Life for sisters Louisa & Margaret has drastically changed since they had to move. Now with their parents gone, they live with their uncle and aunt in their manor house. It is not grand, but their uncle has made the most of all he has inherited from their parents.

The worst part of it all is his wish to marry them both off to wealthy men, so he can receive high bride prices. Louisa is 18 and Margaret only 12, but this is the way in the year of 1388.

Louisa is increasingly worried, particularly about her young sister’s fate, and decides to do something about it. She has had a dream since her father first spoke of it when she was a child. Find the Viking treasure.

This treasure is miles from Louisa. It is said to be on a mountain just outside a small town in Yorkshire. She believes that her faith in her father and his story will help her find the treasure she so badly needs to escape her uncle’s arranged marriages.

Disguising herself as a boy, she sets off on foot, but soon finds she is in much danger. Luckily she meets a man named Sir Charles – a knight of King Richard himself. Their group of two becomes three then six, and she enjoys her adventure, with Margaret never far from her mind, and the new knowledge that the treasure is guarded by a giant. Then there is the added confusing problem of falling in love on the way.

Set in 1388, (which is a time in history that always fascinates me), Lady in Disguise is a wholesome love story of villains, knights and a beautiful young woman who scorns marriage. At least until she meets a knight who melts her misgivings.

This story would be perfect for Age 12+, looking for a happily ever after. Well written, with all the good-old-fashioned hallmarks of a historical tale of old.

Much kindness, compassion, prayers and belief in God are present, and if that’s not your thing, it is quite authentic, as religion was a huge part of everyday life in the 13th Century.

An enjoyable read with just the right amount of angst, tension and good deeds rewarded.

(Thank you Net Galley, Harper Collins & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the audio ARC of this title)

Author – Melanie Dickerson

Age – 12+

(2024, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Historical, Knights, Love, Danger, Robbers, Romance, Quest, Treasure, Family, Arranged marriage, Control, Giant, King Richard, Evil Uncle, Highway Men, Market Days, Religion, Adventure, Secret, In Disguise, Dressed as a boy)