Fair Is the Rose

Rating:
Summary: A Study on Forgiveness and Mercy
Review: I just finished reading my copy of Fair is the Rose and just wanted to share how much I loved it. Although, halfway through the book I was quite angry with Liz, put the book down and stopped reading for awhile. What swickerie Liz! How could you take Jamie and Ian away from Leana! It wasn't fair at all! (You ken I like happy endings?) Finally, curiosity got the better of me, and I had to continue reading to see how on earth you were going to redeem the situation. I'm glad I did, for a I discovered in Leana a woman of such grace, strength and compassion and a tale of such forgiveness and mercy it put me to shame. Many tears later I came to the end, and found myself even forgiving Rose and wishing for some happiness for her too. I've even forgiven Liz :) I'm eagerly anticipating the third installment, but I will confess to a guilty hope that the glaumshach Lachlan McBride will finally get his comeuppance!

Rating:
Summary: Incredible Sequel!
Review: I just finished this book. Actually I put it down about 10 hankies ago. Having read "Thorn In My Heart" I couldn't wait to discover just exactly how Liz was going to wrap up the Bible story in Scottish cultural detail and make it ring true. She did a masterful job, I think. I enjoyed "Thorn In My Heart", but I loved "Fair Is the Rose", and am thoroughly convinced that the conclusion will be a God-honoring effort to relate His message of love and forgiveness, and help us to see how He has worked with, and walked with, His people throughout the ages. Yes, I hurt for Leana. But I also envied her peace, as costly as it was. Happy endings? Who knows? This story is not ended.

Rating:
Summary: A Rose Between Thorns
Review: Liz Curtis Higgs breathtakingly brings the Old Testament story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel to life in Scottish fiction. Higgs' brilliant storytelling transports the reader back in time, where it feels as though you are witnessing events first-hand. Higgs' story is filled with heartbreak and victory as her characters learn to trust God despite their pain and frustration. A spectacular read from beginning to end!!

Rating:
Summary: A Rose Among Thorns
Review: Liz Curtis Higgs breathtakingly brings the Old Testament story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel to life in Scottish fiction. Higgs' story is so masterfully told it is like being transported back in time and witnessing the joys and sorrows of the characters first-hand. Higgs' story is filled with such heartbreak, but such victory as her characters learn to trust God despite their pain and frustration. A spectacular read from beginning to end!

Rating:
Summary: A Heartwrenching Journey
Review: Very seldom do I feel such emotion when reading a book. From peaceful joy to deep anguish, I felt everything the characters did. It's a hard read, but one that makes readers examine their own heart. While I enjoy a book that ends in a neatly wrapped package, real life doesn't always work that way. The true story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel didn't either. Mrs. Higgs has used her God-given talent to bring us an updated version of the bible story and it's amazing to me how she was able to do that. The only problem I have is that I now have to wait nearly a year for the conclusion!