Maire (The Fires of Gleannmara) [Paperback]

Linda Windsor (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Fires of Gleannmara | Publication Date: June 2, 2009

A fanciful, romantic tale of passion and faith that invites readers to the "God-graced mountains and plains" of Ireland. Maire, Gleannmara's warrior queen, finds her fierce heart is gentled when she takes a reformed mercenary -- a Christian, no less -- as hostage during a raid. At first she wonders what kind of God would make a fine warrior like Rowan of Emerys such a coward. But as she comes to know Rowan and witnesses the force of his beliefs, she learns that meekness and humility to the one true God are stronger than any blade of steel. And in the process, Maire discovers the transforming power of love and faith.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Linda Windsor is an award-winning author of nineteen historical and five contemporary novels who lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. A former professional singer, musician, and ABA writer, Linda gave her music and writing over to God with initial protest but without regret. She believes laughter is God's prescription for the tears of life, and the icing on the cake of faith.

Product Details

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books; Reprint edition (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601422466
• ISBN-13: 978-1601422460
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #807,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Linda Windsor is the author of twenty-nine contemporary and historical novels. Her first sixteen were secular historical romance for Zebra/Kensington Publishing, NY as Linda Windsor and Linda Covington. In 1999, she switched to the inspirational market, once she was assured that Christian characters were not only flawed, but did indeed have hormones. Her late husband used to tease that there was a little of Linda in each of her heroines. Windsor contends he must have been referring to her sense of humor, resourcefulness and stubborness. NOT the figure.

Her inspirational historicals have placed in the secular historical category of some RWA contests and Affaire De Coeur polls. Both her inpirational historicals and romantic comedies, dashed with suspense, have won a few National Reader's Choice Awards, Aspen Golds, Barclay Golds, and numerous other RWA contests as well as the CBA Christy Award for the Irish Celtic RIONA, #2 of the Fires of Gleannmara series.

Windsor resides in a "painfully" restored (as in never do that again!) historic home on the Eastern Shore of MD. She still enjoys singing and playing music (keyboard and guitar) after a ten year stint in an 80's professional band. Today she plays the organ in her church and frequently does special music with guitar at church and for various charities.

Then there are home improvements. She can paper, paint, refinish furniture, and renovate, but... Let's suffice it to say, this Red Hat Lady and AARP member doesn't enjoy them as much as she used to.

Windsor is currently contracted for a three book historical trilogy titled Brides of Alba. HEALER, book one, will hit the shelves this June.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unique and fascinating work of historical fiction, September 9, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maire (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #1) (Paperback)

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

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Surprise, September 7, 2001

By 

Kaye (NASHVILLE, TN, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Maire (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #1) (Paperback)

Under conviction of God, I gave up "secular romance" novels a few years ago. But I really missed the stories set during the Viking to mideval time period, since most Christian novelists don't write about those times. Maire (pronounced MOY-rah) was such a wonderful surprise, weaving the story of the ancient Celts in with the spread of the Gospel to the Emerald Isle. Linda Windsor's attention to detail, knowledge of the historical era, and wonderful description brought the characters and the time period to life. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating!! Could not put it down!!, May 31, 2004

By 

Deborah L. Woodstuff "IntoTea" (Wellsburg, WV USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maire (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #1) (Paperback)

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.