Sunday, September 5, 2010

Book review: The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Published by Zondervan, September 14, 2010)

In 1386 in the town of Hagenheim, Germany, seventeen-year-old Rose is thankful to have found work as the apprentice of the town healer. If she can prove her worth, she will someday be the town healer, which means she would not be forced into an unwanted marriage with one of the horrible suitors her mother keeps forcing on her. However she often feels sick at the sight of blood and worries she will not be able to be a good healer, and thus lose her position. Wilhelm, Lord Hamlin, is the duke’s son and the future ruler of their region. He has been betrothed since childhood to a mysterious young noblewoman in hiding, whom he has never met. He must find and defeat the evil conjurer Moncore, so that his future wife may come out of hiding and they can marry.

When Wilhelm is injured and the healer is away, Rose, as the apprentice, must care for his injuries. The two find themselves drawn to each other from the start, but a love between them would be forbidden. Wilhelm is a nobleman and already betrothed, and he has an obligation to his betrothed, his family, and his people. Rose knows she is far below his social class and must focus on becoming a good healer so that she can avoid marriage to the most recent, horrible suitor her mother has chosen for her, a disgusting merchant, rather than spending her days longing for a love that can never be. But despite that, neither Wilhelm or Rose can stop thinking about each other.

The Healer’s Apprentice is a very romantic fairy tale inspired love story with a charming Medieval setting. The love between Rose and Wilhelm was very sweet, and both were strong and likeable characters. They seemed so real as they struggled with their feelings for each other which conflicted with their responsibilities and obligations to others. I highly recommend this very sweet and romantic love story to both teen and adult readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings or sweet historical romances.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

4 comments:

Melanie Dickerson said...

I'm so glad you liked it, Rebecca! Thanks for reviewing it so quickly!

Stephanie (Books Are A Girl's Best Friend) said...

I'm so excited about the release of this book, it's sounds like a perfect read for my tastes. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

I read it and loved it its the perfect balance between a love story and mystery.. fairy tales and action.

Anonymous said...

this was an amazing story, clasic fary tales have always been a soft spot for me, as well as historical/romance fiction. The character's and their true emotions where more deeply explored then in any other of the "Sleeping Beauty" stories. I really liked that as well!
-xxPAXxx

 
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