Maire (The Fires of Gleannmara Series #1)

The first thought that comes to my mind after reading Maire is that this is not your typical Christian historical fiction book! I would venture a guess that the genre was not as popular when it was written as it is now, and boy, it has an intense heroine. She’s going to claw, fight, and protect her beloved Gleannmara as its new queen…even if she has to take a husband sooner than she prefers while also keeping her guard up against the evil druid, Morlach.

Her husband, Rowan, is a loyal and dreamy hero with a devout faith in God – a faith that he is eager to share with Maire and her clan. Their homeland isn’t familiar with the One True God, only pagan rituals and druids that have them steeped in superstitious lore. Rowan longs to show more be a priest, but suddenly finds himself a king.

Maire has everything – action, drama, and a steamy romance – all tied up in a pretty package that will have you glued to its pages! There is a lovely intro told from Ireland’s perspective (Ireland is also known as Erin) that prepares you for some of the cultural language in the story. The first few chapters may take a bit of getting used to, but keep going – this is one worthwhile read! show less

Set in Fifth Century Ireland (aka Erin) this was a great story of love, hope, forgiveness, and hope.
Rowan, a Romano- British warrior, vows to put down his sword forever after the horror of his final battle, to serve the One God as a priest. But when his settlement is threatened by the invading Scotti, led by the young queen Maire, he has to make a difficult choice.

When he finally agrees to return with Maire and her tribe to Ireland as her captive husband, he must face his demons, and struggle with against enemies within and without before he realises, that God has bought him to Erin for a purpose, to help lead the people form the darkness of Paganism, and vanquish their deadliest enemy...

My only concern with this book was the claim that show more some of the druids knew about the birth and passion of Christ, and believed in one God.
These assertions are based on various myths and legends often written centuries after the period in which they are set. Thus they do not constitute a reliable historical basis.

There is also some pervasive influence of an idea known as British Israelism which claims that the Celtic peoples of Britain are actually descended from the so called 'Lost' Tribes of Israel as so are actually Jewish by ancestry. This leads to the claim below- because Britain and Ireland had such strong connections with Israel Jesus went there, and supposedly accepted and embraced by the druids.

It is also claimed that the druids of Ireland never practised human sacrifice, and that most of them were nice, friendly people, really rather cute and cuddly in fact- in contrast to the horrid British druids who were evil.
Though this was allegedly because they were influenced by the Romans. The evidence found seems to refute these claims, which are based on nothing more than myths and perhaps a personal bias of the author.

The historical details relating to the period setting are generally good, but the above may be an issue for some readers as they were for me. Certainly one to be taken with a large helping of salt. show less

I loved the word-barbs and humor in this book. I found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions. Rowan’s calm, steady demeanor verses Maire’s hot temper and insecurities made for an entertaining read. Read more: http://christianfictionaddiction.com/book_reviews/maire.htm

This was a book that I have put off reading, because I just assumed it would not be that interesting because it takes place in the 5th Century in Ireland, at a time when there are clans, druids, and other such stuff I don't know much about. I must say it was easy to read, full of history yet read like an adventurous story, with a rich lesson on love and seeking after a God who is stronger and more powerful than any warrior could ever be. It was fast paced and full of conflict. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ireland and will look forward to reading this author's other two titles in this series.

Maire is Gleannmara's warrior queen who finds her heart gentled over time when she takes a reformed mercenary, a Christian named Rowan, as a show more hostage during a raid. She wonders who this God of his is when he takes a fine warrior like Rowan of Emery and turns him into what she thinks of him, a coward. But Rowan's testimony before her and her clan will help them all to see that meekness and humility to the one true God are much stronger than any blade of steel. Maire will soon discover the transforming power of love in her own life. One of the fun parts about this story that I enjoyed, I will quote from another reviewer, "Rowan’s calm, steady demeanor verses Maire’s hot temper and insecurities made for an entertaining read". Enjoy. show less

Maire is a historical romance centered around faith. Maire is set in 5th century Ireland. Christianity was just beginning to spread among kings, scholars and peasants. The biggest impact was among the Druids, or learned class, as truth seekers and power seekers collide.

In this setting, two warriors, Maire and Rowan, clash and finally join together against the evid Druid Morlach. They and their people become closer to God after many seasons of sorrow.

I loved how Maire and Rowan learned to put their differences aside when they realized they each could teach the other valuable lessons. In Maire's quest for faith I felt as if I was brought closer to God.

This book comes highly recommend and gets my big thumbs up. It is a religious book show more without getting preachy or in your face. I also like how God is presented on layman terms. show less

This is a good strong Christian woman kicks butt type of book. A good one to read when you need to feel the strength of our female ancestors once again.

This is a good strong Christian woman kicks butt type of book. A good one to read when you need to feel the strength of our female ancestors once again.