The Merchant’s Daughter Book Review

As one of the newest members of the Storyteller Squad let me start by saying I will not be the type of person who slowly sips their coffee and calmly explains the outline of a recent paperback. I’m going to be the person who breaks down the front door waving a crumpled book in my hand, exclaiming, “You have to read this!” as I wipe sweat from my brow and shove the tattered pages into your hands. Now that you’re forewarned, let’s dive in.

For my first review, I went with one of my all-time favorites. This book inspired me to write my current work in progress and enamored me with its clean slow-burn romance arc. The book is titled, The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson. Set in 1352 England, it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

The story begins with the young, beautiful Annabel slaving over a hot stove preparing food for her ungrateful family. Even after the death of her wealthy father, her mother insists she and her family won’t work in the fields. That suited them until the new earl came to town. This earl, named Ranulf Le Wyse, is ugly, gnarled, and strict.

Annabel’s oldest brother informs her she will marry the wicked bailiff named Tom. He can pay their debts and get them out of this nasty manual labor business. Annabelle refuses to marry a man as old as her father. Without her family’s knowledge, she heads to the castle to volunteer for three years of indentured servitude to the earl in payment for her family’s debts.

Annabel first meets Ranulf when the bailiff demands her hand in marriage. Ranulf grabs the bailiff, demands he apologize to Annabel, and instructs him not to touch her again. Though this act seems heroic Annabelle is frightened by Ranulf’s appearance. His eye patch and gnarled arm add to his gruff demeanor.

One night Ranulf asks Annabel if she can read to him because of his poor eyesight. She is pleasantly surprised when he places an oversized Bible on her lap. Each night as they read the Bible together, she boldly asks him questions the village priest wouldn’t answer for her. Ranulf explains the love of Jesus and other attributes of the Bible. Over time Annabel discovers underneath Ranulf’s harsh facade is a compassionate and honorable man who stands up for anyone in trouble. 

Enthralled by her kind spirit Ranulf is willing to risk everything to make sure Annabel is kept safe from Bailiff Tom and anyone else who would dare lay a hand on her.

This is a wonderful story about love, risk, and loyalty. I would recommend this to older teenagers (16 and up). This is a clean romance but there are a few violent scenes and comments involving forced marriages. Here is a link to the book trailer. https://youtu.be/P1rNLHSKmrI