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The Maiden of Ireland
(Women of War #2)
by
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs sweeps readers away to the misty coast of Ireland in a story of magic, secrets and true love…
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 ...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 ...more
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Mass Market Paperback, 439 pages
Published
August 26th 2014
by Harlequin MIRA
(first published 1993)
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Start your review of The Maiden of Ireland
Originally published in 1993 as, "The Mist and the Magic" this is a newly revised version by the author.
I chose to listen to the audio version as a St. Patrick's Day treat ☘️ The narrator spoke in a beautiful and lyrical Irish accent that was music to my ears! 🇮🇪
I enjoy Historical Romances from time to time. The era and setting was riveting. In 1658 during Oliver Cromwell's reign in England a certain, John "Wesley" Hawkins is sentenced to hang. He is given an out by Cromwell that if he sails to ...more
I chose to listen to the audio version as a St. Patrick's Day treat ☘️ The narrator spoke in a beautiful and lyrical Irish accent that was music to my ears! 🇮🇪
I enjoy Historical Romances from time to time. The era and setting was riveting. In 1658 during Oliver Cromwell's reign in England a certain, John "Wesley" Hawkins is sentenced to hang. He is given an out by Cromwell that if he sails to ...more
"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
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
May 21, 2021
Karen Butman
added it
I am a bit mixed about this book. Although, I couldn't put it down because of the historical part, the romance was a bit sappy. Romance isn't my thing. But, the story was intriguing and inviting nonetheless. I like Susan Wiggs writing and will read more of hers. Whenever I learn about history, I do consider that a worthwhile endeavor. Would recommend. I did read the LP version so perhaps, the regular edition would have historical notes. I always appreciate those.
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Susan Wiggs is usually a good storyteller, but this was not a good story. I had to push myself to get through it, and I wish I had a nickel for every time she wrote how handsome Wesley was and how beautiful Caitlin was. She relied too much on sexual chemistry and not enough on plot or emotional depths, as in her later work. I read all of The Lakeshore Chronicles and especially liked "Snowfall at Willow Lake." Read that, or the entire chronicles but not this one.
...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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I couldn’t get into it. The story was predictable although the time period is fascinating. After 75 pages, I decided not to spend any more time on a book I had to force myself to get back to. Very disappointed. I usually like Susan Wiggs.
Didn’t really like either the hero or the heroine, Yet I had to keep reading, hence the 5 stars.
May 10, 2019
Jane Mercer
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
going-to-ebay
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.
Oct 04, 2021
Shirley
added it
Didn’t like
What a wonderful book and an even better ending! I would absolutely recommend this book!
“Better to die a martyr than to live a traitor.”
John Wesley Hawkins
John Wesley Hawkins
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
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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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