The Golden Braid 
 By Melanie Dickerson 
 The one who needs rescuing isn't always the one in the tower. 
 I finally got the time to finish it! I was finally out of the exam's control!!! (At least...for these two weeks.) I've always love the Hagenheim series~ And with every heroine become stronger and stronger, the books are better and better!!! Especially this one! I was totally mind blown!!! The ending...quite unexpected. (But if you know Rapunzel...you might guess the ending...no spoiler!) 
 The Golden braid reminds me a lot of The Captive Maiden (My favorite~) and The Spy Princess. Well...let's talk about the plot first! Rapunzel was extremely talented... (In her mother's mind.) She can do art as well as throw knives. I really love all those strong characters created by Melanie. Those female: Rose, Annabel, Sophie, Gisela, Magratha, and now, Rapunzel. They aren't like all those other maiden in their period that attract men was all in their mind. (Apparently...if they are like all those others...they won't be special...) Back to the story, Rapunzel's life started to change when she and her mother moved to Hagenheim~ (The best town in Holy Roman Empire!) She finally got the chance to read and learn Latin. (I want to learn Latin so much! But first I must learn German and French...if I get the time.) And then Sir Gerek appeared! Boom! And fell in love at first sight! (Just kidding...) Their first meet was quite interesting, as well as their interaction. As you might think its kind of damsel in distress...but it's not. Sir Gerek's appeared did somehow help them in some way...but then Gerek's horse was shocked during their way to Hagenheim. And the prisoner escaped...than Gerek broke his leg and arm...he really became "Damsel in distress." As their journey went on, Rapunzel's attitude toward Gerek had changed a little, but still, since her mother told her not to trust any men, she couldn't possibly have a positive feeling for Gerek, not to mention he was only to marry for money. Their relation gradually during the time they studied together and while Rapunzel's serving in the castle. And...as you might guess...their feeling changed as well. 
 You can saw the resemblances in The Golden Braid and the other Melanie Dickerson's book. To me, the part that their relation grew was kind of like The Merchant's Daughter. Since Annabel and Ranulf le Wyse were servant and Lord, while Ranpunzel and Gerek were peasant and knight. As for the "rescuing" part, I won't tell you which "rescue" because there are a lot of scenes like this, it was like The Captive Maiden. Valten rescued Gisela from Reuxer, and Gerek saved Rapunzel from... (Shh! No spoiler! Read it yourselves!) And the part that they learned was like Magartha and Colin, they studied German together. So...if you love her previous books, you will love this book as well. Melanie Dickerson is one of the best romance authors that I've read in recent year: no love triangle, perfect match, medical term... She never cease to amaze me with her fantastic work, I read her every book almost within few hours. And now that I finished The Golden Braid...it takes time to wait for the seventh book of the Hagenheim series: The Silent Songbird. (Just a few months more...November, November, November.) (Besides...it's the story of Le Wyse Family!!!! Ranulf's son and Colin's father!!! The retelling of Little Mermaid!!!! Yeah!!!!) 
 Then what are you waiting for? (An invitation?) Go read the book...like NOW!!! (Well...I suppose if you love her work...you've already finished it...but if you don't, go and get a copy of it!) If you never read Melanie's books, then you've missed a great series... (I'll remember to pray for your loss...) 
 This is originally posted on my blog 
 Vivian's Book Pavilion 
 http://viviansbookpavilion.blogspot.com/