons I loved that story. Turned out, it was mostly their own ideas of Him. Although the Psalter was mentioned, it was not quoted. I missed that.
The Beautiful Pretender also showed that a supportive friend and a worthy authority figure are essential in one’s life.
Over all, it’s more romantic than spiritually inspiring. A good read, nonetheless.
Note: I was provided with a free copy by BookLook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Beautiful Pretender
Thornbeck
Christian romance, fairy tale retelling
Thomas Nelson
May 17, 2016
ePub
205
After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences.
