Rating: 
Summary: Deidre was great, but Maire is . . .
Review: Awesome! Who can swashbuckling warrior queen and her tortured warrior-turned-priest hostage husband all flung against the backdrop of Scotland's isle? Not me. I fell for this couple instantly. She's my kind of girl--stuck halfway between her breastplate and her role as a bride. Instead of a broom for her part of the hearth and home at the wedding, eighteen-year-old upstart Maire, whose been training for her role as queen for the last nine years with two foster brothers, throws down her sword on top of her husbands.The spiritual thread here is well woven and very authentic, describing the often overlooked struggles and questions of God's character and how He relates to us. I know Mrs. Windsor is writing more contemporaries now, but she definitely hit her groove on this one. This was an awesome read.
Rating:
Summary: unique and fascinating work of historical fiction
Review: During the fifth century, the Celtic invaders came from Ireland to raid the Welsh village. Rowan of Emrys is surprised to learn that the raiders come from Gleannmara, his birthplace before being sold into slavery as a child. Rowan persuades his opponent's leader Queen Maire to leave his Christian villagers alone in exchange for tribute and his serving as her hostage. The Druid priest Brude sees Rowan as someone good for the Irish. He marries Rowan and Maire more out of fear that his evil peer, Morlach, will do something heinous to the Queen and the people. As Maire begins to understand Rowan's courage and belief in the One God, she falls in love with her spouse. However, she wonders if his faith is strong enough to deal with the malevolent Morlach? MAIRE, the first book in the "Fires of Gleannmara" series is an exciting work of historical fiction that brings to life the Celtic heritage mindful of the great Beowulf. The current story line is exciting and fast-paced, while centering on the conflict between Christianity and Druidism. The lead couple is a charming duo and the support cast fills the Dark Ages with light. Readers will want to read this tale even as they impatiently await the sixth century (RIONA) and seventh century (DEIRDRE) novels. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: unique and fascinating work of historical fiction
Review: During the fifth century, the Celtic invaders came from Ireland to raid the Welsh village. Rowan of Emrys is surprised to learn that the raiders come from Gleannmara, his birthplace before being sold into slavery as a child. Rowan persuades his opponent's leader Queen Maire to leave his Christian villagers alone in exchange for tribute and his serving as her hostage. The Druid priest Brude sees Rowan as someone good for the Irish. He marries Rowan and Maire more out of fear that his evil peer, Morlach, will do something heinous to the Queen and the people. As Maire begins to understand Rowan's courage and belief in the One God, she falls in love with her spouse. However, she wonders if his faith is strong enough to deal with the malevolent Morlach? MAIRE, the first book in the "Fires of Gleannmara" series is an exciting work of historical fiction that brings to life the Celtic heritage mindful of the great Beowulf. The current story line is exciting and fast-paced, while centering on the conflict between Christianity and Druidism. The lead couple is a charming duo and the support cast fills the Dark Ages with light. Readers will want to read this tale even as they impatiently await the sixth century (RIONA) and seventh century (DEIRDRE) novels. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Can we say WOW!?
Review: I had read Linda Windsor before and enjoyed her writing then (It Had To Be You & Along Came Jones), but I bought the Fires of Gleannmara series because I love Ireland. This book is the first in the series and it grabs you from the beginning. Her characters are completely believeable, so much so that you think about them even when you're not reading the books. I could barely put these books down. I certainly lost sleep the whole time I was reading this series! I've bought several other books of Linda's because she's such a great author! A definite must read!!!
Rating:
Summary: Can we say WOW!?
Review: I had read Linda Windsor before and enjoyed her writing then (It Had To Be You & Along Came Jones), but I bought the Fires of Gleannmara series because I love Ireland. This book is the first in the series and it grabs you from the beginning. Her characters are completely believeable, so much so that you think about them even when you're not reading the books. I could barely put these books down. I certainly lost sleep the whole time I was reading this series! I've bought several other books of Linda's because she's such a great author! A definite must read!!!
Rating:
Summary: A MASTER STORYTELLER
Review: Linda Windsor spins a richly woven tale adorned with finely crafted details. Her charismatic charactes deal with flaws that require the balm of God's grace and His redeeming discipline in their battle of wills with the Almighty. Linda Windsor accomplishes the knack of exposing the pull of sensual impulses and God's spiritual power to overcome. Conflicting passions and holy anger entice the reader into the setting of the bawdy, bloody days of the seventh century Saxons and into adventure worlds rife with danger, holy journeys, and the brandishing of many kinds of swords.
Rating:
Summary: A MASTER STORYTELLER
Review: Linda Windsor spins a richly woven tale adorned with finely crafted details. Her charismatic charactes deal with flaws that require the balm of God's grace and His redeeming discipline in their battle of wills with the Almighty. Linda Windsor accomplishes the knack of exposing the pull of sensual impulses and God's spiritual power to overcome. Conflicting passions and holy anger entice the reader into the setting of the bawdy, bloody days of the seventh century Saxons and into adventure worlds rife with danger, holy journeys, and the brandishing of many kinds of swords.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a Strong Female
Review: So often historical novels, particularly Christian historical romance novels, center the action amongst the males, while the females stay home protected and demure. Not so Maire. She is in the thick of the action from the beginning, and Windsor portrays Irish women as they truly were... strong, almost fierce at times in protecting their homeland and their families. Irish women made excellent warriors, and yet were able to maintain enough femininity to charm suitors and captors alike. Thank you, Linda Windsor, for allowing Christian women to identify with strong, courageous women struggling to do what's right while maintaining their principles whatever the cost. You have provided role models for young women of today in your characters like Maire, Riona and Deirdre. Please continue the stories. My growing nieces and I am enjoying the Fires of Gleanmarra series.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a Strong Female
Review: So often historical novels, particularly Christian historical romance novels, center the action amongst the males, while the females stay home protected and demure. Not so Maire. She is in the thick of the action from the beginning, and Windsor portrays Irish women as they truly were... strong, almost fierce at times in protecting their homeland and their families. Irish women made excellent warriors, and yet were able to maintain enough femininity to charm suitors and captors alike. Thank you, Linda Windsor, for allowing Christian women to identify with strong, courageous women struggling to do what's right while maintaining their principles whatever the cost. You have provided role models for young women of today in your characters like Maire, Riona and Deirdre. Please continue the stories. My growing nieces and I am enjoying the Fires of Gleanmarra series.
Rating:
Summary: Can we say WOW!?
Review: This Irish Coleen dwelled in the desciptions of her ancestors land, learning much about the Emerald Isle's history and religion from this rapid action,romantic fiction novel. The spirit of Ireland is portrayed captivatingly through the strength of the warrior queen, defending her home, and the captive groom defending his faith. A good cool weather fireside read to warm ye bones.
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