Book Review: The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

The Merchant's Daughter
by Melanie Dickerson


Genre: Fairytale Re-telling / Historical Fiction / Young Adult / Romance


Ages: 14 and up

Companion novel to The Healer's Apprentice.
Read my interview with Melanie Dickerson here.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.


Description:


An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

My Thoughts:

After reading The Healer's Apprentice, I knew that Melanie Dickerson was an author to watch. There are so few Christian fantasy authors out there, and even fewer whose style of writing I enjoy so much. If anything, I liked The Merchant's Daughter even more than the first.


Annabel is a unique heroine. She isn't strong and doesn't stand up for herself, but she has a great sense of honor and loyalty and doesn't complain no matter how difficult things are for her. These traits gain her trust from many, even, very reluctantly, from the bitter Lord Ranulf. What I liked best about her was her sense of wonder at being able to do such a thing as read the Bible. The story is very realistic in the historical sense in that hardly anyone even owned a Bible back then.


The romance was slow and sweet as Beauty (Annabel), unintentionally and unaware, captures the heart of the Beast (Lord Ranulf). Ranulf has been burned before (literally and figuratively) and doesn't trust anyone, especially women. That just makes it all the more lovely as he learns that he will do anything for this one, even give her up to keep her safe.



Peril, in the form of Bailiff Tom, adds excitement and urgency to the story. First Annabel and then her friends are placed in danger and while she may not be willing to stand up for herself, Annabel would die for her friends.


The eloquent writing and well-researched background make this story well-nigh perfect. I am looking forward to Melanie Dickerson's next novel.


Rating System: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).


Profanity:

There is no swearing in this novel.


Sexuality:

I give it a 3.10 for intended rape, mildly bawdy jokes and vague insinuations.

Violence:

I give it a 5.10 for attempted kidnapping, intended rape, bruising and injuries.

                                Lieder Madchen