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Amanda Forester | Give Me Some Celtic Lovin'
Happy St. Patrickβs Day! Today we celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of
Ireland. Wouldnβt it be great if I had an Irish book to talk about? Well, as
you can probably guess, THE
HIGHLANDERβS SWORD is set in Scotland. So today I thought Iβd chat about a
common ancestor to both Scotland and Ireland: the Celts.
The Celts is a term rather loosely used to describe some of the early peoples of
Europe and the British Isles. Currently, the six Celtic nations are considered
to be Scotland, Brittany, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. The
Celtic culture is an ancient one and shrouded in mystery. The Celts were known
as warrior adventurers, conquering and spreading through Europe and particularly
into the British Isles. Woman may also have been warriors and leaders of their
clans. Another important role in Celtic society was the members of the priestly
and intellectual class called the druids. Celtic religion was polytheistic and
their deities were often associated with natural features, such as rivers.
After the conversion of the Celts to Christianity in 5th century Ireland, thanks
to our celebrated St. Patrick, the Celts showed a strong interest in
intellectual pursuits, particularly in Irish monasteries. One of the best
examples of Celtic intellectualism and art is the Book of Kells, which is an
illuminated manuscript in Latin of the four Gospels of the Bible, created by
Celtic monks. This brilliantly illustrated work reveals intricate pictures
combining Christian iconography and Celtic symbols, such as Celtic knots. The
roots of earlier Celtic religion can be seen in the focus Celtic spirituality on
the omnipresence of the divine all around us. The interest in adventure can
also be seen in the frequent pilgrimages of the medieval Celtic monks, sometimes
even getting into a boat without sail or oars and going wherever God led them!
In my debut novel, the hero and heroine reveal some of the characteristics now
attributed to Celtic culture. MacLaren is the warrior adventurer. He seeks
adventure in France fighting against the English and returns to Scotland a
decorated knight, but also rocked by betrayal. In Lady Aila, we see the focus
on intellectual pursuits. She has been groomed her whole life for entrance into
the Convent. Since the cloisters were often the keepers of language and
literature at this time, she has extensively studied Latin, French, and other
languages. However, fate intervenes with the battle of Nevilleβs Cross, killing
Ailaβs brother and most of her kin, and leaving Aila an heiress. Her life is
forever changed when instead of the convent, her father gives her in marriage to
MacLaren, the Highland warrior. The road to romance is not a smooth one for
Aila and MacLaren, but in the end love prevails!
I completely enjoyed writing The Highlanderβs Sword,
particularly learning more about the history of Scotland and the Celts. I can
think of nothing more romantic than the image of a Highland warrior clad in a
kilt. What is your ideal image of the romantic hero or heroine? Can you detect
any Celtic influences?
THE HIGHLANDERβS SWORDAMANDA
FORESTER-- IN STORES MARCH 2010
A quiet, flame-haired beauty with secrets of her own...
Lady Aila Graham is destined for the convent, until her brother's death leaves
her an heiress. Soon she is caught between hastily arranged marriage with a
Highland warrior, the Abbot's insistence that she take her vows, the Scottish
Laird who kidnaps her, and the traitor from within who betrays them all.
She's nothing he expected and everything he really needs...
Padyn MacLaren, a battled-hardened knight, returns home to the Highlands after
years of fighting the English in France. MacLaren bears the physical scars of
battle, but it is the deeper wounds of betrayal that have rocked his faith.
Arriving with only a band of war-weary knights, MacLaren finds his land pillaged
and his clan scattered. Determined to restore his clan, he sees Aila's fortune
as the answer to his problems...but maybe it's the woman herself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Forester holds
a PhD in psychology and worked for many years in academia before discovering
that writing historical romance novels was way more fun. She lives in the
Pacific Northwest outside Tacoma, Washington with her husband, two energetic
children, and one lazy dog. Please click here to visit her website.
Leave a comment today for a chance to win a copy of THE HIGHLANDERβS SWORD. Two
Winners
Comments
39 comments posted.
Re: Amanda Forester | Give Me Some Celtic Lovin'
Thank you for your post, Amanda.
My ideal image of a romantic hero and heroine? They can be anyone, anywhere, in any period. They can be rich or poor, handsome or homely, sophisticated or simple, conventional or square-peg-like. They can be smart or they can be like me.
But there are two traits they MUST have. They must be able to love, and they must be worthy of love. The rest is up to the writer.
Like you, I dig Celtic history and lore. Here's my favorite St. Patrick's Day joke: What happened to the snakes of Ireland that St. Patrick drove into the sea? They swam across the ocean and founded the American Bar Association.
Keep up the good work!
(Mary Anne Landers 1:36am March 17, 2010)
My ideal image of a romantic hero & heroine are a man who cherishes his woman and a woman who appreciates that and cherishes him back. Whatever race, that is my ideal.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:23am March 17, 2010)
My ideal heroine is intelligent and has a backbone. My ideal hero possesses the same qualities but, also, is protective of those weaker than himself.
(Marlene Breakfield 8:33am March 17, 2010)
I like heroes and heroines to be intelligent and honest, with a sense of humor. Your book sounds great. Happy St. Pat's Day.
(G S Moch 10:36am March 17, 2010)
I like the stories where the man has to really work to receive the woman's love.
(Sherry Russell 11:49am March 17, 2010)
I LOVE Historical pieces especially Celtic. I appreciate a good read that includes strong men and even stronger women. PS Happy St. Patrick's Day!
(Darci Paice 12:15pm March 17, 2010)
I love stories where the heroine gets to kick the heros butt a few times, but they have to have a good happy ending.
(Barbara Hanson 12:26pm March 17, 2010)
Happy St. Patty's Day!!! Ideal hero or heroine... depends on my mood, ;)
(Colleen Conklin 1:40pm March 17, 2010)
Humor humor humor! :) They should both have a great sense of humor and lots of laughter!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
(Eva Minaskanian 1:41pm March 17, 2010)
Happy St. Pat's. Thanks for the overview of the Celts.
(Shannon Scott 2:48pm March 17, 2010)
I really like historical fiction. I read the review, it sounds exciting.
(Jolynn Rood 3:22pm March 17, 2010)
I love a man who is so tender and loving toward the heroine and I love a heroine who is so sweet and kind. I do have to say that their is just something sexy about a hero dressed in a kilt. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
(Cherie Japp 3:31pm March 17, 2010)
Thank you, thank you. Scots heros always appeal to me. It's the whole rugged but tender guy in the wild highland is just so sexy! are there any left?
(Elizabeth Parzino 4:02pm March 17, 2010)
Happy St. Paddy's Day! It sounds like a great story. Whether you're Irish or Scottish, any hot man in a kilt is wonderful to look at and fun to read about!
(Lisa Glidewell 4:25pm March 17, 2010)
I like a hero that loves and admires his
lady love and she returns that love and
admiration. Your book sounds great!
Besides, it features a man in a kilt!
Mmmmm. Congratulations on your
debut!
(Deb H. 4:29pm March 17, 2010)
Happy St Patricks Day. I love stories set in the Highlands. They somehow jump into my hands and I happily take them home.
(Maude Allen 5:21pm March 17, 2010)
I have always enjoyed stories with Irish and Scottish men in them. I am looking forward to reading your book. It would be an awsome birthday surprise for me to win it. I turn 26 this year, on the 26th day of March. Very excited. Thanks so much.
(Jeri Daniel 6:36pm March 17, 2010)
A Scottish Highlander tale can't be bested.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:25pm March 17, 2010)
Thank you for an interesting blog. It was very educational. I enjoy reading historicals especially about the Irish. I am looking forward to reading 'THE HIGHLANDERβS SWORD'. Thank you!
(Rosemary Krejsa 7:56pm March 17, 2010)
Can't wait to read.
(Deb Pelletier 8:12pm March 17, 2010)
highlanders and the middle ages... looks good!
(Michelle K 8:20pm March 17, 2010)
In do so love a story where the hero and heroine bounce heads a few times before finally working it out. I like the stories about two people drawn to each other in spite of themselves, and the tension between them usually leads to fun interactions.
(Donna Holmberg 9:22pm March 17, 2010)
Oh Give Me Some Celtic Lovin'. Love Scotland and Celtic history with a great story woven into a great book.
(Brenda Hill 9:26pm March 17, 2010)
I always like historical objects with significance. The Book of Kells definitely got me sold to the Highlander's Sword.
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
(Kai Wong 10:12pm March 17, 2010)
Highland romances are one of my favorite kinds of books to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Cheryl Snyder 10:31pm March 17, 2010)
I love Celtic things and Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
(Vicki Hancock 10:51pm March 17, 2010)
I like historicals because there's are
two worlds for the heroine to find her
way through. One being society and
the other her own family circle. While
she might not be seen as an equal
outside of her home, with the right
man she may achieve it at home
through mutual respect and love.
(Jung Ja Ahn 11:06pm March 17, 2010)
Please enter me in your fantastic contest and I pray that I win too!
God bless, Cecilia
cecilia74@sbcglobal.net
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 12:03pm March 18, 2010)
Amanda,
Congratulations on your debut "The Highlander's Sword". I love all things Scottish and Celtic. The Scottish Highlander to me is one of the sexiest heroes I can imagine. Warriors, defenders of their clans and families they just represent true masculine essence. Not to forget those delicious kilts. This book is definitely on my TRL. Please enter me for a chance to win.See you on the blog tour. :)
Happy St Patrick's day, a day late :)
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
(Carol Luciano 1:46am March 18, 2010)
I love my history. The Highlander's Sword looks amazing. Fingers crossed.
(Mary Preston 5:18am March 18, 2010)
My Romantic Hero wears cammys and war paint. Didn't the Celts wear war paint? That would be the connection I see, well other than the whole Alpha Male thing! :)
(Kelli Jo Calvert 10:35am March 18, 2010)
Very nice post and I enjoyed it. My romantic hero will always be the one that protects and honors his heroine. Although he may not know it at the time, but eventually comes around. *sigh*
(Armenia Fox 10:45am March 18, 2010)
I enjoy reading books about the Scottish Highlands. I look forward to reading your book.
(Robin McKay 2:49pm March 18, 2010)
What a terrific sounding novel!!! I absolutely love books of the Highlands and their early culture...Great cover too!!! Count me in....And Happy St.Paddy's Day!!!
(Mitzi Hinkey 4:18pm March 18, 2010)
I would love to read this. The plot so grabs my attention. And the cover!!! Yummy
(Cindy Olp 9:43pm March 18, 2010)
Can't say no to a Highlander!
(Sigrun Schulz 10:09pm March 18, 2010)
Happy Luck of the Irish to You and may you find that elusive celtic charm.
(Alyson Widen 1:58pm March 19, 2010)
The Scottish Highlands and men in kilts -
that right there is the start to a good
story. Have seen reviews of this book
and it sounds like one I want to read.
(Patricia Barraclough 8:24pm March 22, 2010)
Won "the Highlanders Sword" last month and just finished reading it. My daughter laughs at me because we can't leave the library until I have a Highlander book. Now I have one of my own. Can we look forward to another?
(Elizabeth Parzino 1:44pm April 1, 2010)
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