Diana Reviews The Merchant's Daughter By Melanie Dickerson

The Merchant's Daughter
By Melanie Dickerson

(Zondervan, 2011)

5 stars~*****

Enchanting Read!

In The Merchant's Daughter, Melanie Dickerson has crafted a hauntingly beautiful, medieval tale, reminiscent of the timeless classic, The Beauty and the Beast. The setting is 14th century England, a time in which lords and castles, servants and comely lasses, and superstitious townsfolk abound! Our heroine, Annabel Chapman of Glynval, England, was once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, who died and left his family penniless. To avoid marrying bailiff Tom, a lecher who stalks and terrifies her, Annabel agrees to become a servant to Lord le Wyse, who is equally terrifying, but will not mistreat his servants.

Lord le Wyse is formidable; a man with one eye and numerous scars covering his body, and a disposition that leaves Annabel quaking in his presence. She has heard terrible rumors that the lord turns into a howling wolf and roams the woods at night, and actually sees him in the forest one evening on all fours, emitting a gut-wrenching howl from deep within. What has caused the young lord such anguish of soul and disfigurement in his features?

Annabel wishes only to become a nun and learn the Word of God, and is given an opportunity to read and discuss the Bible with Lord le Wyse, every evening before retiring. In those moments she sees a vulnerable, kind man, filled with torment and feelings of rejection because of his frightening looks, and a secret he has buried deep within. Just as Annabel is learning to trust God and let go of her fear, she is violently attacked in the woods one night, and a seemingly endless nightmare ensues. Can the beauty and the beast save one another, by the grace of God, or is it too late for both of them?

This book was amazing! I was tossed between wanting to savor it, or burn the midnight oil to see what happens next, so I chose a happy medium. The storyline was unpredictable, as it was filled with twists and turns, and unending excitement. I especiallly loved seeing the main characters grow and evolve after reading and discussing the Bible. Lord le Wyse is absolutely intriguing, and ladies, I can assure you, though beastly, he WILL look good in your eyes!:) I was impressed that the author kept a strong spiritual thread throughout, and what a climactic ending! I am so looking forward to Ms. Dickerson's next novel...it appears she gets better with each one!

*I received an ARC of this novel and was not required to write a favorable review.


Melanie's books are available for purchase through Amazon, CBD, and other book stores.


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