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The Sword and the Spirit #2
Gabriel
An exciting historical romance series that follows the fates of three Templar knights exiled to Scotland after the nationwide arrest of their brethren that took place in France on Friday 13th October, 1307. Six months have passed since Gabriel escaped the persecution in France and fled, with two of his brothers-in-arms, to Scotland. The upheaval has not been easy for him. A pious and disciplined man, Gabriel now finds himself facing a chaotic and uncertain future. Unable to reconcile all that has happened, he decides to return to his native England, lay down his sword, and take holy vows at Furness Abbey. But returning to the land of his birth is not without risks. His destination lies within the border region of Scotland and England, an area long cursed with conflict. Not only that, the Templars in England are now also facing persecution. Then there’s Brianna, the young woman he discovers in the forest along with her rather unusual companion. For the first time in many years, Gabriel finds himself seriously tempted by the allure of a female. Throw in an unsolved mystery from the past, along with its astounding resolution, and Gabriel’s life becomes even more complicated! Will he adhere to his original plans? Or will temptation and conflict undermine his objective?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2019
49 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Avril Borthiry
33 books56 followersUnique tales. Unforgettable characters.
Facebook page: Avril Borthiry, author
Email: avrilborthiry@gmail.com
Facebook page: Avril Borthiry, author
Email: avrilborthiry@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 30, 2019
Gabriel
The Sword and the Spirit, book 2
Avril Borthiry, author
As Ms. Borthiry continues her saga of the three Templar knights, this, the next installment is about Gabriel FitzAlan. Gabriel, the English knight is determined to return to his homeland. The purpose; to lay down his sword. Fate, on the other hand, has a different road for Gabriel to travel. Along the way to Furness Abbey, he comes across a lovely young lady in distress. Lending a helping hand, Gabriel returns her to her uncle.
With the return of Breanna Glendenning to her uncle's estate, the story takes on a whole other direction for Gabriel. This story, like all the others written by Ms. Borthiry's takes on such depth and meaning. Her stories are filled with compassion and genuine concern for mankind. She brings the characters to life and in this story brings back the history of the area she takes the reader to. There is so much to this storyline; from the teachings of right and wrong to young children, to the cleansing of one's soul, to learning how to love and be loved, then to accept the worthiness of said love. And in the end, Ms. Borthiry definitely adds in a twister. The sense of family comes to fruition. Something, I pray as a reader, she will readdress in her future books in the series.
I most highly recommend this novel and all other readings by this author. I was afforded an advanced reader copy of the book. I voluntarily leave this review.
The Sword and the Spirit, book 2
Avril Borthiry, author
As Ms. Borthiry continues her saga of the three Templar knights, this, the next installment is about Gabriel FitzAlan. Gabriel, the English knight is determined to return to his homeland. The purpose; to lay down his sword. Fate, on the other hand, has a different road for Gabriel to travel. Along the way to Furness Abbey, he comes across a lovely young lady in distress. Lending a helping hand, Gabriel returns her to her uncle.
With the return of Breanna Glendenning to her uncle's estate, the story takes on a whole other direction for Gabriel. This story, like all the others written by Ms. Borthiry's takes on such depth and meaning. Her stories are filled with compassion and genuine concern for mankind. She brings the characters to life and in this story brings back the history of the area she takes the reader to. There is so much to this storyline; from the teachings of right and wrong to young children, to the cleansing of one's soul, to learning how to love and be loved, then to accept the worthiness of said love. And in the end, Ms. Borthiry definitely adds in a twister. The sense of family comes to fruition. Something, I pray as a reader, she will readdress in her future books in the series.
I most highly recommend this novel and all other readings by this author. I was afforded an advanced reader copy of the book. I voluntarily leave this review.
November 3, 2019
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Avril Borthiry owns an exceptional talent when it comes to crafting a story with words. The book grabs the reader’s attention from the opening page.
Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Avril Borthiry owns an exceptional talent when it comes to crafting a story with words. The book grabs the reader’s attention from the opening page.
Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 9, 2019
Another Great Love Story
Everytime I read a book by Avril Borthiry I say "Its my favorite!" and this one is no different!! It's my new favorite!!
Gabriel was an interesting, reserved character in the first book in the Sword and Spirit series, Ewan. I expected an intriguing story and was pleased to read about the quiet, spiritual Templar warrior.
Breanna and her special friend, Theo, were delightful and enchanting. I loved all the threads of the story woven into a fascinating love story between a devoted warrior monk and a guileless, sweet heroine.
The author writes with descriptive prose that drew me into the time, the country and the story.
I highly recommend this well written beautiful love story, definitely 5 ⭐!
Everytime I read a book by Avril Borthiry I say "Its my favorite!" and this one is no different!! It's my new favorite!!
Gabriel was an interesting, reserved character in the first book in the Sword and Spirit series, Ewan. I expected an intriguing story and was pleased to read about the quiet, spiritual Templar warrior.
Breanna and her special friend, Theo, were delightful and enchanting. I loved all the threads of the story woven into a fascinating love story between a devoted warrior monk and a guileless, sweet heroine.
The author writes with descriptive prose that drew me into the time, the country and the story.
I highly recommend this well written beautiful love story, definitely 5 ⭐!
August 1, 2019
Gabriel by Avril Borthiry is the second book in The Sword And The Spirit series. After having read and fallen in love with the first book and the characters I was anxious to read this one too. I was not disappointed! I absolutely love the story and the characters. Gabriel is a very compelling character and it was great getting to know more about him and that he found where he belongs. Breanne was very easy to like and I rooted for her from the beginning. Theo, the fox was a great addition and I smiled at all his appearances. A very well written story with wonderful characters, an engaging story line and lots of emotion. I felt very connected to the characters. I completely devoured this book!
August 17, 2020
Of the three Templars exiled to Scotland just days before the persecution of the Order began in 1307, the most devoutly religious and disciplined, Gabriel, seems to have the most difficulty determining his place in the secular world.
An Englishman by birth, Gabriel heads to a border area abbey where he intends to surrender the vestments of Templar knighthood and become a monk. But on the way he gets side-tracked when he finds Brianna and her semi-tame fox in the forest after she escaped a kidnap attempt. He returns her to her uncle's castle where he agrees to stay a fortnight to help her wounded uncle.
Gabriel finds himself tempted by the beauty, intelligence, and compassion of Brianna, which complicates his plans and confuses his mind and may break his spiritual balance.
This story contains a lot of soul searching, but does not fall short of action. Who raided the village and kidnapped Brianna? Does Gabriel get to the abbey unscathed now that Templars are being targeted in England as well as France? Will Brianna marry the man chosen by her uncle? Or, does she love Gabriel so much that she will enter the convent rather than belong to another man? What secret from Gabriel's past continues to haunt him?
The spirituality in this series adds a special dimension to the stories, this one more than the first. This story gently squeezes a reader's heart. Thank you, Avril Borthiry, for an emotionally satisfying read!
An Englishman by birth, Gabriel heads to a border area abbey where he intends to surrender the vestments of Templar knighthood and become a monk. But on the way he gets side-tracked when he finds Brianna and her semi-tame fox in the forest after she escaped a kidnap attempt. He returns her to her uncle's castle where he agrees to stay a fortnight to help her wounded uncle.
Gabriel finds himself tempted by the beauty, intelligence, and compassion of Brianna, which complicates his plans and confuses his mind and may break his spiritual balance.
This story contains a lot of soul searching, but does not fall short of action. Who raided the village and kidnapped Brianna? Does Gabriel get to the abbey unscathed now that Templars are being targeted in England as well as France? Will Brianna marry the man chosen by her uncle? Or, does she love Gabriel so much that she will enter the convent rather than belong to another man? What secret from Gabriel's past continues to haunt him?
The spirituality in this series adds a special dimension to the stories, this one more than the first. This story gently squeezes a reader's heart. Thank you, Avril Borthiry, for an emotionally satisfying read!
April 21, 2020
Sir Gabriel FitzAlan has been a Templar for many years. Heroic, strong, handsome, a gifted swordsman, he is loved by his friends Ewan and Jacques, but he is tormented by his past, haunted by the brutality and cruelty of his father, making him an extremely devout and also extremely serious young man.
That is until he rescues the very beautiful, inquisitive and intelligent Lady Breanna Glendenning.
She fires up his blood and makes him question his vows and religious beliefs, while his heart opens to this spirited young woman. He saves her from an extremely dangerous situation, but she saves him from a life of loneliness and so their love story begins.
Avril Borthiry writes this most beautiful and emotional story, capturing the era, while taking you on a journey of twists and turns, murder and violence.
From the moment this story starts, Avril takes through many different emotions that squeeze your heart, plus there is the added delight of two other wonderful characters, Theo and Flip!
I didn't want this story to end, and neither will you!
That is until he rescues the very beautiful, inquisitive and intelligent Lady Breanna Glendenning.
She fires up his blood and makes him question his vows and religious beliefs, while his heart opens to this spirited young woman. He saves her from an extremely dangerous situation, but she saves him from a life of loneliness and so their love story begins.
Avril Borthiry writes this most beautiful and emotional story, capturing the era, while taking you on a journey of twists and turns, murder and violence.
From the moment this story starts, Avril takes through many different emotions that squeeze your heart, plus there is the added delight of two other wonderful characters, Theo and Flip!
I didn't want this story to end, and neither will you!
July 30, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋
Gabriel is a stunningly moving story
Written with the same attention to detail as always by Avril , who leaves no stone unturned in her quest for happiness and peace with her Templar Knights.
I find her stories, moving and emotional in the extreme, I find myself transported to another age , but in familiar territory,living in Northern England and being someone who has been to all the places she describes.
Her characters are brilliant, they are slowly becoming family, Ewan , Gabriel and Jaques and their partners have a special place in my heart from now on.
This will be a book that I read again and again .
Gabriel and Breanna are so good together , though it takes a while for the chemistry to work , the two have their own separate adventures before they can find their God given destinies.
This is a book and a series not to be missed , I would recommend it to all lovers of Historical Romance.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋
Gabriel is a stunningly moving story
Written with the same attention to detail as always by Avril , who leaves no stone unturned in her quest for happiness and peace with her Templar Knights.
I find her stories, moving and emotional in the extreme, I find myself transported to another age , but in familiar territory,living in Northern England and being someone who has been to all the places she describes.
Her characters are brilliant, they are slowly becoming family, Ewan , Gabriel and Jaques and their partners have a special place in my heart from now on.
This will be a book that I read again and again .
Gabriel and Breanna are so good together , though it takes a while for the chemistry to work , the two have their own separate adventures before they can find their God given destinies.
This is a book and a series not to be missed , I would recommend it to all lovers of Historical Romance.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
October 30, 2024
What a great story!
The characters are deep, the story rich in history and fiction. I love each of these Templars! Breanna and Gabriel are wonderful together! I’m so glad they have a happily ever after! There were twists and turns and excitement along the way. This author is great at writing dialogue that is so real and makes each character’s personality come forth. I feel like I know these people. A GREAT book!
pamarella
PRCS
The characters are deep, the story rich in history and fiction. I love each of these Templars! Breanna and Gabriel are wonderful together! I’m so glad they have a happily ever after! There were twists and turns and excitement along the way. This author is great at writing dialogue that is so real and makes each character’s personality come forth. I feel like I know these people. A GREAT book!
pamarella
PRCS
August 12, 2024
Good story
I've enjoyed very much the story; I love the writting style of the author even if I'm not even a born English speaker, so more dificult for me to understand the Scottish way of speaking.
And not the last: I fell in love with Theoooo... more of him it would've been better! 😍
I've enjoyed very much the story; I love the writting style of the author even if I'm not even a born English speaker, so more dificult for me to understand the Scottish way of speaking.
And not the last: I fell in love with Theoooo... more of him it would've been better! 😍
October 15, 2019
This is an excellent escape into days of old with castles and knights where the Lady gets her Prince :) Lady Avril is one of my favorite authors. I will continue to binge read her books and hope the supply never ends.
November 28, 2020
Abduction, Templars, Struggle and Love
Gabriel and Breanna's story has everything, an abduction a protective wolf secret church and faith and love. Scenery and characters are brought to life in the writing.
Gabriel and Breanna's story has everything, an abduction a protective wolf secret church and faith and love. Scenery and characters are brought to life in the writing.
October 13, 2021
The second book is even more touching than the first. I liked Gabriel in the first book, but I loved him in the second. It is really exciting from the beginning. I love the tiny details such as Theo’s identity being hidden. It is an emotional rollercoaster but very much worth the ride! Loved it!
July 2, 2020
I love this book! Very interesting and well written.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews