I've read a few books by Sian Ann Bessey. She's not quite an auto-read author for me (yet), but I've enjoyed her books. I've not read any romance books featuring Vikings, so I was intrigued and decided to check out The Call of the Sea.

The Call of the Sea was a slow start for me. Rhiannon is unlikely to forgive or trust easily after her father is murdered in front of her. Even though Leif wasn't the one who did it, he was present and a part of the group who raided her home. He was standing right there when her father was killed. He offered her words that didn't mean much to her at the time. She wouldn't lightly turn her heart toward him. So much of The Call of the Sea was story-driven, not relationship-driven. Leif and Rhiannon were at the heart of everything that happened, but there was so much time with them being apart.

The mystery/plot was interesting, and I was trying to figure out who was behind everything. Actually, that's not entirely true. I had a guess on the who, but the why was what I was trying to figure out. On one hand, I didn't really mind this part of the story, but when I look back I feel like the story dragged a little for me due to the focus on the mystery.

Favorte quote:
-"I should like to postpone being brave until the morrow"...

The Call of the Sea was a good read, but it didn't blow me away. I liked Rhiannon and Leif. I liked their individual stories and their path toward each other. Much of the feelings felt rushed to me due to the large portion of the book the characters spent apart. Thankfully, the book did allow for this by saying they wanted to know each other better. The plot and mystery drove the story forward, and I enjoyed it while also felt like it slowed me down. Ultimately, The Call of the Sea gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Call of the Sea? What did you think? Let me know!

I was approved for this title on Netgalley by Covenant Communications.

I liked this book. In fact, I think it might be one of my favourites by this author. She took a lesser-known event in Welsh history and wove a storyline around it, incorporating political intrigue and many elements of Welsh culture into the story as well as fascinating historical details about Kingdoms and rulers. I also liked the audiobook narrator and how he handled a Welsh accent: they're not easy, nor is accurately pronouncing Welsh names.

I also preferred how the romance took the back foot slightly in this story: although I did feel at times as though the heroine was a bit too passive and sappy, just crying all the time because she didn't like the guy, she was going to marry but not really doing anything much. She did improve, but some elements of that still came out.

Two things ruined this story for me: enough to yank me out of the historical setting.

1: Gaelic:
There were constant references throughout to Welsh people speaking Gaelic. People in Wales do not speak Gaelic: they speak Welsh. People in Medieval Wales did not speak Gaelic: they too spoke Welsh.

Is this a minor nit-pick? Well, no I don't think so because Welsh and Gaelic are not the same language: they are quite different to the point that a Gaelic speaker would not be able to understand Welsh on the basis of the former.

The thing is, it doesn't take much research to find out what the historic language of Wales is: something which was especially frustrating since this book got so many details right. I do not understand why such a basic mistake would be made. Saying the Welsh speak Gaelic is like thinking the English speak German or that the people in Romania speak French. After all aren't they both romance languages?

2: Vikings

Everything I have read about the Viking raids says that they ended in the 11th century, or the years 1000-1099. By 1140 (according to what I read) The peoples of Scandinavia were well and truly were Christianised and the raids were a thing of the (not too distant) past.
If this novel had been set a century earlier this would not have been an issue: but as such including not just Vikings put "pagan" Vikings raiding monasteries and having barely heard of Christianity despite living in Ireland for centuries is as bad as putting Richard Sharpe and a division of Redcoats with Muskets in the trenches of WW1.

I guess I find this tendency to just randomly throw Vikings into any part of history from Roman to Tudor times because they are fashionable immensely frustrating. Would we employ that kind of anachronism with any other group pf people from history? Probably not.

Really, the story didn't need Vikings or need Leif to be a Viking. He could have just been a man of Irish birth and Scandinavian heritage. He could have been any kind of outsider: a Norman even someone from another Welsh Kingdom.

Thanks to the publisher for approving me for this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I don’t think I have ever read a Viking historical romance before, but The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey really brought that time period to life. Rhiannon’s life is about to change as her father has chosen a suitor for her. But before the betrothal can take place, her home is attacked by Vikings and Rhiannon is left without her father. Leif, one of the Vikings that was part of the raiding party can’t forget Rhiannon, and he crosses paths with her again as they are thrust into a possible conspiracy. They must work together, which is difficult as Rhiannon thinks of Leif as her enemy. They do come to trust each other, and feelings of love soon follow, but they will be fiercely tested and their future is in jeopardy. This beautiful historical romance will have you looking up everything Welsh and Viking and hoping for more Viking romances from Ms. Bessey! A must-read for historical romance fans.

Oh I loved this book! Ms Bessey is a beautiful writer! This story of Medieval Ireland and the Vikings was so well put together. I even had to look up my heritage to find out where my roots were! I am sure I had some Vikings in my line and I hope it was only the good ones like Leif! I was lost in the characters and all they went through. It was beautiful! You will not want to miss this one!

This was my first Viking romance, and it did not disappoint! I love finding books that tell stories that we don’t hear as much. Sian Ann Bessey did a wonderful job weaving the stories of two people from very different cultures.

I received an Advance Readers Copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Gelesen auf Englisch, besprechen tue ich aber wie immer auf Deutsch.
Ich liebe ja generell historische Romane und speziell historische Liebesgeschichten, und toll finde ich es generell immer, wenn auch mal das frühe Mittelalter im Fokus steht. Hier sind wir im 12. Jahrhundert im heutigen Wales und Irland unterwegs, und ich schicke mal die Infos aus dem Nachwort vorneweg: die Eckdaten dieses Romans basieren auf wahren Ereignissen, und auch die Namen der Könige, ihrer Familienmitglieder und Königreiche sind historisch verbürgt. Ein guter Teil der Protagonisten hat tatsächlich gelebt – spannende Hintergrundinfo, finde ich.

Aber jetzt zum Roman: die 16jährige Rhiannon, Tochter eines walisischen Adligen mit Verbindung zum Königshaus, in Cymry soll heiraten. Am Vorabend der Hochzeit wird ihr Landstrich aber von den Wikingern heimgesucht, und ihr Vater vor Ihren Agen ermordet. Rhiannon ist am Boden zerstört. Eltern- und heimatlos geworden, zieht sie an den Hof des Königs Owain Gwynedd und wird dort als Familienmitglied willkommen geheißen.

Leif, Sohn des Wikinger Jarls. Ist aus anderem Holz geschnitzt als die meisten seiner Landmänner, und kann zum einen die Brutalität der Raubzüge nicht mehr gutheißen, und zum anderen hat ihn Rhiannas Verlust geschockt. Für ihn gibt es einen Wendepunkt im Leben: nach dem Überfall in Wales ändert er alles und wird Silberschmid.

2 Jahre später erscheint an der irischen Küste bei den Wikingern ein adliger Flüchtling aus Britannien: ein Bruder des Königs fürchtet um sein Leben. Man beschuldigt ihn in der Heimat des Mordes an einem weiteren königlichen Bruder, und ausgerechnet bei den eigentlich feindlichen Wikingern sucht er um Hilfe. Diese wird ihm auch gewährt, und so kommt es, dass sich Leif und sein Freund Knut gemeinsam noch einmal auf den Seeweg nach Cymry machen, um ein Mordkomplott aufzuklären…..und so sollen sich Rhiannon und Leif wieder sehen. Und beide finden sich vereint auf der Suche nach der Wahrheit wieder. Kann sich eine Liebe zwischen feindlichen Völkern entwickeln?
Soviel zum Inhalt, und natürlich stehen die aufkeimenden Gefühle von Rhiannon und Leif irgendwann im Mittelgrund, die gegen alle Widrigkeiten aufblühen … 😊.
Mein Leseeindruck: Das war packend! Was für ein spannender Roman! Hier war echt alles dabei: Liebe, Action, Romantik, Abenteuer, mörderische Komplotte und Ermittlungen wie in einem Kriminalfall, und das alles vor einer sehr authentischen historischen Kulisse. Und nicht nur die politischen Verhältnisse im frühen 12. Jahrhundert werden getreu wiedergegeben, auch das alltägliche Leben kommt nicht zu kurz. Wir bekommen hier als Leser einen intensiven Eindruck in den Alltag der Menschen, da stimme ich der Historical Novel Society völlig zu. Spannende Einblicke sowohl ins Leben und die Kultur der Wikinger, als auch in die der Iren / frühen Briten.
Grandios auch die Protagonisten: mit Rhiannon und Leif konnte ich mitfiebern und -fühlen, und die inneren Kämpfe der beiden konnte ich gut nachvollziehen.
Was meinen Lesefluss teilweise tatsächlich etwas verlangsamt hat, waren die vielen gälischen Namen und Orte, respektive auch die vielen Wikingerbegriffe. Die Autorin hat sich hier in ihrer Authentizität sehr bemüht, und das war für mich zusätzlich zum Lesen in einer Fremdsprache gewöhnungsbedürftig. Manchmal war auch die wörtliche Rede in ihrer etwas altertümlichen Form für mich seltsam. Hat natürlich gepasst in diesen Kontext, war aber für mich etwas schwieriger zum Lesen. Sprich, das Buch war zwar durchaus so spannend, dass es ein page-turner ist, aber ich als Nicht-Muttersprachlerin musste mich teils gut konzentrieren beim Lesen. Macht aber nix – war auch eine Erfahrung!
Alles in allem: absolute Leseempfehlung 😊. Die Autorin kann spannende Geschichten erzählen und kennt sich in dieser historischen Ära wirklich aus; ich werde mir Ms Bessey auf jeden Fall merken!
Und ein PS zum Titel: The Call of The Sea bezieht sich auf die Sehnsucht, die beide Protagonisten zum Meer haben. Das Meer als der Sehnsuchtsort. Als der Ort, an dem die Seele zur Ruhe kommt – und wer kann sich nicht damit identifizieren?

This book is an amazing read! On the night of her betrothal to a nobleman, Rhiannon’s family and home are attacked by a group of Vikings. Her father is murdered. She is left with nothing. She travels to Ynys Mon to live with the royal family, her family by marriage. A few years later she comes face to face with one of the vikings that raided her home. They have to learn to work together to solve a murder. This book is full of learning to love, trust and forgiveness. It was beautifully written!

"Surely there is more goodness and truth in the world than there is evil and lies."
This was such a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and redemption. Rhiannon's character was amazing. The way that she cared for others because of the losses she had suffered, and the way that she took the time to look deeper into circumstances and people made her one of my favorite characters. Liam's character journey was so well done. Seeing the way he changed and worked to stay true to his changed beliefs and how it played out in his life was powerful. The way the author took history, and weaved this story was so impressive. I highly recommend this read! I love this author, and this story was a wonderful example of why her books are some of my favorites!

Beautifully written novel. A little hard to get into with all the unfamiliar words, but if you can figure out the language of the book, a real gem awaits you.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Rhiannon witnesses Vikings kill her father and her engagement seems indefinitely postponed until there's an unexpected murder in the royal family.
Leif was part of the Viking raid that took the life a father, and he's been troubled by the experience like non other raid before. When a royal brother appeals for help, claiming he's being framed, Leif is sent to investigate where he comes to face the young woman whose father he saw killed.
I really enjoyed this book because of the history and deep character growth, with elements of suspense and a little romance. It's not exactly a swoony romance, but it is heartfelt, tense at moments, and emotional. I would read it again when in the mood for historical suspense and sweet romance..

4.5 Stars
Read this book for:
*12th century Ireland and Welsh historical fiction
*vikings!
*family betrayals
*alliances
*forgiveness
*treachery
*romance (this doesn't really start until half way through the book)
*beautiful writing that made it easy for me to envision the setting and the hearts and minds of the characters
*dual POV for the male main character and the female main character
*an ending that satisfies!

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

3.5 stars

I’ve got Irish, Norwegian, and Welsh ancestors, which made this book even more interesting to read. Although the author admitted to taking some creative liberties with the actual history, I found her theories somewhat plausible.

The book alternates following Leif (19 then 21) and Rhiannon (16 then 18), both of whom I liked. It’s a story of forgiveness, redemption, growth, healing, and love. Was it amazing literature? No, but it was well researched and I enjoyed it.

Note: Can’t recall anything bad.

Wow! A beautifully written historical romance set in Wales and Ireland during the Middle Ages. This book was so interesting and heavily based on actual historical happenings. It seemed like a realistic take on what could have happened. This book has it all - royalty, nobles, Vikings, murder, a mystery, and romance. I definitely recommend it.

Gripping and heart wrenching. Fascinating look into life in 1141 in Ireland. This is a love story between a man and woman from two very different cultures during a dangerous and violent time to be alive.

Ireland in the 1100s had large Viking settlements and Wales was made up of multiple kingdoms. Young women lacked basic freedoms and were given in marriage to a stranger for political reasons. Rhiannon is tragically orphaned when her father is killed right in front of her eyes. Because she was a single young woman, her father’s property now belonged to someone else leaving her homeless.

Leif is a Viking but can speak Gaelic like the Cymry. He becomes curious about religion and the differences between the Christian God and the multiple Viking gods. His father is their leader, so he is bound by honor to fight for his people. Both he and Rhiannon love the sea.

The Welsh words are difficult but keep reading, it’s worth it! This book has it all - different lands and cultures, grief, danger, action, intrigue, mystery, family relationships, and love. Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for a temporary digital copy to use for my review.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the mystery aspect of the story. Leif and Rhiannon were great characters. The romance portion isn’t a big part of the story but I didn’t mind that. I did like they end and how things all wrapped up.

Sian Ann Bessey is one of the few authors that can get me interested in reading a book about Vikings. Her stories suck me in and bring me back in time--this time I was transported to Wales and Ireland in the 1100's when Viking ships would come to raid and pillage what they could.

Leif loves being on a ship in the open water but he doesn't really enjoy the plundering. He can't forget the look on the face of the young woman (Rhiannon) when a shipmate needlessly kills her father. Rhiannon's life is forever changed when her father is killed during a Viking raid. She becomes an orphan and goes to live with her uncle, Owain Gwynedd, the King of Cymry now known as modern Wales. It's here events take place that bring Leif and Rhiannon together again and she must decide if she can trust the man she thinks of as her enemy.

I loved the characters of Rhiannon and Leif--separately and together. I liked that Leif searched out the Irish priest, learned of Christianity, and found a way to make a living that didn't involve plundering. Rhiannon is willing to trust Leif and form a friendship with him as they search for the truth behind a murder. I loved watching Rhiannon and Leif develop feelings for each other and wondered how would work it all out.

I love mysteries and suspenseful stories, and this book had me turning pages late into the night trying to find the clues to figure out who the murderer was and why they did it. Once I started this awesome book I didn't want to put it down--I read it in less than 2 days. I encourage you to read the author's notes at the end. She also made a YouTube video pronouncing all the Welsh names and places.

I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. I also bought an ebook for my personal digital library.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this novel from an author I have previously read. This was a clean historical fiction novel that tugged at my heartstrings!

This is the first time reading a story about Vikings and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I absolutely loved it! This is such a sweet story about love and forgiveness. Lief and Rhiannon are great characters. I was fully invested in their story and really cared about what happened to them. This is a book I will definitely be recommending!

Five stars for such historical details and a beautiful setting!
This author has a way with words that will make you sit on the edge of your seat to see what happens next!
You won't be disappointed! I sure wasn't!
I love adventure and this one was definitely exciting! I just couldn't put it down until I was finished!
Vikings, romance, 2nd chances and forgiveness?! My my what more could a reader want?! "Sigh"
Thank you Ms. Bessey for another wonderful story! My heart is full and satisfied!
I highly recommend!
My thanks for an awesome read! I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you love a beautiful redemption story, then this book is for you. Sian Ann Bessey weaves a deep and rich tale of forgiveness and second chances. Sian Ann provides amazing historical details and writes them in a way that make the reading feel like a genuine experience. I loved the authenticity of the characters in this book. Rhiannon has every right to be devastated, angry, and mistrustful. Leif is challenged by long held values and traditions. Together, they both find a new way. The language, the scenery, and the writing are all just fantastic. I highly recommend this book for all lovers of clean, historical fiction. Throw in Welsh and Viking history and culture and you are in a for real treat. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.