Audio Book Review: The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Though not totally enchanting, this is a sweet, entertaining listen.
The Healer's Apprentice
By Melanie Dickerson
Narrated By Jude Mason

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Series: Hagenheim, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-13-15
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian, Historical, Teen/Young Adult
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In author Melanie Dickenson's new book, a young healer's apprentice named Rose believes she will never marry...until she meets Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of her village. Hamlin is everything she could ever want - kind, understanding, and a man of faith - but her low station and the fact he's already betrothed to a mysterious woman makes their romance impossible. As Lord Hamlin seeks to find the sorcerer who cursed his future bride, Rose's life spins toward confusion. A creative retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.
©2015 Melanie Dickerson (P)2015 Zondervan

Review:
Rose is a young woman of faith and compassion. She has been apprenticed to the healer even though she finds the duties difficult due to her soft heart. Her position brings her to tend Lord Hamlin, the eldest son of the Duke. He is kind and accepting of her lower status and they develop a gentle friendship.

Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a woman who he is to meet and marry later in the year. The young lady has been hidden since childhood to keep her safe from the threats of a sorcerer who seeks revenge on her father. Although Lord Hamlin has chased the enemy for a number of years, the villain is always just out of reach.

Lord Hamlin and Rose must work to resist their attraction to each other. Lord Hamlin’s younger brother, Rupert, has a reputation as a scoundrel around the ladies. He takes an interest in the lovely Rose, insisting that he finds her so enchanting that he is prepared to change his ways for her. Lord Hamlin is anxious to secure a good position for Rose, so he encourages her saying that he believes his brother is sincere. Rose herself is flattered by Rupert’s attention and tries to set her affections toward him instead of the unattainable Lord Hamlin. While the young people struggle with their emotions, the enemy is closer than they know.

Rose and Lord Hamlin are lovely, honorable and chivalrous characters. This is an easy read/listen for the most part. There is a scene with demons that might be difficult for some readers. Although the story has a fairy tale feel, with easy, simple writing, it focuses on God’s protection rather than magical protection. I really enjoyed the Biblical messages of faith, and God’s provision and protection for those who trust Him. This story, and probably the series, would be suitable for readers who enjoy medieval settings with the fairy tale and Christian elements of good prevailing over evil.

Audio Notes: Jude Mason does an adequate job with the narration. Her voice and accent fits the setting and tone of the story. She manages to portray the characters with sufficiently distinct voices. Because I found the story a bit simple, the narration made this a more enjoyable reading experience for me.

I received this CD audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.