Mine Is the Night: A Novel [Paperback]

Liz Curtis Higgs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2011

SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.
HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?
   Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.
  Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?
   The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland. 
 

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Mine Is the Night

“Mine Is the Night was everything I hoped it would be—the crown of the series! I loved the historical setting, the details, the love stories, the characters who change and grow. The pace and storylines kept me turning pages; I couldn’t put it down.”
—Francine Rivers, best-selling author of Redeeming Love

“Few authors stir my emotions more deeply than Liz Curtis Higgs. One does not merely read her novels; one forges a bond so deep with her characters that reader and story become one, embarking on a journey that both inspires and transforms. But be warned—Mine Is the Night will steal your night from the first page to the last, and never will hours be better spent. It was an absolute pleasure to read.”
—Julie Lessman, author of A Hope Undaunted

“Liz Curtis Higgs has once again combined her extraordinary skill as a storyteller with her elegant writing style to weave a grand Scottish tale, one that transports us back to the past in an emotional and unforgettable journey. Beautifully crafted and clearly written from the heart, Mine Is the Night just took its place among my other favorite novels from one of our most gifted historical authors. I was reluctant to see the story of the Kerr women end—but what an ending it is!”
—BJ Hoff, author of The Emerald Ballad

“Liz Curtis Higgs brings the book of Ruth to life in Jacobite Scotland with Mine Is the Night, a page-turning, emotionally intense, gloriously researched, and soul-stirring read. I was in eighteenth-century Scotland with characters I did not want to leave. Simply brilliant.”
—Linda Windsor, author of Healer

“Liz Curtis Higgs does it again! Mine Is the Night delivers a compelling story of intrigue, adventure, and love. With extreme attention to detail and historical accuracy, Liz creates a love story to last the ages. Her ability to weave Bible story, historical culture, and fiction into a rich tapestry is sure to delight you and leave you longing for more.”
—Tracie Peterson, best-selling author of Embers of Love

“Stunning from start to finish! Sharply witty, charming, romantic, captivating. Liz Curtis Higgs delivers a finale that satisfies in every way. Her best yet!”
—Tamera Alexander, author of Beyond This Moment

About the Author

Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of twenty-eight books with three million copies in print, including her armchair travel guide to Scotland, My Heart’s in the Lowlands, and her best-selling Scottish historical novels, Thorn in My Heart, Fair Is the Rose, Christy Award–winner Whence Came a Prince, Grace in Thine Eyes, and Here Burns My Candle, the riveting prequel to Mine Is the Night.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400070023
• ISBN-13: 978-1400070022
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (157 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Liz Curtis Higgs has been telling tales since she attempted her first novel--handwritten in a marble notebook--at the tender age of ten. Award-winning careers in radio broadcasting, public speaking, nonfiction writing, and children's books honed Liz's storytelling talents, bringing her back to her first love, storytelling.

She is the author of 28 books, with more than 3 million copies in print, including two contemporary novels, one novella, and six historical novels, among them her latest Scottish saga, Here Burns My Candle and Mine Is the Night, a New York Times bestseller.

Her popular nonfiction books include the Bad Girls of the Bible series of books, workbooks, and DVDs, with more than one million copies in print.

And she has written five books for young children, including perennial favorite, The Pumpkin Patch Parable.

Her children's Parable Series received an ECPA Gold Medallion for Excellence, her nonfiction book Embrace Grace won a Retailers Choice Award, and her novel Whence Came a Prince received a Christy Award for Best Historical Novel. Liz was an award-winning columnist for Today's Christian Woman for a decade. Her articles have also appeared in Faith&Friends (Canada), WomanAlive (Great Britian), and Enhance (Australia). More than 4,500 churches nationwide are using her video Bible study series, Loved by God.

A gifted professional speaker, Liz has presented more than 1,600 inspirational programs for audiences in all fifty United States and fourteen foreign countries. When the National Speakers Association honored her with the Council of Peers Award for Excellence, Liz became one of only 32 women in the world named to their CPAE-Speaker Hall of Fame.

Feature articles about Liz have appeared in more than 250 major newspapers and magazines, as well as on Salon.com, Beliefnet.com, and Spirituality.com. She has been interviewed on more than 600 radio and television stations, including guest appearances on PBS, A&E, MSNBC, NPR, TBN, CBC Canada, BBC Radio Scotland, Rhema Broadcasting New Zealand, Radio Pulpit South Africa, Focus on the Family, Life Today, 100 Huntley Street, Midday Connection, and Janet Parshall's America.

On the personal side, Liz is married to Bill Higgs, Ph.D., who serves as Director of Operations for her speaking and writing office. Liz and Bill enjoy their old Kentucky home, a nineteenth-century farmhouse in Louisville, and are the proud (and relieved) parents of two college grads, Matt and Lilly. Visit Liz's Web site: http://www.LizCurtisHiggs.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engagin, March 18, 2011

By 

Annette - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mine Is the Night: A Novel (Paperback)

I was captivated from the first in this delightful and intriguing story of a young widow, Elizabeth, and her also widowed mother-in-law, Lady Marjory Kerr. They lost all material wealth and claims to their estate in 1746 after Marjory's 2 sons were killed in the battle at Falkirk where they were supporting Prince Charles' claim to the throne. Now dragoons were out and about to find any rebels (Jacobites) and have them dealt with in a cruel way.

Thus was the scene that was created as I started this wonderful novel. Marjory and Elizabeth were on their way back to Marjory's hometown where they hoped to find lodging with Cousin Anne. What would be their reception? Would Anne welcome them after being almost ignored by Lady Marjory Kerr because of her lower standing in the caste system. The same system which had now reduced Lady Marjory to poverty level.

This is a story that begins with Elizabeth finding work because of her sewing ability and being able to bring financial support to Cousin Anne and her beloved Mother-in-law, Marjory. Because her first sewing job was terminated, Elizabeth was forced to find work elsewhere which brings her to Admiral Lord Buchanan's English estate. Dressed in her tattered mourning attire, she is granted the job of sewing new uniforms for the newly hired staff.

Thus begins her relationship with Lord Jack Buchanan. Ah, romanticism at its finest. Then add romance to Anne and Marjory's lives as well and the story just gets better and better.

Believe it or not, I was halfway through this book before I realized it was patterned after the Book of Ruth. That did not diminish the story line in any way. This was a superb read and I enjoyed every descriptive detail immensely. Thank you Liz Curtis Higgs!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spellbinding Fiction - another classic by Higgs, March 17, 2011

By 

P. Basham (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mine Is the Night: A Novel (Paperback)

Get ready for a magnificent story of the mending of three women's hearts, one amazing hero, and the faithfulness of a perfect Redeemer.

Mine is the Night is the heart's desire of everyone who always wanted the story of Ruth to be 300 pages longer The heartache, loss, and elegance are all there. The virtue, uncertainty, fear, bitterness, and beauty are all in place.

Elisabeth is a true, godly heroine.

And Admiral Jack Buchanan?
Well, I just have to say:
MOVE OVER, Mr. Darcy!!!
Jack Buchanan is a rival for any Austen hero. With his generous heart, kindness, and (oh yes) even a sense of humor, he's the perfect picture of Boaz.

You may think you know the story of Ruth, but I can assure you, you've NEVER read it like this.
Thank you, thank you, Liz- for taking your pen and inspiring the rest of us through this story.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, March 18, 2011

By 

Carrie (Madera, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mine Is the Night: A Novel (Paperback)

I was hooked from the beginning of Here My Burns My Candle and have been waiting for the end of Elisabeth and Marjory Kerr's story. Liz Curtis Higgs finishes it up and does a wonderful job. I love how the customs and laws of 18th century Scotland lend themselves so well to retelling the Biblical story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz.

When Elisabeth meets Admiral Lord Jack Buchanan, I saw how Boaz could have felt about Ruth. When Marjory began to love her daughter-in-law and esteem her, I felt how Naomi might have responded to Ruth's faithfulness.

I'm only sorry the tale is over and I wonder which Bible stories and people will next picque Liz's imagination.