Review: The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

Publication Date: 11-29-2011
Publisher: Zondervan

Pages: 288

Format: ebook

Source: Netgalley

Challenge: None
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Goodreads Summary:
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 thee 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 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.

This was such an unusual love story with twists and turns involved.  Annabel is a young woman who was used to having the good things in life.  Her father was a wealthy merchant so her family didn’t have to work in the fields.  Unfortunately, her father lost all his ships and passed away which left her family with nothing.  The family decided not to work their fair share in the fields, which meant a trial that lead to one of the family members needing to work for Lord Ranulf.  The only other option was for Annabel to marry the bailiff, who she had no interest in marrying.

Annabel decided she would be the indentured servant to Lord Ranulf for the next three years.  She went to live with him on his property and do chores around the house.  Annabel expected the worst from her new Lord, but found that he could be quite the gentleman.  She learned not to listen to what others had to say, but rather make her own decisions about the people around her.

An unfortunate event happened that involved Lord Ranulf and Annabel.  It was something that could lead to the death of this new Lord.  Annabel was basically the only person who could possibly stop his death, and she needed to decide which was more important, her going to the abbey or protecting her Lord. 

I really enjoyed the plot of this novel.  It was set in a time period long ago when there were Lord’s and wealth merchants.  The idea that Annabel could learn to work as an indentured servant and was willing to after having all she could ever want in life was also intriguing.  It showed that she was not selfish, but rather was looking out for both herself and her family members.  Annabel was an interesting character who showed a lot of courage in her trials.  Lord Ranulf was also an intriguing character because he had physical ailments that made those around him afraid of him.  He wasn’t your typical male character that women fall in love with, but he had a great heart and showed his personality was golden.  It was interesting to see the how many women were aiming to be noticed by him, but for all the wrong reasons.  Overall, this was an interesting novel that held some mystery and an awesome love story.  I really enjoyed the writing style and had a hard time putting it down.

As of 1/5/2012 the e-book Kindle edition of this book is only $1.99 on Amazon! An amazing deal, you should really read it if you haven't already.