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This review will be difficult to write. Not because it is a bad book, but 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.
We find the family still in a quaint Lowland village, where sisters: Leana and Rose still love the same man, their cousin Jamie McKie - who is now married to Leana and father of Leana and his son, Ian. Rose has never been able to let go of the love she and Jamie shared and she is filled with jealousy and envy. Jamie should have been hers, and her nephew, Ian, could have been her son. When she leads a young man of the village astray by showing him more affection than she really felt and caused her father much embarrassment, she is sent away to school. It is here where things go very wrong for Leana and Jamie.
Rose is flightily and dreamy. She believes and practices the superstitions of the land and when she meets a crafty friend at school the two plot how to win Jamie back using whatever means necessary. Including magic, witchery, and deceit.
The setting is real you’ll feel the dew on your face and the chill in the evening you’re your emotions will ebb and flow with the tide of life so skillfully written. What happens in this story is a demonstration of the ultimate sacrifice in love – a sacrifice that will leave your heart weeping and bruised but glad for the experience.
Ms. Curtis Higgs offers a reference page with research facts, a free Bible study guide, and a free Discussion guide. This series will make an excellent book for women’s bible study, book clubs, home-schoolers, etc. but first read it for the pure experience. You won't soon forget Fair Is The Rose.
Fair is The Rose earns the Reviewers Award and I impatiently wait on pins and needles for Whence Came A Prince in 2005.
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
February 16, 2004
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