The Merchant's Daughter

By Melanie Dickerson

(Blurb: 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.)

This was a magical, suspenseful and powerfully written version of the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast. It's mesmerising, enchanting, and haunted me through to the very end! Reading this novel took me on a journey - through the eyes of the characters you jolt through the twists and turns, endure their joys and sorrows, completely falling into the story and leaving reality behind. Along with being a beautifully written story about love, persecution and redemption, it also was a story that told about the reality of faith and the struggles we all endure in regards to being 'set apart' from the rest of the world. Melanie Dickerson has found a way to speak to us as the readers individually through her writing. I felt as if I was there - I was Annabel, I was fighting for my life, falling in love with a man against my will. She preaches genuine Christian themes and teaching's into the story without being domineering and show's us, through the character's own struggles, how to strive to be better people amidst all of life's 'curveballs'. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast was, all at once, entirely original, and also genuinely devoted to paying homage to the original fairytale. Annabel portrays the strong, independent and intelligent young woman that we all know 'Belle' to be and Ranulf completely satisfies our desire for a beastly hero, who, in his time, is tamed by his love for the heroine. They're romance is sweet and pure - they aren't looking for love, in fact, they're trying to steer clear of it, yet it finds them nonetheless. And all through the story, the message of God's love and blessings shines through, blessing the reader in turn. Everything considered, this novel is a 10/10! It's beautifully written, and will capture the hearts of all who dare to pick it up.