Here Burns My Candle

Title: HERE BURNS MY CANDLE
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4000-7001-5
Genre: Inspirational/historical women’s fiction

Edinburgh, Britain, in 1745, was in danger of being invaded by the highlanders, led by the Bonnie Prince Charles. And Lady Marjory Kerr believes she is safe in her fortress. Her money is all hidden in the floorboard at her feet, and she believes not a soul knows that its there. While her husband may be buried, her two sons and their wives live with her. No matter what happens with the highlanders, all was well.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is highland born and bred and while she married a man far beyond her means, she is safe in his love even though she has failed to bare him an heir. Her sympathies lie with the highlanders, but her secrets are safe. After all, in her three years of marriage, no one has discovered that she honors the auld ways.

Lord Donald believes his secrets are safely hidden away, but he doesn’t know that that they are whispered among the town gossips. And as the highlanders ride into Edinburgh, every one of the Kerr family secrets will come to light.

HERE BURNS MY CANDLE is the first book in the Kerr family, which will be followed by Mine is the Night in Spring 2011. I had just finished reading a nonfiction book that covered part of this time period in Britain, and it is obvious that Ms. Higgs did her research in this novel.

Elisabeth Kerr is a very realistic heroine, one that I could relate to and grow to care for. I found Marjory a bit more difficult to like. I liked the touch of romance and the hint of hope that carried through the story. If you like historical women’s fiction, then HERE BURNS MY CANDLE is a book you’ll want to consider. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $14.99. 465 pages.