I loved this book as much as I loved the other two. I honestly recommend it to everyone!! It is a wonderful end to a long, emotional journey and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However for those who worry about the change from the original Biblical story, I will repeat what I said in my review of Fairer is the Rose:"While I understand people's frustration (I hate incorrect division of the Word of God as much as the next person) but I think what would help is if people would look at it less as a retelling of the word of God and more as a Christian fiction story based on parts of the original story. No work of Christian fiction (or non-fiction for that matter) should be taken as doctrinally sound just because the word Christian in attached to it. 2 Tim 2:15 says "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" meaning it is your responsibility to make sure that you study the Word of God for yourself and know the difference between truth and fiction. Other than that, the story can be seen as a wonderful, FICTIONAL story that many people can enjoy. I wouldn't recommend it to those who tend to take everything they read as gospel just because of the fact that some of the details aren't correct, but for those who are spiritually mature enough to look past the little imperfections should feel free to enjoy Thorn in My Heart, Fairer is the Rose, & Whence Comes a Prince, for what it is, a good STORY.I love it, I recommend it, and I will continue to recommend this book and its companions because it is truly a wonderful story an I thoroughly enjoyed reading it."It is a great set of stories, not everyone's cup of tea and that's okay, but it is a wonderful set of stories.
I have completed reading all three books in this series of historical novels which take place in the Scottish Lowlands late 1700's. Book 1 - "Thorn in My Heart" (I should have gotten a clue when I read the title!!) I found myself thrown into an emotional upheaval...what was this author doing to my mind and emotions?? Twist, twist, twist...rip, rip, rip...angst, angst, angst!! I hate feeling manipulated!! I gave the book 3 stars...but then, of course I HAD to find out what would happen next...on to Book 2...plus I LOVE the cover art!!Book 2 - "Fair is the Rose" I should have quit after book #1 while I had 1/2 a brain left and before I had become emotionally ruined by the characters. But no - please continue on with the angst, ripping and twisting...I'm starting to enjoy it - YIKES!! Can't stop now...must carry on!! Gave this book 4 stars.Book 3 - "Whence Came a Prince" Well...brain is gone...emotionally spent - what can I say?? Love, love, LOVED third and last book in the series!! Kudos to the author for working me through this tangled web she wove(??). I have never felt so mentally and emotionally manipulated by someone I've never even met!! But then, at the end of the day...I loved every minute of this book and have to say it was a satisfying ending to a great series:) 5 stars for this one **oh yeah:)**
What do You think about Whence Came A Prince (2005)?
541 pages in less than 24 hours. The first book drew me in, the second book hooked me. I had to wait several days for this one to arrive (I ordered a used copy while reading Fair is the Rose because I realized I wasn't going to want to wait but since I finished it in about 24 hours I had a to wait a few days...impatiently!). When this one arrived, I devoured all but 40 of the 500+ pages the first day. I desperately wanted to finish it that night, but couldn't keep my eyes open! I just couldn't figure out how on earth Ms. Higgs was ever going to bring this story to a conclusion, but she managed beautifully! As I've mentioned before, this is a retelling of the Biblical Jacob/Leah/Rachel story/love triangle, set in 18th century Scotland. It's a fantastic trilogy, but definitely not light-hearted reading!
—Kara
my friend loaned me book 1, after struggling with it for over 5 months I tried to give ALL the series back and she insists that I read it. Now I wonder if I should even torture myself more and try this book, or just read the cliff notes!
—Lela
In the Scottish Lowlands, it is the summer of 1790, and Jamie McKie is the prodigal returning home in the hopes they have forgiven him from his shameful past. His father Alec, whom he deceived, and his brother Evan, who's inheritance he stole. Wrestling his fears of a confrontation, and trying to stay a step ahead of his devious uncle Lachlan, Jamie is pressed on all sides to make the hardest decisions of his life.Two women lay claim to him and his affections; Leana, the mother of his firstborn and heir, and Rose, who is carrying his second child. Uncertain of his future with the scandal that rivaled any marriage in all of Christendom, and even less certain of his fate when he arrives home - Jamie sets out on a journey that will either be his redemption, or will cost him everything he loves.This imaginative re-telling of the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel is as heartbreaking as it's Biblical counterpart. There are many joys and sorrows that simply are part of the story, but that doesn't make it any easier to bear. The thing I loved the most about this book and the series in general, is that it's not the romantic happily-ever-after feel-good kind of story. Yes, liberties were take with the story lines, but it is a parallel work of fiction set in 1700's Scotland. That said, Whence Came a Prince is a beautiful fictional account of a timeless Biblical story.
—Deborah
