After reading The Healer's Apprentice, I knew that Melanie Dickerson was an author to watch. There are so few Christian fantasy authors out there, and even fewer whose style of writing I enjoy so much. If anything, I liked The Merchant's Daughter even more than the first.

Annabel is a unique heroine. She isn't strong and doesn't stand up for herself, but she has a great sense of honor and loyalty and doesn't complain no matter how difficult things are for her. These traits gain her trust from many, even, very reluctantly, from the bitter Lord Ranulf. What I liked best about her was her sense of wonder at being able to do such a thing as read the Bible. The story is very realistic in the historical sense in that hardly anyone even owned a Bible back then.

The romance was slow and sweet as Beauty (Annabel), unintentionally and unaware, captures the heart of the Beast (Lord Ranulf). Ranulf has been burned before (literally and figuratively) and doesn't trust anyone, especially women. That just makes it all the more lovely as he learns that he will do anything for this one, even give her up to keep her safe.

Peril, in the form of Bailiff Tom, adds excitement and urgency to the story. First Annabel and then her friends are placed in danger and while she may not be willing to stand up for herself, Annabel would die for her friends.

The eloquent writing and well-researched background make this story well-nigh perfect. I am looking forward to Melanie Dickerson's next novel.