Thorn in My Heart

I am about as far from Christian as you can possibly get, but I adore this series. I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first to be honest when I saw that it was considered Christian fiction, but I was so suprised. It's wonderfully well written, and so interesting. I love historical drama/romance novels and this ticks all the boxes I have for a great read.

First of all, I read this book because my aunt was reading it one day, and she let me look it over, and then let me borrow it. So I was first drawn to the cover. ;) But it was a good judgement. The story of Leanna and Rose and Jamie sounded very character driven and interesting. Best of all though, the story had good values, a wealth of good and evil within the characters, although mostly good, and the story was well written. I would have enjoyed the story anyway, without being well written, because the story was based on one in the Bible. It was a good story, with different twists and very human. The fact that it was well written, and had quotes at the beginning (thoughtful, meaningful, interesting quotes) really added to my enjoyment. I love quotes at the beginning of each chapter! I enjoyed the book so much that I borrowed the second and third book from my aunt as well. Even though I was in school and she was going back home so I really had to squeeze in reading them. It was well worth it.

I have been a Christian for almost 10 years, and I can say with complete truth that I despise Christian novels. Every one that I have read in the past has been dripping with "cheesy" sentiment and unrealistic dialogue about life & God. Not a single one has succeeded at capturing my attention, let alone my heart. UNTIL NOW. I have read many, many books in my life, and not a single one has effected me as deeply as Thorn In My Heart. It is hands down one of the most amazing, heart-wrenching, thought provoking pieces of literature I have ever read (and yes, I feel it is so good that it deserves to be called literature). Not only does it present God & Christianity in a realistic and inviting light, but it also succeeds at not being preachy or annoyingly coy with it's message. ANY person, regardless of religion will find this book a wonderful read, and it will raise questions about God's purpose and will in their own life. The book was also a delight for me, as it made me reevaluate my perception of the classic Bible story. It never even occurred to me that things might have happened the way that Liz Curtis Higgs suggests, making it a great discussion book! READ THIS BOOK - I promise that it will break your heart, and you won't regret it for a moment!

I have always known Liz Curtis Higgs as a humorist-having heard her on Christian radio a number of times. I had never read anything by her until now and what a fantastic read it was!Thorn in My Heart absolutely grabbed me and wouldn't let go. This story is so rich and layered with meaning. I understand why it took Liz so wrong to transfer this plot from her heart to ours. Her thorough research of the Old TEstament story as well as 18th Century Scotland makes this book real and believable. And not only is the historical setting accurate-it carries the reader into 18th century Scotland and the hearts and minds of these proud, but God-fearing people.You will laugh and cry at the characters on this stage. Liz brings out their real attributes every so slowly, not quick to make harsh judgments, but letting time and circumstance reveal them instead. And if you know the Biblical account, Thorn In My Heart provides more depth to the people you thought you knew. Deceit, when displayed in full color, casts a far blacker shadow. And yet, you're often examining your own heart and asking, "What Would I Have Done?" And the pithy quotes at the beginning of each chapter leave the mind wondering what is to come next. Thorn In My Heart doesn't shout the message-it allows for their subtle display in the good and bad choices of its human characters. There are no cookie-cutter heroes or villains, only sinners in need of God's redemptive grace. I salute Liz Curtis Higgs for writing an elegant literary classic that will be talked about for years. Add this book to the stack on your nightstand and you will not be disappointed.

This is such a fantastic book! I bought it because I love retellings of Biblical stories and I really enjoyed Liz Curtis Higgs' "Mad Mary" and "Bad Girls" books. It took me a few chapters to get into the book because of the Scottish terms she used, but eventually I saw that they were fairly easy to define just using context. Once I got into it, I could not put the book down. My heart ached so much for Leana, yet she grew into a strong and resolute character. And the chapter-heading quotations are very appropriate. This book is definitely worth a read, even if you're not a Christian or you're not familiar with Higgs' work. If you have read anything else by her, this is practically a must-read & you won't be disappointed!

I have enjoyed Liz Higgs's previous novels, and this one was a most engaging read, especially after I caught on to the Jacob-Leah-Rachel connection. The Scots dialect made for some difficult going at times, but the characterizations partook fully of the cultural flavor - stern, upright, demanding, principled - and echoed well their Old Testament analogues. I especially enjoyed the problems that loomed as the end of the story approached; after all, Jamie cannot marry both sisters - he's Presbyterian! The author's solution faces the problems squarely: The agonies and ecstasies of people in love, and the schemes that come back to plague the schemer, fill these pages. And the ending met my ultimate test: I found it satisfying and right. Higgs has set herself a daunting challenge and responded to it with style. For me, the novel was not quite a home run: Her amazing way with humor was not a real option for this story, so she rounded third and then had to hold up. But I've always found a triple more exciting than a home run anyway, and this book represents an impressive change of pace for her. Color me enthusiastic!