Grace in Thine Eyes

I've read other books by Liz Curtis Higgs, so I don't know why I wasn't surprised when this book turned out to be different than I expected. I have to confess I was thinking, "Yawn. A predictable romance" when I turned the page and the book completely changed. Wow! I had not read about the book before I read it, other than the back cover, but I quickly figured out this is a retelling of a story from the Old Testament. (I won't tell you which one - it will take away some of the mystery!) Suffice it to say that this is a great read, very well researched, with characters I enjoyed meeting. It takes place in 1807. If you like historical fiction, this is a good one. The message is one worth remembering too!

The back cover says it well; "A timeless story of passion and revenge, of lost innocence and shattered dreams, 'Grace in Thine Eyes' explores the sorrow of unspeakable shame and the gift of immeasurable grace". This story takes you to the Glen of Loch Trool in the Spring of 1808 in Scotland. There you will find Jamie and Leana McKie's daughter, Davina as a bonny lass of 17. She is known and loved by all and is a gifted musician, who lets her music speak for her since she has been mute since a little girl.

When Davina's brothers are sent away to further their education her folks decide to send her to the Isle of Arran to brighten her summer without her brothers. There she will delight the parish with her fiddle and catch the eye of a show more young Highlander. But what takes place after a performance on Midsummer Eve will change the life of Davina and her family forever. The events that follow are sad, but yet to see the forgiveness and love this young lady has was wonderful. The author does an excellent job of bringing history alive and weaving a tale that won't quickly be forgotten. show less

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 show more 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. show less

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.

A retelling of the Biblical story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob. If you're familiar with the biblical story, you can imagine that this book contains content for mature audiences only.

inspiring read. well written. sad to see this series end.