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14 October 2011

Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs - Book Review



Published by Waterbrook Press (March 2011)

Listened to on downloaded audio version through www.audible.com

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I did not listen to the first book in this series but I didn’t have any difficulty following the story thread in this stand-alone book.  The narrator was first rate and seemed to TRULY  know the story and the author’s intent because it was none other than LIZ CURTIS HIGGS HERSELF!!!  I sent her a Facebook message afterwards  because I could not believe it really was her.  But as a long time radio personality that was probably easy for her.  And her passion for the story comes through in the narration.  To me this is the best way to get her stories, if possible because it is SO RARE to have an author do that – to narrate.
 
And this Naomi-Ruth inspired story (Lady Elisabeth Kerr and Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr) does a fantastic job of examining the relationship between mother (in this case mother-in-law) and daughter.  It is obvious that Liz understands the give and take between adult child and parent.  I was awestruck and I practiced as a psychologist for twenty-five years, so that comment does not come lightly. 

The love story was wonderful and because it was based on Boaz, I was glad to know I was not going to have some literary device where the great hero is yanked from the pages and the heroine is left with someone else.  So while there was a lot of tension I could also relax into the read/listen a little. 

The romance between mother-in-law (Marjory) and another character (won't spoil it for the reader!) was amazingly well done.  I loved how we had a mature couple with genuine affection and respect and they develop these passionate feelings for each other and (well, read the book to find out what happens!)  I get tired of the twenty-somethings having all the fun!  Great example of how God can give us another chance even if the first part of our life was not so stellar.

Liz’s description of Scotland and the people were so vivid, it was as though I was there. It is set in the mid-18th century after the Jacobite rebellion.  Liz has 950 books on Scotland!!!  Astounding!  All that research pays off for the reader.
 
I highly recommend Mine Is the Night and plan to listen to my version again and again.  It belongs on the shelf (or Kindle, or audio download) of every Christian historical fiction reader. 

Giveaway:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of Liz’s books (your choice). 

23 comments:

  1. I loved this book, and I love the way Liz writes! I enjoy how she uses Biblical stories to inspire her fiction. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :) Have a wonderful weekend!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  2. I really enjoyed your review, Carrie! I find it so interesting that Liz narrates her own books! That has got to be so time consuming, and, well, you have to have a really nice reading voice. I don't think my faint southern twang would work, unless I was narrating a western.:)

    This book sounds wonderful, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of Liz's book that I have read so far! Thanks for the great review, Carrie...what an awesome week this has been!

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  3. would love to read one of liz's novels....thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  4. Since I've not read or listened to a book by Liz, I would love the chance. Please enter me.

    BC

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  5. I copied this from Facebook from Julie Klassen: "Just so you know; I tried to post a comment on your blog, but couldn't. (Could be my computer, who knows.) Anyhoo, I'm reading this book now! I didn't know Liz recorded the audio version. How awesome is that. I love audio books too; I'll have to give a listen! Thanks Carrie."

    Bad Blogger or bad Google or whatever is causing the problem!

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  6. Thanks to Karen, Linda, and Julie for your kind comments. And if you can't get it to post, email me at cfpwriter (at) aol (dot) com. Thanks!

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  7. Wow, 950 boks? I told myself to stop collecting for one book because I had 2 shelves. Can't imagine!

    rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  8. BC

    My daughter in law loves to 'read' books on audio. I've had the privilege twice in my 55 years and really enjoyed it.

    I already love Liz Curtis Higgs' books, just from reading about her writing. I'd like to say the same because I've experienced it for myself.

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  9. I would love a chance to read one of her books, all these great interviews and reviews about her and the author make me very excited to read them one day.

    jen.whitney08[at]gmail[dot]com

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  10. Melissa, I can't imagine reading that many nonfiction books. My brain would go numb!

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  11. Pamela, listening to Liz reading her books is a rare treat, you have to listen to the audio sometime!

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  12. Jen, Liz has had an AMAZING career. Wow, all those books and international presentations all over the world. God is using her in a mighty way!

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  13. Oh, girlfriends, you make me BLUSH! Hope you know how GRATEFUL I am to encourage you from the platform or the page. Carrie and I have been cooking up some giveaways for you (I LOVE to bless readers, old and new!). Have an amazing week!

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  14. I would LOVE to win one of Liz's books!!!!! Thanks for the opportunity!! Is it open to those of us outside the u.s.??

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  15. Me too! I'd love to hear Liz read her own books!

    Beautiful blog, Carrie!

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  16. Wow, so awesome and exactly right. I would love to win one of her books if you send to Canada.

    Wyndy Callahan (BC)
    wyndyc at gmail dot com
    http://wynsbooks.blogspot.com

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  17. Deb Raney you should win just for saving me from missing my airplane!!! Yes, listening to her on audio is the best!

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  18. Wyndy, We have sent to Canada, Holland (Where Marian Baay lives and she'll be guest posting this Friday!) and to Australia (Blogger Helen lives there)!!!

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  19. THANKS so much Liz for those wonderful extra giveaways to our readers! How generous!

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  20. this gal's journey, thanks for coming by. OTT does sent out of the country but we don't ask our authors to do that. So our OTT giveaway can go anywhere but Liz's extra giveaways will be stateside only. Thanks for asking!

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  21. Oh dear. I think I commented earlier and didn't mention that I'm also jumping up and down and waving my hand. Please enter my name in the drawing!

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  22. Carrie, I love it when older folks are spotlighted in a book :0) Romance isn't just for the "young"!

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  23. Hope I am not to late to enter giveaway. Can't believe I did not see this earlier.
    I love Liz's books and this one sounds like another winner. Great review..
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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