The Viking Takes a Knight

In order to protect Henry, King Edgar's illegitimate son, the Rainstead Orphanage, and prevent Commander Leo of Loncasterher from forcing her into marriage with him, Ingrith Sigrundottir decided to flee. After she seperated the orphans into groups and assigned each group, a member of the staff, she sent them to various sanctuaries. Ingrith also took a small group, along with Henry and Ubbi, her old bodyguard and sought refuge at Lord John Grave's Home, Hawk's Lair. John had no intention of getting involved in a serious relationship, he was more interested in experimenting with his bees and honey. But, when Ingrith showed up with a group of children and an ornery old man, he was easily distracted. After reluctantly granting refuge, he began to see, his honey wasn't the only thing that was sweet. I loved the chemistry between Ingrith and John. She was strong willed, determined and had a good heart. She quickly fell in love with John, but she believed his refusal to marry her was because, he was in love with Johanna, his former mistress. Especially after learning Johanna had turned him down for marriage. John wanted nothing more, than to have wife and children, but believed he had tainted blood. Johanna had been safe, she was a widow and couldn't have any more children. But, the longer Ingrith and John were together, he began to fall in love with her. Soon, thier relationship grew from honey sweet to sizzling hot....things begin to look hopeful to Ingrith. Then the letter came from Commander Loncasterher informing John, he had taken Johanna as a mistress. It was a subtle message offering a trade, Johanna for Henry. John immediately goes to Johanna's rescue leaving Ingrith behind, to wonder what was happening. When she didn't hear word from John, she decided, she would trade herself for Johanna. But, when she arrived, she learned that John and Johanna were betrothed and that Johanna was returning with him to Hawk's Lair. Broken hearted, Ingrith returned home to her father. Not only where the main characters enjoyable, but the supporting characters were fun as well. I loved Blothor and his warped sense of humor, especially when it came to his comical songs. I also enjoyed Katherine's character. She was always in Hawk's face blunt. You can't help but laugh, when she calls hawk a lackwit...basically a dumbass. Overall, I enjoyed this book. In true Sandra Hill fashion, she managed to mix her romances with modern day humor and historical flair. I love that her characters are very engaging and realistic. Several of her characters remind me of people, I actually know. The Viking Takes A Knight is one of those books, that will have you constantly smiling and making those around you, wondering, what you are laughing at. If you like witty repartee, sweet obsessions, engaging characters and a solid plot, then you will enjoy this fun and light-hearted book.

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud most of the time. I could just see the hero's expression when things went wrong. I picked this book up by accident; I usually do not like the Viking era. Yet, I'm so glad I did. Best book I have read in quite awhile. Sheila B

In 970 Northumbria Princess Ingrith Sigrundottir proudly runs a local orphanage Rainstead. However, when brutal Saxon Commander Leo Loncaster visits her orphanage demanding she turn over King Edgar's illegitimate son Henry she disobeys the beast. Instead she flees with her children including Henry to Lord John Graves's home Hawk's Lair where she demands sanctuary for her, Ubbi her elderly guard, and thirty youngsters. John is attracted to Ingrith, but knows she is off limits to him as the daughter of the king. Ingrith is attracted to her host but cannot get him away from his studies of honey. When Loncaster angrily burns down the orphanage, John sets off to get the king to intercede while directing the princess to remain safe inside his walls. Ingrith rejects his orders and instead follows him to her father's court. In love, they argue before he leaves the court to return to his honeybees while Thorvold announces his daughter will marry soon. John decides he will be her husband, but must persuade his beloved he is her man for eternity. This is a fun lighthearted Dark Ages romp in which Sandra Hill uses humor to make the case that the tenth century was an enlightened period with researchers along side berserkers as warriors. The story line is fast-paced while Ms. Hill provides fascinating ways to use honey that the experimenters amongst readers will want to test with their significant other. The lead couple is a terrific pairing as each is fully developed so the audience will understand the motives and flaws of both as the almost aptly titled The Viking Takes a Knight as her honey. Harriet Klausner