This is the first of Dickerson's novels that I've read. I have heard mixed reviews on her The Healer's Apprentice and because I am such a Beauty and the Beast fan I decided to skip it for The Merchant's Daughter. 
 One of the first thing got my attention when reading this story was the attention to the 1352 England time period being written about. It weaved together the practices of everyday live in a way that made my little history loving heart melt. It was definitely a refreshing twist on a well-known fairy tale. 
 The story follows Annabel, the horribly neglected daughter of a late merchant and an emotionally void mother. To say that she was the black sheep of her family would be putting it lightly. I'm serious, this girl would go to a convent then deal with her two self-absorbed brothers and their haughty behavior. 
 While I loved Annabel as a main character, I felt that her character somewhat confusing. When the story begins she speaks about her families (her mother and brothers) refusal to do the work that is required of every person in the village. It is explained that when Annabel's father was alive their part of the work was taken care of with money and bribes and that when her father died and his money lost, her mother and brother refused to work for THREE years. Annabel spends the first 20% of the book wanting to prove that she is not the lazy and snobbish girl that the other villages believe her to be. But, if she was so bold and wanted this, why had she not done anything in 3 years? Did they lock her in her room and refuse to allow her out because they knew she'd go down and pick wheat? 
 Another thing that irked me a bit was the underdevelopment of the romance between Annabel and Ranulf. It felt the majority of their bonding was over nightly reads of the Bible and I feel like there should be more behind a relationship then just common faith. But, that is just me sitting in a 21st century life. I feel as much as this irked me I couldn't completely find fault in it. Dickerson made it realistic in a time period where relationships did not last months to years. There weren't complicated gender battles we have today. It was simple and a part of me screams at that but I have to give Dickerson props for sticking to her time period. 
 In summary: Despite issues with the main character The Merchant's Daughter was a enjoyable and light read. Anyone who loves Beauty and the Beast should give it a try!