I want to go to Scotland! The Fields of Bannockburn was totally engrossing. I was caught up in the book, by its history and its geography. I just had to know where all these places were! I'd read for a while, and then a placename would send me to the Scotland sections of Nicholson's Guide to Great Britain. The storyteller, Hamish, as the vehicle for the history of Scotland, was very believable as were the other characters. I had no trouble relating to Mary's quandry between her fiance back home in the States and Gareth in Scotland; it could have been me. Were I still teaching Language Arts in junior high school, I would and could recommend this book to that grade level. It would be a great adjunct to history, reading, and creative writing. What discussions one could have! What dreams of travel it could inspire: it would make one want to see the historic sites. My travel plans definitely will be guided by this book. Give it a try-you might want to go to Scotland, too.

This book goes well beyond your average historical fiction. Donna Fletcher Crow splendidly links four pieces of Scotland's history with a modern day line. Be sure to follow up on the modern day characters when they go to Ireland in The Banks of the Boyne.

Very well written account of Scottish christian history - a lovely perspective of the most influential characters. I'd love to read more of her work - this is meaty and substantive.

Looking for a great read? "Love's Refining Fire" is it. Anne McDonald has woven a story with realistic characters who become very real as the book progresses. The plot is full of action, adventure, danger, and romance. Reading Anne's book was like watching a good movie.

I had the privilege of meeting Anne at a book signing in Tucson, Arizona and was fortunate to obtain a copy of her book. When is her next work coming out? Very soon I hope!

When Jennifer Warner discovers who murdered her police officer husband, she literally has to run for her life. She travels from Los Angeles to her brother's home in Maine where she hopes that she and her daughter will be able to build a new life, but danger still lurks for Jennifer. Anne McDonald brings to life a cast of characters that are truly believable and full of vitality. Her illustrative scenes will convince you that you are actually viewing what Jennifer sees, through her eyes. The suspense will keep you riveted to your chair and as the clock ticks on, for Jennifer as well as the reader, you will not want to put "Love's Refining Fire" down until the very last page. Truly, this is my newest favorite author and I wait, with anticipation, for her next book. Thank you Anne, for a wonderful character that will always have a place in my heart.

The author Donna Fletcher Crow is a wonderful storyteller. She has a way of bringing you right into the scene with her characters. The characters seem like real people that you know. You find that you identify with their hopes as well as their fears. She tells her stories around historical happenings resulting in your entertainment as well as teaching you something. Her teaching on Christianity seems to be right on...her characters strive for a stonger Faith rather than an outward appearence of good works. I really love this lady's work.

I was captivated by this book and read it every spare moment until I was done. I learned all sorts of things I hadn't known about the history of Christianity in England. One of the best things was how the author tied in many well-known legends, skilfully recounting how they more realistically likely took place, later giving rise to the legends. It was like meeting old familiar friends without veils on their faces. The characters were interesting to get to know along the way, and wistful to see them pass with the years. The first chapter was a little slow, but beyond that things picked up and it was well worth the read.

Through the ups and downs, the author takes all the legends and tries to put historical fact behind them, filling in with realistic fiction where needed. There aren't any tales of grand shining armor here, it's probably as close to the truth as you'll come in this life to knowing the story of England from a Christian perspective.

When we read this book in a book discussion group, I identified 3 areas that could be found in the life of each of the characters: faith, trust, and risk.

From Joseph of Arimathea to Giles Lacey in Tudor England, each character moved through these three areas. Some of them were protected because of their faith, while others were killed for it. But in each case their faith, trust, and risk was rewarded. There were dark times, but each time period saw the light of faith rekindled by their actions. It also shows what can happen when faith is not followed by trust, and how God can bring repentance when the character seems oblivious to God.

The author develops, with ease and plausibility, each character in his or time, and the intrigued reader follows where the author leads. It is a long book, but it could be divided into 2 or more sessions.

Pluses are the maps (there could be 2 separate maps, one with the ancient placenames, and one with the modern equivalents), the glossary, and the source/reference list.

We need more books like this: books which present history with optimism and encouragement.

Mary flies to Scotland to marry her fiance, Gareth, only to find he has signed on with a group trying to bring about some kind of healing in Northern Ireland.

So off they go to work in that battle-torn country,where nobody wants to comprimise because each side thinks they, alone, are in the right, have been for hundreds of years, and cannot forgive the wrongs done to them over that time. As Mary and Gareth's own personal adventure moves forward, Mary learns the history of Northern Ireland during the last 350 years as they visit various historical sites. The Scottish Presbyterians were being persecuted and emigrated to Ireland where they started presecuting the Irish Catholics. Then the English Episcopalians started persecuting them both. Every once in a while, they would realign themselves, but never for a moment forgive anyone not of their stripe. The results were massive bloodlettings leading to more massive bloodlettings.

Although both stories are fictional, Mrs. Crow has done a masterful job of intertwining the stories against an historical background. And she has done her homework. She even has a bibliography in the back of the book. She traces one family who came from Scotland in 1649 to the Easter Rising of 1911. This is all juxtaposed against Mary and Gareth's modern day story, both having related experiences.

For fans of historical fiction, this is a winner! The author knows how to involve her readers in the story. It also helped me see a little more clearly the background of the harsh feelings in that beautiful country.

"How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill gives the more ancient background of Ireland.

Mrs. Crow also wrote "The Fields of Bannockburn," which tells the very early history of Scotland.

This book tore at my heart as I read through the bitter history of Ireland. A must read for all who have even the smallest bit of Irish blood. The passion of the Irish people is absolutely amazing.

This novel is an incredible tribute to those who work to do the Lord's will no matter what the circumstances. How hard is it to hope, love, and give mercy to those who hate you? Ireland has a sad history, and this novel points to the only way humans can overcome their hatred and fear- by giving their lives to Jesus. I reccomend this book to anyone who desires to understand forgiveness and/or the history of Ireland.

This was the first bok by Donna Fletcher Crow that I read and I thoughroughly enjoyed it. Encounter the light had a beautiful mix of Mystery, Romance, and Christian insperation. I recommend this book for any who enjoy reading those three topics.

Not one of my favorite books, but still worth reading .. .If you want to read a book that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift! This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr. Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..A perfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love too late in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a loved one who is. . .A gift to be cherished forever.