Erinsong

This book was another wonderful piece by Diana Groe. However it did not captivate me as much as Silk Dreams. I fell more in love with that book than this one. In ErinSong, there is that same romantic viking plot that draws me to her works. I was engrossed to the very last page. The ending could have been more satisfying though. I found it adequate, but could have shown more promise of the couple's life together. Still I recommend it. I'd give it 4 1/2 stars only because of the ending.

When Brenna finds a handsome stranger washed upon the Irish coast she instantly believes he is a Norsemen and up to no good. Norsemen have raided the area for years and are responsible for much of the heartache in her life. Her older sister was raped by a Norsemen and Brenna barely escaped ravishment too. Unfortunately this Norseman is stricken with amnesia and has somehow charmed his way into her father's heart. Brenna names him Keefe and keeps a watchful eye on the stranger who turns out to be rather useful, he makes boats and is a wonderful carpenter. He is also noble, he saves Brenna's other sister, Moira, from would be rapists one evening. To reward him, Brenna's father, the King of his tribe, gives Brenna to him in marriage. Brenna is appalled at this turn of events as she is truly afraid of the marriage bed after all she has endured. That is just one of the problems these two must surmount for another looming obstacle is Keefe's former life and the memories that are returning in bits and pieces. Keefe is so patient with Brenna and Brenna finally believes she has found happiness with this gentle man but there are difficulties they must face as they head to Dublin to confront her husband's past. I liked this romance because it had unexpected twists and turns, especially when the hero recovers from his amnesia. Also this was so different from many Viking romances where the heroine is the captive and the Viking the captor; instead this novel focuses much more on two imperfect people learning to trust each other.

Brenna, princess of Donegal thought he was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. He lay on the sandy shore of Donegal with only a cask by his side; but when he sprang to life grabbing Moira's wrist, Brenna speared him in the thigh. It was then Brenna realized he was a Northman and knew she was in real trouble. Northmen were nothing but raiders and pillagers, the sight of him also brought back a horrid memory of her past. She vowed that another Northman would never make her cry again. Waking to searing pain, he had no recollection of who or where he was. All he knew was this saucy wench had made him into a pin cushion. Life or death stared upon him when Brian, King of Donegal, offered to spare his life if the cask was filled with ale. If not then he was sure to meet the hangman's gallows. Brenna could not keep her eyes off this Northman, he was earning the respect of her father and her as well by repairing her mother's broken chair, and then saving Moira from the hands of rogue Northmen. With that an arranged marriage was born and Brenna could no longer hide the secrets of her past. Memories began to flitter back to the Northman Brenna had named Keefe Murphy. He still had no recollection of a wife or family; he just knew that he must travel to Dublin in search of answers. After the attack on Moira, Keefe discovered his real name was Jorand and he recognized the faces of the Northmen. Bringing his still virgin wife with him, Brenna confessed her past to Jorand. Dublin held secrets all right, both were in for a rude awakening, especially when Brenna meets Jorand's first wife. Can Brenna ever trust Jorand enough to share her body with him as well as her heart? Love finds its way to the couple, but in the end Love was there from the very start, they were just too blind to see it. What will become of the marriage between Brenna and Jorand when a traitor plans an attack on the unsuspecting Northmen? Ms. Groe has written an exquisite historical romance set in Ireland that melts your heart. Beautifully described characters and events will keep your heart pounding and your fingers turning the pages. Romance written through Diana Groe's eyes is heartfelt and very much worth reading. I don't hesitate at all to award 5 hearts to Diana Groe for her book Erinsong.

Brenna and her sister Moira find an unconscious Northman on the beach. The Northmen are sworn enemies of the Irish. When the mysterious man awakens he has no memory of who he is or where he came from. Brenna convinces her father, King Brian Ui Niall, not to kill him and gives him the name Keefe Murphy. When a band of men appear on the island and attack Moira, Keefe saves her. Some of the men escape, but before they do they recognize him and call him Jorand. The king offers Brenna's hand in marriage to Jorand after saving Moira's life. Jorand wants the marriage and Brenna secretly does as well but she fears the secrets she keeps will ruin what she could have with him. When Jorand regains his memory, the secrets he reveals may destroy Brenna and her country as well. Erin Song is a poignant story where both heartache and joy are constant companions for Brenna and Jorand. Brenna is a brave and strong woman. She endures so much and does it with dignity. Jorand is a handsome warrior who would be any woman's choice for a mate. There were many times I thought the story couldn't work out and the angst was tearing me up, but all ends as it should. Erin Song is a story full of emotion and passion. Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Sometimes even those who should be bitter enemies can find love together. Brenna has seen much in her life, and not all of it is good. She is haunted by horrific memories of what the Vikings have done to her people, those of the land of Erin. When one of them washes up on her beaches she should have left him to rot. But something about this stranger with no memory teases at her senses and she can't resist his allure. Named Keefe by his beautiful rescuer, he commits himself to her father, the King, as willing payment for their aid. But Keefe cannot be free until he recovers the past that troubles him with little glimpses of another life. Now, with Brenna at his side, they follow the Erinsong on a journey to confront the demons of their respective pasts. Only then can they venture into a shared future. What happens when that past may be better left buried? Diana Groe is a new author who has what it takes to make it to the top. Her story brings to mind the lyrical prose of the long gone tradition of troubadours and traveling storytellers as may have been found in deep history. There is a richness to her writing that makes it so easy to visualize the vivid greens of ancient Ireland, the majestic castles, and the deeply spiritual people. She paints a picture with her novel that takes me on a journey to a time I can only dream about. Brenna has been scarred by the horrors perpetrated by the Vikings on her family and cannot break its hold. She wants to hate this man who has appeared out of nowhere, but finds herself helping Keefe instead. As she comes to know his heart, she slowly is able to release her pain. As we see her overcome her fears, we are brought to tears by the new hope she is granted. Keefe is torn between what he knows and what he cannot remember. As bits and pieces of his memory come back to him, he is horrified to discover what he may have been a part of and he will do whatever it takes to find his redemption. We feel his struggle between two lives and sympathize with his plight. When he finally finds the answers he seeks, Keefe is humbled by Brenna's love for one such as he. After concluding Erinsong, I am now determined to go get a copy of Diana's first book, Maidensong, thrilled to have discovered a new shining star in the Irish Historical genre. © Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2006. All rights reserved.