This is book 1 in the Heart trilogy (see list
below), by Kathleen Kirkwood, a pen name for Anita Gordon and it’s a great
Viking romance. It’s set in 912AD in Valseme, France, part of Duke Rollo’s
Normandy where the Norsemen have settled.
Rurik, a Northman whose father, Gruel Atli, made
Baron Valseme by Rollo, is given the Valseme’s heiress, Brienne, to wife. It
seems King Charles desires to cement his relationship with the Northmen and
Brienne has been biding her time in a convent. But just after the wedding, Atli
suffers a heart attack and dies.
Even before her new husband dies, Brienne fell
in love with his oldest son, Rurik. So when Duke Rollo grants Rurik’s request
to give him Brienne’s hand, she is thrilled.
The story has an intriguing beginning as Rurik
sends his brother, Lyting, disguised as a monk to the abbey at Levroux where
Brienne is in training to be a healer. And it was a good thing, too, since
Brienne’s French brother-in-law has designs on her to make her his mistress. Soon
Brienne realizes it’s the Northmen who seem to be honorable.
Great writing and a story that will draw you in
make this a wonderful Viking romance. The inclusion of real history reflects
deep research, just like Kirkwood’s other stories (I read book 2 first not
realizing it was the second—I do recommend reading the trilogy in order). Rurik
is a worthy hero and Brienne does have a “valiant heart”.
If you’re looking for a worthy Viking trilogy of
romances, this is the place to start.
Buy on Amazon.
Heart trilogy:
The Valiant Heart
The Defiant Heart
The Captive Heart
This series sounds good too! Wish I had time to keep up with reading all the great recommendations you're giving me.
ReplyDeleteWell, you can load up your Kindle, Jayla, for a rainy day! Good Viking romances are hard to find. It's my shortest "best list".
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