I loved this book, it was fabulously written and was a true story of Real Grace. Liz Curtis Higgs creates the main character as a mute character, giving the story an amazing passion and perspective. I loved the characters of the twin brothers. They were very kind and protective of their sister. My opinion of them changed over the course of the story though, I didn't like their actions after the 'tragedy'. Jamie is still the kind and loving father and husband he always was. Since the fourth book takes place 17 years later, he has changed a lot. His anger toward his sons was irritating at times, he seemed to have a lack of flexibility and patience. Leana on the other hand is still the same wonderful person, she is the image of a wonderful mother and wife. She is a very well developed character and the reader can really grasp her feelings and motions. The Main Character is referenced to many times as a fairy. She does have many fairy-like qualities, her innocent and playful behaviour for one. The Character of Somerled never came to my fancy. He was a creepy sort from the very beginning but Davina's love for him did lessen that for me, but still, he scared me. I see Davina as the sad victim of a crime during and after the 'tragedy'. The emotions that Ms. Higgs evokes through her writing really engrossed me and my hours of reading. :) In conclusion, I'd say that this is a terrible story written so well and so beautifully that it is a wonderful and powerful story and will capture the hearts of all readers. I must say that I enjoyed the book in the beginning but when the 'tragedy' struck I was tempted to stop reading it. I'm very glad I didn't. It was wonderful and amazingly powerful. I'll never forget the lessons it teaches or the grace that is shown by Davina, Jamie, Leana and Graham Webster. This is definitely a 5-star novel.
This book was very well written because I felt frustrated along with the main character about the situation she found herself in. I honestly predicted how the book would end after meeting one of the characters, but in the middle I had no idea how that would come about until the big situation was resolved. I was a little perturbed at how easily the main character forgave the person that caused the situation -I found that rather unrealistic, but her character didn't really have much of a choice at that point either. I did like how this story ended by the way, and I probably would have been mad if it ended another way. I liked Davina's character a lot -spirited, yet sensitive, considerate, a talented musician, an adventurous nature, strong love for her family, merciful, intelligent, faithful, and a young lady who was a bit too naive for her own good. Her family's protectiveness of her was endearing, but a bit stifling at times yet you could tell they would do anything for her. The character I think I loved the most was her mother -she just seemed like the kind of person that you'd want for both a mother and a friend to share your secrets, dreams, hopes, and failures with. The scenery described sounded lovely and it was fun seeing a picture of historical Scotland. I didn't read the other books in this series because I thought this was a stand alone book, but I'll have to read them now!
What do You think about Grace In Thine Eyes (2006)?
I have no idea how I feel about this book. As historical fiction, it reproduces a time and place pretty well. As Christian fiction, I'm not so sure. I confess I don't like books where everyone thinks in terms of Bible verses, as they seem to here. And the book was very, very slow for about the first half. Great sense of place, no real action at all. Just slow. It reminded me of George MacDonald's old-fashioned romances, except the spiritual side wasn't as well done here.So nothing happens for a long time, and then, and I don't think this is a spoiler but be warned - an "acquaintance rape" takes place. Misunderstanding, kind of. Understandable, perhaps. But it's rape. And for the author to insinuate that a very young innocent girl can be raped by a man she just met and is infatuated with, then forgive him almost instantly, that really bothered me. She was hurt and betrayed and never really got to express any of that. She just forgave. In my experience, forgiving isn't that easy or convenient. It's an act of the will that doesn't just make the emotions go away. Is forgiving right? Of course. Is it easy? Often not.Then the story shifts back home, and takes up the slower pace again. But this time I felt the writer got the emotions right and they were sweet and lovely. In the end, I think I didn't like this book very much. But I'm still not really sure...
—Teri-k
Swept away to 19th century Scotland with characters that seem like I know them, this story made me weep and reflect on life in many ways. The heroine, Davina McKie, experienced an accident in childhood that left her mute. She communicates with with people through gestures, expressions, and writing words in her sketchbook. She has two over-protective brothers who feel guilty for her accident.When Davina is sent to the island of Arran to visit with distant family, she meets the rogue, Somerled McDonald, a wealthy heir. They share a love of music and an attraction that will forever change Davina's life. Without giving away story, I'll suffice it to say that Davina becomes a victim of the man she loves, a bitter betrayal by her brothers, the whole island, and the village of people where she had grown up--and all the while innocent. She forgives, grieves, forgives, grieves, and finally healing comes--and with it a new love begins.This book is wonderful, historically accurate, with deep and heart-felt characters, a plot that is thick and ripe with conflict and realistic circumstances. You will really enjoy "Grace in Thine Eyes".
—Jennifer Taylor
I had trouble getting into this book. I feel like the main character has strong emotions and yet when tragedy falls on her she seems relatively calm about it with very little emotions and she recovers remarkably fast. It just seemed like it didn't fit her character - or really any person's character - to bounce back so quickly from something so horrible. It detracted from everything else in the book. There are loose ends that never get tied up, but I don't know if there is another book in the series that continues along that story line. I was just kind of glad when the book was over so I could be done with it.
—Courtney Lyman
