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Mine Is the Night: A Novel
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Mine Is the Night: A Novel
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Mine Is the Night: A Novel
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Mine Is the Night: A Novel

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.
HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 22, 2011
ISBN9780307747419
Unavailable
Mine Is the Night: A Novel

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Reviews for Mine Is the Night

Rating: 4.34020618556701 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Liz Curtis Higgs is a phenomenon. This book is a version of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi set in Scotland in the 18th century. Very well written and brilliantly crafted. This book is part of a series but it is a stand alone story worth reading.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is an entertaining read that you'll enjoy even if you haven't read the prequel (which I'll be buying soon!). It was a fascinating retelling of the story of Ruth, constructed in such a way that made it entirely plausible and thoroughly enjoyable. Unlike many Christian fiction authors, this book is fairly well written and very entertaining. It was hard to put down.The characters are very well developed and likeable; they are virtuous, but escape being "preachy."If you've read her "Lowlands of Scotland" series, you'll certainly enjoy this one -- it's just as gripping as that series, but much more believable!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Liz Curtis Higgs is a phenomenon. This book is a version of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi set in Scotland in the 18th century. Very well written and brilliantly crafted. This book is part of a series but it is a stand alone story worth reading.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Liz Curtis Higgs is an amazing writer. All her books are good. The writing and story line of this book I like very well. I would definitely recommend this author.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have read books with wonderful writing, and this is one of them. For the length it is (it’s long in my standards) I managed to finish it in record time because the writing in this is beautifully done. Descriptions of the setting and the atmosphere were good, the character’s emotions were easily represented, but the characters themselves. Wow, you formed an attachment to them quickly and easily!I liked reading both about Marjory and Elisabeth. They were both equally very strong women and their attempts to overcome their difficulties were admirable. My favorite would be Elisabeth though. It felt as if nothing would stand in her way and she did manage to help herself and others come out of the state she was in when the story began. The chemistry between herself and Jack was wonderful! I loved how their love for each just grew gradually as the novel progressed. I can’t even begin to describe Jack. Everything about him was nice. He was definitely one of the strong silent types but once you went underneath that front, he really is a supportive gentlemanly character to love! The overall plot of this book was really good. Marjory and Elisabeth encountered a lot of hostility at first, and things just happened one event after another but I liked how their strength pulled them through and they worked so well together despite their hardships. The pace is even and smooth so the reading ends up being quicker than usual and you’ll find yourself wanting to stay up late to finish. The ending was also well done as it closed up all loose ties rather nicely. Not sure if there is going to be another book following this, it doesn’t leave anything open but there could be a possibility of something in the future if you were to look it that way. I would say the only thing that did bother me was the language issue. I don’t know Scottish lingo and although this is a glossary/dictionary in the back there were a few phrases that I just could not make out. It can be distracting to readers but luckily enough most of it is easy and straight forward. Those that aren’t religious may or may not be put off with all the bible/proverb quoting. It didn’t bother me at all. Other than those two minor details, I can’t think of anything wrong with this book. Even though I’m not religious, I enjoyed reading this book. It’s certainly a ‘feel-good’ clean romantic historical fiction that I think others who aren’t religious could enjoy. Yes there’s lots of quotes from from the bible, and other proverbs but would that really bother you if all you’re looking for is a good solid plot with beautifully written characters? I say give this book a try if you like historical fiction. I have no regrets.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed this parallel to the biblical story of Ruth. I had some trouble getting into the first book in the series, Here Burns My Candle, but once about halfway through I flew through the rest and right through this one. It's a beautiful story that I would highly recommend!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    When I received this book as an advanced reader copy I had not read the book before it. However, after reading it I did get on Amazon and order the first book. That being said I did not have any trouble following the story or figuring characters out because I hadn't read the first book. Mine Is the Night contained plenty of details to enlighten (or remind) the reader. The characters where developed and you really got a sense of who everyone was in this story. The Kerr women are having a rough time to say the least. There are many times when your heart aches for them but especially Elisabeth are troopers who keep going and never give up. While I read a lot of books- and many of them are historical and/or inspirational fiction this was one of the best of those books I have read. I always read for a while before bed and let me just say there were a couple of late nights during this one! It is hard to put down!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The author has an enchanting skill for storytelling that will bring the journey of the Kerr women to life. I normally have a habit of parading through a book to be able to note that I have accomplished a feat. This book was a wonderful way to begin and end each day, sipping on the delight of going back in time to reenvision the biblical story of Ruth.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Marjory Kerr has lost everything in her support of the Jacobite cause -- not only her fortune, but her sons and her title as well. In 1746, she returns to her home town of Selkirk with only her daughter-in-law Elisabeth accompanying her, and with not a shilling in her pocket. They move in with Anne Kerr, a distant cousin who lives in a single room, and Elisabeth immediately starts searching for employment, since Anne's meager income as a lacemaker will not support the three of them. Elisabeth finds employment briefly with a local tailor, but when that position ends, she despairs of finding another -- until Admiral Jack Buchanan buys a local estate and starts hiring staff. Though it's not common for a large house to employ a full-time dressmaker, Elisabeth is hired for several months to make dresses for all of the house's female staff. During that time, she makes the acquaintance of Lord Buchanan, who is drawn to her innate sweetness and gentility. He has the ability to set all to rights for Elisabeth and Marjory -- if he is able to look beyond their current impoverishment. This book is based on the Biblical narrative from the book of Ruth, and stays surprisingly true to that story, despite being set in 18th century Scotland instead of ancient Israel. It is inspirational fiction, but those elements are not handled in a heavy-handed fashion, and the writing is a cut above much current inspirational fiction. The characters, though occasionally guilty of holding slightly more modern opinions than their actual 18th century counterparts might, are dynamic and likeable. Mine is the Night is the sequel to Here Burns My Candle, and though it can be read as a stand-alone work, readers will appreciate the context and back-story obtained by reading Here Burns My Candle first.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was everything I hoped the first book would have been. It was full of realistic characters, exciting plot lines, drama, romance, and a satisfying finish. I am a fan of Liz Curtis Higg's fiction- and this book did not let me down!I knew what the plot line was based on the second half of the book of Ruth. There were many plot points that I was curious about. How were they going to portray the character that represented Boaz? What happened to Rob? What would happen to Marjory and Gibson? Would we ever get a finished plot line for Bess' mother? This book came to a very satisfying finish and tied up all plot lines. I honestly was amazing with how the author crafted the book- I couldn't put it down! I found myself cheering out loud at points (and wanting to throw the book at other points!) It takes a great author to create so much emotion in her reader.I hope you will pick up this book series. As slow as the first book is- this book makes up for it 100%!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I love reading Scottish stories. This is great one, I hadn't read the first one but you can just pitch right in with this one. Lots of lovely people and great rendering and portrayal of Scotland. Recommended.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Wow! This was a great read. In the 1700s in Scotland, widowed Marjory Kerr and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, are forced to return to Marjory's hometown. Because of their place on the wrong side of the Jacobite rebellion, they are destitute and friendless. Elizabeth's faithfulness and love for her mother-in-law, and the favor she finds with a wealthy landowner, are straight from the book of Ruth, beautifully set in 18th century Scotland. This book is well written, the historical period accurately rendered, and the love stories sweet. I especially liked the romance growing between Lady Marjory and her servant, Neil Gibson. The only thing I didn't care for was Lord Buchanan. Overprotective and controlling leading men don't appeal to me. It's been a long time since I've read Christian historical romance, because of disappointment in the quality. Liz Curtis Higgs is bringing me back to it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is my first Liz Curtis Higgs book. I did not realize this was the 2nd book in the series. It made a wonderful stand-alone book. It slightly paralleled the story of Ruth & Naomi in the Bible. It was a nice story of family, love and commitment. I enjoy reading and learning about historical eras. This book contains good information about Scottish traditions. I would recommend this book to any who are interested in historical biblical fiction.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I have long said that historical Christian fiction is not my favorite genre. However, as of late, that opinion is changing. This particular book has had a great deal to do with that. Maybe Scotland intrigues me as well. There is a slight parallel in this book to the Ruth and Naomi of the Bible. The widowed mother-in-law returns home and one of two widowed daughters-in-law absolve to go with her, though her home is elsewhere. The settings are entirely different. I felt that these characters were well developed. I enjoyed getting to see where their story would take them. Highly recommended book by me if you enjoy happy endings.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the first Liz Curtis Higgs book I have read but it won't be the last. She does an excellent job of developing her characters. With her style of writing you are transported back to the time period she is writing about. You get a feel of what the characters are experiencing. It doesn't take long to get a hang of the archaic Scottish language the characters are using either. After reading Mine is the Night you realize you are reading a retelling of the biblical story of Ruth set in 18th century Scotland. Mine is the Night is the sequel to Here Burns My Candle which I have not read but reading the first one is not necessary to enjoy the sequel since the events of first book are summarized in the sequel.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    truly enjoyed this last book of the trilogy by Liz Curtis Higgs. At the time that I started reading 'Here Burns My Candle', I didn't realize that this was a trilogy. But missing the first book did not bother me. This book was slower paced than the previous one but that did not detract from the book. As before, there is a vocabulary list of Scottish words to help understand the dialogue. But I only referred to it twice since it was so easy to figure out the meaning from the context. All the characters were well developed and I was very satisfied with the ending. I appreciate all the research that the author has done into Scottish history and weaving in the story of the Book of Ruth from the Bible. I must say that I will miss Elizabeth, Marjory, Anne and of course Gibson. I love the way that Liz Curtis Higgs intertwined the customs and holidays of the times like Michaelmas into the story. After reading about the customs and feast for that holiday, I checked for more information and was surprised to find a custom that I grew up was derived from this holiday. Look it up yourself! I was also pleased with the amount of humor and wit in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to go back in history again with the author. She makes it all come alive. This book is a book of hope too. One of the verses from the Bible that she quoted was “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:5) truly sums up the book and makes you think about it in reference to our lives today. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a book rich in thought and history. I truly enjoyed this last book of the trilogy by Liz Curtis Higgs. At the time that I started reading 'Here Burns My Candle' I didn't realize that this was a trilogy. It was slower paced but that did not detract from the book. I love the way that Liz Curtis Higgs wove the customs and holidays of the times like Michaelmas. After reading about the customs and feast for that holiday, I checked for more information and was surprised to find a custom that I grew up was derived from this holiday. Look it up yourself! I am definitely a Liz Curtiz Higgs fan!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Higgs's Mine is the Night is a tale of love and the trials of life in Eighteenth-century Scotland. The series is a must-read for any lover of historical and Christian fiction. Mine is the Night continues the story of Lady Marjory Kerr and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Kerr. It loosely follows the Old Testament story of Ruth. While the love story, at times, seems a bit unrealistic, it is nice to set aside those concerns and settle into the story of a man who takes notice of a woman that his station would allow him to easily overlook.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a wonderful 'retelling' of Ruth's story. Elizabeth and her mother-in-law Marjory are trying to find refuge after losing husband/son and now having neither title nor wealth. They are branded as traitors and fear for their lives and freedom. Elizabeth finds work making dresses for all Lord Buchanan's staff and the two become quite close...The opening scene was wonderful. I could actually see the rain and feel Elizabeth's hesitation and apprehension. This story shows compassion, from a formerly snubbed cousin, strength, the women have to make it 'on their own', fear, as they fear for their lives almost daily, and faith! Lord Buchanan is a wonderful 'Boaz' and the story unfolds quite nicely!This was a solid 4/5. I plan to go look for Ms. Higgs' previous books!Thank you to LibraryThing for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I read this book because I got it from the Early Reviewers list. Once again, I was not good about reviewing it right after I read it, so this probably won't be as good as it could have been. I chose this book because I have read another series by the same author with the same intent: to take a well-known story from the Bible and change the setting. I did not read the first book that accompanies this one, but I was still able to follow. I may read it and then reread Mine is the Night to get the full story, but I honestly did not find this book as rewarding as the other series I read. Essentially, this is the rosy follow-up to what I assume was a very tragic first book. The book opens as Elisabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law, Marjory, travel to Marjory's old home to establish themselves in their new lives as widows. Complicating things are strained relationships between Marjory and the town people as well as the fact that both Elisabeth and Marjory lost their husbands supporting a prince in his failed attempt to take the throne. Elisabeth is a strong-willed woman, though, accepting her new rank as a poor widow and staying faithful to her mother-in-law by working as a seamstress for a newcomer to town, Lord Jack. Love ensues for many, as the story is loosely following the story of Ruth.As I suggested earlier, this was not a great book, but it was an okay book. I was honestly a little disturbed by and could not believe that Higgs used the phrase (not exact): "they were older but not dead" when discussing an older couple and their physical desires for one another. Don't ask me why, but that's one of the major things that still sticks with me when I look at and think about this book. I guess it didn't make a huge impact.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book was an Early Reviewer book and had 452 pages. I enjoyed everyone of them. In 1746 Marjory had lost her husband and both sons in battle. One of her daughters-in-law ( Elizabeth) chose to go with Marjory rather than return to her family. They travelled to Selkirk to find a distant cousin to stay with since they had lost everything. They had no money but Elizabeth could sew and found a job with a tailor.The cousin, Ann, had such a small dwelling that Elizabeth had to sleep in a chair, and Marjory on a trundle bed. It was crowded and they had to watch every penny to have food to eat. When the tailor hired a man he let Elizabeth go. She applied for a position as a seamstress from Lord Buchanan. She was hired even though his establishment had never had the need of a seamstress before. He immediately took an interest in Elizabeth. Elizabeth's husband and father-in-law had fought against the king of England and had to be careful because of the threat of arrest as traitors. She needed Lord Buchanan's protection. The author's descriptions were very good and I learned a lot about England and life during that period. I usually don't read books that go back to the 1700's but I liked this book very much and would reccommend it for history and romance readers.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed reading, "Mine is the Night" by Liz Curtis Higgs. The book of Ruth is my favorite love story in the Bible and "Mine is the Night" is an 18th century retelling of that story. The story is intriging and the main characters are very likeable. I found that once I began reading, I could not put it down.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Although this is book two in the series, it easily stands alone. Enough backstory is given to discover how the two main characters reached this point in their life. Elizabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law are destitute and brokenhearted over the loss of their men. Traveling back to Marjory's hometown, they move in with a distant relative. Elizabeth immediately seeks employment as a seamstress to help provide for their needs. When that comes to an end, she swallows her fear and applies for employment as a dressmaker with the new Lord of Bell Hill. Trusting God to meet their needs, the women work together to heal.I have not read anything by this author prior to this book. However, I will be looking for her other Scottish Highland books. I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth as well as the style of writing.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book is a great continuation of Here Burns My Candle. When I say continuation I sincerely mean it too, Mine is the Night picks up right where you are left in the first book, it is more of Liz Curtis Higgs ran out of space rather than writing a second book, which I think makes this book even more special. (Just make sure you read them in order!)I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys getting to know and falling in love with characters, caring about them whole-heartedly and feeling like you will miss the best part if you set the book down for too long, these are two books for you.Set in Scotland in 1847 this is the story of two women, who are trying to make their way in the world the best they know how. I just do not dare say more, though, for you must read the first book first and be prepared to be swept back to a bonny time.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    While Liz Curtis Higgs is one of my favorite authors, I do tend to prefer her nonfiction books or pure fiction novels. I do like that while she does base her story on Biblical stories and people she changes the setting and time frame so as to not say "this is what the people in the Bible were thinking/feeling" without any real proof; but instead she says "here are some new people in similar circumstances" and how they think/feel.Overall, a great book by an awesome author.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This story picks right up where "Here Burns My Candle" leaves off, so I highly encourage readers to read them in order. I had a hard time getting interested in the story line of book one, but by the end of this book I was very captured and captivated by the story. Well done Lis Curtis Higgs. She does her background and research well and makes me very familiar with the times and customs and lifestyles of the folks living in Scotland during this time. You won't be disappointed if you stick with it and read both books in order to the very end!It is written as an eighteenth century interpretation of the Book of Ruth. This book picks up on the next chapter in the life of Elizabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law Marjory Kerr. They have lost everything, their home, money, husbands and respect and find themselves going back to Marjory's town she grew up in in Selkirk, Scotland and finding a distant relative who takes them in. Elizabeth ends up using her sewing skills to secure a job and earn some money. You will find your heart warmed by the love these two woman demonstrate to each other and the way God works in the heart of Marjory and changes her into a woman you come to care for. There is alot of lovely romance in this story, but also a story of how deep friendships are made and hearts are changed. I appreciated the way the author showed the flaws of people, and the way some hearts can be changed. It was not a book full of joy and happiness, but how bad things can happen to good people and how you can endure tragedy and come out of it a better person.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Mine Is the Night is the second book in a series by Liz Curtis Higgs, and newly published in March 2011. This is a delightful book although the ending does seem a little too happy with everything working out just the way you want it. Well, you kind of know already how it will end since it is based on the book of Ruth in the Bible. The interesting thing about this series is how the story is woven into the history of Scotland in 1745 during the Jacobite Rebellion. Eighteenth Century Scotland really comes to life with Scottish dialect and beautiful scenic descriptions, cultural situations, and food. Setting plays a key role and is cleverly intertwined into the plot, creating much of the intrigue. As for the characters, I felt they were well developed. My only complaint is that the good guys were really good. Of course, I don't know how you could make a "Ruth" character bad! Several characters changed over the course of the series.The series is good enough that I think I'll check out this author's other fiction series set in Scotland.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I loved Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. This story is a modern retelling of the story of Naomi and Ruth, set in 18th century Scotland. I have come to find that reading fictional retellings of Biblical stories really brings the original account to life, and Mine is the Night has certainly done that. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the new setting as it is very similar to those of Jane Austen. In fact, I couldn't help but think of Elizabeth Bennet on occasion as I was reading about this novel's leading lady, Elizabeth Kerr. I love stories with happy endings, romance, stalwart females, strong, Godly men, and historical significance. Mine is the Night is full of all of the above and I highly recommend it!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I appreciate historical fiction that is well-researched, and this book is certainly that. I absolutely loved the first book, Here Burns My Candle, and this second book did not disappoint at all. Set in 18th century Scotland, this is basically a retelling of the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz from the Old Testament. While the message is strong, this book isn't overly preachy, as some Christian fiction tends to be. In fact, if you aren't a Christian and don't care for that particular genre, I would still recommend this book because it is just so well written. The story never drags, the characters are developed well and will become like good friends, and the history is wonderful. I learned some things about Scottish history I did not know and found myself running to the Internet to learn more. I am thrilled to have learned of a new author to follow, read, and recommend.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed this book...it's a book that will keep you captivated and not be able to do much else until you finish it! It's very similar to the Bible's Book of Ruth...but didn't realize that until I was over half way through the book. This is a MUST read!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received this book from the Early Reviewers. I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic. The setting was lovely. I was actually suprised to find out that there is a book previous to this one. This book can clearly stand alone and yet make you curious as to what happened in the first book. I have read several other books by Higgs, and although I did enjoy this book, my favorite by this author is still Grace in Thine Eyes. I loved that book. Higgs resetting of these Biblical stories is an interesting concept in and of itself to someone who is familiar with the Biblical accounts. My favorite telling of the Ruth story remains Unshaken by Francine Rivers.