Enchanted

The sequel continues the saga from Neri's earlier book "Sea Jewel" telling the story of the firstborn son of Alaric and Freya. Sailing on Viking ship on his way home to Kent from Denmark, Beorn, jarl of Danehof encounters heavy seas and he and his men are washed ashore where, trying to adhere to a blood oath to his father sworn never to shed Saxon blood, he attempts to wave a white flag and effect a simple surrender. Unfortunately, Beorn's attempts at surrender were refused as Saxons, exhibited no honor and brutally attacked the Vikings as they dragged themselves to shore. Upon seeing their jarl struck down the ensuing battle enflamed the Vikings and spurred them to fight like demons. Rhiannon, abandoned as a mere babe, was a mysterious Cornish beauty raised by a woman she called `auntie' who trained her in the healing arts. On that fateful night, the mortally wounded Beorn would drag himself to her lodge where she would heal him -against her better judgment, as he was a hated vile sea-dog, Viking. Later discovering that her beloved Lord Cullen was being held a prisoner, by the Vikings, she thought to effect a hostage exchange - but that did not work out and she ended up prisoner herself, and as most romances go, she does end up falling in love with her jailer, and he with his captive, after an assorted series of adventures and mid-adventures.At over 600 pages this was a hefty novel yet the story was enticingly sweet, enchanting and riveting. Set in the year 908 it tells of two stubborn individuals - Beorn half Viking - half Saxon, and Rhiannon whose ancestry was a mystery. Rhiannon had pledged herself to the Moon Goddess but could not control her feelings once Beorn had kindled her womanly responses with his lovemaking. Setting out on an adventure of discovery she had to discover her past before she could go forward with a future, and in the telling find out if her healing powers were lost once she admitted to and embraced her love. If you can find a copy of this out of print novel - you will find a most enjoyable read that will make you laugh and make you cry.