From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes an inspired retelling of the beloved folk tale Aladdin.
Orphaned and alone, Aladdin travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange, faraway place. Growing up in an orphanage, he meets young Lady Kirstyn, whose father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion, and their childhood friendship grows into a bond that time and opposition cannot break.
Even as a child, Aladdin works hard, learning all he can from his teachers. Through his integrity, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, he earns a position serving as the duke’s steward. But that isn’t enough to erase the shame of being forced to steal as a small child—or the fact that he’s an orphan with no status. If he ever wants to feel equal to his beautiful and generous friend Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune.
Yet once Aladdin departs, Lady Kirstyn becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Now, Aladdin and Kirstyn must rely on their bond to save her from unexpected danger. But will saving Kirstyn cost Aladdin his newfound status and everything he’s worked so hard to obtain?
An enchanting new version of the well-known tale, The Orphan’s Wish tells a story of courage and loyalty, friendship and love, and reminds us what “family” really means.
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Summary
From: Rebecca Maney
Book Title: The Orphan's Wish
Book Author: Melanie Dickerson
What do you like about this book:
"But I will always be just a servant, and it will never . . . . . . . . It will never be enough."
Reluctantly, Aladdin leaves Hagenheim Castle behind along with a hefty piece of his heart; the Duke of Hagenheim's lovely daughter, Kirstyn. Orphaned at an early age, forced into stealing for a cruel master in order to keep a roof over his head, Aladdin feels the need to prove himself worthy of a future with his childhood friend. Having been rescued from his life of thievery, brought under the tutelage of a kind priest and employed as the duke's assistant steward is simply not enough; Aladdin is convinced that he needs to become a successful man on his own merits.
Along the path to independence, Aladdin's bravery earns the attention of a wealthy Ludenburg merchant who smartly recognizes his young mentee's ability to reconcile accounts. Soon Herr Kaufmann is calling Aladdin his son; disinheriting his biological offspring who is reputed to be a cruel and notorious criminal. Meanwhile, back in Hagenheim, the unthinkable happens; Kirstyn is kidnapped and disappears, sending Aladdin into a downward spiral of guilt and despair over not having been close enough to protect his beloved. How valuable is his wealth now?
What a lovely retake of a most familiar story, with its many twists and turns; leaning heavily on the importance of truth over deception and faithfulness over foolishness.
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