Friday, March 26, 2010

Here Burns My Candle: A Review

I don’t know how many times I have written this review in my mind.  I found the book evoked many emotions in me.

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There are many things that I want to say, that I want to be vocal about, that I want to bring to light . . . but is now the time?  Additionally, how many young readers do I have reading my blog?  I imagine not many . . . but nevertheless, I want to be sensitive in my content.

You may think that I have a negative opinion of Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs.  Quite the contrary, actually. 

Liz, if I may be so personal, has written an excellent book.  Her writing is mature, thought provoking, and even challenging.  The content maintains a depth that many Christian historical romance novels lack.  All 450 pages are riveting. 

I will tell you that I put the book down for about a week, though.   I got mad.  I was heartbroken.  Not necessarily for the main character, Elizabeth Kerr, who isn’t “real” but resembles the Ruth we know and love in the Bible, but for all the women in the world who can relate to Elizabeth Kerr’s story . . . who have had their heart betrayed by their husband through infidelity.  And like so many women, Elizabeth Kerr remained silent yet ever faithful to her husband despite the devastating betrayal. 

I have seen too many women deal with “this issue” in their marriage.  They remain silent and  embarrassed. And I wanted Elizabeth Kerr’s story to be different.  And just when it appears that significant change might happen in Lord Donald Kerr’s life, he . . .

Yet, I suppose Liz chose the right thing to focus on.  Through this emotional upheaval, Liz turns her eyes to the Bible and comes to know the One True God . . . and  through it she learns even more about sacrifice, loyalty, forgiveness, and unconditional love. 

To view a trailer of this book . . .

I was not paid for this post, nor do I have to return Here Burns My Candle.  This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, where you can also purchase this book to read for $14.99.

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