Lady Elizabeth Kerr, a highland beauty, possesses fine clothing, the love of a titled husband and a gentle life. But she is not all she appears, for she follows in secret the auld ways, looks to the moon and worships the Nameless One while outwardly displaying a form of Christian piety. Her husband, Donald, keeps his own secrets -- secrets that make him the butt of the town's gossips and cause Elizabeth to question his fidelity.
Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr, Donald's mother, discounts such rumors. She clings to her two sons and her gold and hardens her heart to Elizabeth. But she can't shut out the whispers of her own guilt that beset her, a guilt buried with her husband in Greyfriars Churchyard.
The intrigues of the Jacobite cause press the Kerrs as rebel Highlanders challenge King George's hold on the crown of Scotland and fight to secure the throne for Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). The Kerrs cannot remain neutral, each making a choice with far-reaching consequences. In addition, Elizabeth and Marjory face a more intimate, personal decision that will follow them into eternity.
Here Burns My Candle kept me up late at night, turning pages. Pains-taking historical detail, memorable characters and vivid settings combined to transport me. I was sorry when the book ended. Happily, Liz Curtis Higgs is now at work on the sequel, Mine is the Night. I look forward to its release in Spring, 2011.
Here Burns My Candle will most appeal to female readers of historical romance.
*Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book to Book Readers Central for purposes of review.
**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when books are purchased through links from Book Readers Central.
Nice review, Janalyn. If you're interested, I also reviewed "Here Burns My Candle" on my blog at www.brucejudisch.blogspot.com. Had a delightful exchange with Ms. Higgs, as well. She's a class act and a phenomenal writer.
ReplyDeleteCheers! Bruce