Rebel - A Review

Alyn O'Bryne has returned to his homeland after spending the last six years studying in the East. He arrives at Arthur's court to find things in an uproar due to the death of Merlin. Feisty Kella O'Toole, a foster-sister of Alyn's, is the queen's scribe. She's holding a secret that can jeopardize her standing at the Court. When word arrives of an attack on the border guard and her father is missing and her fiance is dead, Kella is determined to do whatever she can to find her father. Alyn agrees to run an errand for the queen - see the Grail genealogies safely delivered to the priestesses of the Grail Church. With the land in an uproar between the Grail and Celtic churches over the teaching of the Roman Church, Alyn comes to realize that God has a far bigger mission for this unworthy priest. Will he heed God's call? And will Kella find the forgiveness that she longs for?

This is the third and final book in the Brides of Alba Series. Like the other two, this one is action packed and filled with lively characters. I had been waiting anxiously for this book to come out and was glad to be able to read it. I love the way that the author makes the history of Britain's early years come to life along with the struggle of the early Christian church. Very similar in nature to her Irish series, Fires of Glennmara, this series looks at Christianity in early Scot/British history.

I recommend this book to those who are intrigued by all things Celtic, fans of historical romance, and Christian fiction.

My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 5 stars

Review of Thief by Linda Windsor

Book 2 of Linda Windsor's Brides of Alba series is called Thief. Like the Healer (book 1), it's set in the late 6th century of Scotland during the time of King Arthur. Caden is exiled from his home, so he offers his services as a mercenary in the various wars between the Saxons. When he's gravely injured, he calls on Jesus and is spared death. He is then nursed back to health by a woman whose daughter was kidnapped from her many years before. He agrees to try to find the daughter, Sorcha. Sorcha is a young woman who was kidnapped from her home at the age of 7 and sold into slavery by the Saxon captors. Unlike most children though, the people who bought her raised her as a daughter. Now grown, she rescues other children from the same fate. When she's sent to be a companion/interpreter to the new princess, her path crosses Caden's. Then a brutal murder at the court sends them both fleeing for their lives. Miraculous things happen that cause her to question the pagan gods and seem to strengthen Caden's young faith. Will they be captured? Will brother and brother be reunited? And will Caden be able to let go of his past to love again?

I seriously couldn't put this book down. The characters both have flaws and they're well written into the story. The things that they go through makes me both cringe and cheer for them. I've always enjoyed Linda's books and this one is no exception. I can't wait for the third and final book in this series, The Rebel, due out next summer!