Mine is the Night

I was captivated from the first in this delightful and intriguing story of a young widow, Elizabeth, and her also widowed mother-in-law, Lady Marjory Kerr. They lost all material wealth and claims to their estate in 1746 after Marjory's 2 sons were killed in the battle at Falkirk where they were supporting Prince Charles' claim to the throne. Now dragoons were out and about to find any rebels (Jacobites) and have them dealt with in a cruel way.

Thus was the scene that was created as I started this wonderful novel. Marjory and Elizabeth were on their way back to Marjory's hometown where they hoped to find lodging with Cousin Anne. What would be their reception? Would Anne welcome them after being almost ignored by Lady Marjory Kerr because of her lower standing in the caste system. The same system which had now reduced Lady Marjory to poverty level.

This is a story that continues with Elizabeth finding work because of her sewing ability and being able to bring financial support to Cousin Anne and her beloved Mother-in-law, Marjory. Because her first sewing job was terminated, Elizabeth was forced to find work elsewhere which brings her to Admiral Lord Buchanan's English estate. Dressed in her tattered mourning attire, she is granted the job of sewing new uniforms for the newly hired staff.

Thus begins her relationship with Lord Jack Buchanan. Ah, romanticism at its finest. Then add romance to Anne and Marjory's lives as well and the story just gets better and better.

Believe it or not, I was halfway through this book before I realized it was patterned after the Book of Ruth. That did not diminish the story line in any way. This was a superb read and I enjoyed every descriptive detail immensely. Thank you Liz Curtis Higgs!!