The Healer’s Apprentice
Zondervan (October 2010)
By Melanie Dickerson
Book Review by Carrie Pagels
Book Review by Carrie Pagels
I loved this book! I read it on my Kindle. Melanie Dickerson has a lovely voice. The story and characterization was gripping. Ms. Dickerson acknowledges that she parallels another popular fairy tale, being inspired by time spent in a medieval German town but her “take” is original and compelling. The inspirational theme was strong. The romance was something that will keep teens through grandmothers happy!
Obviously those involved with the Christy awards nominations recognized the power in this story, too. Melanie’s debut novel was nominated for a Christy this year!
Rose is a sweet young lady, daughter of a woodcutter, who apprentices with Frau Gerushka, the village healer, in 14th century Saxony. Two royal brothers pursue her but only one will win her heart. One has pure attention but is betrothed to the mysterious Princess Salomea, whom the chivalrous Wilhelm seeks to find and protect.
A very satisfying read and a lovely ending to this book.
Well done, Melanie! I gave it five stars. That was pretty cool having my Kindle review automatically go through when I was done reading the book.
Giveaway: Leave your email address with your comment for a chance to win a kindle copy of this great book!
Giveaway: Leave your email address with your comment for a chance to win a kindle copy of this great book!
What an awesome review of this book, Carrie! I passed it by because I saw it on the young adult shelf in my local Christian store, but it had been on my wishlist for awhile. I think I need to put it back on there! Sounds like a wonderful book for any age group! Congrats for the Christy nomination, Melanie! Also wondering what is next on the agenda for you in the way of books and will you be sticking with YA fiction?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this review, Carrie! You're such a sweetheart, and I haven't filled out your interview questions yet! YIKES!
ReplyDeleteDiana, I do hope you will be able to read it! I've had lots of "older" people read it and say they wouldn't have known it was a YA! They loved it just as an adult historical romance, and it almost got published as an adult historical! But that's a story for another time.
I do have another book coming out in November, called The Merchant's Daughter, based on Beauty and the Beast. I just got my second round of edits from my editor at Zondervan less than an hour ago! So I'll be working every possible minute until I get those done! But I love the story and I'm so excited about it! My editor is amazing and she makes me even more excited with her wonderful insights and suggestions.
Thanks, Carrie and Diana!!!
So happy to meet Melanie here. I fell in love with hr cover last year and put this on my to read list. However, my list is too long and I'm still trying to make time... Glad she has another coming! Thanks for the great review and for letting us meet her:)
ReplyDeleteLaura, I had bought this as one of my first Kindle purchases and like you have somewhere around thirty books or more ready to read. But when someone posted a sample of the book, might even been Amazon, I was hooked. HAD to read it. Love Melanie, she is a super DOLL, just as sweet as you and Diana!! Her book is a great read at bedtime for about a week, less if you are fast.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I loved Beauty and the Beast when it was a series awhile back; such a beautiful love story between Catherine and Vincent! If you haven't seen the movie Beauty with Janine Turner, you simply must! A modern take of Beauty and the Beast (not a musical; LOL)...really a wonderful movie! I saw it on tv a couple of years ago. Looking forward to The Merchant's Daughter!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Carrie. I've heard so many wonderful things about Melanie's novel. How wonderful to be nominated for a Christy for a debut novel! Please don't enter me in the drawing as I don't have a Kindle.
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me, I've already read this one and loved it! Wonderful read in an unusual setting. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book! I love fairy tales, and still pull out my Disney ones to watch and sigh over, and of course sing along with :) I would love to win a copy, and I can't wait to read The Merchant's Daughter because Beauty and the Beast has been my favorite fairy tale as long as I can remember! I remember the Disney one came out in theaters, and my patient, loving parents and grandparents alternated taking me so I could see it more than once. I think total we saw it four times in theaters and countless times on DVD. Thank you for sharing!! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved that old German setting, too, Pegg! Renee, my daughter loved Beauty and the Beast but I think I might have enjoyed it even more than she did! I know Melanie will do her own fantastic "take" on that tale with The Merchant's Daughter. And Carla Gade, you are the winner! Now to take another fairy tale, Cinderella and turn that Kindle version into a paperback! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Carla! Carrie, who won Jewel? I know it wasn't me because I NEVER win in Roseanna's book giveaways (lol) but I want to congratulate the winner! Now I'm hopping over to read your interview with Dina!
ReplyDeleteWell, I learned my lesson well...never say never. Cingrats, Diana! LOL
ReplyDelete*oops* Congrats
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cover! I'd love to win.
ReplyDeleteAnn_Lee_Miller[at]msn[dot]com