The four books in the series are adapted from Donna Fletcher Crow's best-selling epic 'The Fields of Bannockburn' which was named Best Historical Novel 1996 by the American Federation of Press Women
Award winning author Donna Fletcher Crow has announced the release of Part I of the Celtic Cross series,The Struggle for a Nation. The Celtic Cross series is a sweeping saga of the story of Scotland The four books in the series are adapted from her best-selling epic historical fiction novel, 'The Fields of Bannockburn' which was named Best Historical Novel 1996 by the American Federation of Press Women. The four books (or Epochs) in the series are:
Epoch 1 The Keeper of the Stone, Of Saints and Chieftains
1993: Three modern young people listen as the Scottish storyteller spins his tales of adventure, romance, and intrigue. While candles flicker and a Celtic harp sings its accompaniment, the question grips them: Can they find the answer to Scotland’s oldest secret?
563: Young Corban, tending his father’s sheep—stupid creatures that they are—on the back of the island, has no idea how much his life is about to change when he sees the holy men arrive on the beach below him. Columba has led his little band of monks from Ireland, seeking expiation from his great sin. Can he find peace on the beautiful Iona—or must more souls die yet?
Epoch 2 The Forger of a Nation, Of Kings and Kingdoms
Mary, Gareth and Brad continue their travels to an ancient ritual valley in the Scottish Highlands, seeking the answer to Scotland’s oldest secret.
847: Kenneth mac Alpin set his foot in the deep hollow of the of the ancient enkinging rock at Dunadd. A tumultuous blast of horns and the triumphant beat of drums rent the monks’ sonorous chanting. But Kenneth knew his work had barely begun. Fierce Viking warriors threatened from the west. The Picts, ancient foes of the Scots, threatened from the east. Contentious chieftains would rend the ties of his own people. And yet, somehow, Kenneth must forge a nation.
Epoch 3 The Refiner of the Realm, Of Queens and Clerics
Mary, Gareth, and Brad’s quest to learn the truth of the Stone of Scone takes them to Edinburgh Castle, high on its windy hill.
1068: Margaret struggles as the remnant of the English royal family, fleeing William the Conqueror, is blown onto the wild, rocky shore of Scotland. Can the beautiful, gentle Margaret, vowed to become a nun, accept the hand of the uncivilized King Malcolm? Can she actually carve a haven of civility among these rough, barbarous people?
Epoch 4 The Vanquishers of Tyranny, Of Priests and Patriots
Mary, Brand and Gareth’s quest comes to a surprising conclusion as they learn the truth about the price of freedom.
1314: Larger than life, perhaps the greatest patriot that ever breathed, William Wallace gives his life’s blood for Scotland’s freedom. A glorious victory at Stirling Bridge leads to heart-rending defeat at Falkirk and payment of the ultimate sacrifice at the Tower of London. And young, faithful Jamie Maclnnes experiences it all—even to paying a great personal price himself.
Though scarred—like Scotland—Jamie is unconquered. He rallies behind the dynamic Robert the Bruce and follows on the arduous odyssey of defeat, exile and humiliation until it leads finally to glorious victory on the fields of Bannockburn.
700 years later, three adventurous young people follow this spellbinding tale, seeking answers for their own lives and the solution to Scotland’s oldest riddle.
In announcing the release of her Celtic Cross series, Crow said, “I am delighted to be able to offer readers my Scottish epic for the very first time in ebook format. And I am thrilled with this all-new edition that offers each segment of Scotland’s magnificent history in convenient, stand-alone epochs.
“I am hoping that a whole new generation of readers can find inspiration to stand for truth and freedom as these long-ago saints and patriots did. Each era faces new challenges—as, indeed, our does—but the demands of courage, intelligence and faith remain the same for meeting and overcoming each hurdle that confronts our world. And Scotland remains the same fiercely beautiful country it has been throughout history.”
Readers and reviewers alike have praised Crow's work:
“When it comes to historical fiction set in Scotland and based on true events, no one does it better than Donna Fletcher Crow. Familiar names from history come alive on the page. If you love Scotland, love history, and love the Lord, this one’s for you!” ~Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times best-selling author of Mine Is the Night
“A fictional masterpiece. Creatively ties together the present and the past. Outstanding book for serious readers looking to become involved in an exceptional story of substance.” ~B.H. Bookstore Journal
“A tale well told—it’s a cracker. Well written and well researched with believable people. A magical storyteller’s book. A hard book to put down. If you have a love of good tales well told and a spirit that can be stirred I recommend this book to you.” ~Richard Walker, Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Journal of the Arts Centre Group, UK
“You never thought opening a book could be this wondrous, and closing it this difficult.” Bestseller and Top 5 Picks, Christian Book Distributors
Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Also, many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories.
'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."
The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading “Jane Austen Seashore Tour.”
The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'
The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled “A Nostalgic Fourth of July” is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.
Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: ‘Where Love Begins’, ‘Where Love Illumines’, ‘Where Love Triumphs’, ‘Where Love Restores’, ‘Where Love Shines’, and ‘Where Love Calls’.
The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.
Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:
Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.
About Donna Fletcher Crow:
Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.
Contact:
Donna Fletcher Crow
donna@donnafletchercrow.com
https://www.donnafletchercrow.com
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