Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland Series #1) (Paperback)

by Liz Curtis Higgs (Author) "folks in the glen be sayin' if I didn't tend to Mr. McKie's firstborn? Yer time is still a month off, but when it comes-..." (more)
Key Phrases: hurlie bed, spence door, dry stane dyke, Aunt Meg, Reverend Gordon, Lady Maxwell (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Higgs, the bestselling author of 20 inspirational books, successfully tries her hand at her first historical novel, spinning a new version of the biblical story of Jacob to show the costs of deception and the triumph of love despite adversity. The story opens in 1764 Scotland, a month before the birth of Rowena McKie's twin boys. Those readers familiar with the biblical account of Isaac and Rebecca, their twin sons Jacob and Esau, and Jacob's search for a wife will have no trouble discerning how the plot unwinds. Higgs has a good track record with romance novels (Bookends; Mixed Signals), and she handles the love affairs between the younger twin James McKie and sisters Rose and Leana McBride with aplomb. Despite the predictable story line, Higgs keeps a few surprises up her sleeve, including the device of a proxy wedding (which although historically authentic, may be a stretch for some). Christian fiction readers will appreciate many of the moral lessons gently delivered, especially as James discovers that deception is a two-edged sword. The book feels a bit too long, but Higgs's fine writing will satisfy historical fiction aficionados. Although Scottish words are liberally sprinkled throughout the text, their definition through context is usually clear, and a welcome and thorough glossary in the back of the book further aids readers. Higgs incorporates many lovely historical details, and her strong storytelling skills stand her in good stead here.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
?Wise, heart wrenching, and ultimately triumphant. I couldn?t put it down.?
?Francine Rivers, author of Redeeming Love

?Liz Curtis Higgs takes readers on a remarkable journey to the Lowlands of Scotland. A luminous sense of hope shines through this truly wrenching story of characters who are both larger than life and all too human. This unforgettable saga is as multilayered, mysterious, and joyous as love and faith can be.?
?Susan Wiggs, New York Times best-selling author -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157856512X
• ISBN-13: 978-1578565122
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,734 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating retelling of Biblical tale, July 1, 2003

By	Amber (TN) - See all my reviews

This is such a fantastic book! I bought it because I love retellings of Biblical stories and I really enjoyed Liz Curtis Higgs' "Mad Mary" and "Bad Girls" books. It took me a few chapters to get into the book because of the Scottish terms she used, but eventually I saw that they were fairly easy to define just using context. Once I got into it, I could not put the book down. My heart ached so much for Leana, yet she grew into a strong and resolute character. And the chapter-heading quotations are very appropriate. This book is definitely worth a read, even if you're not a Christian or you're not familiar with Higgs' work. If you have read anything else by her, this is practically a must-read & you won't be disappointed!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Grabbed Me and Wouldn't Let Go!, October 21, 2003

By	Daniel Darling "Christian author and speaker" (Chicago area) - See all my reviews

I have always known Liz Curtis Higgs as a humorist-having heard her on Christian radio a number of times. I had never read anything by her until now and what a fantastic read it was!

Thorn in My Heart absolutely grabbed me and wouldn't let go. This story is so rich and layered with meaning. I understand why it took Liz so wrong to transfer this plot from her heart to ours. Her thorough research of the Old TEstament story as well as 18th Century Scotland makes this book real and believable. And not only is the historical setting accurate-it carries the reader into 18th century Scotland and the hearts and minds of these proud, but God-fearing people.

You will laugh and cry at the characters on this stage. Liz brings out their real attributes every so slowly, not quick to make harsh judgments, but letting time and circumstance reveal them instead.

And if you know the Biblical account, Thorn In My Heart provides more depth to the people you thought you knew. Deceit, when displayed in full color, casts a far blacker shadow. And yet, you're often examining your own heart and asking, "What Would I Have Done?" And the pithy quotes at the beginning of each chapter leave the mind wondering what is to come next.

Thorn In My Heart doesn't shout the message-it allows for their subtle display in the good and bad choices of its human characters. There are no cookie-cutter heroes or villains, only sinners in need of God's redemptive grace.

I salute Liz Curtis Higgs for writing an elegant literary classic that will be talked about for years. Add this book to the stack on your nightstand and you will not be disappointed.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story, February 25, 2006

By	Tracy Hitesman (Yo, Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, I read this book because my aunt was reading it one day, and she let me look it over, and then let me borrow it. So I was first drawn to the cover. ;)

But it was a good judgement. The story of Leanna and Rose and Jamie sounded very character driven and interesting.

Best of all though, the story had good values, a wealth of good and evil within the characters, although mostly good, and the story was well written.

I would have enjoyed the story anyway, without being well written, because the story was based on one in the Bible. It was a good story, with different twists and very human.

The fact that it was well written, and had quotes at the beginning (thoughtful, meaningful, interesting quotes) really added to my enjoyment. I love quotes at the beginning of each chapter!

I enjoyed the book so much that I borrowed the second and third book from my aunt as well. Even though I was in school and she was going back home so I really had to squeeze in reading them.

It was well worth it.