New Publication Spotlight & Review: Whispers of the Runes by Christina Courtney

Whispers of the Runes

Time is no barrier for a love that is destined to be.

She couldn’t be sure that she had travelled through time … but deep down she just knew.

And her only way back had just disappeared.

When jewellery designer Sara Mattsson is propelled back to the ninth century, after cutting herself on a Viking knife she uncovers at an archaeological dig, she is quick to accept what has happened to her. For this is not the first Sara has heard of time travel.

Although acutely aware of the danger she faces when she loses the knife – and with it her way to return to her own time – this is also the opportunity of a lifetime. What better way to add authenticity to the Viking and Anglo-Saxon motifs used in her designs?

As luck has it, the first person Sara encounters is Rurik Eskilsson, a fellow silversmith, who is also no stranger to the concept of time travel. Agreeing that Sara can accompany him to Jorvik, they embark on a journey even more perilous than one through time. But Fate has brought these two kindred spirits together across the ages for a reason…

Over the years there have been a few instances when I've picked up a book by a new author and wondered why it's taken so long to discover them. Whisper of the Runes is a fabulous time slip adventure with Vikings, runes, and is a wonderful discovery.

When jewellery designer, Sara Mattsson meets fellow silversmith, Rurik Eskilsson!

When I began reading this novel, I was unaware it's part of a series however, it works as a standalone. It's noticeable the novel is well researched and full of historical detail. I enjoy reading novels set during this era, and this more than exceeded my expectations.

The historical descriptions triggered vivid images and captured my imagination as I was transporting back to the age of Jorvik. For those who enjoy, romance and time travel, this is a treat.

I'm always cautious when reading a timeslip novel because often one timeline doesn't hold my attention as equally as the other. I need not have worried because, they weave together seamlessly, as the narrative grabbed my attention right from the start. It resulted in a desire to read the other novels I've missed in the series, whilst waiting on the publication date of the next one.

***arc received courtesy of Headline Review via NetGalley***

Amazon UK                Amazon US 

Christina Courtenay writes historical romance, time slip and time travel stories, and lives in Herefordshire (near the Welsh border) in the UK. Although born in England, she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden – hence her abiding interest in the Vikings. Christina is a former chairman of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association and has won several awards, including the RoNA for Best Historical Romantic Novel twice with Highland Storms (2012) and The Gilded Fan (2014).  Whispers of the Runes (time travel published by Headline 24th June 2021) is her latest novel. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).

http://www.christinacourtenay.com

https://www.facebook.com/christinacourtenayauthor?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/PiaCCourtenay

https://www.instagram.com/ChristinaCourtenayAuthor/

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Whispers of the Runes plus a pair of silver Viking style earrings  (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Waiting On Wednesday: The Velvet Cloak Of Moonlight

'Waiting On Wednesday' is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine. It spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication 'can't wait to read' book chosen by me is:

Title: The Velvet Cloak Of Moonlight by Christina Courtenay

Expected Release Date: 7th October 2016

Publisher: Choc Lit

(From Goodreads)

"As the velvet cloak of moonlight settled over the ruined towers of Raglan Castle, the shadows beneath them stirred ..."

When newly widowed Tess returns to Merrick Court, her husband's home, it's to confront her past head-on.

But during a visit to the nearby Raglan Castle, an extraordinary hallucination transports her to a past that existed long before her own - to seventeenth-century Wales and to a castle on the brink of a siege.

Even when Tess leaves Raglan, the strangeness continues as her life becomes increasingly intertwined with her dreams and visions. And when she meets Josh Owens, a stranger from New Zealand, the parallels become even more obvious. 

But perhaps the voices from the past are simply trying to tell their own story or is it something more...

Why am I waiting for this book?

As a book reviewer, I like to stray slightly away from what I normally read and this book has piqued my interest. Although it is a contemporary romance; one of my usual genres, it also has a time-travel element that intrigues me. Another plus is the setting...The UK, so it'll be nice to read something from my home country for a change. The author Christina Courtenay is new to me, so that's an added bonus.

What are you waiting for?