Friday, March 26, 2010

‘Here Burns My Candle: A Novel’ by Liz Curtis Higgs – Book Review and Giveaway

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I have had the good fortune to read so many different and interesting books since I have been reviewing on my blog.  The latest, ‘Here Burns My Candle: A Novel,’ is no exception.

Here is the book trailer for this fascinating novel:






The setting for this novel is Edinburgh, Scotland beginning in September, 1745.  The main characters are Lady Marjory Kerr, the matron of the family and the widow of Lord John Kerr; her son, Lord Donald, and his wife, Lady Elisabeth, a Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage; and Lady Marjory’s other son, Lord Andrew, and his wife, Lady Janet.  They are in the midst of the Jacobite Rising (or Jacobite Rebellion, depending on which side you’re rooting for!), as Charles Edward Stuart (aka “Bonnie Prince Charlie”) fights to return the Stuarts and his father James III to the throne of England.  Elisabeth is a Jacobite sympathizer; the rest of the family does not start out that way.

Although I am of Scottish ancestry (my maiden name is McQueen aka MacQueen), I was not overly familiar with Scotland’s history.  I appreciate the time that Mrs. Higgs has put into her research of the time and place.  She has done research both by reading books, etc… and – more fun – she has actually traveled over to Scotland to see the places in person. 

Liz does a wonderful job in conveying the Gaelic elements that are used in the English that was spoken in Scotland in that time period:

“Leddy Kerr,” he cried, “I thocht ye a bluidy rebel!”  Mr. Baillie sank against the doorjamb, knocking his nighcap askew.  His gray hair stuck out like pins in a cushion, and his chin bore two days’ worth of stubble.  “Pardon my appearance, mem.  I feared the Hieland army had slipped into town like reivers in the nicht.” (p. 73)

Many of the words are included in the Scottish Glossary at the back of the book – which comes in handy!  Most of the words are recognizable – but I need some help with others!

Elisabeth grew up following the pagan rite of worshipping the moon.  As time went on, and the Bible became the only available book to her, she came to know the Lord in a real way.  Instead of praying to The One who may not be hearing her, she prayed to the Lord, who responded to her and spoke to her through His Word – particularly in the Psalms.  She encouraged Marjory to return to her first love:

Marjory bowed her head, listening.  I remember such days.  She had lived without fear, ever aware of God’s presence in her life, shining brighter than any beeswax taper.  When she looked up and saw Elisabeth leaning across the Buik [Book], her eyes glowing and her voice fervent, Marjory fought a twinge of envy.  To have that passion again!  To burn for all that was holy. (p. 423)

An interesting aspect of this book is that it parallels the Book of Ruth in the Bible.  Knowing that as I read the book, I was able to equate the people from the story of Ruth with the characters in ‘Here Burns My Candle;’ it also made the book more interesting to me.  There were two elements of interest – the Scottish theme and the biblical theme.  This book covers the first 18 verses in the Book of Ruth.  Liz’s next book, ‘Mine is the Night,’ will cover the balance of the story. 

In addition to her other historical novels set in Scotland – ‘Thorn in My Heart,’ ‘Fair is the Rose,’ Whence Came a Prince,’ and ‘Grace in Thine Eyes’ – Liz is also the author of ‘Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them’ and ‘Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible: Flawed Women Loved by a Flawless God,’ among many others.  She and her family live in lovely Louisville, Kentucky.    
I thought this book was very compelling and historically accurate (after I did some research of my own!).  Liz has a real gift, and I am grateful that she uses it for the glory of God!  I hope to read more from her in the future!

You can order this book here.
_____________________________________________

I have a copy of this book that I would love to pass along to one of you! 

There are several ways to gain entry:

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, telling me what is appealing to you about this book!  Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – sample[at]gmail[dot]com.

2) Follow me on Twitter; I will more than likely follow you back!  If you are already a Twitter follower, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

3) Follow me as a Google Friend on this blog; if you are already a Friend, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

4) Become my Facebook friend.  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

5) Follow this blog as a NetWorked Blog Follower after you’ve become my Facebook friend.  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

So there are five chances to enter!  Please limit one entry per option.

This give away is for U.S. residents only.  The deadline for entry is Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator (www.random.org) on Friday, April 9, 2010 and will be contacted via email.  The best to all of you!

38 comments:

Barbara Ellen Brink said...

I love books about Scotland! And I do have a couple of Liz's other books. She is a good writer. Keeps you entertained all the way through. This one sounds like another great story. I don't know that I'm Scottish but I side with "Jacobite Rising."
barbaraellenbrink[at]yahoo[dot]com

rubynreba said...

I think it is interesting that it parallels the Book of Ruth in the Bible.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I follow on google friend.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Judylynn said...

I like the idea of a book about Scottish people because I think I am descended from King James I (who was a Stuart) of England. I also really like the book of Ruth!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I am also a follower on Twitter!

Judylynn said...

And I am a Facebook friend!

Judylynn said...

And I am a blog follower!

Judylynn said...

And I am a Networked Blog follower!

Katy said...

I love the setting--Scotland is one of those places that captures my imagination. I hope to visit someday.

srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

Katy said...

I'm following you on Twitter! @afewmorepages

Liz Curtis Higgs said...

What a thorough review, Andrea! I was utterly blessed to read your take on HERE BURNS MY CANDLE. I do hope you'll be pleased with the rest of Elisabeth Kerr's story next spring in MINE IS THE NIGHT. 'Til then, have a joyous Easter!

Michelle said...

I have been reading so many good things about this book! I have never read a book by Liz Curtis Higgs, and I am certainly looking forward to reading this one. I am looking forward to reading fiction set in this time period; it will be a first for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to be in the drawing!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Michelle said...

I am following you on Twitter (drquinnfan)

Thank you,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Michelle said...

I am following you on Google Friend Connect.

Thank you,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Michelle said...

I have added you as a friend on facebook.

Thank you,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Michelle said...

I am now following as a NetWorked Blog Follower.

Thank you,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Casey said...

Please enter me, this book looks great!

caseymh18(at)gmail(dot)com

Carman sent me.

Set Apart Living Mama said...

I love the story of Ruth! Carman sent me

Glenda.a.silva(@gmail(.)com

Set Apart Living Mama said...

Im following on networkblogs

Glenda.a.silva(@gmail(.)com

Set Apart Living Mama said...

I'm following on google friend connect!

Glenda.a.silva(@gmail(.)com

Andrea Schultz said...

Hi Ladies -

Thanks to all of you for your comments, and for dropping by.

And thanks to Liz - the author - for the kind words! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Ruth saga, 'Mine is the Night'!

Blessings -

Andrea

Kitty said...

Any book that has the word Scotland, I want to read it.

maynekitty[at]live[dot]com

Grace said...

Looks like an intriguing book! I would love to read it :) Please enter me in this giveaway:

gracethorson (at) gmail (dot) com

*Thanks*

Paris said...

I love hisorical fiction and would love to win this book:)

parisakins@gmail.com

Patsy said...

I've seen this book on goodreads and wanted to read it for a long time. The cover is so appealing.Count me in on the drawing.
plhouston@bellsouth.net

Unknown said...

I love historical fiction- and Scotland is so interesting! Please enter me in the contest!
krhmoseslake@gmail.com

Sandee61 said...

I'm a follower (Google)!

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Sandee61 said...

I read Liz's historical novels set in Scotland, and absolutely loved them. Please add me to your giveaway list for her new book. It sounds and looks wonderful. Thank you!

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Aimee said...

I love that it parallels the Book of Ruth. And the cover is beautiful.

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Diane said...

This book sounds great! I am not that familiar with Scottish history and it would be interesting.

www.dianeestrella.com
estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com

Diane said...

I also follow you on twitter!

Diane said...

I am also your facebook friend. :O)

AcresofHope said...

Yes please! I LOVED Grace In Thine Eyes, Fair Is the Rose, Whence Came a Prince, and Thorn in My Heart. I will go to Scotland one day.

laurenmontoya at gmail dot com.

AcresofHope said...

Just friended you on Facebook.

laurenmontoya at gmail dot com

AcresofHope said...

I'm not following you on Twitter.

laurenmontoya at gmail dot com

AcresofHope said...

Now following you on Twitter.

laurenmontoya at gmail dot com

AcresofHope said...

PS. My earlier commment meant to say NOW following you on Twitter, not "not" following you on Twitter. Sorry for the typo! Ha!

Becky said...

I really enjoyed Liz Curtis Higgs' trilogy about Jacob, Rachel and Leah and I look forward to reading about Ruth. Higgs' "fiction" inspires me to read the real story in the Bible and I feel like I really know the story!

 
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