Scan barcode
dcfelk's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Publisher's Weekly gave it a starred review and I would too. Was honestly invested in the intergenerational healing.
venti_icewater's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rolled up to 4 because I enjoyed the heck out of this and read it in one sitting (went to bed at 1am, oops).
Now, the title is a bit of a misnomer - Amee's not really a nun, she hasn't taken her final vows yet so she's still just a novice. *Womp womp, am slightly disappointed* But she's in the "Fraulein Maria" vein of novices who just don't quite fit the "nun mold" despite trying - she's too wiggly, too apt to daydream, too independent. But would make a great lady of the castle. So her (obviously terrible) father and the French king marry her off to Viking vassal Jorund in an attempt to intermingle the Frankish and Viking cultures through marriage - her father's Evreux estate comes with her as a sort of dowry and it will be Jorund's task to rebuild the estate and town.
10th century northern France is wild, y'all.
The plot isn't quite as bananapants as I had hoped it would be and you can tell this an author still early in her career (you can see the seams in some of the plot devices and there are some rough transitions). But it reminded me of some of Lynsay Sands's earlier historical where almost-nuns are married off to fierce Scottish Highlanders for Romance Reasons, so 14/10 entertainment value. And I did read all of it in one go, so A+ there
CW for death by suicide of a parent prior to the start of the book, attempted rape of a secondary character, abuse by a parent
Now, the title is a bit of a misnomer - Amee's not really a nun, she hasn't taken her final vows yet so she's still just a novice. *Womp womp, am slightly disappointed* But she's in the "Fraulein Maria" vein of novices who just don't quite fit the "nun mold" despite trying - she's too wiggly, too apt to daydream, too independent. But would make a great lady of the castle. So her (obviously terrible) father and the French king marry her off to Viking vassal Jorund in an attempt to intermingle the Frankish and Viking cultures through marriage - her father's Evreux estate comes with her as a sort of dowry and it will be Jorund's task to rebuild the estate and town.
10th century northern France is wild, y'all.
The plot isn't quite as bananapants as I had hoped it would be and you can tell this an author still early in her career (you can see the seams in some of the plot devices and there are some rough transitions). But it reminded me of some of Lynsay Sands's earlier historical where almost-nuns are married off to fierce Scottish Highlanders for Romance Reasons, so 14/10 entertainment value. And I did read all of it in one go, so A+ there
CW for death by suicide of a parent prior to the start of the book, attempted rape of a secondary character, abuse by a parent
scoutmomskf's review
4.0
I enjoyed this slightly different take on the classic Viking romance. Amée entered the nunnery believing that she would finally escape her father and gain some peace. After witnessing and experiencing her father's abuse of her mother and her, Amée swore she would never again put herself under a man's thumb. But as the book opens, a group of Vikings batter down the door of the nunnery, its leader there to claim Amée's hand in marriage. Amée is furious, frightened, and unwillingly fascinated.
Jorund was awarded the lands of Évreux by his friend and overlord Rollo, aka Count Robert, while the count's wife arranged the marriage to bridge the divide between conquered and conqueror. Jorund looks forward to settling down with a wife, children, and the prospect of peace.
I liked Amée and Jorund. She may be tiny, but she can be fierce when defending her people. She has a fighting spirit and refuses to give up hope of finding a purpose in her life. Jorund was a surprise. He is large and intimidating but has a kind and honorable heart. Rather than rule by fear, he leads with insight and perception.
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Amée and Jorund. He is willing to give Amée time to get to know him and lets her know it is up to her when to move forward. Amée initially intends to find a way to return to the nunnery and keeps Jorund at a distance. But the more time they spend together, the more they like each other. But each has baggage from their pasts that make it difficult to open up completely to each other. Jorund's early life as a Viking warrior has left him feeling unworthy of her and unwilling to tell her why. Amée's experiences with her father make it challenging to trust Jorund, and her misinterpretation of his relationship with the female warrior Valda compounds the distrust.
I loved Jorund's patience and protectiveness as he kept a tight rein on his feelings. It is easy to see how much he wants Amée to be part of the life he dreams of. Amée's feelings for Jorund grew stronger despite her misperceptions, and I liked how she went after what she wanted. A visit by Count Robert and Gisela helps Amée along with that goal. Matters become complicated when Amée's father shows up for an unexpected visit. I ached for Amée as she endured her father's attitude and cheered when she realized she no longer had to accept it. Jorund's protectiveness and suspicions are aroused when Amée is attacked while they are riding. I loved the scene where he confronts the person behind it. The icing on the cake is when he discovers what haunts her and takes steps to end it. I also loved seeing him tell her about his past and how she showed him how it brings out the good in him. The epilogue was terrific.
One of the things I liked about this book was how skillfully the author wove in information about the cultural differences between the characters and the history of the conflict that brought them to that point. I loved the slow building of trust between the Vikings and the town's people. It felt realistic in tone and detail. The descriptions of the land and buildings were vivid enough for me to visualize them easily.
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be the last.
Jorund was awarded the lands of Évreux by his friend and overlord Rollo, aka Count Robert, while the count's wife arranged the marriage to bridge the divide between conquered and conqueror. Jorund looks forward to settling down with a wife, children, and the prospect of peace.
I liked Amée and Jorund. She may be tiny, but she can be fierce when defending her people. She has a fighting spirit and refuses to give up hope of finding a purpose in her life. Jorund was a surprise. He is large and intimidating but has a kind and honorable heart. Rather than rule by fear, he leads with insight and perception.
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Amée and Jorund. He is willing to give Amée time to get to know him and lets her know it is up to her when to move forward. Amée initially intends to find a way to return to the nunnery and keeps Jorund at a distance. But the more time they spend together, the more they like each other. But each has baggage from their pasts that make it difficult to open up completely to each other. Jorund's early life as a Viking warrior has left him feeling unworthy of her and unwilling to tell her why. Amée's experiences with her father make it challenging to trust Jorund, and her misinterpretation of his relationship with the female warrior Valda compounds the distrust.
I loved Jorund's patience and protectiveness as he kept a tight rein on his feelings. It is easy to see how much he wants Amée to be part of the life he dreams of. Amée's feelings for Jorund grew stronger despite her misperceptions, and I liked how she went after what she wanted. A visit by Count Robert and Gisela helps Amée along with that goal. Matters become complicated when Amée's father shows up for an unexpected visit. I ached for Amée as she endured her father's attitude and cheered when she realized she no longer had to accept it. Jorund's protectiveness and suspicions are aroused when Amée is attacked while they are riding. I loved the scene where he confronts the person behind it. The icing on the cake is when he discovers what haunts her and takes steps to end it. I also loved seeing him tell her about his past and how she showed him how it brings out the good in him. The epilogue was terrific.
One of the things I liked about this book was how skillfully the author wove in information about the cultural differences between the characters and the history of the conflict that brought them to that point. I loved the slow building of trust between the Vikings and the town's people. It felt realistic in tone and detail. The descriptions of the land and buildings were vivid enough for me to visualize them easily.
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be the last.
spirit_animal_margaret_hale's review
I just had trouble connecting with the heroine, which ruins it for me. I may try again in a couple months. Not leaving a star rating because I have DNF'd more books than not lately so it could be just entirely down to my "mood" 🤷♀️
the_logophile's review
["And she’s your lady now, not a little bird."
It was only meant to be a tease, but he saw Valda’s eyes harden slightly before she looked away. ]
I can smell it. Valda loves Jorund. And I hate it. I would have probably finished it they were only good friends. Like what's the need ??
And the story also progressed too quickly for my liking. Where's the angst ?
wilybooklover's review
emotional
medium-paced
3.75
I don't know why I always expect category romance novels to come with a super alpha and domineering hero, but gladly that was not the case here. Jorund was a bit of a cinnamon roll, really, and secretly very sweet and patient despite first appearances. I liked Amée too; she was headstrong without being obstinate or foolish about it. I enjoyed seeing her grow in confidence throughout the book.
I did dislike how long the miscommunications went on for. It's only natural for two people from such different cultures, but I wish they'd been cleared up a little earlier so we could see them happy together for longer. And so much of it resulted from the characters just refusing to talk to each other about important stuff, which I hate. I also think thatthe story would have been stronger if Valda had not actually had a crush on Jorund and they were truly just good friends.
Still, this was a solid romance between two loveable characters, set in an unusual historical period with just the right amount of worldbuilding.
I did dislike how long the miscommunications went on for. It's only natural for two people from such different cultures, but I wish they'd been cleared up a little earlier so we could see them happy together for longer. And so much of it resulted from the characters just refusing to talk to each other about important stuff, which I hate. I also think that
Still, this was a solid romance between two loveable characters, set in an unusual historical period with just the right amount of worldbuilding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Infidelity
aggressive_doubt's review against another edition
3.0
Listen I was so here for this. Kind, giant Viking? Compassionate, fiery woman about to be a nun? Heck yes. I want to see this relationship. But then
BIG SPOILERS
HE MAKES HIS BEST FRIEND LEAVE BECAUSE SHE (his bff is a badass shield maiden) MAKES HIS WIFE UNCOMFY. The wife spends most of the book thinking he’s having an affair with the bff, wife finally gets upset and confronts them, wife finds out they were never having an affair, BUT BFF STILL HAS TO LEAVE. Absolutely hated that plot point. Published in the Year of Our Lady 2021. I know it’s Harlequin but COME ON. Disappointed.
BIG SPOILERS
HE MAKES HIS BEST FRIEND LEAVE BECAUSE SHE (his bff is a badass shield maiden) MAKES HIS WIFE UNCOMFY. The wife spends most of the book thinking he’s having an affair with the bff, wife finally gets upset and confronts them, wife finds out they were never having an affair, BUT BFF STILL HAS TO LEAVE. Absolutely hated that plot point. Published in the Year of Our Lady 2021. I know it’s Harlequin but COME ON. Disappointed.