This retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story is intriguing. The story’s main components are present, along with a few unexpected twists that produce an original situation. This tale takes place in the late 1300s England. Readers first meet Violet, who was on her way to her adopted grandmother’s house, wearing a red cloak with a basket of baked goods, books and a heart filled with hope and love.

Baron Dunham, a figure who resembles the big bad wolf, robs Violet's grandmother. Violet is determined to learn if this has happened to anyone else. She quickly discovers that in addition to being pillaged, people had also been treated horribly and in some cases even killed. She was courageous enough to face up to Sir Merek, a baron's knight. Who finds it difficult to believe the Baron would do such awful things.

Sir Merek and Violet embark on a mission to find evidence of these wrongdoings to present to the king. They needed to stop this wicked man. Sir Merek and Violet encounter a few unexpected things that drastically change their quest for justice.

This is an exciting tale with well-rounded characters, lots of action, twists and turns, and a sweet wholesome romance given that this courageous young woman will stop at nothing to protect her loved ones and her community.

If you like fairytales and retelling of them with likeable characters to root for you’ll like this novel.

Disclosure Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

“I was just the same as you until I learned three things: that most problems work themselves out, that most of what we worry about never comes to pass, and that God is trustworthy. He is working all things for our good even when we don’t see it or understand it."

What a great story! Melanie has really outdone herself with this book, delivering a beautiful tale of faith, love and bravery that readers of all ages will enjoy. A definite must read!

Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, but was more than glad to. The thoughts above are my own. ( )

Another enjoyable story in Melanie Dickerson’s Derricott Tales! I love fairytale retellings and Cloak of Scarlet is a clever retelling of Little Red Riding Hood; although there were also parts that reminded me a little of Disney’s version of Robin Hood. Set in the late 1300’s in medieval England, this delightful tale has a clean yet passionate romance, chivalrous knights, a dastardly villain, and plenty of action as one brave young woman risks everything to protect her family and village.

Adopted into a loving family, Violet’s content to read her precious books, bake, and visit her grandmother in her beautiful red cloak. She’s a faithful daughter who longs for true love. When her grandmother and others are threatened by the ruthless Baron Dunham, Violet determines to expose his deceitfulness & mistreatment of his people to the king.

Sir Merek is a knight working for the evil baron. When he meets Violet and realizes the man he’s working for is dishonorable, he and Violet play a dangerous game trying to discover evidence of the baron’s corruption. But when Violet learns a shocking secret and is taken to the baron’s castle, Merek tries to do all in his power to find the proof and get it to the king before it’s too late.

Loved the way the author created a unique, romantic retelling with enough nods to the original that the characters were easily identifiable with their fairytale counterparts. I enjoyed Violet & Merek. Violet’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and is willing to risk everything to protect those she loves. I loved her spunk and courage. I also thought she was a great role model for young women who think they have to settle when it comes to romance. I loved the wise advice Violet’s grandmother gave her and the way she bolstered her faith.

Merek has a bit of a temper and was in need of humbling. When he meets Violet, he finds a kindred spirit in fighting for justice. He isn’t sure at first if Violet returns his feelings, and I liked watching their relationship progress throughout the story. I loved the disguises he used to be near her.

Baron Durham is one nasty villain easily comparable to the big bad wolf. There’s another morally gray character who is more pompous than villainous. It’ll be interesting to see if he shows up in future stories.

Highly recommend this action-packed, enjoyable YA fairytale retelling! It’s a romantic, faith-filled story perfect for younger teens and up. Though it’s helpful if you’ve read the previous books in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4-4 1/2 stars

CW: brief mention of a sexual assault, mild violence, clean romance only kissing. ( )