Fair is the Rose

Part 2 of 3. A retelling of the Biblical story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel set in the late 1700s in Scotland. It was a well-written saga, but a little bizarre to give the main character the same dreams, visions, and promises that God gave Jacob. If you're familiar with the biblical story, you can imagine that these books contain content for mature audiences only.

Wow... This book has so much in it; a love triangle, betrayal and a wicked parent - yes you read that right! PARENT!!! Not Step-parent! Doesn't that make it so much worse?…

Fair is the Rose takes place during the 18th century in Scotland. The author, Liz Curtis Higgs continues the story she began with her book Thorn in my Heart - it's not necessary to read this first book though to understand this one, but OMG!!! It is so good!!! I really recommend it just because I think you'll really enjoy it.

Back to explaining Fair is the Rose... the book centers on two sisters; Leana and Rose, their cousin Jamie and the sisters' father Lachlan McBride. You'll find that this story (along with book 1 of the series) Higgs is taking the Biblical story show more Jacob, Esau, Lea and Rachel and telling it from a perspective of only a couple of hundred years ago (rather than thousands) so we can better relate to how the people were feeling. I mean, seriously, there were chapters upon chapters where my heart was breaking for Leana. I was really able to gain a deeper understanding for what Rachel and especially Leah went through so many hundreds of years ago.

Higgs was also able to show how generous and loving a person can be. No matter what was thrown at that girl, Leana looked toward the Lord and showed love and thoughtfulness toward everyone - even when they didn't deserve it!!!! I mean seriously!!! I think we all could learn a lesson from her!

The book really showed how generous and loving a person can be (Leana) and also how selfish and thoughtless someone can be (Rose). It's a wonderful book and I really do recommend it. Be ready to cry throughout it because it is a tear-jerker. Personally I would get the first book of the series first, Thorn in My Heart, but it isn't necessary. show less

If you liked book one in this series, "Thorn in my Heart", then you will also really enjoy this story. This story takes place immediately where book one leaves off, so if you haven't read book one yet, then I don't recommend you begin with this story. Go back and read book one first. They really belong together.

This story made me cry, so I think that is a good thing because it meant it touched me deeply. The first story was more centered on Leana, where this story is more centered on Rose. Leana and Rose are sisters who have fallen in love with the same man, Jamie McKie. I didn't think there was any way Rose would get Jamie, after Leana "married" him, but the author did a good job of weaving a way for this to happen. Life is a lot show more different in Scotland in the year 1789, and things in the church are handled very differently back then.

You will feel like you are walking through the land of Scotland as you read this story and you will see how deceit and lack of good judgment by a parent, and fixing things our way instead of God's way can lead to great sorrow and heartache for many people. The love of a woman for a man was also greatly felt in this story. I must admit I had a hard time liking Rose (and Jamie too for awhile), and I thought the first part of the story was a little slow. But the story does pick up and get very interesting, so don't give up on it or the people involved. This was quite a story and I look forward with anticipation to book three, "Whence Came a Prince". show less

I believe this series is called the Lowlands of Scotland series, and this is the second novel in the series. The story of the McKie and McBride families continues, mirroring the Biblical story of Rachel, Leah, and Jacob. (See review on the first book, Thorn in My Heart.) I could not decide in this book whom to dislike more, Rose or Jamie. Leana is so sweet and good, you can't dislike her. The other two I wanted to shake. I think the author has done this intentionally. To follow the Old Testament story, there will be strife. I see now how Jamie (like Jacob) will have "two" wives. i won't give it away here. Like the first novel, this one is researched nicely and feels authentic to the period. I got a bit bogged down in the story for a show more while, but I'm interested enough to see how Higgs treats the story to continue through the slower portions. show less

Rose and Leana McBride both love the same man, but each must deal with her own choice when the Church Elders rule on what they see as an unusual and illegal situation.

Don't like the ending. Have to get the third book started right after Thanksgiving.

Keep tissues close at hand.