Pamela G. (blessed1) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 127 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Wonderful story! One of 4 in the series. I highly recommend all of her books.
Amanda W. (purplesahm) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book was so good. It was heart wrenching. It made me want to know more about Jacob/Leah/Rachel in the Bible.
Helpful Score: 4
Bible story written into a different historical setting. This is one that's hard to put down! She has a great talent for writing a story that you want to read forever!
Helpful Score: 1
Really enjoyed the book and am anxiously waiting to find the second in the series.
Crystal J. (dorolerium) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 212 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The title of this novel is very apt, because after reading it, I truly feel as though I have a thorn in my heart regarding how I feel about the story. Its based on the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, so the plot will be familiar to any who know that tale. As I havent read it before, the way the story unfolded was new to me, so I found it both frustrating and interesting to read.
I felt myself simultaneously liking and disliking most of the characters in the story, watching their actions and the consequences of said actions was extremely difficult for me to see. I mean, even though I havent read the story in which this is based, I still can see how foolish the decisions of each character are. Its common sense!
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1799
I felt myself simultaneously liking and disliking most of the characters in the story, watching their actions and the consequences of said actions was extremely difficult for me to see. I mean, even though I havent read the story in which this is based, I still can see how foolish the decisions of each character are. Its common sense!
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1799
Lindsey S. (linbran) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I trully enjoyed this book. It kept me captivated and I can't wait to read the others in this series!
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting rtelling of the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel set in Scotland.
Amy P. (ladybugacres) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was an interesting book. The first part got a little long at times in the descriptions but the last quarter of the book I could not put it down. I felt I was right there with the Lena the whole time!
Helpful Score: 1
This series is based on the biblical stories of Leah and Rachel. I had alweys read the biblical story from Rachel's point of view. Jacob loved Rachel, not Leah. Leah needed to back off and find her own man. End of story.
Then, I read this series. Let me tell you, I compleetly switched sides. I am 100% team Leana. Liz Curtis Higgs managed to humanize the character based on Leah. I was rooting for her through all three books. It actualy got to the point that I would slam the book shut and go rant about Rose (Rachel's character) to the rest of my family. There was so much drama, and I couldn't help but become emotionally involved.
The only thing I couldn't understand, is why did either of them even want Jamie? I could not stand him. He was weak willed, and ever changing. He needed to grow a backbone. I really don't know why either of them gave him a second thought. But, such is life. People fall in love with unreliable fools every day.
Then, I read this series. Let me tell you, I compleetly switched sides. I am 100% team Leana. Liz Curtis Higgs managed to humanize the character based on Leah. I was rooting for her through all three books. It actualy got to the point that I would slam the book shut and go rant about Rose (Rachel's character) to the rest of my family. There was so much drama, and I couldn't help but become emotionally involved.
The only thing I couldn't understand, is why did either of them even want Jamie? I could not stand him. He was weak willed, and ever changing. He needed to grow a backbone. I really don't know why either of them gave him a second thought. But, such is life. People fall in love with unreliable fools every day.
This story takes place in autumn of 1788. I found it very easy to get lost in the book, I couldnt put it down. I litterally read it in 1 1/2 days, and its a 412 page book. I recomend this book to anyone who dearly loves to read, but has atleast 1 free day. Cause you will get into it.
Veronica C. (veronicacarpenter) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Though it took me a bit to get into this book, it was well worth it! And the 2nd two books in the series are WONDERFUL! I definitely recommend this series. Even though it may seem like a familiar story line, trust me, it takes it's own different turns. I ordered this book, re-posted it, then ordered the other 2 and liked them so much i re-ordered Thorn in My Heart so I could have a complete series. Wonderful books!
Donya D. (ddd) - , reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
An amazing book, a must read!
Shelley A. (shell6834) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 95 more book reviews
I loved this book. The characters were so real that I found myself getting angry with them and crying with them.
I've never read anything quite like this! The quiet strength woven through the book brings encouragement and hope.
Diana Batema (TigerLily2004) -
I didn't care for the author's use of a biblical story in a different setting.
JANET H. (BoopBetty) -
Great story and much detail of the times.....I would recommend anyone with an interest in historical fiction to try this one!
I love historical fiction and enjoyed this story which takes place in Scotland. The author used some Scottish terms and there is a glossary in back which helps you know what they mean. You definitely see the analogy between the characters in this story and the Bible story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. I wonder if the circumstances really could have happened in Scotland during this time period. It sounds like the author did a lot of research regarding antique Scottish customs. Check out her website, it is very interesting.
Michelle C. (Shellaree) -
The retelling of the biblical story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel but set in old Scotland. Very interesting the way the author makes the old story fresh and you keep wondering how she is going to pull off the major storyline in the Bible in the setting that her characters are in.
I enjoyed this whole series.
I enjoyed this whole series.
Theresa L. (theresapus) -
This book was so good! I seriously could not put it down! A must read!
Chery M. (chermagg) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Interesting series
Lorelie L. (artgal36) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 471 more book reviews
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.
Kay M. (maydayzee) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 753 more book reviews
This extraordinary novel is written in the manner of classics of eras gone by, though I love that the chapters are short for easier reading. The depth and detail paint a rich tapestry not generally found in books of this century. It did take me longer to read, as I wanted to absorb the story and ponder each scene. If you like historical fiction, do not miss reading Thorn in My Heart.
Miranda M. (Governess4hire) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
This story is a bit different than the historical I'm used to. Still a nice read.
Though I enjoyed the book it seemed to drag a bit for me. It seemed to take me forever to finish, it's not that big a book. I really liked the occaisional mention of everyday details. I do plan on reading the next book in the series.
Faye W. (AllieFWilliam) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 97 more book reviews
Wonderful story, hard to put down. Loved all the characters.
Anna H. (dancingqueen18) -
Not quite what I thought it would be, but good none the less.
Sherry F. (SissysMom) reviewed Thorn in My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
A good Christian historical read based on a Bible story but set in Scotland..this bothered me that they did not stick to the Bibical timeline. Did she just do it to sell novels or slip a big Bible story down the young women of today who do not know their Bibles like we older folk do...think this was it and this is not a story that ends happily for everyone so beware there are bad folk about and bad things happen to them. Better yet, read Amazon has to say about the big historical book which is really the Book, coated in a sugar pill and has two sequels. I am liking it more all the time. But still I wouldn't let a very young girl read it without supervision. She needs to know all about the birds and bees for this one.
