Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.
Scottish history holds great significance for many of us here in the United States, as it weaves a rich tapestry that has shaped the cultural and historical fabric of both Scotland and the US. From the mystical isle of Iona, a focal point of Gaelic monasticism for three centuries, to the resilient town of Selkirk, which helped give birth to the legend of William Wallace, Scotland's history resonates across the Atlantic. The majestic Edinburgh Castle, standing proudly atop the ancient volcanic rock, symbolizes centuries of Scottish sovereignty and resistance against oppression. The pivotal Battle of Bannockburn, fought in 1314, serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and quest for freedom that continue to inspire people in both countries. The allure of Scottish heritage, with its traditions, music, and clan connections, captivates the hearts of many Americans.
It is this heritage that has helped inspire many of the novels written by bestselling, multi-award winning author Donna Fletcher Crow. She addressed this subject in a blog post titled 'Scotland On My Mind, the Influence of Heritage,' on the occasion of her 60th wedding anniversary. She and her husband will be celebrating the event with a family reunion in Scotland.
"Thanks to family history research handed down to me from my great uncle Donald Fletcher," Crow stated, "our family has always enjoyed claiming descent from Fletcher the Warrior, sole survivor among the men of Selkirk of the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. This bit of historical identity has been a focus of family fun that included Highland dancing, bagpipe playing, and kilt wearing for various members--as well as a source for story and setting for many of my novels.
"It was, therefore, natural that my husband, whose Johnston ancestors came to the New World from Scotland before the Revolutionary War, should choose a Scottish Castle as the venue for the family (all 26 of us) to gather in to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. Just as it was natural for me to use our Scottish heritage in my family saga trilogy The Daughters of Courage based on a fictionalized account of my own pioneer roots. I later went on to recount stories of Celtic saints in my Monastery Murders series, especially in Book 1, A Very Private Grave where saints Mungo and Ninian play a part in the story. Likewise, in Book 5 Against All Fierce Hostility where Scotland's patron Saint Andrew makes an appearance.
"In my most recent project The Celtic Cross Series, Scotland's history covers 4 volumes through Saint Columba, Kenneth Mac Alpin, Queen Margaret, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce--all magnificent heroes and heroines whose lives serve as such excellent role models for their country, for the world, and for our family."
The full Scottish heritage article can be found at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/498/Scotland-on-My-Mind-the-Influence-of-Heritage.
Crow picked up several new awards for a number of books in the Celtic Cross Series. She received the Book Excellence Award, billed as "A Global Celebration of Literary Excellence", for 'The Dawning of Peace, Of Dreamers and Designers,' Book 10 The Celtic Cross Series.
1914: Budding actress Nora Armstrong is set to star at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin--until everything is changed by the Easter Rising. 1996: Can Mary fight her way from the wreckage of a hotel bombing to find real hope for the future—hers and Ireland’s?
She also received the First Place, Media Network Idaho, Adult Novel, and National Federation of Press Women, Adult Novel, Second Place for 'The Shaping of the Union, Of Plots and Parliaments,' Book 8, The Celtic Cross Series
Valiant Women Risk All for Ireland: In 1789 Lenny imperils her life to uncover the insidious spy bent on bringing all their plans for a revived Ireland to ruin, even as she harbors a secret message. In 1996 Mary jeopardizes her own happiness as she seeks an answer that will finally help bring peace in the historic struggles of this land.
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. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.
The 10-volume Celtic Cross series covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels. ‘The Keeper of the Stone,’ book 1 in the series was #1 on Amazon for Historical Scottish fiction.
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.
'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.'
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:
The Dawning Of Peace, of Dreamers and Designers, Book Excellence Award 2023
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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