Kimmie Sue's Book Review And More: •٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•٠• Release Blitz For Celtic Fire by Liz Gavin •٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•٠•

Celtic Fire
By Liz Gavin
(Highland Celts Series, #1)
Publication date: January 31st 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical, Paranormal Romance

Amazon

Goodreads

This is a standalone, historical/paranormal romance.

Its mature themes – violence, religious war, and

pagan rituals – might not be appropriate for

audiences under 18.

When ancient gods ruled and Druids kept Faith alive,

the Celts thrived as a democratic, matriarchal society. Then

savage Roman soldiers swept across Europe, killing and

enslaving. The Celts did not succumb without a fight. Their

Old Ways survived centuries of ruthless domain until

another menace loomed: a tortured god worshiped in cold

stone buildings. The sacred shores of Avalon began to drift

away, the mists threatened to hide the island from mortal

eyes forever.

Against the bleak backdrop of war, the gorgeous Scottish

Highlands stood tall, sheltering its inhabitants from greedy

invaders. Yet the reach of the eagle banners was long and

the highlanders turned to the Goddess for protection.

However, the sacred groves felt silent and grim as Avalon

faded away. Once sad, pealing bells began to sound

strangely comforting while the high walls of monasteries

offered an alluring barrier from violence. Caught in the middle

of this centuries-old war, a young High Priestess might be

Avalon’s last chance.

Wise beyond her years and powerful like no other Priestess

in her lifetime, Rowen had served the Goddess faithfully,

forsaking her family and the company of her soulmate. When

the Lady of the Lake asks for another sacrifice, it might be

one too many for her scarred heart. How could she obey the

Goddess without betraying Caddaric? Could she trust

Eochaid, who embodied everything she despised and hated?

Would she be able to fulfill her duties without losing her

soul?

Caddaric had been Rowen’s companion in countless lives;

but, now, they existed in different realms. Beautiful Rowen

lived in the mortal world while sweet Caddaric remained in

the sacred isle of Avalon, watching over her. Could he step

aside to allow another man – a flesh and blood man – to

become her protector?

Eochaid had sworn to protect the Old Ways. The rude warrior

never quite understood his faith yet his loyal heart belonged to the Goddess. A gorgeous, fiery High Priestess was not in

his plans. He would risk his life to protect Rowen; but, would

the Goddess safeguard his heart? Could he defend the

bewitching maiden from himself?

When stakes were so high that a simple mistake could cost

their very world, a priestess, a Druid, and a warrior must

learn to trust each other and the mysterious ways of the

Goddess. Their success would save Avalon. Their failure

would tear the island from the human realm forever,

condemning it to oblivion.

Failure was not an option.

Rowen

Although my heart is heavy and my thoughts are gloomy, I take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. I search for the sacred oak, the oldest tree in the grove. Finding it, I lie on the ground, face down, in front of the revered tree. Earth’s energy radiates from the ground, traveling through my body and limbs, filling me with a potent magnetism, and making my skin tingle as I say my prayer.

“Forgive me, Great Mother. I have failed you yet again. I am your vessel on this realm and as such I should never doubt your ways. Nevertheless, when the time came for Caddaric to go back to Avalon, I despaired and fought against the inevitable, as I always do.

Please, give me strength to control my weak heart, wisdom to understand your signs, and courage to do your bidding.”

The wind picks up around me making the dry leaves and little twigs swirl. Faint whispers come in the breeze. A thousand gentle fingers move over my body caressing, soothing me.

“Oh, Mother, you are too kind and never abandon me. I promise to serve you faithfully and perform my duties accordingly from now on.”

The wind blows stronger, molding my clothes to my body, covering me in dry leaves. I feel faint and when I open my eyes, I’m not in the sacred grove any longer. I’m lying on a sunny field, there’s a gentle breeze blowing from the distant line of apple trees, bringing the sweet smell of their flowers in full bloom. Recognizing my beloved isle of Avalon, I get up and look around. I see the Lady of the Lake standing just a few feet away. I go to her and offer a curtsy. The Lady gently holds me by my shoulders, smiles serenely and holds my gaze. Not for the first time, I wonder if her eyes can read my soul.

“Rise, Rowen, my child. And do not cry. You should rejoice over your successes instead of mourning what you perceive as failures. Your apprentices look up to you and seek your guidance, because your advice is wise and respectful. The villagers worship the Great Mother according to the old traditions, because they follow your firm yet kind leadership. Despite being so young, my beautiful Rowen, you are wise and your people respect you.”

I am touched by her words. I never expected the Lady of the Lake herself would answer my prayer and come talk to me, comfort me.

“You are too kind, my lady. I am honored and, although I think I do not deserve your comfort, I am thankful.”

“I speak only the truth, Rowen, as all true servants of the Goddess shall do. Now, you will not like what I need to tell you. You have always been loyal to your vows and I count on that loyalty to see you through the task I need you to undertake.”

“You frighten me, my lady. What do you need from me? You know I would never deny you, or the Great Mother, anything.”