Dee W. (dwolters) reviewed on 3/19/2011 + 61 more book reviews

Here Burns My Candle is the first of a series by Liz Curtis Higgs.

These novels are set in the mid 1700's in England and are rich in historical figures and events of the day. Many Irish or Gaelic words are spread throughout the text with a glossary in the back. The story centers around the Kerr family and their role in the fight for independence. Cleverly veiled in the story is the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi.

Great attention is given to detail of clothing and customs of the day. One of the main characters, Elizabeth, enjoys sewing and is quite an accomplished seamstress, taught at her father's knee. As times become difficult for her family during the rebellion, she is the stabilizing force in her family.

Overall, while I truly enjoy historical fiction, this story assumed that I was quite familiar with this time period but I am not. The story generally moved a bit to slow and got bogged down in the details. I often the felt that there were details that were important in the story but I did not understand the significance because I was unfamiliar with the history. I appreciate the amount of study and research that the author had to do in order to write this book!

For those of you who understand and enjoy English history, this is the story for you! And if you have an interest in weaving and sewing the details given in the story would be quite fascinating to you.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Waterbrook Press as a member of their Books for Bloggers program. All opinions expressed are my own.

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