Customer Reviews

Mine Is the Night: A Novel

5 star:		(120)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!!

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.

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.

Have you ever been disappointed in a book written by Liz Curtis Higgs? Is it even possible? Once again the author has triumphed with her latest novel Mine is the Night.

The sequel to Here Burns My Candle, Mine is the Night continues to follow the lives of Marjory and Elizabeth Kerr. Set in Scotland during the 1700's, this epic story will capture your attention immediately with it's vivid descriptions of Scotland and it's cast of characters.

Those who have read Here Burns My Candle will be pleasantly surprised by Majory's new love interest and her change in personality. Elizabeth struggles to help them survive as they fear for their freedom at every turn. Still branded as traitors to the King, they face their future with uncertainty, but with faith that God will keep them safe.

Based on the Book of Ruth, we finally meet "Boaz" in Lord Buchanan and the love story that unfolds is as endearing as the bible story only much more up to date and - dare I say it? - better. Is that blasphemous?

I'm sorry to see these characters go, but look forward to whatever Liz has in store for us next.

This book gets 5 out of 5 stars for me.

When Elizabeth and Marjory Kerr lose everything they own to the Jacobite cause, they have no choice but to leave the lives they knew for a village in Selkirk, Scotland. Along the way they encounter King George's dragoons who are searching for anyone who may have been loyal to bonny Prince Charlie to imprison, torture, or worse. Once safely arrived in Selkirk, still unsure of what their new life will bring, they must face yet another potential loss, their faithful manservant, Gibson.

Elizabeth and Marjory learn to rely on the one constant in their life - their God. With the aid of a distant cousin, the ladies learn to scrape by, and with seemingly no hope of attaining the wealth they once had. However, the arrival of a handsome and wealthy bachelor could mean a life that is beyond Elizabeth's wildest imagination. As faithful servants of God, they just may reap His rewards.

From the beautiful cover to the rich details on the pages in-between, Mine is the Night is a real treasure. Where Here Burns My Candle (the prequel to Mine Is The Night) was a bit depressing, with Elizabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law, Marjory, facing so much loss, Mine is the Night is a story of redemption and true love. Anytime you pick up a Liz Curtis Higgs' novel you can expect something epic and this is no disappointment.

I don't know much about Jacobite Scotland, but the details that the author provides for the reader are great in helping understand the background of the story. These details alone really showcase Liz's dedication to research without overwhelming those who are unfamiliar with the setting. Also if you're not fluent in Scottish dialogue, the glossary is a huge help.

While faith is central to most of the story I don't think it's "preachy" in the least. I loved the scripture notations and how they pertained to the story. Faith is also intricately woven into the dialogue. I also absolutely loved the quotes that prefaced each chapter from the likes of Aristotle, Virgil, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Each and every one fit so nicely with each chapter and alluded to what was to come. Mine is the Night is a must read for Christian fiction fans everywhere. I really don't know how she is going to top it!

I received my copy from the publisher through their Blogging for Books program. I was not obligated to provide a positive review.*

Few write rich historical fiction like Higgs. Of all her beautiful books, I like this one best. She is a master at drawing the reader into a multi-layered story that is emotionally sound and satisfying. I was sad to come to the end. The Biblical story of Ruth is one of my favorites and she doesn't miss a beat. A true treasure! Bless you, Liz Curtis Higgs!

I'm a new fan of Liz Curtis Higgs. I have only read two books by her so far, and they are both top notch.

With almost 450 pages of reading material, I want to like the story. There is no problem here, with Mine Is The Night. Here we see Elisabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law Marjorie, both widowed gentlewomen and considered traitors to the king for their Jacobite leanings in the 18th century in Scotland. They lost everything - their titles, wealth, possessions - and are arriving at a distant cousin's home for help. Cousin Anne is baffled by their predicament, but decides to let them into her home. Hoping for safety and a new start, the women's story, which parallels that of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible, unfolds into a tale of forgiveness, renewal, and love. Can't leave out the various romances that develop!

As you read, you will be transported to a different time and place. The details in the settings, the clothes, the attitudes, and the politics proves the author's love of Scotland and the research she has done. Ms. Higgs also does an excellent job in developing true-to-life characters that are memorable. Beautiful Elisabeth, still in mourning, wears her one black dress and starts a new career as a dress maker. Michael Dalgliesh is a widower himself, with a son, who is a friendly, outgoing tailor, if not the most organized. Neil Gibson, Marjorie's faithful servant, arrives in town after being detained, and stays close to help out, while being employed by the parish minister. Marjorie, who is no longer the arrogant rich lady, helps out with all the food preparation for the 3 women living together in a tiny apartment. Shy and patient Anne becomes a close friend and family member, while teaching lace making to a couple of young ladies each week. Lord Jack Buchanan, retired Admiral with wealth beyond expectation, arrives to his new home and newly hired servants, ready to settle down and live the life of a gentleman, which he truly is. His generosity supports many people in Selkirkshire, but especially Elisabeth who is hired to be the dressmaker for all the new servants.

I highly recommend this God-honoring, well-written, well-researched story. You won't be disappointed!

As an avid reader of christian fiction and Liz Curtis Higgs, I was highly anticipating reading this book. In previous works by Higgs I recall her to be a witty and humorous storyteller. While Mine is the Night is not meant to have you doubled over in laughter, it certainly held me on the edge of my seat and laid open in my hands for several hours until its completion. Mine is the Night is a modern retelling of the beloved story of Ruth from the Bible. If the 18th century can be considered "modern". While based on Ruth, it is not merely the same story with names and settings swapped out. In fact, after the initial introduction of the characters and opening plot I did not see how Higgs would follow through with her interpretation of the biblical story. Basis of the plot set aside, I found this book another complement to Higgs' collection of well-written volumes. As I said before, I could not put it down once I began reading and finished it in one day. The characters were well developed and I felt as if I were in Scotland along with Elizabeth and Marjory. And while this is the conclusion to a previous book, Here Burns My Candle, I did not feel as if I had come into the story unaware and was playing catch-up the entire time. In addition, being someone familiar with christian fiction, I was pleasantly surprised with the lack of "preaching" in this book. It is my preference not to read through pages and pages of sermons (in reality skipping over) while characters attend church services. Higgs does a wonderful job of presenting the gospel through the lives of her characters while not boring (can I say that?) her christian readers. All in all, if you're a fan of this type of literature you will find Higgs' newest book a delightful read.

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

This was a great read. Liz Curtis Higgs did a great job of bringing the beloved story of Ruth to Scotland...my favorite historical fiction setting.

Marjory and Elisabeth have fallen from riches to rags. With the death of Elisabeth's husband, a Jacobite traitor, they are left with next to nothing. They have a few small possessions most of which are sold on their journey to the town Marjory grew up in where they hope to stay with a relative.

Elisabeth takes work as a seamstress in their small town to help provide for her and her mother in law, Marjory. In doing so, she ends up in the home of Lord Jack Buchanan, sewing dresses for his staff. Along the way they, of course, find love.

This is a beautiful story with a happy ending. Not to mention, I found myself speaking with a Scottish dialect when I was done (only in my head thankfully).

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

I just read Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

I loved this book!

"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."

I love books that mirror Bible stories and this is one that kept me reading! I stayed up way too late each night.

This book really shows how God can take the events that happen in our lives, use them for our good and redeem the past to create a beautiful future for us. God is faithful!