Appearance: average height, long auburn hair
Gift/Talent: ability to find herself in strange situations - yes, that is a talent
(she also starts learning a bit of magic near the end of part two)
Story:
The Crown Duel paperback contains both books found in hardcover ( Crown Duel and Court Duel ) as well as a short story at the end by Sherwood Smith.
Part One
When readers first meet Mel she is walking around her home barefoot and wearing a horse blanket. But yes, she is a countess, and a fiesty one at that.
When her father dies, she and her brother promise him that they will look after their people and change the ways of life currently being pressed by a wicked king.
Mel sets out with determination to fight for the rights of her people, ends up captured, and spends a lot of time as a refugee trying to get back to her home. She meets people willing to help her and starts to learn who is on her side and who isn't, all the while wondering if she'll ever see her home, her people, and her brother again.
A story full of many twists and turns, laughter and surprises, with a sensible (most of the time) and energetic heroine who wants nothing more than for her people to have justice.
Part Two
A year later, Wren finally agrees to see what court life is like after a visit from her brother Bran, his new fiancee, and Vidanric. This second part of the story is about how Meliara adjusts to court life, making friends and trying to avoid making enemies.
She tries to investigate those who would claim the thrown to make sure they are worthy. In the meantime she deals with varying social occasions, an unstable friendship with Vidanric, and letters from a secret person who she realizes is courting her.
Behind some friendly faces are minds filled with deceit. And behind one expressionless face lies a soul who longs for her love.
Be sure to visit Sherwood Smith's webpage to see what her books are all about. I'm not sure how much info she actually keeps up on her page, but there are links there to other fan sites.
Hardcovers: 
