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The Mist and the Magic
(Women of War #2)
by
THE MIST
Caitlin MacBride, mistress of the beleaguered Irish stronghold Clonmuir, made a wish one evening at sunset. "Send me my true love," she whispered.
THE MAGIC
As she watched, a man walked out of the mist that rolled in off the water. In John Wesley Hawkins, Caitlin saw a magic she thought had been lost to Ireland forever.
THE MIST AND THE MAGIC
Though Wesley was sent by ...more
Caitlin MacBride, mistress of the beleaguered Irish stronghold Clonmuir, made a wish one evening at sunset. "Send me my true love," she whispered.
THE MAGIC
As she watched, a man walked out of the mist that rolled in off the water. In John Wesley Hawkins, Caitlin saw a magic she thought had been lost to Ireland forever.
THE MIST AND THE MAGIC
Though Wesley was sent by ...more
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"I would forfeit the very surety of my soul to be the man who brings that look upon your face."
*fans self*
The girl: Caitlin MacBride, struggling to keep her clan and her family castle together despite the efforts of Cromwell and his roundheads. She's told to pick a rose and make a wish just as the sun sets: "Send me my true love", she asks. Do wishes come true?
The guy: John Wesley Hawkins. Within seconds of being hanged as a priest (long story - read the book), he's taken away by Cromwell's men ...more
*fans self*
The girl: Caitlin MacBride, struggling to keep her clan and her family castle together despite the efforts of Cromwell and his roundheads. She's told to pick a rose and make a wish just as the sun sets: "Send me my true love", she asks. Do wishes come true?
The guy: John Wesley Hawkins. Within seconds of being hanged as a priest (long story - read the book), he's taken away by Cromwell's men ...more
A richly detailed, enjoyable historical romance, The Maiden of Ireland was a lovely read. I liked this book. I haven't read many romances set in Cromwell's era, especially not in Ireland, so it was new for me and I'm happy to say that I thought it was wonderful.
Caitlin was a great heroine. She was very strong and fiercely loyal to her people. Even under the difficult circumstances she found herself in, she didn't falter. She was frustratingly stubborn a couple of times, but nothing too bad. Over ...more
Caitlin was a great heroine. She was very strong and fiercely loyal to her people. Even under the difficult circumstances she found herself in, she didn't falter. She was frustratingly stubborn a couple of times, but nothing too bad. Over ...more
I received a DRC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Susan Wiggs is a very prolific writer and I have loved her historicals in the past. The compelling story, the grandeur of the Irish country side, the injustice against the Catholics and Irish all made this a gripping novel. However, I hated the one of the main characters and for that reason alone I could not get lost in the story. John Wesley Hawkins was more villain than hero to me. He lied and deceived through out the whole novel. I underst ...more
Susan Wiggs is a very prolific writer and I have loved her historicals in the past. The compelling story, the grandeur of the Irish country side, the injustice against the Catholics and Irish all made this a gripping novel. However, I hated the one of the main characters and for that reason alone I could not get lost in the story. John Wesley Hawkins was more villain than hero to me. He lied and deceived through out the whole novel. I underst ...more
First, a disclaimer: I don’t usually read romance novels, so that might have skewed my rating somewhat. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this book, but I wasn’t as happy with the romance part.
Caitlin begins as a strong-willed woman who leads the MacBride clan behind the figurehead of her dreamy, apparently senile father. John Wesley Hawkins is Cromwell’s spy sent to discover and capture or kill the leader of the rebel gorillas.
As the story progresses, Caitlin starts dithering about d ...more
Caitlin begins as a strong-willed woman who leads the MacBride clan behind the figurehead of her dreamy, apparently senile father. John Wesley Hawkins is Cromwell’s spy sent to discover and capture or kill the leader of the rebel gorillas.
As the story progresses, Caitlin starts dithering about d ...more
I had a difficult time getting into this book and I still think the way Caitlin and Wesley first meet is a bit silly and unrealistic. I kept on turning the pages, though, waiting for something to change - and then it did. I got hooked into the story and couldn't wait to discover how Wesley was going to get himself out of all his predicaments and manage to be reunited with his daughter.
I found the romance between Caitlin and Wesley a bit secondary, given everything else that is happening at the ...more
I found the romance between Caitlin and Wesley a bit secondary, given everything else that is happening at the ...more
Nov 16, 2018
Jeanne (love2cook)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance
John Wesley Hawkins was in the process of being hanged for treason and heresy, when the Lord Protector steps in and offers him his life if he will agree to go to Ireland and to gain the secrets from the rebels leader. Caitlin Mac Bride is mistress of the Irish castle Clonmuir and she's loyal to her countrymen and is also, the leader of the rebels against the English. She has but one wish for herself, true love. A decent read
...more
I'd missed this historical romance by Susan Wiggs. I thought I'd read them all. This one is set in the mid-17th Century, mainly in Ireland. It is the era of Cromwell and the British are trying to bring the Irish under control. How accurately it portrays the era, I don't know, but the growing romance between a powerful female leader of an Irish band and a British soldier bending to Cromwell's will to save his young daughter was involving enough that I read it in one day.
...more
I really did like this book. There were however a few things that disturbed me. I did not like the deceitfulness and how long it continued. He should have come clean once relationships had been formed.
There is a sex scene.
There is a sex scene.
I love historical fiction, I hate historical fiction about Ireland filled with folklore and legends... couldn’t get past the half way point and I usually love this author. She should stick with contemporary fiction!
Embarrassing
The author's portrayal of the Catholic practices in that era are so erratic and erroneous that I shudder. And Westley surely is not an enlightened hero. Just shows how our sensibilities have changed in the last few decades. (Notice copyright date). ...more
The author's portrayal of the Catholic practices in that era are so erratic and erroneous that I shudder. And Westley surely is not an enlightened hero. Just shows how our sensibilities have changed in the last few decades. (Notice copyright date). ...more
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Didn’t really like either the hero or the heroine, Yet I had to keep reading, hence the 5 stars.
found it a bit boring I usually like Susan Wigg but not this one little empathy for the characters and it wasn't that believable either
...more
This romance is a bit over the top in terms of flowery language, but the lively plot and fun characters pull it through. It's a fun escape read.
...more
The historical romance was pretty good but the author spends far to much time explaining every detail of the scene. There should be scene setting but not multiple pages.
Jul 12, 2014
Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romances-a-la-kimberly,
historical
3 1/2 Star Read
Desperate to save his baby daughter from Cromwell's clutches, the condemned, John Wesley Hawkins, agrees to seek out and bring to heel the leader of the Irish rebel faction, the Fianna. His only problem is, when he finds out the infamous rebel is an Irish beauty named Caitlin MacBride, and she is a strong woman with the weight of an entire clan of people on her shoulders.
Wesley arrives with the intentions of capturing the rebel and freeing his daughter from Cromwell, but all tho ...more
Desperate to save his baby daughter from Cromwell's clutches, the condemned, John Wesley Hawkins, agrees to seek out and bring to heel the leader of the Irish rebel faction, the Fianna. His only problem is, when he finds out the infamous rebel is an Irish beauty named Caitlin MacBride, and she is a strong woman with the weight of an entire clan of people on her shoulders.
Wesley arrives with the intentions of capturing the rebel and freeing his daughter from Cromwell, but all tho ...more
Wanted to like it, but it didn't hook me.
...more
Aug 08, 2014
Belinda
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
net-galley-edelweiiss
The story is very intriguing, funny, and well written. I feel that the characters were human in their dealings with their surroundings. You have a man who was about to hang at Tyburn prison, then released by the Lord Protector. John Wesley Hawkins being ready to die for treason and heresy, got mercy from his deeds if he would agree to help England. But John doesn't have much of a choice because his small daughter is being held to gain his submission. All John has to do is find out who is the mai
...more
Oct 03, 2014
Kate Vale
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance
I rarely read historical romances, but this was from one of my favorite authors and I gave it a try. THE MAIDEN OF IRELAND was originally released in 1993 as The Mist and the Magic. The revolves around an Irish lass, Caitlin MacBride, who is desperate to save castle Clonmuir and her people from the ravages of the British Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. He is just as desperate to put down the Irish rebellion and the people refusing to accede to his will. He sends John Wesley Hawkins, who has bee
...more
Great read with enjoyable characters
The first thing that caught my eye with this book was the cover art - I thought it was quite pretty but you can't base a book off a pretty or awful cover so curious I was. When I first began to read, I thought ehh I don't know about this... then Caitlin and Wesley graced my pages and my fleeting thought changed. I loved them together even though Wesley had his own plans but for good reasons. He eventually begins to form feelings which he never intended to do. ...more
The first thing that caught my eye with this book was the cover art - I thought it was quite pretty but you can't base a book off a pretty or awful cover so curious I was. When I first began to read, I thought ehh I don't know about this... then Caitlin and Wesley graced my pages and my fleeting thought changed. I loved them together even though Wesley had his own plans but for good reasons. He eventually begins to form feelings which he never intended to do. ...more
Available August 26: The Maiden of Ireland
*****4/5 stars
This Irish-English tale has the makings of a saga.
Recommended readers:
If you like characters from opposing sides.
if you prefer a little more history in your typical romance.
Here's my Rankings:
4/5 for characters
4/5 for plot
4/5 overall
Note: 2/5 some steaminess
READ THE FULL REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER: ...more
*****4/5 stars
This Irish-English tale has the makings of a saga.
Recommended readers:
If you like characters from opposing sides.
if you prefer a little more history in your typical romance.
Here's my Rankings:
4/5 for characters
4/5 for plot
4/5 overall
Note: 2/5 some steaminess
READ THE FULL REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER: ...more
John Wesley Hawkins was condemned to hang, accused of treason and heresy. As he's transported to the scaffold at Tyburn, however, the Lord Protector steps in and offers him the hand of mercy–if Wesley agrees to travel to Ireland on a dangerous mission into the heart of the Irish resistance against English rule. He'll have to seduce the rebels' secrets from a headstrong Irishwoman, but that shouldn't be a problem for a man of Wesley's reputation….Caitlin MacBride is mistress of the beleaguered Ir
...more
This book was different from many of the other historical romances out there today. The female lead is a headstrong, iron-willed woman who is trying to keep everyone under her care safe. Although there were times where I wondered where this book was going I will say that the second half of the book is better than the first half. It is very well written with well developed characters and the story line is decent. The main reason that I did not give this book 5 stars is that I don't see this as be
...more
3.5 a winner to read on St. Patrick's Day with a strong woman hero/leader in Caitlin and Wesley, a character of many trades, but one vocation to eventually be Caitlin's husband....sorry for giving it away, but there's also a happy ending, which in these times appears to be critical for my mental health:) Going back to the late 1600's was a bit of a leap, but good to still believe in a little magic and creativity. Also appreciated the St. Patrick's day "book mark" that was left in it. One of the
...more
"The beauty, mystery, history and myths of Ireland are woven into a wondrous tapestry as Wiggs creates an unforgettable romance. Her tale has the glimmer of magic and the stuff of legends, and readers familiar with Irish history will glory in the storytelling while those new to the Emerald Isle are sure to be fascinated — drawn in by the strong characters, powerful and intricate plot and the dramatic historical backdrop" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
...more
Dec 01, 2014
Kaza
added it
While the book was well written and engaging, I didnt particularly like Wesley. He was a bit too smarmy for my tastes. It was hard for me to like someone who had delibrately lured many women into bed. In a time when their chastity meant everything.
In contrast to the selfless life Caitlin lived for her people, it seemed especially selfish.
When considering whether I like a book or not, I have to like the main characters.
In contrast to the selfless life Caitlin lived for her people, it seemed especially selfish.
When considering whether I like a book or not, I have to like the main characters.
One rule of thumb for writers is to tell the story mostly from the POV of the character who has the most to lose. I might agree with Wiggs that the primary pov character should be the hero here, but I felt like the same story told from the heroine's pov might've been far more emotionally powerful. Even so, I enjoyed the story enough to give it 4 stars.
...more
I did not really like this book. Wesley, did nothing but lie through the whole book. He lied about everything from their first meeting to the end. I couldn't feel any great respect for Cait as a result of her letting his lies go. He betrayed her over, and, over again. She was supposedly so strong, and, yet she showed no backbone at all throughout the book. I expected more from this author.
...more
This was a fun light romance to read...the sex scenes are predictably really cheesy which kind of ruined it for me, hence the two star rating. But I really liked the rest of it. Caitlin was such a feisty heroine and I was surprised by how much I liked Wesley! He really stood up and supported her in being an independent lady and I loved that about him.
This story wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I'm not sure how to really feel about it. It was just ok. Nothing special. I would consider it to be forgettable. I was disappointed to say the least.
** I received a copy from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *** ...more
** I received a copy from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *** ...more
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Susan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org
...more
Other books in the series
Women of War
(2 books)
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Susan Wiggs is the bestselling author of more than 50 books, including
Just Breathe
, 11 books in the beloved
Lakeshore Chronicles series
,...
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“You’re right. I have no heart because I lost it to you.”
—
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“His rough, cold hand grasped her chin. Her heart jolted as she gazed into his moss-gray eyes. “You owe me a forfeit,” he said. The breeze plucked at strands of his hair, curling them against his windburned cheeks. She jerked her head away. “Just what is it you want?” “I’ll have a kiss from you.” The breath left her chest in a rush. Inhaling slowly, she drew in the cold salt air. “That’s your forfeit?” “I declare to my soul, this is getting interesting,” whispered Aileen Breslin. “It’s an outrage,” Rory snapped. Caitlin challenged her prisoner with a furious stare. “I’d rather kiss a natterjack.” “You’ll have to settle for me instead.” In truth the request was modest enough. Yet her nerves rattled like dried reeds in the breeze. “Why?” His laughter flowed like warm mead from a crystal goblet. “Do you really have to ask?” “I’m asking.” “Because I want to know if the MacBride tastes like a woman, or a warrior.” Her face heated. “That’s absurd.” “It’s my request and my prerogative to be as absurd as I please. You knew the stakes. Will you have it said that the MacBride breaks her word?”
—
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