Friday, September 14, 2012

The Merchant's Daughter


The Merchant's Daughter
Written By Melanie Dickerson

Grade: A
Kindle Price: $8.99


Sensuality

Clean

      I was a skeptic, and ashamed to admit it now that I've read Dickerson's novel, The Merchant's Daughter. Lately I've been loose with faith, and perhaps a lot of questions too, but this novel really opened my eyes. I love a good Beauty and the Beast plot, but at first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the spiritual aspect of the book. Now I feel absolutely guilty for even questioning its magic and brains.
       As I became more and more engrossed in the book, many questions I've had were answered, and I felt a bit more at peace just like the heroine. Not only is this novel a clean romance to hand down to the teens at home, but it's also a good lesson for those more spiritual people out there, and perhaps my fellow skeptics as well.

       Annabel Chapmen is caught in her family's lack of responsibilities and has only a few choices left. Her father died three years ago, leaving them with no income, but the family refuses to do their duty of farm working. Now that the new lord of Glynval, known as Lord Ranulf le Wyse, has come to settle down in Glynval, Annabel's family will have to be tried in front of a jury for lack of duty by their village. She's heard terrible rumors circling about the new lord and of his beastly attributes, but surely they are just extreme exaggerations, right?

       The only way to save her family and avoid marriage to the slimy Bailiff Tom, is for Annabel to work as a servant to Lord Ranulf for three years. Surely that would be much preferred than marriage to Bailiff Tom, but what if Ranulf is just as much of a monster as everyone claims him to be?
       As Annabel begins to serve the infamous lord, she's nervous in the presence of such an intimidating man that could easily take away everything she and her family owns. But as Lord le Wyse protects Annabel from Bailiff Tom, she starts to see a different, more compassionate side of her powerful lord. But as Bailiff Tom is found injured and unconscious out in the woods one night, what will happen to Annabel and le Wyse? How will their relationship weather after such a crime? Find out in Melanie Dickerson's awe-inspiring religious fiction, The Merchant's Daughter.
       This novel was a moving experience for me, and if you're up for a good "Beauty and the Beast" plot, I highly recommend this novel. It's also a clean read, so pass it on down to the teens!

Amazon: The Merchant's Daughter

Goodreads: The Merchant's Daughter

Upon A Midnight Dream



Upon A Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales)
Written By Rachel Van Dyken

Grade: A
Kindle Price: $0.99


Sensuality

Hot

       The true Marquess of Whitmore and future Duke of Montmouth, Stefan Hudson returns! This dark giant has returned from the dead after a voyage to India 6 years ago. What Stefan didn't expect on his return was to still find himself engaged under contract to Rosalind Hartwell. No matter how lovely she may be, Stefan has no plans of abiding by the contract all because of a "curse" and so he releases Rosalind to freedom.
       Correction, Hell. 6 frightful months later, Rosalind and Stefan's fathers both pass away once the contract had been annulled, and now his family's turning for the worst. And unbeknownst to Stefan, Rosalind's slowly dying from a sleeping disease! Now it is up to Stefan to marry Rosalind and break the "curse" between their families and save her and their families. He hadn't expected, though, Rosalind to refuse his obnoxious proposals unless he woes her in 20 days before the end of the year when the curse will become final.
       Will Stefan win Rosalind's hand with seduction to break the curse, or something greater? Her heart? Is there a future for these families? Find out in this fantasy Regency romance by Rachel Van Dyken's Upon A Midnight Dream.

       I adored!! this book! The characters were sweet, dreamy and honest with themselves and each other and true to their hearts. Another absolute hit for this author! I cannot wait for her next novel, Whispered Music, sharing us with Dominique and Isabelle's Beauty and the Beast story line. So excited!


Amazon: Upon A Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales #1)


Goodreads: Upon A Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales #1)