I LOVED this book! It started amazing! I assumed the whole book would be about Gabe and Sophie trying to stay pure, but both start thinking impure thoughts, which led to innocent touching, which led to a not so innocent kiss. I was very upset with this. I believe kissing and touching are meant for married couples ONLY! This book also has a few sexual references. For example a fellow servant describes to Sophie what her nightly walk with a handsome huntsman was like. The girl said and I quote ""We had a very.....good time." Darla raised her eyebrows and rubbed her hands down her waist suggestively." The book goes on to say that the huntsman "got drunk" with this darla girl. If you are fine with kissing before marriage and sexual references, then by all means read or let your daughter read this book. I for one was a little disappointed with these little details. But overall the book was amazing! It was sweet and funny and action packed!

The Healers Apprentice was my first Melanie Dickerson book and I was hooked! She has an easy way of writing that draws you in...The merchants daughter was equally as good and I could not wait for this one to come out. I look forward to seeing what other fairy tales she has up her sleeve!!