Maidensong

Diana Groe has captured me with her viking romances. Maidensong had me in tears many times feeling the heartache of the characters. I became edgy in the combat scenes, and uplifted in those tender moments. The only reason I had to put the book down so many times was because I was so taken by the emotions, that I had to give my poor heart a break. For an author to make me feel THAT intensely, . . . All I can say is BRAVA! If you like historical/norse romances, and if you LOVE Josie Litton's work, don't miss Maidensong! It is a true romance, with surprises, and twists that I have come to expect from such a talented author.

This was my first encounter with the writing of Diana Groe and I was enchanted...I cared about the characters, their trials, romance and travels. The story offers a taste of coulture clash and disparate views of the world of yesteryear. It's an engaging and entertaining read!

Quite vividly written. Awesome story!! q

The Northmen attack Hordaland in retaliation for a raid on Sognefjord a month ago. In the assault they kill her renowned story telling father, the skald Magnus Silver-Throat and capture amongst others his two children, Rika also a skald storyteller and her brother Ketil as slaves of the Jarl of Sogna. The ruler's younger brother Bjorn the Black led the raid that imprisoned Rika, who vows to kill him. Bjorn decides he wants the courageous skald, but knows he must ask his sibling for permission. Instead of showing his appreciation the Jarl displays his jealousy of his brother's success. Still even as Rika and Bjorn begin to fall in love, the Jarl promises her to his Byzantine trading partner as he loathes his sibling and gives him nothing even what he earned. This exciting Dark Ages romance takes the audience on a deep tour of Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire with a deep look at the societies of both. The story line is action-packed as the two lead protagonists fall in love while landing in one escapade after another due to the betrayal by the treacherous Jarl, however, whose loathing seems cartoonish. Sub-genre fans will welcome Diana Groe to the circa tenth century world with her fabulous debut historical. Harriet Klausner

I was privileged to read this book in manuscript form, and am very eager to get the actual book in my hands. Diana Groe has a fresh perspective on romance writing, and I especially liked her true-to-life characters. Part of the story involves a long journey from the northlands to the fabled city of Constantinople; this was a fun departure (pun intended!) from the ordinary. I have no doubts that many readers will be glad to discover this exciting new author, and will look forward to other books from her (including the sequel to this one, called "Erinsong", due out this fall!). It's such a gift to find an new author, and know that there will be more to look forward to!