THE ALPINE FORTRESS

#AmQuerying

The Wimbach bridge and Ramstein church.

Ivanna finds a map leading to stolen Nazi treasure in the loft of her deceased grandparents’ farm and finds herself in the midst of a battle between South-American gangsters and the German police.

Ivanna’s grandfather had been a prisoner of war in World War II and was forced to work in a salt mine in Austria. After her grandparents’ deaths she finds a mysterious map in the loft of their farm.

A group of detectives arrive in Berchtesgaden for a week’s team training. But soon one of them disappears. And some of them are not who they appear to be.

Before long, Ivanna, the police, and a South-American drug lord are embroiled in a battle for long-lost, stolen Nazi treasure at the base of the Alps.

*LOOKING FOR REPRESENTATION*

Book No 1: The Missionary

the missionary

"The Missionary by Rowena Kinread is a vivid and authentic work of historical fiction that retells the life of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, in dramatic fashion."

(Gwyneth Rees - Yorkshire Post)

Abstract (amazon.com):

"Patricius, a young man of Britannia, is taken from his home and family when Gaelic pirates attack his village. On his arrival in Ireland, he is sold as a slave to the cruel underking of the Dalriada tribe in the north. Six years later, Patricius manages to escape. His journey takes him through France to Ravenna in Italy. His subsequent plans to return to Britannia are side-tracked when he finds himself accompanying several monks to the island monastery on Lerinus. His devotion to his faith, honed during his captivity, grows as he studies with the monks.Haunted by visions of the Gaels begging him to return to Ireland and share the word of God with them, Patricius gains support from Rome and his friends to return to the land of his captivity. His arrival is bitterly opposed by the druids, who have held power over the Irish kings for many years, and he and his companions must combat the druids to succeed in their God-given mission."

Buy with:

‘Intricate and well-researched biographical novel that doesn’t shy away from the realities of early Irish life.’
Deborah Swift best-selling historical author about The Missionary.

Book No 2: "The Scots of Dalriada"

Rowena Kinread gives us another rousing historical novel..

THREE BROTHERS
Fergus, Loarn and Angus, Princes of the Dalriada, are forced into exile by their scheming half-brother and the druidess Birga One-tooth.
THREE FATES
Fergus conceals himself as a stable lad on Aran and falls helplessly in love with a Scottish princess, already promised to someone else. Loarn crosses swords against the Picts. Angus designs longboats.
TOGETHER A MIGHTY POWER
Always on the run the brothers must attempt to outride their adversaries by gaining power themselves. Together they achieve more than they could possibly dream of.
Fergus Mór (The Great) is widely recognised as the first King of Scotland, giving Scotland its name and its language. Rulers of Scotland and England from Kenneth mac Alpín until the present time claim descent from Fergus Mór.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, this is a tale of heart-breaking love amidst treachery, deceit and murder.

The BookViral Review:

Beginning with the marriage of Erc of Dalriada to his first wife Marca at the age of fifteen and covering the period up until his death in 474AD, Kinread gives us a rousing historical novel and a fine example of what can happen when good writing and extensive research come together.

Erc of Dalriada is a man whose belief in honour and whose love for his second wife Mista, family, and clan make him a figure to cheer for and it’s through him that readers are drawn into the lifelong conflict between his sons Fergus and Cartan who would see himself as King.

What’s best about The Scots of Dalriada: Fergus Mór is the vivid images Kinread conveys of time and place (fifth-century Ireland and Scotland), and the kinds of personalities produced by a world where alliances were often fleeting and fraught with danger.

Suffice it to say that Kinread weaves an exciting web of a story that is interspersed with gem like facts and insight that so often many writers of historical fiction fail to mention and her superb eye for detail is a tribute to her desire to bring the many facets of a tough existence to life.

Given the extended period of The Scots of Dalriada the story outline could have produced yet another tired historical epic with which the genre has become inundated with but Kinread juggles an extensive cast of supporting characters to retain the intrigue throughout. Among them, the return of Saint Patrick as his story from The Missionary is continued and other significant historical figures such as Ceretic Guletic of Alt Clut who was king of Alt Clut.

Central to Kinread’s narrative is the conflict between Fergus, whose subsequent importance as the founder of Scotland in the national myth of Medieval and Renaissance Scotland is not in doubt, and Cartan. Theirs is a complex tale with Cartan’s bitter hatred for Fergus painting him as a cunning and despicable character who is credited with the murder of Erc of Dalriada and his wife Mista among other heinous crimes against Erc’s lineage.

Another original and applaudable novel from Kinread which is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction and avid historians alike,

The Scots of Dalriada: Fergus Mór is highly recommended.

Buy with:

The Scots of Dalriada Tour Banner 2

Review by Deborah Swift, award-winning- best seller- author of historical fiction

"must read."

"I bought this book on #KindleUnlimited and admit I knew nothing about early Scottish or Irish history, so this was really interesting. It is not for the faint-hearted as early on in the book it contains the sort of sex and violence you might expect from warring tribes of this era. Hand to hand fighting with sword and fists is a very different battlefield to that of today. Don’t let this put you off though, as it is extremely well-researched with episodes covering a vast swathe of history. The sort of hand to mouth existence is well-described, the flat-bottomed boats, the reliance on horses, the language of Brittonic, the burns and brochs, the rocks and seashore. I loved the travel between Scotland and Ireland, and the description of life in the Irish fort at Tara, Meath.

I enjoyed Fergus’ character as he grows and develops. The characters are rough men, used to fighting, manipulating, wielding threats and death to those that cross them. Erc was a great character – he dispenses the wisdom born of age, and came across as hard-headed but realistic. ‘If you receive favours instead of being a leader by merit, then your men will not trust you wholly, nor follow you blindly’.

There is a lot in this novel and you have to keep your wits about you as a reader as it zips from place to place. Rowena Kinread’s love of the history of these people shines through and for anyone interested in their Scottish or Irish origins, or early Christian and Druid history, it is a must read."

Review for The Scots of Dalriada from Cathie Dunn, an award-winning and Amazon-bestselling author.

Whilst I know quite a bit about medieval Scotland, my knowledge of the earlier centuries is somewhat vague. So it was with great interest that I picked up this novel, and I was not disappointed.

The Scots of Dalriada is the tale of three brothers, and of the migration of the Scoti people from Ireland to western Caledonia. So just how did the Scots arrive in Scotland?

The story begins with Erc, Fergus’ father, in Ireland. When he is married to a ’much older’ woman aged 15, for alliances, his life changes forever. His own father is ambitious, and personal contentment are not on his list of favours.

Erc's sons are born, but little does he know what fate has in store for them.

As we see the sons grow up, we witness their experiences. Growing up at such a time of profound change turned men into hardened warriors, each keen to carve out their own fate. It's no time for niceties, and as jealousies grow, so grows the violence.

But it's also a time for opportunities, and as Fergus sets out for a grand adventure, his brother Cartan has other plans. Plans that involve intrigue and murder.

The Scots of Dalriada is a gripping novel that shows a credible ’what if’ scenario. The research is impeccable, and the author's knowledge of the era shines through all through the book. She also doesn't shy away from the machinations of the time, the intrigues, and the coming of age of our young warriors is a brutal path to manhood.

I didn't warm to the narrative, though, which I found a little repetitive and jarring at times. But that didn't spoil my reading experience. The characters are clearly defined, none too likeable, but relatable in an historical sense. The plot is gripping, full of action, and the author's description takes us right back to what we consider the Dark Ages. In one sense, they were indeed dark: the bloody violence of the times, mixed with personal ambition that brought men to turn against their own.

A clever plot, deep characterisation, and detailed description make The Scots of Dalriada a great read. Fans of historical fiction set in Scotland and Ireland in particular will enjoy it.
~~~
Buy Links:

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/47VXAL

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BS78THF3
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BS78THF3
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0BS78THF3
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BS78THF3

Book No 3: The Matchstick Boy

**Winner of the Coffee Pot Book Club Silver Award for Historical Mysteries
** **Reader's Choice, 5 Stars Award**

This new novel takes place in a remote Swiss valley in the mid-19th century. It is based on a true story.

When eleven-year-old Josef is killed by a rock avalanche, his brother is convinced it is murder. He had seen someone on a rocky outcrop above the scree before it began to roll. But who would want to kill an eleven-year-old boy, and why? Jakob suspects the privileged son of the owner of a matchstick factory, but nobody takes him seriously and he is powerless to obtain justice.

Thirty years later, Jakob’s profoundly deaf daughter is raped by the same man and becomes pregnant. Jakob is determined to get justice for his daughter, at no matter what cost. He unearths a myriad of well-kept secrets in the tight-lipped community, but is anyone willing to tell the truth? Just as he thinks he has uncovered the facts, he realises he has made a vital mistake all along. Nothing is really as it seems.

The Matchstick Boy – Paperback version ORDER NOW on Amazon

Ebook version ORDER NOW on Amazon

Book shops and libraries can order this book at INGRAM SPARK at ca. 40% discount. Books not sold may be returned.

News:
THE MATCHSTICK BOY is also translated into German: DER ZUENDHOELZLI BUB.
SEE GERMAN SITE FOR THIS BOOK IN GERMAN LANGUAGE AND GERMAN REVIEWS.

Jungen 5 Horlauenen The real family Schneider* name changed (for data protection reasons)

TWITTER REVIEW: (THREAD): The Missionary
@RowenaKinread @VanguardPress
The Missionary is Rowena's debut fiction novel and tells the epic story of the life of Patricius, aka: St. Patrick. Set in the Dark Ages, Patricius, a young man of Britannia, is abducted from his home/family

Lesley Wilkinson -- @janelesley

by Gaelic pirates and sold as a slave in Ireland (Antrium). Escaping years later, Patricius travels through France to Italy, where his religious calling strengthens. Longing to return to his homeland, Patricius is delayed by accompanying monks to a monastery in Lerinus.
Haunted by visions of the Gauls, urging him to return to Ireland, Patricius returns to the land he was held captive. To succeed in sharing the Word of God, he must battle with the fearsome druids who have held power over the Irish kings. The Missionary is a wonderful novel, well researched/packed with stories/details bringing the Dark Ages and the little known story of St. Patrick to life. Honestly written, it does not shy in describing the brutal aspects of life during that time.
Academic details/historical research is beautifully interwoven into a fascinating, very readable novel, with exciting storylines and believable characters... Salvatore being one of my favourites!

...The Missionary will appeal to readers of historical fiction/biography, academic, historians and folk lore devotees alike. Well worth a read! Thank you, Rowena, I can't wait to read your next book!
By Fictionreader - 5,0 out of 5 stars

Fascinating reminder that the past is a different place- read it and marvel at our history

This novel fictionalizes the life of St Patrick. It begins in 406 AD when life in Britain is unstable and the formerly Roman lands were subject to invasions by warring tribes. It is a brutal time and one where civilisation meant the keeping of slaves and commonly, the use of women as chattels. In a violent invasion, Patricius is captured and taken as a slave by the Gauls in Hibernia. His horrendous experiences there lead him to want to return later in life and bring the Christian faith of goodness and mercy to their land.  

The novel is extremely well researched and well written, with excellent descriptions of ancient Ireland and its way of life. It leads you to consider the idea of magic and miracle in religion, and how these things were used to convert people to God (s). Both genuine experience and trickery can be seen at work in this novel, not least when Patricius must defeat the Druids at their own brand of magic.  

Patricius himself is deeply flawed, and an explanation for this choice is made at the end of the book. He has his good points too, a deep love for animals, and a willingness to try to atone for this sin that haunts him. The novel covers his whole life and is a great introduction for anyone who knows little about him. Clear notes explain what is fact and what is fiction.  I recommend this book to all who are interested in Roman, Irish or Christian history, and are prepared to set aside their preconceptions about what a Saint should look like. Thoroughly worth reading.
By V.E. VINE-PRODUKTTESTER -- 5,0 out of 5 Stars

Great Read

The Missionary by Rowena Kinread is a brilliantly written historical novel about Patricius, who later came to be known as St. Patrick. The story begins long ago when nations in Europe were fighting for survival. The author accurately and succinctly describes the conditions of the day, while embracing the historical, cultural, and developing religious elements. You will learn much reading this book. St. Patrick is well described, a truly interesting character and one that saved Ireland from the Druids. You will love the depth of detail as you read this book, you can tell the author did extensive research to bring the time and place to life. You feel as though you are right there in the midst of the turmoil and trying times. Highly recommend for an immersive and entertaining read.
By Grady Harp - 5,0 out of 5 Stars

A fascinating visit to enhanced history!

British author Rowena Kinread devotes her writing skills to history themes. Though her novels are fiction, they are indeed based on true characters. THE MISSIONARY is her debut publication and is one of the more engrossing works about Irish history, using the course of the life of Patricius – Saint Patrick – to sculpt a wondrous reflection on the early fourth century development of Ireland.
Able to paint vivid atmosphere creates credibility as the story opens – ‘It had been unbearably hot all day: one of those rare days when the sun had burnt relentlessly out of a cobalt blue sky. Towards evening, threatening black clouds had gathered deep in the sky, but they hadn’t broken and it had become intensely humid. It was night now, and Patricius lay uncovered on his pallet, sticky with sweat…He tossed back and forth, knowing he should try to rest…sleep didn’t come…He was much too disturbed. His heart raced; he felt it beating wildly against his chest. He couldn’t get Flavia out of his mind. He was so ashamed. What could he do to make everything right…?’ In that brief portion many traits of the novel’s primary character are defined. With this debut novel, Rowena Kinread establishes herself as an author to watch. She is next visiting Scotland’s history with THE SCOTS OF DALRAIDA due out this year. Very highly recommended, especially for lovers of historical fiction.

read all
by Keir Austen-Brown -- 5,0 out of 5 stars

If anyone is looking for a good quick late summer read, I highly recommend “The Missionary”

- a real page turner and fascinating story of how St Patrick saved Ireland from snakes (pagan druids).
By Julia Strittmatter -- 5,0 out of 5 Stars

Interesting and captivating

I very much enjoyed this story. Even though it is a fiction book, I learnt so much about European history of the early centuries. I learnt about many lands that later became parts of the UK and Ireland, but in the early age these numerous little lands were independent and governed by kings. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the everyday life of the people that populated these lands. The Europeans of that period worked hard for their daily bread and constantly had to defend themselves from invaders and sometimes from their own governments. Their culture also made their life more difficult, because most of them were ignorant pagans, guided by superstition. Saint Patrick played a key role in educating and pulling these people into the next level of development of religious and philosophical thought.
The story of Patricius (Saint Patrick) starts from a very brutal experience of being enslaved by pirates, and then the plot unfolds into an interesting and sometimes breath-taking adventure. Patricius manages not only to survive but also thrive and accomplish a lot of good deeds during his life. His contribution to the development of education and replacing paganism with more advanced Christianity in Hibernia (now Ireland) and other lands are commendable.
The book is very well written and captivating. After reading each chapter, I couldn’t wait to read the next.
By Hazel Marsden -- 5,0 out of 5 Stars

A gripping page turner

The Missionary brings to life a little known period of history in the 5th century A.D. The life story of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick is a gripping page turner! I look forward to more books from the author Rowena Kinread who has so vividly brought to life St Patrick’s harsh and brutal capture by pirates as a teenager to his priesthood and calling to convert the pagan tribes of Ireland to Christianity.
by Cassandra -- 5 out of 5 stars

Superb attention to detail, very raw and real!

This book needs to be read by everybody! It transports you back in time to where life is raw, harsh and brutal but St. Patrick’s determination to survive and live for God and spread his teachings is astounding. It makes you feel like you are actually there & experiencing it all!
by Trina -- 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Read!

From the first page, I was gripped! A wonderful story from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to more books from this particular author. Very much recommended.
By Philip -- 5out of 5 stars

This book is a hidden gem and would make a wonderful film.

If you know anyone in the film industry tell them to read this book. The author has gone to extraordinary lengths to make it historically accurate yet it is a gripping story that will keep you intimately involved until the last page. The characters are beautifully crafted and the landscapes painted with the eye of a true artist. If you have any Irish blood in your veins read about your ancestors!
By KAB -- 5 out of 5 stars

This is a fascinating read and amazing story

of how St. Patrick saved Ireland from snakes (druids) and helped change the course of history for Ireland. It is a real page turner and easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace and constantly changing story. It must have taken ages to research and compile. I think this should be a must read for anyone interested in life of St Patrick and his adventures across pagan Ireland.
By Penelope Gallinger -- 5 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining, well written and informative book. Would always recommend it.
By Nicola Tyler -- 5 out of 5 stars

A gripping, eye-opening must-read.
By Ursula Lock -- 5.0 out of 5 stars

Because this historical novel is based on actual facts it makes fascinating reading. Once started, it is hard to put it down again. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
By Pegboard -- 5 out of 5 stars

Patricius doesn't just live within the pages of The Missionary, but his legend as Saint Patrick lives on in the hearts of the Irish people.

Rowena Kinread brings honor to a great man in her historical fiction and spreads his memory to those who don't know much about him. Though this is fiction, the history rings true and gives depth to this book. You finish this novel wishing you could accomplish just a smidgen of the greatness Saint Patrick did in the past.

Through an intricate weave of historical events, dangerous adventures, and a religious drive, The Missionary is a fast pace and riveting novel. Rowena Kinread keeps the history authentic, making this more of an ancient thriller. My favorite take from this book is the fact that Patricius overcame hardship and adversity and went about doing good.
By Eliseem -- 5 out of 5 stars

The Missionary by Rowena Kinread is a brilliantly written historical novel about Patricius, who later came to be known as St. Patrick.

The story begins long ago when nations in Europe were fighting for survival. The author accurately and succinctly describes the conditions of the day, while embracing the historical, cultural, and developing religious elements. You will learn much reading this book. St. Patrick is well described, a truly interesting character and one that saved Ireland from the Druids.

You will love the depth of detail as you read this book, you can tell the author did extensive research to bring the time and place to life. You feel as though you are right there in the midst of the turmoil and trying times. Highly recommend for an immersive and entertaining read.
By Grymm Gevierre -- 5 out 5 stars

The Missionary is my first Kinread book, and I’m going to say that she hit it out of the park.

There are a lot of historical elements to this book, following St. Patrick (Patricius) throughout his life to become the historical figure we all now know. The sheer amount of research and actual historical events brought to life by Kinread is stunning. She paints a picture that brings history to life. The characters, setting, and writing jump off the page.  The story doesn’t lull.

The writing kept the pages moving, and I found myself interested in how our beloved St. Patrick got from one adventure to another. His resolve and faith in this book, strengthened by his turmoil rather than broken by it, can make you think about how life can test your resolve. The fires forge you into steel, of course, quenched only by the cooling waters of devotion to your faith and beliefs.

  Fantastic book. I’ve already recommended it to a few friends. You should give it a shot if you haven’t!
By Novel XC --4 out of 5 stars

I’ve always had a passion for history. It doesn’t matter to me so much whether work like this is fiction or non-fiction, as it’s the groundwork that goes into them that’s detailed and obviously well researched.

  The Missionary by Rowena Kinread is a story about the life of Patricius (St Patrick). A young man taken from his home after Gaelic pirates attacked his village. After many years as a slave he manages to escape where his religious life purpose begins.  This book is so well written that I felt a part of the action. I can tell that Rowena Kinread is a writer who cares for the details.

It was a believable story, full of facts, interesting plotlines, and characters with real personality and depth. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history in general or wants to find out more about the past and especially Patricius, St Patrick.

Contact

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books@rowena-kinread.com

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THE ALPINE FORTRESS

Book No 1: The Missionary

"The Missionary by Rowena Kinread is a vivid and authentic work of historical fiction that retells the life of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, in dramatic fashion."

Buy with:

Book No 2: "The Scots of Dalriada"

Rowena Kinread gives us another rousing historical novel..

The BookViral Review:

Buy with:

Review by Deborah Swift, award-winning- best seller- author of historical fiction

Review for The Scots of Dalriada from Cathie Dunn, an award-winning and Amazon-bestselling author.

Book No 3: The Matchstick Boy

This new novel takes place in a remote Swiss valley in the mid-19th century. It is based on a true story.

Lesley Wilkinson -- @janelesley

Fascinating reminder that the past is a different place- read it and marvel at our history

Great Read

A fascinating visit to enhanced history!

If anyone is looking for a good quick late summer read, I highly recommend “The Missionary”

Interesting and captivating

A gripping page turner

Superb attention to detail, very raw and real!

Amazing Read!

This book is a hidden gem and would make a wonderful film.

This is a fascinating read and amazing story

Very entertaining, well written and informative book. Would always recommend it.

A gripping, eye-opening must-read.

Because this historical novel is based on actual facts it makes fascinating reading. Once started, it is hard to put it down again. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Patricius doesn't just live within the pages of The Missionary, but his legend as Saint Patrick lives on in the hearts of the Irish people.

The Missionary by Rowena Kinread is a brilliantly written historical novel about Patricius, who later came to be known as St. Patrick.

The Missionary is my first Kinread book, and I’m going to say that she hit it out of the park.

I’ve always had a passion for history. It doesn’t matter to me so much whether work like this is fiction or non-fiction, as it’s the groundwork that goes into them that’s detailed and obviously well researched.

Contact

Get a free story ....

Newsletter