Maire

Fires of Gleannmara #1

by Linda Windsor

A fanciful, romantic tale of passion and faith that invites readers to the "God-graced mountains and plains" of Ireland. Maire, Gleannmara's warrior queen, finds her fierce heart is gentled when she takes a reformed mercenary—a Christian, no less—as hostage during a raid. At first she wonders what kind of God would make a fine warrior like Rowan of Emerys such a coward. But as she comes to know Rowan and witnesses the force of his beliefs, she learns that meekness and humility to the one true God are stronger than any blade of steel. And in the process, Maire discovers the transforming power of love and faith.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Christian Romance

364 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2000

About the author

Linda Windsor is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels, with more than a million books in print. Her most recent work includes Healer and Thief, the first two volumes in the Brides of Alba series, and the early Irish Celtic Fires of Gleannmara trilogy.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thought that comes to my mind after reading Maire is that this is not your typical Christian historical fiction book! I would venture a guess that the genre was not as popular when it was written as it is now, and boy, it has an intense heroine. She's going to claw, fight, and protect her beloved Gleannmara as its new queen...even if she has to take a husband sooner than she prefers while also keeping her guard up against the evil druid, Morlach.

Her husband, Rowan, is a loyal and dreamy hero with a devout faith in God - a faith that he is eager to share with Maire and her clan. Their homeland isn't familiar with the One True God, only pagan rituals and druids that have them steeped in superstitious lore. Rowan longs to be a priest, but suddenly finds himself a king.

Maire has everything - action, drama, and a steamy romance - all tied up in a pretty package that will have you glued to its pages! There is a lovely intro told from Ireland's perspective (Ireland is also known as Erin) that prepares you for some of the cultural language in the story. The first few chapters may take a bit of getting used to, but keep going - this is one worthwhile read!

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good strong Christian woman kicks butt type of book. A good one to read when you need to feel the strength of our female ancestors once again.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would've given this book a higher rating if I wasn't so hyped up for it. The synopsis completely drew me in and I was ready to love the book, but it honestly just fell a bit flat for me. I felt that there wasn't enough interaction between the two protagonists, so when they did have dialogue with each other, it felt a bit... awakward. However I think I might still try the second book depending on how I feel.

3 stars.

[Lila Diller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting historical romance about 5th century Ireland, after St. Patrick brought Christianity but while there were still druids from the old order. Maire (pronounced Moy-ra) is a young warrior queen trying to prove her worth. Rowan is a Christian convert trying to reform from his past history of anger and lust. In a solo battle of champions, Rowan offers to be her hostage—and husband—to prevent bloodshed.

Although they are technically married by Maire's druid (not Rowan's God-fearing priest), he refuses to satisfy his lustful desires with her, something that relieves but confuses her. There is too much focus on the physical attraction between them, too many references to sexual desires, for a Christian novel, in my opinion. I would classify this as steamy, suitable only for married women who have good control.

I did love the unique characters and the grand setting. But I didn't like all the mysticism and that the message of Jesus was interspersed with sacrifices to the sun god. I know it was probably true of that time, but the belief in magic was so prevalent as to make any contrivance of the author's “believable.”

Though the plot and pacing were excellent and kept me coming back from more, now that I've reached the end (a slightly unsatisfying one), I doubt that I will ever read this one again, which is why I dropped it from the 4 stars I might have given it.
I borrowed this book from the library.

[Zette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read too many books where the heroine is such a strong, dominant and almost manly character. If her personality were in any other setting, I don't think I would have been able to read the book and relate to the character. Because she was raised as the future queen, I could accept her demanding impatience and blunt, rude comments to everyone as what she was taught to be in order to rule her people. Linda Windsor did a good job at showing a softer, uncertain side to Maire's character when it came to love and relationships. Rowen was the perfect hero with strength, Godly character and gentleness. I enjoyed seeing how difficult it would have been to show the Celtic people about God and have them accept Him as the one true God when their world was so full of other gods and mysticism.

[Angela Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up several years ago on a whim because the cover intrigued me. Unfortunately this was around the same time that I was moving so this book kind of got lost in the shuffle and ended up in the back of my bookcase. While going through my bookcase, I rediscovered this book and finally read it. I have to say that this was one my favorite books pertaining to this era. Linda Windsor seems to capture the spirit of this time and does a terrific job of transferring those feelings to the reader. This book also has a strong plot and even stronger characters. I truly enjoyed reading this book a highly recommend it to readers.

This is the first book in Linda Windsor’s Fires of Gleannmara series, and I have to say that I will be searching for the remaining books.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maire is a good book for those times you really crave a passionate but clean and moral love story. The heroine Maire is a fierce and strong woman, raised to be a warrior queen of Gleannmara, who has yet to learn what it is to be a woman. She takes Rowan as a willing captive husband (gasp at the romantic twist) after raiding his land, and together they fight to free Gleannmara from the druid who would take Maire's throne by forcing her to marry him.

While I wouldn't rate this as an amazing read, it was a good escape. An engaging and passionate story of a people who learn to love and rely on the one true God. I liked it enough to read it again after sitting on my shelf for years after the first read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books which sat on my bookshelf for a long time. I'm not really into medievals or time periods even earlier (this is a5th century Ireland). Nor have I ever been an Irish buff. But I had just finished Jan Karon's Ireland book so this one sounded interesting. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, mainly because of an unlikeable heroine and the unfamiliarity with such an early period of Irish (and British Isles) history. But, Windsor is such a capable novelist that I was quickly swept into the story. Wonderful hero, great growth for the heroine and a realistic faith journey. I was captivated by the Irish history and now wish to read more about it. I look forward to reading the other two books in this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was great, however I am still stuck with the memory of Rowan talking about growing CORN in Ireland. WHAT?!?!?!?!? Oats or barley, yes, but CORN? um...
it's a great historical romance with a Christian bent... and it's also nice to read about a strong female character who is leading her people. Even though she is still young and inexperienced, she makes wise choices and seeks counsel often.

[Whitney O'Halek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too dramatic for me, and while the subject matter is interesting, it's also uncommon enough to need more in-text explanation than is given.

[Lovingkiwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Despite its' flaws, I enjoyed Maire thoroughly! It had me squealing and laughing like a ten-year-old. Really recommended!

[Carol Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Windsor knows her way around an opening. Chapter one hooked me completely.

I didn't care so much for the first person, island prologue. Maybe it's just me, but whenever I see the funny spelled words to indicate an Irish accent, I hear pirate speak, lol; I can't help it.

But the opening of chapter one was something else.

I loved the parallels of the story of Joseph, and that the character actually used illustrations of Joseph in parts of the novel.

Rowan was a very interesting, and real character. Maire on the other hand... She's interesting enough, but kinda hard to like, though I think a lot of that was on purpose in the early stages. She does grow on you, and like all Windsor novels I've read so far, the characters really develop-- seriously, Windsor's character development is ridiculous!

In all, this book was pretty great, and very addicting. Though not as good as The Brides Of Alba series.

I'd recommend to any fan of Celtic culture, or Christian stories, or just good reading.

[Alissa Peppo (bookstagrambyalissamorgan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating tale that sweeps you away to 5th century Ireland, this love story of a Celtic warrior queen and her Christian hostage-turned-husband captures the imagination. Taking place in a time where Christianity is spreading through the Emerald Isle like wildfire, these heroes face numerous trials in the fight against the evil of Druids to persevere for the sake of their people----and ultimately spread the light of the Gospel. Filled with both spiritual truth and a fiery romance, this book is a must-read for any lover of Christian fiction! I literally could not put this book down once I dove in-- as both a lover of Ireland and an avid reader of a well-written romance. This book will hold your attention to the very last page, so give it a try and disappear between the pages to a time of Kings and Queens, druids and priests, warriors and knights----all against the backdrop of ancient Ireland.

[Lexi Faith Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this. I got half way through and went to read some other stuff. I finally can back and finished and enjoyed it. I recently got married and this story about (at length) a Godly Marriage made me realize I have a few things to work on myself.
Maire is a firey spirited warrior learning to be a Queen and a woman. Not to mention learning to rely on and having faith in God. Also being summisive to her husband Rowan.
It was a hard pill to swallow, but in the best way possible.

[Lucee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. The synopsis was intriguing, and the character descriptions sounded promising, but once I got into the story itself, I found it to be a flat representation of the promised tale.

In all honesty, I probably should have put this book down and spared myself the disappointment, but I kept thinking it would get better. While it wasn't the right book for me, I hope it is right for someone out there! It wasn't exactly bad, but it wasn't memorable in any way.

[Anasthasia Brache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celtic Story

I really enjoyed this Celtic story. It transports you to another time and place. You meet a fierce woman who is a great warrior and the leader of her clan; and the would be priest that she takes as hostage and makes her husband. He goes willingly to keep peace between the clans. The developing story is one of finding the true God, peace and love. I loved it!

[Mindy G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

PB*
Valer and humility are good mates.
p. 79

The soul of his eyes was hidden to her, evasive as the real me of his words.
p. 102

A wise ruler will seek council. A king who reigns without council will be one without a kingdom.
p. 156

“Look, brother! Why don’t ye save that tongue for kissin’ another tree?”
p. 212

“Little in life is convenient, Marie, especially the important things.”
p. 230

[Kee · Rating 1 out of 5]

maybe the 20+ years since this publication have been a drastic societal change, but i noped right the fuck out of here as soon as we demanded a stereotype of a pagan celtic warrior woman submit to her lacklustre christian husband and she happily complied. uh huh. okay.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so lame I couldn't even finish it.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It gets a two because I liked reading about the traditions and land and times and culture of Ireland. But the story was really not worth my time.

[Ramon Remires · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer not to write a review in this case and in my star scale, I gave a high enough score.

[Hannah Hofstatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be very honest and say that I could not finish this book. I loved the characters and the storyline was good but the Author's writing style was just not for me. I'm sorry.

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on life on Erin's shores after St. Patrick.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Where to begin? To start with, this book is worth 10 stars! It's 1 of my all-time favorite books. Amusing banter between the two main characters made this a very fun read. I kinda forget who the villain was because the two of them were just so WOW. He had to sit down and eat popcorn because they took over the story.

[Autumn Maisy Raquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mother love's to read her book's lot. A fanciful, romantic tale of passion and faith to God

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story!

I am so glad I read this! Beautiful story, I enjoyed every second tot he very end!!! Can't wait to read the rest!

[Evie Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story, wonderfully written

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my type of book. It was just okay for me.

[English · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in Fifth Century Ireland (aka Erin) this was a great story of love, hope, forgiveness, and hope.
Rowan, a Romano- British warrior, vows to put down his sword forever after the horror of his final battle, to serve the One God as a priest. But when his settlement is threatened by the invading Scotti, led by the young queen Maire, he has to make a difficult choice.

When he finally agrees to return with Maire and her tribe to Ireland as her captive husband, he must face his demons, and struggle with against enemies within and without before he realises, that God has bought him to Erin for a purpose, to help lead the people form the darkness of Paganism, and vanquish their deadliest enemy...

My only concern with this book was the claim that some of the druids knew about the birth and passion of Christ, and believed in one God.
These assertions are based on various myths and legends often written centuries after the period in which they are set. Thus they do not constitute a reliable historical basis.

There is also some pervasive influence of an idea known as British Israelism which claims that the Celtic peoples of Britain are actually descended from the so called 'Lost' Tribes of Israel as so are actually Jewish by ancestry. This leads to the claim below- because Britain and Ireland had such strong connections with Israel Jesus went there, and supposedly accepted and embraced by the druids.

It is also claimed that the druids of Ireland never practised human sacrifice, and that most of them were nice, friendly people, really rather cute and cuddly in fact- in contrast to the horrid British druids who were evil.
Though this was allegedly because they were influenced by the Romans. The evidence found seems to refute these claims, which are based on nothing more than myths and perhaps a personal bias of the author.

The historical details relating to the period setting are generally good, but the above may be an issue for some readers as they were for me. Certainly one to be taken with a large helping of salt.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also posted on my blog at The Humble Book Nerd
http://humblebooknerd.wordpress.com/2...

A short review for a short book. I can count all the Christian fiction I’ve read on one hand, and Maire is hands-down the best. In fact, I’m actually going to keep a lookout for the other books in the series.

What does it have in its favor? Well, I’m a sucker for all things Irish, to start with, the medieval setting was right up my alley, the heroine was spirited and lively and the hero was noble and swoon-worthy, the story moved at a great pace, I could go on. The only problem I had was that the characters, while lively and interesting, didn’t quite jump off the page as I hoped they would. There was a spark, but not quite a fire.

The spirit of the book, however, carried it. Embracing new faith and finding both true love and God’s love is a tricky message to pull off. It can get preachy when not handled with care, and ideally the message should work hand in hand with the story. Neither should detract from the other, and in the best possible scenario each is a vehicle for the other. Linda Windsor pulled it off. The dawn of Christianity in Ireland made for an excellent setting, weaving the introduction of faith into the story so naturally I never second-guessed it. It was neither cheesy nor forced, and the individual elements came together to make a good story. Ms. Windsor’s take on free will versus God’s will was refreshing and her theme of accepting God and Christ was vivid without ramming it down the reader’s throat.

I would definitely recommend this one. It was exciting, romantic and touching, and I can see myself re-reading it in the future.