Castle of Refuge, Dericott Tale Series, Book 2, by Melanie Dickerson, Hardcover

Audrey, a viscount's daughter, has suffered her sister at the hands of her sister Maris her whole life. After an act of malic, Maris was sent to a convent, leaving Audrey with scars. Three years later, Audrey's father is determined to marry off his damaged daughter, while Maris is returning. In an act of desperation, Audrey sneaks away.

 

Life outside of her home is also dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, injured, and in dire straits. She's taken to Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. She chooses to keep her identity a secret there, and instead works as a servant in the castle. She didn't intend to fall in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier.

 

Meanwhile, Edwin, Lord Dericott, is curious about the new, well-educated servant's identity. When the man Audrey's father intended for her to marry comes looking for her, each must make a life-altering decision about what to believe and whether or not love is genuinely worth trusting.

 

In this retelling of the Ugly Duckling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a high-stakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.