Historical timeslip romance. Viking days to modern times, characters in both stories were well portrayed and the whole thing was an easy read.

Hidden in the Mists has two separate timelines but there are ghosts of the past in the present linking the two timelines. An epic dual-time novel that will keep you at the edge Of your seat! I finished reading it in one sitting!

Today is my spot on Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour for Hidden in the Mists. I’m so happy I got the chance to take part on this magical blog tour and read this amazing novel. This novel is a fantastic love story spanning two very different timelines- same location, namely Scotland, one story took place during the Viking times and another in modern day Scotland.
While not exactly from a Viking country, I originally come from Finland which is part of Scandinavia, Scandinavian myths and Viking history is something that we are taught at school, you live and breathe the stories of Viking long boats in museums in Sweden and Norway, and of course it’s an important part of history and cultural identity in England, Yorkshire (I’ve visited Yorvick museum in York on a number of occasions) and Scotland. I’m fascinated by these seafaring, pillaging folk. To sum up, this novel is a perfect read for me.
Myths, legends, and ghost stories are simply magical and fantastic in this heartwarming novel. It’s a perfect mix of myth, mystery and history.
I have visited East coast of Scotland many times, and the landscape reminds me always of Finland, it is so isolated, wild and cold. It is my home away from home, so I instantly loved the location of this novel. The author, also, wrote beautifully about two very different timelines, and I love the history behind the story. I liked the author’s writing style, character development, hoping throughout the novel for a happy ending to the two sets of main characters, and I especially loved discovering a brand new author whose writing I instantly loved. There is no doubt that from now on I will be seeking out this author and her books to read. I don’t think there could have been a more perfect novel for me to read, I loved everything about it. I’m so thriller I could read it for this tour, and if I could have given this story 6 stars I would. My heart is so full of joy after reading this novel.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It held my interest and I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

History is brought to life in this fascinating dual timeline story of Vikings and life in rural Scotland. I loved how Christina Courtney has seemlessly woven the life of Asta with that of Skye in the current day. Both strong and independent women, the two timelines flow brilliantly. The magical realism element is wonderful and provides the atmospheric intrigue to keep the story flowing.
I loved the details of the Viking hall and the small holding activities worked on by Skye - both described in detail and which added such colour to the story.

I have enjoyed Christina Courtenay’s books for several years. Her books are a great addition to the time-slip genre, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of Hidden in the Mists.

The story is told in two time lines with a supernatural bent. In the present, Skye Logan is alone, almost divorced and homesteading on her remote farm off the coast of Scotland, one day she sees what appears to be the ghost of a woman on her property, the same day a mysterious man, Rafe Carlisle shows up looking for work. The two have an instant attraction, but both have baggage that they do not want to inflict on the other. In the past is Ottarr the young son of a Jarl (lord) whose entire family are slaughtered by a rival group of Vikings, Ottarr is taken hostage as a thrall or slave and given to the local smith as his apprentice and slave. Thorfinn the Jarl of the Vikings who slayed his family dies and his wish is that his daughter Asta will take over, however her thug of a cousin Ketill takes over the settlement instead. To call Ketill a thug is being kind, he is repulsive. Asta’s mother’s family are local Picts that would be glad to take her in, however she wants to stay to help the people of her father’s settlement, though whether they deserve her devotion is another matter. Ottarr is now a freeman since the smith died and is planning his revenge against Ketill and his kin,, however he starts to fall for Asta which throws a wrench in his plans. In the present Skye and Rafe become closer but not without drama of their own, whether it is ghosts, Viking treasure or nasty relatives, they are in for a dose of drama as well, The two stories are told from different chapters and are finally drawn together with a satisfying ending.

I enjoyed Hidden in the Mists and would recommend it to anyone who likes dual time stories with Supernatural tones.

Thanks to Netgalley, Headline publishing and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

I love losing myself in Christina’s Viking romances! Every time I read one of the Runes series I just can’t wait for the next one. Well, here is the latest and although it is part of a Viking themed series it can easily be read as a standalone.

This one is slightly different from the others where the characters in the present have found an object enabling them to travel back to Viking times and return to the present at will.

In this latest book there are two separate timelines but there are ghosts of the past in the present linking the two timelines.

The present storyline is set on a remote small holding just off the Scottish coast. Skye is running the small holding single-handedly since her husband walked out on her leaving their proposed holiday let, and form of much needed income, half finished. Out of the blue, Rafe appears in his old camper van. He says he is travelling, but he is hiding something. He asks if he can work for her and soon gets his teeth into the heavy work and renovation of the let. Skye gets used to having him around and they develop feelings for each other, but Skye has not told Rafe she is getting divorced. How does she tell him she has been lying as she was wary of him when he arrived?

In the past, Óttarr’s village was plundered by warriors from another village and everyone apart from him murdered. He was only 14 and was captured by the smith and became an apprentice. Seven years later the smith dies and Óttarr becomes a freeman and is given the business. All he has ever wanted to do is carry out revenge for the murder of his people. Then he falls for the daughter of the recently deceased village leader. And the feeling is mutual but they must keep their feelings secret.

In the present, Skye and Rafe have both got hold of a piece of Viking jewellery which they wear and which appear to be enabling them to see the ghosts of the past, but what are they trying to say?


Christina’s attention to detail brings the stories vividly to life, and I enjoyed both storylines as much as each other. The clothes, weapons, rituals, food of the past and the day to day running of the small holding in the present, living off the land, even shearing sheep for wool to make goods to sell. Everything about this book is just as wonderful as I hoped.

I’ve really enjoyed all the author’s Viking books, but will admit that I’ve never been a particular fan of time travel (although, I have to say, those books did it so well that they won me over!). I’ve always rather keener on a more conventional time slip story: and if that statement reads rather like an oxymoron, what I mean is a story told in dual-time, where the protagonists remain in their day-to-day lives but where there’s a thin veil between past and present that allows some interaction. Goodness, I’ve managed to make that sound very dull, haven’t I (and perhaps slightly weird?) – but I have to say that this wonderful book gave me absolutely everything I was looking for.

The book’s present day thread is set in Auchenbeag, a remote spot on the west coast of Scotland, where Skye Logan is running her smallholding and living off the land, alone since her husband left (something of a blessing), sometimes finding the work involved more than she can manage. She’s also feeling the loneliness – and when she sees shadowy figures landing on a nearby beach, she feels threatened but also wonders if she imagined the whole episode, the product of her broken sleep. When she finds a gold bracelet inscribed with what she believes to be runes, she wonders if it – and perhaps what she saw – might be connected to the discovery and excavation of a Viking settlement at nearby Carriage Beag, and decides she must ask them about it.

But then real life takes over, with the arrival of Rafe Carlisle – travelling the area in his van, escaping his past, searching for somewhere to call home – and she agrees that he can stay for a while, doing the heavier jobs that she just can’t manage. He proves to be the best possible company – finishing off the work on the holiday let that’s been waiting for some time – and they’re both aware of the spark beginning to smoulder between them. At first, she doesn’t tell him that she’s living alone, and he keeps his distance, but…. no, I really mustn’t tell the story, the author does it many times better.

The historical thread is set in Viking times. There’s a stunning prologue that sees young Óttarr captured by a raiding party following the massacre of his family – and he’s then apprenticed as a blacksmith at the settlement in Arnaby, biding his time, keeping a low profile, vowing revenge when the time is right. Ásta Thorfinnsdóttir is the only daughter of the dying chieftain, and should become their leader – but the power is wrested from her, and she remains to care for the community, always with the threat that her usefulness won’t continue for ever. Óttarr becomes her protector, seriously endangering himself in the process – and, as the threat to them both escalates and the storm clouds gather, their attraction to each other grows.

In the present day thread, there’s an extraordinary chemistry between Skye and Rafe – their developing relationship has a real sizzle, and it soon becomes clear that they’re a couple who are meant to be together. But they both have hidden secrets that intrude into their lives, particularly well-told stories with unpredictable outcomes, threatening the possibility of their future happiness. The romance between Óttarr and Ásta is beautifully handled too – they’re both young, there’s a lovely naivety about their relationship, and I found I fiercely wanted to protect them from the mounting danger around them. The author really does have the most perfect emotional touch – these are both romances that you can entirely feel.

The settings are quite wonderfully done too – I have no idea how the author manages to completely transport you to a Viking settlement and make it feel both believable and familiar (extensive research, and the best descriptive writing, filled with small detail that brings it all so vividly to life…). But I was equally taken with the intricacies of Skye’s life – the realities of being self-sufficient and living off-grid, the meals she creates, the rural crafts she practices (the shearing followed by the spinning and weaving was simply fascinating – and you can’t help but fall in love with a man who’s happy to join in, can you?).

And then there’s the wonderful time slip content, those times when the stories overlap and leak into each other, that touch of writing magic – and I’ve rarely seen it done so well, the more rational explanations coupled with the mystical elements that are clearly present.

This book was everything I wanted it to be, and I loved every moment – romance at its best, two thoroughly compelling storylines, and I don’t think the author’s writing has ever been better. Highly recommended by me – and one that’ll most definitely feature in my books of the year list.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Having experienced first-hand how buildings, objects and places retain echoes of the past, this Viking-inspired timeslip story is appealing. It begins in the ninth century with a devastating battle scene with no apparent survivors. In 2022 Skye is living the good life on a remote coastal small holding in Scotland. Recovering from a bad marriage, she enjoys solitude and is wary when an attractive stranger asks for work. Rafe has secrets and is trying to make a new life. The attraction between Skye and Rafe is slow-burning but powerful. In Viking times, Ásta and Óttarr have both suffered from the exploits of their current Jarl. They form a forbidden attraction that could cost them their lives.

The discovery of a Viking settlement close to Skye's home, her unearthing of a Viking bracelet and the strange dreams and sighting Skye and Rafe have in the mists believably connect the two times.

Both stories are emotional and have elements of conflict and drama, the supernatural connection between the two times through ancient jewellery is cleverly written and plausible. The romance is gentle but sensual, and all four characters invest you in their lives. Both conclude with breathtaking drama and romance.

I enjoyed the historical detail in the Viking story, the believable paranormal timeslip element and the lovely romance in this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Looking for a beautiful time slip historical sweet romance story with well developed characters ? I suggest checking this one out!

This is the first time I'm reading a book from this author and I really like the writing style!
The author did a lot of research before writing this book, it really helps me enjoy the story even more.

The story is well paced and has dual timelines - Viking times and modern times with different couple in each timeline with their own POVs.
Despite being thousands years apart, both couples seems to interconnect, both female and male characters feels similar in a unique way.

I'm loving the character developments in this story. Both couples have an interesting and sweet love story together. I love the progress of their growing feelings toward each other.
Usually I don't like the go back and forth time jumps that changes very often but I didn't really mind this one since I really love the characters and the plot.

Overall, this is a simple enjoyable, magical and heart warming story!
I read it so fast in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
I'm really looking forward to read more books from this author!

Actual rating: 4.5⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Christina Courtenay and Headline for sending me this e-arc. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily!

One of my favorite novel is Green Darkness by Anya Seton and something in this book reminded of that dual timeline story. There's ghostly vision and there's a link between contemporary and past times.
Christina Courtenay did an excellent job in developing the two timelines and the characters: they're likeable and fleshed out. They are realistic and I loved their relationship and their story.
The Viking part is as fascinating as usual, Christina Courtenay is well known for the accuracy of the description of Viking life and the parts in this book are as well done as usual.
Skye alternative lifestyle was also very interesting: there's a lot of details and research and it made me wish I could live on a island and try the techniques.
It was a riveting and compelling read that kept me hooked and I read it in one afternoon. A fascinating story that made me learn something new and met all my expectations.
The gorgeous cover is full of promises that are satisfied by the story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Headline Review, Rachel's Random Resources, and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A delightful- and different- dual time line time travel novel. I found myself caught up in this one thanks to the characters and the terrific atmospherics. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

Once again, we follow a Viking theme, but this time we are in the Scottish Highlands. Soon-to-be divorced, Skye, is forging a life for herself. She has a small holding, which overlooks the Scottish Islands, where she supports herself with farming and crafts. Having seen an ethereal shape on the shore, she finds a bracelet made of a yellow metal with strange shapes scratched into the inside, as she places it on her arm, it feels like it was meant for her.
Rafe appeared looking for work in exchange for food and internet access. He was travelling in his motorhome and had an air of mystery surrounding him. Despite the fact that he was clearly escaping from his past, his actions toward Skye remained chivalrous. On his travels, Rafe had purchased a silver ring from a craftsman. He had been drawn to the piece and wore it with pride.
One thing that united them both was that they were experiencing sightings in the mists. Nothing that could be clearly identified, almost an echo of a person. As the story progresses, they both start to experience vivid dreams which seem to pull them together.
I loved that Skye was written as a strong independent woman, who didn’t need a man to validate her worth. She was certainly holding her own and had developed skills that were impressive.
I always try to avoid spoilers, so I will take a lead from the synopsis and not reveal any more of the story.
Once again, Christina’s detailed research has led to a fantastic story. The inspiration behind Hidden in the Mists seems to be the discovery of the Galloway Hoard, where a large amount of treasure, attributed to early Viking settlements, was discovered. It’s not just the treasure that holds the focus, but Skye’s crafting which uses ancient techniques such as dyeing wool using lichen foraged from the nearby forest.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, the dual timeline works perfectly and produces a very special story.

When I started this I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it although I’m very much into twin timeline stories. However I so glad I persevered. I loved it and was actually in tears at the end. A love story that entwined perfectly. Skye is living in her own in Scotland but Rafe comes to help her as a handyman. And he’s very handy and very hunky. Their story matches a Viking love story between Asta and Ottarr the village blacksmith, but is so much more. A real hunk. Bring in a disgruntled relative of Rafe and the scene is set for police action. Quite brilliantly put together.

I absolutely loved this book, the fourth in a quartet about the Vikings.

The author really makes them come to life, it’s obvious that extensive research has been done.

I have read quite a few books by Christina Courtnenay, and I have loved them all.

You need to read these books in order, but they’re all available here on Amazon.

Well written with well developed characters and an enchanting storyline with a haunting undertone woven through the book. I really enjoyed it.

“There was something timeless and comforting about the forest. Where you were in there, sheltered by the trees, it was as though you were cut off from the rest of the world and it could be any year in any era.”

✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮

I love Christina Courtenay’s novels, they will always be a firm favourite. I can’t wait u til this one officially releases next week so I can get my hands on a paperback copy! This book alternates between past and present, past being the Viking era that Christina is so well known for writing about. The tale covers two love stories happening centuries apart, with the souls from the past conveying messages through their Viking jewellery.

This book was a race to the end. I got gripped in the quicksand of whirlwind historical romance. It helps that Christina writes truly original novels with completely action-packed pages! She is a completely underrated author, and I urge any historical romance fans to go and check her books out! The characters were well-built and seemed so real. In particular I loved Rafe’s back story, which was built in suspense until approximately 3/4 of the way through until revealed, and it was so moving. Both romantic characters tales were well told, and linked together too. Highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy from Christina Courtenay for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Christina, please accept my grateful thanks for a beautiful, beautiful story. I've read your books before because 'time slip' novels are my most favourite genre. The connections between the two times were absolutely wonderful and I was sad to reach the end but I will read it again

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is a dual time story which had all that I loved in the past books by this author and the
first book in the Runes series.

The story drew me in from the beginning and I was engrossed in reading about the Sky and Rafe who are the heroes now and Astra and Ottarr who were Viking-era ones, they were connected by pieces of jewellery, strange dreams or visions that were worrying Skye and Rafe.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with this book for review. I was absolutely thrilled to learn that one of my favourite authors had written another book. This book did not disappoint, an amazing read, had me enthralled until the very end.