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The Merchant's Daughter
The Merchant's Daughter
Author: Melanie Dickerson
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 An...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780310727613
ISBN-10: 0310727618
Publication Date: 11/29/2011
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 21

4.3 stars, based on 21 ratings
Publisher: Zondervan
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 14
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

writerforchrist avatar reviewed The Merchant's Daughter on + 154 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
To read a medieval novel is to be there and on those occasions when I want to read a medieval novel, I want it to be such as The Merchants Daughter.

I was incredibly impressed with the fact that there wasnt a great deal of overwhelming facts about the setting or customs of the time period, and yet the setting was masterfully crafted through the entire novel. I could have been standing in that square, or scrubbing that floor in the castle, because without a great deal of thinking about it I stepped into this enchanting world.

Loosely based on the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, I was caught up in the unlikely romance between Ranulf and Annabel. Right from the beginning they both have so much going against them, and yet the closer they become, the more the rift seems to want to pull them apart.

I wouldnt call the romance simple. It was definitely sweet, but with an edge that left me breathless as to whether that edge would destroy what little ground Ranulf and Annabel had claimed.

The Merchants Daughter charmed and beguiled me and in the end left me hopeful and content, though wishing for a few more pages, just to enjoy the wonder of the story.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the Amazon Vine program for my copy to review.
HeartsongChica avatar reviewed The Merchant's Daughter on
Helpful Score: 2
I thoroughly enjoyed Melanie's second Christian fiction book for the YA market. While The Healer's Apprentice was loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, The Merchant's Daughter is loosely based on Beauty and the Beast, which is my favorite fairy tale of them all.

I found Annabel likable, though her family's apathy toward her was kind of odd. I didn't really see any reason for them to care so little for her. Annabel's compassion for Stephen and Ranulf was refreshing, compared to the superstition and fear expressed by the other villagers and manor workers. People with disabilities were apparently to be feared as cursed in the Middle Ages.

The restraint with which Annabel and Ranulf both behaved throughout the book, before revealing their feelings for each other, provided good romantic tension. Ranulf's transformation from harsh, gruff half-wild man to kind, compassionate lord of the village was well-written and believable.

Another thing that struck me was how easily the Bible was twisted by the parish priest, considering that he did not have a Bible of his own, would not have shared it even if he'd had one, and that most people could not read the Bible even if it had been easily accessible. Annabel was able to completely change her view of God as harsh and unloving, to one of mercy and love, after she began reading Ranulf's Bible. Ranulf helped Annabel transform her view of God, thanks to his memorization of Scripture and his willingness to answer her questions. We are blessed today with our easy access to the Bible in print, online, and even in ebooks and on our cell phones.

With thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for my review copy.
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thedestinyofone avatar reviewed The Merchant's Daughter on + 31 more book reviews
I love the Middle Ages, and I am always looking for books set in that time period. I had seen a lot of really good reviews for The Merchants Daughter by Melanie Dickerson, so I decided to get this. I even got a great deal, only $2.99 for the Kindle edition.

This book drew me in and didnt let me go. The characters were well developed and believable. The setting felt so real and very well researched without the author getting carried away with what she knew. My only complaint is that this book was so good, I got very frustrated, because I couldnt sit down are read it in one sitting. Why did God give siblings the uncanny ability to interrupt at the most pivotal parts of the story? I mean, when I wanted to take a break my siblings were doing things on their own. When I was reading they needed me.

Some of my favorite parts.
I loved the faith the characters have in this book. So many Christian books have a sappy faith, but that was not the case in this book. I loved how God used Annabels situation as an indentured servant to grant her the deepest wish of her heart.

Okay, for all of you who think I scorn romance I will admit that sometimes the girly-girl part of me comes out. I really liked that this was a re-telling of a fairy tale. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite tales, so the fact that this book retold that story made it all the better.

Things you might want to know before you read.
There is a man that tries to force himself on Annabel, however Melanie Dickerson handled it so well that it didnt really bother me. However, younger readers may want their parents to look over the book first.

For my friends who avoid romance, this book is a romance book, and there is kissing, so you wouldnt like it.

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