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Celtic Cross #1
Celtic Cross
~ A Christian Historical/Western Romance Shot…Bleeding…Barely Conscious… She’s Dying! A stranger arrives on the Donovan ranch one breath away from dead. Matt Donovan doesn't hesitate to help, despite her unknown past.Who is she? Will the man who shot her come riding down the trail after her, shattering peaceful Glenpark, Colorado? When Cristeen wakes, one thought haunts her day and trust no one. Matt fears Cristeen’s fierce independence will lead to tragedy. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it is too late? Can Cristeen overcome her belief that loving can only bring heartache? Then a madman bent on revenge tracks her down. Matt cannot rescue Cristeen this time. Only the Lord can save her now—if she has enough faith to trust. Sometimes you have to forget who you are to become who you're meant to be.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2003
159 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Doherty
6 books32 followersI've always loved writing but didn't get serious about it until 2001. That's when I began writing my first novel, Celtic Cross, an Inspirational Western Romance. Celtic Cross tells the story of Cristeen; I followed it with her sister's story in Claddaugh. The third book in this series, Celtic Knot is my favorite. All three books are set in Colorado in the late 1800's.
After writing three historical novels, I've switched gears and now write romantic suspense. The first, currently titled She's Mine, is set in a small town in central Massachusetts. They say write what you know, so I did! She's Mine is available in all eBook formats and also in print. I am currently working on the next novel in the Mystique of Naultag series.
I love hearing from my readers. The best place to connect with me is on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TammyDoherty... You can also check out my website
After writing three historical novels, I've switched gears and now write romantic suspense. The first, currently titled She's Mine, is set in a small town in central Massachusetts. They say write what you know, so I did! She's Mine is available in all eBook formats and also in print. I am currently working on the next novel in the Mystique of Naultag series.
I love hearing from my readers. The best place to connect with me is on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TammyDoherty... You can also check out my website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 22, 2017
It has been a while, but I remember liking this book enough to re-read parts of it. A good Christian novel. But I docked it a few stars because of content.
*Does Contain some content not suitable for younger people. Recommended for ages 16+ because of
*Does Contain some content not suitable for younger people. Recommended for ages 16+ because of
July 5, 2012
It isn't very often that I read a self-published book and find the story so good that I wonder why the author chose that route, but that is exactly what I thought with Celtic Cross by Tammy Doherty.
This is a book worthy of Bethany House and if they don't snatch this author up soon they will be missing out on an incredible talent. The only thing this book could have used was better formatting. Something a publishing house would have caught.
The story centers around Cristeen Latham, who arrives on Matt Donovan's ranch on the back of her horse, barely alive. From her injuries, Matt can see that she was shot three times and strangled. Who had done this to her and would they be the next one coming down the trail onto his ranch?
When Cristeen awakes, she remembers nothing. Her name, written in a book found in her saddle bag is the only evidence of who she is. As she recovers from her injuries, Matt gets to know her and discovers that while she is fiercely independent, she is also someone who is in need of love and who needs to learn to trust someone. As he begins to fall in love with her he tries to direct her attention to God and trusting in Him, at the same time, he is hoping that Cristeen will trust him as well. But will Cristeen's ordeal allow her to ever trust anyone again?
This is a book you want to pick up and will enjoy! I guarantee it. It has romance, adventure, suspense and a wonderful theme of trusting in God.
This is a book worthy of Bethany House and if they don't snatch this author up soon they will be missing out on an incredible talent. The only thing this book could have used was better formatting. Something a publishing house would have caught.
The story centers around Cristeen Latham, who arrives on Matt Donovan's ranch on the back of her horse, barely alive. From her injuries, Matt can see that she was shot three times and strangled. Who had done this to her and would they be the next one coming down the trail onto his ranch?
When Cristeen awakes, she remembers nothing. Her name, written in a book found in her saddle bag is the only evidence of who she is. As she recovers from her injuries, Matt gets to know her and discovers that while she is fiercely independent, she is also someone who is in need of love and who needs to learn to trust someone. As he begins to fall in love with her he tries to direct her attention to God and trusting in Him, at the same time, he is hoping that Cristeen will trust him as well. But will Cristeen's ordeal allow her to ever trust anyone again?
This is a book you want to pick up and will enjoy! I guarantee it. It has romance, adventure, suspense and a wonderful theme of trusting in God.
July 31, 2017
Beautiful story!
Kidnapping, dangerous outlaws and a beautiful love story unfolds in this well written and spellbinding story. Matt and Christeen meet under very difficult circumstances when she shoes up on his ranch having been shot. A definite must read for anyone who craves a beautiful clean love story.
Kidnapping, dangerous outlaws and a beautiful love story unfolds in this well written and spellbinding story. Matt and Christeen meet under very difficult circumstances when she shoes up on his ranch having been shot. A definite must read for anyone who craves a beautiful clean love story.
November 16, 2014
There are three books (so far) in this series....all are related to some degree, but are stand alone books.
I soooooo wanted to really like these books, especially with the titles sounding so Celtic, hoping for more of an old Irish theme. You can totally ignore the titles. The only thing "Celtic" about any of them is that, in this book, Cristeen speaks to horses in Celtic. Horse whisperer. But it's not much of a focus and you only see her do it once. Like a quick addition to make the title credible. There's also a (very) minor Claddaugh legend and piece of jewelry in "Claddaugh".
I actually felt duped. They are Western mysteries, not Irish. Should have paid attention to reviews, which ordinarily I do. "I couldn't put it down" sucked me in.
Started with Celtic Cross, which is a necklace..disappointing right there, as it seems the only significance of this necklace is Cristeen plays with it when she's nervous. Ugh!
Cristeen is found by a ranching family, tied to her horse, unconscious, badly beaten and shot. In her recovery we find she has amnesia. As she's remembering things she realizes she's ashamed of her past and refuses to tell the family things about herself, but in her thoughts the reader finds out.
Never does she mention family other than her now deceased father, who turned less than lawful after her mother dies. As the story gets a bit dull it turns a corner when a new character is introduced miles away in Denver. Never is a sister nor aunt and uncle mentioned, nor does she ask her host family to get in touch with them. It's like the author suddenly thought she needed more to the plot and threw in these people and brought in background making the sister part of how she ended up beaten and shot.
Not only that, there's a so called brother and unofficially adopted mother never mentioned in this book who are prominent in the other two books. In reading the others, I was thinking..."What?? Where did they come from?"
The stories were a bit disjointed, lacking a well thought natural flow.
I don't know, I guess I've read so many REALLY good books that I can no longer rate simply OKAY books as a 4 or 5.
I bought all three books at once because of the covers and the hopes for an Irish story line. Some of the reviews were good, so I went into the series with high hopes.
Disappointed.
I soooooo wanted to really like these books, especially with the titles sounding so Celtic, hoping for more of an old Irish theme. You can totally ignore the titles. The only thing "Celtic" about any of them is that, in this book, Cristeen speaks to horses in Celtic. Horse whisperer. But it's not much of a focus and you only see her do it once. Like a quick addition to make the title credible. There's also a (very) minor Claddaugh legend and piece of jewelry in "Claddaugh".
I actually felt duped. They are Western mysteries, not Irish. Should have paid attention to reviews, which ordinarily I do. "I couldn't put it down" sucked me in.
Started with Celtic Cross, which is a necklace..disappointing right there, as it seems the only significance of this necklace is Cristeen plays with it when she's nervous. Ugh!
Cristeen is found by a ranching family, tied to her horse, unconscious, badly beaten and shot. In her recovery we find she has amnesia. As she's remembering things she realizes she's ashamed of her past and refuses to tell the family things about herself, but in her thoughts the reader finds out.
Never does she mention family other than her now deceased father, who turned less than lawful after her mother dies. As the story gets a bit dull it turns a corner when a new character is introduced miles away in Denver. Never is a sister nor aunt and uncle mentioned, nor does she ask her host family to get in touch with them. It's like the author suddenly thought she needed more to the plot and threw in these people and brought in background making the sister part of how she ended up beaten and shot.
Not only that, there's a so called brother and unofficially adopted mother never mentioned in this book who are prominent in the other two books. In reading the others, I was thinking..."What?? Where did they come from?"
The stories were a bit disjointed, lacking a well thought natural flow.
I don't know, I guess I've read so many REALLY good books that I can no longer rate simply OKAY books as a 4 or 5.
I bought all three books at once because of the covers and the hopes for an Irish story line. Some of the reviews were good, so I went into the series with high hopes.
Disappointed.
May 3, 2013
In Celtic Cross by author Tammy Doherty, Cristeen Latham arrives at the Donovan ranch just barely alive. Suffering from multiple gun shot wounds, a broken leg and other injuries, she also suffers from temporary amnesia brought on by the trauma. She is nursed back to health by Matt Donovan and his sister Katie and gradually learns to trust again - in both God and man. Love also begins to grow, but evil forces from the past are not quite ready to let Cristeen go. This historical novel has plenty of intrigue and inner turmoil, balanced with sweet romance and heart warming scenes.
March 22, 2015
Really good book!!
I bought the book because I was interested in the link to the Celtic Cross and though it wasn't what I thought it would be it was an underlying link that created the timeline and the history of the character and added depth to the characters. I was not disappointed in the book and in fact really liked it. I loved the combination of western, Celtic, and the story of faith in God that creates a great and easy read that draws you in and keeps you entangled to the very end. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I bought the book because I was interested in the link to the Celtic Cross and though it wasn't what I thought it would be it was an underlying link that created the timeline and the history of the character and added depth to the characters. I was not disappointed in the book and in fact really liked it. I loved the combination of western, Celtic, and the story of faith in God that creates a great and easy read that draws you in and keeps you entangled to the very end. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
October 19, 2019
A story that will keep the reader interested in the lives of the people until the end of the book.
The author is very honest in her portrayals of the two main characters and. I was also interested how she was going to resolve this story and wrap it all up.
Tammy Doherty did it beautifully. By the way, the reader just might learn a few little things , too.
The author is very honest in her portrayals of the two main characters and. I was also interested how she was going to resolve this story and wrap it all up.
Tammy Doherty did it beautifully. By the way, the reader just might learn a few little things , too.
February 7, 2015
Celtic cross
Well written author captors your attention in the first pages. I enjoyed this book and will certainly recommend it. With each twist and turn you will not be able to put it down.
Well written author captors your attention in the first pages. I enjoyed this book and will certainly recommend it. With each twist and turn you will not be able to put it down.
February 13, 2015
This book is very good. Highly entertaining. Some religion but not so much as to take away from the plot. Just the right amount and adds to the intrigue. Very well done. I seldom give this many stars and read quite avidly. Impressive writing.
April 28, 2015
I haven't read this author before, but I will again. This was a such a pure, simple but deep, love story. I fell in love with the relationship between Matt and Christeen. I adored all the other characters as well. I was sad when the book ended because I really enjoyed it.
August 25, 2019
Excellent
I loved this story. I was needing a victorious love story. The struggles the characters shared and overcame were relatable. The western details and believable scenes took me inside the adventure. I’m looking forward to reading more!
I loved this story. I was needing a victorious love story. The struggles the characters shared and overcame were relatable. The western details and believable scenes took me inside the adventure. I’m looking forward to reading more!
February 12, 2015
Celtic Cross by Tammy Doherty
Excellent ebook and I would recommend this ebook to one all. I look forward to reading more from this author
Excellent ebook and I would recommend this ebook to one all. I look forward to reading more from this author
May 13, 2015
Great cozy read - loved the characters and their quirks. Great suspense and romance.
March 12, 2017
Deb’s Dozen: Wounded Woman Rides onto Donovan Ranch. Amnesia. Only Memory? Trust No One.
Matt Donovan is surveying his ranch when he sees a stranger on a horse riding toward him. Whistling the horse to him, he is started to see the rider is a woman, gravely wounded. Summoning help, never once considering not coming to her aid, Matt starts a trail that will lead from the ranch to Glenpark, Colorado, and its sheriff to murder and a family.
They call her Cristeen, a name they find in a letter stuffed in a book in her saddlebags. She is delirious for days, but the doctor says she’ll live even though she’s lost a lot of blood. But how was she wounded and where does she come from? When she rouses a bit, and Matt introduces himself, her first question is, “Do you know who I am?”
As she mends, one thing Matt figures out quickly is that Cristeen is fiercely independent and has a great facility for working with horses. As she heals, he comes to care for her more deeply. In the meantime, the sheriff in Glenpark is investigating a death at a campsite not too far from town. Are they related—Cristeen’s wounds and the man’s death. What caused this situation? Who is Cristeen?
This is a delightful western romance with lovable characters and situations fraught with danger and doubt. I enjoyed Cristeen and Matt’s story–you will too. 4 Stars.
Tammy Doherty lives in New England on a small farm and her day job is that of a customer service representative for a veterinary supply company. She dreams of continuing her writing and bringing glory to her Lord.
The author gave me a copy of Celtic Cross, and I also purchased the Kindle version in 2015, but I was in no way obligated to write a favorable review.
Matt Donovan is surveying his ranch when he sees a stranger on a horse riding toward him. Whistling the horse to him, he is started to see the rider is a woman, gravely wounded. Summoning help, never once considering not coming to her aid, Matt starts a trail that will lead from the ranch to Glenpark, Colorado, and its sheriff to murder and a family.
They call her Cristeen, a name they find in a letter stuffed in a book in her saddlebags. She is delirious for days, but the doctor says she’ll live even though she’s lost a lot of blood. But how was she wounded and where does she come from? When she rouses a bit, and Matt introduces himself, her first question is, “Do you know who I am?”
As she mends, one thing Matt figures out quickly is that Cristeen is fiercely independent and has a great facility for working with horses. As she heals, he comes to care for her more deeply. In the meantime, the sheriff in Glenpark is investigating a death at a campsite not too far from town. Are they related—Cristeen’s wounds and the man’s death. What caused this situation? Who is Cristeen?
This is a delightful western romance with lovable characters and situations fraught with danger and doubt. I enjoyed Cristeen and Matt’s story–you will too. 4 Stars.
Tammy Doherty lives in New England on a small farm and her day job is that of a customer service representative for a veterinary supply company. She dreams of continuing her writing and bringing glory to her Lord.
The author gave me a copy of Celtic Cross, and I also purchased the Kindle version in 2015, but I was in no way obligated to write a favorable review.
August 23, 2019
Loved the enticing title and cover to this historical Christian western mystery/romance novel. The aspect of memory loss added to the mystery which was a unique plot from many of the other novels of the same genre. Much emotional drama involved. Matt (main character) could have been nominated for sainthood. Despite Cristine overcoming trauma, she varied from independent and capable to childish (would eliminate the word giggle which gave that perspective). Some of their dialogue was excessive and nonsensical at times. Otherwise, overall enjoyed this novel and its uniqueness.
August 26, 2017
A nice clean western romance set in the mountains of Colorado. Parts of the book were a little long winded and full of angst for me, but overall, a fairly entertaining story.
I should mention that this book does contain some rather graphic violence which some readers may be turned off by.
I should mention that this book does contain some rather graphic violence which some readers may be turned off by.
August 23, 2020
This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. Amazing job! It's a beautiful story and if you love romance this book is definitely a must read!
April 12, 2018
Awesome
What and awesome book, the heroine is very head strong and independent, but when she meets her hero she has meet her match.
What and awesome book, the heroine is very head strong and independent, but when she meets her hero she has meet her match.
October 22, 2018
This was a very interesting Christian fiction book. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and what happened to them.
Read
January 15, 2022Yet another 2022 DNF. Decently strong start only for a whole lot of nothing to happen for too long
October 30, 2024
Good book!
This book keeps your attention, as you get to know the characters and read of their adventure.
It's a good book.
This book keeps your attention, as you get to know the characters and read of their adventure.
It's a good book.
November 30, 2024
Wonderfully worded, both captivating and descriptive.
January 6, 2015
I must confess I was reluctant to pick up this book because of the title, but I needn't have hesitated. Cristeen rarely speaks Celtic, just a couple occasions, but the title comes from her constant fiddling of a Celtic cross, a gift from her mother. Fiercely independent but lacking self-esteem, she grew up trying to be the son her father wanted and is more comfortable in the barn hanging out with the horses than inside a kitchen. Matt Donovan watched his mother wilt and die on the ranch and vowed never to marry a woman who didn't love the secluded ranch life as much as he did.
I enjoyed the unusual way the author segued into new chapters, and that this was a love story from beginning to end. But while Matt and Cristeen are drawn to each other, both must overcome internal obstacles.
"I can hire a housekeeper. That's not what I was looking for. I want a 'heart-keeper.'" ~Matt
Don't you just love that? I appreciated the gentle faith thread weaved in this sweet romance. In some areas, head-hopping had me a little confused, but overall, Celtic Cross kept me turning pages because I cared about the characters and wanted them to have their happily-ever-after.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of Celtic Cross. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.
I enjoyed the unusual way the author segued into new chapters, and that this was a love story from beginning to end. But while Matt and Cristeen are drawn to each other, both must overcome internal obstacles.
"I can hire a housekeeper. That's not what I was looking for. I want a 'heart-keeper.'" ~Matt
Don't you just love that? I appreciated the gentle faith thread weaved in this sweet romance. In some areas, head-hopping had me a little confused, but overall, Celtic Cross kept me turning pages because I cared about the characters and wanted them to have their happily-ever-after.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of Celtic Cross. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.
August 26, 2015
This book started out with gripping detail and excellent writing. The drama of the opening chapters was presented in a concise and readable chronology. However, there were a few distracting elements later in the story that dropped my rating to 3 stars. At one point, Cristeen struggles with admitting to her saviors that she is a horse whisperer. This fact is presented as something that could cause people to reject her and that has colored much of her life. With the exception of explaining part of how her father had used her skills in his con games, the horse whispering never really affects the remainder of the story. Cristeen never again is seen interacting with animals in an unusual way.
Additionally, the formatting and typographical errors in this book were overwhelming. Throughout the book, the author uses site for vision, and sight for a location. She uses breath as a verb (breathe), and completely misses important words such as a, the, etc. Better editing would have helped me give this book at least 4 stars. And with the quality of writing, I think the author has a bright future ahead of her. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Additionally, the formatting and typographical errors in this book were overwhelming. Throughout the book, the author uses site for vision, and sight for a location. She uses breath as a verb (breathe), and completely misses important words such as a, the, etc. Better editing would have helped me give this book at least 4 stars. And with the quality of writing, I think the author has a bright future ahead of her. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 1, 2016
This story had an incredibly strong start, but still needs a bit of editing in the second half. Many times when reading a book I find myself loosing interest and I will put the book down and never pick it up again. Reading and reviewing this book made me examine why that is. If a writer uses passive sentences and doesn't keep their prose tight and lean the reader will grow tire and move on. That is how I started to feel at the 50% mark. I contacted the author and she assures me that she will be going through a stronger edit of the prose. Otherwise the prose was lyrical and sharp with very strong character development and story line, that is why I gave it 5 stars over all. This is a nice Hallmark Movie type of story, very clean and wholesome.
April 14, 2015
I liked this book....its the time frame I most enjoy and the writing was very well done.
I'll try another of Tammy Doherty's books. What was most frustrating was the grammatical errors in the kindle edition (I don't know if they are in the printed book). Some words were missing or totally wrong...as if the "spell check" had been allowed to rewrite words. I have never been one to say things like this....but it was evident (clearly) that who ever was to proof read, did not do a very good job. That being said...this was a perfect book for my vacation, loved the characters and I so appreciate the Christian Authors of today! THANK YOU!!
I'll try another of Tammy Doherty's books. What was most frustrating was the grammatical errors in the kindle edition (I don't know if they are in the printed book). Some words were missing or totally wrong...as if the "spell check" had been allowed to rewrite words. I have never been one to say things like this....but it was evident (clearly) that who ever was to proof read, did not do a very good job. That being said...this was a perfect book for my vacation, loved the characters and I so appreciate the Christian Authors of today! THANK YOU!!
May 27, 2015
It wasn't quite what I expected as I thought it would be set in Ireland. Instead it turned out to be a western romance. Cristeen has a mysterious past. She arrives on Matt's ranch half dead and remembers nothing. Eventually her memories resurface of the trauma she faced and has to deal with the pain. Of course she and Matt fall in love and she has to learn to trust him and God. Another typical romance but I enjoyed it anyway. The characters were likeable and curiosity concerning Cristeen kept me interested.
April 14, 2015
The Celtic cross was a good Christian Fiction. A great storyline, a woman is shot and loses her memory, then is nursed back to health by a brother and sister. Clean romance, a bit of a mystery all good. It did drag on a bit. The story was pretty slow moving, but not boring. It isn't life changing or real deep just easy reading, though I tend to like my easy reading romance to be a bit shorter. I liked it. I give it three stars and can recommend for ages teen and up.
August 10, 2015
Yikes, I'm not sure if I have any positive comments on this book. First off, the title is confusing. I understand why it was chosen, but when you have the word "Celtic" in the title, I wouldn't expect the story to be set in the American west.
Secondly, the editing on this book is terrible. As someone with an English degree, I found it very hard to read.
Finally, I just didn't connect to the story and found the characters too cliche. This book is just not for me. (Grade: C-).
Secondly, the editing on this book is terrible. As someone with an English degree, I found it very hard to read.
Finally, I just didn't connect to the story and found the characters too cliche. This book is just not for me. (Grade: C-).
October 22, 2015
Interesting clean romance
Great story line. It kept me entertained and intrigued. The characters were likable if sometimes confusing. For example, the hero's sister, Katie, was supposed to nurse Cristeen back to health. Yet at times she seemed almost childlike when interacting with her brother. On the whole I enjoyed this book. I loved the clean, gentle romance that was woven between two great people, strengthened by their faith. Recommended.
Great story line. It kept me entertained and intrigued. The characters were likable if sometimes confusing. For example, the hero's sister, Katie, was supposed to nurse Cristeen back to health. Yet at times she seemed almost childlike when interacting with her brother. On the whole I enjoyed this book. I loved the clean, gentle romance that was woven between two great people, strengthened by their faith. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews