Riona (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #2) [Paperback]

Linda Windsor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2001

Riona, a gentlewoman of faith, discovers that her plan to help the disadvantaged includes not only the plague orphans in her charge, but the arrogant, handsome adventurer who feels honor-bound to save her and her lands by marrying her -- with or without her consent. Lord Kieran of Gleannmara depends on nothing and no one save his wit and skill with steel, but soon a deadly twist of fate forces him to acknowledge his need not only for the lady Riona and her worrisome entourage, but for her Lord as well.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Romance and suspense share the spotlight as award-winning author Linda Windsor continues her satisfying saga of the Christian Celts in Riona. Riona plans to make a life for herself in the church, but finds her dream shattered when she saves three orphans from slavery. To adopt the children and offer them a legitimate family, Riona must marry the handsome warrior Kieran, who is unjustly accused of murder. Although Riona is the sequel to Maire, it can be easily read as a standalone title. The glossary of Celtic terminology provides a helpful reference, as Windsor peppers her writing with unusual terms such as brat (outer cloak or wrap), porringer (a low bowl), and slige (a main road). Historical aficionados who like a spiritual bent to their stories and readers with a penchant for a good romantic yarn will enjoy this tale of primitive Ireland. --Cindy Crosby

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Publishers (September 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576737527
• ISBN-13: 978-1576737521
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,559 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

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical fiction!!!, July 28, 2004

By 

Deborah L. Woodstuff "IntoTea" (Wellsburg, WV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Riona (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #2) (Paperback)

Riona is the next book in the Fires of Gleannmara with Maire being the first in the series.

Oh to have a faith so pure and tireless as Riona's.

Kierran is the Gleannmara heir. He has abandoned his faith in the one true God because he feels that God has abandoned him. He has loved Riona since childhood and has promised to her dying brother to care for her forever. Although he loves Riona he is uncertain about accepting the God she loves.
Riona thinks only on Kierran as a brother and has no romantic feelings toward him.

Events force Riona and Kierran and their entourage on a dangerous journey that will change each others lives and those that they love for ever.

Once again I find myself longing for the spirituality and discipline of religion in the early Christian church in Ireland.
Truly they saw God in everything.

I am not one to reread books that I have already read, but I feel that I may make an exception with this series. I want these books on my book shelf all the time.

Reading Maire first is not necessary. If you have not read Maire I am certain that you will after you read Riona.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Ride!, March 31, 2003

By 

Marilynn Griffith (Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Riona (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #2) (Paperback)

When I received this book recently as a door prize for the Shades of Romance Online Writer's Conference, I was elated. A new book! A new author. And a historical at that. (I have a soft spot for a good historical.)

Well, I wasn't disappointed. Linda Windsor transported me to medieval Ireland with ease, burrowing her way into my favorite author's closet as well. Fiery Riona, the main character has the heart of a nun and temper of warrior. When Kieran, her handsome, but unbelieving foster brother arrives home with news of their brother's death and his deathbed wish for them to marry, well, Riona has all the men running for cover.

Before she can fully vent her anger though, there's a murder in the abbey and Kieran is the main suspect. With the three orphans she plans to adopt and a mouthful of prayers, Riona sets out to rescue Kieran and herself.

It's a bouncy ride through the Irish hillside full of the wonder of Christ's love. Don't miss it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Irish Descendants Transcend Sequel, September 1, 2003

By 

Coleen Kenny (Glen Allen, Va United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Riona (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #2) (Paperback)

The great-grandson of "Riona" wants the woman, but not the God and the kids. Through nail-biting trials, Kieran learns to give his heart to the woman, the children and the God. Riona in turn, learns to forgive and trust. Love grows as faith grows. This Christian romance novel has warfare, treachery, intrigue, and its fair share of passion, all set within the beautiful Emerald Isle. Pull up a thick wool sweater, a hot cider and relish this novel.