4.5 stars. Beautiful story with just the right amount of medieval and Viking history, Christianity, action and romance. You can get tripped up a little with the names and welsh words but the glossary and pronunciation guide (on YouTube) is so helpful. Sian always knows how to write history in an exciting way and add a great romance. I felt very connected to the setting and the emotions of the characters. It was beautifully written.

No matter the time period, from Georgian to Contemporary and now the Viking era, Bessey is a master at transporting the reader from page one. I was hooked after the first chapter-the sights, the sounds, the sea-I loved it all. Rhiannon was raised to fear the Vikings and their barbaric ways, so when the alarm sounds that a raid is on their shores, on the Eve of her betrothal to Lord Cadwgan, cousin to the King, fear zips through her veins. From the terrible and fate-filled night, Rhiannon’s life is forever changed. From discovering a plot to usurp the King and finding love in very unexpected places, The Call of the Sea has it all.

I have one word to describe this book: perfection. I mean, how can you not love a historical romance about Vikings?? I could easily end my review there, but I’ll share a few things that made me love this book so much.
First off, how incredible is it that Sian can combine true historical events and people with a beautiful fictional storyline? It’s a true art to be able to effortlessly weave together fact with fiction to create a timeless story, and Sian has done it (once again!). It’s one of my favorite things about Sian’s historical novels, her ability to incorporate the perfect amount of historical details to make these moments in history come alive.
Second, the I absolutely loved the plot for this story, it had my absolute attention from the first to last page. I’m now so excited for any future Viking books! Everything from the dual point of view, to the different cultures, to the side characters, to the impossible to pronounce names, I loved it all. This story is filled with action, adventure, a bit of mystery and of course romance.
I only wish we would have had more one on one time between Leif and Rhiannon, but still, their romance was so sweet. These two characters are each stars in their own right. I loved their strength, courage, and that even despite their differences they complimented each other so well.
This is the absolutely perfect book for anyone looking for a historical novel (set in a time period you don’t normally get) with the perfect amount of romance.

A Beautiful Viking Love Story:
A most unusual love story that captured my heart and soul, but also gave
me a deep look into the life of a Viking like no other and the beautiful Rhiannon.
A heartfelt tale of enemy to lovers' story that has all of the emotions you
cherish in a good wholesome story.
We follow the strong and charismatic characters Rhiannon and Leif as they
find their way through much heartache and healing.
The cover is beautiful and depicts the serenity of this lovely tale of two people from
different worlds finding love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed as advanced copy for my honest opinion and my own thoughts.

Rhiannon and Lief's story, one Welsh, the other Norse. Tragedy occurs during a Viking raid and these two deal with the aftermath and their own life choices along with political intrigue. I really enjoy these books by Sian Ann Bessey, when she writes about little known points in history. I felt like it took it's time getting going, but it was pretty action packed after the halfway point. Now, I don't generally read Christian fiction, not because of not believing, the opposite is true actually, I just find it often shoe horned in and frankly corny and distracting and takes me out of the story. This definitely had more faith elements than I would normally go for, but I felt it was organic, true to the time frame and didn't cause me to roll my eyes. I can see where it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, but to me, it was done well. I really enjoy Sian as a writer, her stuff is always solid and often different from what others in the genres are doing, I hope for more from her from these interesting time periods that always make me do research to learn more. I received an ARC for an honest review from the publisher and Netgalley

I absolutely LOVED everything about this book. I loved the touch of Vikings. I loved the slow building relationship between Rhiannon and Leif. I loved the time period. Sian did phenomenal, as always, capturing your attention from page one. Definitely recommend!!!!

This book is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!! I can't hardly find the words to describe how much I loved it!
From the first chapter I was totally swept away by Sian Bessey's exquisite writing and I could not put this book down! Her writing is very immersive and I felt like I was THERE! I LOVED the time period and the characters involved! I thought Sian Bessey did a fantastic job writing about the Viking people, and staying true to who they were, but keeping the story clean and not gruesome! I LOVED Leif and Rhiannon! Leif was strong and had so much heart and I loved his spiritual journey and his devotion to making things right! Rhiannon is also a strong character and I admired her so much! I loved her strength in forgiveness and looking past the outward appearance, to someone's heart. I loved the mystery and political intrigue going on - I always love how Sian Bessey adds real historical details/background to her stories! And I LOVED the slow-burn romance between Leif and Rhiannon! They way it played out across the entire story was so realistic and believable, and even though their romance seemed, at times, like it could never work, I was rooting for them from the beginning!

I loved this book! I would love more books set in this same time period! Perhaps a Viking series!
I definitely need this book on my shelf and I would totally recommend it for all historical fiction/romance readers!

This is a Medieval/Viking story with Christianity and Irish/Welsh elements.

Historically, it's fascinating to see how these peoples and cultures intermingled socially. In the story, Leif is a Viking who doesn't like the pillaging his people do after a specific encounter with Rhiannon. He can't forget her and ends up becoming a Christian and turning to silversmithing as a way of life.

Rhiannon was profoundly changed when her father was murdered by the Vikings. Years later, when they meet again, she has a hard time trusting Leif but his actions and heart are true.

There's also a lot of political intrigue and treason, and the romance between the two main characters is sweet and captivating.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I highly reythis book. The storyline is compelling. Once I started reading I was pulled into the story. The characters are well written. You can feel their struggles and heart ache. The story follow so closely to history that it feels real. Overall a great book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions stated are my own.

This was a story based in a period of history I didn’t know much about. I’ve always been fascinated by the Vikings (or Norseman) and this is a book that has really spurred me on to learn more about very early Ireland.

The love story was beautifully and tastefully done and the setting was perfect. I love the FMC and the MMC, they were both selfless and determined not to settle for less than their worth. The villain was painted with perhaps a little artistic license…there are always two sides to real historic figures. I appreciate the author’s attempts to include as many real people and events as are relevant. Thank you for this sweet little gem!

Read it for the:
-Norse, Welsh, and Irish history
-Dual storyline
-redemption elements
-He falls first

A Viking romance that is clean in content but doesn't sugarcoat the reality of Viking culture, with a focus on character development? To be honest, they had me at Viking. The rest was a bonus.

There was much to love about The Call of the Sea, but one of my favorite aspects was the duality found in the lives of Norseman Leif and the Welsh Lady Rhiannon. I loved the fact this book began their stories separately, each moving through the motions and trying to figure out their lives, all the while finding comfort in the Sea. One sorrow-filled meeting between the two changed the trajectory of their lives. Leif, never forgot the tearful eyes of Rhiannon and her powerful words, while Rhiannon never forgave the tall Viking that participated in ruining her life. How these two found a way to each other and developed trust, and eventually love can only be described as lyrical. I loved that they came from different backgrounds and had different views but still had enough similarities in personality that the connection between them was real.

I also really enjoyed the historical tidbits throughout the story and the descriptions used that brought the lush settings to life. You could see the research and passion of the author for the time, yet the research did not distract from the plot. The mystery of the murder of a prince was a great plot that kept the story fresh and added that extra kick it needed. Faith was also discussed and was a turning point for a main character, therefore it was at the front of a few chapters but did not take away from the overall plot. The faith elements were not added for the purpose of preaching but instead were needed as a way to form and further develop a character. It also added a bit of personal conflict-always a great touch.

Basically, I have finally found a Viking romance that doesn’t revolve around pillaging and random intimacy to fill the word count. Pick this one up!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was a great book! The plot was so unique and intriguing and I was drawn in to the story from the very beginning. The characters were so relatable and endearing and such emotion was entwined throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this book!

I enjoyed this book! I love how the story is based on true events and that Sian Ann Bessey put her own spin on it. It's a thrilling murder-mystery type of story with lots of secrets to uncover. It kept my attention pretty easily, and the pacing felt steady and strong.

The characters are great too! Lief isn't an ordinary Viking with his openness to Christianity and disdain for raids, so that came as a surprise to me. It set up the perfect opportunity for an enemies-to-lovers romance with a Cymry girl. The romance was very much a slow burn and very sweet. I think I would have liked more romantic moments between them and more relationship growth shown, but it was still cute.

All in all, I think the historical aspect of this book is its strength, but I would have appreciated more Viking grittiness and more romance. But I was still charmed and entertained by the story!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Covenant Communications and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, murder, kidnapping, kisses only

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

This is the first book I've read by this author and i loved it. I finished the story in just a few hours. It was beautiful, a historical romance.

The details of the Vikings and Christian aspects were extraordinary. I was immersed in this story from the beginning. Rhiannon and Leif have a connection that is undeniable. There isn't just romance, there's a bit of mystery over a murder and a cup full of grief.

An intriguing blend of fact and fiction, Sian Ann Bessey's "The Call of the Sea" is a beautifully-written medieval tale. Instead of England, the action here takes place primarily in Wales but also in Ireland, where Vikings had an active presence. The lovely Rhiannon and the Viking, Leif's initial meeting is under incredibly violent circumstances. Years later they meet again. With love, forgiveness and faith, they eventually see their way forward to a promising future.

At the time, political ambitions, retribution and revenge frequently meant MURDER was the method to achieve these goals. Bessey successfully details the complicated power struggles without graphic gratuitous violence. The romance of the sea-loving Rhiannon and Leif (who is now a *mere* Norseman) is sweet and heartwarming. The Christian faith is an important element here, and Leif's transformation is believable.

I am a huge fan of Medieval Romance, but don't read it often anymore because it's nearly impossible to find clean, well-written works. Tamara Leigh, although her writing style is markedly different, is a notable exception. Bessey's books, in a variety of genres, are always enjoyable. Her prose is crisp and descriptive. The glossary of Welsh words is also a welcome addition. My previous knowledge of some of these terms has not aided in pronunciation, though. Hats off to Sian Ann Bessey on her mastery of this impossible-to-pronounce language.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this enthralling novel.

I LOVE all of Sian Ann Bessey's books, but I think this one is my favorite! A sweet historical Viking romance! You will be swept into this story and won't be able to put it down until you have finished!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Beautifully written book. You get lost in the story of Rhiannon and Leif.....they were meant to be together! You don't want to miss out on this wonderful book. Highly recommend!

I was drawn to this historical fiction because it's a departure from the normal time periods that are found in the genre. The Call of the Sea was a beautiful told story! It kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. I fell in love with Rhiannon and Leif, their growth through faith and grief was heartwarming.

I thought the Christian aspect was so well done, and I loved learning of the different religious ideas and cultures during this time period.

I can't recommend this one enough to anyone who loves Vikings, historical fiction, and clean romance!

Thank you to NetGalley, Covenant Communications, and Sian Ann Bessey for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

THE CALL OF THE SEA by SIAN ANN BESSEY is a beautifully written historical romance novel which takes place in 1141 in the Kingdom of Gwynedd in what is now known as Wales. The author has obviously done a great deal of research into the history of the time and has built her story about Rhiannon, a relation of the king of Gwynedd, and Lief, son of a Viking Jarl, into a true story of intrigue, murder and conquests that actually took place.
Both Rhiannon and Lief love the sea, but although they are drawn to one another, the fact that he formed part of the Viking attack on her home in which her father was brutally murdered, does not augur well for their future.
The novel is exciting with a great deal of intrigue, some deadly secrets and mistrust among the characters. I found it very interesting to be taken into twelfth century British history in such a realistic way.
Rhiannon is a courageous woman who proves to be a loyal friend to her cousin Gwenllian, the king’s daughter, when her fiance is brutally murdered. Rhiannon finds solace at the sea shore, and that is where she goes to pray and think about her future with a man who does not love her and sees her as a bargaining chip.
I like to see Lief’s strength, his search for God and for forgiveness, and his relationship with his loyal friend Knud….
This is a really lovely read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

First of all, this cover is stunning and of course the story was amazing! Sian Ann Bessey is a wonderful author and her books are always awesome. I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. The Call of the Sea is a Norse Romance and oh so exciting.
Rhiannon was lovely. She had gone through much, losing her parents and yet she still sought to be kind. Rhiannon was trying to figure out what was going on in her life, she had lost not only her father but her home. Rhiannon was an easy character to read about, she felt relatable. Rhiannon had to learn to forgive those who had harmed her, never knowing that there might be some good in the Vikings.
Lief was just a wonderful character. I loved his growth and his kindness. He knew that plugging a place was evil so he tried to change and make amends for his mistakes. Lief had to learn to look towards the future, learning from his mistakes in his past. I love how Lief still tried to help others and how he sought to do what was good even when he was trying to figure out what he believed.
I liked the romance between Rhiannon and Lief. Although they were basically enemies, it did not feel rushed or stilted. Rhiannon had to learn to trust Lief before they could even hope to be friends. The plot was also so interesting and I was engaged in the story the whole time. There was so much going on and I wanted to see how the story was going to end.
This book had it all, excitement, mystery and romance. The characters were also a lot of fun. I loved reading about the character’s growth. I also love how Bessey was able to weave faith into her book. This was just a stunning story. The Call of the Sea is a thrilling book and it needs to be on your TBR. The Call of the Sea is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.