Born an Irish prince in the troubled sixth century, when Christianity vied with pagan beliefs for the people’s hearts, Colum mac Felim, or Columba or Colmcille, as he was sometimes known, rejected the high kingship of all Ireland to become an abbot. When his role in a fierce battle led to victory at the expense of men’s lives, he gave up all to go north to the Hebrides where on the Isle of Iona he founded an abbey and monastery and sent missionaries out to all of Alba to win people to Christ.   He won the hearts of monarchs as well as common people. His anointing of kings joined the chur ..read more

If you've read Keeper of the Dream, you're already a fan of Penelope Williamson. Once in a Blue Moon, which was her next book is equally wonderful—and it’s one of my Top 20. It's the story of unrequited love that refuses to die no matter the tests it must endure. And nobody does unrequited love like Williamson.   The story was inspired by the love of Williamson’s grandparents who were kept apart for 6 years, but then came together to love for another 65 years. Here’s what she had to say about them (get out the Kleenex):   “It was in 1902 that Elizabeth and Peter first met and fell i ..read more

  Set in 1745, in the time of feuds between the clans and the Scottish support for Bonnie Prince Charlie, this is the story of Katherine Fraser who falls in love with the eldest son of her family’s enemy—the MacDonalds. James MacDonald had a horrible reputation of cattle stealing, killing and debauchery when he met the lovely, flame-haired Katherine Fraser. For love of her, he changed. Neither family wanted the marriage but agreed to a betrothal when they could see the pair was determined.   Then came Charles Stuart and the call to arms all over Scotland. Having lost all in the earl ..read more

  April is Classics month when I dive into my Keeper shelf and dust off those I intend to re-read. This is certainly one of those. I love how Givens writes. I just get lost in her tales and her characters. I have two tests for a 5 star romance: (1) can I put it down? and (2) will I read it again? This book passes both tests. For those considering buying it, make sure you also buy Kilgannon first. The two books form two parts to one story--and you will want both.   This novel tells of Mary Lowell, an English aristocrat, and the Highland chief Alex MacGannon, who claims her as his bri ..read more

  I first developed this list for a friend of Irish descent who loves Irish historical romances. Since then, I have updated this list each year as I have come to love stories that feature Ireland and/or Irish heroes and heroines. The books on this list cover all time periods. Some transcend typical historical romance as they bring to life heartrending tales of the Irish fight for freedom from English tyranny and/or the wonderful Irish people who survived much hardship to help make great their adoptive countries. If you’re looking for stories of the Emerald Isle or handsome Irish hunks, o ..read more

Set in Ireland and an island off the coast of England in 910, this is the story of Mirana, a Viking woman who is abducted one night by her brother’s enemy, Rorik, Lord of Hawkfell. Rorik seeks vengeance for the death of his wife and children at the hand of Mirana’s brother, Einar. Once on Hawkfell Island, Mirana makes friends among the women and comes to see the island as home, but all is not well, and Einar still has plans for her.   Coulter has taken care to get the period right, including details of dress, food and dwellings. She has also created some wonderful characters, including a ..read more

  First published in 1980 with the author listed on the cover as Jocelyn Wilde (which is the pen name for John Toombs), the cover of the new edition shows the author as Jane Toombs. While I cannot confirm it, this may have been a collaborative effort of husband and wife.   Based on the real characters and events and one date late in the book of 1813, it is set in the early 19th century in Alta California, the waters off the coast and in Mexico. It begins as Alitha Bradford is traveling with her father on his ship from Boston to California with the intention of sailing on to the Sandw ..read more

  Set in Ireland in 1835, this is the story of Caitriona Brady, a widow of two years, who carries a torch for Michael Warner, the brother of the local priest. Michael also wants her and soon, they acknowledge their love. However, not all in the village agree.   Caitriona’s husband was the best fighter among the Bradys who battle the Donnellans at regular intervals, typically after a religious event. Caitriona and Michael have declared their neutrality but no one seems to be listening.   The well-written story brings to light Ireland’s past when “Faction Fighting” occurred and ..read more

It’s the early 13th century and the Normans are in control of most of Ireland. This tells the story of Maire O’Byrne, sister of Ireland’s most infamous rebel, Ronan Black O’Byrne. One day, an attack on Maire’s men kills many in her detail and Maire is captured by the evil sister of Lord Duncan FitzWilliam, the Norman master of Longford Castle. He wants to return her to her clan but Maire feigns amnesia because her brother is the rebel Lord Duncan is hunting. As he begins to fall for Maire, Duncan, a man of honor, sends his Irish mistress away. Meantime, Maire begins to have feelings for hi ..read more

  Set at the dawn of the Regency period (years after the defeat of the Irish Rebellion in 1798), this is the story of an aristocratic young English widow, Lady Kitty Harcomb, who fleeing the scandal-ridden ton in London, decides to pay a visit to her Irish suitor, Sir William Fossick. Perhaps she would even marry him and settle down at last. Of course, she does not love him, but love played no part in her plans. So, she sets off with her young son and his nanny for Ireland.   On a stormy night in Ireland as her coachman refuses to continue, she is saved from the elements by a local h ..read more