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Here's
what reviewers are saying about
"It's
18th-century Scotland, and sisters Leana and Rose both love Jamie McKie.
Heartbroken and insecure, Rose tries to find fulfillment through an
unwise friendship and a disastrous flirtation. Illicit contact with a
local witch hints at a hope that she might reclaim Jamie for her own. In
a shocking turn of events, the church threatens to set aside Jamie's
marriage to Leana. The outcome hinges on Rose's testimony. FAIR IS THE
ROSE moves and delights with a vivid parallel to the biblical story of
Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel. The riveting plot highlights Liz
Curtis Higgs' expertise with setting, time period and characterization.
A must-read for lovers of historical romance."
Romantic Times - reviewed by Jill
Elizabeth Nelson
"Liz
Curtis Higgs has woven a masterful tale in Fair Is the Rose, sequel
to her CBA historical fiction bestseller, Thorn in My Heart.
Readers are swept off to 18th-century Scotland where a complex story of
love, law, and forgiveness unfolds for two sisters and the man they both
love. The biblical story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel is a framework for the
plot, while the flavor of old Scotland is swirled through the story with
expert brush strokes. As Leana waits for Jamie to proclaim his love for
her, Higgs writes that Leana's "heart stood on tiptoe." So will
readers' hearts stand on tiptoe for the entirety of Higgs' gripping
novel."
Christian
Retailling - reviewed by Leslie Santamaria
"Liz
Curtis Higgs does it again! With artistic strokes of her pen, she has
once again written a masterpiece sure to break anyone's heart to pieces.
For anyone familiar with the Bible story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, Fair
Is the Rose is hauntingly similar, but set to a Scottish time period
of late 1700's. The crippling anguish and heartbreak Leana experiences
is transferred straight from the pages of the book into the reader's
heart, and many times I had to dry my eyes before I could read further.
The extensive research Ms. Higgs has done in order to be historically
accurate is astounding, and the inclusion of Scottish customs and
language greatly enhances the reading experience. A glossary can be
found at the end of the book defining the Scottish terms used. For the
third and final book in this series, look for Whence Came a Prince
in the spring of 2005, a date much anticipated for this reader!"
Romancejunkies.com - reviewed by Sherri Myers
"Higgs,
a popular inspirational author, continues her 18th-century Scottish love
story paralleling the biblical saga of Jacob and Esau. The challenges of
adapting the scriptural story to the 18th century are daunting and make
for some contrivances that would be difficult to believe from any author
not as talented as Higgs. Admirably, Higgs keeps her protagonists
multi-faceted and readers' allegiances shifting as the story unfolds. A
welcome glossary helps readers navigate the Scottish terms that lend
color to the dialogue, and historical details--including church customs,
medical and herbal information, and food descriptions--create a vivid
backdrop. Readers...will devour this novel eagerly and anticipate the
story's resumption next spring in Whence Came a Prince."
Publishers
Weekly February 2, 2004
"This
review will be difficult to write...because I don't want to ruin the
wonderful thrill of the book by giving anything away. But, it so full of
twists, turns, highs and lows, it's impossible to say anything without
giving away something. The story is superb, the words wrap themselves
around the reader’s heart and don't let go until the ending. When you
begin this completely tissue-wringing story, be prepared to laugh, cry,
and wonder at the graceful way Ms. Higgs carries on the story started in
Thorn In My Heart. Lessons are taught, consequences dealt, and
lives forever changed–including the reader’s.
Fair Is the Rose earns the Reviewers Award and I impatiently wait
on pins and needles for Whence Came A Prince in 2005.
The Road to Romance
- reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
