Review of The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

Diana L. Flowers, Senior Reviewer/Contributor

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

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 village lasses, and superstitious townsfolk abound. Our heroine, Annabel Chapman of Glynval, England, was once the wealthy daughter of a merchant, who died and left her family penniless. To avoid marrying bailiff Tom, a lecher who stalks and terrifies her, she agrees to become a servant to Lord le Wyse, who is equally terrifying, but doesn't allow his servants to be mistreated.

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 at night and roams the woods, and actually sees him in the forest one eve on all fours emitting a gut-wrenching, groaning 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 before retiring for the night. In those moments she sees the vulnerable, kind man within, filled with despair, hopelessness, and feelings of rejection because of his frightening looks. As Annabel is learning to trust God and let go of her fear, she is violently attacked by someone in the woods at night, and a seemingly endless nightmare ensues. Can the beauty and the beast save one another, by the help of God's grace, 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 I was mesmerized! I especially loved seeing the main characters grow and evolve after reading and studying 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 Melanie Dickerson's next novel...it appears she gets better with each one!


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