Grace in Thine Eyes, by Liz Curtis Higgs

Setting

1808
Scotland

Synopsis

This fascinating story tells of the protectiveness of family and the power of forgiveness.  Davina spends the summer with relatives, and is asked to entertain guests with her fiddle.  She puts so much emotion into her music, that it leaves her audience spellbound. One man, in particular, takes notice of her from the start. Thinking that she is a lass who is experienced in the ways of men and trying to encourage his advances, he ends up stealing her innocence.  She has been mute since childhood, and her silent attempts to tell him to stop went unheeded.  He is grieved to discover that things were not as he had thought, and is determined to make things right by marrying her.  She eventually finds within herself the willingness to forgive him, and even falls deeply in love.  However, her family thinks that he is the enemy.  Will they find a means to be together?  Or will her protective family have their way?

Review

Wow.  Where do I even start in stating how much I love this book?  The whole series, Lowlands of Scotland, is well worth taking the time to read, but this one is my favorite. Davina being mute just changes the whole atmosphere of the story. There is such a pureness to her emotions because she cannot express herself in the same way as others can.  She feels things so deeply, yet lives in a silent world all her own.  She has been fiercely protected all her life, and when a man takes notice of her she is still so innocent, and does not understand what he intends to do.  The scene when he rapes her, not yet knowing she is mute and thinking she is giving her consent by not saying otherwise, is heart wrenching, as is his reaction afterward and the sincere path he takes to right the unthinkable crime he has committed against her.  Their love for each grows as they each try to understand what the other is thinking and feeling.  The ending broke my heart, but I'll not spoil it by telling you what happens.  I prefer happy endings.  Yet, even so, this book holds a special place in my heart. Hats off to the author!  She did an amazing job of grabbing my attention from the start, and holding it all the way through.  Well done!

Edgy Content

1) On camera rape.  It made me ache for the characters as they struggled to make things right in the aftermath. 

2) Compelling romance scenes, after they begin to fall in love. 

3) Intent to commit murder.