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Kieran, the proud king of Gleannmara, great-grandson of Queen Maire and King Rowan, was once rejected by Riona of Dromin. But this time the willful lady will have no choice. Kieran promised his dying best friend, her brother, to protect Riona as her lord and husband. She must give up her absurd dedication to a fickle God who lets the good die while the vile go unpunished. Kieran's sword and lifelong love is all she will need.
When Riona takes to heart three orphans, she begs God for guidance. What of her plans to join the church? Besides, how can she adopt a family without a husband? But when the arrogant Kieran of Gleannmara rides through the abbey gate, Riona cannot believe this is God's answer! She could never accept his swaggering arrogance--or his anger at God.
Kieran is framed for murder. Suddenly the prideful king becomes a fugitive, fleeing for his life. His only hope? The faith and wit of a would-be nun, her prodigal band of homeless waifs--and the very God he has so fiercely denounced.
These unlikely cohorts are joined in an adventure of faith, hope, and love--an adventure that, for Kieran, can have only one end: acquittal...or death.
When Riona takes to heart three orphans, she begs God for guidance. What of her plans to join the church? Besides, how can she adopt a family without a husband? But when the arrogant Kieran of Gleannmara rides through the abbey gate, Riona cannot believe this is God's answer! She could never accept his swaggering arrogance--or his anger at God.
Kieran is framed for murder. Suddenly the prideful king becomes a fugitive, fleeing for his life. His only hope? The faith and wit of a would-be nun, her prodigal band of homeless waifs--and the very God he has so fiercely denounced.
These unlikely cohorts are joined in an adventure of faith, hope, and love--an adventure that, for Kieran, can have only one end: acquittal...or death.
351 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2001
17 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Linda Windsor
39 books157 followersLinda 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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 26, 2019
I picked this book up an a thrift store. I initially had my doubts about the main character but it got better. It was an enjoyable read with a superb ending.
May 1, 2022
"God-graced mountains and plains" of Ireland.
December 11, 2016
3.5 stars
July 16, 2019
While this is the sequel to 1 of my favorite books, I couldn't stand the whiny main characters on babysitting duty.
January 26, 2017
Riona is a wonderful continuation of the Fire of Gleanmara story. Once again the story is rife with interesting historical tidbits, and I feel like I learned a lot about Irish culture during the time period, and also how Christianity fit into that culture. It was interesting to read this story after Maire, so I can see how times have changed and Christianity has spread in several generations.
To be honest, I started out not really enjoying the book, so I sort of dragged it out. I found Riona to be a stereotypical "strong Christian woman with a bad temper" that is often present in Christian romances. She was very preachy and "perfect", and yet very judgmental and irrational, responding to things without hearing the whole story. I frankly found her annoying for most of the book. Kieran was a little more interesting, as he was supposedly the typical hard-headed, battle loving, arrogant prince. I could relate to his personality and found myself siding with him in most of the conflicts. As the story progressed, I love how realistically he began to realize his faults, and how he tried to respond to situations more patiently and selflessly. It made me love him for his blundering, and how he showed his vulnerable side when he got things wrong. I grew to like Riona a little more as she too grew a little less proud and judgmental, but I didn't feel the same development in her character as Kieran.
As usual for these books, I found myself fighting back tears at the end of the novel - the climax was definitely not flat! I grew to love everyone, and love the way the author concluded the story. The story was interesting and I would definitely recommend it to others!
To be honest, I started out not really enjoying the book, so I sort of dragged it out. I found Riona to be a stereotypical "strong Christian woman with a bad temper" that is often present in Christian romances. She was very preachy and "perfect", and yet very judgmental and irrational, responding to things without hearing the whole story. I frankly found her annoying for most of the book. Kieran was a little more interesting, as he was supposedly the typical hard-headed, battle loving, arrogant prince. I could relate to his personality and found myself siding with him in most of the conflicts. As the story progressed, I love how realistically he began to realize his faults, and how he tried to respond to situations more patiently and selflessly. It made me love him for his blundering, and how he showed his vulnerable side when he got things wrong. I grew to like Riona a little more as she too grew a little less proud and judgmental, but I didn't feel the same development in her character as Kieran.
As usual for these books, I found myself fighting back tears at the end of the novel - the climax was definitely not flat! I grew to love everyone, and love the way the author concluded the story. The story was interesting and I would definitely recommend it to others!
March 23, 2017
I absolutely loved this book.
There was just something about these characters (and the story even though I've read it multiple times and have the plot nearly memorized) that grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I did not want to put it down.
Once again, miracles are present in this story and even an angel who takes the form of an invisible friend. (That's not really a spoiler...it's sort of hinted/guessed at throughout the book.) Once again I saw nothing out of place with the use of the supernatural. They definitely were intrigal to the plot rather than devices of deus ex machina.
A couple things kept me from giving the book five stars. One was Kiernan's conversion. I couldn't find the tipping point. That may have been my fault though for reading the book too fast. The second was the character Mebh. While I found most of her actions believable, I found it somewhat hard to believe that Riona would entrust the children to her car so soon after she had poisoned (albeit accidentally) Leila.
Besides this I found nothing wrong with the book and can't wait to read the third in the series.
There was just something about these characters (and the story even though I've read it multiple times and have the plot nearly memorized) that grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I did not want to put it down.
Once again, miracles are present in this story and even an angel who takes the form of an invisible friend. (That's not really a spoiler...it's sort of hinted/guessed at throughout the book.) Once again I saw nothing out of place with the use of the supernatural. They definitely were intrigal to the plot rather than devices of deus ex machina.
A couple things kept me from giving the book five stars. One was Kiernan's conversion. I couldn't find the tipping point. That may have been my fault though for reading the book too fast. The second was the character Mebh. While I found most of her actions believable, I found it somewhat hard to believe that Riona would entrust the children to her car so soon after she had poisoned (albeit accidentally) Leila.
Besides this I found nothing wrong with the book and can't wait to read the third in the series.
February 25, 2013
I love Linda Windsor's books. I always like the messages she has in her novel's and how she presents them. The characters in Riona are great and so realistic; with Kieran being so bull-headed when it comes to his belief in God and Riona's love for Kieran but being repulsed for the longest time at the thought/mention of marrying him.
I thought it was funny how anytime Riona was nice to Kieran he took that as pretty much her consent for marriage, and then she would get all mad and frusterated with him again. However, for some reason I didn't get into the romance very much. Don't get me wrong, it has a lot of romance in it and it was good, it just wasn't my favorite.
Also, at the end of the book I got a little confused. I wasn't sure why when Leila was being healed Riona and Kieran couldn't see what was happening but everyone else could. All in all, it was an okay read.
You can go to my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
I thought it was funny how anytime Riona was nice to Kieran he took that as pretty much her consent for marriage, and then she would get all mad and frusterated with him again. However, for some reason I didn't get into the romance very much. Don't get me wrong, it has a lot of romance in it and it was good, it just wasn't my favorite.
Also, at the end of the book I got a little confused. I wasn't sure why when Leila was being healed Riona and Kieran couldn't see what was happening but everyone else could. All in all, it was an okay read.
You can go to my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
January 20, 2024
According to Goodreads, I was surprised to see I'd already read this but I didn't remember it at all so it was like reading it for the first time. While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did Maire, it was still a great story. The historical aspect of the story alone made is a good read regardless of the storyline. Kieran and Riona were very frustrating characters with all their bickering, yet at the same time they were so endearing when they weren't fighting. As annoying as their flaws were, they made them human and further showcased how much they had changed and grown in their maturity and faith by story's end. The three orphans were adorable and so lovable! As with all Linda Windsor's books, Riona was filled with so many swoony moments and kisses! As well as with many impactful spiritual truths. I'm very much looking forward to reading the last book in the series but sad at the same time because it's nearly over....
August 3, 2014
A few generations after Maire and Rowan's story, Kieran and Riona have their story.
The strings of conspiracy flow from beginning to end, at Kieran's battle and then at Riona's abbey. When Kieran is accused of murdering the abbot, the priests, Riona, and three orphan children help him escape and get to King Aidan and the council regarding bards.
On the journey, children are rescued, people are killed in fights, hurt, and saved from being killed. The conspiracy is eventually revealed and the participants punished as they deserve.
Kieran has no use for the God that Riona serves, and that changes during the course of the book. Riona also believes that she is destined to be a "bride of Christ" but realizes that God may be calling her to be Kieran's wife; and both of them learn lessons on trusting God during the course of the story.
The strings of conspiracy flow from beginning to end, at Kieran's battle and then at Riona's abbey. When Kieran is accused of murdering the abbot, the priests, Riona, and three orphan children help him escape and get to King Aidan and the council regarding bards.
On the journey, children are rescued, people are killed in fights, hurt, and saved from being killed. The conspiracy is eventually revealed and the participants punished as they deserve.
Kieran has no use for the God that Riona serves, and that changes during the course of the book. Riona also believes that she is destined to be a "bride of Christ" but realizes that God may be calling her to be Kieran's wife; and both of them learn lessons on trusting God during the course of the story.
November 23, 2014
Riona is the second book in the Fires of Gleannmara trilogy. When her brother Heber lays dying on the battlefield, her foster brother Kieran makes an oath to marry Riona to protect her. Riona of course wants nothing to do with Kieran, though she is clearly attracted to him. She has already decided to join the church. Add in three orphans that she has fallen in love with and a wrongful murder charge, and you've got a story that will keep you riveted to the last page.
Everything I have read by Linda Windsor is simply wonderful. Her stories have romance, adventure and characters that are hard to resist or forget.
Everything I have read by Linda Windsor is simply wonderful. Her stories have romance, adventure and characters that are hard to resist or forget.
December 11, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were so real and I loved the journey of watching them grow! Kieran was so real, so utterly adorable, lovable and frustrating all at the same time. Neither he or Riona were cookie cutter characters. They and the orphans charmed me. The secondary characters were a joy rather than a chore. The adventure was fun and the story line intriguing. I loved everything about this book! That surprised me given I'm not really a fan of historical fiction. I'm so excited to read more from Linda Windsor.
February 15, 2014
Another delightful tale by Windsor! I have to admit that at first this story didn't quiet captivate me, as Book 1 did. However, further in the characters & story not only engaged me but had me chuckling at some points, grinning & clutching the book at others. Seeing as how I started it yesterday afternoon and stayed up to finish it last night (reading it not in one sitting but several), it obviously ended up making up for the slower start.
Windsor not only writes a good tale, but one peppered with solid truths to encourage you in your walk & faith. I can't wait to start Book 3!
Windsor not only writes a good tale, but one peppered with solid truths to encourage you in your walk & faith. I can't wait to start Book 3!
February 17, 2014
It took me even longer to get into this plot than that of the first novel of the trilogy, but then it eventually hooked me too, and I ended up liking it even better than Maire. I really enjoyed the character development in this historical Christian novel set in old Ireland.
January 28, 2016
The overall book was good, but there were a couple Biblical errors. Especially in talking about the washing of feet, names were given to people that did not have names in the Bible. Also, there was a section where they discovered a part that is important to the overall plot and it appears that part of the conversation is skipped and hard to follow.
November 4, 2013
Loved this book when I read it years ago and loved it when I read it again recently. This is the second in the series, The Fires of Gleanmarra. They are set in the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries during Britain's early years. Told against the backdrop of paganism, fueding lords and romance, they are absolutely outstanding and Windsor writes them like no other.
October 24, 2014
This book has a definite Roman Catholic slant with regards to the little bit of doctrine included in the story. However, I did enjoy the characters and the story line. It was difficult to get interested at the beginning, but once the story got going, it was a good read.
September 18, 2020
I dropped off at about the halfway mark because the plot was just a little slow for my tastes, and the babysitting duty plot just didn't interest me. I wasn't feeling a whole lot of connection between Riona and Kieran, so...I left this one unfinished.
April 8, 2008
This is a Christian romance novel set in the Celtic world. Which of course for those of you who know me is a weakness. Good writing, plot moves forward. All in all, an enjoyable read.
October 13, 2010
Engaging historical romance with a Christian basis. Very good read.
January 25, 2015
3.5 stars
This wasn't my favorite out of the series. Riona and Keiran weren't my favorite characters.
I'd say Marie was much better.
This wasn't my favorite out of the series. Riona and Keiran weren't my favorite characters.
I'd say Marie was much better.
October 27, 2010
Loved it. Exciting and original for a Christian book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews