Catherine Coulter’s LORD OF HAWKFELL ISLAND – Well Told Viking Tale from 10th Century Ireland

Set in Ireland and an island off the coast of England in 910, this is the story of Mirana, a Viking woman who is abducted one night by her brother’s enemy, Rorik, Lord of Hawkfell. Rorik seeks vengeance for the death of his wife and children at the hand of Mirana’s brother, Einar. Once on Hawkfell Island, Mirana makes friends among the women and comes to see the island as home, but all is not well, and Einar still has plans for her.

 

Coulter has taken care to get the period right, including details of dress, food and dwellings. She has also created some wonderful characters, including a huge dog named Kerzog. The writing is well done and the plot has many satisfying twists and turns.

 

While Rorik’s actions toward Mirana were brutal at times (and the low ratings are just a reaction to that in my opinion), you have to remember this is a Viking romance, set in the times when women were chattel and many were taken in raids to be slaves. Then, too, Mirana, who Rorik is coming to care for, is the sister of his enemy who slayed his family. That these two could find love is definitely a story of second chances and love triumphing over many obstacles. Mirana’s brother, Einar is a real deviant who likes inflicting pain and cares for no one.

 

There is humor, action and a complex love story here. A worthy tale.

 

Viking Series

 

Season of The Sun

Lord of Hawkfell Island

Lord of Raven’s Peak

Lord of Falcon Ridge

 

 

Catherine Coulter’s THE SCOTTISH BRIDE – Utterly Charming Regency Love Story of an English Vicar and Scottish Lass

May is Scottish month on Historical Romance Review when I bring you stories set in Scotland’s past. This first one is set in 1815. It’s the story of Rev. Tysen Sherbrooke, an English vicar and a widower with 3 young children, who at 31 is told he has inherited a title in Scotland. His 10-year-old daughter, Meggie, decides she must go with him so she sneaks on the carriage dressed as a boy.

 

In Scotland, Tysen encounters Mary Rose, a courageous young woman whose uncle would give her to an unworthy man. And Tysen is not about to let that happen.

 

Tysen and his 10-year-old daughter Meggie (who is going on 30) are both charming. I loved their dialog, his thinking and Meggie knowing it all. Mary Rose is illegitimate, which seems to matter to those in Scotland but not at all to Tysen.

 

It’s a well-told tale, cleverly written and utterly charming. It will keep you turning pages.

 

The Bride Series (Sherbrooke)

The Sherbrooke Bride

The Hellion Bride

The Heiress Bride 

Mad Jack

The Courtship 

The Scottish Bride

Pendragon

The Sherbrooke Twins

Lyon's Gate

Wizards Daughter

The Prince of Ravenscar

 

 

Catherine Coulter’s DEVIL’S EMBRACE – Enthralling 18th Century Story of Capture and an Earl who acts like a Pirate!

 

This was Coulter’s first historical romance, published in 1985, and it is a superbly written, heart stopping, action-filled story that I could not put down. Literally. I do not recommend you begin it in the evening as I did. That night I did not sleep until nearly dawn. Forget the low reviews, and set aside your 21^st century sensibilities and go with what may be one of the most enthralling romances I’ve read in a long time. Certainly it’s a classic that affected the genre of historical romance—and well worth the read just for that!

 

Set in the late 18^th century (based on events in the story, I estimate 1775-76) in England and Italy, it tells the story of highborn 18-year-old Cassie Brougham, who on the day before her marriage to a Viscount she has loved for years, is abducted by 34-year-old Anthony Wells, the half Italian Earl of Clare, who has been watching her since she was a child all the while believing she is his perfect mate. Though Anthony’s intention is marriage, that doesn’t stop him from rape to claim her, nor imprisonment, first on his yacht and then in his Italian villa, as he tries to persuade her to marry him. Cassie hates him for what he has done to her life (as well she should and Coulter does that really well), but succumbs to the passion he calls forth each time he makes love to her.

 

You can feel the terrible conflict within this strong-willed, courageous girl as she feels she has no choices. Even her attempt to escape comes to naught.

 

The plot is intricate and intriguing with lots of action and lots of mystery. The characters are richly drawn, including the hero who has a noble side notwithstanding his selfish and brutal act of taking another man’s bride. He really does love Cassie.

 

The heroine really garnered my sympathy. She faces mad dogs and Englishmen and manages to overcome every challenge to gain the respect of all. I highly recommend this one.

 

The second book in the duology is Devil’s Daughter.

Catherine Coulter’s THE SCOTTISH BRIDE – Utterly Charming Regency Love Story of an English Vicar and Scottish Lass

Set in 1815 in England and Scotland, this is the story of Rev. Tysen Sherbrooke, an English vicar and a widower with 3 young children, who at 31 is told he has inherited a title in Scotland. His 10-year-old daughter, Meggie, decides she must go with him so she sneaks on the carriage dressed as a boy.

In Scotland, Tysen encounters Mary Rose, a courageous young woman whose uncle would give her to an unworthy man. And Tysen is not about to let that happen.

Tysen and his 10-year-old daughter Meggie (who is going on 30) are both charming. I loved their dialog, his thinking and Meggie knowing it all. Mary Rose is illegitimate, which seems to matter to those in Scotland but not at all to Tysen.

It’s a well-told tale, cleverly written and utterly charming. It will keep you turning pages.

The Bride Series (Sherbrooke)

The Sherbrooke Bride

The Hellion Bride

The Heiress Bride 

Mad Jack

The Courtship 

The Scottish Bride

Pendragon

The Sherbrooke Twins

Lyon's Gate

Wizards Daughter

The Prince of Ravenscar

Catherine Coulter’s SEASON OF THE SUN – Superb Tale of the Norsemen

A well-told Viking tale set in the Danelaw (Danish-ruled territory of England) and Norway in the late 9th century. Like others of Coulter’s, she doesn’t hold back when it comes to the violence of the times nor the cruelty inflicted on a worthy heroine by a bold alpha male who has his information wrong. I love that about her writing, but some who are looking for a softer story might not. If you can get past that (and I did), the story will hold your attention and I highly recommend it. Coulter’s portrayal of loss and grief were, in my opinion, nothing short of brilliant.

It tells the story of Magnus Haraldsson, a jarl from Norway and a merchant, who on a trip to York, spots the woman he wants for his wife, beautiful Irish Zarabeth (I pictured a young Maureen O’Hara). He introduces himself to her, basically telling her she will wed him. He’s direct about his accomplishments and knows when he kisses her she finds him attractive. Innocent Zarabeth will have the Viking if he’ll take her young deaf half sister, Lotti, which he will. But her evil stepfather, Olav the Vain, who wants her as his own wife, forces her to reject the Viking threatening to kill Lotti who he loathes.

Zarabeth rejects the Viking and he sails away, bitter at her action. Olav weds her, but never beds her due to his poisoning by his son’s greedy wife. Zarabeth is framed for Olaf’s murder and at her trial, Magnus arrives to persuade the court to make Zarabeth his slave instead of killing her. Thus it is that Zarabeth sails for Norway with Magnus, but as his slave, not his wife.

Talk about the perils of Pauline! This heroine had her troubles in spades. Both she and the hero at times seemed a bit dense. Initially, she failed to trust Magnus to help her and he believed the lie she did not want him. But each has courage that is compelling. The whole time I was reading her misadventures, I kept thinking that this is one hero who is going to have to grovel big time in the end. And I was not disappointed. Neither will you be. Both Zarabeth and Magnus will suffer before they find happiness.

I thought Coulter did a superb job in this well-researched tale of the Norsemen. It’s exciting, fast-paced, detailed and well written. For Viking romance lovers, it is not one to be missed. A keeper!

Coulter’s Viking Series:

Season of The Sun

Lord of Hawkfell Island

Lord of Raven’s Peak

Lord of Falcon Ridge

Catherine Coulter’s LORD OF RAVEN’S PEAK – Intriguing Viking Tale with a heroine who is a Skald, a teller of stories

This is the third in Coulter’s Viking series and the second in her Viking trilogy. As with the others, it’s a good one. And, it’s rather unique. The heroine is a skald (a storyteller), so there are stories within the story and very cleverly done, too. I admire Coulter’s ability to do that so smoothly. She gives us a feeling for how important storytelling was to the Viking culture while weaving it into an intricate plot and a great romance. I loved it.

Set in 916, beginning in Kiev (and thence to Norway and Normandy), this is the story of Merrik Haraldsson (younger brother to Rorik from Lord of Hawkfell Island), a Viking who stops at the slave market to buy his mother a woman to help with the weaving. What he gets instead are two young boys he saves from a fate worse than death. And, as it turns out, one of the boys is actually a girl—18-year-old Lauren. A girl with beautiful breasts and a sharp tongue—and a mysterious past she won’t speak of.

Lauren has some ability as a skald, a teller of stories, and holds Merrik and his men spellbound with her tales. Lauren’s purpose is to gain their silver to buy her freedom and that of her younger brother, Taby. The two of them were abducted from her home and sold into slavery two years ago and they have barely survived. Merrik finds her enchanting, no matter her red hair and her skinny body (from near starvation) and he loves Taby and has no intention of letting him go.

Richly drawn characters and meticulous research are blended with the Viking culture, treachery, murder, cruelty and lust—a superb job. It’s going on my best Viking Romances list along with the others in the series I’ve read. I recommend it!

The Viking Series:

Season of the Sun (Related but not a part of the Trilogy)
Lord of Hawkfell Island
Lord of Raven's Peak
Lord of Falcon Ridge

Catherine Coulter’s WARRIOR’S SONG – Great First in the Medieval Song Series!

October is Medieval month and I’m starting with a wonderful story with a magnificent heroine by one of my favorite authors!

Set in 1272 in England and the Middle East, this is the story of Chandra, who was raised by her father to be a warrior, to fight like a man and to enjoy the company of men. She loathes the traditional role of women that confines them to being a broodmare under a man’s domination. She loves her father and her home, Croyland Castle, on the Welsh border and never wants to leave. But her father has other plans. He has found a man who respects Chandra, Jerval de Vernon, who has even saved her from a bad guy (the hero in FIRE SONG) and has decreed she will marry Jerval whether she likes it or not. Chandra thinks of Jerval as a friend, a playmate, but when she marries him, he turns into a domineering man just like all the others.

This is a wonderful fast-paced story that takes you from the Welsh marches of England to Cumbria on the border of Scotland and then to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land on crusade with King Edward. During many adventures, Chandra and Jerval blend their different personalities and to find love in the midst of many challenges. Chandra is a heroine to die for: brave, unique, independent and willing to fight for her right to use her gifts. She takes a bad beginning with a mother who doesn’t love her and uses it to build strength. I loved this woman. Jerval instantly finds himself lusting after her but doesn’t realize that when they are married she will still be the warrior woman she is when they meet. Like many husbands, he thinks to change her. But they both change.

Coulter did a great job on the research of the times and gives us a feeling for both 13^th century England and the 9^th and last Holy Land Crusade. Her dialog is excellent, her characters rich and the plot is believable (though I admit Chandra’s skills are a bit over the top). I really enjoyed this one and think you will, too.

The Medieval Song Series:

Warrior's Song (Earlier Version Titled Chandra)

Fire Song

Earth Song

Secret Song

Catherine Coulter’s THE SHERBROOKE BRIDE – Great Start to the Regency series with a Cast of Worthy Characters

This is the first in the Sherbrooke Brides series and a must read if you want to read any of the others. In it, we are introduced to the family and most prominently, the elder brother, Douglas Sherbrooke, Earl of Northcliffe.

Douglas, a cold man who takes seriously his duty as head of the household, has no real interest in marrying except to fulfill his duty to produce an heir. In considering the woman he will take as a bride, he decides on the one woman he recalls, the stunningly beautiful Melissande, who he once courted only to leave her for the army. And so, when called to France for a special assignment, he sends his best friend, Tony, to wed her by proxy.

Alexandra Chambers, Melissande’s younger sister, has loved Lord Sherbrooke since she was fifteen, but she will give him up for her sister if it must be. In a bizarre twist, Melissande ends up wed to Tony, who marries Alexandra to Douglas by proxy. And to make matters worse, there is a troubling appearance of the family ghost, the Virgin Bride.

What began with a less than honorable meeting of Douglas and his brother Ryder to discuss their many bastards, turned out to be a delightful story, most notably due to the heroine, her interactions with Douglas and some very funny dialog involving her sister, who is being “handled” by Tony. Douglas’ sister, Sinjin is also a fascinating character. The ghostly bride didn’t figure large in the story, at least until the end when she directs Douglas at a time of crisis.

Coulter writes well and tells a good tale. I am a fan of hers and always find her books a good read, hence I want to read more in the series.

The Sherbrooke Brides series

The Sherbrooke Bride (1992)

The Hellion Bride (1992)

The Heiress Bride (1993)

Mad Jack (1999)

The Courtship (2000)

The Scottish Bride (2001)

Pendragon (2002)

The Sherbrooke Twins (2004)

Lyon's Gate (2005)

Wizards Daughter (2007)

The Prince of Ravenscar (2011)

Catherine Coulter’s LORD OF FALCON RIDGE – Superb Last in the Viking Series… A Great Adventure!

Set in the 10^th century in Norway, Ireland and England, this is the story of Chessa, the daughter of the Irish King. She is kidnapped by Ragnor of York, heir to the Danelaw, who is also a self-possessed dolt and has been told to marry the girl who loathes him.

Chessa has a champion, one Cleve, a Scot who was forced to become a slave and is now a diplomat, who sets out to rescue her. He needs her back since he's negotiated her marriage to William of Normandy, another man Chessa doesn’t want. When a storm blows Chessa and her kidnappers onto Hawkfell Island, a wonderful cast of characters, all known to Chessa, join the party. (All the characters from the first novels in the series show up to dive into Cleve's and Chessa's problems. It’s a great reunion!)

Much ensues as Cleve arrives at Hawkfell Island and discovers Chessa wants to marry him. Chessa and Cleve bicker and poke at each other as he insists she is going to Normandy. I laughed out loud at some of their dialog. And only when the problem of Ragnor of York is sorted out can Cleve turn his attention to discovering his true heritage in Scotland.

It’s a great adventure with lots of laughs and excitement along the way. Although I recommend reading the series in order, this can be thoroughly enjoyed as a stand-alone. Coulter weaves a deft tale with lots of historical detail reflecting solid research. I loved this book and appreciated the careful attention she paid to the characters and the historical setting. She is a master of historical romance.

Don’t miss it!

The Viking Novels:

Season of the Sun

Lord of Hawkfell Island

Lord of Raven’s Peak

Lord of Falcon Ridge

Review: Catherine Coulter’s SEASON OF THE SUN – Superb Tale of Love with a Norseman

This is a well-told Viking tale set in the Danelaw (Danish-ruled territory of England) and Norway in the late 9th century. Like others of Coulter’s, she doesn’t hold back when it comes to the violence of the times nor the cruelty inflicted on a worthy heroine by a bold alpha male who has his information wrong. I love that about her writing, but some who are looking for a softer story might not. If you can get past that (and I did), the story will hold your attention and I highly recommend it. Coulter’s portrayal of loss and grief were, in my opinion, nothing short of brilliant.

It tells the story of Magnus Haraldsson, a jarl from Norway and a merchant, who on a trip to York, spots the woman he wants for his wife, beautiful Irish Zarabeth (I pictured a young Maureen O’Hara). He introduces himself to her, basically telling her she will wed him. He’s direct about his accomplishments and knows when he kisses her she finds him attractive. Innocent Zarabeth will have the Viking if he’ll take her young deaf half sister, Lotti, which he will. But her evil stepfather, Olav the Vain, who wants her as his own wife, forces her to reject the Viking threatening to kill Lotti who he loathes.

Zarabeth rejects the Viking and he sails away, bitter at her action. Olav weds her, but never beds her due to his poisoning by his son’s greedy wife. Zarabeth is framed for Olaf’s murder and at her trial, Magnus arrives to persuade the court to make Zarabeth his slave instead of killing her. Thus it is that Zarabeth sails for Norway with Magnus, but as his slave, not his wife.

Talk about the perils of Pauline! This heroine had her troubles in spades. Both she and the hero at times seemed a bit dense. Initially, she failed to trust Magnus to help her and he believed the lie she did not want him. But each has courage that is compelling. The whole time I was reading her misadventures, I kept thinking that this is one hero who is going to have to grovel big time in the end. And I was not disappointed. Neither will you be. Both Zarabeth and Magnus will suffer before they find happiness.

I thought Coulter did a superb job in this well-researched tale of the Norsemen. It’s exciting, fast-paced, detailed and well written. For Viking romance lovers, it is not one to be missed. A keeper!

Coulter’s Viking Series:

Season of The Sun

Lord of Hawkfell Island

Lord of Raven’s Peak

Lord of Falcon Ridge