Fair Is the Rose

After the first book, Thorn in my Heart, I was living Leana's every emotion except her love for her sister. This book showed me how selfish I often am in the secret place of my own heart. I read all 3 books in 5 days time - I could not put them down! They got me through a rocky spot in my own life and drew me every closer to the Savior. I plan to read them again and to give them as gifts to many "sisters" who I strive to love as Leana loves Rose! If you want to get lost in a story, this series will not disappoint!

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.

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!

This Rose is now forever embedded in my heart. I felt a lot of emotions overher, identifying totally with her somewhat thorny, self-centered beginningsas well as her hunger for transformation. Leana comes through as very real,as Jamie and their hateful father. I am staggered by the research requiredto produce this level of authenticity. I can almost smell the kitchen, hearthe noises in the house, feel the crisp, damp air, watch Leana mix hermedicines, feel her wrenching sorrow at losing those most dear. I hope theworld recognizeswhat they have here--a series worthy of becoming classics.

FAIR IS THE ROSE captured my heart and didn't let go even after the last page was turned. Ms. Higgs transported me back in time to eighteenth-century Scotland with such excellent storytelling skill and historical accuracy that I was THERE, walking beside Leana, Rose, and Jamie on their heart-wrenching journey. Leana's example of sacrificial love and triumphant faith is with me still. This is an absolutely stunning sequel to THORN IN MY HEART.