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Where Rowans Intertwine
After the death of her grandmother, young novice priestess and healer, Ceridwen, is faced with the daunting responsibility of ministering to her Celtic tribe, at a time when spiritual leadership is most needed. It is over two hundred years since Roman invaders attempted to annihilate the Druids on the shores of the Island of Mona (Anglesey in North Wales). Is now is the time for healing and forging a future from that hateful carnage? Is her attraction to a Roman surgeon, Marcus, a weakness, or her destiny? Dare she allow herself to be drawn into a relationship with him, now that she will be expected to mate at the sacred time of Beltane; and how can she steer her tribe away from its current chieftain, who usurps the nobility of Druid leadership in exchange for a reign of intimidation and terror? Their lives entwine and unfold in the setting of Mynydd Llwydiarth - the sacred mountain on the island of Mona. Charged with passing the secrets and wisdom of her Druid training down the generations through the female line, she questions why she cannot conceive a girl child. The true magic she comes to learn, as her life unfolds, is more about love and loyalty than ritual, more about justice than tribe. Interpreted as an allegory of the era we live in, where there are clashes of both culture and ideals, we can empathise with the process; but, for both Ceridwen and Marcus it is an agonizing spiritual journey of self searching and response to their times. ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’ is an historical novel which will interest those who enjoy a mystical tale, a spiritual quest, and a dip into the past. It will fascinate those interested in things Celtic, Roman or Pagan, and create an awakening to healing and life purpose.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 5, 2025
I was gifted Where Rowans Intertwine by a wise and thoughtful friend - someone both spiritual and deeply rooted in the herbalist tradition. They suggested it as a gateway to a more intuitive, connected way of living. What I found within its pages far exceeded that purpose.
Yes, the book can be a challenging read at first, with a richly detailed web of ancient names, places, and intertwined timelines. But once I immersed myself in its rhythm, I discovered an extraordinary story that is not only gripping but deeply meaningful. Margaret Grant’s narrative offers a rare blend of historical depth, emotional resonance, and spiritual insight.
Set against the backdrop of Druidic wisdom, Celtic tradition, and Roman intrusion, the book brings ancient Britain vividly to life. It weaves a compelling tale of Ceridwen - priestess, healer, and woman of immense courage - and those around her, as they navigate a world of constant change, sacrifice, and sacred duty.
What stood out most to me were the profound emotional and psychological threads running through the story: distant and unfulfilled love, the clash of personal desire against communal good, the horrors of abuse, the devastation of grief, and - most importantly - the ongoing journey of healing. Each of these elements is handled with sensitivity and wisdom, allowing the reader to reflect deeply on their own inner landscape.
I never expected a book I picked up for “educational” reasons to reignite my passion for reading, but it did. I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter unfolded with new complexity, new questions, and often, unexpected beauty. The ending was both satisfying and unpredictable—a rare balance in storytelling.
Finally, I want to thank Margaret Grant for her powerful and personal epilogue. Knowing this story emerged from such a deep, personal place made it all the more meaningful. Where Rowans Intertwine is not just a novel - it is a spiritual and emotional experience. I’m deeply grateful to have read it and will carry its lessons with me for a long time.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone open to a rich, layered journey through spirit, history, and the heart.
Yes, the book can be a challenging read at first, with a richly detailed web of ancient names, places, and intertwined timelines. But once I immersed myself in its rhythm, I discovered an extraordinary story that is not only gripping but deeply meaningful. Margaret Grant’s narrative offers a rare blend of historical depth, emotional resonance, and spiritual insight.
Set against the backdrop of Druidic wisdom, Celtic tradition, and Roman intrusion, the book brings ancient Britain vividly to life. It weaves a compelling tale of Ceridwen - priestess, healer, and woman of immense courage - and those around her, as they navigate a world of constant change, sacrifice, and sacred duty.
What stood out most to me were the profound emotional and psychological threads running through the story: distant and unfulfilled love, the clash of personal desire against communal good, the horrors of abuse, the devastation of grief, and - most importantly - the ongoing journey of healing. Each of these elements is handled with sensitivity and wisdom, allowing the reader to reflect deeply on their own inner landscape.
I never expected a book I picked up for “educational” reasons to reignite my passion for reading, but it did. I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter unfolded with new complexity, new questions, and often, unexpected beauty. The ending was both satisfying and unpredictable—a rare balance in storytelling.
Finally, I want to thank Margaret Grant for her powerful and personal epilogue. Knowing this story emerged from such a deep, personal place made it all the more meaningful. Where Rowans Intertwine is not just a novel - it is a spiritual and emotional experience. I’m deeply grateful to have read it and will carry its lessons with me for a long time.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone open to a rich, layered journey through spirit, history, and the heart.
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October 17, 2019Margaret Grant: ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’ Mynydd Llywdiarth Press, 2015
The book is set in the North Wales, Anglesey, circa 230 AD. In her preface Grant begins with an explanation about Welsh tribes and their beliefs on Mona (the Roman name for present day Anglesey), as well as that of the Roman occupiers of the period. In her list of characters she even explains how to pronounce the several Welsh names. Throughout her novel, Grant writes in a detailed way about Roman and Celtic life in the third century AD. both on Anglesey and at Chester, which enables you to develop an interest in these times. She knows what she’s writing about and that is very good to notice.
The main character is Ceridwen, a trainee priestess and healer of the Celtic Celwri, whose hate of Romans goes deep. She meets Marcus, a Roman surgeon from the great fortress at Segontium on the mainland, and from there on the story unfolds the adventures of these two people; their families; their friends and their enemies.
When their lives become inextricably involved, Ceridwen’s doubt about her dealings with the Romans rears its head. Nevertheless she is reminded of her grandfather’s prophecy: ‘When the noble bloods of Rome and Druid mingle, as the rowans intertwine, then peace and honour will come with us to dine.’ There’s your title.
I wasn’t quite so interested in the druid healings, rituals and prayers to the gods. But then, Margaret Grant practices Bahá’í prayers, meditation and Reiki healing, so you know where her interest comes from.
In her epilogue, Grant writes that, when she fell seriously ill, she took advantage of the time given to ‘research the novel that I had always wanted to write.’ You can sense that indeed it has been a book that needed to be written. I really enjoyed it, especially because I did Celtic studies myself in Holland, and found that Margaret Grant has done a good job.
Nicki Bullinga
The book is set in the North Wales, Anglesey, circa 230 AD. In her preface Grant begins with an explanation about Welsh tribes and their beliefs on Mona (the Roman name for present day Anglesey), as well as that of the Roman occupiers of the period. In her list of characters she even explains how to pronounce the several Welsh names. Throughout her novel, Grant writes in a detailed way about Roman and Celtic life in the third century AD. both on Anglesey and at Chester, which enables you to develop an interest in these times. She knows what she’s writing about and that is very good to notice.
The main character is Ceridwen, a trainee priestess and healer of the Celtic Celwri, whose hate of Romans goes deep. She meets Marcus, a Roman surgeon from the great fortress at Segontium on the mainland, and from there on the story unfolds the adventures of these two people; their families; their friends and their enemies.
When their lives become inextricably involved, Ceridwen’s doubt about her dealings with the Romans rears its head. Nevertheless she is reminded of her grandfather’s prophecy: ‘When the noble bloods of Rome and Druid mingle, as the rowans intertwine, then peace and honour will come with us to dine.’ There’s your title.
I wasn’t quite so interested in the druid healings, rituals and prayers to the gods. But then, Margaret Grant practices Bahá’í prayers, meditation and Reiki healing, so you know where her interest comes from.
In her epilogue, Grant writes that, when she fell seriously ill, she took advantage of the time given to ‘research the novel that I had always wanted to write.’ You can sense that indeed it has been a book that needed to be written. I really enjoyed it, especially because I did Celtic studies myself in Holland, and found that Margaret Grant has done a good job.
Nicki Bullinga
October 18, 2019
I see that I got this kindle book on Amazon in November 2015. It was free but I forget why I added it. Possibly it was on a list of Amazon specials and free ebooks, and I picked it up because it is set in North Wales and also refers to a period of Welsh history that interests me.
However as I read my way into the book, I confess I was not entirely gripped. The writing was fine but there was a fair amount of dialogue, and it was all a bit stiff. Some examples:
‘I have secret knowledge for you to cheer your heart, but promise you will not share it, or it may not come true.’
‘I promise! I promise! Come, Ceridwen. Do not keep this secret from me. Tell me before I burst!’
‘Well, my miserable, little brother looks as though he might come to the fest after all,’ smiled Ceridwen at his predictable change in demeanour.
‘I shall, if only you will tell me the secret.’
That passage also shows some curious comma placement - perhaps correct but it had me pausing where I did not need to - but that aside, that dialogue looks like people trying to talk in a way that sounds old fashioned, and it is entirely devoid of contractions found in speech in any age. All the way through it was “you will/you shall” not “you’ll” and “do not” instead of “don’t”, “have not” instead of “haven’t”. I don’t think I saw a single contraction in the work, but there was plenty of old fashioned language. There were even more obvious passages than that, where it felt like I was reading a victorian play rather than a modern novel.
This would be easily overlooked if the story was gripping, but actually this story was something of a slow burner. It had some excitement, some tension but it took a while to get to it.
The writer claimed to have researched the story extensively, and there was clear evidence that she had done so in various areas. She was clearly familiar with the territory the story was set in, but the setting of this story within Roman Britain did not really match with my perceptions of the period based on my own studies and reading.
The lead character, Ceridwen, worships a goddess (and curiously, the work capitalises gods and goddess throughout, even when not clearly speaking of one particular god or goddess). Romano-Celts had goddesses, but I found it very odd not to have the goddess named up front, but instead simply called the “Earth Mother”. That sounded very New Age, but not at all Romano-Celtic. Moreover the practice of religion does not at all match with what we know of Romano-Celtic practice.
Britain also seems much less cosmopolitan in this story than it would actually have been in the period. We know from excavations at Hadrian’s Wall among other places that there was a huge range of religious practice and worship, with gods from all over the Roman world finding followers and monuments. It was not just official Roman religion, Celtic religion and a forbidden cult of Christianity (as finds its way into this book), but rather a huge pantheon brought together by Roman soldiers who only rarely actually came from Rome.
There was also mention of “North Cymru” as a geographical area. A weird mixture of English and Welsh words that was not unusual in the writing, but was meaningless in the context. There was no concept of the geographical nation of Wales at the time. The Celts were British tribes and territories were named for the tribes that occupied them.
The religious aspects of the book were not terrible, but I wonder whether the story would have worked better in a mythical land rather than attempting to root this in actual history. It was good speculative stuff, but no history ever really looked quite like this.
This is self published fiction, and it is becoming clear that I am not a great fan of self published stuff, but this is not a bad example of it. The writing is competent, other than the oddities above, and the story is good, if not gripping. Your mileage may vary, and you will probably like it more if you do not know much about the setting.
However as I read my way into the book, I confess I was not entirely gripped. The writing was fine but there was a fair amount of dialogue, and it was all a bit stiff. Some examples:
‘I have secret knowledge for you to cheer your heart, but promise you will not share it, or it may not come true.’
‘I promise! I promise! Come, Ceridwen. Do not keep this secret from me. Tell me before I burst!’
‘Well, my miserable, little brother looks as though he might come to the fest after all,’ smiled Ceridwen at his predictable change in demeanour.
‘I shall, if only you will tell me the secret.’
That passage also shows some curious comma placement - perhaps correct but it had me pausing where I did not need to - but that aside, that dialogue looks like people trying to talk in a way that sounds old fashioned, and it is entirely devoid of contractions found in speech in any age. All the way through it was “you will/you shall” not “you’ll” and “do not” instead of “don’t”, “have not” instead of “haven’t”. I don’t think I saw a single contraction in the work, but there was plenty of old fashioned language. There were even more obvious passages than that, where it felt like I was reading a victorian play rather than a modern novel.
This would be easily overlooked if the story was gripping, but actually this story was something of a slow burner. It had some excitement, some tension but it took a while to get to it.
The writer claimed to have researched the story extensively, and there was clear evidence that she had done so in various areas. She was clearly familiar with the territory the story was set in, but the setting of this story within Roman Britain did not really match with my perceptions of the period based on my own studies and reading.
The lead character, Ceridwen, worships a goddess (and curiously, the work capitalises gods and goddess throughout, even when not clearly speaking of one particular god or goddess). Romano-Celts had goddesses, but I found it very odd not to have the goddess named up front, but instead simply called the “Earth Mother”. That sounded very New Age, but not at all Romano-Celtic. Moreover the practice of religion does not at all match with what we know of Romano-Celtic practice.
Britain also seems much less cosmopolitan in this story than it would actually have been in the period. We know from excavations at Hadrian’s Wall among other places that there was a huge range of religious practice and worship, with gods from all over the Roman world finding followers and monuments. It was not just official Roman religion, Celtic religion and a forbidden cult of Christianity (as finds its way into this book), but rather a huge pantheon brought together by Roman soldiers who only rarely actually came from Rome.
There was also mention of “North Cymru” as a geographical area. A weird mixture of English and Welsh words that was not unusual in the writing, but was meaningless in the context. There was no concept of the geographical nation of Wales at the time. The Celts were British tribes and territories were named for the tribes that occupied them.
The religious aspects of the book were not terrible, but I wonder whether the story would have worked better in a mythical land rather than attempting to root this in actual history. It was good speculative stuff, but no history ever really looked quite like this.
This is self published fiction, and it is becoming clear that I am not a great fan of self published stuff, but this is not a bad example of it. The writing is competent, other than the oddities above, and the story is good, if not gripping. Your mileage may vary, and you will probably like it more if you do not know much about the setting.
October 23, 2018
THE NOVEL I ALWAYS WANTED TO READ.
I loved writing this book and started over 20 years ago, but apart from a preface, an occasional exclamation mark and some semi colons, which, according to a member of the Historical Novel Society is VERY DATED, it seems bang up to date and relevant. There are so may parallels with today, even though it is set 2000 years ago. I have had to re-read it so many times as Book circles tend to invite me and I have to answer questions about writing it. I am always irritated at the thought of re-reading it as I have rarely read any novel more than once, but I find that once I have got into it again it is as though someone else wrote it and I become captivated by the characters and their dilemmas. When I was deciding what to write about, I wrote a list of all the ingredients I love about a novel and made sure I included them.
Here is what an Amazon customer, Lisa King thought:
A rare piece of well researched and truly thought provoking literature!
12 April 2016 By Lisa King Verified Purchase from Amazon.co.uk
This review is from: ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’ (Kindle Edition)
I’m very rarely moved to write reviews, but Margaret Grant’s novel has changed that. It’s now 3 days since I finished ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’, and I can’t stop thinking about Ceridwen, Marcus and Llew, and the many other characters beautifully brought to life by this talented and determined author.
I was captivated from the start by Margaret’s powerful descriptions of people and place, and found the character descriptions at the outset incredibly helpful in developing images of the people that I would come to know over the next few days. The guidance and teachings of Nanw as she prepared Ceridwen for her role as Priestess really struck a chord with me as an aspiring ‘hedge witch’, and I felt that much of the spiritual content of the book translates to the present day, showing us how we can all learn to accept and forgive even under the most trying of circumstances.
I have been filled with an incredible (and slightly puzzling) calmness of mind and spirit since reading this book as it has given me cause to reflect on my own internal conflicts.
Thank you, Margaret, for giving us such a wonderful piece of literature that will bear reading and re-reading for many years to come.
I loved writing this book and started over 20 years ago, but apart from a preface, an occasional exclamation mark and some semi colons, which, according to a member of the Historical Novel Society is VERY DATED, it seems bang up to date and relevant. There are so may parallels with today, even though it is set 2000 years ago. I have had to re-read it so many times as Book circles tend to invite me and I have to answer questions about writing it. I am always irritated at the thought of re-reading it as I have rarely read any novel more than once, but I find that once I have got into it again it is as though someone else wrote it and I become captivated by the characters and their dilemmas. When I was deciding what to write about, I wrote a list of all the ingredients I love about a novel and made sure I included them.
Here is what an Amazon customer, Lisa King thought:
A rare piece of well researched and truly thought provoking literature!
12 April 2016 By Lisa King Verified Purchase from Amazon.co.uk
This review is from: ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’ (Kindle Edition)
I’m very rarely moved to write reviews, but Margaret Grant’s novel has changed that. It’s now 3 days since I finished ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’, and I can’t stop thinking about Ceridwen, Marcus and Llew, and the many other characters beautifully brought to life by this talented and determined author.
I was captivated from the start by Margaret’s powerful descriptions of people and place, and found the character descriptions at the outset incredibly helpful in developing images of the people that I would come to know over the next few days. The guidance and teachings of Nanw as she prepared Ceridwen for her role as Priestess really struck a chord with me as an aspiring ‘hedge witch’, and I felt that much of the spiritual content of the book translates to the present day, showing us how we can all learn to accept and forgive even under the most trying of circumstances.
I have been filled with an incredible (and slightly puzzling) calmness of mind and spirit since reading this book as it has given me cause to reflect on my own internal conflicts.
Thank you, Margaret, for giving us such a wonderful piece of literature that will bear reading and re-reading for many years to come.
July 16, 2017
I don’t judge books by their cover, but whether or not I am transported into their world, forgetting the one I am in for at least as long as the story lasts and this book does that. The author has spun a world of complexity and richness that transport you back to the Roman occupation of the Celtic world. Her characters are not one-dimensional, good or bad, but rather are humans like the rest of us. An absolute pleasure to read.
October 13, 2017
As a Bahá'í, former Wiccan and fan of the Avalon series, I love your book so much! The plot is magically woven and the characters are genuine. I was touched by the themes of love, kindness etc. - a different time but the same human heart. I can't help thinking that Ceridwen was a real person who somehow managed to impart her story to you. If you ever decide to write a sequel, I will be over the moon!
March 29, 2017
I have just finished Where Rowans Intertwine. What a wonderful read. I enjoyed it on so many levels. It gave me a deeper understanding of Anglesey's past and reading it on Anglesey added to it's magic. One question, will there be a sequel? Hope so.
May 11, 2019
I bought my signed copy of ‘Where Rowans Intertwine’ from the author back in November 2018, but my first opportunity to read it has been during a restful two-week trip down the Danube River.
Margaret Grant’s imaginative writing has been an absolute joy to read, with its courageous lead characters from their rich traditions in the beautiful natural surroundings of Ynys Môn, the island's Welsh name for Anglesey. Her careful research explains life in simple dwellings and the Druid rituals that punctuated their calendar, during some of which adult liaisons were confirmed, and tribal leaders chosen.
The reader is also introduced to the Roman strongholds across the Menai Strait in northwest Wales which brought both helpful trade and threatening menace to the island inhabitants. The love that develops between the young Druid priestess and the Roman surgeon is embodied in the title of this book, though many elements threaten to uproot their ability to grow and flourish together. These latter keep the reader fully engaged throughout.
This book has taken me on a spiritual journey of my own and illuminated my recent footsteps through other lands where the Romans had also made their conquests - bringing the Eastern European stories of my journey into sharper focus. I was sad to leave the characters behind when I had finished.
Margaret Grant’s imaginative writing has been an absolute joy to read, with its courageous lead characters from their rich traditions in the beautiful natural surroundings of Ynys Môn, the island's Welsh name for Anglesey. Her careful research explains life in simple dwellings and the Druid rituals that punctuated their calendar, during some of which adult liaisons were confirmed, and tribal leaders chosen.
The reader is also introduced to the Roman strongholds across the Menai Strait in northwest Wales which brought both helpful trade and threatening menace to the island inhabitants. The love that develops between the young Druid priestess and the Roman surgeon is embodied in the title of this book, though many elements threaten to uproot their ability to grow and flourish together. These latter keep the reader fully engaged throughout.
This book has taken me on a spiritual journey of my own and illuminated my recent footsteps through other lands where the Romans had also made their conquests - bringing the Eastern European stories of my journey into sharper focus. I was sad to leave the characters behind when I had finished.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews