Genre: Historical, fairytale,

My Rating: 4 Stars.

Recommendation: Anyone 13 .

My favorite character/s: Aladdin in this retelling is a different kind of hero, and I liked how he changed throughout the book. He was just so so hurt :-(, I felt bad for him when the book started... and the middle... and the whole book.... until he got his happyily ever after...

My Verse for Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. King James Version.


My thoughts: I have read most of Miss Dickerson's books, this one was good but not as great as her others. It felt rushed like it was written in a hurry and was not as well written. I still liked it a whole lot. I enjoyed how it was a little different from most of her books as well. This was a really cute and sweet story. I was really glad when I saw that this book was out. ( )

For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-orphans-wish-review.html ( )

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson is a beautiful re-telling of the folk tale, Aladdin that highlights two friends falling in love. It is a delightful, faith based, clean romance that is charming, romantic, engaging and a wonderful read!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Dickerson, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Book Look Bloggers for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )

Aladdin refocused!

An interesting take on Aladdin joins Melanie Dickerson's insightful series of traditional folk and fairytale retellings, set in the German dukedom of Hagenheim. The vision Dickerson brings to these works is so original. I am always in awe of the prism through which the stories are told and the wellspring of creativity Dickerson seems to flawlessly draw upon. That said, for all its interesting perspective, I didn't warm to Aladdin's story in the same way that I have to others. The tale of a young boy rescued by a monk from an Oliver Twist type start to life in Palestine, who journeys to an orphanage in Hagenheim and then to Lüneburg. A tale of love, courage and friendship.
Growing up with the Duke of Wilhelm’s daughter Kirstyn, Aladdin and she become inseparable. As he becomes older Aladdin realizes he must leave to make his fortune in order to be deemed worthy of Kirstyn. A deeper challenge for Aladdin is his self image, his needing to redeem himself. Even though he is successful, he continues to see himself through the eyes of Mustapha, his old thief mentor, his "Faigin."
Aladdin "needed to prove he wasn’t just a poor, unlovable thief. A rat, Mustapha had called him. Those memories brought him so much shame. "
Back in Hagenheim, all is not as it should be, and when Kirstyn is kidnapped, all that Aladdin loves is threatened.
A rewarding read despite my misgivings.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

I am repeatedly impressed by Melanie Dickerson’s ability to take a well-known and well-loved fairy tale and create something unique while retaining elements of the familiar. And while she’s doing that, she also weaves elements and characters of her previous stories into the new one!

The Orphan’s Wish is a retelling of Aladdin. While you will find an orphan boy determined to make his mark on the world and to gain wealth in an attempt to become worthy of the girl he loves, there are no magic lamps or wish-granting genies.

Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn become fast friends in childhood. They grow up sharing everything. But an orphan is not good enough for a duke’s daughter—even one with a heart wide open to spending her life caring for those less fortunate than her.

Aladdin and Lady Kirstyn do spend a lot of the book apart and there are plenty of obstacles to them finding each other again, but their thoughts remain centered on the one they love.

This book explores what love is willing to risk, what courage can lead a person through, and what a foundation of friendship can build. All that while providing an entertaining and sometimes action-packed storyline.
Next up for Dickerson is a Mulan retelling. Go ahead and add that one to your Goodreads shelf.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )