Introducing Melanie Dickerson's...
As a certain teapot once sung, Beauty and the Beast is a "tale as old as time." The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson is a version of this timeless tale, and a most delightful story in its own right as well.
Annabel becomes an indentured servant in the new lord's manor to pay off her family's debts. She is a young woman who is noticeably beautiful inside and out. In Annabel's eyes, her beauty might as well be a curse, for she has caught the eye of the lecherous town bailiff, and he is possessed with the notion that he will have her as his wife.
The town believes they are under a curse, and that it's the new Lord Ranulf's fault. With his scars and beastly temper, the people are intimidated by him, and a series of unfortunate events, like a barn fire and possible murder crime, don't soothe their worries. Ranulf is haunted by his past, and now he wonders if he'll ever have the fresh start he longs for.
When Ranulf asks Annabel to read to him every night, the two form a special friendship. He provides her protection from the bailiff's advances and fulfills her dream of being able to read the Holy Scriptures. She reveals a beauty in life he's been lacking. But their relationship and lives are put to the test when fear and suspicion among the townspeople reach a fever pitch, and the dreams and ideas they once held so dear begin to transform, like a rose that's about to bloom.
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale, so naturally I was very excited to read this book. This version is loosely based on the original story, and I was grinning at some references as I read. However, The Merchant's Daughter is a story that could easily stand by itself with the historical setting, depth of character, and engaging subplots. My only wish is that it was even longer.
Genre: Fantasy/Historical/Youth/Romance
Annabel becomes an indentured servant in the new lord's manor to pay off her family's debts. She is a young woman who is noticeably beautiful inside and out. In Annabel's eyes, her beauty might as well be a curse, for she has caught the eye of the lecherous town bailiff, and he is possessed with the notion that he will have her as his wife.
The town believes they are under a curse, and that it's the new Lord Ranulf's fault. With his scars and beastly temper, the people are intimidated by him, and a series of unfortunate events, like a barn fire and possible murder crime, don't soothe their worries. Ranulf is haunted by his past, and now he wonders if he'll ever have the fresh start he longs for.
When Ranulf asks Annabel to read to him every night, the two form a special friendship. He provides her protection from the bailiff's advances and fulfills her dream of being able to read the Holy Scriptures. She reveals a beauty in life he's been lacking. But their relationship and lives are put to the test when fear and suspicion among the townspeople reach a fever pitch, and the dreams and ideas they once held so dear begin to transform, like a rose that's about to bloom.
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale, so naturally I was very excited to read this book. This version is loosely based on the original story, and I was grinning at some references as I read. However, The Merchant's Daughter is a story that could easily stand by itself with the historical setting, depth of character, and engaging subplots. My only wish is that it was even longer.
Genre: Fantasy/Historical/Youth/Romance
Ages: 12 and up
Pages: 268
Publication Date: November 2011
