Rebel, Brides of Alba Series #3

The Brides of Alba Series

Kella O'Toole is a language expert and scribe for Queen Gwenhyfar, and has just discovered that she is pregnant by her fiancé, Lorne. Alyn just returned from his six years of studies in the East. There Alyn learned many new things, but when his teacher was killed during some research, he begins to question his commitment to the priesthood. The court is rife with rumors with the death of Merlin and the arrival of Cassian, the archbishop of the Roman church. When word of a battle that leaves many dead, including Kella's fiancé as well as her father, a contingent starts out and Kella sneaks into the company. Alyn notices her and immediately puts her under his protection as they move toward their home, not knowing whom to trust.

The setting for Rebel is during the King Arthur era, highly researched by Linda Windsor making the story vivid for readers. She portrays the characters with such depth that the reader easily empathizes with and understands their struggles. The history included creates a complete picture of the era making the reader feel as if they are living there with the other characters. This is the last of the trilogy, but the first one I have read. I will definitely be picking up the others to read, as well as finding other books written by Windsor. If you enjoy history and romance joined with Christian growth, then you definitely need to pick up this novel, as well as the other two.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Linda Windsor in her new book, "Rebel" Book Three in The Brides of Alba series published by David C. Cook returns us to the days of Arthur

From the back cover: Arthurian Scotland shines in this tale of regret, redemption and unexpected grace.

With Merlin dead, the succession undecided, and the Celtic church on the defensive, intrigue sweeps the court of the High King Arthur. Kella O'Toole is consumed with the news that her fiancé is dead and then she must defy Queen Gwenhyfar's orders to search for her missing father. Alyn, a disillusioned priest who questions his calling, agrees to help her. After a perilous journey, they encounter a threatening viper's nest of treachery. A story of love and faith this brilliantly researched and vividly imagined novel is the memorable climax to the Brides of Alba series.

Legends have their basis in reality and Linda Windsor has done extensive research to tell the story of "Rebel". Want to know how Church history plays a part in the Arthurian tale then this book is for you. Does the word, "druid" bring up an image of a black-cloaked figure with long finger nails chanting mystical incantations? In reality a druid is a professional, a doctor, judge or teacher. Here is something that Ms. Windsor talks about and that is her daughter got involved in Wicca and did not want to hear about Christianity. The way Ms. Windsor was able to reach her daughter and bring her back was through telling her about all the research for this book. Possible you have a friend also involved in New Age philosophy or even Wicca then give them this book. Christianity shines through these pages and on top of everything this is also a tale of adventure and romance. Ms. Windsor did an outstanding job in this book making history, legend and her characters really come alive. I liked this book and I believe you will too.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

This story is a most fitting conclusion to Linda Windsor's series on ancient Scotland. I love the author's use of scripture throughout the story and her unique way of developing the "realness" of the characters. It is so easy to identify with them in their struggles to serve Christ in a pagan world. This book was both encouraging & inspirational and I highly recommend it.

This story is set in late Sixth Century AD. Alyn O'Byrne and Kella O'Toole are the two main characters in this book who have been sent on a very important mission for to deliver the written books Kella has scribed to Mons Seion near Fortingall. Through trial and tribulation, these two characters who are childhood family friends find themselves rediscovering who they are along the way. They are also trying to find Kella's love Lorne who has been lost in a battle between the Miathi and one of King Arthur's armies who were ambushed along with her father Egan O'Toole.

Both Alyn and Kella's family play a very important role in the fate of both of these characters past, present and future. Through strong character development and story research and background, this book should be labeled as Historical Non-Fiction along with Fiction. Through a very rigorous search of history, Linda Windsor has very effectively written a book about a time where magic, mythology and history combine to make one heck of a great read!!

Sit down, grab a comfy blanket and be prepared to be whirled away from the first chapter!

I received Rebel by Linda Windsor compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is third book in the Brides of Alba Series and I felt so engulfed by this book that I wish there was another book after Rebel to continue the story of these two characters!! I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

Book Description:

With Merlin dead, the succession undecided, and the Celtic church on the defensive from Rome, intrigue sweeps the court of the High King Arthur. But it's battlefield news that consumes Queen Gwenhyfar's young scribe, Kella O'Toole: her fiancé is dead and her father gone missing. Determined to find him at all costs, Kella defies the queen's orders and sets out for Pictish territory. Her foster brother Alyn, a disillusioned priest who questions his calling, agrees to help her. The journey itself is perilous. But it's their secrets that land Kella and Alyn in a viper's nest of treachery that threatens both their lives and the future of Albion. Can they summon the love and faith they need to find their way not only out of danger, but into happiness? Brilliantly researched, vividly imagined, and movingly written—a memorable climax to the Brides of Alba series.

*taken from CBD

My Thoughts:

When I received this book to review, I had to look up Linda Windsor. This looked like a series that I didn't want to jump into at the end. I needed to read books 1 and 2.

So, I went to our library and got the first 2 books to read.

I am SO glad that I did!

I am a new Linda Windsor FAN!

Her writing is detailed, history-filled and action-packed. I learned so much about what people living in the early days of Christianity went through. I used a few of the stories from her books during my Sunday School lessons and in conversations with friends. I couldn't stop thinking about these books and these characters.

Rebel was the perfect ending to the series... although I could read more about the future Brides of Alba!

(hint, hint, Linda)

With themes of romance, forgiveness, discovery, trust, prayer, healing and more, this series will keep you reading and thinking long after the book ends. The characters are well-rounded, full of life and seem so very real. I learned so much from their approach to God, faith, evangelism and relationship with God. They lived with a deep trust that God was enough for them and for their families. It was refreshing to read about that kind of raw faith and to be challenged by their pure quest for more of God.

Not to mention, that I love a book with castles, kings and queens. The time period and setting that Linda chose for this series is enchanting.

Get your hands on these books... soon!