Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

After four years of silence Higgs returns with a new biblical and historical novel. The time is the mid-eighteenth century and the setting is Edinburgh. Catholic James II of England (and VII of Scotland) had been deposed in 1689 by the Dutch protestant, William III of Orange, and exiled. James II had always wanted to bring England back to the Catholic faith. James’ grandson, Prince Charles was making a final attempt to return rule to the House of Stuart. This was called the “Jacobite cause.”
The characters include Lady Marjory Kerr, her two sons and their wives. The Kerr family has left their estate in Selkirkshire and moved to Edinburgh, living off the late Lord Kerr’s money as well as income from the estate.
News arrives of Prince Charles’ approach to the city and the Kerrs must decide whether to support the King or back the rebel Prince Charles.
Higgs has done her research and creates an accurate and exciting story that parallels that of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible. The book ends at a crucial point that makes the reader long for the conclusion of the story.
Lacking is a short description of the political setting for the time. I’d suggest the reader review the eighteenth century history of Scotland to be able to truly understand and appreciate the novel. The publishers should have included this at the beginning of the novel as a service to the reader.
This book was provided for review by The WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
For a trailer see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2nPMBA_rgM
To see options for ordering this book:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070015