The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

About the front:
The photographer in me is what caught my eye on this cover. The light coming from the window, the softness on the girl, the separation of her from the wall and the light on the back wall—those elements made me take a second look. This is not my usual eye catching, over-photoshopped program, now is it? 🙂 But that’s okay … this one has a sweetness to it and given it’s published by Zondervan (Christian books) there will likely be a sweetness to it. The consistency of color, the red of the title that matches what’s covering her hands. It’s just got this portrait over the fireplace kind of look. It almost relaxes me. So that’s why I like this. 🙂

Now let’s look at what the back says:

Two Hearts. One Hope.

Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.

When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she’s never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

Does it match? Front to Back without the in between?
Yes, I think it does. I’ve read the blurb a few times and I have to say that same relaxing feel is portrayed in both the words, tone and image on the cover. They are all just ‘beautiful’ whether or not I’d read the book. It’s just got this feel to it … something I can’t explain and while there isn’t vampire-beating-zombie fighting tension? That’s ok! Sometimes, you just need to stare at the painting and let the story tell itself.

Where I’d read it
I’d love a cup of tea, a nice fire and blankie and this one … in paperback. (oooh, I just said the ‘p’ word!)

Will you add it to your bookshelf virtual or otherwise? Share in the comments!

—–