The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
Christian Fiction/Fairy Tale Retelling. 272 Pages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Two Hearts. One Hope.
Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.
When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she’s never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
My Review:
My favorite fairy tale as a kid was always, undoubtedly Sleeping Beauty. There is hardly a better way to honor that cherished tale than through this Christian retelling. Melanie Dickerson has a way with words that is crafty, clever, and oh so sweet to the soul. This is the first book of hers in this “series” and I would most certainly recommend it to anyone interested in tasteful romances or clever fairy tale retellings.
With a historical, German setting and medieval time frame, the book draws readers into an enchanting world. Dickerson tells the classic tale without magic and fairies, but in a realistic way with real problems and real questions that people still struggle with today. Her characters are complex, dynamic, and utterly lovable. She keeps a well-balanced plot infused with intrigue, suspense, and romance. From the very start, this page-turner had me hooked and swooning.
More:
Book 2 in the Hagenheim series is The Merchant’s Daughter (5 Stars)
Book 3 is The Fairest Beauty (4 Stars)
Book 4 is The Captive Maiden (5 Stars)
Book 5 is The Princess Spy (4 Stars)
Book 6 is The Golden Braid (5 Stars)
Book 7 is The Silent Songbird (5 Stars)
Book 8 is The Orphan’s Wish (3 Stars)
Book 9 is The Warrior Maiden (out Feb. 5th)
I have reviewed each of the above on Goodreads, except for The Orphan’s Wish. Follow the links to find more info on the books and then scroll down to see the reviews. Mine is among them.
Although these stories are each independent of one another, I would highly recommend reading them in order—especially once you get to the later books.