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“The Healer’s Apprentice”—Book review

Why do you read?
I read because there are truths out there I don’t know that I want to know.

So I typically don’t read much fiction because it’s not, well, true. However, certain fiction contains much truth. Both truths about the world and truths about relationships.

I’m glad The Healer’s Apprentice has both. The_Healer's_Apprentice_by_Melanie_Dickerson

Author Melanie Dickerson (my friend!) wrote her debut published novel with teen girls in mind, but no matter. I learned from and enjoyed the story just as much as I suspect my daughter will.

Set in the 1300’s, the plot revolves around young Rose apprenticing to be the town healer. When she’s called upon to take care of Lord Hamlin’s wound, her becoming-of-age story really begins.

Melanie does an excellent job weaving in historical facts from the medieval time period within the love story, as well as keeping a realistic Christian perspective on Rose’s spiritual life.

In the author’s interview at the back of the book, Melanie shares the main thing she wants readers to remember from the story:Melanie_Dickerson_photo_by_Dave_Dieter_The_Huntsville_Times

That God had a good plan for Rose all along, and she only needed to trust God. I believe the same is true for all of us.

And her parting words of advice?

God is the God of the impossible. You can do anything He strengthens you to do.

I’m grateful to Melanie for writing the kind of fiction I like to read and for being the kind of author I like to support. True through and through.

* * *

I’m grateful for honest fiction.
What are you grateful for today?
We’re adding one new thing each day of November at Rebecca’s.

8 comments:

Melissa said...

I'm also grateful for uplifting fiction. I'm always on the hunt for good reads...though my TBR pile consumes several baskets and shelves around my home!

Jodi said...

I'm grateful for checking out this post. My youngest is always looking for a good read.

Trisha said...

Thanks for this review, Lisa. As my oldest daughter gets older, I'm searching for edifying books for her to read. I'm glad I still have time to read this one first and then pass it along. :) Have a done a list of good books for young ladies to read?

Lisa notes... said...

I definitely recommend this book for all ages. And there should be more to come later. This is the beginning of a trilogy.

No, Trisha, I haven't compiled a list for young ladies, but I will definitely consider that since a lot of books have passed through our house!

Barbara H. said...

I've benefited greatly from inspirational fiction. I think the best of it is like an extended sermon illustration or parable in that it fleshes out truth and shows us what it looks like in action.

This sounds like a good book!

Melanie Dickerson said...

Thank you, Lisa, for this review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. :-)

Lisa notes... said...

I definitely enjoyed it, Melanie. Can’t wait for Jenna to read it next!

When will your next book be ready? :-)

Raine said...

Thank you for this review. I hope I'll be able to find a copy here at the Christian book shop. The story intrigues me.

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