The Merchant's Daughter - (Fairy Tale Romance) by Melanie Dickerson (Paperback)

About the Book

In author Melanie Dickerson's latest fairy-tale retelling, loosely based on Beauty and the Beast, Annabel Chapman is forced to work as an indentured servant at Lord Ranulf's manor house. The new lord is said to be beastly in appearance and temperament, but Annabel's greater fear is Bailiff Tom, who has made unwelcome advances upon her in the past. As she works closely with Ranulf, Annabel begins to feel safe and protected, but will she realize the calling of her heart before it's too late?

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

'A virtuous romance with characters who "fall in love with each other's inner beauty in spite of outward appearance." - Kirkus Review--Kirkus Review

'True, readers will peg the happy ending at the start, but the progression of Annabel's honorable love affair will have the rapt attention of Christian-fiction fans.' - Courtney Jones, Booklist Review--Booklist Review

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama. Visit her on line at melaniedickerson.com, Facebook: MelanieDickersonBooks, and Twitter @melanieauthor.