The Piper's Pursuit Hardcover – December 3, 2019

(Yep, the headline is correct--my high school students ADORE Melanie Dickerson's books. My copy arrived before our library copies, and the kids tracked me down and asked to borrow it before I'd even cracked the cover. They also stood around like vultures while I opened the box--I should have taken a photo of THAT!)Katerina Ludken doesn’t trust men. Living with an overbearing stepfather who frightens and manipulates her mother has taught her to mistrust men. Especially haughty and arrogant men. When a stranger rides into town and asks to see the mayor Katerina judges the young man in an instant—just another man like her stepfather. When the young man tries to flirt a little, Katerina knows she can’t trust him. Nor does she have time for silly flirtatioGerstenbergns.Katerina’s beloved town of Hamlin has a mysterious rat invasion, a beast lurks outside the city gates, and more than 40 children have disappeared in the past year. She has mysteries to solve and a mother to protect. She has no time for idle flirtations.Steffan Gerstenberg of Hagenheim has spent the past year repenting of his follies. Broke and not wanting to return home until he has performed a heroic deed, he ends up in the town of Hamlin. When he hears of a reward for killing the mysterious beast roaming in the forest outside the city, he thinks he has found his quest.The jovial mayor offers his room and board while he hunts the beast. Steffan hopes to return home to his parents with good news attached to his name. Although he failed his quest to become a knight, he can still comport himself with chivalry.What he sees and hears at the mayor’s house convinces him the situation will prove worthy of his time and skills. And the longer he stays, the more convinced he becomes that the mayor’s stepdaughter needs a knight at her side.Dickerson once again peoples her pages with a strong female protagonist who proves that femininity doesn’t exclude strength—of person or character. Teenage girls will cheer for Katerina as she struggles to help her mother and outwit her domineering stepfather.Teenage boys will also enjoy this book. Steffan provides a perfect role model for young men as he learns the difference between knighthood (the title) and true chivalry.

This is another captivating page-turner by Melanie Dickerson. When I bought 'The Healer's Apprentice' I had no idea what a delightful series I was beginning.There's romance, adventure, mystery and the classic good vs. evil plot. I personally thought this book had a little more action and suspense than the ones that came before it. You'll definitely want to read 'The Maiden Warrior' first since it sets up Steffan's story for this book.What I've come to love about this series is how Melanie uses real historical places, events and details in her books. I recommend reading her notes at the end of each book. Can't wait to read the next one!

The writing was as always good. The story intrigued me, and I didn’t put it down all day. The characters were forward thinking and the lead girl felt very realistic in the way she handled trauma. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good weekend read.

Wow! I just can't explain how good her books are, you can go to the library sure, but to find a book as good as this one and others Melanie Dickerson writes? Never! Amazing Christian books! Interesting, I'm done with it in a day or two! You can reread them all the time and they never get boring! Amazing amazing amazing please buy this it's great!

Steffan has been away from Hagenhiem for over a year, after fighting in Poland with Wolfgang, he is on a mission to prove to his family and himself that he has really changed. On his way home he hears that the Mayor of Hamlin is offering a large reward and his daughter's hand in marriage to the hero that kills the mysterious beast who is murdering villagers. This is his chance to redeem himself.Brave Katerina isn't sure if she can trust Steffan to help her save Hamlin from the beast and her evil step-father but he might be her only hope. Together they set out on an adventure unlike any other.Five things reasons why I loved his book!1. Katerina is the ultimate hero! She is brave, smart, strong, loyal, and ready to take action!2. I am so happy Steffan got his redemption story and that he could move on from his past.3. The cover! Definitely judge this book by its cover, the story is just amazing as the cover looks!4. The quest that Katerina and Steffan go on to save Hamlin is fast paced and full of twist and turns!5. Katerina and Steffan are two guarded broken people who help each other learn to trust and feel worthy of love again, their romance was perfect!Bonus 6. Returning to visit the characters of Hagenhiem is always delightful! I can't wait for Adela's story next year!

The Piper’s Pursuit was really enjoyable. It was a fast read that kept your interest throughout. Steffan’s story woven together with Katerina’s made for an interesting contrast. Katerina doesn’t trust easily, and Steffan has turned over a new leaf trying to be someone worthy of trust. Despite being short, it is still rather heavy with Katerina’s past and what happens to all of the missing children. However, this also makes for an exceptionally good villain. Would you really despise them as much or want to cheer for the heroes to win as much if the villain wasn’t so dastardly? Steffan’s reunion with his family was really heartfelt. The romance was hesitant but also deeply felt. The action had me glued to the page. I liked how there was not just one problem for them to solve but a bunch of issues all interwoven. I did not expect the final climactic moments toward the very end, so that was an entertaining surprise. Everything wrapped up well at the end, and it was also very sweet. Overall, it was a fun little read.

I liked the story. It all ran together smoothly and didn't feel rushed lie most short stories do. It can be a stand alone novel so you don't have to read the other books in the series but I highly recommend those as well. This book has a romantic story in it but it is about the adventure. It is also clean.