This is one series that I made the mistake of not reading in order. Now I'm not saying that this is a bad thing unless you are like me that should be doing homework and not reading fictional books that are not on your school reading list. The book just refers back to the stories of the Maire and Riona and it made me even more eager to read those two books! :) Seriously though, this story was a really beautiful story and a really cool way of seeing how God can make weird circumstances work to His way. So read this book and check my other reviews!

Linda Windsor outdoes herself again in this 3rd book in her series, The Fires of Gleannmara. Keeps you reading until the last page with plot twists, adventure, and romance. Excellent!

Setting: Seventh Century Ireland and the Northumbrian kingdom of Galstead

Princess Deirdre of Gleannmara is ship bound with a king's ransom on board to rescue her brother Prince Cairell from bondage when a Saxon pirate, Alric of Galstead, captures her. Deirdre dons a priest's robe to conceal her royal identity and hides the legendary sword of her ancestor, King Kieran, under it for safety. The rest of the treasure, she and her companions stow in a wine cask, but things go awry and Deirdre is found out to be a princess.

When Alric discovers her royal cloak with the Glenmora brooch among the ransom meant for Cairell with the same symbols on the cloak that his late mother had made for Alric when she prophesized his earthly kingdom would be won by love, he is shaken. Alric's mother was a Scottish slave whom his father Lambert loved dearly, but his political marriage to the wicked queen Ethlinda made their son Ricbert, a conniving serpent if there ever was one, the rightful heir to Galstead.

Raised in a court of bitterness and deceit, it's no wonder that Alric is so distrustful of everyone but his faithful dog Tor, and his aged nursemaid Abina, and the men who seek their fortune with him at sea. Consumed with a burning ambition, the illegitimate prince feels Deirdre might be the key to the birthright his mother spoke of in the prophecy. With the calculated decision to make her his bride to be, his life is turned in a new direction.

Deirdre is a feisty woman who is used to being in control of those around her and has a very sharp tongue that she isn't afraid of using. She knows she will do whatever she has to do to get her brother safely back and she uses Alric's sudden interest in marriage to achieve this end, enlisting his help in the terms of the wedding contract. Of course Alric has a few terms of his own, but the Lord has a master plan in store for this special pair's destiny and his love is the firm foundation.

This is a beautiful and exciting story of how wonderfully the Lord uses the imperfect to bring about his perfect and everlasting love. DEIRDRE is filled with colorful characters, as well as the emotionally stirring story of Deirdre, a devout woman whose faith in word and deed under the direst of circumstances conquers her conqueror, winning his heart and his trust in her God. Heavenly days, DEIRDRE is not to be missed!

Well written. I liked both the hero and the heroine. Interesting plot, all the good stuff. Nice cover. =)

This is the first Linda Windsor book I have read. It was a little difficult to begin with but was an incredible story of how God can change anyone's heart. It is also a great story of forgiveness and reconciliation.

This book was so wonderful that I just could not put it down. And now it's loaned out I think I'll buy another (just in case it goes the rounds). I loved the natural, unobtrusive way that God is whom this family's lives revolve around. Kathryn was on the verge of divorce because her husband Nick was such a workaholic that he had no time for family or for faith. As they are both the most important things in Kathryn's life, I could understand her hurt. They are also the only things in life that really matter to me. So when Nick bops in after being declared dead 5 years before, Kathryn is very skeptical about his claims of faith found in a prison camp. Forgiveness is very difficult for us all, but as I recall, Jesus said that we must forgive others before he can forgive us. Food for thought.

This book is by far, the most absloutely wonderful book I've ever read that not only has great morals, (And one cool ending...) But, it's written to not have all that disgusting stuff in it that these non-christain writers use now. This is one awesome book! I have read on Miss Windsors books, and she has some good ones out there! I hope ya'll will read more of her books also, she's a wonderful writer, so talented!

This is a fun and delightful read, a very refreshing romantic comedy. Sunny Elders goes on a cruise with her family, while Dan Jarett goes on the same cruise to find out the truth about his new stepfather. Two people with two different purposes for being there. The two keep bumping into each other again and again, until they begin to fall in love. Predictable? Yes! Funny, of course! Its a fun read, however if you're tired of the same predictable romance novels then this might not be for you.

Though I enjoyed reading it, I'd say that I wouldn't read it again. It's just too predictable and reminds me of other romance books, so if you're like me you might want to skip it. However its a very clean book, the author does bring in some Christian perspective and the importance of trust, and I'd reccomend it to those who enjoy these type of books.

Another reason why I've given this book 3 stars is because its not written very well, its written too simply in my opinion. Well to each his own, I guess. This might be better for those that want an easy read.

I think she looked into my life and wrote this book! I am the clumsy one and me husband the straight man. Very funny book with just the right amount of romance!

I have only recently begun reading "inspirational fiction" because of my growing disenchantment with the usual content of fiction these days. I was skeptical. I expected heavy handed sermons, but Linda Windsor doesn't give that. She does have a serious message, but that message is packaged in a delightful box! I thought the two main characters were very funny, and as a klutz myself I could both laugh and sympathize with Sunny's accidents. This was my first Linda Windsor book, but it won't be my last.

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!

Action, adventure, history, and lots of romance! What more could a reader want? Riona delivers on all counts. Linda Windsor's second book in her Fires of Gleannmara series will win her new fans, and delight her loyal ones. Do not miss this one.

This book has it's ups and downs. The plot is great and the book has an interesting setting. Most of the characters are real and believable. The guy in the romance is portrayed well but tends to focus too much on his dearly departed wife. There is a reference in the book to the fact that he had fantisized about Jenna even when he was married, seeing her picture on the wall. What about faithfulness to his wife? The girl is a little rich girl trying to be strong in the big jungle. I've never read a book where I was rooting for her to die by the end. It has a sappy ending with him rushing ask her to marry him and all that stuff... There are references to God, but I think it parallels too much with the trashy romances you find by the dozens in bookstores everywhere. It doesn't have any trash but it comes pretty close.

I enjoyed this book from the very first page to the very last. The story and characters were so interesting and heartwarming. I got so Involved in the story, that I lost all track of time. This was the first novel I read by Linda Windsor and I look forward to reading another one by her.

I've always been intrigued by "jungle books" and it this one didn't disapoint me. It's filled with not only God and romance but adventure. I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Jenna and Adam is awesome. Definately a must have!

[This review, by Sinead Fox, originally appeared on www.IrishSide.com.]

More contemporary Christian than Irish, more romance novel than historical novel, Linda Windsor's new book, Maire, may face a challenge in finding an audience. I fear that this work, the first in a series entitled "The Fires of Gleannmara," will be marketed to those having an interest in Irish culture or history, and this audience may not receive it warmly. The novel begins with "A forward, as 'twere, from Erin's heart . . ."

"Gleannmara. Ah, the sound of it warms me to me earthly core. 'Tis one of me favorite spots, nestled as it is between me mist-shrouded Wicklows and the Irish Sea. The Romans, you see, once dubbed me island Scotia and me people Scots, which is why some of me children took that name to Scotland later on...."

It goes on like this, as "the Emerald Isle of Ireland-Erin, for short" gives the reader a brief history of Ireland's people from the very beginning to the rise of Christianity.

The novel then begins the story of Rowan of Emerys, a Romanized Welshman with a past, and Maire, a Celtic warrior-queen with a future. They meet on the field of battle, then fall into a marriage of convenience that blossoms into a love match. He is a mature, battle-hardened soldier who now longs for life of Christian spirituality, she is a fiery pagan beauty desperate to prove herself capable of saving her people from the druid Morlach. The contrasts between the two--Rowan's age, strength, wisdom versus Maire's youth, vulnerability, and inexperience--is the stuff of countless romance stories. Windsor's novel, however, is set apart from other romance novels by two things: its unsparing Irishness and its unapologetically Christian orientation.

I say unsparingly Irish, because Windsor lays on the begosh and begorrah a bit thick at times. The language, from the forward to the bibliography, is a torrent of dialect and colorful metaphor that may charm anyone who doesn't actually know any Irish people, but will probably make anyone who does uncomfortable. The book includes a glossary for the Irish words and phrases used in the story (and there are plenty), and a bibliography of sources. Yet for the effort that Windsor makes to demonstrate her scholarship, her knowledge comes off as wide but not deep--more like an expository Discovery Channel documentary than a meticulously authentic James Michener novel.

I say unapologetically Christian, because Christian themes are thoroughly woven into the fabric of the novel. The hero dreams of turning his life over to God, the heroine struggles to understand her husband's strange religion, and a number of important characters are either introduced as Christians or convert to Christianity by the end of the story. Rowan and Maire do not give in to their passions before their marriage is blessed by a priest, and Rowan demonstrates a boundless capacity to forgive. I was surprised to find that, for as heavy-handed as Windsor's treatment of Irish language is, her evangelism is more refined: It is warm, joyful and doesn't give into sappiness or preachiness.

Though I personally like my romance novels smuttier, my historical novels more sweeping, and my Irish writing less colorful, I was warmed by Linda Windsor's likable characters and cheerful devotion to Christian principles. I confess that if it weren't my job to read Maire, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. Having read it, though, I'm glad I did.

[Copyright 2000 The Irish Side. All rights reserved.]

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.

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

The first thing that drew my attention to this book was as usual the cover. But then I couldn't put it down! I went back to the store to find more of her novels. The most recent one I've read is Hawaiian Temptress. I just love family sequels!

I love Linda Windsor's style! She gives you romance, intrigue and lots of humor. The characters are real and likeable. Great read!

New Yorker Deanna Manetti is running for her life when she is accused of laundering drug money. She's been framed, the law doesn't believe her, a crime syndicate is after her, and she has nowhere to go but the road. Hoping to disappear, Deanna winds up in the wilderness of Montana ending up being run off the road by a wild horse. When she recovers she's is in the arms of a long tall cowboy named Shepard Jones. repaired. He knows something is not right but is willing to be patient until she trusts him enough to tell him what is wrong. Deanna is a city slicker through and through and some of the hilarious situations she and Shep find themselves in will have you laughing out loud. Deanna is used to analyzing businesses and coming up with great ideas to make them work. It doesn't include cooking or ranch chores. Oh my, this city gal sure gets herself into more tight spots on that ranch. Beware; you may endanger your ribs from laughing so much.

The town of Buffalo Butte will never be the same after Deanna gets through running a three-ring circus by trying to keep her secret about what really happened from Shep and dealing with all the locals. And it seems Shep knows more about Deanna's trouble than he is letting on. The saving grace is that God is the ringleader as he leads Shep and Deanna on the road to love and romance as they follow the Word of the Lord as they each seek His counsel when the chips are down putting their lives in jeopardy.

Linda Windsor tells a heartwarming tale of love, suspense and inspiration that tangles your heartstrings up tight as a rope on a wild horse being brought home. Ms. Windsor has a wonderful touch with her writing that helps readers to realize the doubts and struggles we all go though in life as we question what we should and shouldn't do. In ALONG CAME JONES she will certainly tickle your funny bone as well as leave you feeling refreshed after being in touch with God's lessons in everyday living.

Suzanne Coleburn, Reader To Reader Reviews

Deanna Manetti knows she is in deep trouble, but not how to get out of it. The mob thinks she has something that belongs to them. The Great Falls police have overwhelming circumstantial evidence that leads them to conclude she killed her lover-employer C.R. Majors. That is why Deanna is driving on a Montana back road thinking how things could not get any worse when a sorrel comes out of nowhere causing her to crash. The native New Yorker wonders why God has abandoned her while ironically pondering fourteen years of driving in NYC without an accident and now alone, her car is disabled. Rancher Shep Jones arrives and takes Deanna by horse to his spread, which is more of a ghost town.

Being a former US Marshal, Shep concludes that Deanna is on the run, but offers her shelter anyway. As Shep and Deanna fall in love, he tries to learn the truth, but she fears trusting anyone after what C.R. did to her heart and her life. However, the criminals and the Feds are closing in on her and neither side cares what happens to Deanna. Only Shep and his partner want to keep "Slick" safe.

Though there are numerous religious elements included in this story line, ALONG CAME JONES is more of a romantic suspense thriller than an inspirational romance. The story line hooks the audience from almost the beginning when a weary Deanna wonders what she ever did to be abandoned and turns wary when ALONG CAME JONES. Though his previous occupation seems too convenient, readers will rate highly Linda Windsor's latest contemporary tale.

Harriet Klausner

I BORROWED THE BOOK FROM MY LOCAL LIBRARY AND I'M GLAD I DIDN'T BUY IT. I COULDN'T GET INTO THE BOOK. BESIDES READING AND REREADING PASSAGES I FOUND THAT THE BOOK HAD SO MANY ERRORS NO WONDER I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HALF OF IT. I GAVE UP IN THE 4TH CHAPTER I COULDN'T DEAL WITH IT. SO DON'T BUY THIS BOOK SAVE SOME EXTRA MONEY. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE WHAT I SAY THEN BORROW IT FROM YOUR LIBRARY AND SEE WHAT I MEAN. IF YOU WANT TO READ A BOOK WITH LOVE, ADVENTURE AND MYSTERY READ BOOKS BY JULIE GARWOOD, ANDREA KANE, AMANDA QUICK AND JACLYN REDING. NOW THAT IS GOOD READING.

I thought the book to be terrific. Once I started I could not put it down. I belived Rose to be a very head strong woman who knows what she wants and will do anything to get her wants. Rose is sneaky, seductive and stubborn ,but that makes it even more interesting when she meets up with an old crush who now is her enemy!

I am normally fairly picky about the books I read, but picked this one up just on a whim. It is really rare to find a set where the second and third books are better than the first, but this one does in shining colors! Her characters are well rounded and believable. Her story flows easily and often times has you covering your eyes at some of the situations this heroine gets herself into! It does well as a stand alone, but the the first two are also definitely worth reading first!