Fairy Tale Romance Collection

  Where did you get your inspiration for The Healer’s Apprentice?

  I already had the beginning of an idea—I pictured a teen girl and her older woman mentor. At the time, my two girls were very young and they watched a lot of popular movies based on fairy tales. One day they were watching Sleeping Beauty, and I thought the prince’s reaction to meeting Rose was very unrealistic. Most men value other people’s respect, and I started thinking, What if someone wrote this story and made it more realistic? What if the prince believed strongly in duty and carrying out his responsibilities? What if he fell in love with a peasant girl when he was already betrothed? How would he deal with that? I decided it would be really fun to take the basic storyline of Sleeping Beauty and rewrite it and flesh it out. Of course, I added a lot of characters who weren’t in the original story or the popular movies, such as Rose’s best friend, Hildy, and Lord Hamlin’s brother, Rupert. I also made up a lot of plot twists and subplots and changed the story quite a bit.

  I was also inspired by the town of Hildesheim, Germany. I spent six weeks in this town, which dates back from the 1100s. Many medieval buildings are still there, or were rebuilt after World War II, including the entire town square, or Marktplatz. So I put together my love of fairy tales, my love for the medieval time period, and my love for medieval German architecture for The Healer’s Apprentice.

  Did you know how The Healer’s Apprentice would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

  I always knew the ending, but there were several plot twists that surprised me! One was the subplot involving Gunther and Hildy. When I started the story, I had no idea any of that was going to happen! The climax of their story came directly from research, an actual law from medieval times.

  What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

  That God had a good plan for Rose all along, and she only needed to trust God. I believe the same is true for all of us.

  Do you have any parting words of advice?

  Don’t let anyone convince you to give up on your dreams. God is the God of the impossible. You can do anything He strengthens you to do.

  THE HEALER’S APPRENTICE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. At the beginning of the story, Rose expresses concern over not finding a man to marry. In the medieval time period, women had little choice other than to find a man to marry to take care of them financially. Do you think women today are under a similar type of pressure to get married? If so, where does this pressure stem from?

  2. Despite being the healer’s apprentice, Rose often becomes squeamish at the sight of blood. Did you ever have to overcome a fear or an aversion in order to do a job? How did you do it?

  3. Lord Hamlin makes a comment that many believe the lower class is less virtuous than nobility because the nobles have “more reason to uphold the family honor” and they are “expected to look out for the interests of God and the Church.” In the context of this novel, do you agree with this statement? Do you think this is true of certain groups or classes today?

  4. The author mentions several times in the novel that as the daughter of a woodcutter, Rose is not from the same social class as the duke’s sons and their family, thus making a marriage between her and either son socially unacceptable. Do you think such social limitations exist today?

  5. When it comes to love, are you more idealistic and optimistic like Hildy? Or do you try to be more practical and level-headed, like Rose?

  6. When Gunther attacks Arnold Hintzen, he claims he does it to protect Hildy’s honor. Do you think Gunther was right in taking the law into his own hands?

  7. Do you think Rose makes the right choice in keeping Gunther’s secret to herself? Would you have told someone? Why or why not?

  When Gunther is sentenced to death, Rose knows she can go to Lord Hamlin for help. When you get into tough situations, do you have someone you seek out first because you know they’ll have the answers?

  8. Why, despite his rogue reputation, does Hildy think a match between Lord Rupert and Rose is so ideal?

  Rose often worries about her reputation. Why is what people think so important to her? Have you ever worried about your reputation and what other people think?

  9. At what moment did you realize Rose was Lord Hamlin’s betrothed? Were you surprised like Rose when she learned who she was, once the duke and duchess of Marienberg arrived? Did you wonder like Lord Hamlin, who guessed she might be his future bride, but not entirely sure? Did you know all along like Frau Geruscha? Or were you somewhere in between?

  10. Lord Rupert has a questionable reputation, as his brother often likes to point out. While he is courting Rose, however, his behavior toward her suggests his intentions are honorable. What do you think of Rupert’s character? Is he capable of committing to one person? Do you think his marriage to Lady Anne will last?

  11. What do you think Moncore represents? Does his character symbolize something greater than simply a corrupt man?

  Throughout the book the main characters try to control their own fates, but learn God had a better plan all along. Do you ever struggle with trusting God has a plan for your life?

  12. What have you learned about the time period while reading The Healer’s Apprentice?

  THE PRINCESS SPY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. At the beginning of the story, Margaretha is trying to convince herself Lord Claybrook could be a good match for her. Do you think Margaretha would have married Claybrook if Colin hadn’t arrived? Why or why not?

  2. Colin’s original plan was to chase down Lord Claybrook and bring him to task for his crimes. Do you feel this plan would have been successful? Could John have done anything to deter Colin or change his approach?

  3. When they first meet, Colin thinks Margaretha is a flibbertigibbet, and Margaretha thinks Colin is addled and impulsive. Do you think there is any truth in these first impressions? What leads you to that conclusion? How did the events of the story impact each characters’ behavior?

  4. Throughout the story, Margaretha disparages herself because she tends to talk too much. Is this as negative a quality as she and her brothers seem to make it? How might her talkativeness been perceived in the 1300s, when the story is set?

  5. In some ways, Margaretha seems independent and assertive— brandishing candlesticks and helping outwit Lord Claybrook— but in other ways she comes across as what could be called traditionally feminine. If she hadn’t lived as a medieval noblewoman, and was instead a modern character, what type of person do you think she would be? How might her and Colin’s relationship been different?

  6. If you had been Margaretha, playing chess with Lord Claybrook after finding out his true intentions, how would you have reacted?

  7. From the time Anne arrives at Hagenheim, she is focused on her own welfare, and becomes engaged to Sir Reginald, even spilling key information to Reginald and Claybrook’s men while ensuring her safety (and securing what would have been an advantageous marriage at the cost of her uncle’s death). What do you think happens to Anne by the end of the story? Do you think Anne acted the way she did because it was her innate personality, or because it was how she was raised? Why?

  8. Throughout, Colin and Margaretha have several misunderstandings that come between them—chiefly Colin’s belief Margaretha will never leave her family, and Margaretha’s belief Colin doesn’t like spending time with her because she annoys him. Do you feel they were holding on to these misunderstandings as a way to avoid their true feelings? Or was there more keeping them apart (at least at first) than they could see?

  9. If Margaretha and Colin had never found Duke Wilhelm, what do you think the two of them would have done next in hopes of stopping Claybrook? Why?

  10. Toby, the child Margaretha and Colin find in the barn, seems to be a catalyst that finally forces Colin and Margaretha to face their true feelings. How else do you think Toby contributes to the storyline? Do you think Margaretha was right in taking Toby with them to Hagenheim?
r />   11. Margaretha at one point admits she had the perfect man in mind, and it was keeping her from accepting any suitors. Do you think she found the perfect man for herself in Colin? And do you think he hit every box on her “husband-to-be” checklist? Why or why not? Do you think making a list of characteristics is a good or bad idea when it comes to finding a mate? How strictly should such a list be followed?

  12. How do you think Margaretha will fare in England?

  Acknowledgments

  from The Healer's Apprentice

  I first want to thank the original three writers who helped critique this story from its very first draft, those Writin’ Chicks Jamie Driggers, Caren Fullerton, and April Erwin. Jamie, I’ll never forget what you said when you read chapter one. Thank you, my friend. All of you said encouraging things that I needed to hear and needed to carry with me for the next four and a half years. You guys are the best.

  I am very grateful to my spiritual family at Weatherly for so much encouragement. You are one accepting, loving, encouraging bunch of people, and I love you for it!

  Thanks to every judge who ever commented on it in the numerous contests I entered, back when it was titled “The Woodcutter’s Daughter. ” And thanks to everyone who offered to read or critique parts of it, including Julie Lessman and my erstwhile crit group from the Hearts Through History Romance Writers. Thanks to all who helped me with research, including Diana Cosby, numerous ACFW’ers, those European-history-loving people from Therese Stenzel’s His Writers loop, and the wonderful librarians at the Monrovia Library, Katherine and Katie.

  And blessings on my “first readers,” Denita and Victoria Black. Thanks for the tunnel idea, Victoria. I hope you get your car.

  I want to thank my instructor, Cindy Savage, who gave me the encouragement I needed when I was just starting to write again.

  A special thank you to Lloyd Porter. Without your help, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to write word one.

  My wonderful mentors, The Seekers—Mary, Julie, Janet, Debby, Missy, Tina, Audra, Ruth, Pam, Myra, Sandra, Glynna, Cara, Camy, and Cheryl—I hope you don’t mind if I claim you all. Mary Connealy was the first to befriend me. Blame her. Thanks for being so real, so fun, and so generous with your time and love.

  I want to thank my agent, Mary Beth Chappell, for being excited about this book and taking a chance on it. Thank you for keeping my hope alive at a time when nobody else wanted anything to do with this book.

  I must thank Jacque Alberta for championing a medieval romance by an unknown author. Without Jacque, you would not be holding this book. She is a dream-come-true, truly talented editor who has strengthened both the story and the writing. She has blessed me over and over. Thank you, Jacque. I owe you so much.

  The Marktplatz in the fictional town of Hagenheim was inspired by the town of Hildesheim, Germany, where I spent six weeks in 1992. That is where I fell in love with medieval architecture.

  Growing up in rural south Alabama, I had to have a good imagination to imagine becoming a published author. But the fact that Harper Lee grew up thirty miles away from my hometown of McKenzie gave me hope that if she could do it, maybe I could too. I wrote constantly, but after high school, for about fifteen years, I stopped writing or even reading fiction. Then God gave my dream back to me. Thank you, God, for making my dreams come true and for helping your children, Rose and me included, fulfill our destinies.

  from The Merchant's Daughter

  Once again, I want to thank my brilliant editor, Jacque Alberta, for her skill, wisdom, and meticulous hard work in editing The Merchant’s Daughter. Her insight and suggestions made this a much stronger story. Words can’t say how blessed I feel to have Jacque as my editor.

  I want to thank Linore Burkard, Debbie Lynne Costello, and Heather Burch for their input, critiques, and encouragement.

  I also want to thank Linore and Debbie Lynne for being my accountability buddies, critique partners, and BFFs, and for knowing more about me than just about anybody else and not running away screaming! And Julie Lessman, who is my emotional twin, God love her. And Mary Connealy, who always knows the answer to my questions. It’s so good to have writer friends who can relate to the ups and downs and sheer craziness of trying to succeed and be a blessing in this business.

  I want to thank my mother, Voneice Lee, for being such a great word-of-mouth publicist (and just because I can); my husband and children for supporting me, even though they have to sacrifice so much for me to do this “job”; all the members of ACFW who, over the years, have answered countless questions from me, including how a second- and third-degree burn looks a week, two weeks, and a month later; and Jordyn Redwood for helping me and other authors get their medical facts straight. I’m also thankful to all my medieval-writing friends who let me bounce ideas off them and keep my medieval facts straight. Thanks a million!

  I want to say thank you to the sales team and the marketing team at Zondervan, especially Candice Frederick and Sara (Maher) Merritt for all their marketing and publicity efforts on behalf of The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter. Marketing is so different from writing, and I’d be sunk without you.

  I want to thank the creative team at Zondervan and Mike Heath of Magnus Creative for the amazing work they’ve done on the covers of The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter, as well as the trailers. Covers are so important, and I am still stunned at how wonderful these are, how perfect for the stories, and how awesome from a design standpoint. As an author, I feel like I’ve won the cover lottery! Thank you so much!

  I especially want to thank all the wonderful readers who let me know exactly what they thought about Wilhelm, Rose, Hildy, Rupert, and Hagenheim from The Healer’s Apprentice, and sent me encouraging messages through my website, www.melaniedickerson.com, and through Facebook. I love my readers, and I love hearing from you and interacting with you. God bless you all.

  from The Fairest Beauty

  I want to thank my wonderful editor, Jacque Alberta, whose constructive advice and way of looking at the overall story is sheer genius. (And thank you, Jacque, for your easy-going, positive vibe! I need it!)

  I also want to thank my agent, Rachel Kent, for being so supportive, kind, caring, and great at her job — an all-around nice person. Thanks so much for everything.

  I want to thank Sue Williams for always being there for me, and for being a wonderful friend, a great writer, and a really fun traveling buddy. Keep writing!

  Thanks to Regina Carbulon for always being willing to pray for me and for being such a great example of faith. You taught me how to start my sentences with, “I’m believing for …”

  Thanks to Denita Black and Sherry Slaughter for praying for me and for listening.

  Thanks to Caren Fullerton, Jamie Driggers, and April Erwin for critiquing and encouraging. I love you girls.

  Thanks to Linore Burkard and Debbie Lynne Costello for being such great friends. A three-strand cord is not easily broken.

  Special thanks to Carol Moncado for always being ready to brainstorm with me, read my stories and critique, or just listen. You are the hardest-working writer I know! It’s only a matter of time, girl.

  And another special thanks to Cory Kohl for her great horse sense, and for answering so many of my questions, especially with my next book. Thank you!

  Thanks to Chriscynethia Floyd, Sara Merritt, Jonathan Michael, Gwen Hendrickson, and all the wonderful people in the Zondervan marketing department. You go above and beyond, and I’m so thankful for you. Thanks to everyone at Zondervan, in all departments, who work hard to make my books look good and sell well. I am forever grateful for your vision.

  And thanks once again to Mike Heath of Magnus Creative, the genius who creates my book covers and trailers. I love them so much!

  I want to thank all my writer friends in ACFW who are quick to help in every way possible; quick to encourage, quick to give a hug, and really quick to take up for me. You make me laugh and lift my s
pirits, and you’re a big part of the reason I am where I am.

  And to all my friends in Seekerville … thanks for all the cyber hugs, and for chastising me when I want to be lazy or whiny. Your love is a lifeline!

  I have to say that I’m very grateful to Taylor Swift, who writes such great songs. I plotted this entire novel, over many months, while listening to “Love Story” and “Enchanted.”

  Thanks most of all to my readers, and especially those who take time to send encouraging Facebook messages and emails through my website. I couldn’t keep doing this if it wasn’t for you. You readers are the most important links in the process, the beginning and the end.

  And to God who sustains and blesses me. Thank you for helping me keep it all in perspective. I can’t live or move or breathe without you.

  from The Captive Maiden

  Once again, I want to thank all the wonderful people who make my books a reality, including everyone at Zondervan in all the various departments, many of whom I don’t know but I deeply appreciate. Thanks to Gwen Hendrickson, Sara Merritt, Chriscynethia Floyd, and Marcus Drenth, who work behind the scenes to get my books noticed; to Jaime Krupp and all the wonderful people in the sales department who get my books in stores; and to my talented editor, Jacque Alberta, who is able to look at the big picture and point out plot holes, repetitions, and missed opportunities.

  Thanks to Mike Heath of Magnus Creative for blessing me with another beautiful cover that I love. You always wow me!

  I want to thank my horse expert, Cory Kohl, who is always willing to answer my questions. If there are equine mistakes in the book, it’s solely my fault, because Cory knows horses.