A retold fairy tale of sorts, this inspirational romance is set in a richly described medieval Germany. The heroine, Rose, is strong-willed and well principled, yet endearingly awkward at times. While she is young and innocent, she's not at all naive or helpless. I found her both relatable and easy to take a liking to. She seems ill-suited to her future profession from the start, but muddles through a believable struggle with her apprenticeship. At the same time she endures the complications of potential suitors, whose intentions she doesn't trust. In spite of her lowly station, she becomes deeply attached to the most unattainable man in the region -- its future ruler. 
 Despite the era portrayed, I found a great deal of resounding accuracy in the depiction of youthful confusion between love and infatuation, along with the accompanying misconceptions and insecurities. The author weaves a complex and emotional story that naturally incorporates the every-day faith of its participants into the whole, without attempting to insert some clunky or thinly veiled alter call. I would have loved to see a little more relational development between Rose and her willful mother towards the end, but it could just be that I didn't want the story to end. All in all, a great debut novel! I'd happily recommend this enjoyable, sweet tale for anyone approximately twelve and up. :)