Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

"Mine Is the Night" by Liz Curtis Higgs is the sequel to "Here Burns My Candle" which takes place in Scotland. It is an 18th century novel based on the biblical story of Naomi and Ruth.

The story line actually picks up almost where the first book leaves off. After the deaths of their husbands Elizabeth and Marjory Kerr are now just simple women who have lost everything and could be turned in for treason. Elizabeth vows to stay with her mother in law and return with her to her old home in Selkirk instead of remaining in Edinburgh. They are now penniless and without a proper place to stay as they return hoping that her cousin Anne will at least have a place for them to rest for a while. Marjory, at one time a rich woman, had treated every one with scorn before leaving and now she is back as a simple woman who has nothing and hopes to rekindle friendships and grow closer to God. Elizabeth, a seamstress by trade, plans to work for a friend of Anne’s but he will not take on a woman as a partner. Now working for Admiral Lord Jack, he decides to help out Elizabeth and her mother in law. Rebuilding a life that once was and then taken away is hard but slowly Elizabeth and Marjory come to grips and are starting to grow, not only material-wise but also walking closer to God following His will in their lives.

I have to say that before I started reading this book I did have to pull out the first one and do a quick scan through to familiarize myself with the story line. I feel this second book did not leave anything out between the beginning and the ending of the first book. I could see the strength of their convictions grow as they faced hardships not only once they returned home but on their travels to return to Marjory’s home and how their relationship with each other grows stronger. As I read I could visualize in my mind the story of Ruth and Naomi and Boaz. I feel that the author has done a wonderful job of transforming that story into an 18th century novel. As in the first book I feel that it is deeply written and for one looking for just an average read. If I had not read the first book this would have been fine as a standalone book. If you really want the full impact of their lives and what led up to their returning to Selkirk, you will want to read the first book. I would recommended this book.