Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific second chance romance. Valda returned home to Jorvik after confessing her love to Jorund (A Nun for the Viking Warrior) and finding it was not reciprocated. Upon arrival, she found her mother and sisters in dire straits, the money they planned to use to buy a farm stolen by her mother's unscrupulous love. Determined to raise the funds they need, Valda tries to find work on a merchant ship, but no one is hiring. Then she receives an offer from Halfdan, the former love who betrayed her. The offer is too good to pass up, but Valda is determined to protect her heart this time.
Halfdan is the son of the local jarl who plies his trade as a merchant to escape his cruel father. He lost Valda once because of his father and doesn't want to lose her again. However, he isn't free to pursue her. He promised his father to marry the bride he chose to save his half-brother, Erik, a slave. He sees this voyage as fate giving him another chance.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Valda and Halfdan, though I sometimes wanted to knock their heads together. Each has a wide stubborn streak and pride that keeps getting in the way. Halfdan wants to take care of Valda, but her pride won't allow her to be an object of pity. The first part of the voyage is spent with Valda pushing back at Halfdan for everything he tries to do for her. Eventually, they talk enough about their past to discover that their parting was caused by misunderstanding, not betrayal. Their past attraction grows stronger as they get to know each other again. Valda gives in to her feelings, even though it will only be for a short time before she gives him up again.
There are obstacles to a future together. Halfdan is promised to another and cannot honorably renege on his word. I was unhappy that his solution was to set Valda up as his mistress. I loved that Valda had the self-respect to stand up for her needs. At the same time, Valda questions her plans for the future, torn between her duty to her family and her love for her work. Halfdan struggles to find a way to save his brother, keep his word, and have the life that he wants with Valda. There were some unexpected developments at the end that opened up new possibilities. I loved how everything worked out, and the ending was terrific.
One of the most riveting things about this book, besides the relationship between Valda and Halfdan, was the intriguing look at Viking life. The skillfully woven details of the journey from Jorvik to Miklagard (Constantinople) and back made scenes so vivid I felt I was there. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book.
Halfdan is the son of the local jarl who plies his trade as a merchant to escape his cruel father. He lost Valda once because of his father and doesn't want to lose her again. However, he isn't free to pursue her. He promised his father to marry the bride he chose to save his half-brother, Erik, a slave. He sees this voyage as fate giving him another chance.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Valda and Halfdan, though I sometimes wanted to knock their heads together. Each has a wide stubborn streak and pride that keeps getting in the way. Halfdan wants to take care of Valda, but her pride won't allow her to be an object of pity. The first part of the voyage is spent with Valda pushing back at Halfdan for everything he tries to do for her. Eventually, they talk enough about their past to discover that their parting was caused by misunderstanding, not betrayal. Their past attraction grows stronger as they get to know each other again. Valda gives in to her feelings, even though it will only be for a short time before she gives him up again.
There are obstacles to a future together. Halfdan is promised to another and cannot honorably renege on his word. I was unhappy that his solution was to set Valda up as his mistress. I loved that Valda had the self-respect to stand up for her needs. At the same time, Valda questions her plans for the future, torn between her duty to her family and her love for her work. Halfdan struggles to find a way to save his brother, keep his word, and have the life that he wants with Valda. There were some unexpected developments at the end that opened up new possibilities. I loved how everything worked out, and the ending was terrific.
One of the most riveting things about this book, besides the relationship between Valda and Halfdan, was the intriguing look at Viking life. The skillfully woven details of the journey from Jorvik to Miklagard (Constantinople) and back made scenes so vivid I felt I was there. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book.
