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