The Merchant's Daughter By Melanie Dickerson

     Set in 1352 England, The Merchant’s Daughter is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a beautiful story about courage, honor, justice and love.

     Since the death of her father and the loss of their wealth, Annabel’s mother and brothers have not contributed to the community monetarily or by working in the fields. They feel they are above such things! Now the manorial court has ordered them to pay up or one of them would have to work as a servant for Lord le Wyse for the next 3 years. With no money, her older brother, Edward, plans to marry Annabel off to the vile Bailiff Tom. In return, the bailiff will pay their fines.

     Lord le Wyse is a bitter young man with a terrible temper, which is magnified by his appearance. He was disfigured during a wolf attack, that scarred his face and eye, leaving him with the need of an eye patch. His heart has been scarred also, after the woman he loved ripped it apart. Now he feels all women are deceitful, especially beautiful ones.

     With the choice before her of marrying Bailiff Tom or working as a servant to Lord Le Wyse, Annabel chooses to be a servant. Does Annabel make the right choice? Will life as a servant be just as terrifying as being a wife to the horrid bailiff?

     Annabel is a sweet girl without coming across as sappy. I loved how she relies on her faith to get her through her fears and troubles. And troubles she has when the bailiff stirs up the villagers blaming all their recent misfortunes on the new Lord, saying Lord le Wyse is cursed!

     I really enjoyed the story! I loved the cover. If you look closely at the mirror, you can see the face of Lord le Wyse! This is a great read! 

I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

Buy a copy of The Merchant's Daughter here.

What's your favorite fairytale retelling?