Maire

I think that most women will really relate to this book because most of us feel like warrior queens inside, to some degree. Especially in today's world, most women are able to get tough and become successful in the world of men. However, we are told that we are the same as men and we feel uncomfortable with our femininity. Many of us do not feel desirable and we look at our attraction to men as a weakness that will get us into trouble. That's why I found this book so compelling. I could really relate to Maire's story. I also think that men will find the story interesting because of the rich Irish history and the swordplay. They also will be able to relate to the masculine Rowan, who is also a man of God who shows mercy and forgiveness to his enemies and gentle care towards women. I would like to find a man like that someday. I am sure that they are still around today. They're probally the type of men who would read this book!

Wonderful tale of the religion of the "One True God" and its early development in Ireland. As I read this book I found myself longing to be a part of the faithful people of Erin when Christianity was taking hold of its people. These people were so devout in their religion, it made me realize how much we have back slided with Christianity. Maire is engaging. She is an empowered woman seeking what is best for her people even if it means marrying a Christian hostage from another land. Witness the sparks of faith in Maire and the people of Gleannmara as she falls in love with Rowan and his God. You will not be able to put it down. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.

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.

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.

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