The Healer's Apprentice

From the minute I picked up The Healer's Apprentice, I couldn't put it down. This medieval romance, by Melanie Dickerson, is the first book in a long time I have read from start to finish in one sitting (much to my family's dismay). Styled after Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale, but written from a decidedly Christian perspective, The Healer's Apprentice is a tale of acceptance, forbidden love, and surprising twists of fate.

When Rose is apprenticed to the town healer, she breathes a sigh of relief. Now she won't be forced into marriage. However, when handsome and serious Lord Hamline is injured, and Rose is the only one available to stitch him up, she nearly faints. Despite his pain, Lord Hamline is quite taken with Rose. Since he has been betrothed to a princess since childhood, he cannot act on his feelings. He is even more distraught when his attentions cause his rogue of a brother, Lord Rupert, to notice Rose.

In all her decisions, Rose must decide between following her fickle feelings, or following the guidance of Frau Geruscha and the Bible. Rose must choose to trust God for her future, before she can experience peace and find her true calling.

What I Like: In this gripping story, full of twists and turns, I like the realistic portrayal of Rose's emotions and struggles best. She is flattered by the glamorous Lord Rupert, but feels drawn to Lord Hamline, even though he is betrothed. Rose wants to follow Christ and make Frau Geruscha proud, but she questions their wisdom. Rose suffers real consequences when she disobeys, and I think many readers could learn from her mistakes.

What I Dislike: There are a couple of instances of characters asking for a physical sign to determine God's will. God always answers obviously in the book, but I would be concerned readers would try similar experiments, without such clear results.

Also, the font is very small.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Young Adult (14-21)

Publisher Info: Zondervan, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-310-00000-0; Paperback, 262 pages, $9.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $7.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.99.

Special Note: There are a couple of alarming scenes where Rose and her friend Hildy are accosted by men in town. At one point, the evil Moncore curses Rose, and causes her to have vivid, demonic nightmares.