Disclaimer: I received this book through Goodread's FirstReads program, so I'd like to thank them and Zondervan for my copy. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own. 
 "The Healer's Apprentice" by Melanie Dickerson is my first Goodread's FirstReads win --a book I've been "dying" to read ever since I saw the book cover months before its release. I am SO glad to see Zondervan coming out with teen medieval historical fiction (that's a mouthful, haha) and I thoroughly enjoyed Melanie Dickerson's medieval "Sleeping Beauty" inspired tale. Speaking as a huge Christian Medieval/Fantasy fan, I hope Zondervan and other publishers will take notice of this wonderful new author. 
 As a college-aged student, I'm a bit older than the target audience, but I simply adored this book, finishing it in about three hours and promptly re-reading it twice over the weekend. Since there are already so many well written summaries about this book, I will refrain from trying to come up with my own and instead focus on my own thoughts of this novel. In general, I thought the writing was very well done for a first time author. One time when I was reading a novel set in the 1700's, a character used the word "okay," which really jarred me out of the story, since I thought that language was too modern. As far as I remember, the characters used appropriate, "medieval sounding" language and I felt that this and the attention to historical detail presented in this novel enhances the story greatly. 
 In contrast to some of the reviews here, I loved the character of Rose -perhaps because I found myself relating to her in many ways. While I consider myself romantic at heart: getting my hands on all the Christian romance fiction (that won't scare my parents) and vigorously "shipping" character pairings from my favorite books and t.v. shows, when it comes to my real life, my "love life" --I am extremely logical or realistic, maybe too much or maybe just recognizing crushes when I see them. 
 I think the main reason why it's hard for some to relate to the main characters is because we live in such a different time. Only two hundred years ago, in Jane Austen's 19th century Regency Era, the issues of class, how much money you or your family had, etc. factored very highly into who you could marry. These issues were very much alive in the medieval age. Rose's thoughts of "why should/could Lord Hamlin be interested in me when I'm just a woodcutter's daughter" is a valid question. Just as for the Bennett girls in "Pride and Prejudice," marrying "well" was one of the only ways to be financially secure for a woman. Though I'm not sure about the historical accurateness of Rose's apprenticeship, there were some trades (such as being a governess) that would be an "acceptable" job for a woman, but other than that, marriage was the answer to her life's security (food, shelter, clothing, etc.). In both eras, since marriage was such a high priority for many women, having a good reputation was imperative for a "good" marriage. Think of the fiasco that Lydia Bennett caused when she went away with her "dear Mr. Wickham" --not only that, but her sisters' reputations were also sullied even after Lydia's marriage because of the scandalous rumors surrounding her and her husband before the wedding ("Did they? Didn't they?"). However for wealthy men like Lord Hamlin or Mr. Darcy, it would be easier for them to marry a woman even if from a "lower class" because of their financial security, though even they could suffer repercussions for not marrying someone within their class (as Mr. Darcy's aunt Lady Catherine hinted at regarding Elizabeth). 
 Because of this probable historical background, I think that it was interesting to see that medieval healer's apprentice Rose didn't want to marry the "old rich bachelors" her mother tries to set her up with (which would be what most women did), but wants to be self-sufficient. I suppose there were women who felt that way back then, but I imagine that they weren't very common. Even though it might have been a more "modern" sensibility, I felt that it was extremely believable and I liked that aspect very much. 
 I loved the growing relationship between the hero and Rose. Very cute and sweet (and can I say hot?) I think the best way to describe it is "romance with restraint." A lot of this was from their sense of responsibilities and obligations but "OMG," yes you most definitely can feel the chemistry and tension between them! Of course they struggled with their growing attraction and I feel that was realistically portrayed and endeared me to the characters. The mature, responsible way they handled their feelings is something I'd love to have in a relationship one day. As one of my friends would say, "Any guy can give in to his desires, but what's really sexy is if he has those feelings and can control himself." The library scene near the end is one of my favorite romance scenes. Speaking of romance, unless you count a "real" kiss or two as "mushy," it doesn't go farther than that description-wise. As I mentioned, there is romantic chemistry, but it was very appropriate, tasteful, pure (or whatever you would like to call it). However, with issues such as mistresses and (though not graphically described) a girl attacked by a man at night, I would say parents should come to their own decision on whether to let their elementary aged children read this novel (it is aimed at teens), though I'd let someone who's bordering the tween/teen years read this. 
 My only dislike was the conclusion to the Moncore storyline. It was a let down to me --I felt like Lord Hamlin should have had a greater role in regards to Moncore instead of a knight. I felt like a big duel or something between the two would have been cool (after all, he's been searching for that man for over five years), but I'm a sucker for sword fights. Yes, I also suspected the ending, but it's a historical romance novel, not a mystery/suspense book, so I didn't mind that too much. 
 The Christian aspect of the novel was well done and not "preachy" like some other Christian authors I've read and the historical aspect of the novel helped in this area as most Europeans at that time were "practicing Christians" at the least. Good messages such as not relying entirely on your feelings or emotions when it comes to love and the willingness of the characters to do the right or responsible thing, despite personal sacrifices can be taken for all audiences, but I was encouraged specifically by the main characters striving to live by faith and trusting in God -in Him and His plan for them. 
 My first reaction on seeing my book copy was, "Oh, my gosh, it looks so short." Granted, the book looks about 1.5'' thick, but the print is smaller than average for a paperback about 7'' tall (the print seems to be the size of mass market paperback "pocket books"), but my fears were assuaged as I didn't feel like it was "short" --in other words, the story arc was full, lush, and then came to a logical conclusion. In the future, I (and my eyes) would appreciate a more traditional-sized type for the size of this paperback. However, the cover art is even more gorgeous in real life and the "healer's cabinet" concept on the back cover is lovely as well. 
 In conclusion, "The Healer's Apprentice" is one of the most well written debut from a first time author I've read in a long time, and I hope much more medieval fiction is to come. I'm recommending this to all my friends, especially teen girls. I've put Melanie Dickerson on my "favorite authors" list and can't wait for her next novel! (Thank you for reading and I apologize for the length of this review.)