A ruthless magister or an reckless mercenary? Not much of a choice.Senna’s year of mourning ends on the twelfth day of Yule, and she must choose her protector. Domenyk, a well-respected councillor needs a woman of substance to accompany him on his ascent to leader of the council – the most powerful man in the village. Jarl was her late husband’s best friend, but he spends much of his time away … friend, but he spends much of his time away from the village as a sought-after military commander. And he’s not too good at keeping his promises.
As she prepares for the Yule festivities, Senna’s standing as the village healer is called into question by powerful adversaries, and complications arise for two of her expectant mothers. The stakes ramp up as the ancient Pagan practices are threatened by the new religion and the village’s three best defenders disappear. Thankfully, someone is looking out for Senna – her dead husband, Lyran.
This medieval, Holiday-themed romantic tale will appeal to fans of Call the Midwife, Poldark and The Good Witch who enjoy elements of magical realism, mystery and humour.
Nature’s Tribe
These stories go back to 14th Century England, when plagues and witch-hunts meant it was not a great time to be a midwife. Especially one using the magic of herbs and earth energy in her healing. But Senna is no ordinary woman, and when she befriends cousins Jarl and Lyran, something magical is set in place which has far-reaching ramifications.
The books are:
#1 – Three Handfastings and a Burial
#2 – Twelve Days of Yule
#3 – Eight Sabbats of the Sun
#4 – Thirteen Esbats of the Moon
To continue with the saga started in Nature’s Tribe, there are two more series:
Hengist: People of the Horse
These stories are set in a medieval-alternate world in modern-day England and each book features a different hero, allowing a glimpse into the four clans in this world. Originally written for reluctant-reader teenage boys, these fast-paced, magical adventures have won-over women of all ages with the cheeky humour and sweet romance.
The books are:
#1 – Archer
#2 – Rory
#3 – Reagan
#4 – Slater
#5 – Geraint
Colour of Light
These stories are firmly in modern-day, with occasional jaunts into Archer’s medieval-alternate-world. The first book provides a fun bridge between the Hengist series and the sequel series, Colour of Light, giving a brief glimpse into some of the unsung characters. The following trilogy focusses mainly on Rory and her forbidden romance with Archer, mixing genres unashamedly as it veers from Magical Realism throgh Da-Vinci-Code mystery ending with full-blown Military Thriller.
The books are:
#1 – Context
#2 – Chrysalis
#3 – Captive
#4 – Catalyst
more
I have not read the original series but I had no trouble relating to the wonderful characters in this prequel. I am looking forward to the second book in the prequel series. I thoroughly enjoyed this story although I am not normally a reader of stories set in medieval times. Jacky Gray has done an enormous amount of research. I felt like I was present in Senna’s home and in the village watching the festivities. Senna is a wonderful heroine. I enjoyed these well written, good people. Domenyk is a perfect villain. The plot has several twists, some magic, some humor and romance. Everything comes to a satisfying conclusion. This is really just a story about a few who are power hungry and greedy, who want to oppress the good people of the village who try to live their lives being true to themselves and helping others.
Oh. My. Goodness. I. Loved. It!!!
What an amazing book!
The book starts with grief for Lyran. This sounds sad, and it was, but it’s described in a beautiful way which didn’t make me sad as well. And he’s still sort of present: his energy is still around and he can still love, guide and protect Senna.
Senna’s year of mourning is almost up, and then a widow MUST form an alliance with a protector, in order that her reputation remain untarnished (!). There are two men who are in the picture: Domenyk, the controlling, anti-old-religion, greedy-for-power, dangerous magister who is NOT the kind of person one would seek as an enemy, and Jarl, her late husband’s cousin and best friend. Of course, I liked Jarl and I disliked Domenyk. I liked Senna and I liked Lyrelie. And I loved their story. L.O.V.E.D! I was totally and completely swept away to medieval times. I felt this story deeply.
Senna can use magic to heal. She uses the power of the earth energies, and the spirits of fire, water and air. I found this fascinating! But times they are a-changing and now using magic is severely frowned upon. Yes: it is the time when the witch hunts started…and we all know what happened to suspected witches! It is also a time when women were granted less and less power.
The language is at times a bit formal, but it is fitting with the time in which this story is set. And there are a few giggles as well!
The epilogue is a sort of Q and A where any unresolved questions are answered. A bit different from a ‘normal’ epilogue! But this whole book was different from any other that I’ve ever read, in a good way! Except for book 1 in this series of course.
An incredible story that included Norse mythology, magic, dreams, healing herbs and foods, healing energy from the earth, romance and lots and lots of love. The story has several plots and every single one intertwined with the other. There were plenty of surprises, as well as many twists and turns. This is a must read. I could not put the book down. I was glued to each and every page. As the different scenes unfolded and there were plenty to unfold you will be taken back in time to a world and a life where life is simpler but the human politics are as strong as ever. You will not be disappointed if you read this mystical, magical, adventurous and well told story of Senna and Jarl. Senna and Jarl are supported by Lyran (Senna’s deceased husband) and they are antagonized by Domenyk (a high-ranking village councilman. Senna’s hand for marriage is sought by two men, her late husband’s cousin, Jarl and Domenyk. Senna is the healer in the village and she also births babies. The village is always on her side, for she is honest, kind, always willing to lend a helping hand. But dark things try to disturb Senna’s life. When you read this book you will be so surprised as to who is friend and who is foe. Please give this book a chance and read it. I highly recommend this book. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.