Here's what reviewers are saying about

 

"Higgs did a fabulous job with this historical tale. My favorite part about this book is the way she uses Scottish dialect and makes it perfectly understandable, either through context or with a seamless explanation. The story is that of Leah, Rachel, and Jacob, taken from Genesis 27-29 in the Bible. I wondered how she would translate that into 18th-century Scotland and make it work. The author’s notes at the end reveal her secret—she researched the location and time period thoroughly, which lends the story an authentic feel. She weaves in Scottish traditions and lore without making readers feel they’re steeped in a history lesson. Higgs masterfully lets us dwell in the minds of the completely sympathetic characters, so we understand not only their motives, but also their joys and frustrations. The sisters’ love and devotion to each other, and their heartbreak at the outcome brought about by their scheming father, touched a chord in me. Thorn in My Heart gave me a fresh perspective on the agony two girls who lived nearly four millennia ago must have endured in such trying circumstances."
     Diana Urban
     FocusonFiction.net 

"Higgs, the best-selling 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. Readers will appreciate many of the moral lessons gently delivered, especially as James discovers that deception is a two-edged sword. Higgs's fine writing . . . incorporates many lovely historical details, and her strong storytelling skills stand her in good stead here."
     Publishers Weekly, February 10, 2003

"Thorn in My Heart is Higgs' best work to date. Set in Galloway, Scotland in 1788, the book focuses on twin sons and rivals Evan and Jamie McKie, who both want their father's approval and estate. Higgs' descriptions of Scottish life are fascinating and made even more real by the occasional use of the Scottish vocabulary, words that are defined in the book's glossary. The characters are well-drawn and react with believable emotion. The pace of Thorn in My Heart never falters, but leaves readers anxiously awaiting the next Higgs novel."
     Mary Jo Harrod
     Kentucky Monthly, April 2003

"Pregnant with her first child, a worried Rowena seeks advice from the village midwife, who reveals that Rowena will deliver twin sons. She also predicts that they're 'verra different lads. One stronger than the other. By and by, the older will serve the younger.' So begins an engrossing tale that transplants the Old Testament story of Jacob and Esau to 18th-century Scotland. Filled with Scottish history, lore, language, and geography, Higgs' first historical-fiction novel will delight her fans and anyone who enjoys tales of Scotland. Higgs draws the characters in fine detail, interpreting the relationship between Jacob, Leah, and Rachel with heart-wrenching honesty. Placing this familiar story in a different time, place, and culture reveals fresh insights into the power of God to work His will through flawed human motivation, emotion, and circumstances. It also shows a master storyteller's skill in shedding new light on a timeless story."
     Susan Dunman
     CBA Marketplace, April 2003

TOP PICK!
"In Liz Curtis Higgs's latest work, she spins a story of love and deception, set among the Lowlands of Scotland in 1788. At once heart-wrenching and mesmerizing, Leana's unrequited love for Jamie will keep the reader engrossed. Anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of one-sided love can sympathize with Leana's plight. Higgs's extensive historical research brings this novel to life, from the details of the Lowland livelihood to the importance of religion in the lives of these Scots. This remarkable tale of selfless love will live on in the hearts and minds of readers."
     Sheri Melnick, Historical Romance Reviewer 
     ¶¶¶¶½ Romantic Times, March 2003

"Och, what a story! Can a romantic-comedy author write a believable historical? Yes, indeed! This tale of love and deception, desire and betrayal will keep you turning pages. You'll still be pondering this love story long after you've closed the cover."
     Bev Huston, Inspirational Romance Reviewer
     ¶¶¶¶ Romantic Times, March 2003

"Get ready to breathe the heather-laden air, taste the bannock and feel once again what it’s like to be so in love you can’t think straight. Liz Curtis Higgs weaves an eighteenth century tale of Scottish intrigue, deception, love and broken hearts in Thorn in My Heart. It’s a take-off on the biblical love triangle of Jacob, Leah and Rachel.

The book begins with inner-family struggles between Jamie McKie and his twin Evan. True to the biblical account of Jacob and Esau, Jamie is favored by mother, Rowena, but the twins’ father, Alec, thinks Evan can do no wrong. Jamie and Rowena contrive to secure Alec’s blessing. When the deception is discovered, Jamie quickly departs for his uncle’s house and meets two cousins, Leana and Rose.

Here the plot changes from the Genesis account. Since this historical novel takes place in modern times, so to speak, Jamie won’t marry two women at the same time, as Jacob did. How Higgs handles this problem is something that you must read the book to discover.

For American women who are of Scottish descent, this book could put the brogue back into their speech. Higgs uses Scottish terms just enough for the reader to feel the Highlands lilt—but not so much that you’re confused. For those who might have a problem, a “Scot’s Glossary” is included. The characters eat tatties (potatoes), and a grandchild is a granbairn.

We decided we’ll have fun incorporating some of the language into our everyday speech. Perhaps we’ll amaze our friends! Consider Higgs’ use of the word daft: “When it comes to understanding a woman’s heart, Jamie is as daft as a three-sided guinea and thick as a post.” Each of us is waiting for the right opportunity to use that fine word.

Thorn in My Heart helped us understand the timelessness of the Bible. Jamie, Leana and Rose make the Genesis account more understandable to modern minds. Leah’s story is retold with new insights. We felt her hurt and her joy, and wanted to cheer her on.

We highly recommend this book. It’s one of those that’s hard to put down. Each of the 77 chapters is short and keeps the story line moving. As you finish the final chapter, don’t skip the author’s closing notes. They’re as well-written and as compelling as the story itself. And consider sharing this book with other women; we all agreed this book is a great evangelism tool. Women everywhere will love Thorn in My Heart."

  Pamela Fortner
  Woman's Touch Magazine

"Thorn in My Heart [is] a heart wrenching account of love, loss, and jealousy set amid the Scottish countryside. Ms. Higgs is a natural storyteller who has taken this simple plot and woven an amazingly complex, emotional tale of misunderstanding, hopelessness, and recovery. Rose, Jamie, and Leana are characters that are all too real in their touching need to love and be loved. While there is much heartache in the story, readers will be satisfied with its conclusion. I highly recommend Thorn in My Heart. It is a beautifully written, poignant novel."
     Jani Brooks
     Romance Reviews Today

"Ms. Higgs has done a marvelous job in bringing out the pathos and wrenching trauma created by the unhappy love triangle, and this will easily make the readers reach for their hankies. All the character portrayals are very authentic, as is the atmospheric setting. The dialogue is interspersed with plenty of Scottish words, whose meanings are thoughtfully provided in a glossary at the end of the book. The entire novel gently carries the message of faith in God and his mysterious ways, regardless of how bleak the circumstances might be. Simply put, the book leaves its readers with a satisfied feeling and teaches them to hope."
     Rashmi Srinivas
     www.TheBestReviews.com