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The Celtic Cross #1-4
The Fields of Bannockburn: A Novel of Christian Scotland from Its Origins to Independence
The quest is begun. Join Mary, Brad and Gareth as together they set forth on their mission, an adventure that entertwines past and present and that ultimately teaches them life-changing truths.
707 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
3 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Donna Fletcher Crow
67 books128 followersDonna Fletcher Crow loves to give books away. If you would like a copy of one of her best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates series, go to her website: http://www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
Donna is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England is her best-known work, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history.
Donna authors 3 mystery series: The best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates Vitorian true-crime series; The Monastery Murders; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense.
Donna and her husband have 4 adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an inveterate researcher and an enthusiastic gardener. You can see pictures of her research trips and her garden, learn more about her books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and read her blog at: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
Donna is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England is her best-known work, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history.
Donna authors 3 mystery series: The best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates Vitorian true-crime series; The Monastery Murders; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense.
Donna and her husband have 4 adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an inveterate researcher and an enthusiastic gardener. You can see pictures of her research trips and her garden, learn more about her books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and read her blog at: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 7, 2020
Combining both past and present, Donna Fletcher Crow writes a gripping tale of Scotland's history and how it bears on the present and future. I love this story, both the glimpses into the key moment's of Scotland's history and the relationship between Mary and Gareth as Mary's views on the world and religion begin to change.
October 8, 2013
This book follows the story of Scotland through four historic periods. It's divided into Four "Books" and really each section could be a novel of its own. Crow's previous historical epic, Glastonbury: The Novel of Christian England often had multiple characters in different generations coming on stage in each book. In this one, each book sticks to the same general set of characters and the approach really works well here.
The first book focuses on St. Colomba's arrival in Scotland in a sixth century dominated by Druids and how he begins a process of risking his life to spread the Christian faith in Scotland.
The second book takes us to the ninth century where viking raiders are menacing Scotland. Of course, it's not really Scotland as we know it today as the second begins with the Scots and Picts being separate people. Kenneth man Alpine is crowned king at Dalriada and wants to get neighbors to unite to repel the Vikings, but runs into complications, in particular a strong-willed sister who orders an assassination on his behalf and without his knowledge. This is probably my favorite section of the book as there's just so many twists and turns in this story and it ends with a story of the founding of Scotland.
The third book introduces us to St. Margaret who married King Malcolme of Scotland and really through her faithful life and faith changed the entire nation, in her care for the poor, work freeing slaves, and reforming the manners of the Scottish court. Crow's portrayal of Margaret is true to the Saintly label but also very human.
The final book takes us to the late 13th and early 4th century and the Scottish battle for Independence. We meet William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and other actors of the era in the war against Edward I. Wallace gained popularity through Mel Gibson's Braveheart and this book definitely painted a more historical picture. Perhaps, the biggest change is the accurate portrayal of the time and difficult involved in Robert the Bruce's victory. In the movie, it was a short time from Wallace's death to Bruce's victory. In The Field of Bannockburn, we learn the truth that it was nine long years.
The fourth book also uses a character Jamie as the Point of View character. Jamie begins thirsty for English blood, only to be crippled at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and then become a chronicler for both Wallace and Bruce which puts him in great position to find out what's going on. Of course, his struggle against dark impulses of vengeance.
The book also had a framing story which involved a group of students, one an American girl with a hard decision about her future, as she struggled with questions of truth and faith. The framing story was probably one of the most difficult part of the book as there was limited space to developing the characters and it was kind of hard to follow with 120-150 pages between installments. Still, it did serve some good use as a framing story in allowing us to learn information that would be relevant to people today such as when one of the modern Scots explains how the Declaration of Arborath had on our Declaration of Independence.
It also shows the power of history to challenge us. Sadly, we have a lot of amnesia about our past, both as a nation and as a world. We've forgotten a lot of great and noble people who came before us and served as faithful examples. This book gives the opportunity to remember at least five historical figures who challenge and inspire us.
The first book focuses on St. Colomba's arrival in Scotland in a sixth century dominated by Druids and how he begins a process of risking his life to spread the Christian faith in Scotland.
The second book takes us to the ninth century where viking raiders are menacing Scotland. Of course, it's not really Scotland as we know it today as the second begins with the Scots and Picts being separate people. Kenneth man Alpine is crowned king at Dalriada and wants to get neighbors to unite to repel the Vikings, but runs into complications, in particular a strong-willed sister who orders an assassination on his behalf and without his knowledge. This is probably my favorite section of the book as there's just so many twists and turns in this story and it ends with a story of the founding of Scotland.
The third book introduces us to St. Margaret who married King Malcolme of Scotland and really through her faithful life and faith changed the entire nation, in her care for the poor, work freeing slaves, and reforming the manners of the Scottish court. Crow's portrayal of Margaret is true to the Saintly label but also very human.
The final book takes us to the late 13th and early 4th century and the Scottish battle for Independence. We meet William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and other actors of the era in the war against Edward I. Wallace gained popularity through Mel Gibson's Braveheart and this book definitely painted a more historical picture. Perhaps, the biggest change is the accurate portrayal of the time and difficult involved in Robert the Bruce's victory. In the movie, it was a short time from Wallace's death to Bruce's victory. In The Field of Bannockburn, we learn the truth that it was nine long years.
The fourth book also uses a character Jamie as the Point of View character. Jamie begins thirsty for English blood, only to be crippled at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and then become a chronicler for both Wallace and Bruce which puts him in great position to find out what's going on. Of course, his struggle against dark impulses of vengeance.
The book also had a framing story which involved a group of students, one an American girl with a hard decision about her future, as she struggled with questions of truth and faith. The framing story was probably one of the most difficult part of the book as there was limited space to developing the characters and it was kind of hard to follow with 120-150 pages between installments. Still, it did serve some good use as a framing story in allowing us to learn information that would be relevant to people today such as when one of the modern Scots explains how the Declaration of Arborath had on our Declaration of Independence.
It also shows the power of history to challenge us. Sadly, we have a lot of amnesia about our past, both as a nation and as a world. We've forgotten a lot of great and noble people who came before us and served as faithful examples. This book gives the opportunity to remember at least five historical figures who challenge and inspire us.
August 10, 2010
I do not rate too many books as 5***** but this is one of them. From the first few chapters, I was mesmerized by the stories of Chriatian scotland being spun by a sennachie(Scottish story teller) and also the other sotry intertwined within about a young American girl who travels to visit Scotland and visit a cousin before she gets married. The book is divided into four sections, book one, (6th cent) beginning with the early Christian saints, St.Ninian, St. Mungo(Kentigern) and St. Columba who helped Christianize early Scotland. The majority of this section is about St. Columba, and his story is fascinating as it details his move from Ireland at the behest of the Lord to Christianize pagan Scotland. His deep faith and love which develops for his adopted lang is beautifully told in this section which documents several of his miracles as well as his conversion of a very stubborn pagan king, Brude, in Alba, and how his druid priest also becomes a Christian.
In between each section it goes back to Mary, her cousin Brad, and Brad's friend gareth, as they travel through Scotland and hear the stories from Ahmish, a sennachie who accompanies them. Book two( 9th Cent.) tells of the Viking invasions and is devoted to kennith Mac Alpin, who is one of the early kings in Scotland. He united the Picts and Scots and began the joining together which would eventually become a country.
Book three tells of the Conquer of England by William in 1066, and how the royal family flees to Scotland to escape him. Margaret, who is to become Queen, marries Malcolm III. She is a very saintly woman who works with the poor and convinces her husband to help with her work. He loves her, and while he balks at first, he soon becomes her champion andworks with her to help the poor in the land. Margaret becomes the first saint of Scotland in the Roman church. It ends with their son, David becoming king.
Book 4 tells of William Wallace(of Braveheart fame)and his struggle to kepp Scotland as a country and rid it of the English who seek to conquer her. It tells of his battles, and his final execution in the Tower in London. It also tells of the cruelty of English King Edward to scotland and his efforts to destroy any scottish nationalism. Robert the bruch becomes king, and it is he who begins the work of uniting clans in Scotland to combine under one banner, the Saltire, and one country, Scotland. After several defeats, he finally routs the English at Bannickburn, and signs the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 with England.
Interwoven in each book in a minor love story, which is very enjoyable and gives a matter of peace amongst all of the battles. I love the ending, the final part of Mary's trip to Scotland, but will not spoil it for anyone.
For anyone who loves Historical novels, Christian Historical Novels, and Scotland. VERY highly recommended.
In between each section it goes back to Mary, her cousin Brad, and Brad's friend gareth, as they travel through Scotland and hear the stories from Ahmish, a sennachie who accompanies them. Book two( 9th Cent.) tells of the Viking invasions and is devoted to kennith Mac Alpin, who is one of the early kings in Scotland. He united the Picts and Scots and began the joining together which would eventually become a country.
Book three tells of the Conquer of England by William in 1066, and how the royal family flees to Scotland to escape him. Margaret, who is to become Queen, marries Malcolm III. She is a very saintly woman who works with the poor and convinces her husband to help with her work. He loves her, and while he balks at first, he soon becomes her champion andworks with her to help the poor in the land. Margaret becomes the first saint of Scotland in the Roman church. It ends with their son, David becoming king.
Book 4 tells of William Wallace(of Braveheart fame)and his struggle to kepp Scotland as a country and rid it of the English who seek to conquer her. It tells of his battles, and his final execution in the Tower in London. It also tells of the cruelty of English King Edward to scotland and his efforts to destroy any scottish nationalism. Robert the bruch becomes king, and it is he who begins the work of uniting clans in Scotland to combine under one banner, the Saltire, and one country, Scotland. After several defeats, he finally routs the English at Bannickburn, and signs the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 with England.
Interwoven in each book in a minor love story, which is very enjoyable and gives a matter of peace amongst all of the battles. I love the ending, the final part of Mary's trip to Scotland, but will not spoil it for anyone.
For anyone who loves Historical novels, Christian Historical Novels, and Scotland. VERY highly recommended.
April 11, 2021
I'm sorry....175 pages into this book and I dread picking it up.
I now know that "sweeping saga" translates to--this book is dull and the author chose to highlight insignificant and boring details.
Another writer who gives "Christian Author" a bad name.
Why did I read so far beyond my usual 50 page test? Because I really would like to read some historical fiction about Great Britain/Rise of Christianity during the Dark Ages. The writer wants to write about it, but it was so poorly done that I had to stop myself. I'll find my information another way.
I now know that "sweeping saga" translates to--this book is dull and the author chose to highlight insignificant and boring details.
Another writer who gives "Christian Author" a bad name.
Why did I read so far beyond my usual 50 page test? Because I really would like to read some historical fiction about Great Britain/Rise of Christianity during the Dark Ages. The writer wants to write about it, but it was so poorly done that I had to stop myself. I'll find my information another way.
August 3, 2015
I love Christian historical fiction. I am really enjoying this book so far.
This book was awesome! It was more historical than fiction, which means I learned so much about Scottish history. Loved it!
This book was awesome! It was more historical than fiction, which means I learned so much about Scottish history. Loved it!
May 21, 2010
I have learned so much of Scottland that I never knew before. Her descriptions of the countryside makes me want to visit the land of my ancestors.
March 18, 2015
So far, so good. Will update upon completion.
I forgot to update, but finished it sometime ago. Awesome!
I forgot to update, but finished it sometime ago. Awesome!
March 21, 2012
If you love Scotland - and you love history - you will love this book.
Very well written.
Very well written.
February 21, 2014
I love how long these books are and how the author takes the time to really get into the story. It was great, and I learned so much about the history of Christianity in Scotland!
June 13, 2023
A great book that takes you through Scottish history, paralled with three young people in the 1990s travelling Scotland. Having travelled to the places mentioned it brought them alive.
July 22, 2016
I really liked this book. Learned a lot about Scottish history and the historical fiction was wrapped in a charming little current day love story.
September 27, 2008
What a history there is from my ancestors that is just awesome to learn about.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews