The Orphan’s Wish

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: Hagenheim #8

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: June 26, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A fun retelling of the beloved tale Aladdin with a daring rescue and a love story for all.

After being orphaned at a young age, Aladdin travels around trying to find his place to belong. When he ends up at an orphanage and meets Lady Kirstyn, the daughter of the Duke of Hageneim, they quickly form an unbreakable bond.  Aladdin didn’t let being an orphan stop him from working hard and proving his worth.  Every day he strived to prove he could be more than a poor orphan.  He wants to show he can put his past of having to steal behind him and make amends for his wrongs.  He wants to earn his fortune so he can be considered to marry Lady Kirstyn, but in order to do that he feels he must leave Hagenheim.  Shortly after Aladdin leaves, Lady Kirstyn is kidnapped and used against both her father and Aladdin.  Aladdin has to decide what is more important, his fortune he has worked for to prove he is worthy of Lady Kirstyn or saving the woman he loves.

At first I didn’t realize this was a retelling of Aladdin and was surprised with a few of the aspects of the book that made me chuckle. I enjoyed the way Aladdin worked hard despite all of the obstacles in his way.  Lady Kirstyn was put in some difficult situations as well but never gave up hope in those she loved and her own abilities.  This is one of the types of books I enjoy sitting down to read without having to think too much about, just enjoying the story while I’m in it and not worrying about anything else.  The characters, with exception to one or two, were enjoyable to me in the story and I am happy to say the story played out well and didn’t leave me hanging or angry. There isn’t much negative I have to say about the story except for the fact that at times the story did feel a little slow but didn’t take long to pick up and keep me going.  I haven’t read a lot of Melanie Dickerson but am sure to keep her on my list for upcoming reads.  I recommend this book to those that enjoy a good historical romance with fun little tid-bits sprinkled in to make the story light hearted.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.