The Healers Apprentice

The Healer’s Apprentice was a brilliant adaptation of the classic fantasy Sleeping Beauty. Melanie Dickerson draws the reader in with the curious and amusing thoughts of Rose, the wood cutters daughter, who must navigate her search for independence and love. The inside look into the personal life of the protagonist captures the empathy and emotion of Dickerson’s audience.

            Melanie received her bachelor’s degree in Special Education at the University of Alabama. She has taught in a number of neighboring states and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA) organizations. Currently she lives in Alabama with her two daughters and husband.

            The Healer’s Apprentice begins by introducing Rose, a lower class apprentice of Frau Geruscha, the village healer. Though blood makes Rose queasy, she pushes through with determination in order to prove that she doesn’t need a man. A sturdy head on her shoulders causes her to dismiss the ramblings of her close friend who often lost herself in foolish daydreams of the Duke’s sons. Through a series of events and an injury to Lord Hamlin, Rose catches the interest of the two nobles. Although Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious Lady, he allows himself to become smitten with Rose. As he realizes this his brother Lord Rupert, a man of ill reputation begins a flirtatious courtship with her. Rose however has also fallen for Lord Hamlin despite her internal battle against her feelings.

            A curse over the land has caused Lord Hamlin’s betrothed to stay in hiding to avoid the evil intentions of a powerful sorcerer. Lord Hamlin searched far and wide for the vengeful sorcerer, but he was closer than he thought. During this time, Lord Rupert’s affections begin to grow more and more, however Frau Geruscha continues to vehemently disapprove of him. Rose and Lord Rupert sneak around to see each other but when Lord Rupert asks rose to be his mistress she is yanked out of her stupor and refuses, running from him.

            Lord Hamlin, meanwhile in an effort to protect his future wife searched the lands for the sorcerer and ends up finding out that he is in his home province. Immediately he starts his journey back thinking of Rose, wanting to protect her. When he returned the sorcerer had been scheming and had filled her room with ashes bringing evil spirits. Following this, Roses mistress allows her to move to her room in order to be safer.

            Lady Salomea, Lord Hamlin’s betrothed, will arrive soon but will they be able to protect her from the demonization that the sorcerer has vowed to thrust upon her? Lord Hamlin struggles with obeying God to marry his betrothed when he is in love with Rose but his ultimate obedience is blessed and he happily marries Lady Salomea.

            This tale combines faith with fantasy in a way that reveals God’s providence. It is a romantic retelling with a Christian twist, and includes morals which can be taken away and applied to everyday life. The Healer’s Apprentice was a story that I would recommend for those who are searching for wholesome literary entertainment with lasting positive themes.