Customer Reviews

The Merchant's Daughter

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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.

The Merchant's Daughter is an adaption of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast that contains resemblances to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. We have the ugly, deformed male character and the beautiful female protagonist. The circumstances to which Annabel goes to Lord Ranulf le Wyse is unmistakably similar to Belle's circumstances in Beauty and the Beast. Reading a novel that is similar to a fairytale, I couldn't help but compare both. By the end of The Merchant's Daughter (I completed it in less than 2.5 hours), I found myself liking the story even more than the Beauty and the Beast story.

Firstly, there is the Christian element in the story. It's no secret that I enjoy reading good Christian YA fiction. There is plenty of Bible reading done in the story, and secular readers wouldn't be able to give it a miss since the Bible reading sessions play an important role in the plot development. A glimpse to the treatment of clergy during the Middle Ages is given an important place in the book. I read quite a few literature books involving the Middle Ages era, and the depiction given of clergy in The Merchant's Daughter is accurate.

Then, there is plenty of "control" in the romance part of the story. When Annabel and Lord Ranulf finally cemented their relationship, it was in perfect timing. I liked the way the romance was not rushed. It was slowly revealed bit by bit and that made the story even more enjoyable. The surprises when it comes to romance in this story is endless.

Lastly, Lord Ranulf doesn't magically change to Mr. Perfect Looks. I don't want to give away too much of the story here, but suffice to say that once a person looks revolting, he is very likely to look the same unless the fairy godmother waves her wand over him. Although The Merchant's Daughter is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it is the real version of the fairytale.

Annabel is the vulnerable heroine in the story. Bailiff Tom put out all the stops to make Annabel become his wife. At such, Annabel needs a protector. Logic would say that Lord Ranulf becomes Annabel's protector when the incident waiting to happened happens. True and not true. This causes the story to be even more interesting. Beneath Lord Ranulf's harshness, he is actually quite a nice person. Just because he's deformed, it doesn't mean that he has no feelings and a conscience. Bailiff Tom is a character every reader can easily dislike. There is nothing good about him. Right from the first mention of him, a reader can easily gauge that he is a shady character. No surprises there.

If anything, The Merchant's Daughter is one of the best medieval romance books I've read so far. Combined with a thrilling action and romance that complements the sometimes subtle historic setting and lifestyle lessons, it is light enough for anyone looking for a clean, leisure romance story. Additionally, the Christian message is brought across strongly, but not aggressively.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the NetGalley of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

For years Annabel's family shirked their duties and now that Lord Ranulf is moving to town, they must pay for their crimes. Unfortunately, the responsibility falls to Annabel. She must marry the evil bailiff or become Lord Ranulf's servant. Choosing the lesser of two evils, she packs her bags and begins three years of indentured servitude.

But life with Lord Ranulf is not as horrible as she feared. Though the man has a horrible temper and is scarred and disfigured, he allows Annabel to read from the bible, something she has always dreamed of doing. But when Annabel is attacked and a man gravely injured, everything good hangs in the balance, including Annabel and Lord Ranulf's futures.

Oooh, I love a good romance novel! And Melanie Dickerson writes very sweet romance novels. But they're fairytales, and fairytales always include an evil villain and danger. The Merchant's Daughter did not disappoint. I loved Annabel and Lord Ranulf's characters. I loved the initial misunderstandings, and I especially loved how it all worked out in the end. If you love fairytale romances, this one is a must read. And if you're looking for a sweet, clean teen read, this would make a perfect gift, as would Dickerson's first novel The Healers Apprentice. Highly recommended.

I began reading this book with a minor intrigue in fairy tales. I purchased my copy and this was some of the best spent money toward a work of fiction in a long time! I couldn't put it down. I love how we are captured and really brought into the story. The author clearly has a love and understanding of the time period as well as showing that Christ followers, although we may not be perfect in everyday life, have a responsibility to strive to always be better.

I highly recommend this for anyone - not just the young adults- but us that are quickly falling into the "young at heart" group!

After enjoying Melanie Dickerson's The Healer's Apprentice, I have been eagerly looking forward to this next fairytale retelling, The Merchant's Daughter. And I was not disappointed! Taking The Beauty and the Beast fairytale(which is my favorite!), Dickerson spins a delightful story set in medieval England. Get ready for an enchanting adventure (though without any magic or spells! ;-)

When Annabel's family is condemned to send one of them to work for Lord Ranulf le Wyse For three years to pay a debt, Annabel jumps at the chance to escape a forced marriage to an undesirable suitor. She was a very intricate character--displaying both a wary, shy, scared side, but also at times responding to a situation with a strong, sure, determined attitude. Very easy to like her! And, funny enough, grumpy Ranulf also grew on me pretty quickly. Sure he was gruff and short-tempered, but I could see right off, much like Annabel did, that there was something much more behind it all.

The Merchant's Daughter not only has a sweet romance within its pages, but also is a story of one woman finding herself. Lost in a world where she is unappreciated and only wants to study God's word to know Him more, the reader is enraptured the first time she reads from a bible. Often, we take our bibles for granted, but reading from Annabel's point of view the first time she sees a bible...its so touching, special, and renewing.

Within the story someone attempts to rape a girl, but even that is vaguely described and stops before anything happens. Besides that, this book was clean and an enjoyable read from cover to cover. I highly recommend for all readers, old and young alike. Melanie Dickerson talent shown bright in The Merchant's Daughter and I can't wait to see which fairytale she takes on next!

I reviewed this book for Team Novel Teen Blog Tour. Special thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

This novel does an incredible job of capturing this timeless tale in a more realistic manner. Of course the theme of inner beauty is strong, but it goes further to present a story of redemption and healing. One of my favorite elements was Annabel's strong desire to read the Bible for herself and not just hear the priest's skewed take on it. As a fellow medieval writer, I was thoroughly delighted by this historical depiction, which is so true of that time. Annabel's wish to enter a convent also t...moreThis novel does an incredible job of capturing this timeless tale in a more realistic manner. Of course the theme of inner beauty is strong, but it goes further to present a story of redemption and healing. One of my favorite elements was Annabel's strong desire to read the Bible for herself and not just hear the priest's skewed take on it. As a fellow medieval writer, I was thoroughly delighted by this historical depiction, which is so true of that time. Annabel's wish to enter a convent also thrilled me, and showed her sincere devotion to God. But God channeled this love in a different direction. I found the romance in this book gentle and touching, as fit Annabel's strong but quiet spirit. The book powerfully illustrates a true sort of Godly love.

As I read it, I couldn't help but wonder, what makes this young adult fiction. It dealt with some hard realities and many themes adults would relate with. Lord Ranulf is far from a child and has experienced much heartache. I suppose the fairy tale element is popular among young adult readers, making this a smart marketing choice. But I also noticed how Annabel blossoms into young womanhood during the story. I think that might be the reason it's well suited to young adults. I know my daughter loves Melanie's books.

So yes, whether or not you are a young adult, I highly recommend this book to fairy tale fans, romance lovers, Anglophiles, and medieval enthusiasts. It's a great quick read, and you'll enjoy every moment.

I happened to win this book in a blog drawing, but I was planning on buying it regardless. After reading 'The Healer's Apprentice', a take on Sleeping Beauty, I was curious to see how the author would handle one of my favorite stories. (The author's nod to the Disney version of the tale didn't go unnoticed, but wasn't overdone either. ^_^)

I've lost count of how many versions of Beauty and the Beast I've indulged in...enough to know I prefer it when the beastliness is spun from a less magical and more relatable angle. This book is no exception. The Beast is scarred both physically and mentally, and the author is careful to offer his backstory in palatable increments. I actually found it a bit refreshing that cruelty and shallow vanity weren't at the center of his former self.

I felt conflicted about Annabel for the first half of the book, as she seemed almost painfully frail, innocent and short-sighted initially. But in reminding myself of the conditions of the 14th century, and the corresponding repression of women, I decided that she was sufficiently courageous in her own way. That conclusion progressed to certainty as her character continued to develop as much, if not more, than her counterpart.

The faith aspects were interwoven cleanly, as the reading of a Latin translation of the bible (the only kind available during this time period) is integral to this particular retelling. Rather than walloping the reader over the head with it, the inclusion is unforced and logical. There is no attempt to redeem or smooth over the religious dogma of a certain misogynistic cleric, and the abuse of the general populace's ignorance is acknowledged.

A historical like this really draws to the forefront of my mind how fortunate we are, in this day and age, to have such easy and free access to books...including the Bible. But perhaps that access is too easy, as so few bother taking advantage of reading much of anything--let alone scripture. More's the pity.

But, I digress.

All in all, this is a lovely book to curl up with--one that teen girls and adults alike can enjoy. ^_^

There are few novels written about medieval England and most of those are full of suspense and darkness. What a relief, therefore, to come across The Merchant's Daughter which gives the reader plenty of hope amongst that darkness. Medieval England was a complex time, where the men of the church were not always good Christian men, a lord - often from outside the area - ruled the village, and the villagers were subservient to both church and lord.

Annabel is one of those villagers. Once upon a time, her family enjoyed relative freedom thanks to her father's position of merchant. Unfortunately, the wealth was lost and her father died in the recent pestilence. Where Annabel might have once been able to marry a nobleman, she sees entering a convent her only option. Especially since her shiftless brother is determined to marry her off to the village bailiff. When her family is told one of them must become an indentured servant to the newly arrived lord of the manor, Annabel takes the chance; even though the man is rumored to be a terrifying beast, both in looks and temperament.

Yes, this is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, but without the all-dancing, all-singing clocks and candlesticks. It is a beautiful example of how we should look past the exterior and look to the heart of a person. It is through `the beast' that Annabel truly learns of God's character and, in a moment of crisis, she calls upon God to give her the words to say in order to save them both. The Merchant's Daughter is being targeted as a Young Adult novel; however, I would say this is also a book for `Old Adults' such as myself.

I received my free copy of The Merchant's Daughter from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings and when I saw that The Merchant's Daughter was from a Christian author and publisher, I knew I had to read it. The Merchant's Daughter is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in England during the fourteenth century.

As the title implies, Annabel was born the daughter of a wealthy merchant and was raised with money and privilege. The story suggests that Annabel's father doted on her and indulged her, even allowing her to learn to read which was rare for most people and especially for women at that time. Annabel's family looses their wealth when their ships are lost at sea and her father dies from the plague. Now 17-years-old, Annabel gets lots of unwanted attention from men who want to take advantage of her beauty and the idea that she must be desperate to marry so she can return to the lifestyle she was accustomed to.

Annabel's mother and two older brothers are selfish, lazy and manipulative. In order to save the family home, Annabel volunteers to become an indentured servant to lord of the area, Ranulf, the story's `beast.' Ranulf is a rich man who has been scarred from a childhood encounter with a wolf. His first wife married him for his money and then rejected and cheated on him, telling him that no woman could ever love him because of how he looks. Ranulf is angry, bitter and especially unkind to Annabel because, like his wife, she is pretty. Annabel hates the kind of lecherous attention she gets from men and wants to go to a convent where she can read and study the bible. Both characters feel intense betrayal from their families and both need to love and be loved in order to be made whole.

Annabel and Ranulf are very likable and you root for them to find happiness after so much loss and betrayal. The romance between these two is well developed as we see how they get to know each other's hearts through Annabel's nightly Bible readings to Ranulf. There are very strong Christian elements throughout the story as we see how God heals both physical and emotional hurts and how He wants what's best for us; we only have to trust Him. This being a story of Beauty and the Beast, we also see how a person's good character always trumps the physical appearance.

The Merchant's Daughter is a quick and romantic read that I recommend to anyone who likes sweet love stories, fairytales or Christian fiction. I enjoyed this and look forward to other books by Dickerson.

Content: Kissing, attempted rape and some violence.

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

I received a copy of The Merchant's Daughter in exchange for a review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.

So let's go back in time. But not just a couple hundred years, like most historical fiction I review. Instead, let's go back much further to medieval times.

Annabel, a beautiful young woman forced into indentured servitude because of family circumstances, has just moved to the abode of Lord Ranulf le Wyse. A terrifying lord, his appearance is quite mangled, especially one arm and he is missing an eye.

Annabel has graciously offered to pay off her family's debt by offering herself up as the indentured servant to Lord le Wyse, but all she can hope for is the day she can enter a nunnery and serve God and read a Bible. But once in the service of Lord le Wyse, she is pressured by the bailiff to marry him. Yet the idea of marrying someone as cruel, vile and mean as the bailiff makes Annabel reel, inside and out. She just cannot imagine a life where she is married.

Then there is Lord le Wyse, whose defiguration lead to a marriage where his wife did not care for him one bit. After suffering through a horrible relationship and much loss, he has come to believe that no one could ever love a man who looks like him.

As Annabel and Lord le Wyse grow closer to one another, will she be able to see through his disfigured and scary appearance to his heart within? And will he be able to open his heart to emotions other than anger and bitterness?

Read The Merchant's Daughter to find out!

This book can accurately be described as a beauty and the beast retelling, set in medieval times with a Christian base. Annabel is a beautiful young maiden, and Lord le Wyse is disfigured and bitter because of his appearance. Forced into close proximity with one another, they come to see that their initial judgments of each other were inaccurate.

I rarely read historical fiction set before 1800, so this was a completely different type of novel for me. It took a while for me to get into the language of the time, and understand the speech of the characters. As a result, I would definitely say that this book is wonderful in how well Melanie Dickerson submerges you completely into the time. It is clear that she spent her time understanding this time period before attempting to write this novel.

But for me, the biggest drawback is that I felt like my understanding of Annabel was superficial at best. While she was likable, she was almost too "pure" for me to relate to. All of us have flaws, and being unable to find one in Annabel (other than running away from the idea of love) made it hard for me to connect to her. It made her seem a little less than human as all humans have flaws and are not so pure of mind all the time.

And being unable to fully connect to the main character made the novel challenging to push through at times, and easier to set down without picking it back up as easily. As a result, it took longer than I would have liked to finish this novel. But, I will note that medieval times do not hold the allure for me that the 1800s do, so that also could be why it took me longer to connect to the book. And that is entirely personal, and nothing to do with the author.

If you love Beauty & the Beast or this time period, definitely pick up The Merchant's Daughter.

All in all, I would say 3 out of 5 stars.