The Cross of Ciaran Series by Andrea Matthews

Ciarán Donnelly is ready to leave his past behind and concentrate on his new life, but his past may not be finished with him. His dreams have returned with a vengeance, and this time they’re telling him Ruadhán, the long-dead priest who entombed him fifteen hundred years before, is threatening to kidnap his unborn twins. Of course, his dream interpretation leaves a lot to be desired, especially when it comes to those he loves... moreCiarán Donnelly is ready to leave his past behind and concentrate on his new life, but his past may not be finished with him. His dreams have returned with a vengeance, and this time they’re telling him Ruadhán, the long-dead priest who entombed him fifteen hundred years before, is threatening to kidnap his unborn twins. Of course, his dream interpretation leaves a lot to be desired, especially when it comes to those he loves.As if the dreams are not bad enough, his anxiety over them is causing stress on his new marriage, which is the last thing Caitlin needs in her current condition. The twins are on the way, and everyone advises him the dreams stem from his own insecurities over becoming a father. After all, Ruadhán was the chief priest, a member of the high council, loyal to his goddess unto death. What are the chances he suffered the same fate as Ciarán and survived fifteen centuries?The theory sounds reasonable, and he’s happy to accept it, until Aodhán comes across an empty tomb in the Hills of ár Sinsear that looks as though it may have been occupied at some point. Could Ruadhán have survived after all? And if so, where is he now? To complicate the issue, Aodhán stumbles across another piece of information that could alter the possible meaning of his brother’s dreams. But will Ciarán manage to put the pieces together before it’s too late, or will he lose his family to an ancient adversary? less

In tenth century Ireland, a monk records a legend passed down through the centuries by his family. The tale tells of a mythical treasure, hidden in the hills of western Maigh Eo. The prize, it states, can only be accessed with three sacred rings that were bestowed upon the priests of old and long since forgotten... moreIn tenth century Ireland, a monk records a legend passed down through the centuries by his family. The tale tells of a mythical treasure, hidden in the hills of western Maigh Eo. The prize, it states, can only be accessed with three sacred rings that were bestowed upon the priests of old and long since forgotten. Ten centuries later, Ciarán and Aodhán Donnelly stumble across the manuscript and are convinced the treasure referred to is the cache of sacred relics once used by their fifth century priesthood.But a dire warning comes with the revelation. Any who should try to enter the chamber without all three rings will surely perish. Ciarán and Aodhán expected no less. The ancients would have wanted to protect their relics, yet the threat does little to deter them. Needless to say, their wives are not happy with their decision, especially after the events of the past two years.Despite the explicit warning, and the trepidations their wives express, the brothers are determined to locate the cache of artifacts and see them in the museum. After all, they already have two of the rings. How hard could it be to locate another?Harder than expected, it would seem, for the light-hearted treasure hunt turns deadly when they discover they’re not the only ones searching for the trove of sacred artifacts. Worse yet, it becomes all too clear that their rivals will stop at nothing to win the prize. First, however, the would-be thieves will need to acquire the rings Ciarán and Aodhán already possess, and the brothers have no intention of relinquishing them without a fight. But are they up to the task of defeating these unknown brigands or will their past finally catch up with them? less

Ciaran's past has disrupted his life on more than one occasion, but this time it's touched the love of his life. This time it could destroy everything he holds dear.Daire's alive! They thought they had laid the devious priest to rest once and for all, but it appears the miscreant has used his knowledge of herbs to deceive them once again. So when Caitlin collapses after eating a box of mysterious chocolates, Ciaran knows just who to blame... moreCiaran's past has disrupted his life on more than one occasion, but this time it's touched the love of his life. This time it could destroy everything he holds dear.Daire's alive! They thought they had laid the devious priest to rest once and for all, but it appears the miscreant has used his knowledge of herbs to deceive them once again. So when Caitlin collapses after eating a box of mysterious chocolates, Ciaran knows just who to blame. Convincing the culprit to reveal what he's given her, however, is not going to be so easily detected.While the police search for the wicked creature, the doctors do all they can to keep Caitlin alive, but each day she slips farther into a sleep so deep she will never wake again. Desperate to bring her back to him and their children, Ciaran must return to the Book of Carraig, though he fears it may not hold the answer.There is one hope left, though to do it Ciaran will have to return to the Tuamai Dearmadta and the past he seeks to forget. Will he be able to find the elusive Veil of Aisling and buy them the time they need to find the antidote, or will he lose Caitlin forever to an eternal sleep? less