Thursday, July 28, 2022

TO LOVE A VIKING by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

TAVLAND VIKINGS Series #1

"I'd rather sleep beside your sword."

Romantic words? Coming from anyone else, they might not be, but coming from the mouth of a seasoned warrior . . . a woman who rarely dared to rely upon the strength of a man, a woman who had been terribly used and abused during her years as a slave, a woman who was fiercely loyal, thus was pushing as hard as she could to protect the life of another woman whom she considered a friend. Her name? Inara. The recipient of those words? Hakon. Her goal? To save Ellisif.

Ellisif's life had not gone as planned; torn away from a man she dearly loved through a broken marriage contract, Ellisif had born Edgard two daughters and was now carrying the life of another child . . . oh, how she hoped it was a son! Her husband's continual cruelty and unabashed adultery was nearly more than Ellisif could withstand . . . her little girls and loyal house servants bringing her what comfort was possible. What might her life have been . . . with Dagar? She dared not ask.

A story of two women who are surviving totally different circumstances, brought together by an expression of love and concern that is foreign to both of them. A story of two men who long to love them, but must wait for an honorable opportunity, one that only God can orchestrate. A well-written story about a time and place that has more to offer than most readers realize.
* 3.5 stars. I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review

BackCover Blurb:
Get swept up in an enthralling new romance series featuring women who rule the hearts of Viking men.

ELLISIF
Forced into a financially advantageous marriage that spirals into a nightmare, Ellisif cannot help but imagine what might have been and ache for what was lost. The only lights in her life are her daughters and the friendships she's forged with the household servants.

Though seven years have passed since Ellisif wed another man, Dagar still cannot forget the woman who captured his youthful heart. As the Viking warrior battles for his country’s future, he finds himself entangled in a personal war for Ellisif's freedom that could cost his family their reputation and standing with the king. If he risks all, can he save the woman whose face still haunts his dreams? And if given another chance, will she choose him?

INARA
Escaped slave Inara is determined to start a new life. Under the guidance of warrior and shipbuilder Håkon, her sword skill grows, as does her confidence that the Viking men will accept her as a warrior in her own right.

When she is selected to lead a perilous rescue mission to protect Ellisif, Inara finds herself blindsided by feelings for Håkon...and by threats to her freedom far closer than she feared. As dreams and desires collide, she wrestles against the lies holding her captive. Can she conquer her doubts before all that she's hoped for slips from her hands?

Written by award-winning historical author Heather Day Gilbert and fresh voice Jen Cudmore, two love stories entwine in this sweeping Viking-era romance, the first novel in the
Tavland Vikings series.

WoodHaven Press, June, 2022
Available in digital ebook and paperback:

 

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