6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A New Voice from Harlequin Historicals, May 14, 2001
It is often said in the Romance Industry it is much harder to sell the second book than the first. However, for Debra Lee Brown this doesn't seem to be the case and readers should be thankful. On the heels of her debut book,THE VIRGIN SPRING, her latest ICE MAIDEN, is a wonderful example of the quality stories readers have come to enjoy from Harlequin Historicals. The ICE MAIDEN takes the reader on a journey to the northern islands of Scotland, home to the Norse culture as it traded and clashed with the Caledonians on the Scottish mainland.
George Grant, cheiftan of Clan Grant, is traveling north with his brother on a mission to meet with his betrothed and her father a fellow chieftan. However, the seas being rough during this season, his ship encounters a horrible storm and is wrecked on the rocks of an island. Overcome from guilt at the lost of not only his entire crew but especially his brother, he finds he is the lone survivor, or has he survived?
Seems he has awoken in what he believes to be the Norse Valhalla, but is confronted by a woman like no other he has encounter in his journeys. Yet, when he learns of her outlandish demands, he finds he actually might have preferred Valhalla. Her demand he marry her if he ever wants to see home again seems to be a bit over the top. Yet, time is of the essence as he must meet with his betrothed at the commands of his king. So he agrees if reluctantly. Rika, is an incredible young woman who having been abused by her betrothed, who has since gone a-Viking, seizes on George arrival as a means to an end. But that can only happen if she is able to aquire her dowry from her neglectful father, but only upon her marriage. Although George is appalled by her desperate desire for her dowry, only the Lawmaker and a few of her brother's loyal friends know the dowry is to be used to free her brother from his captor. As honorable as George if only Rika could learn to trust again she might obtain her brother's freedom and her heart's desire.
What seems a simple marriage in name only, quickly becomes much more as George and Rika try to balance their growing feelings for each other with their obligations to others. But George's future lies with his betrothed on the mainland, and Rika's future lies in rescuing her brother. But will it be enough for both when all is said and done? Added to this, Ms Browne's wonderful use of secondary characters create undercurrents and mysteries sure to make the trials of our couple even more compelling. The reader won't be disappointed as our couple arrive on the mainland of Scotland to an exciting adventure and a future which seems just out of their reach.
One of the current criticism of short historicals, when compared to single title historicals, is they are too light and lack any significant depth for the historical period. Yet, like fellow Harlequin Historical authors Shari Anton, Margaret Moore and the late Suzanne Barclay, Ms. Brown's skills lie in telling a tale rich in historical detail with characters, primary and secondary, whose problems and resolutions are important to the reader. Ms Brown's ICE MAIDEN is a fine addition to her growing body of work, and we hope Harlequin will continue to provide her an avenue to delight and entertain their readers
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-read!, July 14, 2001
Gifted storyteller Debra Lee Brown enchants the reader once again with this moving and beautiful story of a woman transformed by love. Rika and George are complex and wonderful characters, sure to capture your heart and leave you thinking of them long after you finish the book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended!, May 23, 2001
Set in the year 1206. Scottish Laird George Grant was the sole survivor of a shipwreck. He had been en route to Wick to marry the woman King William demanded. However, he woke to find himself on Fair Isle among Vikings.
Ulrika's brother was imprisoned in the dank caves at Dunnet Head. To pay for his release, Rika needed her dowry. To get her dowry from her hated sire, she need a temporary husband. With no way to get off the island, Grant had no choice but to agree.
Rika is much like an Amazon or Valkyrie. I admired her feisty spirit! Well written, fast paced, and caught my attention on the first page! Highly recommended reading!
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