A girl gets raped by a guy, and then she falls in love with him and wants to marry him! Nauseating. ( )

I do not remember the last time a book caused so much emotion to stir inside of me. At one part I had to put it down and couldn't get back to it for a couple of days. I would recommend this book for all who enjoy reading about hope in presence of a time of loss. ( )

Fabulous! Reads like poetry - beautiful descriptions, beautiful story. Higgs takes a snippet of scripture and brings it to life like I've never seen before. The truth I know became a reality I can comprehend through fiction. ( )

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
Davina, the daughter of Jamie and Leah McKie of 19th century Scotland. She is saddened when her father decides to send her younger brothers, twins Sandy and Will off to school in Edinburough. Sensing that his daughter will be unhappy being pretty much by herself for the summer, Jamie decides to send her to visit some relatives on the Isle of Arrann. Both Davina's mother and her overprotective brothers are unsure about this plan, but Davina is delighted when she first sees the beautiful island. She soon earns a warm reception among the islanders, especially because she has brought her fiddle and is an accomplished player. She even gains the attention of the gentry of the island, including Somerland MacDonald who is also a gifted musician. After playing a duet with her, Somerland invites Davina for a moonlight walk--with disasterous consquences. Davina is heartbroken about being taken advantage of, but when Somerland learns the truth, that she didn't welcome his advances and was an inexperienced maid, he is guilt ridden and pledges to do the honorable thing by marrying her--and winning her heart. But when the truth gets out to Davina's family her father and especially her vengeful brothers have other ideas.

Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
The story shifts from one character to another. Davina's point of view is especially interesting as her muteness prevents her from talking to the other characters, though she communicates a lot with gestures and by writing on her sketchpad. Her character is the most intriguing, though Somerland's is also interesting as he makes the shift from lustful rogue to love-sick gentleman. In my opinion he never seemed completely trustworthy, though Davina was ready to forgive him completely. Forgiveness is the major theme of this story, not only between Davina and Somerland, but also between Jamie and his sons.
How Good is it?
The historical detail transports the reader to another time and place, where they experience an powerful and heart story story of misplaced trust and forgiveness. I heartily suggest it to fans of historicals, historical romance, and family sagas. ( )