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Women of Courage #5
Brianna
Christian Historical Romance – with just-a-dash of magical realism.
1664. Rhiannon and her daughter Brianna have been given a powerful gift, when they lay hands on people they are healed. Instead of being seen as beautiful demonstrations of faith, the miracles are called witchcraft. When the witch hunter Black Wolf embarks on his relentless hunt for them, Brianna’s world is torn apart. On the run from him and racing for her life, she receives respite in the sleepy hamlet of Trapp. Among the villagers who welcome and hide her, she meets Arwen and soon begins to fall in love.
As much as she wants to be with Arwen, there is a problem. Her mother told her to find the place where the Nightjars sing; only in that place will she find the man she is destined to be with. Can Brianna find the valley of the Nightjars and her future husband before the witch hunter discovers her hiding place? And more importantly, will she be able to hold onto her faith as she goes through the fire of testing?
Much more than a historical romance novel, Brianna is an exploration into one woman’s courageous faith, and stands firmly and proudly in its own genre.
1664. Rhiannon and her daughter Brianna have been given a powerful gift, when they lay hands on people they are healed. Instead of being seen as beautiful demonstrations of faith, the miracles are called witchcraft. When the witch hunter Black Wolf embarks on his relentless hunt for them, Brianna’s world is torn apart. On the run from him and racing for her life, she receives respite in the sleepy hamlet of Trapp. Among the villagers who welcome and hide her, she meets Arwen and soon begins to fall in love.
As much as she wants to be with Arwen, there is a problem. Her mother told her to find the place where the Nightjars sing; only in that place will she find the man she is destined to be with. Can Brianna find the valley of the Nightjars and her future husband before the witch hunter discovers her hiding place? And more importantly, will she be able to hold onto her faith as she goes through the fire of testing?
Much more than a historical romance novel, Brianna is an exploration into one woman’s courageous faith, and stands firmly and proudly in its own genre.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2022
6 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
T.N. Traynor
24 books47 followersA story lover from an early age, Tracy Traynor waited until she was fifty-five before chasing her dream of being an author. Now, she is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling author who writes in several genres.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 7, 2022
This is a hard review to write because my opinions of this book are all over the place. I truly believe that there are a lot of people who would really enjoy this book and find it unique and interesting, they would probably really enjoy it. This book just wasn't for me. There were some things I liked, but others I didn't.
The prose was my favorite part. I loved the lyrical quality to the story, it had a light, flowing sound that I loved. It worked so well for this story, giving it a sort of mystical iridescence that kept me reading. Truly, it added to the tone of the book and matched the story so well.
My issues lie with the story itself. I just didn't care for it. I never really connected with the characters. There were a few moments I started to connect with them, but it never happened. I think by the end of the book there was only one or two characters I cared about. I do think most of them were well fleshed out. They made mistakes, they learned, they grew. We were given enough backstory to understand the characters and sympathize with them.
At the beginning, there was a lot of Scripture, and the way it was brought into the story seemed like it was thrown in just for this purpose. At times, it felt a bit preachy. However, that made sense, given the characters. It was necessary to have a lot of it in there to show who the characters are. It was also the beginning of Brianna's character arc, so we did need to see it. But, I did have times where I started to get drawn out of the story because of it. Now, I'm not against having a lot of Scripture in books, it is sometimes done really well and adds so much to the story. In this book, I think (again, this is mostly just at the beginning) that there wasn't enough of a balance between the story and the Scripture. Some of those moments were fine, but they happened a bit too often, or didn't have enough story mixed in with them to make them feel relevant to the plot. It might just be an issue of how they were brought into the story, it messed with the tone or something. People who like heavy Scripture in their books might disagree with me on this point, which is fine. Like I said before, it was necessary to have it in there for the characters and the rest of the story. I personally think I would have preferred it to have sounded a bit different.
Now, there were some story choices that were made that I didn't agree with. I would have liked to see things go differently. I liked the concept of the book, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have read it. I don't know, I just wanting something different. If I'm being honest, one or two of those story choices made me not like the story, and kind of ruined the rest of the book for me. I just wanted something different.
There was a lot toward the end of the book, I feel like the ending sort of rambled on. I would have liked the last few chapters cut off and then summed up in an epilogue, maybe that was because I didn't overly care about the characters. I didn't need to find out how everything turned out with all of them. I'm sure if I had felt connected to the characters I probably would have cared, and some people really like knowing every detail of what happened afterwards with the characters. But, to me, it felt like the epilogue was split into a couple of chapters. The ending of the book didn't feel as solid or powerful because of it. It just sort of faded out. If that was the desired ending, than it was accomplished.
I liked the character's personal journey. It felt very intimate. There was something so real about it because most of us struggle with similar things. I think there is a lot there that can be said, but it would be personal. Brianna's "dark night of the soul" really makes me think about myself and struggles I have. I think there is a lot that can be gleaned from that one moment. Actually, there were a lot of strong messages woven throughout the story. Different parts would speak to different people, but I really liked that they were there.
Most of the issues I had were purely personal preference. I loved the wording of the story, but not the actual story. For that reason, I will probably try a different book by this author, because I believe I could enjoy a different story, even though this one wasn't my cup of tea.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The prose was my favorite part. I loved the lyrical quality to the story, it had a light, flowing sound that I loved. It worked so well for this story, giving it a sort of mystical iridescence that kept me reading. Truly, it added to the tone of the book and matched the story so well.
My issues lie with the story itself. I just didn't care for it. I never really connected with the characters. There were a few moments I started to connect with them, but it never happened. I think by the end of the book there was only one or two characters I cared about. I do think most of them were well fleshed out. They made mistakes, they learned, they grew. We were given enough backstory to understand the characters and sympathize with them.
At the beginning, there was a lot of Scripture, and the way it was brought into the story seemed like it was thrown in just for this purpose. At times, it felt a bit preachy. However, that made sense, given the characters. It was necessary to have a lot of it in there to show who the characters are. It was also the beginning of Brianna's character arc, so we did need to see it. But, I did have times where I started to get drawn out of the story because of it. Now, I'm not against having a lot of Scripture in books, it is sometimes done really well and adds so much to the story. In this book, I think (again, this is mostly just at the beginning) that there wasn't enough of a balance between the story and the Scripture. Some of those moments were fine, but they happened a bit too often, or didn't have enough story mixed in with them to make them feel relevant to the plot. It might just be an issue of how they were brought into the story, it messed with the tone or something. People who like heavy Scripture in their books might disagree with me on this point, which is fine. Like I said before, it was necessary to have it in there for the characters and the rest of the story. I personally think I would have preferred it to have sounded a bit different.
Now, there were some story choices that were made that I didn't agree with. I would have liked to see things go differently. I liked the concept of the book, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have read it. I don't know, I just wanting something different. If I'm being honest, one or two of those story choices made me not like the story, and kind of ruined the rest of the book for me. I just wanted something different.
There was a lot toward the end of the book, I feel like the ending sort of rambled on. I would have liked the last few chapters cut off and then summed up in an epilogue, maybe that was because I didn't overly care about the characters. I didn't need to find out how everything turned out with all of them. I'm sure if I had felt connected to the characters I probably would have cared, and some people really like knowing every detail of what happened afterwards with the characters. But, to me, it felt like the epilogue was split into a couple of chapters. The ending of the book didn't feel as solid or powerful because of it. It just sort of faded out. If that was the desired ending, than it was accomplished.
I liked the character's personal journey. It felt very intimate. There was something so real about it because most of us struggle with similar things. I think there is a lot there that can be said, but it would be personal. Brianna's "dark night of the soul" really makes me think about myself and struggles I have. I think there is a lot that can be gleaned from that one moment. Actually, there were a lot of strong messages woven throughout the story. Different parts would speak to different people, but I really liked that they were there.
Most of the issues I had were purely personal preference. I loved the wording of the story, but not the actual story. For that reason, I will probably try a different book by this author, because I believe I could enjoy a different story, even though this one wasn't my cup of tea.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2022
Brianna in Cymru, by T. N. Traynor, is a historical romance novel following Brianna, who has a powerful gift that is passed on from mother to daughter. She heals people by putting her hands on them. Yet in the year 1664 her demonstrations of faith are called witchcraft. With a witch hunter on her tail, Brianna loses her mother as she tries to find where the Nightjars sing and the man she’s destined to be with.
Author T N Traynor helps the reader fully immerse themselves in this epic fantasy story with sharp writing and eloquent prose. By providing the reader with some of Brianna’s thoughts and feelings the reader is able to easily put themselves in her shoes. I could understand what she was going through and I think readers will truly be able to feel what she feels as all the emotions are so vividly painted throughout the story.
Brianna’s faith is important to her, and the story, and passages from the Bible are quite often referred to, ensuring that the importance of faith in this novel is never forgotten. Brianna’s character feels real and there is enough conflict to keep the story and the momentum going among the plethora of Bible references.
I was expecting to find an emotional romance plotline weaved into the story, similar to what one would read in a Julia Quinn novel. While this Christian fantasy story does contain a romantic aspect between Brianna and Arwen, we never dwell on it, which keeps the focus on Brianna and her adventure.
There were a lot of interesting characters that are introduced throughout the story that I thought were well developed. But despite that, I would have liked to have explored Brianna, Arwen, and Benedict’s characters more, as I thought they were fascinating, and I would not have minded seeing their characters more often on the page.
Brianna in Cymru is an exhilarating and thought-provoking historical fiction novel that will surprise readers with a subtle but creative use of magical realism. Emotionally stirring and brimming with a cast of interesting characters, this is an adventure story that I heartily enjoyed.
Author T N Traynor helps the reader fully immerse themselves in this epic fantasy story with sharp writing and eloquent prose. By providing the reader with some of Brianna’s thoughts and feelings the reader is able to easily put themselves in her shoes. I could understand what she was going through and I think readers will truly be able to feel what she feels as all the emotions are so vividly painted throughout the story.
Brianna’s faith is important to her, and the story, and passages from the Bible are quite often referred to, ensuring that the importance of faith in this novel is never forgotten. Brianna’s character feels real and there is enough conflict to keep the story and the momentum going among the plethora of Bible references.
I was expecting to find an emotional romance plotline weaved into the story, similar to what one would read in a Julia Quinn novel. While this Christian fantasy story does contain a romantic aspect between Brianna and Arwen, we never dwell on it, which keeps the focus on Brianna and her adventure.
There were a lot of interesting characters that are introduced throughout the story that I thought were well developed. But despite that, I would have liked to have explored Brianna, Arwen, and Benedict’s characters more, as I thought they were fascinating, and I would not have minded seeing their characters more often on the page.
Brianna in Cymru is an exhilarating and thought-provoking historical fiction novel that will surprise readers with a subtle but creative use of magical realism. Emotionally stirring and brimming with a cast of interesting characters, this is an adventure story that I heartily enjoyed.
April 21, 2022
Before you begin reading “Brianna in Cymru (Women of Courage, Book 5)”, don’t look at the date for the first printed edition. This book is so beautifully written that you will be convinced it is classical literature. Author TN Traynor’s artistic descriptions are suggestive of the writings by Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, and Jane Austen. She has a cultured command of the English language. The phrasing is prosaic. Two such examples are: “unease had settled upon her spirit like a mantle of thorns” and “his black cape spinning in the wind, dancing around him like a flock of birds”. As you read this novel, close your eyes and you will envision those colorful, picturesque scenes, exactly as they are written.
In the classical tradition, T.N. Traynor, provides a fascinating, but brief, history of the English Restoration (1660 - 1666) with a focus on the religious struggles and the effects of the Witchcraft Act. This history awakened my compassion for Rhiannon, and her daughter, Brianna, who are hunted as ‘witches’ by Black Wolf. This handsome man, who once desired a ministry, has spent years persecuting women for witchcraft. Rhiannon leads her daughter from one village to the next, continuing a healing ministry. They are aware that the Black Wolf is chasing after them and that his actions are legal.
This is an exciting novel that held my interest until the end. The last chapter is unexpected but then, isn’t that often true of God’s voice?
Now, you can check the release date of this book. Surprise! This is a current classic.
In the classical tradition, T.N. Traynor, provides a fascinating, but brief, history of the English Restoration (1660 - 1666) with a focus on the religious struggles and the effects of the Witchcraft Act. This history awakened my compassion for Rhiannon, and her daughter, Brianna, who are hunted as ‘witches’ by Black Wolf. This handsome man, who once desired a ministry, has spent years persecuting women for witchcraft. Rhiannon leads her daughter from one village to the next, continuing a healing ministry. They are aware that the Black Wolf is chasing after them and that his actions are legal.
This is an exciting novel that held my interest until the end. The last chapter is unexpected but then, isn’t that often true of God’s voice?
Now, you can check the release date of this book. Surprise! This is a current classic.
March 29, 2022
I know I'm always in for a treat when I read one of the Women of Courage books, and this one didn't disappoint. My heart went out to Brianna. So young to be given such a gift from God, and yet she struggles with her abilities. The Bible verse that comes to my mind is: "To whom much is given, much will be required." So many people want so much, but most are unwilling to give in return. We truly couldn't handle God's blessings if He gave us what we demanded.
The story is one of both amazing and misguided faith. Its setting in the time of religious upheaval in Britain is the perfect setting. A time when faith had been repressed and distorted at one point and forced on people at another point. Trying times can make cowards, sheep, revolutionaries, or missionaries of people.
You'll feel Brianna's joy, pain, confusion, and sorry. Wonderful story from start to finish.
The story is one of both amazing and misguided faith. Its setting in the time of religious upheaval in Britain is the perfect setting. A time when faith had been repressed and distorted at one point and forced on people at another point. Trying times can make cowards, sheep, revolutionaries, or missionaries of people.
You'll feel Brianna's joy, pain, confusion, and sorry. Wonderful story from start to finish.
May 18, 2022
With characters labeled as witches when they actually had healing powers from God, this story had an interesting premise, but I had a difficult time connecting with the characters. Brianna was very wishy-washy in most of her decisions and convictions for most of the story, and her eventual love interest didn't show up until over half-way through the book, so you didn't get to spend much time with him. Additionally, I can't claim to be a Christian who knows it all, but the way the author seemed to think that God worked felt a little off to me at times. Overall, this was an okay story, but I think it could have been so much better with different character development and a more consistent writing style.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2022
Book 5 in the ‘Women of Courage” series by T.N. Traynor is a historical fiction story set in middle ages England, 1664. Brianna is a gifted healer but her ‘magic’ is perceived as witchcraft so she and her mother must flee or be executed. On the run for their lives, Brianna’s mother foretells of her capture and future husband. She hides in a tiny hamlet and helps the people of Trapp and they help (and hide) her in return. Strong Christian values and even scriptures come through to set the tone of the times, but can Brianna keep her faith and her courage despite being hunted down and losing everything she loves? Strong characters and excellent plot line encourage readers to explore the other books in the series.
June 21, 2022
Normally I shy away from Christian books, but for Brianna, I'm really glad I didn't. While the scripture passages took me out of the story at times, they made perfect sense for the world Brianna and her mother inhabited, and lent more credence to their backstory. I love the idea that they were labeled as witches, but really had divine powers. If only all had seen them that way, though there is sometimes beauty in tragedy as Brianna shows.
I enjoy period piece/ historical fiction, and this one was well done in my opinion. Though the journey of these blessed and helpful women was bittersweet, it was a journey I was glad to have gone on as a reader. I loved so many of the characters introduced along the way, and was happy that Brianna found her valley where the Nightjars sing.
I enjoy period piece/ historical fiction, and this one was well done in my opinion. Though the journey of these blessed and helpful women was bittersweet, it was a journey I was glad to have gone on as a reader. I loved so many of the characters introduced along the way, and was happy that Brianna found her valley where the Nightjars sing.
April 16, 2022
Set in the 1660s, this methodically researched fictional book casts a (seemingly) realistic look at what life may have been like for a young woman imbued with special powers in medieval times.
While the main character of Brianna is sympathetic, likeable, and realistic, what I liked best is author T.N. Traynor’s ability to take the reader completely into a distant time and place. After reading just a dozen pages, one feels completely sucked into this not-so-imaginary world.
Both entertaining and edifying, it’s a highly recommended read for those who love descriptive, mesmerizing storytelling.
While the main character of Brianna is sympathetic, likeable, and realistic, what I liked best is author T.N. Traynor’s ability to take the reader completely into a distant time and place. After reading just a dozen pages, one feels completely sucked into this not-so-imaginary world.
Both entertaining and edifying, it’s a highly recommended read for those who love descriptive, mesmerizing storytelling.
June 28, 2022
I dont usually read Christian faith books but decided to give this one a go. And I am so glad I did! There are lots of Bible passages in the book, but they are artfully woven into the story in such a way that they are interesting and enjoyable to read. And the little dash of "magic" scattered throughout the book is delightful and heart-warming. Indeed, the story itself is one of bravery and faith and love, and left me with positive and happy thoughts.
Highly recommended to everyone, regardless of their relationship with religion
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Highly recommended to everyone, regardless of their relationship with religion
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
July 1, 2022Women of Courage — Book 5: Brianna can be read as a stand-alone book or in order. Brianna is a mixture of genre more suitable based on historical Christian romance and a touch on witchcraft. An inspiring storyline about Brianna and her mother Rhiannon who were spirituality given a powerful healing girl; they are Christians and heal those who are in need. Classed as witches they run for their lives. Christian story based on being showing their love for God and Christ, faithful, courageous and brave along with pride of living life in the footsteps of Christ.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2022
Set in a time when women were chattel and suspected witches burned or murdered comes this beautiful story of a mother and daughter who's faith is so deep and courage so steadfast that they are able to heal through God. I loved the bible passages contained in the story and the fact that their passion for God converted so many of the people they met on the travels. Pursued with a vengeance for "witchcraft" their faith doesn't leave them but guides them. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.
July 14, 2022
Brianna is a book I highly recommend. The author did a great job with character history. I was absorbed in know time with the storyline that kept me riveted. The story started with a quick history lesson of the time period. From there it flowed right into a story of adventure. Faith, and hope. I give it 5 stars.
May 13, 2022
An amazing story. Being given powers of healing is something special. Not everyone sees it that way. Enjoyable
June 2, 2022
A riveting tale.
April 11, 2022
This is a very interesting well written book. It is a sad but beautiful story. There is lots of Scripture throughout the book, though not always taken in context and misused by some. Brianna's mother seemed a bit too perfect, but Brianna was not, she had many struggles. I was happy with the ending.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews