The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Title: The Healer's Apprentice
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Release Date: October 1st, 2010
Source: Received for review from publisher.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Two Hearts. One Hope.Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

It's no secret that I love historical fiction. In fact, it says so right on my sidebar! I also love fairytale retellings. Since this is a combination of the two I was really excited to have the chance to review it. What I didn't know about this book is that it's also considered Christian fiction. I'm not generally a reader of Christian fiction, but for the most part the religious aspect didn't distract from the main storyline.

This book is in third person and alternates mostly between focusing on Lord Hamlin and Rose. Third person isn't generally my favorite, but it worked well with this book. I enjoyed seeing both sides of their relationship. Rose was a great main character, she was very releateable and was very realistic. Lord Hamlin had a large sense of duty, and it was interesting to read the way he was warring with himself.

I really enjoyed the historical details of this book. Melanie obviously did her research, going as far as making the political titles of her characters historically accurate despite the minor confusion it might have caused. Though it is a retelling of  Sleeping Beauty it is very loose, and very much its own story. I loved the plot line with Lord Hamlin's brother and the addition of Rose's best friend.

I have only a couple complaints. This is a fairytale retelling so it is expected for the book to be predictable, but at times I found it a bit too predictable. There were quite a few times where I correctly guessed the outcome of certain things way before they happened. I also found some parts of it a bit cliche or overdone.

Basically I really enjoyed this novel, especially the historical aspect. I did find it a bit too predictable though. I would recommend it if you like historical, fairy tale retellings, or Christian fiction.

Characters: 9/10
Plot: 8/10
Originality: 9/10
Writing: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 43/50 B
Cover Comments: I love this cover! The dress, the window, the way the model is standing all work together perfectly.