The Healer's Apprentice by: Melanie Dickerson

Rose has been chosen to work as a healer's apprentice, at the Hagenheim Castle! This is an unlikely turn of events, as Rose is a woodcutter's daughter, so her status is rather low. While she is squeamish about the sight of blood and doesn't like sticking needles in people, especially when they scream, Rose is determined to prove herself to Frau Geruscha, the lady she is apprenticed to.

Rose originally agreed to be the healer's apprentice because she didn't want to have to marry unless she found true love. Her mother's wish is for Rose to marry an aging bachelor, old enough to be Rose's father, that is disgusting and cruel and makes Rose feel ill. Rose's wish is to remain a healer's apprentice, eventually becoming an actual healer. Her chance to prove herself comes when Frau Geruscha leaves for a little while and Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is hurt and comes to her for help. It is Rose that must sew up his wound and heal him.

During the process of healing him something very unfortunate happens. Rose falls in love with Lord Hamlin. But of course it would be impossible to marry him, her being only a woodcutter's daughter and him being the future duke. He doesn't even notice her, or does he?

After two quite unlikely meetings with Lord Hamlin, Rose begins to wonder about him. Then he invites Rose to a ball, where she meets Lord Hamlin's brother, Lord Rupert. Lord Rupert is an irresponsible young man who falls in love with every girl he meets. But Rose is different. He wants to marry Rose. Lord Rupert is quite the contrast with his brother, Lord Hamlin, who is dignified, gentle, and carries the weight of his brother on his shoulders. Both wish for Rose's hand in marriage, but Lord Hamlin is already betrothed, to a lady who is in hiding.

Then Rose finds out that her parents are not her real parents. So who are they? And where is the girl Lord Hamlin is engaged to? Who is she? Rose must search for her true identity.

Here is the book trailer for The Healer's Apprentice!




*SPOILER ALERT*

My thoughts:

This is a great book! It's a modern/medieval twist on Sleeping Beauty.

My favourite character is Rose. She showed courage when she refused Lord Reupert's marriage proposal. She also was very kind when she didn't want want Lord Hamlin to step down from his position as duke so he could marry her.
Objectionable Content:

Language: None that I can remember.
Romance/Sexual content: Lord Hamlin and Lord Rupert both fall in love with Rose. Lord Rupert comes to call on Rose every day and kisses her fingers a few times. He also kisses her on the lips once. Lord Hamlin calls on her a bit. They kiss on their wedding day.
Violence: Rose gets attacked by a man that wants to marry her and she refuses. He puts a curse on her so she can see demons (or something like that. I don't remember.)
Drugs/alcohol: People get drunk at the ball, and at Lord Hamlin and Rose's wedding.

9/10 stars
12 and up
Highly recommend. I could not put this book down!