I'm not much of a romance fan, but the collision of worlds this story offered when Viking shieldmaiden Halla meets Frankish, Christian landowner Taurin drew me in. As did their relationships with close friends, their people and each other. As a history lover, I also learnt a thing or two about Vikings and medieval Christians both. The length was just right to appreciate the world the main characters live in, how each thinks and feels, and the tensions between both the Halla and Taurin and their people. This was an enjoyable, heartwarming read.