You can classify this book as Christian fiction - I enjoyed how the themes of forgiveness and redemption were illustrated by the characters' experience in this book. Sian Ann Bessey writes authoritatively and convincingly in this time and place, and I love how she weaves her story into the actual history. A well-crafted tale I thoroughly enjoyed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Please tell me there will be more books like this one!! I would love to know more of the characters stories. Leif and Rhiannon were so strong and the story is solid. I loved learning more about this time period and the beliefs and cultures included.

A fabulous book!
Sian Bessey is an author you can trust to deliver a great book and this one is no exception. This book opens as Rhiannon is wandering the beach near her home, as she frequently did. Little did she or anyone else in the household realize what was on their doorstep. As she is preparing for dinner, word comes that a Viking raiding party is approaching the shore she was just walking on. As the household scrambles to prepare what defense can be offered, with only four men available to fight, she is instructed to hide in the nearby woods. Unfortunately, in her efforts to keep others safe she is caught in the courtyard when the Vikings enter the area. As her father attempts to protect her he loses his life at the hands of one Viking while another Viking, Leif, watches. Rhiannon is left behind cradling her father’s body as riders are seen approaching the house and the Vikings flee. Neither Rhiannon nor Leif realize that their futures will be intertwined going forward. Events begin happening that hint of a plot of revenge and only by working together will they be able to save the lives of Rhiannon’s family. A truly wonderful read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

I stayed up WAY too late reading this book! I absolutely loved it! Sian creates an emotional attachment to the characters through understood trials that readers can relate to. I loved seeing both of their perspectives and how the trajectory of their lives changed because of one event and it saved them from future struggles. I loved seeing Norse culture mixing with Irish and Wales, it was one of those books where you felt like you were in the country and had traveled through time.

#TheCallOfTheSea #NetGalley

I love the cover of this book, and I started reading it, without even reading the description. Even though this book has Welsh words that I couldn't pronounce, I got caught up in the story, of Rhiannon, who loves to walk along the cliffs and look out at the sea. Rhiannon, awaits the appearance of the man her father has consented to marry her. On that same evening, her families estate is ransacked by Vikings. Rhiannon's life is changed in an instant.
Leif is the son of a Viking leader, and is unlike other Vikings, who like to lute and pillage. He dreams of being a silversmith, learning the trade and selling his wares.. He longs to find out the truth, when a Welsh man lands on their shores, accused of murder. Leif unlike other Vikings, knows the Gaelic language, and has the advantage of being able to translate between his people and the Welsh people, he decides to find out what this man is being accused of. This is a well written book that I so enjoyed.
This book kept me turning pages and I didn't want to stop reading.