(Viking Romance / Historical Romance / Inspirational Romance / Christian Romance) Rok Erikson comes from a long line of Viking warriors. The tradition of his upbringing, his new Christian faith and the code of honor that says he must protect his family at all costs wage war within him. He and his brothers go on a mission to kill Jarl Van of Colby before the man can make another attempt on their father's life. The code of honor insists that they either kill or be killed, however, there are dark forces at work of which Rok is unaware. Leani is the daughter of the jarl Rok believes is making attempts on his father's life. When the eldest brother reaches her village ahead of Rök and the rest of the party, he kills her father and defiles her frail sister. Enraged, and fearing for her own life, Leani drives a silver dagger into his neck. Leani is captured by the vile Eriksons and forced to leave behind her broken sister as they take her to face a trial for killing the Viking who murdered her father. Leani's life hangs in the balance as she struggles with her guilt over taking the life of another and tries to find forgiveness where none should exist. Her faith will be tested to the limits as she fights a growing attraction to her enemy, tries to hide the truth about her identity, uncovers a treachery that runs deep within the Erikson clan, and sees how God can come to your rescue even when all hope seems lost...
J. E. Grace on Amazon wrote:Dear Viking is a story about misperceptions, betrayal, forgiveness—and love and loyalty to family, friends, and faith. Oh, yes—there’s romance too! It was truly a treat to immerse myself in this author’s tale of two families manipulated into believing the other wanted their fathers dead—leaders who once had been best friends. Added conflict—one family has chosen to follow the Christian faith while the other continues to serve the Viking gods.
When it’s believed the Christian Colbys have set out to kill the leader of the Erikson family, the Eriksons travel to where the Colbys have settled in peace and retaliate. The eldest brother kills Leani’s father, Jarl Van of Colby, and violates her sister. In rage, Leani kills the evil son and is taken back to Iceland for her trial.
Leani is vocal about her belief in Jesus; however, Rok Erikson is a new Christian who must be careful about what, when, and where he shares his faith. As beautiful Leani awaits her trial, she and handsome Rok become close. But, Leani also worries about her sister left behind in the devastated village. And Rok questions—if Leani’s father wasn’t trying to murder his father, who’s still trying to kill him?
This inspiring romance transported me back in time with a story of how God can work to bring good from evil.
Dear Viking is a powerful Christian Historical tale. It's a story filled with a Viking battle, hatred, greed, and a longing for revenge for an attempt on the father's life. Can two people from opposite cultures and beliefs thrown together during the worst of circumstances fall in love?
I wasn't sure how the author was going to insert a Christian aspect into a people known to kill without remorse, but was pleasantly surprised at how she handled it. The story line was wonderfully executed. The characters were very well fleshed out and the many layers of their depth became evident as the story progressed. I loved the show of Leani's bravery and unwavering faith in God. She was a beacon of light and very inspiring. RoK Erickson, the next in line to the Viking throne starts to question the Viking ways and his culture. Does he turn his back on tradition?
There were some surprising moments. I found myself engaged from the very beginning and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. Dear Viking is a very uplifting story with a happy ending that you would expect from a Christian read. I highly recommend it.