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The Cross of Ciaran (The Cross of Ciaran Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Ramos

The Cross of Ciaran (The Cross of Ciaran #1)The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a mix of adventure, celtic and pagan traditions, and paranormal tidbits. Just from reading the introduction I knew I had to give this book a try. Caitlin, the archaeologist, reminds me a bit of the Indiana Jones adventures. She uncovers the body of a pagan priest, which surprisingly appears to be in mint condition where detailed tattoos are still visible. All of her findings have left her perplexed where she ends up traveling with the priest to NY to further investigate her findings. Unbeknownst to her, the body disappears and now as the Priest, Ciaran comes to realize he is not in the world he once knew. After his betrayal, he was buried alive and now comes to terms with this new, mysterious world and with the mysterious Caitlin. Such a great read and highly recommended for those who are into these types of books!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Reimer

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book picks up right were the first book ends, so highly suggest that you go and read the first book first or you might be a little lost, but I don’t think it would be too much if you really want to read this book that bad. Caitlin and Ciaran go on a trip to Ireland, and the road of everything leaves them with more questions then answers. The past to the future and the romance between these two grows more and more, I almost feel like Im invading on something I shouldn’t be. The written into this book is so amazing the tory makes you feel like you’re going on this history adventure with them. the story line follows with everything and reads so well. And once again the characters are amazing and well developed and, in this book, you learn more and more about them. I can not get enough of books that they weave in history; it fascinates me so much and the research that went into both of these book is incredible. I highly recommend this book.

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The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer reimer

The Cross of Ciaran (The Cross of Ciaran #1)The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is absolutely one of my favorite types of genres, I love when an author can weave in different timelines and stories always has my attention. I was captivated right from the beginning. And I could not pout this book down till I read the whole thing. This book was filled with so much from archaeology, romance, fantasy, history, on the edge of my seat suspense. This story was well written and makes you really feel like your there, the story was so well developed it was hard sometimes to remember that this is a fantasy book as while. the character in this book were just as amazing, they felt real and that these people Caitlin and Ciaran were real people too. This book crosses in a lot of timelines but is well worth the read. I highly recommend this book.

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The Cross Of Ciaran (The Cross of Ciaran Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Susan Ratchford

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cross Of Ciaran
Cross Of Ciaran Series: Book 1
By: Andrea Matthews
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

After a gruesome ritual for his goddess leaves him entombed, comatose in a cave for 1500 years, the Celtic Priest Ciaran, is finally unearthed by Archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell. The exquisite find turns from amazing to extraordinary when two other tombs are located in close proximity to the first. Before even the first tests can be done however, the priest’s body disappears without a trace leaving Ms. O’Connell with more questions than answers.
Awake and Wandering the streets of New York Ciaran finds sanctuary in the only thing he can find familiarity in, the Church. There he finds Father Mike who helps him get accustomed to this strange new world. Moonlighting as the new handyman, Ciaran tries his best to deal with his past, that is, until his present comes knocking at the door in the form of Father Mike’s niece, Caitlin O’Connell. Still distraught and determined to find her missing Priest, she is very suspicious of her Uncle Mike’s new handyman. Will all of Ciaran’s secrets unravel because of this persistent woman? What would happen to him if she found out?
I loved this book. It was so engaging and fun to read. I really loved Caitlin’s character, her stubbornness and her spirit. The pace and the flow seemed so effortless that I just got absorbed by the story not even realizing how long I was reading for. It was so easy to get emotionally invested. Such a unique and heartwarming tale with great character development. You really root for Caitlin and Ciaran! I really enjoyed seeing Ciaran react to the present and to the way people spoke. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!!! I highly recommend this book!!!!

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The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cross of Ciaran is such an original, intriguing story of a New York archeologist that’s trying to find out what happened to a missing fifth-century Celt. Ciaran is said missing Celt that wakes up in modern-day times trying to figure out what is happening and why he woke up in a strange time and place. Fate brings these two together as Caitlin tries to solve this mystery. I greatly enjoyed this book. It starts with a bang and you learn so much about the customs, religions and other things as the world of this book is built and the story moves forward. I enjoyed the plot and could not wait to see what was going to happen next. The story is well researched and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Amy Brennan

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s like a tv series that you don’t want to start until you know you’re able to binge watch the entirety of that show. That’s what I was waiting for with this series and have been not so patiently waiting for the day to come where I could start. I always find that the Pilot, or the first installment in a series is the hardest to get through, with all the character development, world building, and plot coming into focus, but didn’t find it difficult to become addicted to flipping the pages of this novel. This author has very clearly put her love of writing into Ciaran, Caitlin, as well as Ciaran’s newfound chosen family, and supporting characters and in checked all the boxes for me.

There’s nothing like a slow burn romance amidst a fifteen hundred year old Celt that is keeping a heavily guarded secret, Priests that want nothing more than to please the higher power that they believe in but also do what’s right for who they care and love, and the mystery of the past, that will surely become more apparent as the series progresses. I thought to myself, okay, I’ll set aside an hour or two a night to read, which then turned into several hours the past few days, and here we are, swiftly moving onto The Book of Carraig. Once this is all done, I look forward to exploring more of her work, highly recommend!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Amy Brennan

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have read the first installment in this series and were blown away by the story woven by this talented author, hold on tight for this adventure! Our crew travels to Ireland, and they’ve landed much to Ciaran’s relief, as he’s discovered he is not a fan of air travel and are making their way to their new project. I absolutely love when a series picks up where the previous installment leaves off, and that’s what you can expect from this second installment. We have already fallen in love with the characters, and I was so excited to get to know new characters and travel to Ciaran’s homeland with him.

Caitlin and Ciaran’s relationship continues to develop into something more than either of them ever would have imagined, though of course, us readers knew that they were meant for each other from the very first time they met. Be ready for some bumps in the windy Irish roads, more flashbacks, and more questions answered throughout this scrumptious second installment I have always wanted to travel to Ireland, and this author not only brought me there, but encouraged the most vivid dreams I have had in years. Onto the next installment now, cannot get enough. This authors skill just seems to get better and better. Thank you, and highly recommend!

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The Cross of Ciaran By Andrea Matthews Reviewed By Carlie Del Gallo

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one of a kind and is something that I would not have ever read or hear about of my own volition. With that being said I was pleasantly surprised by this book and really enjoyed reading it! This book was something that was completely out of my wheelhouse for what I gravitate to read. The way that the author wrote these novels, she had me hooked. I cannot wait to read the next books!

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The Cross of Ciaran Book by Andrea Matthews – Review by Misti Maggio

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book captured me from page one. The progression of the storyline moved a little slow at one point but was well done. The world building was great, as was the character development. Caitlin took a little bit to warm up to, but Ciaran was fantastic from the start. I can’t wait to read the second book.
Review by @mimimadge

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ciaran Donnelley and Caitlin O’Connell are back a year after Ciaran woke up from his entombment and the pair are in Ireland to visit the archaeological dig and try to get some of Ciaran’s memory back as part of his recovery from the amnesia he is using as a cover story, however, nothing is how it used to be and Ciaran is feeling homesick, even though he is home. As they drive through the countryside, Caitlin is suggesting places to visit to try and jog his memory, but all she is really doing is annoying Ciaran who just wants to deal with his feelings and how the changes he is seeing that happened between the fifth and twentieth centuries have altered the country.

After a couple of hours driving and awkward silences, Ciaran asks if they can go to Dublin and see the last monk they have on display there, although he can’t tell Caitlin that it is his brother Aodhan as yet, he says that it will help him when he gets to the dig, she reluctantly agrees, even though it is hours out of their way. Once they get to the museum and they go and see Aodhan, they also run into a couple of colleagues of Caitlin’s who she introduces to Ciaran, he asks if they can take a closer look at he exhibit before they leave and his request is granted, but mainly only because of Catlin’s presence there. The face that Ciaran cannot spend as much time as he wanted there, frustrates him and the drive to the dig site is silent and full of tension and this lasts until they get to the rooms which have been prepared for them in the B&B where everyone is staying.

The awkwardness only lasts until the next day when Ciaran has been out for a walk in the local countryside to clear his head and look for the sacred grove the priesthood used to use for their worship and rituals, however, he instead finds some young children who live in the area who tell him about a find of their brothers, which turns out to be his dead wife’s ring. Ciaran is determined to find her and suggests looking in the lake to the dig team and the professor leading it, however, all does not go to plan and more mishaps and a mystery serial killer moving into the area lead to his carefully crafted secret is revealed, but will Ciaran be able to free his brother from his endless sleep and stop the serial killer the only way he knows how to and will he be able to find the fabled Book of Carraig in order for this to happen? This is a paranormal adventure which will keep you on the edge of you seat throughout and the twists and turns will keep you guessing what happens until right at the end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Michelle Collier

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Epic! This series has got me sitting on the edge of my seat. Andrea Matthews has created the most amazing story that paints vivid pictures. The story picks up right where the first book left off. I guess you could read without reading the first book but why would you because it was so good. Ciaran and Caitlin are going to be working together on dig, but can he continue to keep her in the dark? What will happen when the truth comes out?

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable book! This is book 2 in the series and I would highly recommend reading the first book before diving into book 2. The story picks up about a year later….and the story between Ciaran and Caitlin. There are secrets and Ciaran is trying to remember his past and also has to come to terms of being truthful to Caitlin as Ciaran and Caitlin return to Ireland. Mystery, secrets, romance all wrapped into a good book.

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The Cross of Ciaran (The Book of Carraig Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Michelle Collier

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cross of Ciaran transported me to the 5th century and left me waiting with baited breath for more of this story to unfold. What happens when an ancient pagan priest wakes up from his being buried alive 1500 years before? Ciarán and Caitlin never should have met but now that they have the attraction is undeniable. Will Caitlin discover his secrets? This story kept me enthralled!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Stephanie Nicole

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews was just as incredible as the first in this series. Ms. Matthews really knows how to draw people in with her amazing characters, her intense plot, and her incredible attention to details. Filled with secrets, truth, and an intense hunt to find the one book that could answer it all. Full of twists and turns, action, and so much more to keep us flipping the pages. I personally couldn’t put it down, but will our beloved characters find what they need before it’s too late? You’ll have to read The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews for yourself to find out.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Desiree Ottinger

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful second book to this series! I was glad that it picked up fairly soon after the first one and didn’t pace too far forward in time. The flashbacks continued to provide keen insight and backstory for Ciaran’s past–and added his brother Aodhan to the plot! I have to admit, I was happy that he got to have his twin join him in his excursions in the modern world!

There were some big twists that I didn’t see coming in this book, too. Andrea Matthews does an incredible job describing Ireland and its landscape, giving me another reason to enjoy the book. I look forward to seeing how she continues the story in the next installment!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a twist, and the exciting storyline had me hooked from page one. I would recommend reading ‘The Cross of Ciaran Book 1’ first as this novel continues the story of archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell, and fifth-century Celt Ciarán Donnelly who finds himself in the twentieth-century. Having returned to his childhood home in Ireland, it is not how he remembers it and his relationship with Caitlin is also under stress as he is still keeping a major secret from her. As Ciarán is actually the Celt that mysteriously disappeared from museum the previous year. Ciarán is keen to try and wake his brother, Aodhán up from the same centuries long sleep that Ciarán was in, and free him from the Dublin museum.

When it’s discovered that a series killer is on the loose and that Ciarán is the only one who can stop him, he desperately needs to find the Book of Carraig which holds the answer. However, he risks revealing his secret and puts his life in danger. I felt completely immersed in the storyline which flows well and the intriguing plot kept me happily turning the pages well into the night. This is a wonderfully written and heartwarming story, which is full of historical details. These and the descriptive narrative bring both the characters, the setting and the eras to life.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jana Lewis

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Great follow-up to The Cross of Ciaran and just as adventurous. I love the twists and turns that run throughout, and the continuation of the relationship by Ciaran and Caitlin as they visit Ireland. There is a great balance of heartache, new love, and danger with some great historical flashbacks. Who knew an archaeologist’s life could be so exciting! We meet new characters, all of which have their own personality and lend a lot to the story. I am sorry to see the series end but look forward to reading more books by Ms. Matthews!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews

What a wonderful second book in the series. The continuation of the story of Cieran keeps you just as enthralled as the first. This installment has truths, lies, secrets, etc. intertwined into the story. It is so exciting and so mysterious. The mystery will carry you through the book. The wonderful characters and descriptions of the the beautiful country of Ireland will amaze you. Such a good investment. So worth the purchase. Highly recommend. I could tell you more but you truly have to read this book to experience it.

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The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This second book in the Cross of Ciaran series does not disappoint. We are back to the 1960s, following Ciarán as he attempts to piece together the events that occurred at the time of his death. He longs to set Aisling free from her watery grave, and pay his lost love the respect that she deserves. He is also determined to find a way to wake up his brother Aodhán, who languishes in a museum, but appears to be as intact as Ciarán. His hometown bears little resemblance to how it looked in the 5th Century, but he eventually gets his bearings.

I got a little tired of all the deception with his identity, and was eager for him to fess up and admit who he really is. How long can a man covered in tattoos hide them? I wanted to hear more from Caitlin, who seemed to be less heard-from in this Book 2. However, the book was expertly written, just as Book 1, and it was easy to fall back into the story and enjoy Ciarán’s adventures. Definitely worth the read.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) By Andrea Matthews – Review By Jules Herbert

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Carraig is the second book in this AMAZING series by author Andrea Matthews and it is just as fantastic as the first book. Yet again I couldn’t put it down and had that feeling where I wanted to hurry up and read it to see what was going to happen but at the same time didn’t want it to end. Sleep is overrated right?? I do HIGHLY recommend reading the first book, The Cross of Ciaran before reading this, not only because it’s amazing but also as it picks up Ciaran and Caitlin a year later when he returns to Ireland. Of course it is a very different Ireland now.

As I mentioned before this book is as fantastic as the first and continues with more romance, magic, drama and mystery just like the first. I really don’t want to give too much away. I personally can’t wait for the third book. I am totally hooked.

Ms Matthews you write with so much heart! You and your writing definitely have a place in mine.

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The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews – review by Jules Herbert

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How do you review an amazing book like The Cross of Ciaran but not give anything away to those who are yet to discover the amazingness of this book and Author Andrea Matthews? I guess I will go with the KISS theory for once and Keep It Simple Stupid.

This is the first book I have read from Andrea Matthews and I am definitely 100 percent a fan. Her love of history and this world she created is evident in every sentence and in the way the characters, especially Caitlin and Ciaran, draw you in and develop through the story. Ciaran can come stay with me anytime he likes! This book has a little bit of everything in it and it will keep you turning page after page. I just couldn’t put it down!! It definitely now has a special place in my heart.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Chrissy Spulak

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews is the follow-up to The Cross of Ciaran, the tale of a fifth century Irish priest who is exhumed and awakens in modern day Ireland. I am drawn to history and am fascinated by archaeology, so I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was not disappointed by this installment in any way. I have ancestors from Ireland but have never been. Reading the descriptions, I felt as though I were there among the rolling green hills and experiencing the culture and learning the history. Like the first book, the past and present are melded together seamlessly and makes for a very smooth, entertaining read. I highly recommend this book, along with the first, and promise you will not be disappointed. Major props to this author.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Ashley Dover

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Carraig is a wonderful second installment in The Cross of Ciaran Series. Andrea Matthews continues the story of Ciaran and Caitlyn as they take an archaeological trip across the Atlantic to Ireland, Ciaran’s homeland.

Ciaran Donnelly is in love with Caitlyn O’Connell, the archaeologist who discovered his body in a tomb almost a year ago. Quick thinking by her uncle has kept her from finding out the truth. She believes that his wife was murdered in a mugging gone bad in New York City.

Fate brings them back to Ireland as they continue to find relics from the fifth century where Ciaran once served as a priest. Caitlyn is hoping that he will find answers to his missing memories. Ciaran just wants to find out what did happen to his wife who was murdered by sacrifice in the temple.

While in Ireland, a serial killer starts attacking and killing young lasses. This brings up Ciaran’s past and the memory of a priest of his order who would do the same. Seeing as this very priest had disappeared from the London museum when he was also released from his entombment.

Only the Book of Carriag holds the key to defeating the serial killer priest. If only Ciaran can remember where it is located before it’s too late.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me give you a little backstop. After being asleep for 1500 years, 5th century Ciarán, an ancient pagan priest in Ireland , awakens to find himself in 20th century after being found as a pristine specimen by archeologist, Caitlin O’Connell, who transported him to New York. When he awoke and the amazingly intact specimen went missing, mystery and magic ensues and the story begins to unfold.
If you read these books out of order you will find yourself adrift. You really need the background created in book 1, The Cross of Ciarán, to fully appreciate the continuing mystical escapades of Ciarán and Caitlin.
As a continuing tale I fully expected that it would be filled with the history the author put in her previous novel, however she exceeded my expectations. I love the addition of the hunt for a serial killer, on top of the hunt for the book that may actually be the key to stopping the serial killer. Again I was a little disappointed in the romance between Caitlin and Ciarán, but in this book it was fully understandable because of the memories Ciarán is seized by. Memories of his wife and his brother, memories of the Ireland he loved and the wicked clash between the way it is now.
A story about finding yourself, finding long abiding love and about enchanted mystery will keep you hooked to the very end! I cannot wait for book three!!

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The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For me this book started off a little slow, however the further I read the more interested I became. The author, Andrea Matthews’, use of a historical and archeological foundation really made this story pop for me. The tale is a paranormal, time travel, romance with some great characters and one main character, Caitlin, who is very unlikable. I do feel like there is more to her than we are getting, but that remains to be seen in book two. This novel is filled with quest-like adventures, history, mystical happenings and a little strange romance thrown in.
I had some difficulty initially keeping up with the story, because it time travels in the memories of Ciarán back to the 5th century and then back to the present day. Nevertheless, this back and forth developed an epic background that is building this narrative for great things in the future.
During an archeological dig in Ireland, Caitlin finds a pristine human specimen, an ancient pagan priest who unbeknownst to Caitlin was entombed alive. Magic and mystery weave there way throughout the story and once back in the states, the pristine specimen goes missing. He finds his way to the only sacred ground he knows, a church. Where we meet Father Mike and my favorite character!! Again we find things mystical and enchanting weaved into this tale as the truth begins to unravel. We won’t know the all of it until book two. If you are going to read this book make sure you have book two or you will be so upset!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Liz Vrchota

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Book of Carraig is the second book in The Cross of Ciaran series from Andrea Matthews, and I would very much recommend that you read the first book in the series before diving into this one. You will find yourself in a much better understanding of what is going on as this book picks up about a year after the first with the same main character, Ciarán returning home to Ireland. I really enjoyed this one and the attention to details was just as beautiful and vivid making the story even more enjoyable. I look forward to seeing what will come next!

Review by @lizaileen
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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Kerry Carr

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea  Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second  book in The Cross of Ciaran series. I would really recommend reading the first book  before this one as it will give you a  better understanding for the story.

We are back with Ciaran and Caitlin on the search to get Ciaran’s memories back. On their way to another dig Ciaran and Caitlin take a detour to view the other preists Caitlin has found. This other frozen priest is Ciaran’s brother Aodhan. Is he frozen like Ciaran was? Will be also come back to life as Ciaran has done? There is only one place he can find the answers and that in is the Book Of Carrig. But where is this mysterious book?

Add to this a serial killer in their timeline that threatens the lives of Ciaran but also his brother and Caitlin. Ciaran is the only person that can stop this killer and save them.

This book is a perfect mix of romance and adventure. I love the fact that Ciaran is from the past so we go backwards and forwards in time. The author does a great job of bringing history to life while making the story interested and intriguing.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Book of Carraig’ is the second book in Andrea Matthews’ ‘The Cross of Ciarán’ and picks up right where its predecessor left off as we continue to follow the journey of fifth-century Celt, Ciarán Donnelly, as he returns to his homeland of Ireland and faces the ghosts of his past. Matthews expertly retains all the magic and intrigue in her second instalment and then some- it was a delight to plunge back into Ciarán’s ancient world and learn more about the Celtic and Pagan threads that bind it together. New reveals and twists and turns incorporated into the plot made the world feel richer and more alive- something I didn’t think possible with how well crafted it already was in the first book.

A major theme that ‘The Book of Carraig’ explores is the notion of letting go of the past and moving on. Ciarán is constantly torn between the fifth and twentieth centuries- haunted by the tragedies that befell his brother and wife hundreds of years ago to such an extent, he places his life in danger and incites the concern of those around him more than once. His fixation understandably also forms a rift in his relationship with his new love, archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell, and this was such a fresh breath of air- it was a realistic consequence of half of Ciarán’s heart being left centuries in the past and allowed a proper amount of focus to be placed on Ciarán’s grief of being a man out of time. What I admire most of all is that, despite the chasm between them, Caitlin and Ciarán still have an evident deep love and respect for one another. They allow each other to process their feelings and to go at their own pace- to deal with each of their inner demons before coming back together stronger than ever.

Another strength of ‘The Book of Carraig’ is its use of its characters. All of the arcs of the returning characters are continued in a way that isn’t disjunct from the first book and many evolved beyond their portrayal in the first instalment. A mark of a great sequel is how well it follows from its predecessor- how well it expands upon what was explored prior or continues to develop the characters. The Book of Carraig’ excels in this department- seeing Ciarán, Caitlin and the whole archaeology family was a delight and its clear that each of them had been written with clear purposes from the outset.

In conclusion, if you loved ‘The Cross of Ciaran’ then ‘The Book of Carraig’ is a must-read as it delivers on all fronts that made the first book great and more.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in Andrea Matthews Cross of Ciaran series. I quite enjoyed this book and the progression of the story from book one. After fifteen hundred years “asleep” Ciaran is learning how to navigate this new time. Ciaran and Caitlan go to Ireland on a dig in the same place where Caitlan found Ciaran in the first place.

I have always been intrigued by archaeology and this book drew me in, topped with romance and drama and I was in seventh heaven! Matthews paints a great picture of Ireland and the surroundings. If you like paranormal romance, you won’t be disappointed.

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first in the series was really impacting for me, and I loved it for everything it was and the time line as well as the characters. Naturally, I wanted to get my hands on this one as well. I got into it really quick, and it picked up almost instantly. A bit of back story and then BOOM we are reading through pages as quick as our minds can read those words!

The book takes place where the prior novel had ended, and to me it was not a peaceful start out for our main character named Ciaran and his soul mate named Caitlin whom he met in the prior novel. Going to Ireland did not bring happiness, but more along the lines of risk and uncertainty. Things progressed quickly. If you read the first novel, you know what I am talking about with truth and along the lines of Ciaran and Caitlin’s love story. Their love was not the only thing at risk though, a serial killer in the time line threatens all that Ciaran knows and loves. What he must do is risky, but knows it must be done! Honestly this novel was very compelling with its suspense and I highly enjoyed this addition!

For me, I slightly loved this novel a tad bit more than the first installment even! For me the mystery this book gave off, as well as Ireland and the history surrounding it made my curious mind very impressed and I fell in love so easily with this novel. I think its very well written and the author really knows how to keep the reader satisfied and very much interested! I am very much looking forward to the next installment!

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