The Queen's Handmaid

This was a very interesting book. The author draws you in to a story that is full of intrigue and history. The main character's story is full of adventure, sadness and lessons about life. The reader is given a story not only about ancient history but also some history of religion. The book is one that is hard to put down, and the read is always wondering what is going to happen next.

Orphaned servant girl Lydia finds herself unexpectedly in the turmoil of events when her dying mentor Samuel entrusts to her a secret task of delivering the long-hidden secret to faraway Jerusalem. Strong-willed and with eye-catching personality, Lydia obeys the deathbed wish and when trying to fulfill the difficult promise, she finds herself travelling the world in the sevice of nobles and from very close proximity witnessing the historical figures and events famous even in our times. Little she knows about another secrets circulating in her blood and little she knows herself to think that having her heart closed to the world is the best protection of loved others and her own, too!

Blood, betrayal, trust, longing, suffering, feeling. Being a history lover, I have found this book being a very intriguing read! I have never realized that the historical figures I´ve learned about separately during my history lessons were actually living in the same time period and in the times close to Christ´s coming! The events are well-researched and rich in details, it makes you understand the turbulent times much better. Judea at the time were the land bathed in blood, indeed!

I also like the prose, it is rich and full of almost lyrical description. Tracy Higley is definitely the master of words and can use them to "bejewel" her story. She is definitely an author to watch out!

And yet I would love the book much better if the psychology is deeper. The characters are black and white (the only exception is hot-headed and yet sincere soldier Simon, Lydia´s love interest). Even Lydia herself is too well-loved by her creator, the authoress, that her proclaimed vulnerability (the need of being needed, which is her source of her self-awareness and self-realization) seems a bit unreal when you read the passages about her strong personality. The evils are just evil, which I find quite unnatural as well. The other problematic issue is the issue of faith - I understand and applaud the authoress´ intention, but I just don´t find and feel Lydia´s moment of conversion to The One God.

And yet I was very much immersed with the book. I find the authoress being very, very talented. I believe she can accomplish the difficult task of being writer writing ťhe prose both interesting and catching and being an authentic food for thought. I will watch her books from the moment on.