Set in 1386

I opened the cover of the book I needed to read and write a review, looking for the usual acknowledgements and author's note. There were none. I found them at the end of the book; I like that location even better than at the beginning of the book. With no acknowledgements to read, I turned to the first page of the first chapter.

"Spring, 1386." I turned to my husband and said, "Uh-oh. I'm in trouble."

"Why?"

"Because I don't like books where the setting is so far back in history."

I turned my attention back to the book. Two hours later, I'd read approximately one-third of the book and the only reason I put it down was to sleep. This book went with me everywhere for the next two days (if I had not had to work, I would have finished in one day). I have just finished "The Healer's Apprentice" by Melanie Dickerson. Spell-binding. Page-turning. Can't-put-it-down. I am now hooked on early historical romance fiction.

Here's the synopsis from the back cover:
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 fell ill.


When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must attend 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 fallnig in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she mus take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

Zondervan graciously supplied this book for my review. You can purchase "The Healer's Apprentice" by Melanie Dickerson at all major bookstores and online sites.