Author Serendipity #1: Melanie Dickerson

This is a new monthly feature which will hightight those authors I have recently discovered, and whose books I would love to read.  Such discoveries might come about through browsing on the Internet, a chance encounter with an interesting book in a bookstore (I no longer go to libraries -- it's much too painful), or through other bloggers' recommendations.

The authors I choose will be those who write in my favorite genres: paranormal romance, fantasy, science fiction, young adult, literary fiction, Christian fiction, historical romance, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance.  (Although I also love to read classics, this genre will not be included for obvious reasons.)  These writers might have been in print for a while, but will be completely new for me.

Here's my first discovery!!

Melanie Dickerson

Christian Author

Goodreads Bio

Melanie Dickerson is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Her novel has been a finalist seven times in RWA-sponsored contests, including winning the 2007 Fiction from the Heartland Contest over all categories. Melanie earned a bachelors degree in special education of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

This is Dickerson's new novel,

to be released later this month!

The Merchant's Daughter

Melanie Dickerson

Trade Paperback, 304 pages

Zondervan

Expected Publication Date: Nov. 29, 2011

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

The following book is Dickerson's 

first novel, which received

 the Christy Award,

which honors and promotes 

excellence

in Christian fiction!

The Healer's Apprentice

Melanie Dickerson

Trade Paperback

Zondervan

October 1, 2011

(first published Sept. 10, 2010)

Christian Fiction, Historical Romance

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.