RAVES & REVIEWS

Fan names baby after one of Linda's heroes

Caden Thomas - 6 months

Linda,

I just read the Dear Reader update on your website.  I am sorry to hear about Kathy, and will pray for her family.  I will also keep you in prayer.  Losing a family member is never easy, but to lose two so close together, and then have to relive the earlier loss of a treasured loved one is extremely hard.  I lost my only brother just over three years ago.  Each year, the day to day gets a bit easier, but there are certainly days when some new happening brings the loss to the forefront, holidays are particularly difficult:  his birthday, Mothers' Day (he died Mothers' Day weekend), Fathers' Day (his daughter is 10)... and I truly dread the day something happens to one of my parents as I know I will have to face it without the one person that knows them as well as I do.

That is not, however, why I was writing to you.  I wanted to write to tell you how glad I am that you did not abandon Rebel.  The Brides of Alba series resonated with me.  I loved the O'Byrne brothers from the first chapter of the first book.  I loved their spirit, their faith, and their real-life highs and lows.  They are "human:"   they are sinners, they have doubts and fears, and they don't always make the right choice, but in the end, they are men of God.  It was these qualities that endeared my to the "boys," and that led us to choose the name 'Caden' for our son who was born in December 2011.

Our Caden was a true gift from God.  We were told five years ago that we would not be able to have any more children.  For five long years, I struggled with that proclamation.  I had two wonderful little boys, but it just seemed that our family was not complete, that there was a piece of my heart missing.  I went to baby showers to celebrate the arrival of friends' babies, and then came home and cried.   I was angry, and I was sad, but I was trying to accept that the Lord's plan was not my own, and that there was a reason even for this.  And then last summer, when I thought I had finally accepted that our family was complete, after weeks of complaining of being tired and not feeling well, we learned that we were expecting!  We held our breath through the entire pregnancy and through Caden's birth (5 weeks before his due date), but today, he is a healthy, happy 7 month (almost) boy - and a big boy!  7 lbs 1 oz - five weeks premature!

My husband wasn't sold on the name Caden at first, but after he was born, it just seemed to fit.  My hope is that no matter what Caden will eventually find his way to a strong faith, realizing the truth and power of God's forgiveness, as his namesake, Caden O'Byrne, did.

I am sure you don't have time to read every blog review of your book, but I did want to point you in the direction of my post as there's a photo of our bundle of joy, Caden Thomas, in it, and I thought you might like to see what a lasting impact your writing has had on our family.

CLICK HERE to read the blog

And I also wanted to say, thank you. Your books offer far more than entertainment.  They also off inspiration and hope, so please, keep writing!

God bless.

Sincerely,
Jennifer McQuillan
Adventures in McQuill-land

Rebel Romantic Times TOP PICK for June

"Windsor's Bride of Alba series soars, with vividly drawn characters
and impeccable research that brings the Arthurian series fully to life.
Faith and love are beautifully matched in this latest triumph. The
series should be read in order, and readers will want to discuss these
books with friends for hours."



CHRISTIANBOOK.COM - Jennilee, a new fan

"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!



GOODREADS.com & Fairy Tales Are Real - Clean Book Reviews (Megan)

"I really love Linda's weaving of the Arthurian characters and legend into the plot. They are not the main characters, but it is neat to have these familiar characters in the background of the story. Although, these Arthurian characters may not always do what one would expect. There is a twist on the Arthurian legend in Windsor's novels, which even ties in with the Biblical history. Windsor explains it all in her extra references and it is fascinating."I really love Linda's weaving of the Arthurian characters and legend into the plot. They are not the main characters, but it is neat to have these familiar characters in the background of the story. Although, these Arthurian characters may not always do what one would expect. There is a twist on the Arthurian legend in Windsor's novels, which even ties in with the Biblical history. Windsor explains it all in her extra references and it is fascinating." 

Genre Go Round Reviews - Harriet Klaussner

"The latest Brides of Alba Arthurian saga is a great tale that brings to life the sixth century British Isles at a time of deep bloody schisms. Action-packed, but vividly describing the era, readers will relish this strong romantic adventure starring two disillusioned individuals who had doubts about religion and royalty as each has witnessed manipulations in the name of God by men and women."

 

FIVE Stars! RelzReviews.com

"Linda Windsor always captivates and enthralls when she writes medieval fiction and her final installment in her Brides of Alba series continues the trend. Balancing historical detail, spiritual battles and a spirited romance, Rebel is satisfying from beginning to end. In Alyn, Linda plumbs the depths of a man of great faith, yet uncertain of his path in life, who is unsettled by his attraction to the grown up Kella. His awakening to the call of God underpins the rest of the story. Kella is just as intriguing, an educated and clever woman who falls for the charm of a man she believes loves her. Some readers may find the detailed historical aspects heavy going, but as someone who loves history, it was a pleasure to read. I'm hoping Linda Windsor continues writing in this genre as her talent for it is exceptional."

 

Amazon.com: FIVE STARS

"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!"