Veena’s review of The Northman’s Bride (Sons Of The North,Book 3) by Sandra Lake
Historical Romance published by InterMix 17 May 16
I’ve been enjoying these books from Ms. Lake, but this one, though less compelling a story than the others, fired my imagination because of my upcoming trip to this part of the world. Most of the stories featuring what I’ve always referred to in the past as Scandinavian countries feature warring, skillful sailors who go a Viking in search of treasure and adventure. I just never realized until recently how deep in the shadow of Russia these countries truly lie, being on the Baltic Sea. The Russian influence on the political scene of the times is strong as amplified by this story. I love how in a blink of an eye the warlord’s wife is now a grandmother and this story features one of the twin boys she gave birth to in that book. It’s a lot of fun visiting with the fascinating cast of characters we met amongst the pages of the first two books and see the story carry on from there.
Hok was in love and ready to commit, but it turns out that he’s the wrong twin and Sovia is not ready to commit to him in the same way. Deeply hurt and embittered, he moves on to become a renowned warrior. Fast forward to the present and the shoe is on the other foot with Hok being in a commanding position and Sovia being on the verge of execution by a victorious army that defeated her father and his allies. Poor Hok can’t help but come to her rescue. He marries her ostensibly to gain her dowry and protect his father’s flanks and further his own standing in the world as the second son of his father.
Sovia is a heroine to be reckoned with as she stands tall and steadfast in her purpose, regardless of any adversity that comes her way. Despite Hok’s best efforts to keep her isolated, she’s soon making inroads and friends with his family and winning hearts all over his father’s castle. Her pithy comments, witty conversation, and general lack of fear with his father and his sister, who challenge and intimidate her, will keep the reader riveted.
What impresses me about this book is how the politics of the times are woven into the fabric of the story. Sovia is very politically astute and that comes through very clearly, even if Hok refuses to give credence to what she has to offer until almost too late.
I love how the goodness inside Hok continues to peek out, despite his determination to take his revenge on Sovia. He unhesitatingly picks up the baton when needed to stand shoulder to shoulder with her, Sovia is seasoned in a way that Hok’s siblings are not and has no hesitation in giving her new father-in-law advice on how to deal with the various factions that curry his favor on the one hand and side with his enemies on the other.
This is a nicely paced book with a good story with great word pictures of the people and the times.
Grade: B
Summary:
Passions flare in the icy north in the third Sons of the North Romance novel from the author of The Warlord’s Wife and The Iron Princess…
Sovia, daughter of Baron Losna, is on a mission to seduce Stål Magnusson, firstborn son of Swedish warlord Jarl Magnus Knutson and heir to his seat. With a civil war on, the stakes are high. The Baron needs the money and political alliance that Sovia’s marriage to Stål would secure. Fortunately, Sovia’s skill with men, not to mention the rugged good looks of her target, makes the assignment all too easy. But the tables turn when Sovia realizes she has taken the wrong Magnusson— Stål’s twin brother Hök—to bed. Wrong brother or not, Hök is enamored, and offers to marry Sovia. When that offer is rejected by her father, Hök’s heart and pride are broken.
Seven years later, as Lady Sovia is about to be executed by Norway’s usurper king, Hök, now a battle-hardened warrior, comes to her rescue—by finally taking her hand in marriage. Though his intent is to take revenge, as well as her hereditary land, he cannot help but be impressed by her unbreakable spirit. But Lady Sovia has secrets that will make it nearly impossible for them to live happily ever after…
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
