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    Here Burns My Candle: A Novel
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    Here Burns My Candle: A Novel
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    Here Burns My Candle: A Novel
    Audiobook16 hours

    Here Burns My Candle: A Novel

    Published by Penguin Random House Audio

    4/5

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    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    A mother who cannot face her future.
    A daughter who cannot escape her past.

    Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

    Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

    His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory's many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

    One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

    A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateMar 16, 2010
    ISBN9780307714855
    Unavailable
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    Reviews for Here Burns My Candle

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    • 3/5
      In Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs, you are introduced to the Kerr family: dowager Lady Marjory and her sons and daughter-in-laws, Donald and Elisabeth and Andrew and Janet. The story mostly focuses on the three women and is a retelling of the first half of the Biblical story of Ruth. This retelling is set in Scotland in 1745 during the Jacobite uprising. The family is entrapped in a web of family secrets that destroy the family and bring about major changes in the lives of the characters.Did I like this book? Yes and no. It honestly wasn’t my favorite. I did enjoy the Scottish setting, as I love books set in Scotland, and the time in history it was set in was interesting. The story line it’s self was interesting and the overall story was well written. But I did find it a bit dry and it certainly is a long-ish book. All of the characters were flawed and that felt more true-to-life than some other Christian fiction where the main character is often too good to be true. Lady Marjory is manipulative and spoils her sons. Donald is a serial adulterer and I absolutely did not like him. Elisabeth is a closeted pagan and long forgiving wife. Janet is self-involved and selfish. Andrew is spoiled. The most likeable is Elisabeth and she does prove to be the “glue” that holds things together as their lives spin out of control, but in regards to Donald, she is a doormat that he walks all over.I love historical fiction, but honestly I did not enjoy reading this book. From the number of positive reviews, a lot of folks did, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I think Liz Curtis Higgs is a fine writer and I may try reading another of her books in the future, but I just had an awful time getting into this one.NOTICE:Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, WaterBrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
    • 4/5
      Reviewed By Lynn For readersFavorite.comSetting, Edinburgh Scotland, mid eighteenth century during the Jacobite Rebellion where the reader is transported back to another time and place in a culture so different from today. Lady Majory Kerr has tried for many years to control her family but she soon learns she does not have the power to control whether it be her sons, their wives or any part of the status of the political side. All familys seems to have their own secrets and the Kerr family is now different. Donald Kerr even though married ,it seems he has a eye for women and cannot remain true to his marriage vows, while his wife holds on to her pagan religious beliefs of her mother till she finally turns to the Christian faith of Lady Kerr.This is a very deep book and it took me a few chapters before I finally got into it. Its a book that deals with Love and forgiveness, betrayal and redemption. As one reads they can see the story of Ruth and Naomi emerge . I felt the first half of the book dwelt a little to much on the infidelity of Donald and Elizabeth with her moon worshipping. This is the first book that I have read of Ms. Higgs so I do not have any others to compare it with. When I got deeper into the book I got more involved in the story. Recommended for those that like a deeply moving novel. If you are looking for a easy afternoon read in a couple sittings then I feel you may be a little disappointed in this book, One has to devote their time and read deep in Ms, Higgs newest novel "Here Burns My Candle"
    • 5/5
      I received the second book in this series as a part of early reviewers and just had to read them in order so I purchased this book. It was a million times more than well worth it. I absolutely loved this book, set in Scotland in 1746. The main character is a "bonny highland lass" married to Lord Donald. The story centers around Elizabeth and her mother-in-law Marjory and their different views and actions. I have never read a book set in this setting and I fell in love with the characters Scottish accents if you "ken" what I mean.Now that I am deep within the second book in this series, which picks up right where the first leaves off I cannot imagine never reading this book.I think that a truly great story is so well-written that the plot flows along, is not constantly suspenseful, nor is it predictable. Liz Curtis Higgs does this beautifully and I will be looking for more of her books to read.
    • 5/5
      A beautiful re-telling of the Biblical story of Ruth. The story is truly engaging, overflowing with actual historical detail and imagery. The characters are fascinating yet relatable. Higgs weaves an exceptional story that encompasses all that mankind has to offer, including love, loss, loyalty and faith.
    • 3/5
      This is a hard review for me to write. Why? Because although I thought the author did a great job of creating a very accurate picture of the times and people and situations that took place in this story, it was a time and place I just didn't have alot of interest in. Although I must say when I finished I felt I gained a better of understanding of the situations that took place in in Scotland in 1745. This for me was a very "dark" (for lack of a better word) story, where everything does not turn out "happily ever after" and showed the hardships that people face in a time of bitter war. I had a hard time getting into the story, but by the end I was reading faster to see how it would all turn out. It is not a lighthearted story, but as true a story as fiction can be. I read someone who said it is a more modern story of the book of Ruth in the Bible, and I would agree with the analogy.Elizabeth Kerr is a Highlander by birth and has married and is now Lady Elizabeth Kerr. She lives with her husband Donald, her mother-in-law, Marjory and Donald's brother and his wife in Edinburgh. Prince Charlie and his army come into town to capture the crown and enlist the help of the Kerr men. The whole family seems to have secrets from their past (and present) and it all comes out eventually. Tragedy happens, but so does love and forgiveness and hope. There is betrayal, lies, war, love, cruelty and a spark of hope that keeps on burning. I would like to thank WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me this book for review. (The book has a great cover and so does its sequel.)
    • 5/5
      I have the second book, Mine is the Night, to read and review, and I cannot read a book with a preceding novel without reading that novel first. I am glad I did! I have been introduced through this book to an author I highly respect and admire. This novel was wonderful! The history and research is excellent, and the writing is intelligent, two things I greatly appreciate. This is essentially the very first portion of the book of Ruth, told during the time of the Jacobite Rising in Scotland. Lady Elisabeth Kerr is the main character, caught in historic happenings that challenge her loyalties and her pagan faith. I have the next book all ready to go, thank goodness!
    • 5/5
      HERE BURNS MY CANDLE by Liz Curtis Higgs is a wonderfully written inspirational historical fiction set in 1745 Edinburgh,Scotland. It is written with depth,details,historical facts and dialog of the period. It is based on the Biblical characters Naomi and Ruth.A Scottish tale of love,forgiveness,loss,grief, secrets,faith,challenges,betrayal, love,redemption,and finding your faith. It is full of Scottish lore,history,beliefs,and has a gut-wrenching plot. Like Naomi and Ruth in the Bible, Marjory(Naomi) and Elizabeth(Ruth),lose everything,have many secrets and must cope with lost and betrayal. This is a wonderfully written story based on Biblical characters,but set during 18th Century Scotland,during a time of turmoil and danger. It captured my attention from the beginning,detailing the characters,and has a gut-wrenching heartbreaking,get out of town finish. If you enjoy historical,Scottish lore,the old tales Scottland than you will enjoy this one also.This was a beautifully written story of Biblical and Scottish history woven together in an amazing inspirationsl story of love and betrayal.A truly MUST READ for all historical fans.This was a personal buy,but details can be find at WaterBrook Press, The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group and My Book Addiction and More. **Look for the conclusion "MINE IS THE NIGHT" coming in March 2011**
    • 5/5
      It was a little slow getting started, but maybe that was due to the fact that I wasn’t familiar to the history of the Jacobite rebellion. After getting hooked, there was no way that the book would turn me loose! I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction. One of the best things about enjoying historical fiction is the enjoyment of learning history and this book does teach effortlessly.There is a lot to love about this book. All of the main characters, save one grew or matured during the book. The changes were small at first and enormous at the end. This book teaches of love and forgiveness. There are sparks of humor that make you laugh out aloud and it is good to know ahead of time that it has some very sad and parts that make you very angry! I enjoyed of course the putting of the story of Naomi and Ruth into eighteen century with the Bonnie Prince Charley attempting to take the crown. It tells the story of the Jacobite Rebellion, mostly from the titled side and shows the conflict of class distinctions. The book is richly with of Scottish terms and culture and that made it even more of a joy to read. Liz Curtis Higgs wisely had Elizabeth, the main character be the daughter of a weaver from the Highlands. So she was skilled in cooking, and most of all sewing. The dresses of the titled are wonderfully described and the descriptions fit with the story.There is a useful glossary in the back of the book along with a Readers Guide and some fascinating Author Notes. All I had remembered before this book was a few sentences in a high school history book. Now I am eager to read more of this time period and setting. If you read this book, you will be excited to know that a new book ‘Mine is the Night’ will continue the story. I can hardly wait to find out what happens to Eliazabeth and Marjory.
    • 4/5
      Liz Curtis Higgs was my introduction to Christian Historical Fiction many years ago with her first Lowland Series of a retelling in the Scottish Lowlands of the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob's wives, and later Dinah. The time in between waiting for the next novel was torture and thus I turned to other authors to bide my time and hence my current obsession with so many authors and stories today. It seems that it has been a long time in waiting for a new novel from Liz and I was eager to grab this one up. In starting this story, a retelling in Scotland's Edinburgh of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi I had some preconceptions for what would happen and was shocked at how slow things seemed to transpire at first, but the story did pick up and sucked me in with it.Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage it is her story that that of her mother-in-law Lady Marjory Kerr that the pages are brought to life. Following along as they watch from the recessed side lines of battle between King George of England and Scotland's own Bonny Prince Charlie causes quite a stir of emotions. Learning with them through their own trials as some old ways are forgotten and God makes a difference in their lives is refreshing and eye opening showing his presence in the best of moments and well as the worst.Knowing that this story was loosely of Ruth and knowing most of the Biblical story by heart, I ended at a point surprised having expected a different part. This just went to show me that I did not know all of the story, just the last part and causes me to have a newly increased thirst to go back and read the scriptures in full to delve into the first eighteen verses which it seems I hardly know at all. With all that said, I am entirely too eager to anticipate the next installment and sequel in Mine is the Night to come in 2011.
    • 4/5
      If you are familiar with Naomi and Ruth’s story from the Bible then of course this story’s outcome will be predictable. Here Burns my Candle delivers an intriguing look at the back story of how Ruth and Naomi’s journey began. Lady Marjory Kerr is a widow of substantial means, whose life is defined by her place in society and catering to her grown sons, Donald and Andrew. The men both well known in gentleman society have married well and enjoy the simple life in the walls of luxury. Elisabeth who is married to Donald, happily enjoys her marriage and adores her husband. In the midst of a pampered life style Elisabeth does harbor some problems. Marjory prefers Janet, Andrew’s wife and finds that approval and friendship don’t come easy with her mother-in-law. Easy to understand-the women have extreme differences- Elisabeth worships pagan moon gods and Naomi worships God from the Bible. Also Elisabeth has painful family secrets she’s hiding and begins to fear that her beloved husband has a wicked weakness for beautiful young maidens. Elisabeth of course hits the nail on the head about Donald, who in the opening of our story is a low-down dirty dog with his cheating ways. Exquisitely written and the fictional take on a Bible story mixed with Scottish history gave a very well known character much drama and depth. For any of you who love the historical timepieces this is a perfect addition to add to your shelf.
    • 3/5
      I'd read and enjoyed Higgs' Galloway historical trilogy, so when I found out she had a new book based on the Biblical story of Ruth, I was excited to get my hands on a copy. And I'm happy to say that fans of Higgs' previous novels should be very happy with this one.What I think Higgs does so well is take a story that I've heard thousands of times - in her Galloway trilogy, it was the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel - and transport it into a completely different time and place. Creating new characters and events, and yet maintaining the heart of the story, she is able to give readers tales that seem both familiar AND fresh. Her sense of time and place is excellent - I can tell she has done her research, because I was fully transported to 18th century Scotland as I read about Elisabeth and Marjory.If I have a complaint, it is that her characters sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional - Elisabeth is just SO good, and Janet is just SO spiteful. I think Higgs is a genuinely good writer, and could make her characters so rich and complex - so I feel a little bit disappointed when she doesn't.Overall, though, I enjoyed it. It was a great read for this time in my life, because it sucked me in to the story right away, and the pages turned quickly thanks to lots of excitement. If you enjoy this type of historical Christian fiction, I think this is definitely a title to add to your list.
    • 3/5
      This book is extremely rich in historical details about the Bonnie Prince Charlie era and the strife within the country of Scotland. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of it. The Kerr family loyalties lie with King George with one exception: Lady Elisabeth Kerr. Her heart and her own family (she is married into the Kerrs) lies with Prince Charles who is on his way. While the nobility all around Scotland switches loyalties every five minutes, Elisabeth's loyalty remains steadfast. She eventually lures her husband and his family to the Jacobite side as well and much to her and her mother in law's dismay, her husband and brother in law head off to fight. Meanwhile, while men are dying and King George is exacting revenge on Jacobites and vise versa, Elisabeth's husband, Donald is dealing with his "weakness for beautiful women." The fellow cannot keep his hands to himself. When the truth comes to light, will Elisabeth be able to handle it? Will Donald even make it back from the war zone for her to forgive him?This could have been cut back about a hundred pages. I realize this author normally writes Christian fiction and I am not holding all the preachy stuff against it, but it could have been cut back a wee bit as the Highlanders would say. Once I began to just skip the religious stuff, I found the story and all the family drama very enjoyable, BUT I grew very frustrated with the too good to be true and way too forgiving Elisabeth with all her "beloveds" over that blasted dog, Donald. Again, great history in here, but I'm not pining for the next book.