The Healer's Apprentice

The Healer's Apprentice
By Melanie Dickerson
Zondervan, 2010. 261 pgs. Young Adult

Rose is a woodcutter's daughter who has been apprenticed to the local healer. While her status as a future healer is higher than it would be if she were living at home, she's still well below the duke and his family. And yet, Rose attracts the attention of both of the duke's sons. The duke's heir, Lord Hamlin, is betrothed to a woman he's never met--a girl who is in hiding until Lord Hamlin can track down the sorcerer who threatened her just after her birth--so Rose's feelings for him, and his for her, are just setting them up for heartbreak. And the younger son, Lord Rupert, has a reputation as a rogue, but he seems to truly be interested in settling down with Rose. Perhaps, defying all odds, Rose will be able to find love and rise above her station.

I liked the premise of this book more than the actual writing of it. While it's an interesting look at life in the Middle Ages, there were times when the writing either didn't flow or was just too cheesy for my liking. However, it's a clean read, and those looking for an inspirational title for teens may like it.

AE