Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description:  An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.
My Review:  Do you love to read about medieval times?  Love the story of Beauty & the Beast?  Great!  Then you'll love The Merchant's Daughter!
The story is about seventeen year-old Annabel, a mom who wants her to marry for riches (the richest husband possible!) and an "ugly" man.
Annabel finds that the "ugly" man, Lord Ranulf, actually has a heart...has she judged to harshly?
So Annabel decides being a nun is probably the best life task for her.  But her family just WILL NOT give up that she WILL marry and marry a man who is very wealthy.
Annabel has a kind and generous heart...a heart that looks into the soul and sees the better in everyone.
The choices that Annabel makes and the risk she puts herself in because she follows her heart makes for a heartwarming tale to be enjoyed by young and old readers!
The one thing that I took away from this read is that it isn't outward beauty that counts, it's "heart" beauty that counts!  The "ugly" man doesn't become incredibly handsome at the end of the story but he does become handsome to Annabel.
The cover of this book is great, too!  If you look closely you'll be able to see Lord Ranulf in the mirror.  
*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*
Meet the Author:
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of The National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama. She has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama. Visit her on the web at www.melaniedickerson.com.

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